Fri 30th Sept: Missing a day

 My internet connection is really weak today so it's taking me forever to even get online.  It's definitely one of the downsides of living in a remote island hideaway, but the benefits are worth such minor hassles. However I'm going to either miss posting today's blog completely, or try to do it later, which will at least allow me to share the adoption total for September.  Apologies, but please enjoy what seems to be great weather for a change. 

Thurs 29th Sept: Coming up in October

An example of Mandy Chan's artwork

 It's hard to believe another month has passed and it's almost October, but we do have a few small events coming up to remind us about it being the time of year when the weather is supposed to be cooler and more suitable for being outdoors (unlike at present when the rain is bucketing down).  These aren't HKDR-organised rather events that we have been invited to participate in, like the SOHO East Halloween street party at the end of October, and an art exhibition by Mandy Chan taking place at Wabi Sabi Cafe starting on 6th October, where almost all of the proceeds will be donated to HKDR.  Details will obviously be shared on our Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as our website www.hongkongdogrescue.com.  I have to admit that I love Mandy Chan's work, and I have a feeling that many of you will too.

Our own HKDR Flag Day is also coming up very soon, so if you see the volunteers out on the streets of Hong Kong Island on Saturday 8th with the collection bags, please do stop and donate some notes (you can always feed the Coin Dragons with your spare coins).  

Thank you to Almond Wu 

As an ongoing promise for the future, we're always very happy to receive notices of legacy donations made via 遺善最樂 ForeverGift.hk,  the free Will-writing service that ensures that in times to come HKDR and our dogs will be remembered.  Today it was Almond Wu who included HKDR in her Will, for which many thanks. 

Weds 28th Sept: Last chance for the big KT puppies

 We've put off making this decision for as long as we can, but the time has come for the older and larger puppies to move from Kennedy Town to our Tai Po Homing Centre.  It's very hard to have seen them come to us as newborns and for their foster parents to have taken such good care of them (in the case of the "D" litter), and then to have to move them on once again to another unfamiliar place where they may or may not be chosen.  There are already so many lovely young dogs at Tai Po, and it's really just chance and luck that makes any particular one stand out when potential adopters are looking.  As a last chance request, can I ask that anyone who is looking for an older, large-sized puppy consider coming to meet these hopefuls.  

Lucky Yvonne (now Ripley)

One puppy who won't ever have to worry about her future is Yvonne, now called Ripley, as she has gone to join another ex-HKDR dog in her new home.  Lucky Yvonne has three siblings who are hoping to pick up on her good fortune very soon.

These "Y" puppies came to us at the end of August

Other than the larger puppies mentioned, we have one small dog who is still waiting for that elusive home.  Henry's details and photos have just been shared on our Hong Kong Dog Rescue Facebook page, but I loved this one photo so much I stole it for my own Facebook banner.   As you can see, Henry is a real comedian as well as being very sweet, but he's not comfortable around traffic or noisy areas, so we're looking for a home away from busy streets.  

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

Tues 27th Sept: More perfect-imperfect dogs

 

Samuel is just a year old and a very happy boy

Carrying on from yesterday's post about perfect-imperfect dogs and the expectations of some potential adopters, I should mention the one year-old poodle Samuel, who was surrendered to us because his ex-family couldn't handle his high energy.  Samuel had been bought from a breeder, and according to the information provided he was a very healthy poodle, specially selected for being a perfect specimen.  However, our Kennedy Town Homing Centre Manager, Iris, is pretty accurate when it comes to being able to assess a dog's knees, so after she had felt that Samuel had a degree of patella luxation we sent him to be checked by Dr Tony at Acorn.  The result came back today that yes, Samuel needs surgery on one leg now, and will probably need the other leg fixing at some point in the future as well.  So much for breeders and their claims.  Still, Samuel will be perfect once his knees have been fixed, and we're still looking for an adopter who can enjoy fun and adventures with a lively and happy little dog. 

Frodo is also a very sweet little poodle

It was the same knee problem that put many potential adopters off choosing sweet poodle Frodo, but this issue is so common in small dogs that it's always the first thing we look for. The most important thing for us if we find that there's some looseness in the knees is to make sure the surgery is properly done.  With little legs and tiny knees you can imagine how precise the surgeon has to be, and we've seen things go terribly wrong in other dogs when the vet hasn't got it quite right.   Frodo has been offered a foster home post-surgery, but he's still available for adoption if you're interested in a lovely little poodle. 

