Fri 31st May: End of a very wet May

The new dogs that I mentioned in yesterday's post arrived today, and there is already a lot of interest in the Kennedy Town four, particularly the Samoyed Womble and terrier Wiska.  That doesn't mean that every enquiry leads to a confirmed adoption, especially as we haven't even had a chance to send the dogs for their routine vet check yet and many would-be adopters want to wait until that's taken place. There could also be some enquiries coming in for Walter too after we received this message from someone who has the same breed: "Hello, I think Walter from your latest post is a Kooikerhondje from the Netherlands. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kooikerhondje ".

Chances are that Zoe will spend her life at HKDR

Surrendered at only 18 months old

Of the two new dogs that are now at our Tai Po Homing Centre, one is a young male border collie, and as we had so much interest in Buster before we already have a potential adopter for this new boy.  Sadly the other dog is a mature mixed breed, and as you will see from the adoption figures below, the chances of now-Zoe being adopted are extremely low.  It's heartbreaking and so unfair that there's very little interest in non-breeds, even if they're the sweetest and easiest of dogs. 

 With May having been pretty much a washout as far as the weather was concerned, the adoption numbers for the month were lower than usual at twenty six lucky dogs.  Here are their names:

Tai Po Homing Centre

Nina (Malionois cross puppy)

Kennedy Town Homing Centre

Gringo (Shiba Inu)

Rhonda (Terrier Poodle cross)

Reggie (Poodle)

Poppy (Multibreed)

Rosie (Poodle)

Toffee (Poodle)

Cookie (Multibreed puppy)

Ruffle (Terrier cross)

Harriet (Multibreed)

Nikki (Shiba Inu puppy)

Parker (Terrier cross)

Piper (Terrier cross)

Ickle (Poodle)

Izzy (Multibreed)

Irwen (Multibreed puppy)

Zilla (Dachshund cross)

Riku (Shiba Inu)

Bella (Mini Pinscher)

Posy (Multibreed)

Elodie (Poodle)

Foster Homes

Erica (Mini Pinscher)

George (Multibreed)

Razzle (Poodle)

Greta (Terrier cross)

Our Forever Dogs

Juno (Lamma)

Jinks (Lamma)

Mossy (Lamma)

Spud (Tai Po)

Miller (Tai Po)

Saffy (Foster)

Rescued Dogs (Total: 20)

From AFCD: 4

From other sources: 16

Thurs 30th May: There are too many unwanted animals

 The situation across Hong Kong is now critical regarding the number of animals being made homeless, or being born that way.  I'm not only talking about dogs, although obviously that's what concerns HKDR, and the weather this month has made everything even worse.  

Puppies born out in the open are particularly vulnerable, and I know the "Rescue Auntie" that we have taken so many puppies from is overloaded, but nobody has space to take in more.   Today two adult dogs were abandoned at the Central Ferry Piers by their owner in an unbelievable act of callousness, but this type of behaviour is becoming all too common. 

We receive surrender requests for dogs that were taken in as puppies and are then no longer wanted, and this is why we will never bend when it comes to our adoption requirements, even if there are complaints shared on various platforms, some quite aggressive.  Adoption is not something that should be impulsive,  or done because the children want a puppy, it a long-term commitment to the life of an animal that relies 100% on its human caregiver.  

We have more adult dogs coming in from two AFCD Centres, as well as four small-medium dogs arriving on Friday (photos shown on this post).  At least for the smaller dogs at Kennedy Town they stay dry inside, but our Tai Po Homing Centre is mainly outdoor enclosures, even if there's shelter for the dogs of course.  The only reason we even have any space at all is not because of adoptions, which are few, but because our old dogs are naturally dying. 

If you can offer a forever home to any of our dogs, whatever the size, please start by completing the adoption questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/.  We know that there are many good homes out there who are ready and willing to take a dog in, because there were a lot of such offers for Buster the border collie.  He is no longer in need of a home, but hundreds of others are.  Please give them a chance.

Mon 27th May: Catching up

Hooray for Nina! 

