Mon 31st July: We need your help again

A donated quilt provides hours of puppy fun

 The end of the month wasn't a good day as it turned out, and there were various reasons for that but all involving dogs and puppies.  Disappointment and frustration are two emotions that are unfortunately part of the job, but it just happened that there was a lot of both today, so I was grateful for some end-of-afternoon photos of the Kennedy Town puppies enjoying a fresh quilt that had been put down for the night.  If there's anything that can lift my spirits it's the pure joy of puppies playing, without a care in the world and just enjoying the moment. 

One of the problems that is also part of the daily worry is the cost of good veterinary care for the dogs and puppies, as there are so many that come to us needing expensive surgery or emergency treatment.  I believe this is why they are abandoned in the first place, whether by breeders or individuals, and it's a fact that vet costs are beyond the reach of many dog owners.  Even as a charity we still have to pay for everything, from basic vaccinations and health checks to the most complicated of surgeries.  Today we tried to save the life of one beautiful little puppy who needed to be rushed to Concordia Pet Care, but despite Dr Cheryl's best attempts we had to let the puppy go when it was clear there would be no quality of life even if she survived. 

Puppy Igloo can hardly walk

On Tuesday it's back to Concordia again for Dr Elaine to try to fix shiba puppy Igloo's back legs so she can walk normally.  It's distressing to even see a puppy in this condition, and there's no question of leaving her like she is, but again, the costs of a skillful surgeon and the long hours of intricate surgery have to be paid for. 

With every intake of new dogs there's always a few who are going to need something expensive fixed, whether it's the common luxating patellas in small dogs,  or heartworm in the large adults that come from AFCD. 

I know that all of the Animal NGOs are always in need of funding, and HKDR is no different.  Trying to balance the dogs' needs with the reality of the finances is a never-ending challenge, and these summer months when so many people are away makes everything worse.  

You can see from July's adoption list that we still managed to find homes for thirty six dogs, which is pretty impressive if I say so myself, but at the same time we took in fifty nine.  You may ask why we agree to accept the dogs and puppies, and the answer is quite simply because they have nowhere else to go.  

If you can help us, please make a donation: https://hongkongdogrescue.com/donate/one-off-donations/. Your support helps to save more lives and to make broken dogs whole again.

Tai Po Homing Centre

Charcoal (Multibreed)

Theo (Multibreed)

Kennedy Town Homing Centre

Jazzy (Poodle)

Ocean (Multibreed puppy)

Gunner (Poodle cross)

Scooter (Multibreed puppy)

Sumo (Shiba Inu)

Ella (Multibreed)

Ben (Multibreed puppy)

Carla (Multibreed puppy)

Curly (Poodle)

Tyra (Terrier puppy)

Bo (Pomeranian Terrier cross)

Jerry (Multibreed)

Trisha (Terrier cross)

Holly (Jack Russell cross puppy)

Chessie (Multibreed puppy)

Bertie (Terrier cross)

Charlie (Multibreed puppy)

Gaia (Poodle cross)

Gypsy (Poodle cross)

Hudson (Jack Russell cross puppy)

Hannah (Jack Russell cross puppy)

Suki (Multibreed puppy)

Willa (Multibreed puppy)

Grady (Poodle cross)

Soda (Multibreed puppy)

Salty (Terrier cross)

Sybil (Terrier cross)

Whiskers N Paws

Odette (Multibreed puppy)

Gabby (Multibreed)

Foster Homes

Isla (Poodle)

Ava (Multibreed puppy)

Avia (Terrier cross puppy)

Bee (Poodle)

Tatum (Poodle)

Our Forever Dogs

Juniper (Lamma)

Cara (Kennedy Town)

Rescued Dogs (Total: 59)

From AFCD: 8

From other sources: 51

Sun 30th July: It's never too late for a dog to find a forever home

Bee when he first arrived at HKDR (Ap Lei Chau)

 Two adoptions today were "failed fosters", meaning temporary homes that had changed to forever adoptions.  As it happens both of the dogs are poodles, although Bee, who is now Mr Bean, is very much a senior so his rest-of-life home is especially appreciated.  I know Mr Bean will have the best of care, just as his now-brother Mr Fox has been given, transforming what was a very sad-looking old Sheltie into a handsome senior. 

