2024, The Year in Summary

What a year 2024 has been for HOPE. In the past 365 days, we rescued 21 dogs, and successfully rehomed 14 dogs and one cat (Inky was rescued in 2023). The numbers may seem small, but it was by no means an easy feat for a small team like us. 

Please Adopt, Don't Shop

Almost half of the rescues were senior dogs over 10 years old with extremely poor health conditions, and 11 of them are ex-breeding dogs bailed out from a commercial breeding facility. Every single rescue has a story to tell, but some were so exceptionally shocking that they left an indelible mark on our hearts. Take Caitlyn, the grossly neglected Choa Chu Kang dog who was chained to the gate of a HDB flat (https://hopedogrescue.blogspot.com/2024/02/the-choa-chu-kang-dog-from-street-62.html). And, as if it wasn't sad enough to be neglected even with a "family", there was poor Archie who spent years alone in an enclosure of an empty flat (https://hopedogrescue.blogspot.com/2024/02/archie-owner-surrender.html). The most heartbreaking of all was Richie, who was handed over to us in a bag (https://hopedogrescue.blogspot.com/2024/04/little-richie-owner-surrender.html). Years of rescue work still cannot prepare us for such sad and shocking cases. A pet is a companion for life. What did these dogs do to deserve such treatments? 

Similarly, breeding dogs are sadly tossed aside after the breeders no longer need them. We try to bail as many as we can, but our hands are tied with limited resources. Among the 11 ex-breeding dogs we bailed, two of them were 3-month-old handicapped puppies with deformed back legs. We simply couldn't imagine what their fate would be, had we not taken them out. Rehabilitating these ex-breeding dogs is a long process and requires great patience, especially since they had limited socialization, and experienced neglect and emotional distress. Tommy and Cassidy took almost half a year convalescing from illnesses and emotional distress before they found homes. 

However, it gets quite disheartening to see our efforts just trickling along as long as commercial breeders are permitted in Singapore. Oftentimes, we wonder why these breeding horrors (https://hopedogrescue.blogspot.com/2024/03/the-horrors-of-breeding-kennel.html) are still allowed to exist today. We believe it's high time that the government intervenes and looks at prohibiting commercial pet breeding for good. Allowing pet sale and large-scale breeding operations without proper care for the animals will only perpetuate more health problems, illnesses and sufferings for them. In the long run, pet owners of these animals will also have a hefty bill to pay, with hospitalization costs that can easily hit a five-figure sum now.

Extending Care and Support Beyond Rescues

Besides direct rescue efforts, we continue to help low-income families with dog food and/or vet bills, though we have scaled back lately due to resource constraints. This year, we have also stepped in to help halfway house dogs, Kobi, Bryan and Lucky (https://hopedogrescue.blogspot.com/2024/09/halfway-house-dogs.html), all of whom found homes after receiving medical care. Oreo and Taco, who belong to two elderly owners, continue to be beneficiaries of our help over the years. We believe that pets are important companions of senior citizens and they should not be separated if we can help it.

Another group close to our hearts are the fish farm dogs whom we have been providing food for almost a decade now, and will continue to do so for as long as we can. 

Raising Awareness and Advocating Changes

With the growing awareness of animal welfare and increasing media coverage of animal cruelty cases, NParks is taking steps to review the Animals and Birds Act and negligence in pet grooming and boarding. While this is a positive start, we hope to see more deterrent measures in place against unethical and unacceptable practices, as well as pet sales.

Legislation is unfortunately beyond us, but what's within our means is to continue educating the public to be responsible pet owners via our social media platforms; through stories of our rescues, breeding facilities, helping pet owners recognize early signs of illnesses for timely veterinary intervention, and more. As part of our outreach initiatives, we have also started weekly dog walks for new volunteers and potential new owners so that they can receive guidance from experienced volunteers. 

Small animal welfare groups like HOPE struggle to stay afloat and need all the help we can receive. We hope to see corporate donors play a bigger role in promoting animal welfare with the help of their resources and influence. 

New Year, Old Fears and New Hope

As the year comes to a close, we would also like to take a moment to honour the rescues we have lost along the way—Chloe, Zeus, Olive, Adora, Banjo and Little Richie—each of them fought hard through old age, terminal or long-term illness. Regardless of the time we spent together, every end-of-life care is an emotional experience for us; it doesn't and will never get easier. 

We also grieve the loss of our human friends, Julianna and Jenna, who were gone too soon. Both of them had been volunteering with us and their contributions will never be forgotten. We are so thankful to have crossed paths with these kind and generous souls. 

We don't have a crystal ball but we believe 2025 will be just as tough as 2024 with rising pet population increases (no thanks to the boom in pet population during pandemic) and vet costs. Affordability is a growing concern and this is affecting the adoption rate for senior dogs as they require frequent medical attention. We urge all new potential pet owners to do their due diligence to research, consider their lifestyle and plan the finances before adopting. We have seen way too many cases of pets being surrendered due to these underestimated aspects of pet ownership.

As we usher in the new year, all of us at HOPE want to thank you, you and you for standing by us through our journey. May 2025 bring new hope and brighter days for everyone. 🫶

Halfway House Dogs

Meet the Halfway House Dogs: Lucky, Bryan, and Kobi

Three dogs were abandoned at a halfway house by the same man over time. While a kind pastor took them in, they haven’t received the care they need. A caring volunteer reached out to HOPE Dog Rescue, and we’re stepping in to help turn their lives around.

Lucky (Shih Tzu)

At just two years old, Lucky has suffered from malnourishment leading to dental issues. Despite his struggles, he is a fighter. He recently had a full check-up, costing $600. Though we haven’t fully raised the funds, we’re committed to his recovery. Lucky will undergo dental work and sterilization soon and will be ready for adoption once he’s healed.

