Tues 19th April: A new Baxter arrives

Baxter was surrendered today

 The new arrivals never end and neither do the surrender requests,  many of which are for now-adult dogs who were adopted as puppies from other organisations or groups.  This was the case with Baxter, who came to us today just as few days after our other Baxter had been adopted, so that was good timing.  The new Baxter is a happy and friendly boy, just a year old and with no behaviour issues.  

The decision about whether or not to accept new dogs is based on a few factors, but in the end there is always the knowledge that it's not the dog's fault that it's in the situation of becoming homeless.  One of the reasons why we would have to say no to accepting any dog is if there's a biting history, and even then saying no is hard, because again it's not the dog's fault that it has developed such behaviour.  However we have staff and volunteers' safety to consider, and the fact that we would never knowingly re-home a dog that could end up biting someone.  

The new puppies arrived today as well, not siblings but the same age, estimated to be around six weeks.  They were picked up by their foster parents, but they will of course be available for adoption in a couple of weeks. 

Beth is now staying at WNP 

Meanwhile older puppy Beth moved from her foster home to Whiskers N Paws, while we wait to see who will join her from the other puppies currently in foster care.  Although losing the home she's known since she was a baby, Beth is now available to meet any day of the week during store opening hours and hopefully her stay will be a short one.  In the meantime Beth will, I'm sure, enjoy her time as store assistant and HKDR Ambassador, as well as playtimes on the terrace.

Our supporters start from a very young age, and I want to thank Lexi, Finn, Elena, Daisy, Liam and Erin for their great fundraising project, selling books.  An incredible $2250 was raised and donated to help the dogs, so thank you to everyone involved, and well done!  

Lexi, Finn, Elena, Daisy, Liam and Eryn raised $2250 for HKDR!

Mon 18th April: Getting ready to move in to Kennedy Town

One of two new puppies coming

There's been an upside to the working-from-home situation for many who normally need to go to an office on a daily basis, and that's the additional number of foster homes that have been available.  Now as things are shifting back to normal that also means many foster dogs and puppies are having to be returned, thankfully just as the new Homing Centre in Kennedy Town finally looks as though it will be ready and open for business by next week, or even sooner.  Even as all of this is happening, new puppies are arriving and two of them are due on Tuesday (thankfully with a foster home to go to). 

Thomas

The small adults that will be some of the first residents of the Centre are Thomas, Tanner and Tessa (see video), all of them "T" for timid. The two boys have been in a foster home together where they've been very happy, and even if they don't find a forever home as a pair they really have to have another dog as a companion.  Tessa's foster home had a resident dog so she has been fine, but it would be unfair to let them go as singletons.   We don't know where these dogs came from, only that they were part of several large groups who don't seem to have had much interaction with humans.   Several of them moved to Lamma, and while they're very happy with the situation there, that's because they have each other and a large garden where they can spend time as a when they want to.  These include the "Cricket" family of four, and beautiful River (who still hides every time I go to the house). 

Tanner

Hunter is 8 years old

Unless a home is found very soon it also looks at though dachshund Hunter will have to come to the new Homing Centre, as his family are already packing up for their move to Shanghai. 

I was up very early today as I'd made an appointment at ALCVC for my Lamma dog Griffin to potentially have surgery to remove a lump, and maybe two depending on whether it was deemed to be necessary. It might seem like a simple task to get one dog over to Ap Lei Chau, but I have a routine which is set in stone as far as my many dogs are concerned, so they know exactly what to expect and at what time.  As Griffin was going to be having surgery he couldn't eat anything, but all of the dogs are fed in the morning, either before I go for my walk or after, depending on who they are.  Trying to arrange feeding without including Griffin was really difficult, not to mention the fact that the timing was thrown out because I had to leave home much earlier than usual.  Anyway, I made it over with Griffin as scheduled, leaving behind a lot of very confused dogs.

