Fri 28th Nov: A tragedy for Hong Kong

 Like everyone else here in Hong Kong, my thoughts are with the residents and families of those who have been affected by the terrible tragedy that occurred at Tai Po, and is still ongoing as I write.  Words are inadequate to express the sadness and disbelief that such a thing could happen here, and the huge loss of life is difficult to even comprehend.  Thousands of people have suddenly become homeless too, including our own van driver Ming, who also lived in that residential complex and was thankfully out when then fire took hold.

It will take a long time for the Tai Po community to recover from what has happened, but the spirit of all Hongkongers in their immediate offers of help and support has been the only highlight throughout the past two days.  We have also received offers of foster care for any dogs that needed a safe place to stay, but so far we haven't been asked to accept any pets.

While headlines about the Tai Po tragedy dominate all aspects of Hong Kong media, we have to continue to take care of the dogs under our care, which includes our re-homing efforts.  We had considered cancelling our Sunday puppy adoption event as a mark of respect to those who have lost their lives, but in the end agreed to go ahead and will be at Whiskers N Paws as usual, from 2pm to 4pm.  I hope some puppy love will help to lift the spirits of those needing it.

I wanted to write about the happy adoptions that have taken place since my last post, and also about our big Peak to Fong event last Sunday, but I will save those for another day.  

For today I just wanted to share the condolences of everyone at HKDR with the families and friends of those who have lost so much.  Our thoughts are with you.

Sat 1st November: It's Peak to Fong month!

 Yes, here we are in November, and with just three weeks to go until our big fundraising event of the year, Peak to Fong, taking place on Sunday 23rd.  Although the tickets, in the form of a T-shirt, have already been available for a while and all of the planning started early in the year, we're continuing to add surprises to the day's happenings.  The latest is that we'll be having some special guests attending, in the shape of the famed Australian Firefighters (stay back ladies!), so you can buy the calendars as well as have your photos taken with the crew to show off to friends. 

On Wednesday 5th November, we have another fundraiser in the form of a treadmill challenge, this time being organised by the Dorsett Hotel worldwide.  To kick off the Hong Kong end of the event, myself, Yannie, and other HKDR volunteers will be taking it in turns to run (maybe walk fast!) on the treadmill, and you can sponsor us using the form below.  All proceeds from this fun event will be donated to HKDR, so we're obviously very happy and grateful for such amazing support.

We are excited to announce the Dorsett 26 Hours Global Run for Charity! Our dedicated teams around the world will take turns running on a treadmill for a cause for 26 hours, starting on November 5 and culminating on November 6. This is our Group's worldwide wellness initiative connecting our guests and communities through sustainable fitness program at our hotels.

🗓 5 Nov, 2PM – 6 Nov, 4PM (HKT)

📍 Dorsett Kai Tak, Hong Kong

🏃‍♀ Run in 30-min or 1-hour slots

💚 All donations go to Hong Kong Dog Rescue

Please kindly fill in your participation: 

https://forms.gle/FibSUjMJAF5nCJYf7

Donating is easy and secure, and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to Hong Kong Dog Rescue (HKDR). After you make your donation, please include the name of the runner you are supporting in a Testimonial!

https://give.asia/campaign/dorsett-26-hour-global-run-26-2025-dorsett-kai-tak?ee=aFXXH8Mz7dHHXXJjqVVbX4QEHE67NnJX&utm_source=link_copy&utm_medium=share_button&utm_campaign=&utm_content=charity

Thank you for helping us make a positive impact in our communities!"

There were 31 adoptions during October, and you can see all of the names listed on our Facebook and Instagram pages.  I want to give a special mention to 3 particular dogs, because their story is rather special and a little bit different because they were all dogs that were staying with me on Lamma.  

Lennox and Lewis had been adopted as young puppies by someone who turned out to be a complete liar as well as irresponsible, and not only were the puppies allowed to roam freely around Sai Kung, but they were also left behind when the man in question fled Hong Kong after just a few months.  With nowhere for Lennox and Lewis to go, I brought them to Lamma where they were able to live the free and easy life they had become accustomed to.  I walked them (and others) every day, and we would pass the home of the village chief and his wife, who had previously adopted from me and provided a wonderful home to their dog.  Sadly the dog eventually died, leaving the wife bereft.  I had suggested another puppy but she was too upset about their loss to even consider, but after a while Lennox and Lewis started to visit, especially as they were given treats when they did.  The treats turned into lavish home-cooked meals, enjoyed by almost all of the dogs who disappeared whenever we reached that particular house.  After a while I saw less and less of Lennox and Lewis, and another older dog called Plum, and finally the licenses were handed over and the adoptions made official.   I'm very happy to know that these three very lucky dogs have found the home of their dreams, and that I can continue to see them if they feel like joining the morning walk.

As you may know, many of my Lamma dogs came to me as puppies, before we had the Homing Centres for them to stay at.  Now as they have reached old age I'm losing them on a regular basis, the inevitable result of lifelong care, just as the old dogs at our Tai Po and Ap Lei Chau Homing Centres are guaranteed.  Of all the dogs that have lived with me, some became very close companions while others remained independent until the end.  Today I lost my closest and beloved Griffin, who had slept on my bed every night for most of his fourteen years, and who had trained me so well to be his devoted slave. It came quite suddenly, when Griffin called urgently for me to help him, and I found him unable to stand or, as it turned out, to see or control any part of himself.  I assumed he had suffered a stroke, or similar, and seeing him so distressed  and helpless left me with no choice but to end his suffering.  It was a very empty bed that I slept in last night.