Weds 31st Aug: 55, Whoop whoop!

Will small-sized Misty be next?

 Another month has flown by and it's time to count the adoptions, as well as the number of dogs and puppies arriving to take the places of the lucky ones.   I'm very happy to see that the outgoing number is greater than the incoming, as fifty five dogs and puppies found their forever homes during August, while we took in forty.

Tai Po Homing Centre:

Timmy (Multibreed)

Akio (Shiba Inu)

Charlotte (Multibreed)

Gordon (Multibreed)

Kennedy Town Homing Centre:

Harvey (Australian Shepherd)

Taryn (Multibreed)

Ginger (Multibreed puppy)

Inez (Multibreed puppy)

Gambit (Akita Inu)

Tobias (Multibreed)

Jenkins (Multibreed)

Halo (Terrier cross)

Gaby (Poodle)

Mustard (Multibreed)

Mopsy (Multibreed puppy)

McFly (Multibreed puppy)

Muddy (Terrier cross)

Kenny (Multibreed puppy)

Kai (Multibreed puppy)

Harper (Multibreed)

Holly (Multibreed puppy)

Claire (Multibreed)

Scribble (Terrier cross)

Fonzi (Shiba Inu puppy)

Faye (Multibreed puppy)

Impi (Multibreed puppy)

Cole (Multibreed puppy)

Gina (Poodle)

Gala (Schnauzer)

Aria (Multibreed puppy)

HKDR@Elgin:

Jilly (Multibreed)

Alfie (Terrier cross)

Ap Lei Chau Red Dog Centre:

Snoop (Pug)

Beemer (Spaniel cross)

Whiskers N Paws:

June (Multibreed puppy)

Indie (Multibreed puppy)

Maize (Multibreed puppy)

Munchie (Multibreed puppy)

Foster Homes:

Dulcie (Multibreed puppy)

Demi (Multibreed puppy)

Tilly (Multibreed puppy)

Joanna (Multibreed puppy)

Ginny (Schnauzer)

Luna (Akita)

Soybean (Multibreed)

Tinny (Multibreed puppy)

Tia (Multibreed puppy)

Taylor (Multibreed puppy)

Tatum (Multibreed puppy)

Trudy (Multibreed puppy)

Freda (Multibreed puppy)

Tina (Multibreed puppy)

Ilona (Terrier cross)

Titan (Multibreed puppy)

Our Forever Dogs:

Imogen (Lamma)

Sandy (Lamma)

Faith (Lamma)

Rescued Dogs (Total: 40)

From AFCD: 9

From other sources: 31

As far as the latest intake are concerned, they're all still a bit shy and scared, except for Abby who seems to have adjusted better than the rest.  Assumed siblings Archie and Alexi are also starting to warm up, and I think that once they're in a normal home environment they'll be fine.  We're not looking for a home for the two of them together, and I suspect they would prefer to have their own space anyway. 

I'm very grateful for the much-needed volunteer help that's been offered, because we don't have the staff at HKDR@Elgin to handle the cleaning and feeding and everything else that's involved.  In fact everyone has been so willing to pitch in that I was wondering if any might also be open to helping out at the Sunday Puppy Parties at Whiskers N Paws.  It's only two hours that are needed, between 2pm and 4pm, and it's really mainly to watch over the puppies, clean up after them as needed, and to break up any playground fights.  Kids will be kids. 

It's not just the puppies who get into arguments, as the adults are even more likely to become frustrated at being put together in a small space, especially if they're the type known to be less tolerant, like the shiba inus currently staying at Kennedy Town.  

Foxy and Fritter are two year-old ex-breeder shiba inu girls who admittedly still don't look their best, but these things take time. They are sweet and friendly to humans, and like to have all your attention. If you are interested in adopting Fritter or Foxy, and understand the shiba need for adventure and mental stimulation, please complete the adoption questionnaire as a first step. It's at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/

Tues 30th Aug: Highs and lows

Why is Dudley still waiting?