Griffin gave up halfway

I'd warned the vet clinic that while Griffin is a very easygoing dog under normal circumstances, and very friendly to everyone, he really hates being "inspected" or having anything done which makes him suspicious.  Even being scanned for his microchip was enough to get him worked up, so as I had suggested he was sedated before any attempt was made to touch him.  Once asleep his lumps were checked and found to be harmless lipomas (fat), so I opted to just leave them.  In the end the only procedure Griffin had was to have one dew claw nail clipped, and after that we both left the clinic at the same time. Griffin was still very dozy but I knew he could sleep in the van while I was doing other things, and when I turned round to see that he was OK I just had to take a photo.  He had obviously tried to climb onto the seat but had fallen asleep halfway, and was stuck in a very funny frog-like pose.

The daily routine which I mentioned is actually important to a dog's feeling of security, and it helps newly-adopted dogs to settle into a new home if they have a structured timetable.  Not knowing when they will be fed or taken out is hard for any dog, and I'm sure most dogs owners have seen that their dogs have a built-in clock which tells them exactly what time it is.  

Sun 17th April: A couple of smaller dogs

I got an unusual request this morning, asking for advice about how to get an ex-HKDR dog to Shanghai where his adopters were moving to for work. You can imagine that to me the idea of sending a dog to Shanghai at this particular time (or any time come to that) horrified me, and the owners agreed that finding Hunter a new home was a better option.   I do need to mention that Hunter is currently living on one of the Outlying Islands where he has lots of space and not too many strangers to bark at.  I don't think he would do well in a busy residential complex or environment, so we'll be taking that into account when choosing a new home. 

 “Hunter is a super sweet and loving dog. He greets you enthusiastically every time you walk into the house. Cuddles, belly rubs and fetching games are his favourite things. He has a bit of guarding issue but nothing too crazy - he might bark at doorbells or people (especially tall men) he hasn’t met before, in order to protect his humans. Other than that he’s healthy and happy, doing well for an 8 year-old longhair mini dachshund.”

Candy when she arrived

There is another smallish dog who's looking for a home, this time a very sweet girl who's the mother of the four now-adopted "D" puppies.  Candy wasn't in great health or condition when she cam to us from AFCD where she'd been surrendered along with her puppies, and she turned out to have tick fever.  That's now being treated of course and she'll be fine, but it does mean she can't move to Australia or New Zealand in the future.  Other than that, Candy is a wonderful little dog who would be a perfect addition to any family. 

The photo below shows one of Candy's puppies, Dina, in her new home.  It made me laugh because it looks as though the cats are having strong words with her about house rules, although in fact they all play together.

Dina and her cat friends

As always please start by completing the adoption questionnaire if you're interested in adopting any of our HKDR dogs or puppies.  It's at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoptionquestionnaire/ 

Photos of the puppies at Whiskers N Paws will be shared later. 

Sat 16th April: A very quiet day

 Today was probably the quietest day of the year so far, and while I'm normally kept busy with emails and other enquiries I had more time to spend with the dogs instead.  Almost all potential adopters are looking for small, or small-medium sized puppies or young adults, and we just don't have any available at the moment other than the very shy dogs that really need to be with another dog, or those who have some behaviour issues.  

Goji

A lot of people still enquire about the shibas too, either wanting puppies or the three we have available, Donny, Damson and Goji (there's a fourth, Gumbo, but being larger he misses out on any interest).   Many of these potential adopters haven't had dogs before and I have to reply that the shiba inu is a challenging breed anyway, but those that are with us all have the typical shiba behaviour that makes them unsuitable for small homes, apartments without an outside area, inexperienced owners, or any home where there are children.  In the right circumstances these dogs are fine, but confined and without an outlet for their energy and need for both mental and physical stimulation, they can be impossible to handle.  I know that they're appealing because of their small size and cute smile, but like the crocodile that smile can be very deceptive. 

