Sat 31st July: Forty two lucky dogs in July, but how many newcomers?

Brandy and Ka Yan

Following staff member Yannie's double adoption of Tosca and Tango the other day, it was Ka Yan's turn today.  She adopted fellow office-worker Brandy, who has been with us since she was a puppy, adopted once as a youngster and later returned, and for the past several years has been living in the HKDR office as Ka Yan's constant daytime companion.  Now she's going home to spend her senior years in comfort, and without the annoyance of the other upstairs dogs at the Homing Centre.  I'm so happy for Brandy, who has waited a very long time for this moment. 

Tommy and his new daddy

Also leaving the Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre today, the last day of the month, were puppy Raisin and young boy Tommy.  Both sets of adopters have been waiting patiently for this day to come and I'm grateful that they did.  

Raisin has found her forever family

Of course barely a day goes by when we don't have any new arrivals, and while Brandy, Tommy and Raisin were leaving the Homing Centre puppy Sylvie was being welcomed.  She went straight to the ALCVC vet for a check-up and vaccination, meaning she'll be ready for Whiskers N Paws on Sunday. 

Baby Sylvie arrived today

 

Forty two lucky dogs and puppies were adopted from HKDR during the month of July, and their names will be shared on tomorrow's post.  This time I've also asked for the number and names of dogs that have come in, as I think it's important to give this information too.  It's a question that's often asked, and it helps give an idea of the reality of the situation.  Perhaps we also need to mention the dogs that have died while still waiting for their homes, as they too deserve a mention as an acknowledgement of their lives.   HKDR is, and always will be, a No Kill Organisation, meaning that we pledge to care of all dogs that come to us until the end of their lives, however long or tragically short that might be. 

Finally, I saw this shared on Facebook, and I couldn't agree with it more.  While dogs should be considered to be part of the family, that doesn't mean that they are humans like us, that they think like us or have the same aspirations.  

BEFORE YOU GET A DOG - READ THIS! ... and then think long and hard about how you will adjust your life to include your new addition ...

“I am a Dobermann, cataloged one of the most intelligent and most feared dogs, I have served the US Navy and I will not narrate my dark past on the German side. They called me the devil's dog, today they ask me to behave like a Poodle, they have gone so far as to wear clothes ...

I am a Malinois:

Gifted among dogs, I shine in all disciplines and I am always ready to work. Today they ask me to relax on the couch all day.

I am an Akita Inu:

My ancestors have been selected to fight with other dogs. Today they ask me to be tolerant of my peers, and they blame me for my reactivity when one of them approaches me.

I am a Beagle:

When I followed my prey, I gave a voice so that the hunters could follow me. I was leading the dance.

Today they put an electric collar on me to silence me, and they want me to return to the call in a snap of fingers.

I am a Yorkshire Terrier:

I was a rat catcher, fearsome in the English mines. Today they think that I can't use my legs and they always hold me in their arms.

I am a Labrador Retriever:

My vision of happiness is a dip in a pond to bring my master the duck he just shot. Today we forget that I am a sports dog, I am fat and I have to babysit the children.

I am a Jack Russell Terrier:

I am capable of facing a fox larger than me in its own den. Today they blame me for my damn character and want to turn me into a parlor dog.

I am a Siberian husky:

I got to know the great spaces of northern Russia, where I could pull sledges at impressive speed. Today I only have the walls of the garden on my horizon, and my only occupation is the holes I dig in the ground.

I am a Border Collie:

I am cut out to work eight hours a day, and I am an incomparable artist of herd labor. Today they blame me because in the absence of sheep, I try to control bicycles, cars, children from home, and everything that is in motion.

I am...

I'm a 19th century dog

I am handsome, I am alert, I am obedient, I can put up with being in a purse ... but I am also an individual who needs to express his instincts, and I am not suitable for the sedentary life that you want me to carry.

Spending eight hours a day alone on the patio, seeing you a little at night when you come back, and being entitled to any activity just a short walk to the bathroom will make me deeply unhappy.

