Tues 30th Nov: A move is inevitable

 Another day meant another expedition out onto the streets of Hong Kong with Iris, the Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre manager, as we continued our search for a new location.  We have to make a decision soon, in fact the deadline has already passed, but there hasn't been anywhere that's really suitable.  I think we've been incredibly lucky to have discovered Ap Lei Chau all those years ago when it was still Hong Kong's best kept secret, and since then things got even better with the opening of the dog park so close to the Homing Centre, and then the waterfront becoming a "dogs allowed" promenade too.  Leaving is going to be huge wrench, no matter where we end up.  We've seen great spaces but in hard-to-access locations, and good locations but with the space being too small to accommodate all of the dogs and the office too.  It looks as though we're going to have to split into two separate places, which is a real shame. 

Jilly is still under a year old

Having adequate space for all of the dogs is more important than ever, as they're arriving faster than we've ever seen in the past.  Four more turned up today, a mix of the old and young, two of each in fact. 

Jasper the schnoodle

The young include an incredibly cute terrier girl, under a year old so still technically a puppy, and a young adult schnoodle boy (schnauzer-poodle cross).   The oldies are both boys and not in great shape, but I'm sure there are kind hearted dog lovers who will offer a soft bed and lots of love to these two.  

Poodle Jumble is a bit of a mess right now

Happily the smaller dogs are easy to home, but we won't ever be less than discerning about the type of home they go to.  It would be pointless to rescue dogs from bad situations and then to put them back into a similar type of home.   Unfortunately we've made mistakes, such as the newly-returned terrier Scribble, adopted for the children and then dumped at AFCD, but every time this happens it makes me more determined that every adopter understands the commitment of having a dog. 

Scribble is still only 6 years old

Jimmy is a senior too

Pilot is now Zeus 

Terrier Pilot, now Zeus, was today's lucky boy, and his name will be added to the November adoption list. 

Just 4 of the many baby pups in foster

I can never forget that there's a large number of puppies in foster homes, getting older by the minute and closer to the time when they're going to be looking for new homes.  By chance these  siblings were briefly reunited when they were taken for their vaccinations, and if you're interested in meeting them with a view to adoption please contact Cindy at foster@hongkongdogrescue.com.  They're not old enough to go to new homes as singletons just yet, but you can either adopt one and take the second on a foster basis, adopt one and wait until he or she is a bit older, or best of all adopt a pair and take them home immediately!

Mon 29th Nov: Baby lookalikes

Baby Tate

 There was a surprise delivery of three little puppies today, and the family resemblance to two of the other puppies we have seems to be evident.  

Baby Raisin 

There's a Baby Raisin and a Baby Tate, with the third perhaps the odd one out.   I anticipate that these puppies will be in demand due to their potentially small adult size, but the we still have Tate for some unknown reason.  He's also not a large size, but he's obviously waiting for exactly the right family to come along.  Raisin was momentarily adopted last Sunday but is now back with us, and not for any reason to do with her. 

Puppy Tate

Puppy Raisin

Two more of the recent "P Intake" are off the available list, with Jax being adopted today and Pilot due to leave on Tuesday. 

Only Palmer will be left from the terrier family

Behind the scenes, foster puppy Thor, one of the Rain Babies rescued as newborns during heavy rain, moved to his new home. 

Yay for Yolanda!

Probably the best news of the day though was the confirmed adoption of Tai Po dog Yolanda, a beautiful girl.

For all adoption enquiries please start by completing the questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/

Sun 28th Nov: Life is a ball at the Furrytails event

Adorable Pablo 

 Despite being non-stop all day at the Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre with potential adopters coming to meet the dogs, in the end only one adoption took place.  Pablo was the lucky dog, although honestly I think the adopters are the lucky ones too because Pablo is absolutely gorgeous, just like the rest of his terrier-type family.  I know that once decisions have been made following family discussions, there will be more adoptions to follow.  That's the problem with having so many to choose from.

Riley is a perfect size

Riley is one of those lucky dogs that only recently came to our Tai Po Homing Centre and has already left to start her life all over again.  We have many dogs like Riley, young and medium sized, sweet natured and perfect for any family.  

Donut - why are you still with us?

