Thurs 30th April: Another beautiful day for a holiday

Bella is supposed to be 2 years but acts like a puppy

It was already halfway through the day when I realised today was a holiday, every day being pretty much the same for me and especially now when there's no Sunday puppy afternoons to mark the end of the week.  I'm always busy replying to emails, and the adoption questionnaires in particular as they always have priority, although it's frustrating not having the smaller dogs and puppies that so many people ask about.  Still, with more than enough dogs at our Tai Po Homing Centre there's never the possibility that we'll run out, and we always have new recruits arriving.   Some of these, like the three most recent newcomers, are from AFCD, others direct surrenders, and you can meet them any day of the year from 10am to 6pm.  We open every single day without exception.

The 2 new boys

Puppy Cherry was almost adopted today, but following my advice regarding toddlers and sharp puppy teeth, the family chose Rosie from Tai Po instead.  Rosie has shown before that she loves young children, as some dogs really do,  while others find them upsetting.

Still waiting for their families

The weather in Hong Kong has been perfect for the past few days, and I know there's a large group of Tai Po dogs heading out for a holiday hike on Friday, 1st May, which is not only a Public Holiday again but also the 10th Anniversary of our move from the Pokfulam Kennels to our Tai Po Homing Centre.  I'll be writing more about that tomorrow, but I would love to hear from anyone who was there for the Big Move and their own memories of that day.

Weds 29th April: Essential safety equipment

Newly adopted shy dog Taylor went missing today after slipping out of her collar and harness during a walk.  I'm not going to say anything other than I want Taylor to be safely found, although truthfully that's going to be difficult given her already timid nature.  I don't know why Taylor wasn't wearing the double safety collar/harness combination that we always ask newly adopted dogs to wear, but here you can see Dimple demonstating what I mean.

Dimple is wearing a safety collar and an Easywalk harness, both attached to a separate leash

All newly adopted dogs should have special care taken when being walked, but particularly those who are even slightly nervous and afraid of unknown people, traffic and anything else.  It's happened time and time again that a scared dog has pulled back and out of an ill-fitting harness or a regular collar. At HKDR we always use and suggest the type of martingale collar which tightens when pulled (set so it doesn't choke) along with an Easywalk harness, each attached to a leash.  This means that if the dog manages to pull out of one, the other is still in place.

I'm continuing to receive many adoption enquiries for smaller sized dogs, but for whatever reason we haven't been getting these dogs coming in since the coronavirus situation started.  It's as frustrating for us as it is for any potential adopter because I'm sure there are dogs being abandoned and unwanted puppies born just as there always has been, and the only reason I can think of is that while so many people are working from home there isn't the need to get rid of the dog.  We'll see what happens once restrictions are relaxed and more return to office working, but for now we don't have the small dogs available, at least the young and those with no behaviour issues.

Igloo will bark non-stop if left alone

At our Ap Lei Homing Centre we still have pomeranian cross Igloo (who has separation anxiety) and French bulldog Romeo whose problem is serious dog-dog aggression.

Romeo hates other dogs

We have several "Red" dogs who would be suitable for experienced adopters, and Piper who is currently staying on Lamma.  He is an active dog who needs proper exercise, and again a home without children and who has experience with dogs.  On Lamma Piper is very happy and has no behaviour issues but he wasn't happy in the Homing Centre with so many dogs in a relatively small space. 

Piper 

I almost forgot to mention that two sister dogs who have been in a foster home for a long time while waiting for a home together will be staying right where they are.

Angel and Beauty together forever

Tues 28th April: Help with cleaning needed!

It's very strange that our two lovely puppies staying at the Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre haven't been adopted when their siblings were quickly chosen to go home.  Maybe it's because the Homing Centre was closed to visitors without prior appointments, a safety measure which has now been eased, but whatever the reason sweet girls Cherry and Pepsi are ready and waiting to meet their new families.

Oddie (black) and Charlie playing

We do have other puppies like Cora, Oddie and now quite a bit older Charlie, but they're more reserved and shy although getting better all the time.   Charlie is the puppy who was terrified of the Homing Centre when we first tried introducing him but now he will happily play with the others, and Oddie in particular.

