Sat 2nd May: I'm worried about what's happening

This is an old photo but everyone needs to know where breeder puppies come from

I'm quite worried about what's happening at the moment, and I'm not talking about the coronavirus but rather what seems to be the result of people having to stay at home a lot more, and not being able to travel.  Normally when there's a four day holiday such as we have just had, a large number of people would be out of Hong Kong enjoying a mini-break on a beach somewhere, or whatever else they liked doing.  Now that's no longer an option so all of the animal NGOs are seeing a huge increase in adoption enquiries, as well as many dogs being taken for fostering as long as the current restrictions last.  You might see that as a good thing, which it is in one way, but my real concern is that once things return to normal then there are going to be a lot of dogs who are no longer wanted, or people who no longer have the time to spend with their pets.

Also as a result of the coronavirus, we're seeing fewer small dogs coming to us so are unable to satisfy demand for these types.  I'm asking potential adopters to please be patient as I'm sure the situation will change, but I also know that pet shops and breeders are experiencing a huge increase in business, and that's what really upsets and worries me.  Once schools and offices are open again and overseas travel resumes, then what happens to those puppies whose families will be too busy to take care of them?

Apart from that the last thing I want to see is the breeders and pet shops making money out of the misery and suffering that is part of their trade, and it's very hard to know that their businesses are booming.  These people care nothing for the animals, and while you may only see the cute puppy in the pet shop window you need to ask about the mother and where she is and what her life is like.  I can guarantee it won't be a happy one.

Otis is enjoying the social scene in Happy Valley now

Luckily it's not all bad news and not everyone is looking for a small-sized dog or puppy to adopt, and we've even seen a few of our office dogs leaving for foster homes.  Little-big boy Otis is enjoying the social scene in Happy Valley, while Hailey, his "sister" in their previous home, is doing really well with her current family.   Even Jack, the scaredy boy, left the other day to see how he would cope with life in a normal home rather than the office, and while I was really worried about him at first he seems to be coping remarkably well.

Even Jack is getting used to a home life

Best of all was today's adoption of Tai Po dog Tawny.  She was one of the dogs saved from the terrible cruelty case last year,  and all of the survivors deserve a loving home even more than any of the others.  It's not only remarkable that they got out of the shelter alive when so many died, but that they seem to have left all of those memories behind and are happy and sweet dogs.   Maybe Robin will find his own home soon as well, I really hope so.

Tawny is on the left, starting a new life with her now-family