I'll express it by barking all day, turning your garden into a minefield, relieving myself on the inside, being unmanageable the few times I'll find myself on the outside, and sometimes spending my days on my cushion, then you'll think I'm happy to To be able to enjoy all this comfort while you go to work: in reality I will be in full depression, because it is not the preference of the human, but also that of the dog of the XXI century.

If you like me, if you dream of me forever, if my beautiful blue eyes or my athlete look make you want to possess me, but you can't give me a real life of a full dog, a life that is really worth living, and if not you can offer me the job my genes claim ... then quit me.

If you like my rhythm but are not ready to accept my character traits from rigorous genetic selection, and you think you can change them with your only good will ... then quit me.

I'm a 19th century dog, yes. But, deep there, the one who fought, the one who hunted, the one who pulled sleds, the one who led a herd still sleeps. And sooner or later, you will wake up. For better or worse.”

(Elsa Weiss Éducation Canine / Cynopolis)

I'd add another breed to this list, the shiba inu, currently the most popular breed Hong Kong, that is until they're abandoned for behaving like they were bred to be.  "I am a shiba inu, a fearless hunting dog with stamina, intelligence and courage.  Today they expect me to sit alone all day in a tiny home and behave like a cat."

Fri 30th July: Medium-sized dogs waiting for homes

Domino is a small-medium size

 Although the smaller dogs are always the most popular in terms of adoption, we do also get a lot of enquiries for medium-sizes and as it happens quite a few of the new arrivals are just that.  One of the dogs that came from AFCD Sheung Shui today is small enough to send to Ap Lei Chau from the orginal drop-off point of Tai Po, but maybe now-Domino will be lucky enough to find a home before the planned move on Sunday. She's young at no more than a year, so really perfect for a new family home. 

Lilian is also a petite size

Recent arrivals Amanda, Lilian and Mario are also no more than medium in size, so we'll probably send them to the smaller Homing Centre too.  For now though they're available to meet at Tai Po, so if you're interested please complete the adoption questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire.

Medium-sized Amanda

Little Mario

Of today's three new dogs one had a home waiting, so before even being given a name this poodle puppy was heading off to start his new family life.  

I do get asked when are we expecting new young and small dogs to arrive, and the answer is we have no idea.  Some people just walk into the Homing Centre with their dog wanting to surrender it on the spot, others send messages in advance, and today's poodle was from AFCD so we had a day's notice.   It's unlikely that any highly adoptable dog or puppy will ever be with us long enough to be posted on our website or Facebook page,  so my blog is the only place you'll read about these dogs. 

The poodle puppy was in-and-out

In addition to Domino and the poodle, today's third new dog was husky Olav, a sweet nine year-old boy who needs to move into a home as soon as possible. 

Olav

There was some outward movement today, with one dog leaving Tai Po and another poodle from Ap Lei Chau, but as these are not yet confirmed adoptions I'll hold the names until later. 

I should also mention something else interesting (and good) that happened to me today when I went with Ming's help to pick up some of the Chinese paintings from the framer in Aberdeen.  It turned out that one of the paintings was by a very famous artist, Qi Baishi, which the framer pointed out to me (translated by Ming and then the Homing Centre team), so although I can't say all of the other scrolls are quite as valuable they are all originals from China and ranging from old to antique.  Others who have already bought the paintings have been thrilled by them, so if you're interested in investing or just the love of the art,  there are still many scrolls available.  Please ask for details by emailing eva.loo@hongkongdogrescue.com (Eva will reply on Monday).  All proceeds from sales go directly to HKDR to help us rescue and look after more dogs, so by buying some amazing art you're also making a donation. 

