We've had some lovely adoptions in the last few days leading up to Christmas, and by that I mean for special dogs who needed more than the usual luck to be chosen.
I include two shibas in that category, with Anki being very shy and Kira having post-distemper twitching in her legs, a condition that was very severe when she first arrived. Now with medication, exercise and swimming, it's far less pronounced, but we're extremely happy that these two girls have their own homes now.
Long-term foster dog, Bibs, was one of our "Red" dogs while with us, so that's another very special adoption that was finally confirmed.
Okra is only a medium size, but she was sent to Tai Po when she first arrived as we didn't have the space at Ap Lei Chau and she was just that little bit too big for the small Homing Centre. She was also quite shy, but over time she became more confident, and she's now in a wonderful home with ex-HKDR golden retriever Toast.
Perhaps the best adoption of all was that of Gideon, who at almost sixteen years of age proves that a dog is never too old to find that special person or family. Gideon has been fostered by his now-adopters, so it's probably a case of formalising his family membership while there's still time, but it's a wonderful and very happy occasion for everyone who knew him.
Younger girl Anya was also adopted from Tai Po, and while not as noteworthy as Gideon's adoption, we're always delighted to see the larger mixed breeds going home.
There was no waiting required for the German shepherd puppy we took from AFCD, as he had several good homes offered. It was really a case of the first application being the successful one, so it was an easy in-and-out case.
I was at AFCD Pokfulam today with the five new dogs that are currently staying with me on Lamma, and going there was a reminder of days gone by when I used t visit a few times a week to choose the dogs and puppies that I would take out. Things have changed a lot since then, but there are still too many dogs that end up at the four government Animal Management Centres, whether surrendered by their owners or picked up as strays. The lucky ones will be accepted by HKDR or one of the other animal NGOs, but many will be destroyed. There are smply too many dogs and not enough homes, and still nothing being done to try to deal with the situation.
Going back to the five dogs I had with me today, they're all small, young and very sweet. Two of the girls are a mix of something, possibly terriers, and they are now Maisy and Lemon. The little pug girl is adorable, and her new name is Pauline, while long-haired Jack Russell cross Willy is slightly older at four years, and pug/Frenchie Bear is five. As soon as there's space at Ap Lei Chau they can move back, but for now they're very happy on Lamma. I'll try to get photos over the Christmas holidays, but they're so desperate for cuddles that it's very difficult.
I'll be at home with all of my dogs over the next three days, including three sick or incapacitated seniors who need special care, so I'll take this opportunity of wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas! Don't forget that our Homing Centres are open throughout the holidays and on every other day of the year, so if you're interested in adopting please start by completing the questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/.
Dogs and puppies should never be given as gifts whatever the occasion is, but if you've already decided that you want to give a dog the gift of a home, then any time is fine.
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