Sun 31st March: End of month report

Doglet Papaya was adopted from Tai Po

 It's been a difficult month for several reasons, but thankfully March has now come to an end and hopefully April will prove to be at least a little easier.  

Anyway to start today's post I want to share the month's adoptions, although the number is lower than our usual total.

Tai Po Homing Centre

Willow (Multibreed)

Rya (Multibreed)

Papaya (Multibreed doglet)

Kennedy Town Homing Centre

Pansy (Poodle)

Pierre (French Bulldog)

Freda (Terrier cross)

Simon (German Shepherd cross puppy)

Penny (Multibreed )

Petey (Poodle)

Santa (Shiba Inu)

Gavin (Terrier cross)

Rory (Terrier cross)

Gail (Multibreed)

Hopper (Boston Terrier Pug cross)

Sandy (Multibreed)

Buzzy (Poodle)

Suki (Terrier cross)

Xena (Multibreed puppy)

Chester (Multibreed puppy)

Olive (Terrier cross)

Joss (Spitz cross)

Whiskers N Paws

Annie (Multibreed puppy)

Amos (Multibreed puppy)

Lily moved from foster to her forever home

Foster Homes

Lily (Terrier cross puppy)

Marla (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel)

Donny (Shiba Inu)

Emma (Multibreed puppy)

Hugo (Golden Retriever)

Tara (Terrier/Shih Tzu puppy)

Our Forever Dogs

Jasper (Tai Po)

Yeti (Lamma)

Rescued Dogs (Total: 31)

From AFCD: 4

From other sources: 27

Renee is a lovely medium-sized doglet 

Laura Nie was our volunteer photographer for this Easter Sunday Puppy Party  Puppy Adoption Day 31st March 2024, and not surprisingly it was a quiet two hours for adoptions, although the puppies love having the playtime on the terrace.  The rain also stayed away despite the miserable weather forecast (wrong as usual).  Names of the puppies will be added shortly, and if you're interested in meeting any of them please start by completing the adoption questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/. 

This new boy reminds me very much of Joss 

We had another surprise arrival of dogs to our Kennedy Town Centre today, and when I say surprise it really was.  

One of 3 new mini pins, this one a young boy

Simone is lovely but nervous

We had no idea these dogs were coming until they were about five minutes away, and making space for them meant sending other dogs over to Lamma in the late afternoon.  

These three were Stella, Simone and Nino, all shy dogs who realistically stood little chance of being adopted.  They will be safe, and I hope happy, on Lamma, where they can live a free kind of life with lots of (enclosed) space and no pressure to be pets. 

Stella is adorable but very shy

Thurs 28th March: Becoming semi-retired

 It will have to be a very short post today as I have to leave home very early to get a dog to the vet.  Unfortunately there's no HKDR van to drive me to Acorn as I was reminded that Friday is a Public Holiday, and although I was very kindly offered a one-way lift I'm still left with the problem of getting back.  In fact I had arranged to take two dogs over before I considered the logistics of trying to lift a very heavy dog inside a large and also-heavy crate and realised I just wouldn't be able to do it. 

I have also been thinking about the reality of writing a daily blog, something that I have been doing for many years now.  My mornings are always busy with taking care of the dogs, feeding, walking, giving medications and so on, and adding the time it takes to write even a short post, then to find the appropriate photos and links, means I'm tied up until lunchtime.  To be able to get the dogs to the vet today I had to get up very early and the walk will have to be abandoned, which is OK occasionally but not on a daily basis. 

I know that I have a lot of loyal blog readers, for which I'm very grateful, but most of them have already adopted, or may not even be in a position to take a dog home, and we already see a far greater response to our social media posts about individual dogs than to my blog.  For example the French bulldog Bumper had been featured several times on my blogs, but it wasn't until his photos were shared on Facebook and Instagram that we had a big response. 

So I have decided that my blog will no longer be a daily one, and I will only share stories and information that I feel are important and which haven't already been posted on our social media pages. So many of my Lamma dogs are old now, and they need my care and attention more and more, and that's what I want to give them. 

 

Weds 27th March: A tale of two Olives (and a Willow)

 It's so uplifting to receive happy adoption updates about our dogs and puppies, and I'm sure I have a big smile on my face as I read them.  It's wonderful to know how the adult dogs open up after they start to settle and feel secure, especially those that have waited some time to be chosen.  Terrier-type Olive is one, for example, and she even gave us all a big scare when she first arrived and took off down the street when she was making her first visit to Acorn.  That set off a huge panic and search, which obviously resulted in her being safely returned, but it's always a hearts-stopping time when any dog gets lost. 

