Ariel Beanie - A part of US!

My family and I first came to know about Ariel and her other siblings through HOPE Dog Rescue's Facebook page. We took interest in the page describing the volunteers' efforts in rescuing Emily Bean and her cute little puppies. As my wife's birthday is fast approaching, with the kids' constant bugging to have a pet, it did not take us long to decide on adopting one from the organization.

To be honest, Ariel wasn't our first choice back then and most people would have already guessed the reason why... YES, it was because her colour was BLACK! Grandma was a traditional person and felt that black was an unlucky colour. We admit we were disappointed when we were told that the puppy of our choice had already been adopted. Nevertheless the whole family still made our way to view the available puppies and there Ariel was, sleeping with her eyes closed like an angel when the volunteers carried her out. When we first held her, she was snugging into our arms like a baby looking for warmth. My wife even commented that she had that "professor look" as her facial prints appeared similar to a puppy wearing spectacles. The first impression we got from Ariel was that she was not as active as her other siblings and would definitely be good for a family with young kids. After the family's discussion, we decided that she was the one. That was the first lesson that this little beanie taught us as a family... never to discriminate against a dog by its COLOR.

Ariel Beanie first entered our lives on 07 May 2015. The family was excited that night as we were all expecting her arrival, along with the preparation of her new sleeping area, together with some new toys. She was probably tired after coming out from the vet and slept peacefully throughout the night at her new home. Everyone was amazed at how lovely she was. However her puppy behavior began the very next morning.

It started out from whining in the wee hours to play biting, chasing and nipping at our children's hands and feet, destroying and chewing stuff all the way to barking at family members. It was a challenge for us parents as we have to handle both our young kids and taking care of this new puppy at the same time. We decided to clench our teeth and face the challenge head on by seeking advice from the volunteers and other dog owners that we got to know along the way. Constantly reading up and watching YouTube videos on the internet regarding puppy related issues have also helped us to understand more as to why Ariel would display such behavior and how to minimise it. Ariel's arrival has taught us parents to be MORE attentive, patient and understanding. This applies not only towards Ariel, but to our own kids as well.

Taking care of a new puppy was never as easy as we thought it would be. They need to be fed every four hours during the initial stages, like a newborn baby. Ariel also had to learn her boundaries and we had to guide her to the correct places to poop and pee. The first two to three months were pretty tough and frustrating as Ariel could not seem to understand what we wanted. She would occupy the sofa, bark at us and pee and poop all over the house. We later on learn the benefits of crating her in a playpen and only allow her to roam certain areas of the house when she is under proper supervision. We also roped in the kids to assist in cleaning the mess which Ariel has created. The kids would initially give comments such as "smelly" and "yucky" and refuse to clean up. However over time, the kids learn that these actions are part of the responsibilities of owning a pet. It soon became a fun thing for our kids as they would fight over who dares to pick up the poop when we bring Ariel out for her daily walks. The kids have also taken up a role in supervising Ariel when adults are busy at home. Without realizing it themselves, Ariel has actually taught them a good lesson on commitment and responsibility.

We recall an incident when we took Ariel out for a usual walk and there was this family with a kid walking towards us. The kid told her parents, "This dog looks so big and scary," and the parents pulled her away. At this moment my younger daughter, aged four, asked us "Why the family is so scared of Ariel?" We took this opportunity to explain to them the reasons why some people are afraid of Ariel. On different occasions, we ourselves as dog owners took up this role to share with others that dogs who are bigger in size may not be as aggressive as they are perceived to be. Nowadays, the kids will take the initiative to explain to other kids at the playground when they encounter such remarks. We are extremely proud that the kids have learnt to understand Ariel's behavior and explain the reasons behind it.