Four of our Tai Po dogs were at the "Furrytails" Lee Gardens rooftop event today, and they had a great time!  We'll be back next week if you missed going today to enjoy the amazing weather and a fun day out. 

Rocket thinking life is a ball

Of course Sundays also mean Whiskers N Paws and the puppy party that takes place every week from 2pm to 4pm Puppy Adoption Day 28th Nov 2021 (with many thanks to Rodger So for being this week's volunteer photographer).  The puppies are always exhausted when they get back to the Homing Centre after two hours of playtime, so much so that potential adopters who drop by later in the afternoon can only see a bunch of deeply sleeping puppies. 

Below is a video of Mavis in the ball pool at the Lee Gardens event, having the best possible time.  These outings are a great opportunity for dogs to experience something different from their normal routine, and to get them used to a variety of situations.  Please meet Mavis, Rocket, Donut and Tinsel (the four dogs who were there today) at our Tai Po Homing Centre so you can see for yourself how lovely they are. 

Sat 27th Nov: Is it Nobby's time for a home?

Milo leaving Ap Lei Chau

 This will be the last weekend of November and I'm hoping it will be a busy end to the month in terms of adoptions, so I'll start with the two for today, both small dogs from Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre.   One of these was poodle Milo, not part of any group intake but a "Red" dog from the small "Red Dog Centre" in Ap Lei Chau Main Street. 

Talking of Red Dogs, and poodles in particular, one of the dogs staying at the Lamma Home for Small (reformed) Delinquents is Nobby.  He's been with us for a long time, and several years ago he spent a few months in a foster home with an Australian family before they left Hong Kong.  Nobby was very happy there, but although we tried hard to find him a new home when his foster family had to return to Australia, we had no luck.  The day Nobby had to come back to the Homing Centre one of the staff gave him a bath in the then-Education Centre, where the office was also located.  We kept a few big dogs there, and one of these took a dislike to Nobby, jumped up and grabbed him from the arms of the person who was holding him.  Nobby was badly hurt, but worse than that he was also psychologically affected and became very afraid of other dogs, and people too.  It was because of that situation that he was moved to Lamma.   Since then Nobby has been distrustful of pretty much everything, even if he's happy enough in his own way.

Nobby in his foster home in 2017

The Lamma house is being given a fresh coat of paint so I've been going to see how the redecoration is coming along, and to my surprise Nobby has been incredibly happy to see me.  He asks for petting, jumps up to sit on my lap, and has been very sweet.  It occurred to me that he remembers the happy time he spent with his Australian foster family, and I remind him of the mother in particular, his main carer.  When the realisation dawned on me it made me quite sad, but at the same time I now know that Nobby is ready to move to a new home but it has to be with Westerners.  I apologise for having to be specific about that, but the memory is stuck in Nobby's own mind and I can't change that.  Nobby is now nine years old, and what we're looking for is a home with experienced dog owners, without children and in a quiet environment. Nobby is sweet and funny, as all poodles are when they're happy, and his favourite hobby is rearranging the "furniture", meaning moving the dog beds, blankets and cushions from one place to another.

Berry has her forever home

The seond adoption today was that of Berry, one of the "Cricket" family.  

Thank you as always to all adopters, and if you're interested in joining that select group please start by completing the adoption questionnaire, and with as much detail as possible. The questionnaire is at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/ 

Sunday is puppy day at Whiskers N Paws, 10/F Horizon Plaza, 2pm to 4pm, and you can meet lots of lovely hopefuls there.

Anna, Aria, Tate, Ally, Lacey and Archie

Fri 26th Nov: All dogs deserve the best homes

Pax and Pablo

 Every day's a new start and I have to put previous disappointments behind me, looking forward to the weekend and what that might mean in terms of adoptions.   In fact to kickstart the new day there was very happy news about the adoption of long-term Tai Po resident Keith, whose foster status has quickly been upgraded.  I remember Keith and his siblings coming to us as puppies a long time ago.  It was their funny jaws which made me give the nickname Keith the Teeth, but look who's laughing now! 

Keith the Teeth is adopted!

There are so many beautiful dogs at both Homing Centres, all deserving of the best homes and lives, and although that means disappointing some applicants we're doing this for the dogs, nobody else.  What that means is that we will choose the home that we think can offer the most in terms of space, companionship and exercise, the things that make dogs happy. 