Olive and ex-HKDR Sparkle 

"Olive is doing great at our home! She adjusted really easily. The first day she paced around a little and didn't want to eat or drink, but now she is napping, eating, drinking, and enjoying her walks. She's great with kids. Olive and Sparkle get along really well. They even played together today and they lay on their beds next to each other. We are glad we brought Olive home."

Olive and Willow, living the dream 

Arlene is the last of her litter 

Recently-adopted Gail, now Tai Tai, is also settling in really well, and she has two ex-HKDR family members who frequently visit.  Olive and Willow were adopted as young puppies, and they're sisters to Arlene, the last of the litter who's still waiting for a home.  Look at the life that these two girls are living now! Who can offer Arlene the chance to enjoy adventures and cuddles too?  You can meet her any day of the week at Whiskers N Paws if you want to see what a lovely (medium sized) girl she is. 

Tues 26th March: A reminder of the early days

 I was reminded of the early days in my dog rescue life when I got an evening call from a neighbour telling me that a dog was in the water, and asking if it was one of mine. I knew it wouldn't be one of my gang because all of them were snoozing at home, but in any case I ran over to see what was happening, and indeed there was a dog standing in the sea.  Thankfully it was a warm evening so I was happy to wade in and loop a leash round the dog's body, dragging the poor thing onto the sand.  It was clearly exhausted,  so I put it in a large crate and left it in a safe place overnight with food and water, and when I checked early this morning it was fast asleep.  The question remains where did it come from, and what to do next? To be continued ....

Tara is a shih tzu-terrier cross 

The puppy I mentioned the other day (the result of an "accident" in the park) arrived as arranged, and went straight to a foster home but not before a potential adopter had been introduced and had fallen instantly in love.  It wasn't surprising, because when I saw a photo of  now-Tara I guessed she wouldn't have to wait very long before being chosen, even though she only has one working eye.  All things being well Tara will be in a new forever home by the weekend.

We have something coming up that should be of interest to all yoga fans (and I know there are plenty of you), and even those whose idea of yoga is to stretch out on a comfortable sun lounger .

Join us at The Upper House HKG on April 13th!

HKDR Adoption Day & Charity Sale @The Lawn, Upper House

Meet some of our small to medium-sized dogs at the Lawn of Upper House! Learn more about HKDR's work and support our charity sale all in one place! You might just meet your furry friend for life there!

Date & Time: April 13th (Sat) 2pm-4pm

*Dogs under 10kg are welcome to join

Pacific Place Offices Tenants Exclusive - Charity Doga Event

Stretch with wagging tails for a good cause! Join experienced and dog-loving Yoga teacher Tina for a relaxed session with your dog (under 10kg).

Date & Time: April 13th(Sat) 11am-12noon

Participation fee: $100 (Pacific Place will also donate an extra $100)

*All proceeds will go towards HKDR

Register via Pacific Place Offices App

https://apps.apple.com/.../pacific-place.../id6449687635...

For everyone who has been asking, yes, we are open throughout the Easter holiday, and every other day of the year. If you're interested in coming to meet any of the dogs that are waiting for homes, please start by completing the questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/.

Mon 25th March: Happy days and more introductions

Piper and Zulu living the Indian dream 

 I have some happy updates to share today, the first one especially so because it's about two little dogs who are now living a wonderful life in India.  Piper was the first one to be adopted, but his shy nature prompted his adopter to take in a second puppy as a friend and confidence booster, which worked perfectly.  Now they are the best of friends, and definitely for life.

Xena leaving KT 

Xena is a more recent confirmed adoption after she was taken for a trial with the resident dog, and she has the new name of Sa Sa. 

Easter is coming up and we always anticipate a slowdown in visitors and adoptions during holiday periods, although there are also those who take advantage of having more time to settle new dogs in. I know I don't need to tell you that we have literally hundreds waiting at our Homing Centres, and we're happy to recommend those that we feel will be the best match for your home and family. 

Belinda 

Yesterday I shared some photos of our "ready to go" small dogs at Kennedy Town, and today I'd like to introduce little Belinda with the happy smile. 

Bumper 

Bumper the French bulldog is also a lovely boy, very sweet natured, and he's also at our Kennedy Town Homing Centre. 