Pigly before losing an eye

One of the other imperfect dogs whose adoption went ahead regardless was pug Pigly.  He had sailed through his adoption interview when suddenly one eye swelled up, and there was nothing that could be done except to remove it. We were worried that Pigly would lose his home as well as the eye, but it made no difference to the adopter who confirmed that she still wanted him. 

These are of course all smaller dogs, while our main Homing Centre at Tai Po is where hundreds of larger dogs stay while they waiting to be chosen.  For some realistically that will never happen, but we never lose hope that their day will come, even if it's later rather than sooner.  Perhaps if you're considering coming to meet the dogs with a view to taking one home, this fantastic offer will help nudge you towards making the decision.  Thanks to our generous supporter at Woof Concept, from now on all adopters who adopt a medium-to-large sized dog from our HKDR Tai Po Homing Centre will be given a FREE set of dog leash & collar (valued close to $700) to go home with!*

Free while stocks last!

The Canadian made set of high quality products includes a martingale collar to ensure both the comfort and safety of your newly adopted dog. The leash is also a six feet leash with a YKK side release buckle to provide users with an extra attachment point. See more on Woof Concept's website: www.woofconcepthk.com

We have so many lovely medium-to-large sized dogs in Tai Po now who would love to go home with you in this cool set of leash and collar. Feeling ready to adopt and save a life? Speak to our HKDR Adoption Team today!

*Offer valid while stocks last, so don't miss it!

Mon 26th Sept: The perfect dog

The emails I most hate receiving are those that begin with "It is with a heavy heart", that most cliched of phrases which immediately makes me want to stop reading any further.   The heavy heart belongs to the dog who's about to lose its home and family, not the person sending the email, and I know I share this sentiment with many other animal rescuers I talk to. 

I really thought Adam had hit the jackpot when he was adopted

Today's heavy heart belongs to all of us who met and knew Adam, the beautiful young German shepherd(ish), whose happy update I shared only recently.  He's being returned because he probably had distemper when he was a puppy (the visible signs being his dirty-looking teeth), and the adopters only want a perfect dog.  I'm left speechless with this one because I really thought they loved Adam, and he was clearly very happy in the home.  He's being returned on Tuesday, and we need a new home for him as soon as possible, meaning immediately.   Adam is a gorgeous dog in every way, and if you can offer him space in your home please complete the adoption questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/.

Aiden is adopted! 

I'm happy to say that not everyone demands perfection in the dogs they adopt, and today another genuine distemper survivor from the same intake as Adam found his forever home.  This boy is Aiden, the one who had to have a front leg amputated to allow him to walk properly, as the leg swung non-stop as a result of post-distemper neurological damage.  Thank you to Aiden's new family, clearly genuine dog lovers. 

Aimi is missing the end of one leg

We also have an offer of a home for the shiba inu puppy Aimi, the one with the end of one leg missing.  We're still waiting to find out if she's a suitable candidate for having a prosthetic fitted or if amputation is going to be necessary, but with way she has been promised a home. 

Dogs accept their shortcomings without question, never even understanding that the way they are isn't the way they're supposed to be.  It really doesn't matter to them as long as they are loved, fed and taken care of. 

 This video popped up on my YouTube feed, and I thought it was interesting as it's a subject I've covered several times before.  As unfashionable as it seems to be these days to say there's a genetic difference between males and females, I'm a believer in nature and to me there's a definite difference, and that applies to dogs as well as any other animal.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwPEdUshO38

Sun 25th Sept: The wonderful surprise of mixed breeds

Mojo's big day arrived 

Benjamin Po was our volunteer photographer for today's puppy party at Whiskers N Paws, and you can see the wonderful results here Puppy Adoption Day 25th Sept 2022.   Mojo was the lucky puppy chosen today, one of the "Ears Litter", so-called because of the huge ears they all had when they first came to us. Now Mojo's ears have become floppy, while others have ears that stand up.

Baby Turpin

 

The "Ears Litter" at the end of July

 One of the lovely aspects of adopting a mixed breed puppy is that you can never be quite sure of what the final adult version will look like.  Yesterday I tried to share a photo of just-surrendered Turpin as a baby, and later as a doglet (not quite adult) when he was brought back,  but something happened to my phone that meant I couldn't export photos (now fixed just as mysteriously).  