The dogs all get along and enjoy the company

From the photo taken by long-term volunteer Harryn, you can see there are really a lot of smaller dogs now staying at the Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre, and while it seems to be crowded the dogs are happy.  They get lots of toys and indoor playtime with their friends, as well as regular outings to the dog park for more play and running around, so it's a busy and interesting life for them.  In fact being together as a group, or pack, is how dogs live naturally, while a solitary life is very difficult for social animals. 

Paulie can look forward to a happy life

One of the dogs shown in the photo isn't with us any more, as Paulie left today after his vet check showed his was healthy and ready to start his new life. 

Ally, Archie, Anna and Aria

Apart from the Homing Centres being open every day of the week, Sundays are when the puppies from the Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre and those staying in foster homes get together for two hours of play on the terrace at Whiskers N Paws, 10/F Horizon Plaza.  They don't know it, of course, but they're there for another reason, and that's so they can be seen by potential adopters, and hopefully taken home.  Remember to complete the adoption questionnaire if you're interested in any dog or puppy: www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/ 

Also taking place this weekend......... 

Hong Kong Dog Rescue (HKDR)

Find us at Lee Gardens “FURRYTALES” this weekend! HKDR will be the first animal charity to participate!

For families with children, sign for our “𝐁𝐞 𝐚 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐨𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫” 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 this Sunday (28Nov) for fun learning experience with our furry friends!

For families looking to adopt a dog, come meet our available medium-to-large sized dogs at 𝐇𝐊𝐃𝐑 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐭 𝐀𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫!

“𝐁𝐞 𝐚 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐨𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫” 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 (in Cantonese) Details and Sign Up: https://bit.ly/3DSzel1

𝐇𝐊𝐃𝐑 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐭 𝐀𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫 (no reservation needed):

28 November 2021 (Sunday) 2-4pm

5 December 2021 (Sunday) 2-4pm

Location: Lee Gardens 2 Rooftop Pool, Causeway Bay

Thank you First Initiative Foundation for the invitation! #FURRYTALES

Thurs 25th Nov: Think BEFORE you adopt

 Before I start on the reasons for calling this day a disaster I'll mention the one happy highlight which was the adoption of another of the "P Intake", this time Palmer.  Although all of the new dogs are now microchipped and licensed, their vet visit for a full health check will be on Friday, so both Paulie and Palmer (who seem to be brothers) will be picked up by their respective adopters after that.

Now, I need to repeat what I have said too many times before, and there are actually two points in one.  The first is that adoption is a commitment to the full life term of the dog, and if you adopt a puppy it could be fifteen years, or even longer for a small-sized dog.   It's not until you have children, or until you move home or to another country, or as long as you feel like it. 

The second, and more common situation, is when a dog is adopted for the children.  In case you hadn't noticed, children grow up fast and they live in the present.  Their demand for a puppy is a momentary desire, their promises to walk it, take care of it and pick up the poo no more meaningful than any other spur-of-the-moment promise, fully meant at the time but actually impossible for them to even comprehend.  Commitment for a young child means doing something today, maybe tomorrow, but certainly not in ten years time or more.  How can a child even begin to think about the future in those terms?  Meanwhile the adopted dog stays at the same level, estimated to be around two years in human terms as far as comprehension and development goes (probably a bit more in many cases).  They don't understand that outside activities and school studies are now more  interesting and important than they are, or that soon the child will be heading off for college in another country.  

Scribble in the HKDR van today

Today I got a message from AFCD that a small dog had been surrendered, with the now ex-owners saying they were moving abroad.  The dog, a terrier type then called Scribble, was adopted in 2016 as a one year-old and when the children were young.  Five years later obviously they're all much older in terms of interests, and the dog is thrown away like a piece of rubbish.  She's still a young adult at six years, easy to take to another country as part of the family, but I suspect this was never the plan, not even considered.  I'm seriously tempted to share the photos, taken at a time when "Creamy" was new and still a novelty.  I'm so angry about this kind of behaviour, not only the cowardice of the adults in not approching us to find a new home and thinking we wouldn't find out if they just dumped the dog at AFCD, but more for the poor dog herself.  The irony of these words, written when "Creamy" has just been adopted, is really too sad: 

"Creamy (Scribble) is adjusting very well to her new home. She is eating well, playing well, settling well and getting along extremely well with everyone. She particularly enjoys her daily walk in the park where she could meet other dogs.  The fun and joy Creamy (Scribble) has added to our family are simply priceless. We look forward to the years ahead as we continue to watch her grow as our happy and healthy companion!"  