This little beanie has learn to accept her two human elder sisters as part of her family. They would play together, sleep together and even defend each other when they got scolded from us for doing something wrong. We consider ourselves lucky that we have adopted Ariel because the bond she created for the family is way more than what we expected. We're sure the journey of our family does not end here as there will be more challenges ahead when we grow old together. Ariel Beanie has definitely become a part of us, a part of our lives.

A Miracle For Elmo

Regular readers would be familiar with the type of depressing stories we usually post on the plights of the strays. This post however, is the complete opposite! We are absolutely, utterly ecstatic, thrilled and elated to share that Elmo HAS BEEN ADOPTED!!!

Read about Elmo's story here.

Elmo and his new mommy, April

Family bonding time

X’mas came early for all of us here at Hope Dog Rescue and this piece of awesome news is the best Christmas present for us! Our hearts leaped with joy and tears of happiness were shed as Elmo is not our usual rescue case; he is a special needs dog. Elmo is almost deaf and blind and has congenital skin problems. Although his health got better over time, he was often overlooked for adoption due to his conditions and outward appearances.

Do you see how his eyes light up now?

Look at that million dollar smile!

We had almost given up hope of ever finding Elmo a home. We remembered when we first rescued him, he was skeletal and nearing death. He did not know how to eat and drink and didn't even look like a dog at all. The expression in his eyes said it all; he had severe health issues and had lost faith in this world that meant nothing but pain and suffering for him. Heartbroken at the state we found him in, we hastily bundled him to the vet and whispered to him to hang on, to hold on to life, because we promised him that there will only be better days ahead.

Today, we fulfilled that promise to you Elmo, you'll finally have a family who will shower you with love and affection and a place to call home at last. Go live a better life now Elmo! We will miss your goofy smiles and silly antics, but our hearts are bursting with joy for you! Bless you April and family, for giving this disadvantaged dog a chance to experience a loving home in this lifetime. You have made a significant difference to his life. THANK YOU.

Elmo's adopter, April, is just 23, yet she is completely undaunted by the responsibility of taking care of a special needs dog. Elmo is indeed lucky to have found this kind family!

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ADOPTER'S STORY

Despite having a happy fur family of 2 bunnies & 2 hamsters, I felt that my (human) family and I had enough space for one more furkid. And he had to be a doggy.

Being an animal activist, l was well aware that senior & special needs dogs usually had the least chances of finding a home. Hence, inevitably the decision was made. All it took was an email and I got to meet my new son. After house checks & several preparation, it was arranged to foster Elmo for a weekend.

My parents were a little skeptical at first, given that Elmo was a little more bigger in size than they had anticipated. But by the end of the weekend Elmo had captured their hearts... especially my mom's. How could he not?! With his adorable eyes and cheeky smile, anyone is bound to be spellbound by him.

Fostering Elmo was not as difficult as I had expected it to be. Once both Elmo and I got the hang of the daily routine, I began to include more things such as cooking for him, bathing him etc. The kind volunteers guided us step by step.

Elmo seemed to understand what was going on and his daily antics amazed me. He has this habit of choosing his favourite person of the 'day'. He will latch on one of my family members and follow them around the house. Recently he seems to have taken to bright colours. There was once he found a bright pink tote bag, cleverly took it by it's handle and trotted to the living room to surprise us!

I've seen his patience when my other furkids bullied him. He didn't turn his head when my bunny went up to sniff his tail. He did nothing but to grunt softly when one of my naughty hamsters nipped near his neck. Poor Elmo! I made certain that the little hammie had good telling off from me on the spot.

After several weekends of such fun fostering, we decided to go ahead with the adoption, so that Elmo can be a part of my family. Elmo taught me about perseverance, he taught me to broaden my heart & mind, to stay optimistic for anything is possible.

Elmo was once thought to be deaf, blind & perhaps autistic. But it doesn't seem to be the case now. He is able to see certain colours and seems to recognise our faces and voices. Although he doesn't respond to basic commands... yet, he has proven that he is able to hear. Just tap his food bowl and he'll come bouncing to get his meal! He has learnt to climb up and down the stairs, and he loves his walks. He likes to watch the community cats & humans whenever we pass by them during our walks.