Doglet Turpin

Baby Adam and Eve 

Anyway, the point was that there's often the element of surprise with mixed breeds, especially if they don't have a short coat which will almost always remain that way.  I received this lovely update from the adopters of then-Adam and Eve, baby siblings who were lucky enough to be able to stay together.  As you can see, rough-coated Adam ended up looking quite different from his flat-coated sister, although both are just as beautiful as each other. 

Tiki and Taka in the UK

"It has been three years since Tiki and Taka ( They are called Adam and Eve in your center) joined our family. We feel so blessed and grateful every day We cuddle with them. We just want to email you to let you know that they moved to London with us for a year now and they enjoy it so much here. 

Also, a big thank you to HK Dog Rescue for bringing Tiki and Taka to our life!"

Penny is wearing her food!

Peter, Penny and Paula came to us earlier this month as two week-old babies, and this funny photo shows Penny just after a meal as the pups are learning to eat from a bowl. What do you think Penny will look like as an adult?  

Samuel is a year old

Of course with breeds you know what the adults will look like.   A poodle puppy will grow into a poodle adult, and that's that. If you're interested in adopting a young poodle, we have Samuel available, not a tiny poodle, surrendered to us at a year old because he was too active for his family.  We're looking for a home that appreciates that poodles have a high energy level, and are needy for attention, interaction and adventure. 

Sat 24th Sept: TTouch Workshop plus ins and outs

Unfortunately my phone and computer aren't talking and I can't access the relevant photos.  I'll try to update later.

 It was pure luck that our HKDR@Elgin space was open today, as we were holding a TTouch Workshop and staff member Cam was there to register participants, and to hopefully sell some merchandise at the same time. She sent me an urgent message telling me that someone had collapsed outside and had been taken away in an ambulance, leaving her with the dog that the man had been walking, and asking me what she should do.  Happily the question was redundant as the police had managed to contact a friend of the man who had subsequently come to pick the dog up, much to Cam's relief.  I hope the man is OK and has been reunited with his dog.

Eric Lee demonstrates TTouch

The sold-out TTouch Workshop was hosted by Eric Lee, and was very well received from what I understand.  These workshops teach what's best described as a specific kind of massage technique, something I learnt many years ago when it was called the Tellington Touch.  Of course any hands-on action creates good dog-human bonding, so the workshop is valuable of many levels.  If you would be interested in learning TTouch and would like to attend a workshop, please look out for future dates and information. 

There were two surrender cases today, both involving young adults that had been welcomed into their homes as puppies, one adopted (from HKDR) and the other bought from a pet shop.  For the adopted puppy, who we had called Turpin, we were lucky to have another home on standby, so Turpin left almost immediately.  He already looks very happy in his new situation, and I'm sure much happier than he was previously. 

The other dog is a poodle, and what I'd call typical of the breed, including what is probably (slightly) wobbly kneecaps (assessed by Iris, who's pretty good when it come to knees).  Poodles are highly intelligent, and as a rule the more intelligent the dog is, the more challenging the behaviour and training.  Poodles may be small, but they are also very active, demanding and attention-seeking, wanting to be part of every aspect of the family life. We have called this young boy Samuel, close enough in sound to his previous name, and before he goes to a new home we will have his knees properly checked by a vet.

The best new of the day came from Tai Po where Nora's adoption was confirmed after a short trial with the resident dog.  Nora came to us from AFCD along with the all-too-familiar heartworms, so we're obviously extremely happy that this sweet girl has a second chance at a happy life.

Fri 24th Sept: Puppy parade time

Can you foster sweet Frodo?

 Before anything else, I need to ask for a foster home for a sweet poodle boy Frodo, who's waiting to have his wobbly knees fixed but can't go ahead with the surgery unless we have somewhere for him to stay during his recovery.  A potential foster family decided against it in the end, so now we have to ask again for a place for Frodo, and preferably within easy reach of Acorn in Sai Ying Pun. If that's you, please email Cindy at foster@hongkongdogrescue.com as a first step.

3-legged Aiden needs a home

We also need a new foster for Aiden, or even better an adopter of course, as he has to leave his current foster home.  As a reminder, Aiden had to have a leg removed so that he would be able to walk, and he's doing really well.  He's a very sweet medium-sized boy, halfway between puppy and adulthood, and again please contact Cindy if you can offer Aiden some space in your home. 

With the weekend here again it's time to remind you about the puppies that we have staying at various places, with some of them now inching towards doglet stage, the name I gave to older puppies that are past the cute baby phase of their lives.  