Thurs 28th July: Still more arrivals

 It was another full day of dogs and puppies coming and going, and more arrivals due on Friday from AFCD Sheung Shui.   I'll share more details tomorrow but one of these dogs is a senior husky, apparently very sweet natured, so if anyone can give him a home please complete the questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/

Today's intake came from AFCD Pokfulam, one of which was a puppy, now called Lucy.  As it happened another puppy, Percy, was in the van when Lucy and a second dog were picked up, so I suggested that both were sent to Whiskers N Paws to stay there as the resident HKDR ambassadors. What I really love about puppies is the way they immediately accept all others as their best friends, and within seconds of arrival Percy and Lucy were playing together.  Once again I want to mention how lovely Percy is, and what a great family member he would make.   You can meet both puppies any day of the week at Whiskers N Paws, and of course on Sunday afternoons for the regular adoption event, 2pm to 4pm.  

Lucky Tosca and Tango will stay together

With today's second dog from Pokfulam AFCD, a young female, being sent to Tai Po, it was doubly happy news that our staff member Yannie had adopted a pair of dogs from the Homing Centre. Tango and Tosca will be guaranteed lots of love for the rest of their lives,  that's for sure. 

It's going to be a rainy weekend ahead but I'm fine with that, and my Lamma dogs will be busy enjoying their donation of more bones from GrowsFresh.  Now that they have had several such donations they know what's in the boxes and are waiting at the gate to choose their bones as soon as I get home. 

Weds 28th July: Hot and hazy days

Safari staying cool

 It turned out to be a relatively quiet mid-week day, if you don't count the fact that the dogs need looking after every single day and there are literally hundreds of them at our Tai Po Homing Centre.  It's especially tough when the weather is as hot and humid as it currently is, with the pollution creating a yellow haze even on Lamma.  For some reason my big (heavy) dog Safari decided to come on the morning walk, which he very rarely does in the summer months, and when he realised his mistake he got into the water catchment and sat there waiting for me to come back.  Even then I had to coax him out.   Heat stroke is a real danger in weather like this so I discourage, even ban, the older dogs from the walks, and Safari will be on my no-go list from now until it starts to cool off.    

We have new dogs arriving at Tai Po all the time and it's becoming a real concern, not only because of space but also that the heat and humidity makes taking care of so many doubly exhausting.  I have to thank not only the volunteers who turn up to help out, but also the Tai Po staff who face an extremely tough day's work every morning when they turn up at the Homing Centre.  If anyone can spare the time to lend a hand during the week we would be very grateful, and volunteer applications will be fast-tracked for Monday-to-Friday offers.  

We also need puppy fosters based on Hong Kong Island who can take care of puppies that have to be taken to the vet clinics we use for check-ups and blood tests.  These are mostly the puppies with tick fever whose red cell count needs to be monitored and regularly checked.  Please email Cindy at foster@hongkongdogrescue.com if you can help out, and of course we provide everything you need in terms of food, beds, bowls and so on, as well as covering all vet costs.  All we ask you to do is to get the puppy in your care to the clinic as needed. 

On Thursday we'll be taking yet another newcomer from AFCD Pokfulam, an adult mongrel from Discovery Bay so I'm assuming one left behind by the owners.  I'll find out more when I pick him up but he'll be heading to Tai Po to join all of the others there. 

Just as a reminder we still have many original Chinese paintings for sale at our Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre and you can email eva.loo@hongkongdogrescue.com for the catalogue.  I think the horses were the most popular and may already have sold out, but there are plenty of others still available. 

 

Tues 27th July: Another shiba inu

Casper was in and out

 Having learned the same lesson too many times to begin to count, I waited until this particular surrender dog was physically at our Homing Centre before contacting one of the potential homes that was on our waiting list.  I had also told the would-be adopter that she would have to come today because there were many other families who would love such a bichon puppy, so schedules were rearranged and the result was an in-and-out adoption. 

Little Mario

How I would love to be able to hope for the same for the two new arrivals at Tai Po, both dogs rescued from life as  abandoned strays.  The black boy, now Mario, is quite a small dog so I'm thinking about moving him to Ap Lei Chau once all of the kennel cough cases have cleared.  