Adorable Tatum 

The other failed foster was that of little girl Tatum, one of four ex-breeder poodles who came together and who were all in need of surgery to fix their knees (with Tara also having a floppy wrist that was successfully repaired by Dr Tony).  I remember when they arrived as they were all so happy and lively despite their wobbly kneecaps, and now they have all found their forever homes. 

Sybil 

Lastly it was Sybil who was chosen from the many waiting at Kennedy Town.  She had been one of the before-and-after transformations, looking completely different, and so much better, after a good haircut.  

Big boy Usko 

Faye Cheuk was our volunteer photographer at Whiskers N Paws today  Puppy Adoption Day 30th July 2023, and the big question was who would stay behind to take the place of Gabby, who was adopted on Saturday.  In the end two were chosen, Pip and Pippa (confusing I know), so they will now share the puppy area with big boy Usko, the Gentle Giant as he's been nicknamed. 

Pip always has a smile on his face 

Sat 29th July: Happy adoptions and transformations

Hooray for Gabby (on the left)

 There were some extra special adoptions today, starting with Gabby.  She has been staying at Whiskers N Paws for months, and we had started to think that she would have to be moved to Tai Po if there were no good homes offered.  Then just in time I received an enquiry about her, and the result was that Gabby was adopted today and even has a new friend to guide her through the first few days or weeks of her new life.

Avia (l) and Soda 

Little Avia was also concerning us, because as small and cute as she undoubtedly is, she's also one of the shy doglets who came to us as very scared young puppies.  Luckily Avia has been in a great foster home for quite a while, and she's been very happy there.  Our worry was that we would never find a new home for a little dog that was so timid with strangers, but today something amazing happened.  Not only was Avia's forever status confirmed by her fosters, but they added a friend for her, because Avia loves other dogs, as all of the less confident ones do.   Soda was the puppy chosen to be Avia's bestie, and I'm sure they'll have so much fun together.

Salty had his makeover recently 

Salty, one of the (many) terrier types that have been pouring into our Kennedy Town Centres recently was chosen today, while others had their scruffy looks transformed into something quite different.  Salty had also recently had his transformational  makeover, and here are some other before-and-after shots. 

Lily 

Stella

Scamp

Halo 

Fri 28th July: Double goodbyes

 As ever I want to start with the adoption news, a happy type of goodbye, and today it was the turn of doglet Willa and another of the poodle-ish family, Grady.

Goodbye Willa!

Willa came to us as a very young baby pup, and she stayed relatively small as she grew.  I'm happy (of course) to know that she has her own family now, and that she can enjoy being spoiled and treated like a princess.  At least that's what I want for her and all of our dogs and puppies. 

Goodbye Grady!

With Grady being adopted we're now left with four of the original family of ten, and it's lovely to see how they've changed and grown in confidence as individuals since first coming to us.  They're all very sweet and friendly little dogs, and I'm happy that we were able to help them on their journey to a new and better way of life.

Four of the original ten are now left

 

Now to the other type of goodbyes and the human side of HKDR's operation.  You may have seen that we were looking for a new Events/PR staff member (and thank you to everyone who applied), and this was because our long-term and highly valued Tai Po/Events team member Eva Sit is leaving very soon.  I know everyone will miss her, as I certainly will, but we have a replacement in Winki Law, now undergoing some intensive training from Eva and Yannie after starting today.

Another long-term team member will also sadly be leaving at the end of August, this time from Kennedy Town.  Andrea has been with us for ten years and has been such a big part of everything, so she'll also be greatly missed.  Now we have to find a new recruit for the Kennedy Town operation, which involves both taking care of the dogs and puppies, and handling adoptions.  Applicants must be bi-lingual (English/Cantonese), able to work under pressure and as part of a team, and to be eager to learn.  The work is demanding both physically and emotionally, but also rewarding in the sense of knowing you are doing something worthwhile and meaningful.  It's never boring either!  If this type of job interests you, please send your resume to info@hongkongdogrescue.com including your expected salary and availability. 

