Sat 29th June: The results of irresponsible owners

 I was supposed to be taking two more of the very shy and hairy Lamma dogs to Acorn for sedation so they could be shaved, but that had to be put on hold when the clinic had an emergency surgery appointment.  

I was quite relieved because the chihuahuas were coming and I wanted to be able to concentrate on making sure they arrived safely, and that the potential adopters were kept informed.  As they weren't even licensed, let alone vaccinated or desexed, the first thing we had to do was to get them to AFCD for their microchips, rabies shot and license, and as always we suggest this as the fastest and easiest option when it comes to registering a dog under your name.  The cost is only $80 and the paper license is issued on the spot, whereas if you get the rabies vaccination done at any vet clinic it can take months to process.  During the time it takes for AFCD to receive the application form from the vet clinic, and to enter the details into their database and issue the license, the dog is not registered under any name, so if the dog is lost for any reason the microchip will show as not having any named owner. 

Riddle and Roddy 

Rowena 

Back to the chihuahuas, by the time we were able to pick the dogs up from their (not registered) owner, there were only seven rather than ten, the other three having been passed to "friends".  This was a situation I had been trying to avoid, which is why we even agreed to go to Yuen Long to collect the chihuahuas rather than insist they be brought to us.  We knew they weren't desexed and were left alone together to mate freely, and the youngest of them were already old enough to be having their own puppies.  In fact one of the only two females may well be pregnant, which the adopter is aware of.  Four of the chihuahuas have found new homes, so we have three males still available, and they're all young.  They're Raphael, Ricky and Ranger. 

Ruby 

Teds is now Panda 

A very popular older puppy was also adopted today, and Teds is now called Panda and he's already enjoying his new life and the beach he now lives close to.  

There is another thing I found out today regarding the two young boys, Lennox and Lewis, who were adopted together by a totally irresponsible man.  Not only did he suddenly leave Hong Kong after putting the two dogs in the care of a pet sitter and cutting off all contact, but it also turned out that they hadn't been desexed.  Thankfully they aren't females, who would have given birth to puppies by now, but it means HKDR have to arrange for the desexing, as well as heartworm tests because there has been nothing given to prevent this. I'm furious with the adopter of course, but also so upset for the poor dogs.  

Lennox and Lewis just before adoption 

As hard as we try to make sure that our dogs and puppies go to good homes with responsible adopters, there are always going to be those who slip through the net, and it's the innocent dogs who suffer for it.  

If you can offer Lennox and Lewis a new and forever home it would be amazing, and would at least compensate for the sad and shocking story of their lives so far.  They're still young, only medium sized, and they deserve so much better.  

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

Fri 28th June: Donate with confidence

 Can it really be the end of another month?  When so much happens every day the time just seems to fly past, and now half of 2024 has gone and we start the countdown to all of the (hopefully) good things that the cooler weather brings. 

Well done Barlow!

Back to today though, there was wonderful news from Tai Po as Barlow was adopted, and as often happens it was by a volunteer who had got to know and love one particular dog.  Well done Barlow, and enjoy the rest of your life.

I thought we were going to be getting the chihuahua family today, and I had potential adopters ready to come to meet them.  However it was delayed until Saturday as the current owner wasn't available today, so hopefully several of them will be loving into responsible new homes over the weekend.

Ivy and Indigo

Izzy, Inky and Isa 

We did receive some new arrivals at Kennedy Town though, including three of the newborn puppies, with two already having been taken into foster care.  These three also stayed a very short time before being picked up by their foster parent, so for the time being the litter are safe and in good hands. The eyes will open at two weeks, and by three weeks the pups will be able to start eating soft food, but until then it's hard work bottle feeding hungry little mouths, as well as performing all of the tasks that a mother dog would normally undertake.  We really appreciate these special foster homes.

We also took in three more ex-breeder shibas, unfortunately not all young, with one poor female being ten years old.  I wonder if there's any kind shiba lover out there who can offer Aki a well-deserved retirement home. 

Behind the scenes we have been working hard to try to boost our near-empty coffers in whatever way we can.  At least one task that Margaret has been dealing with over the past weeks has finally come to an end as we received confirmation of accreditation from CAF, which meant full scrutiny of everything to do with our fundraising and accounts. 

Your digital badge and certificate will serve as a seal of assurance for donors. The credential provides validation that your organization is structured and operates as a nonprofit entity, that grant funds provided to your organization will be used exclusively for charitable purposes, and that your organization completed our extensive review to guard against the risk of fraud, money laundering, or other illicit activities.

