Tues 11th Oct: Fostering and dogs in foster

I had an appointment in Central today (to sign the new two-year lease on the Tai Po site), so my dog duties were put on hold for the afternoon  (at least for the dogs not on Lamma, as they’re a daily commitment).  Then it was on to Ap Lei Chau for a quick stop-off at the office and the Homing Centre, where the dogs gave me their usual noisy welcome. We really do have a lot of really adorable small-sized dogs waiting for homes there, and even if you can’t make a long-term commitment we love to see these little guys in foster homes rather than in a multi-dog environment.  And if you can’t adopt or foster, then please sign up as a volunteer to give these furry guys and girls some of your time.  They love to get out even if not for long hikes.

There’s been talk of a dog park in Ap Lei Chau for a while, and today I noticed some activity on the waterfront and a sign confirmed that work was underway.  Although the “park” is small, it does mean that the little dogs can have a run around off leash, a few at a time, meaning there will be opportunity for the ones left behind to enjoy the extra space.  Ap Lei Chau has always been a good site for us, a convenient spot for access from anywhere on Hong Kong Island, but now it’s just got even better.

Mini-sized Bellie is waiting for her forever home

For the small dogs that are in foster homes (and new shih tzu girl Pink became one of them today), they are always available to meet if you are looking to adopt.  One of these is Bellie, a mini-peke who was surrendered to AFCD after she suffered a slipped disc and couldn’t walk properly.  Her owners gave up on her without even taking her to see a vet, and in fact all she needed was some rest time before she was fully back on her feet and running around again.  She’s such a tiny little girl, and so sweet, and she’s ready to start a new life now in a forever home.  If you are interested in meeting her, or in fostering, please email Maria at foster@hongkongdogrescue.com

There was a nice surprise waiting for me when I got back home in the late afternoon.  I’d left a bowl of “soup” out for the baby pups in the hope that they would at least try to eat some if they were hungry, and I found they’d scoffed the lot! It’s incredible how quickly puppies can learn if they have to, and while they would normally be suckling from their mother for a few more weeks, necessity has pushed that forward.  What a relief!  Now all I need to do is find a foster home for them – anyone?

Elmo, such a sweet puppy

Two other older puppies that I’d love to see in foster homes are Elmo and Custer.  They are slightly older pups, three to four months old, and both are totally gorgeous in character and looks.  Elmo came to us from a breeder as a “sharpei”, covered in ringworm.  He’s not a sharpei, although from his coat he obviously has some of the breed in him, and he is utterly charming.  Unfortuantely, although his skin is now fine, he has a cough, and having him around the other puppies isn’t helpful.

Custer looking soppy, which he is

Custer is also a heart-melter, one of the sweetest puppies imaginable, and all he wants is to be loved – a lot!  He also had a bit of a “cold”, and although he’s pretty much recovered now, he needs his own family.  If you are looking for a puppy who will love you with all his heart, please ask to meet Custer.