 Working with animals brings a mix of emotional highs and lows, with every adoption being a highlight while the sad cases are also too frequent.  For me personally, seeing baby puppies arrive with their innocent faces and hearts and watching them grow into happy and funny youngsters, then doglets, and still without a home until they finally move to Tai Po, is very sad.  I keep watching and hoping that a message will come that these individuals have been chosen, but sometimes that just doesn't happen, even if there's no reason.  Dudley is one of those unlucky ones who came to us as a young puppy and spent his first months in a wonderful foster home.  He grew into a sweet and loving doglet, but at nine months of age he's still waiting for a family of his own to love him forever.  A corner of my mind always has an image of Dudley in it, and it will stay there until there's not need to worry about him any more. 

Drake eyes open mid-April

Drake now

We took in a litter of newborns from AFCD at the end of March, no more than a day old, and while they were lucky in that they all went to loving foster homes, there came a time when they had to be returned to our Kennedy Town Homing Centre.  They're now no longer babies, and we're still waiting for even one of them to be chosen.  They were born at the wrong time with summer just around the corner, and maybe they're just not cute enough, I really don't know.  You can see the "D" litter (Daphne, Duke, Drummond, Dawn, Drake and Darwin) as they are now on Eagle's Facebook page hkdr_eagle , and maybe as people are returning from their summer breaks they will finally get their chance.

We received a surrender request today, not from the actual owner this time but from a concerned neighbour who told us about the horrific years of abuse this dog had endured.  The actual owner had finally agreed to hand the dog over, and I don't want to share any specifics at this point because I just want to get the dog (a popular breed).   What happens then is tricky because of the current cruelty laws, or lack of them, and the complications of proof.   I'll update once the dog is safely with us.

It's official, Alfie's staying

Some good news now, the little dog Alfie who was whisked off to his new home almost as soon as he arrived at HKDR@Elgin, has had his adoption confirmed.  He's still not sure of where he is or why his life changed so suddenly and drastically, but I'm sure he'll soon realise how very lucky he is. 

As for the rest of the group, they all went to ALCVC today for their health checks, vaccinations and licensing, so everyone is ready for adoption interviews.  Please start by completing the questionnaire before coming to meet them, and you can find it at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/

The 4 new "A" girls are settling in at Tai Po

Mon 29th Aug: Beemer's big day finally arrived!

Beemer has a home! 

 It was my day to meet the new dogs at HKDR@Elgin, but first of all I want to make a big adoption announcement which proves that there's a home for every dog if we wait long enough.  I've written many times about Beemer with the two-and-a-half legs, and although he's an incredibly sweet boy, small sized and young, the fact that he's handicapped put potential adopters off.  Except today, when Beemer found the best home possible, and I know he's going to have an amazing life with his new family and dog friends.  Congratulations Beemer, and thank you to his adopter for not caring about physical perfection and only seeing the perfect dog inside.  Yay!

The four larger dogs moved to Tai Po

After spending their first night at HKDR@Elgin, it was time to separate the four large dogs, get them checked and vaccinated at ALCVC, and then moved to our Tai Po Homing Centre.  These dogs are all young and sweet, although understandably confused and nervous about what's been happening to them, but they accepted being leashed and loaded into the van.  If you want to meet them at Tai Po, please start by completing the adoption questionnaire as a first step.

Adam looks like a GSD puppy

With the big dogs gone, all except one gorgeous German shepherd lookalike, Adam,  we split the small and medium dogs into two groups and moved some into the larger area that had been used for the bigger dogs.  

Assumed siblings Alexi and Archie chose to leave the smaller dogs behind and joined Adam in the more spacious enclosure, and each promptly had a long pee.  They must have been holding it is since they arrived, showing that they are probably used to being taken outside, or at least away from their living space, for toilet needs.  In fact Alexi then carefully pushed the now-wet towel into a corner and out of the way, again showing that she was upset about having had to pee indoors. (Both dogs were shaved before coming to us, so they will have coats to match their heads when the hair grows back). 

