Weds 30th Oct: Individual characters

Bird watching time for the Upstairs Dogs 

These cooler days are perfect for the dogs, when walks are enjoyable rather than hot and sweaty, so why is it now that the Ap Lei Chau dog park is being renovated I wonder? I'm not even sure that any renovation is needed and it could be one of those money-spending requirements, but in any case the dogs are left with a very small space for the coming months.  Cactus took this great photo of the "Upstairs Dogs" as they stared through the barriers (at a pigeon apparently), but it would be nice if the Ap Lei Chau volunteers could fit in a few longer walks for the dogs while their runaround space isn't available.

Tommy may be a smaller size but he's got lots of energy

The new dogs and puppies from AFCD are arriving at Ap Lei Chau on Thursday but we still have a lot of smaller dogs from other recent intakes.  Not all are ready for adoption in terms of health issues, but they are still available to meet and we wouldn't say no if a suitable adopter wanted to take one home immediately.  Tommy's situation, for example, is a case of erlichia, the easily treatable tick fever, and he's currently on a course of antibiotics that should fix the problem.  He's an energetic little dog who loves his walks, and could certainly handle longer hikes without any trouble.

Tori has settled very quickly

Tori came at the same time as Tommy, and while initially she was very shy she's settled well and is also suitable for fostering even if not adoption.  She does need surgery so a foster situation would be very helpful, and as always it's Cindy who you would need to contact at foster@hongkongdogrescue.com.  We always have young puppies in need of foster homes too, so please ask Cindy about puppies that are available.

Wesley may also need knee surgery so he'll need a foster home

We're always asked where our dogs come from and what their history is, and the answer is almost always we have no idea unless they're those that are surrendered to us directly.  In those cases we can ask why and if there are any health or behaviour issues, but for dogs coming from AFCD we're not given any information, or for those coming from other sources not connected to HKDR.

Adele, Laura and Plum are outgoing and sociable by nature

Carla and Barney (adopted) are naturally shy

The one thing that we can guarantee is that puppies who have been with us have had no history of abuse or mistreatment, and any individual behaviour traits such as being timid or having a fear of men have nothing to do with the past.  Even though it's unfashionable to acknowledge the difference between male and female these days it's something that exists in the animal world, and a man's size, voice and testosterone can be intimidating to a fearful dog.   With patience and training help most fears can be overcome, something I've seen many times over with my Lamma dogs.