Weds 26th June: VERY hot weather fosters needed!

Button is a lovely boy, so why no home yet?

 Checking the weather forecast, I saw that the already-hot weather is going to get even hotter, and once again I want to remind all dog families that heatstroke kills in a very short time.  For some breeds and types in particular, they don't even need to be walking or in direct sunlight, it's simply the high temperatures that are enough.  The obvious breeds are the flat-faced dogs like bulldogs and pugs, but labradors are also prone to being affected by the heat, and we have Button already staying at our Tai Po Homing Centre, with a new labrador boy due to arrive on Thursday, also four year old.

Other than these two we have many dogs that need to be able to get out of the intense heat, so we're asking for hot weather fosters who can provide air-conditioned comfort for a while. If you can help, and are already registered as a foster, please head over to Tai Po to pick up a dog, and if you've never fostered before please complete the form at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/volunteer/fostering/.

We also need foster homes for other dogs and puppies, particularly some newborns who will need bottle feeding for a couple of weeks at least.  This is a job for dedicated dog lovers, as it means feeding every few hours initially, even during the night. We have an offer of a short-term foster for two of the babies, so we still need somewhere for the other three, as well as a ne home for the pair when the current foster needs to give them back. 

Girl under a year old 

As I was checking messages last thing before heading for bed, there was a surrender request for ten, yes TEN, chihuahuas, all young, with the ages being from under a year to two years.  These dogs have been home-bred, and I don't want to go into all of that and what I feel about it, I just want to ask if anyone is interested in adopting, or fostering. 

Boy also under a year 

For adoption, please complete the questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/, and for fostering refer to the link already given. 

Mon 24th June: Just a quick one today

 I have an early start again on Tuesday with another Acorn appointment scheduled, so I just wanted to to quickly mention a few things.  The first is regarding the intense heat that we can now expect to continue throughout the summer, and a reminder once again that heatstroke can kill a dog very quickly.  As much as we expect dogs to be properly exercised, at this time of year please be sensible about when to take your dog out, and for how long.  It's far better to provide indoor mental stimulation in the form of games and puzzles than to walk a dog for hours in the blazing sun.  Of course dogs still need exercise, but do it very early in the morning or in the evening, not in the middle of the day.  Every year many dogs die due to the heat, so please be sensible and don't take the risk.  Also NEVER leave a dog in a car, even for a few minutes.

Lennox and Lewis 

I wrote yesterday about some dogs that were adopted as puppies and are now once again in need of a new home, and I want to mention them again because this is urgent.  Lennox and Lewis are still barely out of puppyhood at only just a year old, and they're medium sized, very sweet and also a bonded pair. Maye I'm asking a lot, but miracles happen and I want these boys in a new home together as soon as possible. 

Ginger needs a new home 

Ginger is two years old, and like Lennox and Lewis is currently staying in temporary accommodation (pet hotel). She is also a very sweet and lovely medium-sized dog, and since there's only one of her it should be easier to find her a new family. 

Remember that these dogs have already been used to living in a home so there's none of the training needed that's necessary for puppies and many of the small adult dogs that have unknown backgrounds.  Lennox, Lewis and Ginger will quickly adapt and settle, and since they're still very young they have their whole lives ahead of them.  We will also be happy to accept foster homes if you can't promise a lifetime, although we would prefer fosters than can wait for us to find a permanent solution, not just a couple of weeks.

We're also expecting a beautiful yellow labrador boy, four years old,  and he should be arriving at Tai Po on Tuesday.  He's extremely friendly, and he's already been to see a vet. 

Finally we've been asked to accept four newborn puppies, and we can't do that unless we have fosters who are willing and able to bottle feed.  We will provide everything you need in terms of bottles, milk, and anything else, but we need dedicated temporary homes.  The babies were dumped outside someone's home, so we have no idea who or what the mother is.

For all adoption enquiries please complete the questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/, and for fostering the form is at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/volunteer/fostering/.

If you can't adopt or foster, please consider becoming a Life Saver sponsor for one of our many dogs. For details do to: https://hongkongdogrescue.com/donate/sponsor-a-dog-life-saver-club/.

