Sun 18th July: A happy if rainy day

Rufus today

 It was probably lucky that we didn't send too many puppies to Whiskers N Paws this week as I'm sure you all know about the heavy rain that fell from the sky throughout the day, and night too.  Elena Mathew was the volunteer photographer for the event, as well as being our Photography Coordinator,  and if any other photographers would like to join the currently small group who offer their services on Sundays, it's Elena you will be in contact with. Puppy Adoption Day 18th July 2021

It's always a full house on Lamma when there's bad weather like this and all the dogs squeeze inside rather than choosing to be outdoors.  The Tai Po Homing Centre is the place I worry about most at such times because almost all of the dogs live in outside enclosures and anything can happen, and reports this morning from our earlybird volunteer "Auntie" Sue show a fallen tree in one enclosure.  Luckily no dogs were hurt and that's the most important thing.

Emily's happy face says it all

We knew that puppy Emily was going to be going home, and it was also her brother Eddie's big day as he too was chosen.  

Eddie's new family

The happiest adoption though had to be that of Tucker, who is so shy that if strangers are around he won't even eat.  I really don't know why he's like this as I seem to recall he was quite normal in his behaviour as a very young pup, but in any case he is now in a home with one of the group he came to us with, fluffy Toggle.  Tucker will be happy to be reunited with his "brother" (I don't think they're actually related) and we couldn't have hoped for a better outcome. 

Tucker is reunited with Toggle!

I'm waiting for the day when Percy is picked to be a family member, and again I don't know why he hasn't been chosen yet.  All the photos show his nature, a very affectionate and loving boy who would be perfect with children.  I know his day will come and I'm not worried, I just want him to have the home he deserves.  

Percy is a fantastic puppy boy

There was some disappointing news today, just after bulldog Dozer's adoption had been confirmed.  It seems his new Frenchie "brother" found Dozer's playing too much and it's likely being squashed by a very big and heavy dog might have hurt Toto's back.  So Dozer needs a new home, and we can say this about him:  he absolutely needs a big playmate, he's big but gentle, toilet trained, funny and very loving.   He gets on with all dogs and really loves to play with all of them.  He would be great with children too, in fact I'd say he'd love to live with little humans. If you're interested please complete the adoption questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/

Dozer is a very sweet bulldog

The Chinese paintings are proving to be very popular, so please let us know if you would like to see the catalogue.   We'll try to update it today by removing those that have already been sold as quite a few have been reserved.  

Prices are $500 each or 3 for $1000

Sat 17th July: Catalogue of paintings and puppies

Middie

 It's a funny thing about puppies and potential adopters, that out of the many available it's often "that one" and nobody else will do, even if the two sides haven't even met yet.  In some cases it's because the puppy looks like a previous and much loved pet, or it could be just that the puppy is particularly appealing, but of course looks aren't the most important factor when choosing a dog or puppy, and nor should breed be.  Personality and perhaps size are what should be considered over everything else, because there's as big a variation of character in dogs as there is in humans.  Do you want a bouncy and outgoing friend, or more of a home-loving cuddler?  Are you looking for a hiking buddy who loves adventure and has tons of energy, or is more of a laid-back kind who enjoys going to the local coffee shop or bar to hang out more your style?  Here's a video of some of the Ap Lei Chau hopefuls you can meet and consider https://www.facebook.com/hkdogrescue/videos/pcb.4518579044821459/319258683199487

Maisie

Xanthe and ex-HKDR big sister Lucy

Sunday is, as I'm sure you know, puppy time at Whiskers N Paws (2pm to 4pm) but there will be quite a few not making an appearance this weekend because they were adopted today.  One of them was in-store resident Xanthe, the last of the "X-Factor" litter, and a very beautiful girl. Here's a video of her adoption celebration 

Polo, sister of Marco, is staying in her foster home for ever, and we haven't even seen her since she was picked up the day she arrived. 