There were a few volunteers helping out, so we tried taking the dogs outside for a walk to see how they were and whether they were comfortable wearing a collar and harness.  Abby was the star, making it clear that she was used to walking outside and loved it, and she's a very sweet and happy girl who appears to have some dachshund in her (maybe). 

Some of the dogs are still very scared, although not at all aggressive, and they stayed huddled together. 

Cam has been busy stocking the shelves 

While I'm talking about HKDR@Elgin I want to remind everyone that the ground floor is now a well-stocked shop selling everything your dog could want to need, as well as a big range of T-shirts and hoodies for humans.  Please support us by dropping by and taking a look, and buying something while you're there.  I picked up some great toys for the smaller Lamma dogs who love to destroy everything very quickly, namely Phaedra the cocker spaniel and Donny the shiba inu. They're total toy fanatics but nothing lasts for very long. 

Alfie went home for the night

After leaving Soho we had a potential adopter drop by, and by late evening the first dog of the group had left with his (hopefully) new family.  Several people have asked about Alfie, so I will confirm whether he'll be staying permanently, or whether he's still available. 

As we don't have adoption staff working at HKDR@Elgin, please complete the adoption questionnaire before dropping by to meet the dogs.  Some volunteers, and staff member Cam, are always there but they may not be able to answer questions about the adoption process, so please be patient. The dogs may also be out for their vet check, as they will all need to be looked over and vaccinated.  The questionnaire is at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/

Smaller puppies at Kennedy Town

There are also smaller-sized puppies who came as part of this group of dogs, and they're already staying at our Kennedy Town Homing Centre.

There's another dog that I haven't mentioned before, and that's because he has severe neurological issues due to puppy distemper.  While Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) often kills, those lucky ones who make it and survive are often left with neurological damage.  This is usually twitching and bobbing, but in Aiden's case it's the front leg that's affected.  The non-stop swinging is so bad, and upsetting to see to be honest, that probably amputation is the only way that Aiden can live a full and normal life.  He's a young boy at only a year old, and we need a foster home for him so he can be cared for post-amputation (assuming that's the course we need to take).  If you can help, please contact Cindy at foster.hkdr@gmail.com.

Sun 28th Aug: A sudden group arrival

Jack 

 I suppose it's the same with human babies as it is with puppies, some lose their cuteness as they grow while others blossom from ugly ducklings into swans (not literally of course, because all puppies are beautiful anyway).  Looking at today's Puppy Party photos by Eric Tang Puppy Adoption Day 28th August 2022, I see Jack as being one of those who just gets better all the time, and while I always had my eye on him as being gorgeous, he's now turning into an even more adorable doglet.  He won't be a large adult either, just like another "J" puppy Jude, who arrived at the same time as Jack and is also a very cute and smaller-sized boy.  In fact there are a few puppies here who won't be any larger than medium sized adults. Eric's photos are always amazing, so please take a look and let them speak for themselves.  

Jude hurt a toe so wears a cone for now

These 4 young adults will go to Tai Po

As a reminder of the day that Jude, Jack and many other dogs and puppies turned up at the same time and had to be temporarily accommodated in our then-new HKDR@Elgin location in Soho, there was a repeat of the same mad panic when I was told today there were twenty dogs on their way.  There's never any indication of what in terms of age or size, but usually they're small or medium.  However in today's case there were large young adults included in the mix, and they will have to be sent to Tai Po.

Small-to-medium adults

Two of the group, a young adult and a puppy, had to be sent straight to ALCVC for different reasons, while the other eighteen were sorted, photographed, checked, Frontlined and given worm tablets, as well as names. Thanks to Zing and Eagle for being the staff who rushed over to meet the dogs as they arrived, and the volunteers who quickly responded to my appeal for help.   We've set up a roster for any others who would like to help out at HKDR@Elgin, 22 Elgin Street, until the dogs are adopted or moved to Kennedy Town, as some puppies already have been. Please go to our Hong Kong Dog Rescue (HKDR) Facebook page to sign up if you would like to help. 

