Weds 16th Sept: Where are you Charlie?

 I don't know about other parts of Hong Kong but in my little corner of Lamma I enjoyed a very welcome break from the wet weather today.  I always have lost dog Charlie on my mind and wonder where he can be and how he is, and although to many the thought of him being out in the rain is upsetting I'm sure he's found shelter and at least has water to drink.  I would be even more worried if it was scorching hot and dry, because a dog can survive without food for some time but would quickly perish without water.

  Charlie was always a timid boy, and dogs quickly revert to being wild and living on their primitive instinct when they need to survive, so he will be in hiding and difficult to spot let alone catch.  The only way we will ever get him back is to use a trap, but first we need to know where he's staying.   Dogs that run away or get lost almost always stay in the same area, but if they're scared or chased they'll run further.  That means Charlie could really be anywhere, and the countryside around Sai Kung offers so many options it really is like the proverbial needle in a haystack.  So if you're anywhere in that area please look out for Charlie's very distictive dark brown coat, and call or message if you think you've seen him.  If at all possible get a photo so we can try to positively identify him.  Always remember Aladdin and the many weeks he was on the run, and that nothing is impossible. 

Long-term Ap Lei Chau volunteer Harryn made this very lovely video of the puppies currently staying at the Homing Centre, and we have more up-and-coming babies still in foster homes so there's definitely no shortage. The photos are also by Harryn. https://www.facebook.com/hkdogrescue/videos/330233001373234

You can see more photos of the Ap Lei Chau dogs and puppies here https://www.facebook.com/HKDR.DOGGIES, as well as some of the Tai Po dogs here https://www.facebook.com/HappyWoofHK

As much as we want the puppies to find their forever homes, I have to say it's upsetting to read some of the adoption applications.  We can reject those who clearly have no understanding of dogs and their basic needs, but I'm aware that other groups or shelters may not be as discerning, and pet shops will sell to anyone who hands over the money.   I don't care how long it takes or how many puppies we have at any given time, at HKDR we believe that a bad home is worse than no home, and the dogs and puppies are happy with us until the right family comes along.