Fri 1st Sept: The perfect family dog is waiting for you

There was good news mixed with bad to start the month, but the good part is that there was an error in the number of dogs that found homes in August, and it was actually fifty six when corrected.  That's a fantastic number, even though I always wish that more Tai Po dogs could be on the list. 

Tragically there will be a Tai Po dog's name in the list for September, but only as a "Forever Dog", meaning one whose life ended while still with us.  You may have seen the reports of Penny having escaped and run off, and despite search teams going out day and night looking for her, it was a group of non-HKDR volunteers who found Penny's body on the Tolo Highway, identifiable by her microchip.   

It was a volunteer's oversight that led to Penny being able to get out from the Homing Centre, and  this is why we are so strict about all volunteers following the rules.  As Penny's death proves, there is a good reason why we hold orientation sessions for all new volunteers, and the potential consequences of not following Homing Centre procedures. 

Gabriel is the perfect family dog

 Although the recent "typhoon" didn't actually create much more than a pleasant cooling breeze, we had to send as many Tai Po dogs as possible to foster homes just in case things turned nasty.  One of these was Gabriel, and like so many others it's clear to see that he had previously lived in a family home before coming to HKDR.  These dogs are perfect for adopters with children who need to be sure that everyone is going to be able to get along, and I need to highlight the part in the description of Gabriel by his foster family where it mentions the kind of treatment dogs are expected to tolerate from the kids (not actually recommended). Surely someone wants a dog like Gabriel?

"I can’t say enough good things about Gabriel, this list is non-exhaustive! We discover more and more good things about him by the day." 

- Quick learner, learned to sit and paw in a heartbeat 

- Calm when on car

- Not sensitive to loud noises (and door bell) and big movements 

- cool with active kids (yelling, running and sticking stickers on him) 

- Walks well on leash 

- Confident at the dog park, not agitated by aggressive dogs 

- Friendly to my resident dog (she loves him) 

- House trained (no accidents at home at all) 

- low energy, rests through most of the day 

- does not chew on furniture 

- enjoys chin rub and pets

- wags his tail when you walk over or make eye contact  

If you want to adopt Gabriel, or one of our many other wonderful Tai Po Homing Centre adults, please start by completing the adoption questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/