Donny and Damson

Iris gives Banjo his regular haircuts

In fact the smaller breeds in general are often more challenging than the larger ones, which is understandable in a way as they are far more physically vulnerable.  I was reminded of that fact today when visiting the Lamma Home for Small Dogs (previously Delinquents) where the very shy or otherwise unhomeables live.  One of these is Banjo, a very small boy who's deceptively cute.  He's been with us for years now and I thought we had an understanding after all this time.  However, after spending a while with him, which included scratching his back (which he loves), as I got up to leave I felt a sharp pain in my ankle as Banjo darted over to give me a farewell nip.  I keep forgetting that this is Banjo's trademark, and although I found it funny, it's a reminder of why this little rascal will probably never be adopted.  

Fri 15th April: A Good Friday for Baxter

Baxter will be moving to Canada soon

 Yes, today was a Good Friday for Tai Po dog Baxter, who had his adoption confirmed after being fostered for a while. 

Drake (or Drummond) with eyes open now

It was also a big day for the most recent litter of newborns, the Grand Opening of the Eyes, something that happens at around two weeks of age.  It's a milestone in the life of any puppy, and now the exploring can start.  This litter came to us on the 31st of March, so they must have just been born when they were picked up by AFCD.  Thank goodness we were able to get them straight into foster homes or they would surely have perished otherwise.  It won't be too long before these little ones will be looking for homes, and all puppies however young are available for adoption although they have to go in pairs until they're at least eight weeks old.   In fact one of the litter than came to us just before these "D Babies" arrived has already been chosen, but Debbie still has to wait a bit before she can leave her brother.  You can follow her siblings' progress on Instagram @why_i_foster (if you're not already enjoying the daily updates). 

These babies came to us on the 25th March

Puppies who are definitely old enough to be adopted will be at Whiskers N Paws on Sunday, and they are Rachel, Weston, Colin, Bliss, Nettle, Nona and Beth.  Here are the links to all puppies with photos, Instagram links and foster home locations.  Of course there are many more up-and-coming, but not yet old enough to be included:

Hong Kong Island:

• Bliss (F) - DOB 11 Nov 2021 @Ap Lei Chau
  
• Reece (F) & Roland (M) - DOB 26 Dec 2021 @Pok Fu lam
• Charlie (M) & Cressie (F) - DOB 21 Nov 2021 @Chung Hom Kok
• 
  

• Luna (F) and Leo (M) - DOB 24 Jan 2022 @ Stanley (Instagram Account @_foster.diaries_ )

• Colin (M) - DOB 21Nov 2021 @Sai Ying Pun

• Rula (F) & Rafferty (M) - DOB 26 Dec 2021 @Sai Ying Pun 
  
• Rachel (F) - DOB 26 Dec 2021 @Kennedy Town (Instagram Account @puddle.dilly )

• Beth (F) - DOB 24 Nove 2021 @Quarry Bay 
• Zara (F) & Zane (M) - DOB 28 Nov 2021 @Central 
• Chummy (M) - DOB 3 Nov 2021 @Central
  

• Nettle & Nona (F) - DOB 16 Dec 2021 @Wan Chai (Instagram Account @nettle_and_nona )

• Zak & Zippy (M) - DOB 28 Nov 2021 @North Point 

Kowloon and New Territories:

• Weston (M) - DOB 15 Jan 2022 @Kowloon
• Betty (F) - DOB 24 Nov 2021 @Kowloon Tong (Instagram Account @hkdrbetty )
  
• Dudley (M) - DOB 1 Nov 2021 @Sai Kung 
• Kong & Kooper - DOB 10 Oct 2021 @Sai Kung (Instagram Account @typhoon_k_puppies )
• 
  

Thurs 14th April: Beemer's all alone again

Juliet when she first arrived

I have some happy updates I want to share on dogs and puppies that were recently adopted, the first being puppy Juliet, whose big challenge was the three resident cats.  If you have cats you'll know that they're the decision makers when it comes to accepting a dog into the home, and in this case there were three who needed to agree on Juliet staying.  Happily, and with the help of our in-house trainer Cactus, everything worked out perfectly.  

