Tues 31st Oct: Hello Halloween, goodbye October

Hooter 2 years old

I was right when I said I suspected beagles were making a comeback in terms of popularity as a breed, because while in the past it's never been easy to home them this time I have received a lot of enquiries for the four ex-breeder dogs.  However there is the usual assumption that because they are from breeders they are puppies, but no breeder gives away money like that and it's only the unwanted animals that are lucky enough to escape.  The two females are six years old with Sniffer already taken, while the two males are two years.

Beagle girl Sniffer 6 years old has been taken

I do need to reiterate that beagles are not easy dogs, and although they have a kind and friendly temperament they are noisy, stubborn and obsessed with food.  They have a heightened sense of smell even for a dog, and can sniff out anything remotely edible from five miles away and be after it with a determination that makes them deaf to any calls or whistles, and to a beagle everything is food.  They have a sound which is like a cross between a howl and a cow mooing, and they use their voice a lot.  In fact while at Acorn having all the the new dogs checked out I had to let one of the beagles out of the crate because the noise was driving me crazy.  People like the look of the breed and they are cute with their long floppy ears, but they were bred for hunting and following a scent all day long.

Scout is 2 years and quite timid

I have already had to reject several homes that aren't suitable and have received the anticipated responses that I am arrogant and judgmental and don't I realise that people in Hong Kong need to work?  This is from would-be adopters who would "try" to walk the dog every day but maybe it would be every other day, and they would be away from home for long hours. What they need to realise is that I'm doing them a favour by saying no, because I can guarantee that after a very short time the dogs would be coming back.  I've been rescuing and homing dogs for long enough (thirty-ish years) to expect the criticism and not let it sway me from doing what I believe is best for both the dog and the adopter.

Mabel, also 6 years old

If I was choosing a dog, and ironically I have never chosen a dog in my whole life, I would always go for a mixed breed.  I love their individuality and the fact that they are unique and special, and I wouldn't change those that have ended up with me by default for any others.

I can guarantee no problems with Curtis

One of those types of dogs went to Acorn today, just before he was taken home by his new family, and I can be sure that they will be very happy with Curtis.  He is the sweetest and easiest boy and the family are lucky to have found him.

Timmy at Tai Po is another ten month-old doglet who would make the most amazing family member and I really don't know why he isn't already in a home.  Go and meet him if you're looking for a fantastic and happy boy who would love you to bits in return for board and lodgings.

Sweet and squishy Timmy

Today is Halloween, not a date that had any real significance when I was growing up so I don't pay much attention it it, but it does mark the end of October which brings us to November and Peak to Fong.  The date is Sunday 19th, and you'll need to get your ticket/T-shirts sorted out if not already done.

Also don't forget that you can earn a bonus Disney Mickey and Pluto T-shirt by getting sponsors for the walk down from the Peak to Lan Kwai Fong, and you only need to raise $800 for your free prize, or $1500 to get two T-shirts!

🎉 Peak to Fong 2017狗狗同樂籌款日參加者若籌款滿HK$800，即可於11月19日活動當日蘭桂坊街頭派對上免費換領【迪士尼X救狗之家[Adoption is For Life]限量版紀念T-shirt】一件，籌款滿$1500可換領兩件! 請各位參加者踴躍收集善款，為被遺棄狗狗籌款!

🎉 A SPECIAL PRIZE for Peak to Fong 2017 Sponsored Walkers: Redeem a specially designed “Disney X HKDR [Adoption is For Life] Limited Edition T-shirt” at our Peak to Fong LKF party on 19 November by raising HK$800-$1,499, or redeem two of the above T-shirts by raising $1500 or above!

*換領詳情請留意購買PETBLE X HKDR活動T-shirt時所附送的步行籌款贊助表格。

*For details, please refer to the Peak to Fong 2017 Sponsorship Form attached with the purchased PETBLE X HKDR event T-shirts.

You can get one or two free Disney T-shirts!

Mon 30th Oct: 4 beagles and a papillon

4 beagles, 2 young, 2 older

We weren't expecting this surprise delivery today and only found out about it shortly before this group of ex-breeder dogs arrived.  Luckily, though in my mind not happily, at least in Hong Kong, beagles seem to be making a popularity comeback based on the enquiries I've been getting so I hope these four will move on quickly.  Our small Homing Centre isn't exactly ideal for this breed which are not large but not really small dogs either, and they do need a lot of exercise.  Two out of this group are young dogs, two older, so we will home them according to their needs.