 I have some catching up to do as I haven't posted my blog for a few days.  To begin with I'll share the happy adoption news, and especially that of Nina, a Malinois-cross doglet who has been with us since she arrived as a young puppy with her two siblings.  It's not easy finding homes that are suitable for such breeds, or even crossbreeds, because these dogs need space and lots of exercise, and can become quite stressed if they kept in unsuitable environments.  This applies to a certain extent to all dogs, of course, but especially the high-energy larger types, so I'm very happy that now all three of Nina's family have found great homes. 

Adorable Button is on the left 

On Saturday we launched our Small Dog Adoption event at Whiskers N Paws, with one lucky girl  being adopted immediately and others due to have follow-up meetings.  Thanks to Sophie Jolly-Burkhardt for jumping in at the last minute to photograph the dogs enjoying their outing Small Dogs Adoption Day 25th May 2024, and if you see any you're interested in please start by completing the adoption questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/.

Lovely, cuddly Posy 

Posy was also a popular young lady, and she was taken home from our Kennedy Town Centre.

Flora 

Sunday was our regular Puppy Party at Whiskers N Paws, and you can see the photos taken by volunteer photographer Carol Chan here Puppy Adoption Day 26th May 2024.  I'm wondering once again why Flora hasn't been chosen, because I think she's beautiful as well as being very sweet, and also completely house trained.  She's only medium-sized, as you can see from the photo, so a perfect companion for any family. 

I spent some time at our Kennedy Town Homing Centre today for a meeting that wasn't directly related to dog adoption, but everything is valuable if it helps to promote or support the work of HKDR.   I was early, so spent the time meeting the dogs, including little poodle Elodie who came from AFCD as an ex-breeder dog.  She was running up and down outside the pen where senior couple Glenn and Grace were snuggled up together, and Iris explained to me that Elodie had fallen in love with Glenn and wanted to be with him, but that meant pushing "wife" Grace out of the picture.  Things got so heated that Elodie had to be removed from the scene and the door to the pen kept closed so the two oldies could have some peace. 

It's just proof, if needed, that dogs have personalities and emotions, and hopefully Elodie will soon have her new home and lots of attention, which she loves too. 

Weds 22nd May: Happy "B" Day!

 Despite not much actually happening on the surface we have quite a few things bubbling away, including the first of our planned bi-monthly Saturday Small Dog Adoption afternoons at Whiskers N Paws.  Hopefully this will be a success and we can make it an ongoing event, even though with the summer approaching it's never the busiest time of year for adoptions. 

That doesn't mean that no dogs are leaving for their new homes, and some of the newer intake have already left, or will be leaving as soon as they've had their vet checks on Friday.  Hopefully there will be no major revelations regarding the dogs and their health, although we already know that adorable terrier girl Button has the almost inevitable wobbly knees that we see is so many small dogs.   Border collie Buster was picked up the other day, so he is already in a home pending the results of his health check. 

Belle (centre) is one of a family now

I called the new mini pinscher Belle, having completely forgotten about poodle Belle who was in a foster home.  (I usually have to come up with names on the spot, so it's easy to double up).  Luckily the problem was resolved on the same day as poodle Belle had her adoption confirmed, and as it happens the new Belle will also be leaving for a trial after her vet check.  She will have to fit in with a mini pack, but she's just the right size being a very tiny little girl. 

I was very happy to know that terrier Zilla was also picked up today for a trial adoption, also having to get on with the other dogs in the home.  I'd shared her photo in my previous post, and  it's always lovely to see such a quick result. 

Gabby is a dream dog, so sweet and not large 

I'm going to try again for another gorgeous dog that's currently staying at our Tai Po Homing Centre, even though she's small in terms of height and only larger in terms of length.  There was quite a lot of interest in Gabby after her previous promotion, not long after she first arrived, but as sadly happens so many times all enquiries about her fizzled out.  You can see her here with volunteer Kelvin, winner of  the 2024 The Kiwanis Community Service Award

For the past few years, Kelvin has been volunteering at our Tai Po Homing Centre twice a week, rain or shine. He is dedicated and patient, generously sharing his hands-on experience with other volunteers and making regular donations.