The other dog is now called Yoshi, and he was apparently no more than skin and bones when first picked up, so he's been in the rescuer's home for the past month to gain health and weight.  (Please note the photos show the dogs in cages, but they came to us like that and are not caged at the Homing Centre).

Yoshi 

Two other Tai Po residents that are still puppies and in need of homes are Ziti, the "one left behind" from The Edibles litter.  Just like all of the others in his family, Ziti is a gentle sweetheart and really ready to join a family with or without children.  

Ziti has a funny face and a big heart

Donut is a little more reserved on first meeting, but he too is a very sweet older puppy.  Take a look at the video of Donut and Ziti playing https://www.facebook.com/hkdogrescue/videos/1757555601114131

Donut admiring his handsome face

Coincidentally, as I was writing about trainer Cactus and her planned online workshop yesterday, I hadn't realised that she was about to post the details and enrolment application on Facebook.  For now it's only in Cantonese, but depending on interest there will be an English version later. 

Such a large part of what we do is education, because we see the inevitable results of a poor understanding of dogs, their needs and subsequent behaviour.  Once again there was a surrender request today for a shiba inu, with the same seemingly anti-social attitude and with the owners having tried three different trainers (how to really confuse a dog).  I do want to know who these trainers were and what methods they used to change the shiba's behaviour, because thanks to one particalar shiba, namely King, I have come to quite like and even admire this breed.  

From the aptly-named King I know that these dogs are incredibly smart, tough, independent and obstinate, and they're not suitable to be family pets (again, this is a generalisation and there are always exceptions).  King has been adopted and lives next to me, but he takes himself off to visit all the neighbours, hanging out when, where and for however long it suits him.  Luckily our community is very small so he's welcome at everyone's home, but this is the life that is perfect for King.  I know the situation is unusual and it's not possible to recreate such an ideal environment for all shibas, but when I hear about these dogs living in tiny homes with little exercise and mental stimulation with the resulting behaviour issues, I feel terribly sorry for them.  

Donny 

Donny is still a puppy shiba inu and we hope we got him in time to modify his behaviour. He's been improving a lot since coming to us, and a big part of that is the fact that he now lives with a group of other dogs that are teaching him social lessons, how to play and how to share.  A huge part of poor adult behaviour is due to lack of socialisation during puppyhood, when puppies are bought, or even adopted, as babies and then live very lonely lives. 

Donny has learned how to play with others

Mon 26th July: Why adopt from HKDR?

Blanco is now Rocket

 There are always certain breeds that are in-and-out, and for the larger sized dogs these are labradors and golden retrievers.  By chance we had two young labradors coming to us in quick succession, even though I always say we rarely have young and popular breeds like this.  One was given the name of Blanco, changed to Rocket on adoption, a name that suits him very well by all accounts.  What I used to say to everyone who asked about adopting a labrador puppy is "have you seen or read Marley and Me?", because this is typical behaviour for the breed until they mature and settle.  Labrador puppies seem to enjoy chewing things more than other breeds, and they're quite mad - in a nice way of course, if you don't mind the trail of destruction. 

Both Rocket and the other labrador, a seven month-old puppy, have this kind of crazy behaviour, so our very experienced trainer has been giving advice to the adopters, as she always does for anyone who adopts from HKDR.   As Cactus and I are in pretty much constant contact I see the sense and value of her advice and how well it works, assuming adopters follow her guidance.  Some cases are more challenging than others of course,  but for the most part the questions involve puppy play-biting, then adolescent (teenage) behaviour if it's a puppy adoption, and for adults it's the common settling-in and adjustment period.  Every HKDR adopter is given a booklet which contains everything your need to know about the basics of adoption, what you need to buy and prepare in advance, and what to expect afterwards. 

