Thurs 26th Sept: Our "upstairs" Ap Lei Chau dogs

I was in the Ap Lei Chau office today and noticed that the number of dogs living there has grown, despite the fact that they are sent to Tai Po on a regular basis.  The specially allocated space upstairs at the Homing Centre is used as a kind of assessment and halfway house for dogs that come to us and aren't immediately ready for re-homing, but there comes a point and time when they have to move on.

Salty was found with this string round his neck

Current residents include little Salty who was found in a state of complete fear at the waterfront where I get on and off the sampans, and we assume he came from a fishing boat.  Initially he was untouchable, but now he's a very affectionate and playful young dog who loves human attention.  The transformation has been quite incredible, and seeing him today and how happy he is made me think he's really ready for a home.  He's only a year old and very puppy-like, presumably having had no real puppyhood to speak of.  He's small-medium sized and is probably best suited to a home with no other dogs, or at least only small dogs as he is still intimidated by larger ones.

Gumbo is a cheerful boy

Gumbo is another young dog, also a year old and a shiba inu, the most popular breed in Hong Kong judging from the number of them I see around.   This breed can be challenging and when Gumbo first arrived as an older puppy he had serious food guarding behaviour, and while that has been moderated to a level that's not really a problem any more, we wouldn't home him with children.  Away from food Gumbo is happy, playful and affectionate, and ready for adoption.

We all love Jack because he's so sweet

Jack's only problem is that he's shy with strangers, but when he knows you he's a very loving and affectionate medium-sized dog.  If only someone would give him a chance they'd quickly find out what a great little dog he is.

You will remember the story of Hailey and Otis, who were left tied up outside SPCA in Wanchai and then sent to AFCD where I found them.  They are both lovely dogs, and funnily despite Otis having bitten in sheer panic when the SPCA staff member went to untie them from the railings, he is the most outwardly affectionate of the pair.  Hailey is just very sweet and loves affection, but it's Otis who will come and lick your hand when you go into the room.

Blake is the one being hugged

Blake has been with us since he was a young puppy, and unfortunately for him he developed an allergic skin problem which didn't help his adoption chances, and then he needed surgery on both of his wobbly knees.  Fate hasn't been kind to Blake, but again he's a very sweet dog, now a year old and really ready for a home of his own.

I'm sure you don't need reminding that we'll be back at WeWork in LKF Tower on Saturday, 1pm to 4pm, and I'd like to mention three foster puppies who'll be there hoping to meet their new families.  Hazel and Peppa are sisters, and very sweet as well as being pretty, while Greta is a super-smart girl who'll need lots of exercise and mental stimulation to keep her entertained.  She's going to make someone an amazing family member, and while I wish it could be me of course someone else will be the lucky one

Greta is really very clever and has loads of energy

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Peppa

Hazel

Blake as a doglet busy in the office