"Hi Cactus and everyone. 

The cats agreed to Juliet staying

Just wanted to give you a quick update on Juliet and let you know we are now a fully integrated cat and dog household . We took it very slow and steady, but it’s been worth it and Juliet has been a superstar. My three cats weren’t exactly helpful and insisted on being at dog level all the time . However, we now have a very chilled household and I’m so pleased and relieved . 

The walks are also improving and she is starting to walk happily on her own with me or my helper, which is great.

She’s doing really well and is absolutely adorable . "

Jumble-now-Bear and his "sister"

In little Jumble's case there was another tiny poodle in the home that had to approve any adoption, and again it's worked out brilliantly.   Jumble is a not-quite-perfect poodle in the physical sense, although he's a very sweet little boy.  Many potential adopters came to meet him but were put off by his appearance, so when Jumble found a close friend in Beemer, another little dog with physical challenges, we were happy to let them stay together, and in fact turned down any offers of a home that didn't include both dogs.  Sadly it seemed that two sweet and happy small-sized dogs were too much for everyone, so when this home came along where there was already a Jumble-sized poodle girl we let him go, on the understanding that if it didn't work out we'd happily take him back.  Well, Jumble is now Bear and is very happy, so Beemer is alone again.  

"A quick update that Bear is doing well and is such a delight to our family.  He has settled into a routine of early morning walks in our nearby park and is adored by all the elderlies who love fussing over him. He spends the day enjoying naps, cuddles, and playtime. But I think the highlight of his day are his evening stroller rides. He gets so excited when it's "stroller time" and seems to have the biggest smile on his face as he takes in all the new sights and smells. He really is the sweetest little soul, and we're so happy we can give him a forever home."

Beemer's all alone now

Surely there must be a home somewhere for Beemer, such a sweet little boy who copes very well on his two-and-a-half legs.  He played so happily with Jumble, and they would chase each other around the dog park just the same as any able-bodied dogs.  Who can see this photo of Beemer all alone in the park and not want to give him a home?  If that's you, please complete the adoption questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/

As always, our Tai Po Homing Centre is open every single day if you want to meet any of the dogs over the Easter weekend, and the Puppy Party will be taking place on Easter Sunday at Whiskers N Paws from 2pm to 4pm.  Please make sure you complete the adoption questionnaire in advance whichever age or size of dog you're looking for, thank you. 

 

Weds 13th April: Various useful links

Buddy was helping out at Kennedy Town today

I keep forgetting about normal things, like sharing the Facebook pages that show many of our available dogs and puppies, mainly because we don't have our small Homing Centre back up and running yet.  I posted the photo yesterday of where we're at in terms of moving into the Kennedy Town location, and today we had our first dog visitor, Buddy the almost-sharpei from Tai Po.  If you're looking for a young, medium-sized and calm dog, Buddy's your boy.  

Although not being able to share many small dog and puppy images, Eagle's  hkdr_eagle page will soon be active again, while you can see lots of Tai Po dogs at Happy Woof and Hong Kong Dog Rescue (HKDR) .

Binky is available for adoption

On Instagram you can follow small foster dog Binky @binky_hkdrfoster, and gorgeous puppies @why_i_foster and @typhoon_k_puppies as well as out own @hkdr_official of course.

Thanks to Raymond for his Legacy donation

I was very happy to receive news of another Legacy gift, and you can read all about this at forevergift.hk/hongkongdogrescue, and how to make your own legacy donation using this completely free Will-writing platform.  Nobody wants to think about something like making a Will, but this free service takes care of everything for you.  Check it out and see if it's something you feel you'd like to do. 

Remember that our available dogs are listed on the HKDR website www.hongkongdogrescue.com/dogs/ and you can probablu spend hours browsing if you want to see them all, or narrow down your search options if you have a specific type or size in mind.

For all adoptions, regardless of age or size, please take the first step by completing the adoption questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/