We also have another puppy in a foster home who's a very sweet boy, but one of the unfortunate ones who came to us with tick fever.  It's taken longer than usual to resolve, but at least Bailey's had the benefit of a lovely home during his illness and treatment.  Hopefully Bailey will soon be ready to leave, and at a perfect age too.  I'm waiting for updated photos but here's what he looked like the last time we saw him.

The last photo we have of Bailey in foster

For all puppy and any other adoption enquiries please start by completing the adoption questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/

Due to the coronavirus situation we haven't been getting in many small dogs so please be patient if that's what you're looking for.   With everything hopefully, if gradually, going back to normal next month we should also be able to start accepting more dogs so please keep checking in.

There's no shortage of dogs at our Tai Po Homing Centre, but we are currently short of cleaners as well as regular volunteers.  If you can help out with cleaning duties we'd be extremely grateful.

We are in great need of manpower to help with kennel cleaning and dish washing at Tai Po Homing Centre in the coming two weeks!!! Can you help??

Duty time: 10am-12pm OR 3pm-5pm on any chosen dates.

Requirements:

- Volunteers must be 18 years old or +
- Non-registered volunteers are welcome!
- Do not mind doing dirty work in an outdoor environment with large-sized dogs around

Please sign up by filling this form: https://forms.gle/Bwe2fsLets6RVPrL8

Thank you!

Mon 27th April: Good news with sad

The good news is that Hong Kong seems to be moving back to some sense of normality even though the government restrictions haven't officially been lifted, and that means people going back to their offices rather than working from home.   The bad news is that foster dogs who have been enjoying a temporary home life will need to return, and that's really very sad.

Dimple is already back at the Ap Lei Chau Centre

Dimple is already back at the Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre even though her foster home gave her glowing reviews, and there's also Bishi, who came to us as a puppy with brother Mitsu, and Ovaltine from Tai Po.

“We have been happily fostering Bishi for more than two weeks and we fell in love with him immediately. 11-month-old Bishi has settled in very well since day one. Being a very affectionate and laid-back dog, all he wants is your attention with tons of belly rubs! He is doing very well in learning basic commands and he has made great improvement on his daily walks. With his easy going and loving personality, he will be perfect for first-time owners. Bishi is also toilet-trained, I wish he will find his furever home soon!”

Beautiful Bishi

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If you are interested in adopting Bishi or any other dog/puppy, please fill out the Adoption Questionnaire as first step: https://hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/

Ap Lei Chau office dog Otis also went to a short-term foster home and is proving to be a very easygoing character, as we knew he was, and also undemanding in terms of exercise.  Otis is more of a couch potato, although he does like his strolls and is fully toilet trained so needs to go out for calls of nature.

Little-big dog Otis (big body, short legs)

Maybe one of the other "back to normal" things will be that we'll start getting more of the smaller dogs and puppies coming in as we used to, but for the moment it's really one by one.  Pom Lily was adopted today so she's no longer available, but we do have two year-old Lizzie.   Lizzie has a heart problem which will be fully investigated at the time she goes for her desexing surgery, but for now she's perfectly happy and loves her walks.

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Puppy Noddy also had his adoption confirmed by his foster home, and other than taking him and his  siblings from AFCD together I barely even saw him.   His sisters Oddie and Cora are staying at our Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre but share a family shyness which makes them very different from happy and friendly pups Pepsi and Cherry.

Sun 26th April: Never a shortage of choice at Tai Po

Piper had a good walk in the morning

Following the visit to Lamma by Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre Manager Iris, and staff member Suet, we decided to give Piper a chance to find a home as so many people are asking about small-to-medium dogs that we don't currently have.  Piper had been sent over to Lamma after finding the Homing Centre environment too stressful, but he's been very happy away from "boarding school" so this morning he made the trip back to Ap Lei Chau.  Iris took him for a walk to calm him down after the boat ride and he was fine meeting a potential adopter, but as the day progressed his anxiety about being in a smallish space with lots of playing dogs and puppies started up again so he's now back on Lamma.   If anyone is seriously interested in meeting Piper with a view to adoption we can arrange a meeting, but please complete the adoption questionnaire as a first step.  It's at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/

Chihuahua puppy Zelda was in-and-out

One small dog who had come to us very recently was adopted today, and that was Zelda the chihuahua puppy.  We hadn't needed to advertise her already having so many people wanting small dogs, and Zelda has now joined a wonderful chihuahua family.  The breed used to be very popular but are less so now, so we're all happy that she's gone to a home that knows and loves chihuahuas.

