Sun 14th August: Never too old

Friends sharing an ice lick: (from left) Olivia, Buffy and Georgie

The summer vacationers are starting to return if Whiskers’n'Paws is anything to go by.  The usual crowd was back, and I was busy showing off my lovely puppies and talking about their different characters.  I know them all well, especially those that have been with me since they were very young and are now heading towards being doglets.  I was still surprised to find out, on checking Charity’s teeth, that she is much older than I thought and she already has two new front adult teeth coming through.  That means she’s five months even though she’s still very small, a bonus in Hong Kong where most people don’t want a very big dog.

Bea waits for her turn as Charity enjoys a dip in the tub

Newer puppy Kate was the only one actually taken home today, but I’m pretty sure that I’ll be ferrying others over during the week.  I have a particularly lovely group of puppies at the moment, and by that I mean not just in looks but in character too.  They’re all so friendly, happy and smart, that it would be hard to choose any one of them over the other.  I suppose if I was pressed I would have to say I love the Black Fluffies, Buffy and Biff, because this “breed” are special to me, but Bowie is Mr. Social, Martini Miss Easy, and Olivia Miss Funny. (please go to the HKDR Facebook page and click on “Photos” to see great shots of all the puppies).

Recently-adopted Black Fluffy Maudie is doing well, and is another one who loves water

Kate was the lucky puppy today

Titus was back to play, and I still have his siblings Bea and Chutney, both of who are also such wonderful puppies.  They are identical except for their colouring, Bea being black-and-white and Chutney, tan-and-

white.  They’re not going to be big dogs as adults, and looking at all of the puppies they seem to be getting smaller across the board, with the larger ones now being the exception rather than the rule.  Irwen towers above his sister Olivia now, although as two week-olds they were pretty much the same size.

Little Violet (and her brother Magic) came from their foster home today and stole the hearts of everyone who saw them

After old girl Hak Mui’s happy adoption during the week, we had an offer of a place for another pensioner, sharpei Likki, who at nearly fourteen years is our oldest resident at Tai Po.  When Likki first came to us from AFCD, I was contacted by someone who said he knew her and would adopt, but when I said she would have to be desexed, the offer was retracted on the grounds that she was too old (to need it).  Desexing can be delayed on medical grounds, but it’s usually carried out as soon as a dog comes to us (adults, not puppies).  It’s not just important in terms of preventing unwanted puppies from being born, and age-related health issues like mammary tumours, but it’s also required by AFCD as part of their re-homing procedures.  In Likki’s case she was old but still healthy and there was no reason not to have the operation, so she was spayed (desexed) like al

Martini is a super-sweet and easy girl

l the others, and has been with us about a year now.  Today Likki left for her new home, and what could be better than two oldies, who most would consider to be well past any hope of being adopted, getting a second chance?

Nucky, the old peke who lost both of his eyes, was also given another chance at a new life today.  While the sad stories are everywhere and it’s easy to get lost in them, there are many kind hearts too.  Thank you to everyone who cares enough to make a difference.

Nucky only needs comfort and love to be happy. Wishing you all the best Nucky.

It's never to late to start a new life: Likki, we love you!