A free booklet for all HKDR adopters

As to the question of whether you can teach an old dog new tricks, or in other words can they learn new behaviour, the answer is yes, absolutely.  As an example take my dog Griffin, who had his first off-Lamma experience when I took him to the vet last week (and whatever was brothering him has passed now). I thought he had hated what happened, but since then he has started following me to the sampan when I'm heading over to Ap Lei Chau, which he had never done before, and even jumps on the boat hoping to join me for the ride across the Lamma Channel.  

In fact I was tempted to bring Griffin along with me today when I went to the Homing Centre for a (giant) cheque presentation by the Farzon Group General Manager Dora Wong for the proceeds of the Yappy Hour event at dog-friendly Eight Kwai Fong Happy Valley.  I'll be sharing the photo later but in the meantime you can see photos of the event over two weekends, plus other dog-related posts at https://www.facebook.com/EightKwaiFongHappyValley/

A good trainer can make all the difference to both dog and owner, especially first-timers who really don't know what to expect.  Unfortunately there are probably many more "bad" trainers in Hong Kong than good, starting with the worst of the worst, the old-fashioned types who believe that domination by the human and submission by the dog is the way to go.  These trainers use choke, pinch and even shock collars, sharp jerking on the leash, loud and sharp commands and even physical punishment.   Please avoid them at all costs, as they will damage the dog as much as a human child is damaged by such treatment.   

There are other trainers who aren't as overtly cruel as the above, but they don't use fully positive training methods and may still recommend things like choke collars and more subtle punishment.  The whole point of training is that you want the dog to work with you, not for you, to be happy to follow your guidance and to please you.  No puppy is born with that knowledge, but they are like sponges who absorb what they see and hear and respond accordingly.  If they are scared that they will be punished for accidents or what their humans consider to be bad, they will grow up being afraid.   It's common sense really, but it's hard to change long-standing attitudes and beliefs about dogs and how they should be treated. 

Facebook page Rescue Happiness 

With so much research these days into dog psychology and behaviour, Cactus is also always expanding her own knowledge by participating in various specialised courses, and is happy to pass what she has learned to our HKDR adopters.  It's a very interesting science and it's good to know that we have moved on such a long way in understanding dogs and their behaviour.   

Sun 25th July: An "exclusive" puppy event

Sweet boy Percy 

 The puppy afternoon at Whiskers N Paws was what might be called an exclusive event as there were only two hopefuls there, thanks to kennel cough at the Homing Centre.  As it happens both Percy and Echo are "the ones left behind", meaning all of their siblings have been adopted and they are still waiting.  There's absolutely no reason for this, no behaviour or health issues, it's just that their families (and I know they're out there somewhere) haven't come forward yet.  If there's one good thing to come out of this quiet two hours at Whiskers N Paws it's that Percy and Echo got the full attention of Eric Tang, our volunteer photographer for the day  Puppy Adoption Day 25th July 2021.  Maybe, just maybe, these two puppies will win the big prize of being adopted as a pair, who knows. 

Lovely Echo

It's been a longish wait for shiba inu Stella as she has some leg problems, with one side being from an old break that wasn't properly set, and the other side having patella luxation (wobbly knee).  Her adopters had come to see her on Saturday and were back again today after having fully considered the issues, and wanting her anyway.  Stella is a sweet girl who was used as a breeding dog before, so while every adoption is a happy event it's always extra lovely to know a dog will never be used as a money machine again. 

Stella has her perfect home

It was also second time lucky for Dozer when he went home with another ex-HKDR bulldog. We had really wanted Dozer to have another dog in the home to satisfy his love for playing, and hopefully these two boys will be an equal match.  I know everyone at Ap Lei Chau will miss this funny boy and his entertaining antics, so I'm looking forward to seeing videos of him and his new "brother".

