Thurs 14th May: A sad side effect of the coronavirus

There's something very strange and unpleasant happening as a result of the coronavirus, something which I understand in a way but on the other hand find hard to comprehend. I've mentioned this before, and it's that people are suddenly flocking to pet shops and breeders to buy puppies, presumably because while being at home much more than before and not being able to fly anywhere, having a puppy seems like a great idea.

 How can people not take into account that this way of life won't last for ever but that a dog will still be there when things start to shift back to normal, even if not exactly how they were before?  Do these puppy buyers intend not to send their children back to school, go back to working in an office and never again go on holiday?  What happens to the dog then, one who is accustomed to having people around every day?

Even leaving aside the distressing fact that the breeders and pet shops are laughing all the way to the bank while the mother dogs suffer so horribly to produce the money-making puppies, I know there must be hundreds of now-puppies that will end up being neglected before too long, and all I can ask is that anyone who has bought one of these puppies on impulse and has subsequently realised that it was short-term thinking bring the puppy to us when that time comes.  We have a waiting list of adopters who we know can provide a loving home, and who are committed to taking care of a dog for life.

I should add a thanks to those who have also said they will wait rather than go to a pet shop or breeder, and I hope as daily life returns to whatever the new normal is we will have the dogs and puppies that you're waiting for.

Puppy Mandy is helping at reception

Our newest staff member Mandy was helping out at the Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre reception area today, and she's available for adoption if you're looking for a very sweet puppy to join your family.

Charlie is fine as long as he has a dog friend to support him

Doglet Charlie is now ready for adoption, but he really does need to be in a home with another dog to give him confidence.  He has been offered a home but as a singleton, and observing him today while on a walk our trainer Cactus saw that he can't handle being on his own, while he's fine walking alongside another dog.  Timid dogs really do need a companion, so we have to say that Charlie can't be adopted if it means he will be on his own.

For all adoption enquiries please start the process by completing the adoption questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/