We would also like to extend our gratitude to all the regular volunteers who have contributed to and supported our operations behind the scenes. We hope this can inspire more kind-hearted individuals to dedicate their time to our rescue dogs! Thank you all!

Sat 18th May: Small dog Saturdays at Whiskers N Paws

It was Greta's big day today 

 Once again there were suddenly several potential adopters for the same little dog, and this time it was Greta.  She has been with us for a while, but it was only after her photos and profile were shared on our social media pages that she received attention, even though she was at our Whiskers N Paws puppy party last Sunday.  

If you're seriously interested in adopting, I really suggest you visit our Kennedy Town Homing Centre so you can meet all of the available dogs before anyone else gets there first.  Remember to start by completing the questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/ before anything else, and please wait for a reply.  We do try to respond to every questionnaire within a very  short time, and depending on the time of day it could even be immediate.

Zilla is a little bit shy, but very sweet

Look at Griffin's big smile 

In fact we have so many lovely small dogs waiting for homes that we decided to start a Saturday afternoon adoption "party" at Whiskers N Paws, similar to the puppy event on Sundays.  This will begin on Saturday 25th May, so next weekend, and will run for two hours from 2pm to 4pm.  If you're not able to make that time then you can still meet the dogs at our Kennedy Town Homing Centre of course.  We plan to hold the small dog Saturday events twice a month, on the second and fourth Saturday, so in June that means the 8th and the 22nd.  Once again, please make sure that you have completed the adoption questionnaire in advance so we know to expect you. 

Some dogs wait a long time before they get their chance of a home, but we never give up hoping that their day will come.  Once such dog was picked up from our Tai Po Homing Centre today on a foster basis, but if everything works out I think she'll be staying. This particular girl is a smallish dog, and very shy, so it's lovely that she's been at least given the opportunity to settle into a home life.  As always I don't want to share her name just yet in case things don't work out, but we have our fingers tightly crossed for her. 

Weds 15th May: A holiday for some, but we open every single day

Little Ickle is now called Messy

 Another quick update today to mention the adoptions that took place over the past couple of days, including some successful trials.   These trials-now-adoptions are Piper and (Big) Parker, both of whom are doing really well in their respective homes. 

Piper's trial was confirmed as an adoption

Izzy's stay at KT was a short one

Puppy Irwen left today 

(Big) Parker is very happy in his home

As I wrote in my previous post, not all adoptions work out, and in those cases we would prefer that the dogs or puppies come back to us as soon as possible, not years later, as in some cases.  Today's returnees were puppy Milo, and pomeranian Tingle, with Milo lasting a couple of days and Tingle three years. 

You can meet Milo at Kennedy Town 

In Milo's case he's a very sweet and smart boy with no issues, but the mix of very young children and "dog children" (puppies) can be fraught if not properly supervised or handled.  Youngsters are youngsters no matter what species, and they need to learn acceptable behaviour, and this is exactly the reason we include this point in the adoption questionnaire.  

If you are adopting a puppy, do you understand that puppies may chew your shoes and furniture, and bite with sharp teeth?

 I know that in the UK (for example), some of the large dog rescue organisations won't let puppies (or even adult dogs) go to homes where there are young children, and while we don't want to have that kind of restriction I can often understand why it's done.  ALL PUPPIES BITE with sharp teeth, and that's just a fact and part of the puppy's learning process.  Proper handling and training can moderate the problem, and puppies grow so fast that this phase is quickly over, but still all parents need to be mindful of this point. 

Sun 12th May: Expo over, so let's get back to business

 It was a long final day at the Pet Expo today, and it's been a busy and successful event for us, with many thanks due to our HKDR team of staff and volunteers.  Photos will be posted on our Facebook and Instagram pages very soon, so look out for those.