He has been trying so hard to give his best at living. And I must agree that he continues to succeed. A huge thank you to HOPE Dog Rescue's volunteers for everything. We are grateful & pretty much honored that Elmo has chosen us to be his furever family!

With love from Elmo's new mommy, April Vishnu

Tis The Season Of Giving

Another year is drawing to a close.

Have you fulfilled most of your 2015 New Year resolutions? We have. In the past one year, we have helped almost 40 dogs and cats. And we're mighty proud of that!

If you've followed our journey over the last one year, you'll know that we've really chalked up a lot of vet bills. Each time we clear them, another injured dog comes in. Sometimes there'll be more than just one sick or injured dog at the vet, and often, they stay long. Bad injuries (which are unfortunately very common among the street dogs we rescue) mean a few weeks' stay at the vet. Broken bones, maggot wounds, etc. all cause our vet bills to pile right up. We've been working really hard, but no matter how many vet bills we clear, they never seem to end!

So as of now, we have about $8,000 in vet bills.

Will you help us to clear our bills so we don’t have to worry this Christmas? During this season of giving, why not give to the less fortunate by helping us to save the dogs? With more funding, we can always do more. We would be overjoyed if we could just clear this year's vet bills, and start with a fresh slate in the New Year. We can't wait to start saving lives again.

And if you're looking for a little furry friend to bring your family some additional cheer, all these loving souls are waiting for their forever homes. Will you take a rescued doggy home this Christmas?

If you would like to help in any way at all, please email hopedogrescue@singnet.com.sg

Uncle Seng's Cats

Thank you for responding to our plea to sponsor the boarding of Uncle Seng's remaining cats. Kind donors have stepped up to assist us with December's boarding and the mandatory one month deposit so that we can board all 6 cats at the same facility.

Read about Uncle Seng and his pets here :
Original rescue story

Follow up story 

Warded at vet

Some are understandably very stressed, given that it is yet another move for them in such a short period of time. While we were getting them settled in, we noticed 2 cats drooling and looking sickly. As our vet's bills are mounting, we decided to take Ashley who seemed to be in a more dire situation to the vet first. At the vet, it was discovered that she has severe gum disease. Her gums were bleeding badly and so ulcerated that there was even pus oozing from her gums. Also, her teeth were mostly rotten, so you can imagine the pain she is in and how much she must have been suffering. No wonder she was drooling so badly and can't eat, resulting in her skeletal frame. Almost all her teeth had to be extracted and she only has 4 teeth left now.

Mouth full of ulcers and pus

Subsequently, we send the other sick cat, Nina, to the vet. She turned out to be the more serious of the two. After sedation, they found that her entire mouth and throat were covered with ulcers that were so bad that they couldn't even insert the tube down her throat. The surgery had to be cancelled. The ulcers are a result of a viral infection; Calici which is contagious to non-vaccinated cats. On the bright side, her appetite is improving and she is put on antibiotics and steroids. She can be discharged soon and in view of her weak condition, we hope she can recuperate safely in a foster home where she can be closely monitored. Any deterioration and she will need to be brought back to the vet immediately.

It has been weeks since Uncle Seng has last seen his cats after he moved out from the factory he called home for years. He misses them dearly and sadly, one passed away before he can say goodbye. Hopefully, we will be able to take him to see them this week and this will lift their spirits considerably.

The cats are:

Socks (one of the cutest and the fiercest)

Socks

Female, healthy and feral. Not accustomed to human contact.

Berto

Berto

Male, FIV-positive. Very sweet and friendly, even allows humans to hug and cuddle him.

Pearly

Pearly

Female, FIV-positive, sick with chronic cat flu and tongue ulcers on her tongue. Sweet and friendly. Allows humans to carry and cuddle with her.