Sun 23rd June: Good and bad, the never-ending story

Wiska was at WNP on both days 

 Because I'm not writing a blog every day now, this post covers several days over last week, including two small adoption events at Whiskers N Paws.  On Saturday it was the turn of the small adult dogs, and Sunday was our regular puppy party, which happened to include some of the small dogs too as they're still older puppies .  Thanks to our volunteer photographers for donating their time and skills,  Racquel Francia on Saturday  Puppy Adoption Day 22nd June 2024, and Aaron Howland on Sunday Puppy Adoption Day 23rd June 2024. 

Poodle puppy Teds 

Sadie 

I have some very happy adoption news to share, although at the same time very upsetting information about dogs that were adopted as puppies, and subsequently abandoned.  Let me start with the good news though, and one very lucky dog who has waited so long for her forever home.  That dog is German shepherd Sadie, whose adoption was confirmed after a difficult start when the senior resident dog wasn't thrilled with having Sadie in his home.  Happily Sadie was given extra time to fit in, and now everything has worked out.  It's always such a bonus to have patient and understanding adopters, who know that there aren't instant results to every problem. 

Finally it's Arlene's turn 

Another special adoption is that of Arlene, our lovely "puppy" at Whiskers N Paws, who's actually now a year old.  Her exceptionally sweet personality was never in doubt, but she has an underbite that I suspect put potential adopters off.  Never mind, she has her own family now, and that's what matters.

Lovely Freckles 

Other adoptions at Kennedy Town were Freckles, a gorgeous terrier type, and shiba inu Vito. 

Vito waving goodbye 

Now I have to talk about the other side, the dogs that were promised a forever home as puppies, but just a year later are in need of new families.

Many potential adopters are looking for dogs that are already house and toilet-trained, know how to walk on a leash and will fit straight in without any need for further training.  Poodle puppy Teds, for example, is a very popular older puppy, but he came from AFCD where he had been for many months.  He has absolutely no concept of being clean because he lived in a cage, so he will pee and poo anywhere and then roll or lie in it. 

Lennox and Lewis just before adoption 

Lennox and Lewis are medium-sized brothers, just a year old so basically still very much puppies, and they are ready-made, meaning toilet trained and everything else.  Their now-disappeared owner left them with a pet sitter for a month, and subsequently cut off all contact.  I have tried emailing but the messages bounce back, so it's clear when his restaurant business failed he just packed up and left Hong Kong. 

Ginger 

Ginger is the victim of a failed marriage, and she has been staying in a pet hotel for months. She's also a lovely medium-sized dog, just two years old and only weighing 15kg. She's a perfect family companion who deserves so much better.  

These cases are utterly heartbreaking, and in almost all cases it has nothing to do with the dog's behaviour.  Lennox, Lewis and Ginger are sweet and happy characters, and they deserve so much better.  If you can offer them a second chance, please complete the adoption questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/. 

Weds 19th June: "Second hand" dogs aren't broken, they're just unlucky

 

Hetty is a petite size 

As you may know, there's a collection of small and medium-sized dogs who are living on Lamma for various reasons, mostly because they were too shy to cope well with the pressure of the Homing Centre environment, or a couple whose behaviour made them unsuitable for adoption.  

Corgi Boomer is one of the latter, a young boy who is very happy with his current situation, especially as he has taken over as boss of the dogs that he lives with.  

Two of the other dogs are Hetty and Simone, and since the recent retirement of the only remaining pair who accompanied me on my morning walks,  I chose the girls to become my new hiking companions.  Today marked our first outing and it went very well, with Simone walking happily by my side and Hetty eager to explore all the smells and undergrowth.

Big boss Boomer 

Both Hetty and Simone are lovely dogs, and the reason they moved to Lamma was because Hetty didn't like the traffic in Kennedy Town, or living in a small and crowded environment.  She has no behaviour issues, and is the most friendly and affectionate dog, loving attention and petting, as well as zoomies!

Hetty moved to Lamma because she was just a bit too big for Kennedy Town, while being too small for Tai Po. She's a bit older than Hetty, and very calm, and she loves going for walks.

Gorgeous shaggy-coated Simone 

I mention these two because although they're hidden away on Lamma it doesn't mean they're not available for adoption, or indeed deserving of a home.  In the meantime, if you would like to sponsor Hetty, Simone or Boomer on a monthly basis via our Life Saver programme, please email Eva at lifesaver@hongkongdogrescue.com for details.