"E Litter" Emily is another foster puppy who's really a stranger after heading off as soon as she came to us, and that leaves just Eddie and Echo from that particular family.  

With puppies we can't really be sure of how they're going to turn out in terms of size, or even energy levels and potential characteristics, and that's why we often suggest that an adult dog would be a better choice.  That way you know what you're getting, and you don't have to worry about all of the puppy chewing and playbiting, something that's always a concern with young children in the home.  Either way, puppy or adult, our Homing Centre staff are there to point you in the right direction when it comes to deciding who to take home. 

Ap Lei Chau staff Zing and Eagle had an extra job to do today, and that was to  photograph and catalogue the Chinese paintings (scrolls) that were donated to us.  These are originals from China, so are unique and beautiful.  The price is $500 for one or $1000 for three, and with their real value much higher it's a fantastic opportunity for art lovers.  If you would like to see the full catalogue please let me know and I can email to you  (some paintings have already been reserved).  My email address is sallyandersen@hongkongdogrescue.com

Fri 16th July: The downside of foster homes

 It's a difficult decision to make when foster homes are offered for adult dogs, because removing a dog from our Homing Centres means it's not available for potential adopters to meet, and may therefore lose the opportunity to find a forever family.  We do ask for short-term homes when there is bad weather such as typhoons and very hot or very cold spells, but in general we feel it's better for the dogs to stay with us until adopted.  We don't confine or separate our dogs unless there's a very good reason such as illness or dog-aggression, believing that being able to socialise, play, sleep and even eat in a group setting is beneficial in every way.   The only time we ask for and really need foster homes are when puppies are very young, or dogs have had surgery and need a quiet environment to recover in. 

The Tai Po dogs enjoy each other's company

The other reason for not really feeling it's always in a dog's best interests to go to a temporary home is that it takes every dog some time to settle after being moved, and if that dog is then returned to the Homing Centre it means another adjustment.  The dogs at Tai Po are kept in enclosures with others that they get along with, so there's a family-type group formed, which is how dogs naturally live.  On Lamma, where I have no physical separations such as fences, the dogs still gather into self-created groups, especially the females.  In fact this is one of the differences between males and females, and not only in the dog world.  While females stick very closely to their small group of friends, the males are more gregarious and independent.   That's not to say that males dogs aren't as loyal to human companions, and again using my Lamma dogs as examples (because they have taught me everything I know about dogs), my steadfast walking group are males.  They will follow me no matter what, even when I go out in the rain, or when there's thunder around and they would naturally choose to stay home.  As always I need to state that this is a generalisation of behaviour, not set in stone as there are always exceptions to every rule. 

This all brings me round to two cases of dogs that went to foster homes as "Bad Weather" fosters, and stayed after everything returned to normal.   They are Finn and Winfrey, but now that time has come when they really do need to move out and we don't want them to have to return to Tai Po.

Finn

Finn is looking for a home!

Finn has been staying in foster care for the last half a year so he is very used to living in a home. Sadly his foster family will soon need to hand him back, and we are really hoping to see him adopted instead of having to come back to the centre.

Finn is 6 years old and he has always been one of our “Top Dogs”. This is what his foster says about him:

“Finn is a super easy going and surprisingly low maintenance dog. At 6 years old, he is curious, cheerful and energetic by nature, but he is very well behaved and also responds well to commands even though we are new to him. He blended right into our family with young kids and dogs on day one, and is very friendly to our guests too (big, small and furry guests). Finn enjoys running around outdoor as much as a quiet day spent at home with his loving human.”

A dog who’s good with children, playful with dogs, sweet with humans and low maintenance! What more could you ask for?

If you are interested in adopting Finn, please complete the Adoption Questionnaire on our website: https://hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/

Winfrey

Winfrey needs a home! She has been with her foster family for over half a year, so she's already very experienced with living in the city. She's very affectionate and loves following you around the house! Although Winfrey is 8 years old, she's still a very active girl and would love a family who can bring her on many adventures Her foster family will be leaving Hong Kong soon and they really hope Winfrey can find her forever family before then. Again please start by completing the adoption questionnaire if you think Winfrey is the dog for you.

