Tues 19th Feb: Parents, dogs and children

Magic and his litter were 5 weeks old when they came to us in January

I had a whole collection with me at Acorn today, mostly the young puppies finally going for their first vaccination.  It seems like a very long time since they first came to us, and in puppy time it really is, but they are now healthy and ready to leave to begin the rest of their lives.

I say the rest of their lives in the hope that that's what it will be, but judging from the number of surrender requests I've been getting over the past week I know it's not always true.  In most cases the situation and reason for surrender is entirely down to the owners, whether it's lack of proper training or due care and attention, especially when young children are involved.   It can't be said enough times that a dog and a young child must never, under any circumstances, be left alone together.  Many dogs have lost their homes and even lives because they have been blamed for accidents when there have been no witnesses to see what actually happened.  Young children don't understand that dogs don't like to be poked in the eyes, have their skin pinched or tail pulled, nor do they like to be kicked and punched, all of which is typical toddler behaviour.  It's imperative that children are taught to respect the dogs in the family, and even then that they aren't left to their own devices without adult supervision.

Every dog has a tolerance limit, and even the most placid will eventually bite if they are pushed.  All dogs will give warnings, some obvious like a growl and bared teeth, others more subtle, but it's up to all dog owners to learn to read the body language and signals, again especially when there are children.  It's extremely upsetting to get emails saying the dog has bitten a child so it has to go, when there is nobody to speak up for the dog and explain why.

Other surrenders are nothing to do with behaviour, and are often announced with a breezy kind of message assuming that we will automatically be happy to accept the dog when the family leave Hong Kong, or even just move home.   Most times the dog in question has been adopted from other organisations who firmly lock the door once the dog or puppy leaves their care, and that's frustrating for us.  Our commitment is to those who have been adopted from HKDR, even if we are very unhappy about having to take any of them back unless there is a really good reason (and a move to another home or country is not one of those good reasons). 

Now called Radar, this newly surrendered poodle is 7 years old

Today's surrender was a poodle from Public Housing whose owner had received the eviction notice, and although he's a very cute and small dog he has never been vaccinated or seen a vet.  Even adult dogs can fall victim to infectious diseases most often associated with puppies if they have never been vaccinated against them, so that will be done as a matter of urgency.

Twiggy the day she arrived, now a very happy little dog

Pug Pancake, who had to have her only working eye removed, was ready to leave hospital today, while adorable pug cross Twiggy had the stitches taken out of her now-empty eye socket.   Both of these dogs came from the terrible breeder/hoarder who seems to specialise in pugs with eye problems, but both are very sweet.   I'm not a particular fan of the pug/bulldog types but Twiggy is the funniest and happiest little lady who loves to cuddle if she's not busy playing.   If you are looking for a small dog with a big personality you need to meet Twiggy, and she's staying at our Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre if you're interested.