There are pros and cons to all ages, with the young puppies having needle-sharp milk teeth and no or little sense of control when it comes to using them on tender flesh.  These baby teeth start to change to permanent adult teeth starting at around four months of age, and by six months there should be a gleaming white new set which are definitely more gentle on skin.  At this age most puppies also have learned bite control through playing with other puppies, which is just one of the many reasons why it's important not to separate puppies at too young an age. 

Other than age difference, every puppy has his or her own personality, and choosing the right one is much more important than making a decision based on looks.   If you have children, or are planning to start a family, this is even more important because not all dogs are able to tolerate the high energy and screaming of young humans.  It's totally unfair to blame a dog for finding excitable and noisy children too much to take, and there should always be a place in the home where a dog can retreat to when they need peace and quiet.  This is one of the reasons why the typically small Hong Kong apartments aren't at all ideal when it come to having a dog, because lack of space puts an enormous amount of pressure and stress on any but the most laid-back of dogs. 

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

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

Mambo (M), and Moose (M)

Yvonne (F), Yvette (F), Yuri (M) and Yasmin (F)

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

Edgar (M) and Evan (M)

Alan (M)

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

Aaron (M),  Austin (M), and Alex (M) 

Jude

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

Jude (M) 

Muppet (M) and Mojo (M)

Foster homes@Hong Kong Island

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

Roland (M) @Pok Fu Lam

Tabitha (F) @Kennedy Town

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

Zippy (M) @North Point

Ferris (M), Frankie (M) and Fiona (F) @Central

Foster homes@Kowloon and New Territories

Josh (M)  @Ho Man Tin

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Thurs 22nd Sept: Always something happening

 Sometimes it feels as though nothing's happening, but of course that's not true as every day is full, even if it's just taking care of the dogs and puppies, and for me the now-daily routine of caring for a sick dog, and the seniors whose dementia can make things somewhat challenging. 

A sweet thank you from Mascot 

The highlight of any day is seeing a dog or puppy being adopted. and today it was the turn of Mascot.  I think the photo says it all really. 

Poor Pigly had some issues when he first came to us

Not a day goes by when there isn't also an emergency vet case, and today it was pug Pigly who had to be rushed to Acorn when an eye became red and swollen.  Unfortunately the only option was to remove the eye, and what's particularly sad is that Pigly had just passed an adoption interview and was due to move from his foster home to his forever family.  He's currently still in hospital, while we wait to hear if the adoption will still go ahead.

Piper and friends

In another sad case of a small dog suddenly suffering what turned out to be catastrophic injury, Lamma resident Piper had to be sent to Acorn on Tuesday when he couldn't stand up in the morning.  He was treated for neck pain but the problem only got worse, and today euthanasia was recommended.  We assume there had been some rough play or an argument with another dog, but whatever caused the injury didn't alter the result. 

Piper came to us as a difficult character, which is why he was living on Lamma, but over the years he changed into a happy and affectionate boy, just like all of the others at the Lamma House for Small dogs.  He now joins the list of our HKDR Forever Dogs.

Piper out walking

Weds 21st Sept: Feeling nostalgic

Frodo 

 It seems that wobbly knees are the big problem with some of our newest Kennedy Town dogs, with both poodle Frodo and shiba inu Sakura needing surgery on both (back) legs to fix the patella luxation. This is such a common issue with the smaller dogs especially, and it's always best to get everything sorted sooner rather than later as this isn't a condition that can get better by itself.  Now we need foster homes for both of these dogs so they have recover in peace and quiet and without being jumped on or knocked by other dogs.  If you can help with this, please email Cindy at foster@hongkongdogrescue.com, remembering that with a double surgery the time needed is a few months if possible.

Sakura

It's such a relief to be able to open the windows at home and to walk the dogs properly now that the weather has cooled somewhat, and this is also a great time for the Tai Po dogs that can resume the hikes with volunteers.  Remember you have to be a registered volunteer with experience to be able to apply to take the dogs out for the day, but for those of you who are eligible this is something the dogs really enjoy. 

Who was there? P2F 2018

At this time of year we would previously have been looking forward to the approaching fundraising season, with our traditional big events like Peak to Fong and the Gala Dinner.  They both seem like distant memories now, and with every year that passes when we're unable to host fundraisers we're having to rely more and more on much smaller income from direct donations, such as the Life Saver Club monthly sponsorship programme (please email lifesaver@hongkongdogrescue.com for details). 