The puppies moved to Kennedy Town

All of the new adult dogs, small or large, are young, and if you're interested in offering a home to any of them please start by completing the adoption questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/

The photos are close-ups and don't show the dogs fully, but we do have full size photos of all of them if you are particularly interested in any particular ones. 

Sat 27th Aug: Suddenly full again

Aria left KT today

 While several puppies have been adopted from Kennedy Town recently,  including Aria today, we had a new intake to fill up any spaces left.  Four of these were new, rescued as strays, while another four were returned from their foster homes and are now fully ready to make their next move to become forever family members.   The new puppies are now the "Y" litter, and we'll hold onto them until we know they're fully healthy as they did arrive with some baggage in the form of ticks.

The 4 new puppies

Those returning from foster care were Misty, Mascot,  Joe and Jack, and you can tell from the initial letter of the names that they arrived at separate times.  

Misty and Mascot also returned today

Joe and Jack are back at KT

Joe and Jack were in the group that came to our HKDR@Elgin location, although they didn't stay long before heading off to their temporary homes.  You probably know that I have a soft spot for fuzzy-faced terrier types, and that's exactly what Jack is, as well as being quite small.  That means he'll be a medium sized adult, although very energetic (so don't think that he'll need less space or exercise than a large dog).   All four of these puppies will be heading to Whiskers N Paws on Sunday for the Puppy Party, 2pm to 4pm, as well as Jude, Moose and Mambo.  It's going to be a fun two hours on the terrace!

Meet these 4 on Sunday at WNP

Acorn was left on the street like this

Once again I have to mention that there's a good reason why we need to be sure that adopters fully understand the commitment required when bringing a puppy into your home, because one that was assumed to have been deliberately left on the street and tied to a railing (for hours) will be coming to join us as at HKDR.  The idea of having a cute little baby puppy to cuddle and care for is very different from the reality of having to cope with the feeding, cleaning-up and training, and this new girl, who will be called Acorn, is probably four months of age, the time when the cuteness is starting to fade and the demands on your time increase. 

Ilona is as good as new now

One of the small dogs that came to us needing complicated leg surgery went for her final check-up at Concordia today, and after having been given the all-clear by Dr Elaine, Ilona left with her new adopter to start life again with all four legs in full working order.  Look at the difference between the sad dog that arrived in June, and the happy and very beautiful young lady she is now.

 I'm looking forward to the same result for another super-cute puppy, Hudson, but we have to be patient and wait until he's ready for his next surgery.

Ilona the day she arrived in June

Fri 26th Aug: Remembering past dogs

Frankie's scars remained for life

 Although not happy news, I do appreciate it when adopters from years gone by let me know that their dog has passed away, crossed the Rainbow Bridge, or whichever term you prefer to use.  Today I received an email about a dog called Frankie who had died aged fifteen,  and when I saw the photo I immediately recognised him.  How could I not remember a dog that had come to us during our Pokfulam Kennels days with terrible muzzle scars on his nose, but which ironically made him a very special, one-of-a-kind dog.  There are twenty official years of memories tucked away in my brain, but many more from the days before HKDR was formed. It might take me a while to dig those memories out, but I usually get there eventually. 

Sandy the day she appeared

I was reminded of the pre-HKDR days again when a stray dog turned up in the bay a few weeks ago.  This used to be a regular occurrence, and was how and why I started rescuing dogs in the first place, but over the years there were thankfully far fewer cases.  Anyway, when this dog arrived I was asked by a neighbour if it was one of mine, but having established that it wasn't, and that it also hadn't come from any of the fish farms in the bay, the dog just stayed around.  She had an unpleasant growth hanging from her underside, so while I was happy to give her food every day I wanted to get something done about removing the growth and having her generally checked.  That happened today, and the poor girl had so many serious problems that I asked for her to be euthanised while she was under sedation.  I had called her Sandy because she liked the beach and to wade in the sea, and although I had no real connection to her other than watching her from my window as she wandered around, I wanted to at least give her a mention. 