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We had several visitors at our Tai Po Homing Centre, and as is often the case there are so many lovely dogs to choose from that a second visit is necessary before making a decision.   The three new dogs from AFCD, Bella, Milo and Coco, are settling in well, and there's never a shortage of choice that's for sure.

For Monday 27th April:  Special thanks to Hinry Lau for picking Hong Kong Dog Rescue to be the beneficiary charity for the radio show Share My Song@ 881903!
From 6:00 am today to 28/4 6:00am, please support Hong Kong Dog Rescue by sending a SMS to 50 881 903. Each SMS means a donation of $5 to HKDR. Your telecom service provider will debit the money from your monthly statement. 

Sat 25th April: Lucky blog?

Taylor has a family now 

I'm always very happy to hear about Tai Po adoptions, so today was an extra-specially good one which started with shy Taylor going to her new home.  I'd mentioned her on my blog only recently, just as I'd also talked about ex-Stanley Barracks dogs Tusk and Ivory, and guess what?  They also left Tai Po today, with Tusk adopted and Ivory as a foster (but you know what we're all hoping for of course).

Tusk at the front and best friend Ivory behind

Coral's adoption was also a Tai Po one in a way as that's where she'd started off when she came to us with her two sisters and before she moved to Ap Lei Chau.

Coral was both a Tai Po and Ap Lei Chau dog

Also added to the adopted-from-foster list was Nando the poodle, leaving no poodles currently staying at our main Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre even though we have several in the nearby Red Dog Centre.

Not all of the dogs at the Red Dog Centre are poodles, and not all are really "Red".  In fact I'd say a few were more pink, with behaviour issues that wouldn't be too difficult to overcome in the right home, just as all of the Red dogs are perfectly fine with the volunteers who regularly walk and play with them.

Harryn is one of those volunteers and these are just some of the latest photos she took of the Red and Pink dogs.

We have two very friendly puppies left at the Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre (Cherry and Pepsi) with another couple of shy ones (Cora and Oddie).

Red or Pink? 

I hope Sunday will be the day we say a happy goodbye to some of them, and you'll find out tomorrow.

Very friendly girls Pepsi and Cherry

Nando and Scarlet came at the same time, now both adopted

Fri 24th April: Adoptions, new dogs and returning fosters

Nimbus looks very pleased at having found a family

Although in one way it feels like we're seeing lots of adoptions at Tai Po, in real terms it's still very few compared to the number of dogs we have staying at the Homing Centre, and three more arrived today from AFCD to cancel out any recent vacancies. 

We also have dogs coming back from their foster homes, something we knew would happen once the coronavirus situation improved and people started going back to work, and while it's obviously good to see some kind of normal life returning it's still sad that these dogs will lose the homes they have settled into.

Ovaltine is one of them and Dimple another, and both have done so well in adapting to family life that it's really quite heartbreaking that they will have to return to the Homing Centres.  Here's what Dimple's foster parent said about her:

Dimple is medium sized and was at Ap Lei Chau before

We have been fostering Dimple for 4 weeks now, and she has settled into our home very well. She is a beautiful and smart girl who is already toilet trained and learnt basic commands (e.g come, sit, down). At first, she can be shy and easily startled, but once she knows you, she becomes gentle sweet and affectionate. She is always excited for her walks and has been on a few hikes with us. At home, she is quite easy and will usually nap or entertain herself with toys. Although we don’t have another dog at our home, we think she would be suitable for a household with other dogs, as she plays well with most dogs in our neighborhood and is never aggressive. Overall, Dimple is a very lovable, intelligent and sweet dog who really deserves a forever home :) 

Meanwhile our dear little Zeb had his adoption confirmed today, so that's another file closed on this litter.

Zeb has his forever home now

Until all government restrictions on gatherings are relaxed we won't be holding Sunday puppy afternoons but our Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre is open every day to potential adopters.  Please complete the adoption questionnaire as a first step at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/ so we can let you know if we have any dogs or puppies available that would be a good match.   We don't currently have many smaller dogs, and those that do come in are quickly adopted.

