Sat 27th Feb: Sad stories with happy endings

Lucky Bertha 

 I love the part of this work when things work out for the dogs that have had such an unhappy start in life, or even later on in many cases.  Bertha turned up as a stray in someone's garden, and because the resident dog was really unhappy about having her around we agreed to take her in at Tai Po.  Like many she didn't have a microchip but had obviously been someone's dog as she was friendly and happy to be around people, and today her life changed for ever as she was adopted. 

Giant-sized Toffee

Another dog who's been waiting for some time because of his giant size is Alaskan Malamute Toffee, and his big day finally arrived as he was chosen to go home once his desex surgery is done.

Yesterday I mentioned another big dog that's going to be coming to us on Monday, and it turns out that this poor boy has had quite a bit of publicity in the past due to the ear mutilation.  As I had suspected on looking more closely at the photos the ears have literally been cut off, and luckily the horror was reported by neighbours (I assume hearing the puppy's screams), but since being rescued at just a few months old the dog has been kept at AFCD pending a court case.  The outcome of that case was a pathetic Community Service order.  This dog is now a handsome but large one year-old, and nothing would make us happier than to see him going to a fantastic and loving new home.  Of course he's going to need space, and I'm told he's very strong and energetic (naturally), so please bear that in mind if you would like to help this boy.  Complete the adoption questionnaire if you think you can offer the right home and environment, not to mention training: www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/

Just like all of the smuggling cases, meaning dogs and puppies that were confiscated while being smuggled into or out of Hong Kong, all of these animals are kept as evidence for upcoming court cases.  That's always months at best, but due to the Covid situation these cases may take a year to be heard meaning puppies grow up at AFCD rather than in homes.  I believe that this is inhumane and that such dogs and puppies should be allowed to be placed in foster care after all the relevant information and photo documentation has been completed.  There is no justification for imprisoning such animals, especially those that are very young, for months on end. 

The three new puppies at our Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre have names now, and although too young to be adopted as singletons at the moment it won't be long before they're ready.