Poor little blind papillon

The papillon is a senior at almost ten years of age and is yet another dog whose dry eye condition has been left untreated causing blindness.  I would love to stick needles in these breeders' eyes so they can experience the feeling these dogs must have to endure as their tear-less eyes dry out and scratch all the time.  Once we have started the lubricating eye drops he will feel a lot more comfortable, although the blindness is of course permanent.

Being blind isn't the end of the world for dogs as they have their other senses which compensate, and Blinky the shih tzu was a perfect example.  Coral the pug is also a very happy blind girl, and she would like to wish everyone a Happy Halloween from her new forever home!

Coral and her Halloween greeting

I love the markings on this puppy

I also stopped by at AFCD today and picked up two new puppies, both lovely and very happy boys.  They will of course be at Whiskers N Paws on Sunday, but you can meet the puppies any day by arrangement if you see one or more that you like.  All photos are on our Hong Kong Dog Rescue (HKDR) Facebook page, and we have some very beautiful girls and boys needing homes.

A subject which I'm asked about on a regular basis is what to do if someone claims your dog has bitten or injured them in any way.  We know from bitter experience that this can be as minor as a small and friendly dog jumping up and touching someone's leg, and not aggression at all.  In many cases these "victims" will call the police and an ambulance, and follow up with claims for medical expenses or ruined clothes.   Unfortunately the system as it is supports these types of actions and if a police report is made then AFCD is automatically involved and a team of men will visit your home to check that your dog isn't foaming at the mouth or writhing on the floor with rabies.

As ridiculous as it sounds, and it really is ridiculous, although rabies has long since disappeared in Hong Kong the laws have remained the same, and even hospital doctors may advise having vaccinations against the disease.   I repeat, rabies has not been seen in Hong Kong for many decades and the chance of a pet dog having it is zero, nil, impossible.  Anyway, going back to the "what should I do?" question, as long as your dog has an up to date license (meaning it has had a rabies vaccination within the last three years) then AFCD will not insist on taking your dog away but will come back two times over the next couple of weeks to ensure that it hasn't developed rabies  (I have to roll my eyes when typing that).  If your dog hasn't got a valid license then AFCD may insist on taking it to their Animal Management Centre for observation (in case of rabies), but there are ways round this if you know what to do.

What's worrying is not only that public money is wasted on frivolous claims, ambulances, police time and a whole team of AFCD staff, but that the fraudulent car accidents which I'm sure everyone is aware of may be creeping into the dog bite claims as well.  All it takes is for someone to say your dog bit them, regardless of lack of any scratch or bite mark, and it will be treated in the same way as a genuine case.   I would advise all dog owners to ensure that their dog's license is kept up to date regardless of whether or not you believe it necessary, and to acquaint yourself with the law and your rights should any groundless claims of your dog biting be made.

Sun 29th Oct: Meet our office dogs every day

Jack versus three siblings

Whiskers N Paws was packed for the Howl-O-ween party and the puppies had a lovely time, although there was only one adoption and Birdie's new family preferred not to have a photo taken.  However today's volunteer photographer Helen Kwok got plenty of beautiful shots of all the puppies including Birdie

Hong Kong Dog Rescue (HKDR) added 111 new photos — at Whiskers N Paws

Birdie was the smallest of the new litter

It was finally shih tzu Blinky's big day after a few failed interviews due to him being blind, which honestly doesn't matter at all to him.  Now he has lots of friends to play with and that's all he cares about and I'm sure he'll be very happy. I would have adopted Blinky myself if I didn't already have a house full of dogs, including my own blind boy Roley.

Blinky has a forever home now

One-eyed pom Ginger also had his adoption confirmed by his foster parent, and it's another case proving that with time and patience every "naughty" dog can change.