Sofie

Sofie

Female, FIV-positive, still recovering from an eye infection. Her eye was bleeding and she had been warded for 10 days. Timid and shy but not fierce, tolerates human contact.

Ashley

Ashley

Female, dental problem. Friendly, allows human contact and can be carried.

Nina also warded at vet

Nina

Female. Severe dental issues and inflicted with feline calicivirus. Shy, not too friendly, but tolerates human contact.

Although we can barely afford the vet bills, we have no choice but to send them in as we cannot bear to watch them suffer. We need help with both Nina's and Ashley's vet bills as well as the boarding fees for all 6 cats. Although we have managed to get their December's boarding sponsored, we still need help with January's boarding fee urgently as well as subsequent months until they get adopted.

If you can contribute towards boarding or vet bills, or foster/adopt any of the cats, please email hopedogrescue@singnet.com.sg. Uncle Seng would be happy to know that his cats have received help. 

Bonnie, Our Little Camel

"My Bonnie lies over the ocean, my Bonnie lies over the sea, my Bonnie lies over the ocean, oh bring back my Bonnie to me'. Poor Bonnie… While she is not lying over the ocean or the sea, she has led a tumultuous life with ups and downs like choppy waves in the sea. We need to bring back the pretty Bonnie that existed before her health took a turn for the worse due to the sordid conditions she was living in and the passing of her caregiver at the factory she was from. For this to happen, we would need to find Bonnie a foster so that she can be nursed back to health in a loving home.

Bonnie is one of the sweetest little girls you will ever meet. She has the cutest face and the gentlest demeanour. Perhaps because she is so perfect, the God(s) above decided they had to be fair to others and gave her a harsher life on earth than other doggies. Poor Bonnie. She did nothing wrong. Bonnie did not know much about love as the only one who cared about her, one of the uncles who worked in the factory she was from, very sadly did not have much time on earth with her. Our volunteers are gradually trying to get Bonnie to come out of her shell and learn to trust and love humans again. Like many stray dogs, Bonnie was shunned like the plague by most people. Poor Bonnie has it a little tougher than other stray dogs though, due to her skin condition, which makes her look ugly and like a disease carrier to some humans, even though she is healthy and super adorable to us. Bonnie was wary of humans and got startled easily, so one could only pat her after approaching her very slowly. Despite obviously not having been carried much, which explained how uncomfortable and worried she was about being carried by our volunteers, sweet Bonnie showed zero aggression. This is how sweet and kind Bonnie is. She even leans onto you and closes her eyes in evident bliss and enjoyment when you pat her. How cute! She just yearns so much for some love and affection.

At the moment, Bonnie is on special kibbles from the vet. No one taught Bonnie how to drink from a water bowl and she probably did not have any water at all all these years, apart from rainwater and whatever puddles of water she could find on the ground. Imagine that! Bonnie is so pitiful… Bonnie is in the midst of pee pad and newspaper training. She needs to be rinsed and have medicated oil applied onto her skin after her rinse once a week. Some of this medicated oil may cause the floor to be oily, but the oil can easily be wiped away. Rest assured Bonnie does not suffer from any ailments that are contagious to humans or dogs. Bonnie is also a relatively fuss free dog. She just needs to be fed two meals a day and does not require walks for now, as she is still rather timid. All in all, Bonnie is a star. She is well behaved, quiet, shy, sweet and easy to care for. She does not bark and is small in size, so she is definitely HDB approved. What a perfect dog! What are you waiting for? Email hopedogrescue@singnet.com.sg to adopt Bonnie today.

*Bonnie is a very small local crossbreed, weighing only 11kg. She is ideal for HDB living and is estimated to be about 2 years old.