Thurs 23rd April: Looking ahead to what's coming

The long wait is finally over for Batman

Another very lucky senior dog from Tai Po had his adoption confirmed today, so Batman is officially no longer available and is now a much-loved family member.  His now "brother" Amos is also an ex-HKDR dog from a long time ago so they will have lots to talk about.

Piper

Most of the adoption enquiries we get are for small or medium-sized dogs, and due to the coronavirus situation we haven't been getting the dogs that would normally be coming to us.  We do have smaller dogs of course, but they aren't puppies and they are either "Red Dogs" or those I mentioned that are staying on Lamma. 

Here's a video of Piper with Iris from the other day showing what a happy and playful boy he is, and maybe someone will want to give him a chance.  If you can't play the video and are interested please complete the adoption questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/ and we'll send the video link by email.

 Piper's nine years old but that's still not old especially in smaller-dogs terms.  Many of the dogs that live with me are ten-plus and still as active and playful as they were when younger.

Waldo (adopted), Cherry and Pepsi, with Igloo behind

We do still have some puppies at our Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre that are very happy, sweet and friendly although not small sized, at least when they become adults.  We really can't know how big Pepsi and Cherry will become but it certainly wan't be small and probably medium-large.

Although in terms of dogs and puppies arriving it's been much quieter than usual, behind the scenes there's actually quite a lot happening and many things in the planning stage that will be announced over the coming weeks.

One of these has been the re-structuring of HKDR, something that has taken years to implement but has finally been achieved, and this will mean a lot of work in changing the official name of the charity as well as the bank account number.  It doesn't affect anything else in terms of what we do or how HKDR is run and managed, it's just that when HKDR was first set up in 2003 I never envisaged that it would grow into what it has become.    The switch from a Society to a Company will become official in July by which time we'll have everything that needs to be done in place.  I know Ka Yan who manages the admin and accounting will breathe a huge sigh of relief once it's over, as this has involved an incredible amount of work, not to mention patience.

We were also visited by a group of District Councillors at Tai Po, keen to understand our work and to help if possible.   Overcoming old ways of thinking and dealing with the huge problem of unwanted dogs in Hong Kong has always been a major stumbling block, so we're very grateful for new thoughts and open minds.

 Thank you District Councillors Jasper Law, Dream Law, Vincent Chan and Sea Yuen for visiting Tai Po Homing Centre yesterday and understanding the challenges we face running an animal rescue organisation in HK.

Weds 22nd April: Lamma day out

You've heard me mention the Lamma Home for Small Delinquents, and it's really a rehabilitation space that's helped quite a few dogs over the years.   These are usually dogs that started off staying at the Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre but found the space and environment too stressful so needed to move out.  Having some behaviour issues meant they weren't suitable for adoption, but the Lamma home provided them with exactly what they needed; to be left alone.  I don't mean that in the ignored or neglected sense, rather them having the freedom to choose if and how they wanted to interact with people, and other dogs, and the results speak for themselves.

Grooming day at the Lamma Home for Small Delinquents

Today Iris, Manager of the Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre, and Suet from the Red Dog Centre, came over to Lamma to groom the small dogs and as a result identified those that they considered to be ready for new homes.  Before I talk about each one I do need to say, as always, that these dogs wouldn't be suitable for homes with young children, inexperienced adopters or those who don't understand the words time and patience.

Driver Ming also joined the group today, here with Damson

Shiba inu Damson came to us as an older puppy, surrendered by her owner.  She's now two years old and has changed completely from an angry girl to one who asks for affection and petting.  She currently has the freedom of a large outdoor area where she can choose to play with the other dogs or laze on the sunlounger, so we're looking for a home with a similar environment. 

Damson's favourite sunlounger

Piper didn't need a haircut 

Piper was also a surrendered dog who didn't do well at the Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre.  He's now a very happy boy, totally relaxed and playful.  He's not a youngster but also not too old at nine to have a lot of years ahead of him.

Nobby is a typical poodle who can be sweet when he wants to be, but like all of the poodles who haven't been well treated as puppies he needs a home that understands that these dogs are very smart and are very easily turned into tyrants if misunderstood.  Nobby was in a wonderful foster home previously and it was very unfortunate that the family left Hong Kong meaning Nobby had to be returned.  His behavior regressed at the Homing Centre but we know that he has the potential to be a great companion dog.  Nobby is seven years old.