Thurs 27th July: A sigh of relief

 Now that I can breathe a sigh of relief over the typhoon-that-never-came, I'm looking forward to the weekend again.  I don't mean that in terms of days off because that's not the way it works at HKDR, but rather the prospect of adoptions taking place.  We have some potential meetings lined up which I obviously really hope will result in dogs and puppies leaving, but for now it's still very much a case of having a very full house.

Our current puppies, including Barbie 

I know I've said this a thousand times before, but there are always some dogs and puppies who seem to get overlooked for no reason at all.  Barbie is one of those, a very cute, sweet and small-sized puppy, but why is she still with us?  Maybe it's because she's waiting for the best home, just like another now-older puppy who has finally got an adoption interview arranged just before his long-term foster heads off for a holiday. As always no names just yet, but this is one I've been waiting for for too long. 

Yuki had a very busy day

There was another just-in-time move today when shiba inu Yuki left one home and moved to another, this one hopefully his forever family.  It wasn't his fault because he came from a breeder where there would have been no chance for a normal puppyhood, but Yuki hadn't learned about moderating his play biting, something that happens naturally when puppies play together.  The resident dog in the first home is a very sweet and laid-back kind of character who had no interest in Yuki's games, so we needed another home where there was a dog who's be able to match a typical shiba's enthusiasm.  So far everything seems to be working out well, and the photo shows a tired Yuki at the end of a busy day. 

Mariko 

We do have other shibas needing homes or fosters, including Mariko, a young adult female.  She's wearing a cone because she came to us from a breeder with large wounds on her body, apparently because she was picked on by the other dogs.  For all foster applications please start by completing the form at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/volunteer/fostering/

Weds 26th July: Keeping it short

The enclosure is being lined with plastic sheeting 

Making it short and sweet today, if very hot, there is at least one enclosure at our Tai Po Homing Centre that's managing to stay cool thanks to a donation of a mobile air conditioner unit that's just been installed. I can imagine it's going to be a popular spot for the volunteers too, and I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone at our Tai Po space, staff and volunteers, for sweating it out over these incredibly hot and humid days.  

Now that all of the small-medium dogs at our Kennedy Town Centres have been checked by a vet (thank you Dr Joe from Acorn), licensed and vaccinated, they're ready to meet their new forever families.  There are too many to mention individually on this blog, but you can see them all on Facebook Hong Kong Dog Rescue (HKDR)

𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗲𝗻𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗹𝘆:https://hongkongdogrescue.com/.../adoption-questionnaire/

Tues 25th July: Sorting the newcomers

 I suppose it's inevitable at this time of year and the Typhoon Season, but once again I'm watching what's happening with the weather and trying to plan ahead in case I end up not being able to get off Lamma.

Thankfully there were no more dogs coming in today, but I did get a surrender request for two teacup poodles, both females, one six and the other seven years old, so if this is the type and size of dog that you're looking for please submit the adoption questionnaire in advance.  

Shiba Mariko needs a home or foster

The thirteen dogs that came on Monday have been sorted, named and licensed at AFCD, and now we just have to get their vet checks done.  Once again, Acorn will be sending a vet over to North Street in Kennedy Town rather than trying to squeeze all of the dogs into the waiting room at the clinic, and this helps us tremendously as well.  

If there are any dogs that you're interested in please take the first step by completing the adoption questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/, or if you can only offer a foster space (meaning temporary care), please complete the form at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/volunteer/fostering/.

Dogs that will definitely need home care are the shiba puppy Igloo, and poodle Dana, as both will require surgery on their legs and a safe place to recover. 

We also still need a new place for one year-old shiba Yuki, because although we received several adoption enquiries they were either unsuitable or couldn't take Yuki until later.   I have to repeat that Yuki came from a breeder so he had no real puppyhood, meaning no play or training.  Play for any baby animal is absolutely vital to develop the brain, and although Yuki can catch up in those terms, right now he needs to have the opportunity to make up for all those lost months.  That means having another willing playmate, and space to run around and let off steam.  Any adopter or foster will need to be experienced, and have no children at home as Yuki's play biting can be over-enthusiastic (which is why he really needs another dog that can teach him). 