Zak 

And then there's poodle Zak, another lovely little boy.  Surely someone will want to take him home? 

If you want to be one of the lucky ones, please start by completing the adoption questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/.

Sun 24th March: Hugo makes it official

Marlon is in foster care 

 We had a new volunteer photographer for today's Puppy Party at Whiskers N Paws, and Marta did a great job as you can see Puppy Adoption Day 24th March 2024. We really appreciate all of our volunteers who donate their time and skills in whichever way, so thank you to everyone who gets involved in helping the dogs and puppies.  

Flora is staying in a foster home too

Dudley is living with Flora in foster 

Arlene has a heart of gold 

If you're interested in meeting any of the puppies shown, please start by completing the adoption questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/, as some are in foster homes while others are staying at our Kennedy Town Homing Centre.  Arlene and Wanda are currently living full time at Whiskers N Paws so you can visit any day during opening hours if you want to spend some time with them. 

Hugo is in the middle

Golden retriever Hugo isn't a puppy, and he's hidden behind another dog in the photo, but today was the day when his adoption was signed and sealed and he formally became a family member.  This boy is having such a wonderful life now, and it's lovely to see. 

The following small (boy) dogs aren't new to our Kennedy Town Homing Centre, but they're fairly recent arrivals and all are young, happy and sweet characters.  Of course there are many more, but these are my three picks for the day. 

Griffin

Sat 23rd March: Breathing again

 With literally just hours to go before Patsy's foster parent was boarding her plane and no alternative home in sight, our adopter of many seniors, and long-term volunteer Terry, stepped up and said he would take her in.  It was literally down to the wire in terms of timing, but as the homes were quite close to each other Patsy was able to be walked over to Terry's house in the evening and I could breathe a huge sigh of relief.  Also, while Patsy was being settled in her new home I received another offer for her, so we'll see how things work out.  

Finally it's Olive's turn 

There were also other lovely adoptions taking place at Kennedy Town, with terrier-type Olive being one of the lucky ones.  Her new family also have another ex-HKDR dog so Olive will have a friend to show her how things work and where the best walks are, so we're all very happy for her.

Yay for Chester!

Another very happy adoption was that of puppy Chester, one of a litter who was originally rescued by the incredible woman who works all day and then spends every night going out into the hills to find stray puppies, especially after heavy rain. 

The puppy looks just like the mother

Talking of puppies, we were asked to take in a single puppy who was apparently born blind in one eye. The reason given for the surrender was that the owner had left Hong Kong and passed the puppy to a friend, but the photo sent showed a large dog that looked identical to the puppy.  When I asked about this I was told the owner of the mother dog forgot to have her desexed and then there was an "accident" in the park and - surprise - there was a litter of unwanted puppies born.   Anyway, the puppy is cute and there's only one of her, so we agreed to take her in. 

Sunday is Puppy Party day at Whiskers N Paws, 2pm to 4pm, so please remember to complete the questionnaire in advance if you're planning on going, or if you're interested in adopting any of our other dogs at either of our Homing Centre locations.  The questionnaire is at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/.

Fri 22nd March: Facing hard times

 Over the twenty one years since the official setting up of HKDR there have been some very difficult periods, with challenges that at times seemed insurmountable.  One of these was when we were forced to leave our Pokfulam site, which had originally been a purpose-build quarantine kennels so was perfect for us to walk straight into.  With literally two weeks left and still with nowhere to go, what is now the well-established Tai Po Homing Centre was offered as a temporary refuge back in 2010, and of course we're still there. 

 Over on Hong Kong Island, the same happened when we had to vacate our Homing Centre in Ap Lei Chau, forcing us to move to Kennedy Town and split into two separate locations, and subsequently three when we were once again very kindly offered the use of 22 Elgin Street for two years. 

With those two years now up, as well as the lease on the North Street Kennedy Town shop ending, we had been very excited about the potential move to a site we had been dreaming about since leaving Ap Lei Chau, so we started the planning based on having lots of space in the new place.  Then suddenly the listing was withdrawn, leaving us with no new place to move to while still knowing we had to leave Elgin Street and North Street.  Luckily (we thought) another place became available, nowhere near as big but at least sufficient if the layout was well designed.  When that too fell though we came to the third option,  much smaller again, and we were on the verge of signing the lease when the restrictions being insisted upon made it too much of a risk, bearing in mind we will have to spend a lot of money to renovate any new space and money that is very precious to us. 

