Tues 3rd March: Five new recruits

The 5 newcomers

I went to pick up the three puppies from AFCD today, only to find that there were actually five of them as two had been put in a separate kennel. I also tried once again to get some sense out of AFCD regarding the Clumber spaniel and his ongoing imprisonment, but without success. I won't give up.

Paddle out and about

There was more adoption news today as "Boat Litter" Paddle's forever status was confirmed after a short trial with ex-Stanley Barracks boy Arthur (who used to be Stan).

Also leaving the Ap Lei Chu Homing Centre for a trial adoption was another doglet whose name I'll hold for now in case it doesn't work out, but I'm hopeful of course that she won't be coming back.

I know some people are confused about the difference between adoption, fostering and trial adoptions, so let me explain.  Whenever possible a straightforward adoption is best and what we are really looking for.  This means the adopters have already been through the thinking-about-it process and know that they are ready to make a lifetime commitment to the dog or puppy. 

A trial is allowed if there is another dog (or cat) in the home so there's someone else's opinion to consider, or if we know that the dog in question has some behaviour issues that mean it may not fit in or settle.  This is usually when a dog is shy or anxious and may find living in any urban environment too stressful, as is the case with the Ap Lei Chau doglet who went for a trial today.  We don't allow trial adoptions for perfectly healthy and happy young dogs or puppies who can easily find forever homes, as moving in, settling and then being returned isn't fair.

Fostering is a temporary situation where there is never an intention to adopt, although of course this often changes when the foster parents fall in love and don't want to give the dog or puppy back.  Foster puppies have to be brought to the Sunday puppy afternoons to meet potential adopters, and be willing to meet those who can't make it on Sundays.

Igloo and blind poodle Nutty

What we really don't want or need are impulse adopters, those who take a dog home and then realise they made a mistake and return it the next day.  Poor Igloo has been the victim of this impulsiveness twice over, and is once again back at the Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre.  Next time will be forever, I promise.