Tues 6th April: Double the love

Today's lucky puppy Opal

Little Gem Opal was picked up by her new family today after having been chosen at Whiskers N Paws on Sunday, leaving her adorable brother Jet at the Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre.  He's happy to play with the many other puppies  at the Homing Centre, but a home would be even better. 

Gorgeous Louie (small) and Lexi are at Tai Po

I was asked again what a puppy will look like as an adult, and what will its temperament be? As far as looks and size are concerned, it's true some puppies do change their coats as they get older, but in general, apart from the ears which often stand up even if not initially erect, an adult dog will be a bigger version of a puppy.  The standard size of a mixed breed is 20kg to 25kg, but some will be larger and some will be smaller, and that's impossible in most cases to predict.  As far as temperament is concerned, assuming a puppy is happy and friendly when young it should grow into a happy and friendly adult, and that's where the treatment and training come in.  If you understand that a human child needs gentle guidance to grow into a well-balanced adult, it's the same with any animal.  Using dominance and punishment to train a puppy will result in a dog that doesn't trust people, while encouragement and reward means a puppy will grow up seeing their humans as family.  Trust on both sides is the key, and a human hand should be one that gives food, treats and petting, never smacks or punishment. 

Owen and Bobby when they first arrived at Tai Po

 I need to check back to see exactly when it was, but last year we accepted four surrendered senior labradors from the same owner, three black males and a chocolate female.  They were all in poor condition, the males especially, but luckily they were all taken in for fostering, and over time with many vet visits, surgeries and whatever else was needed to help them, they regained health and strength as much as was possible given their age.  Inevitably, and despite wonderful care in their respective foster homes, we started to lose the dogs to age and ill health, and this week we said goodbye to Owen.  It wasn't unexpected, but nonetheless it's always sad to lose a dog under any circumstances.  In a final very kind gesture, the foster family generously donated $10,000 to help cover the cost of Owen's high vet bills and his cremation at the end, and I was happy to let then know that this amount will be matched by the Bodhi Love Foundation.

From 31 March to 25 April, any one-off donations made towards HKDR will be matched by

Bodhi Love Foundation 寶狄慈善基金

with a maximum total of $150,000. It means when you make a donation of any amount, Bodhi Love Foundation will match your donation and double the impact.

Bodhi Love Foundation is a non-profit corporation dedicated to nurturing the next generation of wise and compassionate global citizens and leaders, equipping the young with skills they would need to navigate a fast-changing world. They have a mission to awaken and promote positive values in the world, including love and empathy for animals, starting with children.

Please donate now via our website here: https://hongkongdogrescue.com/donate/one-off-donations/