Of course we have so many small dogs waiting at our Kennedy Town Homing Centre to meet their prospective families, and some of them will be at Whiskers N Paws on Saturday for our bi-monthly Small Dog Adoption event, from 2pm to 4pm.   If you're looking for a smaller dog to adopt, please start by completing the questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/.  

Sweet girl Gabby and her new family 

One other medium-sized dog who was just that little bit too big for Kennedy Town is Gabby, and because she was so lovely she was sent to Tai Po rather than Lamma.  Now she has a wonderful home, and she settled in so quickly it seemed that she was always meant to be with the family.  Gabby is the best example of the fact that "second hand" dogs aren't broken, nor do they have behaviour or health issues.  They've just been unlucky in life, and they deserve a second chance. 

Tues 18th June: Reaching rock bottom

For the second day in a row I had an early start so I could get my Lamma dog Irwen to Acorn, once for X-rays and then again for a heart scan (sadly he's not well).  Having to leave home in the morning means I can't do much else, and certainly don't have time to write a blog post, although I try to cover as much as possible by getting up an hour or so earlier.  I'd planned to write something when I got home, but then there was so much else to do that the blog got pushed to one side. 

Samoyed puppy was in-and-out 

In addition to the vet visit, the dogs that I wrote about in last Friday's post arrived today; three small and one medium-sized Samoyed puppy.  He was in-and-out, as we had a waiting list for this breed from a previous Samoyed that had passed through our doors. You can refer back to that post for information and photos, because today I wanted to write about HKDR's financial situation.  You may have seen the post on Instagram and Facebook, and I want to thank all of those who have already responded by donating.

Gorgeous little Tessie is 5 months old 

It's very difficult to have to ask for money, but I'm sure everyone knows that there's been a financial downturn since Covid make an unwelcome appearance.  So much changed during those years, and we lost everything we'd worked so hard to build as we had no opportunity to fundraise, and adoptions were so slow.  Our long-term supporters are still leaving Hong Kong in a steady flow, even if not in the large numbers of previous years, and building up a new loyalty base is tough.  

There's always been an unfortunate myth that HKDR is a rich charity with lots of money to spare, but that's never been true and certainly isn't now.  Apart from anything else, we have more dogs than anyone else so our costs are high, even if we try as hard as we can to budget.  We're extremely grateful for the regular food donations from Buddy Bites, but we still have to buy extra, and all treats are either donated or bought by volunteers as can't afford luxuries such as these.  We rely on donations for everything that isn't absolutely essential, from toys to beds, pee pads and grooming tools, bowls and bedding. 

While we have been scouting around for new premises, there's again the issue of cost and whether we can even afford to move. We want to find somewhere better and cheaper, not to mention bigger, but the renovation costs are always an issue, and right now we don't have the funds to cover anything. 

In fact, the truth of it is that unless we can manage to bring in a significant amount, and very quickly, we have exactly two months to go before the bank account is completely drained.  Don't ask me what will happen then, because I don't have an answer to that question.

What is do know is that it's time for the HK Government to step up and offer real support to the Animal Welfare Organisations that shoulder the burden of dog (and other pets) overload.  We take the dogs from AFCD but are offered nothing in return, having to cover all vet and (usually long-term) care costs.  We receive no government funding other than a tiny annual subvention, nowhere near enough to cover our monthly expenses of $1,000,000+.  The Animal NGOs are the ones who are inundated with unwanted and abandoned pets due to the lax, if any, punishments for irresponsible ownership and illegal breeding. We're asked to accept the unwanted puppies that are born by the thousand every year, but which few people want to adopt because they're mongrels.  Every day we receive multiple surrender requests from people who either no longer want their dogs, or who say they can't care for them any longer. 

How long can this situation continue for, when everyone is running out of money and having to beg for donations just to be able to survive.  Something has to change, and quickly. 

https://hongkongdogrescue.com/donate/sponsor-a-dog-life-saver-club/

Monthly pledge options:

$200: Supports basic expenses e.g. food

$500: Supports medical expenses e.g. Heartworm prevention and vaccination

$1000: Includes the above, ie.

food, medical care, and other necessary

support such as surgery costs if needed

One-off donation is of course also very welcome

FPS: 0374595

Payme/Alipay: Code in comments

Bank transfer: HSBC 741-263776-838 (HKDR LTD)

Donations of $100 or above are eligible for tax deductions.

Fri 14th June: And still more newbies.....