We took a second surrendered dog from AFCD, an adult mongrel, and as he wasn't adopted from HKDR we don't have any history unfortunately.  We were told he has a lovely nature, but that didn't stop his ex-owners abandoning him so cruelly.  He was sent directly to Tai Po so his details will be posted very soon. 

Also being returned today (because the adopters couldn't agree on how to treat a dog) was gorgeous young pom-type Talia.  I really have no words for this one. 

Late in the afternoon took back two puppies (at our request), with an adult husky due to be returned (not the adopter's fault this time), so all in all the day was a pretty sad one. 

Weds 24th Nov: Bunty arrives in England

 Starting today's post with the best news of all, not only the adoption of a senior Tai Po dog (hooray!) but her safe arrival in the UK,  just proving once again that it's quite possible to take dogs with you when you leave Hong Kong.  Well done to Bunty for finding herself a great home, and huge thanks to her adopter.

Paulie held his ball while having a bath

While adoptions from the Tai Po Homing Centre are less frequent, a new intake of smaller dogs at Ap Lei Chau inevitably results in lots of enquiries, especially when they're all young.  Paulie was the first one to be chosen, an adorable ginger terrier with a passion for tennis balls.  In fact when he was having his bath just after arriving at the Homing Centre he didn't want to let go of his ball.

Some dogs love toys and balls, while others have no interest in them, and like everything else it just proves that they're individuals with their own likes and dislikes, especially when they're mixed breeds. 

The seven new puppies arrived today and went straight to their respective foster homes.  So far two females have been named (by their foster parent) as Lucy and Lola, so it looks like these are going to be the "L" litter. 

While puppies are young and in foster homes it's too easy to forget that they're there (unless you're Cindy, the Foster Coordinator). 

Very cute and chubby, but not labradors

There's the litter of six who all went to the same home together when rescued during the heavy rains, and another litter of chubbies who got a lot of interest when they first arrived because people thought they were baby labradors.  They're not, of course, they're mixed like all of the others, but when you get a litter that all look the same it means that the mother has only mated with one male during her fertile period.  There can be different fathers in one litter which is why there's often such a variety of colours, looks and size. 

If you're interested in fostering puppies, or adopting a puppy (or pair) from a foster home, please email Cindy at foster@hongkongdogrescue.com as a first step.

Tues 23rd Nov: Announcing the "P" Intake

 Happy news from Tai Po as one of the dogs featured in the "Top Dogs" grid was adopted today, and as one leaves another can be slotted in.  There are so many Top Dogs it's hard to choose only a few, but at least in this way we can highlight those included and perhaps help them on their way to new homes.  Before I forget to mention the lucky dog's name, it was Grizzly.

As I wrote yesterday, we'll be moving some of the larger puppies and medium-sized adults from Ap Lei Chau to Tai Po over the coming days or weeks, so there will be more puppies at the large Homing Centre than we normally keep there.  Hansel and Gretel, shown in the grid, are still puppies, and Donut too, even if he is heading towards young adulthood.  

As the first group left Ap Lei Chau today, the new small dogs arrived and they're young and really very sweet.  As always there seems to be family groups, this time terrier-types.  I gave them "P" names, so they'll be known as the "P Intake" for future reference.  Previous recent groups were "R", "T", and "B", so we can keep track of when they arrived.  Little Preston has a facial deformity and will be seeing Dr Tony at Acorn for an assessment in Wednesday, but he's a very happy youngster who doesn't seem to be at all bothered.

Bichon Bertie at the back is from the B intake

It's hard to believe that November is almost over and we'll soon be in full Christmas mode.  As always Whiskers N Paws have decked the store out with full seasonal decorations, which resident puppy Bagel was happy to be part of.  You can see for yourself when you next visit.