Thurs 15th July: Some smaller dogs, and paintings

 This adoption photo of little Kiku really says it all, and it's another boost for the mixed breeds that so often get overlooked. Kiku rolled over to have her tummy tickled as soon as she got outside with her new daddy, and I think this adoption is going to be a very happy partnership.  

Both Kiku and Lupa very quickly found homes after coming to us from the same source recently, and most adoption enquries are from people wanting small and young dogs.  We do currently have two such rarities, however both are quite timid and really need to go to homes where there's already a resident dog to help them overcome their shyness.  

Joshua is in the middle, next to just-adopted Lupa

One of these dogs is 3-legged Joshua, a gorgeous corgi cross, and to be fair he's already improving a lot at the Homing Centre and I think he's ready for adoption, although he wouldn't suit a home with young children. 

Tucker has a long body with short legs

  

The other is Tucker, also corgi-shaped although not otherwise looking like a corgi, and I don't know why he's become so lacking in confidence.  I'm sure he'll grow out of it, at least I hope so, but another dog to show him how to behave will really make a difference.

 

Shiba inu Stella is still a young dog, and she has a few potential adopters, while Donny the shiba is still a puppy.  However he's more typical of the breed with his behaviour, so he's not suitable for an inexperienced adopter or a home with young children. 

Stella is a sweet dog but she has a previously broken leg

We also have the not-so-young poodle family, but they areally need to go in pairs having been together their whole lives.  In fact they're all related. You can see their photos on Eagle's Facebook page, along with many other photos and videos https://www.facebook.com/HKDR.DOGGIES/photos/

As I've said plenty of times before, donations come in many forms, not only money, and all are most welcome.  I received another big delivery of organic bones from GrowsFresh (https://www.facebook.com/growsfresh) today, which made my Lamma dogs very happy and kept them occupied for several hours. There was even a treat for me included, two bags of organic popcorn, for which many thanks. 

We were also donated a large number of original Chinese paintings, valued at up to $2000 each, and which we're offering for sale at $500 a piece or $1000 for a set of three.  You'll have to come and choose for yourselves as each painting is different, and they'll be at our Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre, 5 Wai Fung Street, from Friday.   I know Christmas is a long way off (although actually maybe not that long) and I think these would make great gifts, especially for those friends and family not living in Hong Kong. 

Weds 14th July: From newborn to family member

Billy Bob looking very smart today

It's always the very best outcome if a puppy that has been in a foster home since it was a baby can move straight to a forever home without having to return to the Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre.  Billy Bob ended up being a single survivor of his litter, washed out of their nest by heavy rain, and today he was interviewed by a lovely family with another dog in the home, and everyone got on so well that Billy Bob's adoption was confirmed immediately. 

Beryl (the black one) and Bessie

Two other washed away victims of heavy rain have now opened their eyes, and despite a week of worry about Beryl who had developed aspiration pneumonia from breathing in rainwater, both are now starting to eat from a bowl and enchant with their adorable photoshoots.  They're still a long way from being ready for adoption unless taken as a pair, but you can follow them on Instagram @why_i_foster to know when they're available as singetons. 

Sweet and happy Percy 

I mentioned Ziti yesterday as being the last of "The Edibles" litter and hoping she wasn't going to end up as the one left behind, and I feel the same about Percy, the only "P Litter" puppy still waiting for a home.  As a side note, this litter is a perfect example of how impossible it is to determine how big baby puppies will grow to be as adults, because at first we were told by a vet that they would be small, even under 10kg, when grown.  I was dubious about that prediction, so the next time the puppies were taken for a health check we specifically asked about their size again, and this time it had gone up somewhat.  Then a third time two vets had a look and disagreed about the probable final adult size, so now at four months of age I think all we can say about Percy is that he's unlikely to be over 20 kilos fully grown, meaning medium.   I can also say that he's a very sweet boy who'd make a wonderful family member, and I think it's time that happened.  