7 month poodle puppy Teds 

 Has there ever been such a wet May and June? I don't mind the rain because at least it's a bit cooler, but it certainly makes it harder to hold events and expect people to turn up.  Our Top Dogs adoption day on Saturday will go ahead regardless, as will the regular Sunday Puppy Party at Whiskers N Paws, but being indoors isn't much fun for the dogs.

2 year-old poodle boy 

The intake of new dogs never ends, and it's hard even trying to keep up.  There seems to have been an explosion of surrender requests, as well as dogs and puppies coming from AFCD and the independent rescue group that we accept dogs from.  

Mops 10 years old 

I'm sharing photos of those that have already arrived, and some that are coming soon.  

Poodle-terrier girl 5 months old 

If you're seriously interested please start by completing the adoption questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/.  In the case of very popular dogs like the poodle puppies, we will choose the homes that we feel are most suitable. 

The puppies are all now in foster homes and are available for adoption, but being so young they will need to be taken in pairs until a bit older,  unless there's a friendly dog already in the home.  

Terrier type boy 4 yrs (estimate)

The dogs shown with names are already with us, those without are due to come soon. 

Poodle-terrier boy 2 years old 

Mon 10th June: A holiday for some, but we open every single day

 A lot of people still ask if we open on Public Holidays or weekends, and the answer is always yes, we open every single day of the year regardless of holidays or the weather.  In fact Public Holidays usually mean a big outing for a lot of the Tai Po dogs as volunteers group together to make a day of it, and today was no exception.  I'm sure there will be photos coming, and I'm very happy that the weather was good for a change.  

The new dogs are all young 

The new dogs arrived as expected, with most going to Kennedy Town and a Border Collie (now called Owen) being dropped off at Tai Po.  All of them will be going to Acorn for their health checks on Tuesday, so they'll be available for adoption by Wednesday.  If you're interested in any of them please start by completing the questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/ before coming to meet them.

Viva was given a new home today 

One of the ex-breeder shibas was adopted today, leaving two from that intake still available, as well as the other shibas we already had at Kennedy Town. 

Every day is an adoption day at HKDR so you don't need to wait for a special event to be able to meet the dogs, but still a special day tends to attract people who prefer not to visit the Homing Centres.  As you must know by now, we have a Puppy Party every Sunday at Whiskers N Paws in Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau, and recently started a Small Dog event twice a month at the same location.  Now we're giving the medium and large dogs a chance to meet their potential families, this time in Sai Kung. 

𝗧𝗢𝗣 𝗗𝗢𝗚𝗦 𝗔𝗱𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝗶 𝗞𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆 (𝟭𝟱/𝟲)!

Join us at Cafe Pawsitive Cafe Pawsitive from 2pm to 4pm, meet our wonderful "Top dogs", and potentially welcome them into your home  They are all incredibly sweet and deserving.

During the event, free homemade teabags from the cafe and Homing Kits from Prime-Living will be given away(First-come-first-served with limited quantities). Buddy Bites will also provide ice cream and dog treats!

Sat 8th June: In, out and coming soon

In-and-out Labrador Larry 

 We had a busy day again today, with some dogs leaving, others arriving, and still more due to come on Monday, including four small-sized puppies.  It was also our Small Dog Adoption event at Whiskers N Paws Puppy Adoption Day 8th June 2024, and one of the lucky dogs of the day (Brady) was chosen to go home.  The other adoption of the day was the newly-arrived young labrador, Larry, who now goes by the name of Lucky Bean. 

Brady has his own family now

If you see any dogs in the photo album that you're interested in, please start by completing the questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/, and we'll get back to you as quickly as possible. 

Murray is a very small boy 

The new dogs today are both terrier types and four years old, one boy and one girl. Murray, the boy, came earlier so he has already been checked by a vet, while the girl only arrived late in the afternoon. 

Muffin arrived later afternoon 

The four puppies shown here are due to come on Monday, along with some other adult dogs (a white pom, a border collie and a Jack Russell), and we will be needing two foster homes who can take a pair each.  Please complete the foster form if you haven't fostered for us before (www.hongkongdogrescue.com/volunteer/fostering/), or contact our Foster Coordinator Cindy at foster@hongkongdogrescue.com if you are already registered.

Of course the puppies are also available for adoption, but not as singletons just yet.  Adopters will be asked to foster a second puppy for a short period, unless there is already a dog in the home that can be a puppy's friend and companion.