Bagel's ready for Santa

Mon 22nd Nov: The Exodus begins

The upstairs "Shy Squad"

 Still without any sign of a new location for the current Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre we're starting to plan for moving the older puppies and the upstairs "Shy Squad" to Tai Po.  That will mean clearing one of the enclosures at the big Homing Centre for the office area dogs that live together as a happy group:  Piggy, Alex, Dobby, Emma, Sarah and so on, so at least they can continue to have each other.  The puppies like Aston, Martin and beautiful black fluffy Tarmac will also have to leave their "nursery" and take the next step in their lives.  It's an inevitable move anyway for the older puppies, but it's going to be a shock for the shy dogs that see their current space as their real home.  

Unfortunately Tarmac is nervous with stangers

What concerns me most of all is the extra burden the additional dogs put on the Tai Po team, as weekday volunteers are hard to find and that means the very small staff having to work long and very hard days taking care of the dogs.  At least the weather has turned cool, and that makes the physical effort of repeatedly walking up and down the steep steps slightly more bearable, but it's undeniably tough.  I should mention that we still need another staff member at Tai Po, as the last recruit (a man this time) lasted no more than a couple of days before finding it all too much.  If you're dedicated, hard-working and resilient, please email may@hongkongdogrescue.com for details.  Of course you have to love dogs too.

Finding homes for the small dogs that stay at our Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre is much easier than the larger adults at Tai Po of course, and in fact we always have a waiting list for the young ones, and those that are good with children.   For those of your who read my blog every day waiting for news of potential arrivals, you'll be happy to know that we're expecting young adults and puppies of the terrier-poodle variety to arrive on Tuesday.  I actually have photos and details this time, which is unusual but very welcome, but I won't share the information until the dogs are actually with us so I can be sure that what I have been told is correct.  If you're one of those on the waiting list who have already been in contact, have completed the questionnaire and have been invited to visit, please email me directly if you want to see the photos.  Update: the dogs are on their way!

Sun 21st Nov: Double adoption, plus more

 There was a double adoption today, plus two singles and a foster upgrade.  It means not all of the puppies shown in Eric Tang's wonderful set of photos Puppy Adoption Day 21st Nov 2021 are still available because little Toyah was the on-site adoption for the afternoon's play party.

Tim (l) has a friend to support him

Tim also left Ap Lei Chau as a singleton, but he has a built-in brother already living as part of the family.  Tim's a shy boy so we really wanted him to go to a home with another dog to boost his confidence, and this applies to all of those who find it hard to cope without a four-legged friend. In fact you may recall that Tim was adopted before, but that lasted a very short time after we suggested he came back to us. 

The pair leaving our Tai Po Homing Centre as now-brothers were Radish, a very popular boy, and older puppy Ricky, who had started off life with HKDR at Ap Lei Chau but was moved to the bigger site so he could enjoy the sort of rough-and-tumble play he loves.  

Radish (l) and Ricky

Aptly-named Lucky was confirmed as staying in his foster home forever, automatically making his family members of the Failed Foster Club. 

Lucky Lucky (l) is now a forever family member

I asked the Tai Po team to put together twelve of our dogs-of-the-moment, meaning those who are easy and are really ready for their move to a family home.  The sad fact is that the longer dogs stay at the Homing Centre and become part of the dog group that they live with, the harder it becomes for them to adjust to living a human kind of life.   I was very sad to learn that sweet Timmy, who I'd been asking about on a regular basis and wondering why he was still with us, now thinks of the Homing Centre as his home, and the group of dogs in his enclosure as his family.  It's a double-edged sword providing the kind of life that dogs naturally enjoy, that is, living in a tight-knit group, because it becomes what they know, and subsequently want. As I have said many times before, dogs are creatures of habit so they feel comfortable in an environment that they're used to, and having a daily routine.    That's why we really like to get the new dogs in and out, before they form those bonds with the other dogs. 

Meet them at our Tai Po Homing Centre

Late in the evening I got a message about four puppies having been rescued by the regular volunteer finder of puppies-in-need, so Cindy will be looking for two foster homes to take in a pair each.  Please email her at foster@hongkongdogrescue.com if you can help. 

4 puppies need foster homes (as 2 pairs)