Back to our current HKDR dogs and puppies, schnauzer Gala was taken home today for a short trial with the resident cats.  I feel sure there won't be a problem, because Gala is a sweet girl who has suffered enough during her days as a breeder dog.  In fact if she hadn't ended up being thrown out by the breeder she would without a doubt ended up with the same issues as Sandy. 

There will be at least one older puppy taken home from our Kennedy Town North Street Centre on Saturday, but I won't mention the name until she's on her way to her new home.  However she won't be included in the list of available puppies shown below, some of whom will either also be adopted over the weekend or move from their foster homes to Kennedy Town.  Foster puppy Tina has been adopted, leaving brother Titan still available at this point, and we have some new puppies arriving on Saturday so things are always changing: 

Tina has been adopted

HKDR Kennedy Town Homing Centre - Shop 4, G/F, Brilliant Court, Sai Hong Lane, 28 Praya, Kennedy Town

Clio (F), Molly (F), Poppy (F), Ike (M) and Ottilie (F)

Mambo (M),  Moose (M)

HKDR Headquarters - Shop 4, G/F, Cheong Yue Mansion, 13-19 North Street, Kennedy Town

Edgar (M) and Evan (M)

Alan (M) and Kyle (M)

Dawn (F), Darwin (M), Duke (M), Drummond (M) and Drake (M)

Whiskers N paws - 10/F Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau 

Jude (M) Muppet (M), Mojo (M)

Foster homes@Hong Kong Island

Charlie (M) and Cressie (F) @Chung Hom Kok

Roland (M) @Pok Fu Lam

Tanya (F) and Tabitha (F) @Kennedy Town

Felli (F) @Wan Chai

Azaria (F) @Happy Valley (Instagram Page @zeldainthevalley )

Titan (M)  @Happy Valley 

Zippy (M) @North Point

Foster homes@Kowloon and New Territories

Josh (M)  @Ho Man Tin

Joe (M) and Jack (M) @Kowloon Tong

Mascot (M) and Misty (F) @Tseung Kwan O

Tommy (M) and Tiffany(F) @Tseung Kwan O

Thurs 26th Aug: Our smaller dogs

 

Black-tan Gabriel is very easy in his foster home

With the "typhoon" having passed very quickly we can start thinking about the weekend again and which dogs or puppies will have their lives changed forever.  At this point I do want to stress the "forever" part, because sadly we are still getting too many adopters who are leaving Hong Kong and not taking their dogs with them.  The worst are those who adopted from other organisations but think HKDR is the go-to place when they don't want the dogs any more or can't keep them for whatever reason, but it's also incredibly upsetting when they're ex-HKDR dogs too.   

Of course nobody can plan their whole lives and know exactly what's going to happen over the next fifteen years, but if there's a chance that you might be moving to another country at some point, please be aware that it's not just a case of booking a flight and paying for a ticket any more.  Flying a dog to another country has become difficult and expensive, and if you can't afford to pay whatever's needed to take your dog with you, then please don't adopt one.  You can always foster if you're not sure of where you'll be in the next few years, but the number of dogs we now have at our Tai Po Homing Centre is already very challenging, to say the least. 

Little Henry

The smaller dogs are easier for us to accept and re-home, and as a reminder of those we still have available for adoption at our Kennedy Town Homing Centre, or in foster homes, I should start with Henry, because he's young, healthy and very sweet.  I can only think that his wonky smile is the reason for him not having been adopted yet, because everything else is perfect.