Nobby

Finally Banjo, funny Banjo who came to us as an abused older puppy and is now seven years old.  While staying at the Homing Centre he was an angry boy who hated other dogs but now  he's happy and has his favourite dog friends to play with.

Meanwhile at the Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre it was older puppy Sidney's big day as he was chosen to go home.   Originally the family were looking for a small dog to adopt but Sidney's happy personality won them over.

Sidney and his new family 

Banjo post-haircut

Banjo during grooming

Tues 21st April: All things come to an end

Ovaltine in her foster home

All things come to an end, good and bad, and I'm talking now about the improved coronavirus situation in Hong Kong (good) and the fact that it means many foster dogs will have to be returned (bad).  Here's one Tai Po dog who now really needs a forever home:

"I am writing with some updates regarding Ovaltine". 

We’re into the third week of fostering Ovaltine and it has been a real pleasure!  She has a very gentle and patient nature, and it didn’t take long for her to adapt to a new environment and our routines.  We’d say Ovaltine is as much an indoor dog as an outdoor dog.  She likes to follow me and my husband around the flat, lounging at different parts of the living room, moving to the study to snooze while we work, and would check in on us even when we go to the bathroom!  She is rather quiet and may not be super cuddly but she definitely enjoys being petted and brushed, and would sometimes paw for more affection.  She is a pretty quick learner too – apart from responding to a few basic commands, she is now able to tolerate the muzzle while walking on the podium and is gradually starting to “play” (with rolled up paper bags with chicken inside) even though (understandably) playing doesn’t seem to come naturally to her.  Based on our observations, her biggest fears are passing trucks (of various sizes) and motorcycles which make her quite nervous, but other than that she walks pretty well, loves checking out every tree/pole and is increasingly confident along our usual walking route.  We’ve been taking her on longer walks and short hikes on the weekends and she seems to really enjoy nature!  

Please find attached some photos of Ovaltine, and below is a link to a video of her affectionate morning greetings: 

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1SjJ_-NhxBbLQmYzNQzFYeaQllvZ-awlT

As the Covid-19 situation seemingly improves and work-from-home arrangements may soon end, we will likely take Ovaltine back to the Tai Po centre this weekend (sadly)... really hope she will find her forever home soon!  And I'd be very happy to speak to anyone who is interested in adopting her and has questions about her habits at home."

This time it's for ever for Raffles

On the good side, Tai Po dog Raffles was adopted today.  It's not the first time he's been given this chance but it's probably the first time that his adopter understands Raffles' high energy level and need for good exercise.  Funnily enough I received a recent adoption application from someone who said she didn't want a mixed breed because she was a runner and these mixed-breed types didn't have enough energy.  There's really no answer to that.

Also good news, our senior poodle Bambi was adopted today from her foster home, so thank you to her new family for taking in an older dog.  Like so many poodles Bambi has food allergies and was in a bad way when she first arrived.  Chicken is probably the most common of all the meats most likely to cause these problems so we never feed chicken-based food to our HKDR dogs.

Poor Bambi has typical poodle allergies (much improved since this photo)

Talking of older dogs there's currently a ten year-old golden retriever at AFCD waiting for his release papers, and knowing how popular this breed is I was hoping we could have a home lined up for him to go to when his big day arrives.  He was found as a stray so there's no known history, but he seems to be a very friendly boy.  Please complete the adoption questionnaire if you're interested: www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/ 

Melissa Tan is a great supporter of many animal charities and is always doing what she can to help out.  Now she's produced these lovely Whatsapp stickers for HKDR:

Paintinks by melt X HKDR WHATSAPP STICKERS!

We all need a little fun and happiness during difficult times like these. As a brilliant way to help HKDR dogs, Melissa of Paintinks by melt has designed a set of 16 WhatsApp stickers for you dog lovers!

You can request the full sticker set by completing this form and making a donation of any amount:https://hongkongdogrescue.com/paintinks-by-melt-x-hkdr-wha…/

HKDR will contact you shortly after your submission.

As always, all of the donations will go directly towards helping the dogs in need. Thanks for thinking of the dogs in the time of challenges!