Name: Jasper
Breed: Old English Sheepdog

Jasper, the one and a half year old Old English Sheepdog has made himself extremely popular both in our Pokfulam neighbourhood, and everywhere we take him. He is very obedient and smart too...he learns new commands quickly, and seems to understand what is expected of him. He quickly learned to do the "paw-shake" and other tricks that we are teaching him. Jasper is well loved by all of our family members and friends, and he deserves it too with his charming smile and friendly disposition. When we first adopted Jasper two months ago, he was very wary of other dogs and would display aggression towards them if they approached him while he was standing close to us. But now, after getting him to socialize regularly off leash with all types of dogs, he seems much more relaxed and accepting of other dogs of all sizes. Because Jasper responds to our calls, he gets to run around off-leash in the country parks. Jasper's facial expressions and jovial personality just lightens up anybody's day. We are just very lucky that he came into our lives! Cordi and Gary

Name: Harry aka Mr Smith
Breed: Schnauzer

A little more than a year ago my wife and I met a scraggly, lethargic little schnauzer mix at Hong Kong Dog Rescue's Pok Fu Lam kennels. The poor fellow was at the bottom of his enclosure and barely able to move while the anesthetic from his recent surgery was wearing off. His kind -- but clearly overwhelmed -- caretakers had named the poor fellow Harry on account of his matted clumps of filthy hair. Apparently, the cruel and irresponsible soul that had "cared" for him previously had never bothered to cut his hair before casting him off. The Dog Rescue folks had done what they could for poor Harry, giving him a chop-job hair cut. Unfortunately, it only enhanced his weary-prisoner's appearance. My wife was a little hesitant at accepting the little guy. He just looked awful. I'm happy to report that within a week, the scruffy inmate transformed into the doggy gentleman he is today, adopting the new moniker Mr. Smith. Mr. Smith came to us perfectly house trained (in more than a year he has made maybe five or six messes in the house -- all because he had an upset stomach). He would never dream of chewing a shoe or our furniture. He LOVES being outside and going for long walks. And, although it took a little time, he has learned to act appropriately around other dogs. We couldn't be happier with the cool, fun, very quirky pup we have today. Mr. Smith has become a fixture in our Mid-Levels neighborhood. People on the street call out his name as we run by . people I don't even know! One woman referred to him as "Dr. Smith" the other day. I had to remind her he was not schooled, and I did not want him getting a big head with such a title. A local business owner that met Mr. Smith the day we brought him home was shocked at his transformation. "He's got energy! He's moving around so well! He looks great!" she shouted. It's true. Looking back at those old photos of Harry, he'd just about lost the will to live, it seemed. The most disturbing thing we hear from friends is unfortunately one of the most common: "What are you going to do with him if you move away?" We can't believe this is even asked. "We'll take him with us, of course," we always reply. "He's part of our family." Thanks again, Dog Rescue folks, for the wonderful friend and companion. -Mat and Ty and Mr. Smith in Central

Name: Skittle
Breed: Shih Tzu / Terrier Cross

Since my adoption, I have moved to NYC (Brooklyn) with my adopted mummy & daddy! I'm settling in quite well and am enjoying my daily walks. During my first couple of days in Brooklyn, I was a bit unsure of the funny looking two-wheeled machines which the humans ride around in (bicycles!). Mummy and Daddy has since bought a little basket for their bikes and taken me on bike rides. I am no longer afraid of bicycles. A couple of weeks ago, I went on a day trip to the local park and met a squirrel for the first time! I'm still overly excited and a bit unsure when it comes to other dogs, but mummy and daddy are trying to get me out there and socialized with other dogs every chance they get. Hopefully one day I will overcome my excitement/uncertainty and will have many doggy friends! Woof Skittle