Gala

Gala the schnauzer and Grace the poodle are two ex-breeder dogs, also very sweet even if they still need to be treated for heartworm.  

Hendrix the poodle-type is an incredibly sweet boy who came to us with painful ulcers in his eyes, but after treatment the ulcers have healed.   He also arrived having been completely shaved, but when his coat grows back it will be a full poodle coat.  The photo shows a newly-arrived Hendrix with clearly sore eyes, as well as chihuahua-griffon Herbie, currently in a foster home and heading for a "Fail". 

We also have the two shiba inu ex-breeder females, Fritter and Foxy, who admittedly still don't look their best, but these things take time. 

Snuffle and Snoopy

Snuffle and Snoopy the (older) pug puppies are adorable and funny, but we're still hanging on for a home where they can stay together.  Their time in quarantine after having been smuggled in from China has made them very dependent on each other, and while they'd survive if separated, I don't think it's fair or necessary at this point. 

Pigly

Pigly is a single pug and a very sweet boy, but like so many other dogs that are surrendered to AFCD, he's also currently being treated for his bad skin.  We're also considering having facial fold surgery to remove the excess skin on his nose that traps dirt and grease and easily becomes infected. 

Tessa moved to Lamma recently

Tessa also moved to the Lamma Home for Small Dogs (where the pug boys are staying), and while she's a shy girl, especially at first, she'd be fine in a home with another dog as a companion.  We know that because she was in a foster home before (with another dog) and she was very happy there. Like Henry, Tessa has that distinctive wonky smile, and they may even be related. 

Meadow already looks so much better

Our special needs small dogs are staying at the small "Red Dog Centre" in Ap Lei Chau, although they're both very sweet. Shih tzu Meadow was found in the trash (yes, really) with long-term untreated dry eye resulting in her becoming blind.   

Beemer

Beemer, as you will know if you've been reading my blog for a while, has two-and-a-half legs, but he runs and plays very well regardless.  He's a very loving and affectionate little boy, and I feel sure that someone will come forward to offer him a home.  

Hudson needs a home!

Puppy Hudson is also currently a special needs boy, but we're really hoping that he can be "repaired" to the point where he'll be able to run around normally.  His knee surgery has helped a lot, but there will be hip surgery needed later.  Hudson is currently in a foster home, but it's only until late September.  

If you want to know about fostering please contact Cindy at foster.hkdr@gmail.com, and for adoption start by completing the questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/

Weds 24th Aug: Ma-On off

Beautiful 1 year-old Kasey in foster with a cat

 I'm not going to complain about the quick in-and-out of the "typhoon" Ma-On, because the last thing we need is a real hard hitter.  However, preparations are the same whatever the outcome as we can never know for sure what's going to happen, so we got as many dogs into Bad Weather Foster Homes as possible, although the total number wouldn't have been enough had things been more severe.  There will still be heavy rain on Thursday so the lucky dogs that were picked up today can stay dry in their foster homes, and can hopefully remain until the weekend.

If you would be willing to take a dog in for even just a couple of days for future typhoons (which I'm sure are going to come), please contact Cindy to be added to the list so we can have temporary homes on standby.  Her email at the moment is foster.hkdr@gmail.com (although hopefully we'll soon have foster@hongkongdogrescue.com restored).

Gina was adopted today

Poodle Gina left the Kennedy Town Homing Centre today to begin her new life, while Gordon moved out of  Tai Po permanently, just in time to miss the heavy rain. 

Gordon has been with HKDR since he was a puppy

Doing a bit of a catch up with photos, I also have the official adoption photo of puppy Tinny, now Tina, who has already transformed from a shy little pup to a confident and happy girl.  A home with lots of love is all it took. 

Tina is no longer timid Tinny

I also have a photo of the newly arrived German shepherd, Drogo, who was unfortunately surrendered just in time for the bad weather. I really hope he can find a new home soon. 

Poor Drogo needs a new home