Dozer in front

What I want more than anything though is to see more dogs leaving our Tai Po Homing Centre.  We've taken in so many over the past month or so, and they're such lovely girls and boys, easy, good-natured and ready to move straight into a new family life.  I really hope more potential adopters can visit and meet the dogs that are waiting, and to see how amazing they are.   Just complete the adoption questionnaire and let us tell you about the dogs that will be best suited for your home and family:  www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/

Sat 24th July: Flag Day

Nothing to do with Flag Day, this is new boy Tommy

 I had to write about our Flag Day yesterday otherwise I would have been a day too late, so today I'll only say a huge thank you to everyone involved, and that's staff, volunteers and those who bought the flag stickers, as well as the gorgeous designs by Paintinks by Melt.  As this is an event that involves a government department you can probably imagine the red tape and paperwork required, both before and after, so I know Ka Yan will be breathing a sigh of relief that it's over for another year other than the post-event report that has to be submitted.  Anyway, it's important for us to be able to get out on the streets and to raise not only funds but also awareness, so it's not time and effort wasted.

Little Rufus is fine

I haven't previously mentioned (yet another) health scare we've been going through at our Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre because we really didn't know for sure what was happening.  There's been a lot of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) this year, and while these infectious diseases do appear regularly and then leave as quickly as they came, the recent outbreak was particularly lethal and was affecting adults as well as puppies.  It's heartbreaking to see the positive test results and know there's really nothing that can be done except to hope, so when some puppies started with a runny nose again we immediately sent all of them for testing and isolation.  It was such a relief when almost all came back as negative meaning it's just kennel cough, the equivalent of a human cold, and even the couple whose test was positive were so active in hospital that it was suggested they move to foster homes to recover.  

Percy is fine and really ready for his new home

However, even with kennel cough we can't send puppies to adoption events, so there won't be many at Whiskers N Paws this Sunday even if we still have many available, including the three beautiful newcomers who went straight to foster homes.  They haven't been vaccinated yet so they can't even go out, but you can apply for adoption by completing the questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/

New puppy boy

We do have the "A" litter of Aggie, Angus, Arthur and Axel at our Ap Lei Cau Homing Centre, and you can see their video here: https://www.facebook.com/HKDR.DOGGIES/videos/342854594091103

Don't forget that we have many, many lovely dogs waiting at our Tai Po Homing Centre to meet their new families and you can always see updates and lovely photos here: https://www.facebook.com/HappyWoofHK

Fri 23rd July: As one life ends, new ones begin

 It's Flag Day on Saturday, and I hope many of you will be out looking for our volunteers on the streets of Hong Kong Island, especially after early morning rain cooled things down somewhat.  Along with everyone else I was melting today when walking around, so I'm pleased that awful hot haze has lifted. 

Griffin wanted to join me again!

Thank you for your messages of concern about Griffin, and just so you know what a joker he is he insisted on accompanying me to the sampan today when I had to take another sick dog, Cinder, over to Acorn.   In fact Griffin seemed to be really excited about this early afternoon outing, something he's never even attempted before, so I think he's fine.   Very sadly however it was Cinder's final journey as an ultrasound showed he was suffering from splenic torsion, meaning the spleen had twisted, cutting off blood supply.  Everything happened at the time of the mini typhoon earlier in the week meaning I couldn't get over to Hong Kong from Lamma, and then I had to decide who to take first, Griffin or Cinder. With Cinder needing a blood transfusion before any surgery could be attempted, I didn't want him to suffer any longer.   As with all of my Lamma dogs I can remember Cinder as a very cute baby puppy when he arrived twelve years ago, and I know he had a happy life so there are no regrets about that. 

New boy Tommy

As Cinder's story ended, four new arrivals continued the never-ending cycle.  Three of these were puppies, and one small-sized young boy, now called Tommy.  While the pups went straight to foster homes, Tommy stayed at Ap Lei Chau and will be going for his check-up and vaccinations on Saturday.  He wasn't microchipped so the age is just an estimate, but we were told he's around four years old.  I'll share photos of the puppies once we know that they're healthy, but they're really very cute.