Ginger has been formally adopted

Some of you may be wondering what is happening with the Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre after all of the fuss when the MTR opened and rents suddenly increased.  Well, we have been busy looking for new premises ever since then, while keeping an eye on the date of the current lease expiry.  However it's a lot easier than it sounds trying to find a suitable site as there are several things we have to take into consideration, such as distance to the nearest dog park or walking area, and ease of access to AFCD and Acorn.  There's always at least one place under consideration at any one time, but while we are waiting to find "The One" the dogs are happy enough at the current Homing Centre, and at the office where a few of the returnees are staying.  One of those is Portman, who came back from foster today and had nowhere to go.  He's a small-sized mixed breed, and although we were told by AFCD he was six months old his teeth show that he's already a young adult and unlikely to grow any bigger.  So if you are looking for a happy, friendly and already-trained young dog, take a look at Portman.  He's be available every day of the week for a meeting, as are his co-workers Nancy and Lara. 

Nancy (l), Portman and Lara 

Sat 28th Oct: A special Halloween Sunday coming at Whiskers N Paws

Kiera is adopted!

Good and bad news for potential puppy adopters, baby Kiera was adopted today so she's no longer available although her equally gorgeous sister Kimmy is.   Kiera even has a recently-adopted friend to play with in Budgie so this was an especially sweet homecoming.

Kimmy will be at Whiskers N Paws

Another puppy, or rather doglet, that won't be back to the Sunday puppy afternoons is Tickle, as she was adopted by her foster family.   Tickle really, and very happily, surprised me with the way she grew from very shy puppy to timid doglet, and is now progressing really fast to becoming a loving and fairly confident young adult.  It wonderful to work with adopters and fosters when they listen to sound advice from Cactus and watch everything fall into place.

Tickle is adopted

Doglet Jet was taken for fostering last Sunday with his best friend Paris, and I can't wait to see how he has improved over the past week.

Paris is doing well as expected, Jet will take time

Kimmy will be at Whiskers N Paws on Sunday of course, and it's going to be a special day with lot of Halloween fun and goodies so come along and join the fun. Whiskers N Paws added 5 new photos.

17 October at 18:00 · 

Stop in for a spell!👻
29th Oct | 2-5pm
https://www.facebook.com/events/1898954300423292/?ti=ia

Another Ap Lei Chau resident left today too, older (but still very cute and lovely) Bertie, and we wish both old and young a very happy and long life.

The bichon puppy with the broken leg, Blizzard, was also adopted from his foster home today, and I'm sure he'll be up and running very soon.

Blizzard was abandoned because of a broken leg

Bertie was also adopted today

Fri 27th Oct: Three weeks to go

A natural spotlight falls on the fantastic volunteer VF volunteer team

It seems that my enforced home stay recently has somehow coincided with a slow period for both adoptions and new dogs arriving, the latter part being a good thing of course.

Still there is a lot going on in terms of potential adopters meeting foster dogs so Cindy has been as busy as usual, as well as the continuing renovation work at Tai Po (and on Lamma) keeping everyone at the main Homing Centre occupied. Today there was a large volunteer team from VF (Vanity Fair) who did a fantastic job of helping to clear unwanted and very heavy materials out of the site and into a truck outside, after which there was some dog walking to be done.  Corporate volunteer teams are always more than welcome and you can contact Eva at eva@hongkongdogrescue.com for details.

Peak to Fong is now just three weeks away and it's time to grab those ticket/T-shirts if you want to be sure of getting one.  We have more booths this year than ever before for the Street Party at Lan Kwai Fong, and lots of entertainment to liven up the afternoon and add to the atmosphere.  Remember that sponsorship for the walk down from the Peak Galleria to Central is a big and important part of the event, and this year everyone who raises a minimum of $800 will receive a free Disney T-shirt featuring two of the best-loved Disney characters, as well as many other fantastic prizes to be won by the top sponsorship earners.  Please help us to make this a record-busting year by asking your friends, family,  work colleagues and even random strangers to sponsor you.

Foxy before and after

There are so many cases of ex-breeder dogs that have come to us in terrible condition and who have undergone radical transformations once they have been treated for their many and various conditions.  This particular story is about a little pom who is now called Foxy but was Nutmeg for the short time she stayed with us at HKDR, also nicknamed Twenty Cents after an X-ray showed a coin in her stomach.  It's not only the physical change that takes place and is so remarkable, but also the mental and emotional, as these ex-breeder dogs have never known a home or love, or the fun of playing and going outside for walks.  They have known nothing except life as a prisoner in a cage and the constant enforced mating and breeding required of them.

I have said it many, many times before and will keep repeating until the day I drop, please don't buy from pet shops and support the breeders who keep dogs like Foxy in inhumane conditions, their only escape being death or being thrown out when too sick to reproduce.  Every puppy you see in the pet shop windows is the result of suffering behind the scenes. 