So as of today we are in a dire situation, having nowhere to go and so many dogs needing to be accommodated.  We still have our Brilliant Court Homing Centre in Kennedy Town, but that's not big enough for all of the North Street dogs as well as the "Red" dog at Elgin Street, and the office.  Quite honestly, I'm praying for a last-minute miracle, just like the one that saved us when we had to leave Pokfulam.

Patsy loves her chair 

On top of that there's a dog called Patsy that I've written about several times, and have also posted about on our Facebook page.  She's a very sweet six year-old bulldog type who was lucky enough to be offered a foster home when she first arrived. In fact her foster parent also sponsored surgery for Patsy to help with her breathing, an issue that affects a lot of the bully breeds.  Now the foster is leaving for a holiday and Patsy needs a place to go to, but it seems that despite her sweet nature, and because (I suspect) her cut ears make her look threatening, we now have a situation where Patsy needs to move by Saturday and there is no space for her anywhere.  Our Homing Centres are just too full, and it would be impossible for Patsy to stay there, especially now that she's settled in a home and has become accustomed to comforts like a soft chair and lots of attention.  Is there anyone who can help? Please complete the adoption questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/, or for fostering www.hongkongdogrescue.com/volunteer/fostering/.

Patsy is medium-sized, but being a bulldog type she's stockily built so not a dog that you can carry, for example. She's fantastic with people and doesn't like to be left along for long hours, so she wouldn't suit a home where everyone is at work during the day.

Thurs 21st Mar: A bumper shopping weekend coming up

Bye Suki! 

Before any shopping news I want to share today's adoption photo, and the lucky family who got to take the gorgeous Suki home. 

For something a bit different and in case you didn't see the live video on our Facebook and Instagram @hkdr_official pages, we had a last-minute fashion "show" highlighting some of the amazing designer bargains to be had on Friday and Saturday at an even lower price than normal.  Yannie was one of the hosts, and you watch the live broadcast here https://www.instagram.com/upstylehk/

Enjoy limited-time offers on fabulous designer clothing and HANDBAGS

100% of the proceeds will be donated to Hong Kong Dog Rescue to help doggies in need

Any purchases made at Upstyle in store this Friday and Saturday will be donated to HKDR

�Visit us at 26 Cheung Lee Street, 4/F, Chai Wan

For something rather more casual and perfect for everyday wear and dog walking, you can still buy our own HKDR windbreaker, Tong Gau T-shirt and sweatshirt

Limited edition waterproof windbreaker: 350 (free delivery)

Dai Pai Dong Tong Gau T-shirts: 170

(purchase of 2 or more Dai Pai Dong series free delivery)

Dai Pai Dong Tong Gau sweatshirts: 250

(purchase of 2 or more Dai Pai Dong series free delivery)

Get yours before your perfect fit sells out! Shop now at our Elgin store or Etsy online shop

https://www.etsy.com/shop/hongkongdogrescue/ (link in bio)

HKDR@Elgin

Address: G/F, 22 Elgin Street, Central

Business hours: 10am – 6pm, Monday to Friday

Inspired by the vibrant Hong Kong culture, this series features the stunning artwork created by the talented artist Laetitia @lettie_suen. It showcases our beloved local Tong Gau gathering around a Dai Pai Dong, surrounded by iconic Hong Kong cuisines such as egg tarts, pineapple buns, and milk tea!

Not forgetting the most important part of HKDR, all of these PUPPIES are waiting for a home!!

Staying at our Kennedy Town Homing Centre and shown in the group photo:

Crispin, Cara, Cody, Casper, Chester, Marlon, Spud (4 months old)

Cookie, Wendy, Wesley, Walter, William

Crystal (6 months old)

Xena, Renee (7 months)

in FOSTER HOME:

Milo, Dudley (4months) Charlie, Flora (5 months) Follow Dudley and Flora on Instagram @ foster_tails_hk

In Whiskers N Paws:

Wanda (5 months)

Arlene (7 months)

If you want to meet them, a selection of puppies will attend the weekly Whiskers N Paws Puppy Party every Sunday, 2pm to 4pm, including those who are currently staying at foster homes.

EVERY SUNDAY 2pm- 4pm at Whiskers N Paws! 10/F Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau

Most of them staying at our Kennedy Town Homing Centre, open every day from 10am to 5pm.

Shop 4, G/F, Brilliant Court, Sai Hong Lane, 28 Praya Kennedy Town

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