Mon 24th July: Wow!

Hannah and Hudson stay together

 Before getting started on the madness that the day became, I'll start with the good news.  Puppies Hannah and Hudson were adopted as a pair, meaning all three of this particular litter have found homes very quickly (assuming Holly's trial works out, which I'm pretty sure it will). 

Suki's new life starts today

Younger puppy Suki also left to start her new life, a lucky girl who will never remember being an orphan. 

Puppy girl Igloo

I received a message asking if we could take in two breeder shiba inu, one a youngish puppy and the other an adult female.  There was the usual "some leg problem" hint, which could mean anything from no leg at all to wobbly kneecaps (patella luxation), and it turned out to be the latter.  However the condition is the most severe, and the poor puppy walks like a frog.  It's simply inhumane that breeders continue to produce puppies that have such genetic defects, and we will wait to see if surgery can fix the problem.  Even if it's possible, that's another huge vet bill looming.  

We will need a foster home for Igloo, a white female shiba inu, so please complete the form at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/volunteer/fostering/ or email Cindy at foster@hongkongdogrescue.com  if you are already registered as a foster parent. 

Mariko had big wounds on her 

The adult shiba came with big wounds on her body, so she was sent immediately to Acorn to have those treated.  We will also need a foster home for now-Mariko. 

Lively Yuki needs a new home 

We still have the previous one year-old white shiba inu boy, Yuki, needing a forever home when his foster family leaves for their summer holiday in a week.  Yuki is VERY energetic, so he needs a home where he has adequate space as well as a willing playmate.  His current foster adopted a lovely dog from HKDR not too long ago, but Lewis is a laid-back kind of character who has no interest in joining Yuki's games.  This leaves the shiba feeling frustrated, and although he tries his best to control his behaviour, he redirects his play attempts on the humans.  This is why Yuki really needs a playmate, and a home where there are no children.

In addition to the new shibas, at the end of the afternoon we received thirteen new smaller dogs, ranging in age and type from two poodles to the usual range of mixes.  

Photos and details will be posted on Tuesday, but the adults are mostly young(ish), some with things that obviously need veterinary attention.  One of the poodles (shown in the photo) will probably need to have a back leg removed, for example, so again we urgently need foster homes, as well as donations to help us cover the costs for all of these dogs.

You can find details of how to make a donation at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/donate/ and all contributions make a big difference to the dogs who need help. 

Sun 23rd July: Making space and cutting hair

 Eric Tang was back at Whiskers N Paws to be our volunteer photographer for the day, and as always his photos are just lovely  Puppy Adoption Day 23rd July 2023.  We had originally planned to send the three Jack Russell-cross "H" puppies, but after Holly was taken and we had so many enquiries about the other two, we felt it would be best to leave them at Kennedy Town.  As it turned out, that was a good decision and it's likely that Hannah and Hudson will be heading off to their new homes on Monday. 

Gypsy has left Kennedy Town 

It also seems to be the right time for the family of ten poodle types as they had a lot of interest and interviews today, with Gypsy being adopted and others soon to follow.  As you can see, since coming to us as a very "sticky" bunch, they have gained confidence as individuals with some of them suitable to be adopted as singletons. 

Salty was a mess

While everyone was busy with potential adopters and introducing the many dogs and puppies waiting to be chosen, volunteer Garry Fan was creating the before and after looks for some of the newer scruffy terriers.  It's really amazing what a difference a haircut makes, and I'm sure the dogs feel a million times better without all of the knots and clumps. 

Salty free from his horrible hair 

Sybil before 

While some of the most recent arrivals are still settling and starting to feel more secure, there are plenty who are really ready for adoption and super sweet.  Here are a few: Skye, Ticket, Scooter and Halo, with photos below. 

A few dogs left for foster homes, including the poodle pair Bailey and Bilbo, Theo, and German Shepherd Xena from Tai Po.