You can read lots of such happy updates on ex-breeder dogs as well as everything else as it happens by following our Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/hkdogrescue/

21/4/17 - picked up Nutmeg for fostering. 
Mites, fleas and skin raw from itching - she needed massages, good food, vet visits, socialisation and ❤️. HKDR call and say they have adopters lined up. 
Can’t do it. Foster🏅fail.
The love 💕 and appreciation that Foxy (Nutmeg) shows us on a daily basis is heartwarming.
I want to shout at admirers “puppy mill survivor”
#adoptdontshop 🐶appreciation to HKDR for their unending work 🐕

Thurs 26th Oct: It's almost the weekend again

The week has flown by again, although it's been a frustrating one for me as I've been sitting at home waiting for workmen who rarely actually turn up. There are plenty of things to keep me busy both on and off the computer but I'd really like to get the repairs over and done with and get the dogs back to their usual quarters.

Kimmy

Having to stay on Lamma means no AFCD or vet visits, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, and I already have four new puppies for Whiskers N Paws this Sunday and that's plenty in addition to the others already with me or in foster.  There are also the two beautiful fluffy girls, Kimmy and Kiera, staying at our Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre and available to be seen any day of the week from 10am to 6pm.

Kiera

Returnee Rafi will also be back at Whiskers N Paws on Sunday, and we really do urgently need a new home for this sweet boy as his current foster is getting too close to her giving birth-day to be able to handle walking three dogs.  Rafi is the most affectionate boy too and wants cuddles all the time, something that's not too easy when you are heavily pregnant and have your own dogs and cats also expecting the same.  Please come along on Sunday to meet Rafi and talk to his foster Anne, or email Cindy at foster@hongkongdogrescue.com to arrange a meeting at his home in Clearwater Bay.

Rafi is all about love and cuddles

Clementine snug and safe in her new home

I was watching all day for news from London about the safe arrival of sharpei Clementine, and I'm happy to report that all went according to plan and she has already made herself at home with her new family.  As (almost) always happens it's the humans who get far more stressed and concerned about long-haul flights, while the dogs themselves cope with it quite well.

Dandy also arrived safely in Canada, and I've just seen a video of him running around in a huge park with all the beautiful autumn leaves on the trees.

Weds 25th Oct: Can you give a home to a Senior in Need?

Dandy and Heyli left on the same flight to Canada

Coincidentally there were two dogs at the airport in the evening, sharpei Clementine boarding her flight to England and Dandy heading off to Canada with Heyli.

Clementine has never met her new family before but they were previously Hong Kong residents who loved their rescue sharpei so much that when he died of old age they wanted another.  We know it's a great home so were happy to send Clementine over to begin her new life.

Clementine before and after

I love it when I can remember meeting a dog for the first time at AFCD, then witnessing the transformation and finally adoption.  Of course Clementine was at the Government Kennels with her five newborns, and they left for their own foster homes while Clementine herself was incredibly lucky to go straight to a wonderful temporary family.  She put on weight and her half-bald coat grew back in, and today when she flew out she was in great shape.

Clementine ready for her flight

Clementine's five babies also did very well for themselves and all found lovely homes.  Rupert and Sadie will be at Peak to Fong this year, while Waldo stayed with Minty (as you may recall).  The other two went to their own respective homes and are doing well.

Rummy (Rupert) and Sherry (Sadie) all grown up

Clementine's babies at AFCD

Following the elation of seeing three long-termers leaving Tai Po in the past few days (Dandy, Lancelot and Horizon), Eva suggested we try to publicise our other long-stay residents to see if we can get them into homes by Christmas.  These dogs have waited far too long, and it's too sad when we see the oldies die before having ever known what it's like to have a real home and a bed of their own.  An older dog is perfect for anyone who wants a companion that doesn't need a lot of exercise and who is happy to just be around people.  They are also very suitable for expats who can't commit to a long-term adoption but who can offer a few years in a loving home.  If this sounds like you and you would like to give a senior a chance of some love, cuddles and comfort, please complete the Adoption Questionnaire on our website www.hongkongdogrescue.com (under Adopt) and write "Senior in need" at the bottom where it asks which dogs you are interested in.

