Sun 6th May: A painful end to the day

Just so you know it's HKDR!

While other volunteers were busy at the DB Backyard Bazaar, I was on my own at Whiskers’n'Paws dealing with the potential adopters and puppy huggers, as well as the two baby pups just back from foster.  Cody and Oliver are brothers of Cumin, and if they weren’t impressed by their sister and her invitations to play, she was very happy to have two friends of her own size and age after having only had Heidi and Harriet all week.  The other two sisters in the litter, Ginger and Lily, were adopted last Sunday, and since then Cumin has been a bit lonely. It’s just as well I got the two boys back as it turned out, because Heidi and Harriet were adopted (together).

Cumin is a cuddly girl and is always happy to be carried

Oliver's first day at Whiskers'n'Paws

Greta’s appealing looks and sweetness won her a home too, at least on a trial basis.  I had been honest about her neediness and her lack of toilet training, although it’s improved enormously since her do-it-anywhere attitude when I first got her.  At least we had got it down to only doing it in one spot, even if it was the middle of the kitchen area floor!  And even then it was only occasional, and the rest of the time she was going outside so I have to say she’s been doing well.  You couldn’t fault her loving nature, and those eyes which beguiled everyone.

Cody cheered up after a while

Harriet and Heidi were adopted together!

It’s absolutely impossible to keep the older puppies from climbing the fence which separates the HKDR side of the terrace from the ‘public’ side, and of course the grass is always greener on the other side (actually being fake grass it’s constantly green on both sides and has me wondering if it might be a good idea to install some on Lamma).  Sophie is the first to go, and Bea is a close second.  Potato disappeared on a regular basis, and even Griffin from time to time. They seem to think that they’re taken to Whiskers’n'Paws on Sundays to have a play and have no interest whatsoever in stopping to say hello or showing themselves off.  Only Sophie will stop to lick any passing child, but then it’s back to the games of chase until all are exhausted and crash.  They love the terrace and the open space where there are no adults to tell them off or take the toys from them.

Too busy to stop for potential adopters!

Potato couldn't decide which side he preferred

Unlike last week when I had no volunteers to take any photos, today both Kat Kuok and Semirah Darwin were on hand to record the goings-on, and you can see both sets of photos on the Hong Kong Dog Rescue (HKDR) Facebook page.  There are always so many great shots to choose from and it’s hard for me to decide which I should use here, so please do have a look at all of them.

Merlin was very patient with all his admirers

You know that I hate dogs being dressed up like dolls (winter coats are fine on those that need it), and shoes even more, but there are exceptions to every rule.  I got this email from one of our adopters (who also foster) about their dog Louis and his problem skin.  So many dogs suffer from itchy and patchy skin, especially at this time of the year when it gets so humid and sticky.  Reasons for skin problems can vary but food allergies are one of the most common and dogs with white coats suffer more than most.  White isn’t a natural colour for a dog, and you will never see a white dog in the wild (unless it’s an albino but that’s just a freak of nature).  If all food trials have failed, then you can have your dog tested to find out exactly what is causing the allergic reaction.

Louis (was Elmo) has the most amazing eyes - and problematic skin!

“Hi Sally,

Just want to give you a little update about Louis. Blood tests have identified he is allergic to various species of grass common to HK, and mould, and dust mites! No wonder he was scratching so much. We will be starting desensitizing injections ASAP, along with trying to control his exposure as much as possible.
Obviously we do not want to stop our daily hikes and visits to the dog parks, so Andy has advised that in this rare case little doggy shoes for walking on grass are actually a benefit! So please don’t be disappointed in us, if you see Louis with shoes on for this exceptional case, and we will be mindful of his temperature regulation during these times.
Despite poor Louis’ itchy start to life, I actually think it’s perfect that he has been adopted by us, because it seems his will be much better suited to the environment in Australia for when we move back in approx in one year.
We will keep you updated with his progress with the treatment.
And the other good news, now that a food allergy has been ruled out Louis’ is back on a more balance diet and putting on good amounts of weight finally!”

We have a secret hoard of dog shoes at our warehouse for such occasions, and Louis will be able to choose a selection of style for all occasions.  Others can do the same only if they have a note from their vet saying that shoes should be worn!

When  I got back to Lamma at the end of the afternoon I was met by Justine and Vivian, two of the regular Sunday volunteer visitors, and schnauzer Howie whose back legs had suddenly become paralysed.  After a bit of a delay I got hold of (vet) Andy (who was doing a house call) and he told me what medicines to give until he could be brought in on Monday, including that Howie must be rested totally.  In my hurry to get back to the house to check to see if I had what was needed (raiding other dogs’ supplies is common), I managed to shut the heavy metal gate on my fingers.   Jumping up and down and howling with  pain, I then had to do a double act of seeing to my own injury (fingers in a mug of water with lots of ice, plus strong painkillers) while at the same time sorting through all the bags of dog pills to find the ones Howie needed.  Luckily Connie and China had what was required, Howie was dosed up and put in a small pen, and the pain in my finger had subsided to a bearable throbbing.