We also had to send more older puppies from Kennedy Town (Brilliant Court) to Tai Po to try to reduce the crowding, and this time it was Pixie, Tinker and Carter who made the move to the big Centre.  I really hope that once the slow summer period is over these lovely puppies will find their forever homes. 

Halo

Scooter 

Ticket 

Skye 

A very different Sybil 

Sat 22nd July: A busy Saturday

Bye bye Bertie 

 There are obviously, and thankfully, still a lot of people who are staying in Hong Kong for the summer, and we had a lot of potential adopters coming to meet the dogs and puppies today.  Bertie had already passed his interview on a previous day, so today was when we knew he'd be leaving and his adopters came first thing.

Holly is off the available list now

The first of the three Jack Russell-cross puppies was taken for a trial with the two resident dogs, so of course we hope that will be successful and Holly won't be coming back. 

Chessie 

A further two puppies were adopted during the day, both smaller sized, with Chessie leaving first and Charlie going at the end of the day.

Charlie 

Gaia and her new friend 

To wrap up the adoptions, another one of the family-of-ten poodle (types) was chosen, and this time it was Gaia.  She will have a friend at home to show her the routine and what's what, so hopefully she'll settle in very easily.

I do need to mention that although we close at six o'clock, if you're looking for a dog or puppy to adopt please make sure you give yourself enough time to properly meet them.  

Unfortunately one adoption didn't work out and the little fluffy pair of Cara and Corby came back.  The reason was because Cara developed severe diarrhoea, acute enough to result in a rectal prolapse, which means the end of the intestinal tract coming out.  She needed to be treated in hospital for that condition, and the the whole episode proved to be too stressful for the adopters.

Cara and Corby 

Diarrhoea in puppies is very common, and the causes can vary between a serious virus to something as simple as a change in food, intestinal parasites, stress, or pretty much anything.  Luckily, although Cara (and later Corby) tested positive for a virus, it's not one of the two most feared, parvovirus or distemper, and apart from the resulting rectal prolapse which has now been treated, the infection will run its course with supportive care.  

I don't want to underestimate the potential risks of any type of severe diarrhoea because small puppies can dehydrate very quickly, but in general terms it's something that doesn't need hospitalisation.   If the diarrhoea persists, or is bloody or exceptionally smelly, then that's the time you definitely need to get the puppy to a vet. 

For now Cara and Corby are back at Kennedy Town, and we would really love them to move to a foster home if there's anyone willing.  Please email Cindy at foster@hongkongdogrescue.com, or complete the foster form at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/volunteer/fostering/.   

Fri 21st July: Ticking off the 19 one by one

Gorgeous Trisha is adopted 

 Trisha was one of those that I would definitely have brought home myself, but as that's not possible it was another family who were the lucky ones.  Happily there's no shortage of other similar scruffy terrier types that are still available and which I can dream about, but in reality I'm very satisfied with my loyal and lovely Lamma dogs, and I wouldn't trade them for anyone. 

Sasha found her new family almost instantly

One of the new dogs at Kennedy Town was also very lucky in finding a home almost immediately, and despite us having been told that Sasha couldn't be around other dogs, she's actually a very sweet and easy girl according to her new family.  

There was also confirmation of puppy Ava's adoption after a short trial with the resident dog, and the home is perfect for her.  Thanks to her previous foster, Ava has grown into a wonderful and very sweet six month-old, the perfect age for adoption as all the hard work has already been done.

Typical Ava lying on her back 

This is how the 19 puppies slept 

Ava came as one of the group of nineteen puppies in early February, and it's very satisfying to be able to tick them off the list as they find homes.  Off the top of my head we still have little Avia, Penny, Pippa, Paxton and Pip from that large intake, and that's because they were very shy as babies.  You can see their photos week by week in the albums shared of the Sunday Puppy Parties at Whiskers N Paws, and all have grown into lovely medium-sized doglets.  They would all do best being in a home with another dog as a companion, but of course they have many friends at Kennedy Town. 

Pip and Paxton are still waiting 

The weekend if here and I know we have some more adoptions lined up, so I'll be able to share those over the coming days.