I loved this amazing work for our Sarge'n'Pepper Gala Dinner

While income has dropped dramatically our monthly overheads have increased, likewise the number of dogs we're being asked to take in, especially at our Tai Po Homing Centre.  This is a time when we have to ask for your support more than ever,  because at some time soon we won't be able to help the dogs like Frodo and Sakura who need expensive surgery, or to accept those dogs who are unlikely to be adopted (meaning the large adult mixed breeds).  We have paid a very high price in every way for the forced move from our Homing Centre at Ap Lei Chau, and while everyone is hoping that we're getting to the end of this very difficult period, right now there doesn't seem to be that end in sight. 

To find out how you can help, please check out this link: https://hongkongdogrescue.com/donate/one-off-donations/

Tues 20th Sept: The difference a bit of time makes

 All three dogs in today's post experienced dramatic changes in their lives, and appearance, since coming to HKDR not that long ago.  It's always worth reiterating that dogs are sentient creatures, just like all animals large or small, and that they have emotions and sensitivities just as humans do.  They go through the same feelings of fear, confusion, loneliness and anxiety when what is familiar to them is taken away, and they find themselves in a strange place with unfamiliar people, with no idea of why or how this happened. 

Foxy leaving Kennedy Town

Foxy the shiba inu was a breeder dog, used to produce endless litters of puppies, many of which would be bought by people who have no idea about what a dog needs, and especially this breed. Physically Foxy wasn't in good shape, and it's taken a while to get her to her current healthy appearance.  Most potential adopters are (understandably) put off when they see a moth-eaten coat, usually caused by ringworm or mange, afraid that they will catch something from the dog.  The long and chewed teats are also off-putting, the result of having suckled too many litters, one after another, but this will also resolve itself after some time.  Foxy was adopted today, and you can see how good she looks now, her past over and done with and only a happy puppy-free future to look forward to.

Aiden was one of the group of twenty, the most recent HKDR@Elgin temporary guests.  His condition on arrival was the worst of all, because while the other dogs and puppies were just very scared, Aiden was suffering severe post-distemper symptoms, so bad that one front leg was constantly swinging in front of the other.  Happily we found a loving foster home for Aiden so he could have the leg amputated, the only way he would be able to walk relatively normally, and he's doing incredibly well now.  He's such a sweet boy, just medium sized, and if you are interested in offering him a forever home we'd love to hear from you. 

Adam at the end of August

Adam was a beautiful boy, but again very scared when he arrived. His adopter said he knew he was "the one" when they met at Elgin Street, and after just a short time Adam is barely recognisable (in a good way of course).  I've watched the video of him many times over, just to see the transformation and the joy in Adam as he is now. 

The same Adam, less than a month later

There's a saying, "never judge a book by its cover", and this applies to dogs as much as anything else. The way a dog looks, or its breed name or lack of breed, has nothing to do with what's inside. The strangest-looking dogs are just the same as the most handsome when it comes to their ability to love, to be loyal, and to want to be part of a family. So many adoption applications specify a particular breed, when we have a Homing Centre at Tai Po bursting with dogs that would give their all just to be chosen, and to be able to prove their worth. Please don't judge a dog by its cover, because you will never know what you're missing if you do. 

Mon 19th Sept: Time for the "A" Litter

Ava is adopted

 Quite coincidentally, two puppies from the same "A" litter were adopted today.  They arrived as part of the group of twenty that had to camp temporarily at our HKDR@Elgin space in Soho, although the puppies were moved to the Kennedy Town North Street Centre almost immediately, and that's where they've been staying ever since.  All but one of them (Alex) were very shy on arrival, and while they've gradually opened up they're still not fully confident.  The remaining three are all boys, with Alex and Aaron being quite small, and Austin being just a bit bigger.

Amelia leaving North Street

Alex is the only brown one

Ideally Aaron and Austin should be adopted with another puppy, or go to a home where there are already resident dogs, just as Ava did.  She has two big "brothers" to help her, and that will make a big difference.   Alex is a "normal" puppy in terms of his character, and maybe he has a different father as the only brown one in the litter. 

Aaron 

As always, if you're interested in adopting any of our dogs or puppies, please start by completing the adoption questionnaire at https://hongkongdogrescue.com/.../adoption-questionnaire/

Austin