The P Litter in April

 Once again I should know better than to say a dog or puppy has been adopted before the Adoption Agreement has been signed and the ink has dried, because the young (estimated a year old) labrador's would-be family had to postpone any adoption due to unrelated circumstances.  That means Blanco is back on the available list, and in anticipation of many enquiries I'll say now that we'll choose the home that can offer him the best life.  As with all dogs and puppies please start by completing the adoption questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/

Blanco

Yet another new dog was taken in at Tai Po, this time a very sweet adult girl who had been rescued with a big wound on her back.  That was treated and has healed, so Wendy is ready to start her new life and that hopefully means being adopted before too long. 

Wendy is a lovely girl

Tues 13th July: The perfect beach day

Damson the shiba inu is a keen swimmer

 I don't need to travel to experience beach life as I live it every day, and yes, I appreciate how lucky I am. It was an exceptionally lovely day today, perfect for a visit from the Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre team who came over to take the Small Delinquents for a swim and to have some fun (along with ear cleaning and general maintenance).   All of these dogs are available for adoption of course, and even while I call them delinquents they have pretty much let go of their initial behaviour issues and bad moods, although realistically they would still need to be in experienced homes without children. 

Piper, Nobby, Leo, Banjo and Kobe

Lemon was picked up from the Tai Po Homing Centre today, leaving just Ziti from "The Edibles" litter remaining.  

Lemon's gone home

I hope she's not going to end up being one of those left behind, as so often seems to happen for some strange reason.  Without exception all of these puppies have had wonderful temperaments, and that includes Ziti.  If you would like to become the lucky adopter of this happy, sweet and funny older puppy, please complete the adoption questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/

Ziti is the last of this wonderful litter

Mon 12th July: Arrivals and imminent departures

 

This surrendered girl is now Poppy

As usual we welcomed more new dogs to our Tai Po Homing Centre today, although the welcome is only really how we try to make the dogs themselves feel rather than how we see it.  The dogs aren't coming because they have any say in the matter, they're simply the victims of circumstance and we rarely know what those circumstances are.  One dog, now called Poppy, was a direct surrender so we have some basic information at least, but the other dog that came from AFCD Pokfulam is a complete mystery.  He had no license so I estimated his age at a year by checking his teeth, so you can at least have an idea of his sweet temperament by the fact that despite being very scared he licked my hand as I lifted his lip. 

Griffin's perfect teeth would fool me

Accurately assessing an adult dogs age is actually very difficult because some dogs have very clean teeth even when older (my Lamma dog Griffin is almost ten years old and has perfect white teeth), while smaller dogs can have heavy tartar even at a very young age.  The body condition also has to be taken into consideration, looking at things like scars or marks, elbows and so on, and this new boy had all the indications of being quite young.  His new name is Timmy.

The 5 puppy girls at their rescuer's home

The five (all female) puppies I mentioned in yesterday's post also arrived, and luckily went straight out to foster homes (thank you).  They're not very young babies which is good in the sense that they don't need to be bottle-fed or have the intensive care that newborns need, but the downside of this is that being born wild they are already scared of humans.  Hopefully they will overcome this by being in homes and being handled, but this behaviour is essential for survival for dogs in the wild and is instilled in puppies from birth.  Even really young puppies will know to stay quiet when there is danger around, which is exactly what these new puppies did when they were waiting to be collected by their foster parents.  Usually in a litter like this some puppies will open up and become friendly, while there may be one or two that will always be timid. 

Now for some good news, Tai Po puppy Lemon was chosen today and will go home soon, while another in-and-out dog, a young labrador boy, also had his adoption confirmed for after his vet visit.  I didn't mention his arrival at the weekend, although I did write that he may be coming, because we had an adopter waiting and I just needed to know that this would be going ahead. Photos of both adoptions will be shared when the dogs leave the Homing Centre for the last time.