Thurs 17th Jan: Looking beyond looks

There's been a lot of interest in new boy Busby, which is both good and sad as there are really so many dogs and puppies waiting for homes, and many of the enquiries about Busby are from very good potential adopters.  There's no doubt that Busby has a very appealing look with his funny face and fluffy ears, but there is the same lovely character and beating heart needing and wanting to give love inside other less obviously beautiful pups.  The current crop of black puppies are especially sweet-natured, desperate to give kisses and to be cuddled, so please don't pass them by just because they aren't immediately as physically attractive as others. *PUPPIES CURRENTLY WAITING FOR HOMES:  Puppy Adoption Day 13 January 2019 - Part 1

You can meet the puppies at our Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre any day of the week, and this weekend at Concordia Pet Care on Saturday afternoon, and of course Whiskers N Paws on Sunday.

Now with no eyes Murphy has become very needy

I took advantage of the fact that our van and driver were busy with picking up and dropping off supplies for this weekend's Pet Expo, and stayed at home.  Living with so many dogs means there are always going to be those that need special attention and care, and currently that's Murphy and Vivi, the latter suffering from dementia which means she wanders at night and is semi-incontinent.   At least she's still walking, eating, aware of her surroundings and is part of the greeting group that welcomes me home, but she's an old lady and this will be her final year of life.

Tan/white Vivi is 15 years old now

Losing a dog at any stage of its life isn't easy, but over the many years I have been doing rescue work I have had to learn to let go when the time comes, and to understand that living without dignity or in pain isn't what any animal would choose.  In nature the weak will be left to die or be killed, and the most loving thing we can do for our beloved pets when the time comes is not to force them to stay alive for our own sakes, and to be with them when they take their final breath.  Death is a natural part of life, and sadly it comes much too soon for our dogs.

These babies died heartbreakingly young

The other thing that I would say to anyone who has lost a dog and is grieving, is please don't say you can never have another because the pain of loss is too great.  You can never replace the dog you loved so much, but you can give your love to another in need and that dog or puppy will certainly help you heal much faster.