Thurs 22nd July: I'm a worried dog owner

Xixi is a Failed Foster puppy

 Two puppies were adopted from their foster homes today, one being Xixi, who's been with her family since she first arrived meaning they join the Failed Foster Club.  Congratulations!  In fact I'd mistakenly written before that all of the "X Factor" puppies had been adopted, completely forgetting about Xixi because she'd been taken on arrival and not been seen since, although of course Cindy has been in regular contact throughout. 

I'd already mentoned baby Bessie, but her adoption has now been formalised with the paperwork completed even if she'll stay in her current foster home for a while longer.  

Remember the campsite family? Waiting for Ming today at ALCVC

I was at Concordia Pet Care with my Lamma dog Griffin for a couple of hours in the afternoon, and it was a good reminder of why he had never been adopted as a puppy, or rather why he had been returned by his adopters after a short time.  He's an incredibly sweet and friendly dog, happy to greet everyone with a wagging tail, but if you get personal with him in the sense of trying to check his body, that's a different matter.  He had to be sedated in the end and everything took much longer than planned for, and while the outcome was a happy one in the end (nothing physically wrong with him) it meant driver Ming's schedule for picking up other dogs and puppies from various places was completely thrown out.  

An unhappy Griffin going home

I'm still concerned about Griffin because his behaviour suddenly changed recently, and that's one of the signs that all dog owners notice that vets can't see.  Griffin loved his walks but now refuses to come along, and while he's always slept on my bed with me now he's taken to getting off and disappearing halfway through the night.   He was definitely not happy with me after today's experience and I'm wondering if I'll ever be forgiven. 

Maybe it was the sedation after-effects, but one of the signs that Griffin wasn't happy was that he refused the new GrowsFresh bones that were donated again today, and usually he's first in line for his.  The other dogs loved the bones of course, and thanks again to www.growsfresh.com for this very popular and healthy treat.  By the way, they offer a lot more than meat if you check their website. 

Weds 21st July: A new walking route for Ap Lei Chau dogs

The poodles are all related

 When I open my emails first things in the morning there are already a lot of messages needing to be replied to, and then more arrive throughout the day and well into late evening.  I knew something was wrong when Eva referred to an email that had been sent to both of us but which I hadn't received, and checking back I saw that my last message was at 1pm and then nothing, and that really never happens.  

Thankfully most internal messages are sent via Whatsapp so at least there was communication between the staff, which was just as well because we had an emergency situation with poodle Strudel in the early evening which continued until late when she was taken to Concordia Pet Care for hospitalisation and 24-hour care.   Strudel was one of four poodles who were surrendered to us, with the oldest pair being twelve years of age and the youngest having a serious heart problem, maybe due to the fact that she's the result of inbreeding mother with son.  Anyway this is a long way of saying if I don't respond to an email sent or an adoption questionnaire it's because I didn't receive it.  Ka Yan is working on the problem so I hope things will be resolved very quickly.

The catalogue has been updated now

I managed to drop by the Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre and while I was there I picked up the Chinese paintings I'd bought for myself, and then hopped over to Aberdeen in the hope that a framers I'd used decades ago would be still be there.  Thankfully it was, even though the whole area is being torn down and redeveloped, so I was able to hand over the artwork to be framed.  The man in the shop commented that the paintings were very old, which they are, so if you'd like to take the opportunity to buy original Chinese art at an amazing price please email eva.loo@hongkongdogrescue.com for an updated catalogue showing which paintings are still available after many have already been bought.   As a reminder the paintings are $500 each, or $1000 for three. 

FFollow the yellow pawprints like Dozer

Walking to the ferry which runs non-stop between Ap Lei Chau and Aberdeen I noticed little yellow pawprints had been painted the entire length of the waterfront promenade, or praya is it's called.  I understood this to mean that the area must have been included in the new dog-friendly scheme, which is great news for the dogs and the volunteers who can now enjoy walking the dogs along the entire length of the waterfront to take in the views of the boats and local life, rather than having to stick to the dog park.  Of course it's on leash for the dogs but I think they'll appreciate the change of scenery and scents as much as the dog walkers, so I'm really very happy that this has happened. 