Adorable little Greta

It was also the regular Sunday Puppy Party at Whiskers N Paws, with the addition of not-puppy Greta, an extremely cute and adorable little girl dog who just happens to be missing one paw.   She's currently staying in a foster home, so if you would like to make an appointment to meet her please email Cindy at foster@hongkongdogrescue.com.  Eric Tang was the volunteer photographer for the afternoon, and you can see all of the hopefuls here Puppy Adoption Day 12th May 2024.

It was Wanda's lucky day today 

As mentioned yesterday, we knew one puppy would be adopted today, and that lucky girl was Wanda.  She's been staying as a full time guest at Whiskers N Paws, so now there will be a new puppy moving in to take her place.

Thank you Ludovica!

We were also very happy to receive a Twopresents donation from Ludovica who wanted to share her birthday with the HKDR dogs and puppies.  If you would like to do something similar, please take a look at www.twopresents.com, or 

Twopresents on Facebook.

We have a very urgent need for new foster homes for four puppies who are currently staying together at a temporary home that has been such an amazing help to us over the years.  Now Lyndsay, her husband and their two adopted dogs are having to leave Sai Kung, and to see all the puppies and their photos please go to Instagram @why_i_foster.   Their names are Navy, Nora, Nacho and Nando, and of course they're also available for adoption.   

For all foster enquiries please complete the form at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/volunteer/fostering/, and for adoptions it's at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/.

Sat 11th May: Highs and lows

 It seems that everyone has been busy at the Pet Expo currently taking place, and with the last day of the event on Sunday I'm sure the venue will be packed once again.  While the distraction has meant fewer visitors to our Homing Centres, it's been a great opportunity to spread the word about HKDR, meet up with old friends - two and four-legged - and to raise much-needed funds for our life-saving mission.

What a fruitful day at Pet Expo day 2!

Alicia, Toby, Fox, Chewy and Roxie found their lovely Life-Saver sponsors today Hope the remaining 15 dogs will share the luck and be matched with a sponsor tomorrow!

今日有5位幸運兒Alicia, Toby, Fox, Chewy and Roxie成功配對到好善心嘅贊助人！希望餘下15隻特選狗狗都可以喺聽日搵到佢哋嘅Life-saver!

We have restocked the new “Four-eye Dog” Keychain Bags today! It’s still the hottest item and make sure to get yours at our booth N26 before it’s too late!

四眼唐狗匙扣環保袋已經補咗貨，依然係今日最熱賣嘅貨品！仲未買嘅聽日記得快啲過嚟N26搵我哋喇！

We are thrilled to see all the HKDR alumni todayThank you all volunteers and supporters who visited us today

Tomorrow (12/5 Sunday) will be the *LAST* day of pet expo, come visit us during 12-8pm at N26

Milo moved from foster to forever home

At least there have been some adoptions taking place, one of which was puppy Milo who was lucky enough to have his adoption interview in his foster home, meaning he has never needed to stay at the Homing Centre.  Another puppy will be picked up from Whiskers N Paws on Sunday, but I'll save that name for later.

Pug Arthur when he was slim 

Adoptions are always happy events, of course, but we know that it doesn't always mean happy every after for every dog or puppy.  Gorgeous young pug Arthur was being advertised on a Facebook page after he was adopted last year, and luckily several people alerted us to the fact, while many others commented on the page that the adopter should get in touch with HKDR.  Sadly not only had Arthur become greatly overweight, but he also needs surgery on both knees and that can't be carried out until he has slimmed down considerably.  The good news is that Arthur is still a delightful and very happy pug, so if anyone can foster him to see him through his diet regime and subsequent surgery, please fill in the foster form at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/volunteer/fostering/.  Obviously we will give priority to anyone who wants to adopt, but either way Arthur will need to be in a home before he can have surgery. 

Baby Saffy on the right 

Even worse, we managed to snatch an ex-HKDR puppy from the jaws of death as she was waiting at a vet clinic to be put to sleep.  We'd known that Saffy had had a problem with an infected toe from her adopter, and we had given advice at that point, but subsequently everything went quiet until we heard that Saffy was literally about to die.  Luckily there are always eyes and ears on the ground, and we were able to take Saffy back at the last minute.  