Written by : Weiling

Lucky Peaches

Peaches at her previous work site

‘Peaches Peaches! Peaches Peaches!’*Peaches starts smiling, tilting her head and coming towards me to lick me and give me a kiss with her cute little nose (ahhh so cute)* This was my first encounter with Peaches, the most adorable little puppy that suddenly appeared out of nowhere at Milo’s and Muffin’s work site one day. I had heard so much from other volunteers about Peaches and how cute she was, how her vivacity and joy would bubble over to other dogs and humans that went into contact with her, but never had a chance to meet her until we had one of our adoption drives that she attended. She is indeed super cute as the other volunteers had described her to be. Seeing her ignites warmth in your heart and makes you feel happy and sweet, like you have just eaten some peaches.  She makes you feel like life is all peaches and cream, even if it may not be so.

Cute little Peaches just appeared out of nowhere one day

When our volunteers first saw Peaches at Milo’s and Muffin’s work site, she was scruffy and looked about 6 months old. She was smaller-sized back then and oh-so-friendly and cute, our volunteers all fell in love with her. Our volunteers noticed how unique-looking she was. She had wiry hair and a smiley face that was impossible not to love. Despite living in a dump, she was happy-go-lucky and frolicked around with innocence and gaiety. We brought Peaches to the vet for sterilisation then returned her to the work site. Peaches was an easy-going dog, running and playing in the mud with wild abandon, oblivious to the dangers around her. We were so worried about her as it was far too easy for the authorities to catch her given her sweet nature. Unfortunately, we had our hands full with other rescue doggies and were unable to take her in. The best we could do was to always check on her and make sure that she remained safe and healthy at the work site during our twice-weekly feeding rounds. So, how did Peaches end up with us? Well, one day, we saw that Peaches’ friend, Muffin had fractured her hip and decided to take both Muffin and Peaches out of the work site, for Muffin to be treated and for fear that Peaches would be injured as well. We tried our best to devise a way to maximise the space in one of our kind foster’s homes such that it could accommodate Peaches besides the other dogs there, and found a foster home for Muffin.

Peaches before rescue

Since then, a group of volunteers have been taking turns to care for Peaches at the foster’s place and enjoying her company. They have all noticed how Peaches is able to get even the meekest dog to open up and play with her. Her positive energy rubs off on everyone and every dog like an eraser. Peaches has given us so much fun, joy and happiness. We hope she can be happy too, and we are ecstatic to share that Peaches has been blessed with her furever home.

Some of Peaches’ friends have been less lucky. One by one, Peaches and her friends are leaving the foster’s place but some are still waiting for their furever homes. They are all such sweet darlings and so nice, it breaks our hearts to see them without a home. Then there are still those who have worst fates out there that we do not know of or are unable to help due to a lack of resources. There is only so much we can do. We can provide kind workers with canned food to feed the dogs in the industrial areas on the days that we are unable to go down personally, we can bring injured dogs to the vet, we can educate the workers on proper care for the dogs, we can sterilise as many dogs as possible, but in the end, the best present for the dogs is a furever home, a place where the dog feels he belongs and can have a mummy or daddy to love. 

Peaches after being rescued

Winnie the Pooh said before ‘how lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so difficult’ and ‘sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart’. I think I am really blessed to have found so many dogs under Hope’s care that have made saying goodbye so difficult and taken up so much space in my heart! I hope all the doggies can be as fortunate and manage to find an owner that will fill up their hearts.  

Dogs and humans alike, we all have our own fates and our own paths and journeys that we must traverse. Some street dogs have a better life on earth while others suffer all their lives. Some find homes very soon while some spend a lifetime living on the streets, getting attacked and abused. We are unable to save all the dogs in the world but one dog at a time is better than nothing. Together, we can bring more dogs away from a dog’s life. One dog saved is actually two, three or more lives transformed, because by saving one dog, resources are freed up for another dog to be rescued, and those who rescued the dog(s) get new leashes of life too from the lessons they get to learn from the dog(s). Love a dog today! Adopt a street dog and save a life because only you can make a difference.

Written by: Weiling