There have been more cases of leptospirosis at Tung Chung, Lantau, and I understand the source of infection has been narrowed down to one specific dog park (Tung Chung North Park) which is very popular with dog owners.  Anyone who lives in the area or frequents that particular dog park will have been made aware of the danger and should stay well away, at least for the time being.  The safest place to exercise the dogs is the countryside, away from places where dogs congregate and transmission of the disease is easy.

Tues 24th Oct: A dream-come-true adoption at Tai Po

We are all so happy about the double adoption of Horizon and Lancelot

I have to start with this brilliant news about a double adoption at Tai Po, that of long-termers Lancelot and Horizon.  I spent some time after getting the message looking through old files trying to find the puppy photos of both, and while I know I have them somewhere I haven't located them yet.  Both dogs came to us while we were still at our Pokfulam Kennels site, and as we left there for Tai Po in 2010 you can get an idea of how long they have waited.  I remember Lancelot as being the one at Pokfulam who could open the individual kennel doors and let the dogs out, and it took us ages to work out why the dogs were running free in the mornings.  So now finally both of these lovely boys have a real home of their own and I know everyone at the Homing Centre, as well as volunteers who have since left, are thrilled to bits.

Lorna's sister Cotton

Kathy, who has been with HKDR since the very early days, first as a volunteer and later as staff, has been coming to Lamma to oversee the workers and act as translater.  She has just commented to me that there are so many lovely and very sweet dogs here at my house, and it's true.  They have all been with me since they were very small puppies and ended up staying just because they weren't adopted while young enough to go to Whiskers N Paws.  As I mentioned before, even I have been surprised at how the dogs have accepted the contractors being around, and one of the workers even asked about adopting one of them, Lorna.  Lorna and her sisters had bad kennel cough as young pups so I couldn't take them to the Sunday puppy afternoons, and by the time they'd got over it other younger puppies took their places and I still have the whole litter.

Laura in foster

Campari is as sweet as an adult as she was a puppy

Today I went to AFCD and took out four lovely puppies, so as they take their place at Whiskers N Paws this coming Sunday the slightly older pups like Laura and Harvey get pushed further down the ladder in terms of adoption chances.  Personally I always recommend that families with young children choose one of the older pups rather than a very young baby because they are already trained and fully vaccinated, and that saves all the work of teaching the basics while still enjoying having a puppy and its whole life ahead.   Laura and Harvey are lovely pups, and with Laura having been in a foster home for the past couple of weeks she is also now used to living in a real home environment and knows how to walk on a leash. 

You can win this Disney T-shirt, or even two!

Peak to Fong is getting closer and it's time to start reminding everyone to get their ticket/T-shirts before it's too late, as well as mentioning that we do have fantastic Disney T-shirts too.  All you have to do to get a free Mickey Mouse and Goofy T-shirt is to find sponsors for the walk down from the Peak, and if you raise as little as $800 you will receive your Disney T-shirt prize.  If you can double that amount you will get two Disney T-shirts.  The sponsorship forms are included in the Peak to Fong Petble T-shirt package, or you can download from our website.

🎉 Peak to Fong 2017狗狗同樂籌款日參加者若籌款滿HK$800，即可於11月19日活動當日蘭桂坊街頭派對上免費換領【迪士尼X救狗之家[Adoption is For Life]限量版紀念T-shirt】一件，籌款滿$1500可換領兩件! 請各位參加者踴躍收集善款，為被遺棄狗狗籌款!

🎉 A SPECIAL PRIZE for Peak to Fong 2017 Sponsored Walkers: Redeem a specially designed “Disney X HKDR [Adoption is For Life] Limited Edition T-shirt” at our Peak to Fong LKF party on 19 November by raising HK$800-$1,499, or redeem two of the above T-shirts by raising $1500 or above!

*換領詳情請留意購買PETBLE X HKDR活動T-shirt時所附送的步行籌款贊助表格。

*For details, please refer to the Peak to Fong 2017 Sponsorship Form attached with the purchased PETBLE X HKDR event T-shirts.

#HKDR #PeaktoFong #PeaktoFong2017 #狗狗同樂籌款日 #步行籌款

Anfield's raising money for Peak to Fong 

Ex-HKDR puppy Anfield has got her act together for this year's Peak to Fong and has her own crowdfunding page to raise more sponsorship money.   I think Anfield will be one of the winners of a pair of Disney T-shirts for sure.  Be smart, be like Anfield!