Saffy is safe back with us 

People forget that not only do we have a fantastic trainer whose services are free to all HKDR adopters,  but we also have over twenty years of experience with all types of health-related issues that dogs and puppies may be affected with.  Some minor things we can treat ourselves, while the more serious problems obviously have to be dealt with by a vet, but all vets aren't equal, just as not all trainers understand modern advancements in the training and behaviour field.  Saffy's toes infection has now become serious and has spread to all four paws, and I'm sure that treatment will be lengthy now that it's reached this stage.  Can anyone foster Saffy while she recovers?  This is an urgent case so please complete the foster form, or email Cindy at foster@hongkongdogrescue.com if you are already a registered foster parent.

Bambi

Ending on some happy news, lost dog Bambi has been found and is now back home.  Thanks to the many volunteers who went out and joined the search, which this time had the result we'd all been hoping for.  (I just realised how alike Bambi and Saffy are.  It's obviously a lucky day for tan-and-white dogs!)

Weds 8th May: A quick update on new arrivals

Izzy is a young mother, the others are puppies

 Just a quick update today on the new arrivals at our Kennedy Town Centre, Shop 4 Brilliant Court, Sai Hong Lane, 28 Praya Kennedy Town.  They're either puppies, doglets or young adults, and if you're interested please start by completing the questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/. 

Also remember that we have many other small adults waiting to meet their new families, not only the new arrivals. 

The Pet Expo kicks off on Thursday so we have a busy four days ahead, but of course the Homing Centres are open every day as usual.  

Sweet girl Flora 

We also have the Puppy Party taking place at Whiskers N Paws, Horizon Plaza, every Sunday from 2pm to 4pm, and this is the perfect place to meet all of the puppies on one place, including those staying in foster homes.  I have a soft spot for black fluffy dogs, so Flora is my pick of the week, and because she's been in foster care since she was tiny she's already completely comfortable in a family home environment. 

Tues 7th May: Newly arrived, due to arrive, and leaving

Ex-breeder poodle Elodie

 We saw more small dogs leaving Kennedy Town today, and just as well as we had two new arrivals from AFCD and still more coming in any day.  Today's newbies were a pug boy (Elmo) and a poodle girl (Elodie) both quite young.  If you're interested in either of these two, or any of our many available small, medium or large dogs, please start by completing the questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/.   If you can't commit to adopting and would like to foster a dog instead, please complete the form at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/volunteer/fostering/. 

Coming soon

Coming soon 

The other four currently due to arrive are a mother and puppy son, a black terrier type and a slim version of a beagle (type).  The photos we have been sent may be out of date, but at least you can get an idea. 

Mother dog coming soon

Puppy coming soon 

Ruffle is adopted 

Harriet heading home 

Today's lucky dogs were terrier Ruffle and fluffy Harriet from Kennedy Town, and "Foster Fail" George who had his status upgraded to "adopted". 

"Foster Fail" George

A reminder that the Pet Expo will be taking place this weekend, and you may already have seen the special fold-away shopping bag that is hidden in a super-cute key chain.  Anyone who is lucky enough to have a "4-Eyed" dog will surely want to have a matching accessory, which is a very handy item as well. 

The little dogs hide a practical bag

HKDR is excited to be part of the PET Expo this weekend (Friday to Sunday)! Take a sneak peek at our charity sales hot items

Introducing the brand new Dog Keychain Foldable Bag, featuring our popular “four-eyed” special mongrels Each only costs $100, with all proceeds going towards helping the dogs. A big thank you to The Store House HK for generously sponsoring the production of this practical and meaningful bag! Get yours while stocks last!

Visit us at Booth 𝐍𝟐𝟔 to bring all these items home for a good cause!

HKDR @PET EXPO

10/5/2024 (Fri) 12pm-9pm

11/5/2024 (Sat) 12pm-9pm

12/5/2024 (Sun) 12pm-8pm

Venue: Hall 3 CDE, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wanchai, Hong Kong

𝐍𝟐𝟔 HKDR booth