Tues 26th May: Life is a lottery for puppies

Not related, but still puppy friends

It was another day of rain and storms so not too much happening, but all of the twelve new puppies are now microchipped, vaccinated (first of three required) and ready to start their new lives.  Unless adopted as a pair, which doesn't happen too often, every one of these babies will head off with their respective adopters alone and without any choice in the matter.  Their lives may take very different paths, and as much as we do whatever we can to ensure that the new homes are ready and willing to provide the best care for the whole of the dog's life, it's inevitable that some will be luckier than others. 

The full twelve

Beatrice and Barbie

In the natural order of things puppies would stay with their mother and siblings for life, forming a pack (and interbreeding).  Of course this isn't possible in a world where dogs are pets and have to adapt to a human's way of life, but at the same time ideally puppies shouldn't be separated from their mother and siblings until a minimum of eight weeks, and preferably even older.  If a mother isn't around, which is usually the case, then brothers, sisters, or any other puppies provide comfort, companionship and play.  Play is as important to a healthy development as food and water, and it's how puppies learn about behaviour and socialisation, and why we ask adopters of young puppies  to foster a second for at least a short time so as babies they both have a friend.

Charlie and other shy dogs like him need the company of another dog

Even most adult dogs love to be around others of their kind, I was very happy to see that new boy Kimmy has started to play with Pebble, and hopefully this will be the beginning of his transformation.  Kimmy is the size of a Sheltie and with similar looks, and being only two years old I know a lot of people will be interested but I suspect it will take time to get him used to wearing a harness and leash and going out for walks.

Coco was today's lucky Tai Po dog, and although she hasn't left the Homing Centre yet she'll be going home very soon.

Coco came to us from AFCD and without any known history, but like so many others she's a beautiful, soft and gentle girl who was probably one of those who was adopted as a baby puppy and later abandoned.  I'm happy that we can save at least some of these dogs who are homeless through no fault of their own, and only wish we could help more of them.