For anyone who wants to become a volunteer dog walker we particularly need more help at Tai Po, and especially on weekdays.  I receive many emails (other than today of course) asking about signing up, and telling me that all orientation classes are full, but if you can volunteer during the week then we can fast-track you.  However we can't make exceptions for those under eighteen years of age (another very common request), or for anyone who just wants to help out short-term.  Getting to know the dogs and really being able to be of assistance takes time, so long-term volunteers are very valuable to us.  

You can find out more by visiting our website www.hongkongdogrescue.com/volunteer/

Gigi's new life starts today

I almost forgot to mention that little Gigi was adopted today and has a new family life now. 

Tues 20th July: No adoptions, only rain

Good weather is predicted for Saturday

 I've been unable to get over to Hong Kong Island for the past couple of days thanks to the weather, and it seems that Wednesday is also going to be rainy even if the typhoon warnings are no longer necessary.  I've been watching the weather forecasts with particular interest because of our upcoming Flag Day on Saturday, so it's a relief to know we should be fine and the volunteers out on the streets won't be standing in the rain.  Please make a point of looking for them and dropping something in the collection bags if you're out and about, thank you.

At times like the present when there's constant rain and everything including the dogs are always wet, we really need dry towels to mop up, wipe and for the dogs to lie on.  If you have old towels to donate please send them our way, to either of our Homing Centres, thank you.  We're also happy to accept bedding such as sheets and quilt covers, but please no pillows or cushions as we can't wash them.  Newspapers of course are always also needed. 

I also have to say a big thank you for theYappy Hour weekend events at Eight Kwai Fong Happy Valley. There was a total of 151 dog visitors resulting in  $7,550 being raised but  "We'll triple it to $22,650 as a donation to HKDR".  That's an incredibly kind gesture and even better that it came as a result of dogs and their families enjoying a wonderful time out at this new dog-friendly residential complex.  

"Yappy hour has received very good feedback from 'pawrents' sharing that it's quite rare for a developer promoting a pet friendly residence in such a high profile way with a number of pampering activities for their furry friends. Visiting a new residence with their furry friend perhaps is 'the first' they have ever seen in this city. Most of the furry friends were leaving with a smiley face, and some even did not want to leave :) We miss them!"

Mon 19th July: In-and-out and Dozer's return

Lovely Lilian

 I should start by mentioning the two new additions to the dogs at our Tai Po Homing Centre that came to us on Sunday, both again from the North West New Territories area although this time directly from the family and not via AFCD.  Now called Lilian and Mason, they went to AFCD today for their rabies vaccination and licensing, and have a vet appointment booked for all the tests, checks and regular vaccination.  I assume they will have heartworm just like all the other local village dogs, but we'll have to wait to have that confirmed. 

Happy boy Mason

I wasn't able to get over to Ap Lei Chau and beyond today thanks to the bad weather, so I didn't meet the labrador puppy that was surrendered in the afternoon, and then quickly adopted. 

In-and-out

This puppy, now seven months old, had been bought from a local pet shop but apparently imported from Japan, and since the owners lived in South Horizons where dogs aren't allowed they had never taken it out for a walk.  Now with the owner pregnant the puppy was no longer wanted and luckily brought to us.  I'm not going to comment as I don't think I need to.  All I will say is that today was the best day of this dog's life so far. 

Percy and Dozer

I mentioned bulldog Dozer had to be returned due to the size and weight difference which caused problems for the Frenchie who was going to be Dozer's brother.  The thing about Dozer is that he LOVES to play, and he's a big boy so he could squash a small dog even if he didn't mean to.  He's sweet and funny and not remotely aggressive, but he does need a playmate who's willing to wrestle non-stop.  As soon as he came back to the Homing Centre the playing started, and how can you not love a dog like this?

Any playmate will do