Fri 8th Nov: Free at last!

Billy is a real sweetheart

I took the first of the dogs from the cruelty case out from AFCD Pokfulam today after six months of being held as evidence, along with many other dogs who were distributed amongst the other AFCD Centres and SPCA.  In this particular situation it wasn't such a bad thing as the dogs had arrived in a desperate condition, emaciated and understandably fearful, and they have all improved in terms of weight, health and confidence.  Out of all the dogs being kept at Pokfulam AFCD there was one who stood out as being particularly friendly and he was given the name of Billy by the staff there, so I've kept the name.  Billy is a lovely boy, very sweet-natured, calm and friendly, and even though he wasn't sure about the van ride or the vet check by Dr Andy, he took it all very well.  Surely of all the dogs we have Billy deserves a real home now.


Lucy was surrendered back to us today too, and I'm really keen to find her a new home as soon as possible.  For almost three years she's lived as part of a family, her only crime being that she was anxious around the young children and the high energy.   As upset as I am about her losing her home, I'm sure Lucy herself is far more affected and confused, so if you can offer a place for a very loving and sweet dog around seven years old now,  please let us know.

Lucy is a sweet and loving girl 

I keep talking about the importance of correct training, but even more important is understanding how a dog's mind works and using that as a basis to create a bond of trust and cooperation.  Teaching a dog to sit, down and roll over is pointless if that's all there is, you need to learn to recognise your dog's language, both vocally and visually.  Dogs recognise each others' signals when they meet, the position of the body, head, ears and tail, and knowing these cues and the messages they send is more important than anything else.   Dogs aren't badly behaved, they're mostly confused, not knowing what is required of them or how to get their humans to understand.

Shiba inus are a very popular breed at the moment, probably the most popular of all, but they're not easy dogs and certainly not ideal for first time owners.  I cringe inside when I see the way owners react to their dog's "bad" behaviour, shouting and smacking, jerking tle leash, as if the dog is able to translate that into any sort of compehensible message.   Yelling "No!" means nothing, it's a sound, and not a helpful one.

Gumbo is a happy boy and ready for the right home

I'm talking about this, and shiba inus in particular, as we have a couple of young shibas who have been with us for some time now.  Both Gumbo and Damson came to us as older puppies with typical shiba behaviour, mostly related to guarding.  They're both a year old now, and while Gumbo stayed upstairs at the Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre where he lives freely with the other dogs, Damson moved to the "Red Dog" Centre and didn't do well there.  Her worsening behaviour meant less free time, and with reduced play and interaction her behaviour deteriorated.  Finally we agreed that she should move to Lamma so she would have more space and freedom to express herself, and like magic Damson has changed into a happy and playful dog with no pressures and no confinement other than the outer fencing of the large space she now lives in.

The waterfront walking route is scenic and very easy

Our Ap Lei Chau team of volunteers, plus Iris on her day off, took all of the upstairs dogs to Repulse Bay today for a trial walk along the Pulse to Fun route.   The dogs had a great time and behaved impeccably, and I just wish they could have homes of their own.  In the meantime they are safe and happy enough with us, Gumbo included.