Bryan (Chihuahua Mix)  

Bryan, estimated to be three years old, is in poor condition. He has serious skin issues that make him scratch constantly and his eyes show signs of severe pain. Next week, we’ll take him to the vet for treatment, blood tests, and check-ups. Once his condition improves, Bryan will also receive dental work and sterilization.

Kobi (Chihuahua Mix)  

Kobi is estimated to be five years old. Like Bryan, he has been patiently waiting his turn for vet care due to limited funds. We are determined to help him as soon as possible.

Your support can change their lives. With your help, we’re one step closer to giving these dogs the care they desperately need and the chance for a loving home.

Please help SYDNIE

 

This poor little soul was found sitting by the roadside curb and according to eyewitnesses, she had been there all day. A kind lady took her home in the evening and eventually handed the dog to us. We immediately took her to the vet.

 

After a series of blood tests, we found out that she has hypoglycemia and is anemic - which probably explains why she had sat by the kerb all day - she was too weak to move! Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar. She must be hungry - poor little soul.

 

Apart from this, she has a host of issues - extremely dry eyes that have caused her eyes to become bloodshot, rotten teeth, gingivitis that make her gums extremely red and sore, severe skin and ear infection that looks untreated for a long time, and a lump on the right side of her neck.

Her vitals are normal. She is stable and safe now.

 

Apart from bloodwork and a spinal xray for her, on the cards is also a cardiac and abdomen ultrasound as well as a much needed dental scaling. Her poor dental health is one reason her bloods is showing chronic infection.

 

And like most of our rescues, despite being in a bad state, she is still the sweetest. (Because of her recent experience, she is slightly anxious and clingy and we can understand why she feels that way .)

We hope time will heal her and she will be able to eventually love and smile again.

We have named her Sydnie.

 

Based on the horrible state that she was found in, the vets estimated her to be about 8 to 10 years old. We know that many of our supporters will band together to help this sweet little doggy and help her feel better and loved again.

 

To help with Sydnie's vet bills, email hopedogrescue@singnet.com.sg, or just drop us a private message.

 

*The case has been reported to the authorities. We are not in a position to comment on the circumstances that she was in.

Reverse Sneezing

 As a pawrent, you might have heard strange noises like your dog inhaling sneezes into its nose. These episodes can be scary because your dog might look like it's struggling to breathe.

If you've witnessed this with your dog, the first thing to know is that this isn't coughing; it is reverse sneezing, and it's more common than you think. Most of the time, it's completely normal, but some factors can trigger this issue in dogs. There are also ways to treat and prevent it.

Reverse sneezing in dogs is a common and usually harmless reflex action that helps clear the nasal passages.

It is important to differentiate between reverse sneezing and coughing, as coughing can indicate underlying health issues.

If reverse sneezing persists or the dog shows signs of distress, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

What Is Reverse Sneezing in Dogs?

Normally, a dog pushes air out of its nose if there is an irritant, but it's the opposite in reverse sneezing. Here, the dog rapidly and intensely inhales air, which results in it producing a cough-like sound. 

Why Do Dogs Reverse Sneeze?

Dogs may reverse sneeze due to various reasons. Reverse sneezing is a reflex action that helps clear the nasal passages of irritants or mucus. Excitement, allergies, respiratory infections, post-nasal drip, or nasal irritants can trigger it. During a reverse sneeze, dogs rapidly inhale air, producing a snorting or honking sound.

While it may appear alarming, reverse sneezing is usually harmless and self-resolves. However, if your dog experiences frequent or prolonged episodes, it's advisable to consult with a veterinarian for a proper evaluation and to rule out any underlying respiratory issues.

Causes of Reverse Sneezing in Dogs

1. Allergies or irritants

Most dogs reverse sneeze when the areas around the nose, back of the throat, or sinuses are irritated. Irritants include smoke, pollen, grasses, seeds, or certain odors. Dogs with seasonal allergies are more prone to sneezing.

2. Presence of bugs or parasites

Sometimes, the irritants in your dog's nose are alive and moving! Worms, worm larvae, and nasal mites that enter the dog's nasal cavity can cause dogs to reverse sneeze. If you have more than one dog in the house and they start to do this one after the other, parasitic infestation might be the underlying cause.

3. Nasal inflammation or infections

Dogs can develop rhinitis or sinusitis. When this happens, mucus may start developing, and as a natural response, dogs reverse sneeze to clear their nasal passages.

4. Trauma

Injuries to the nose can also cause repeated episodes of reverse sneezing. One veterinary case report describes a dog who caught a stick in its mouth while playing, and the stick pushed a hole in the dog's soft palate from the mouth to the nose. This accident caused injury to the dog's nasal lining, and the dog tended to reverse sneeze, which lasted even after the wound was healed.

5. Excitement or exercise

Dogs can reverse sneeze when excited or happy, often after playing or exercising. For example, dogs may do this when they welcome their family back home.

6. Structural abnormalities

Some breeds of dogs are more prone to reverse sneezing than others. Dogs like pugs and bulldogs are known to have elongated soft palates, which extra length can obstruct adequate airflow.

Breeds like chihuahuas are more susceptible to respiratory disorders compared to other breeds. They can be prone to tracheal collapse, where the windpipe is weak and can fold in on itself. This can then manifest as coughing or reverse sneezing.

7. Other conditions

Reverse sneezing can be a symptom of other problems with the respiratory tract, like polyps, nasal tumors, or other respiratory illnesses.

Symptoms of Canines Reverse Sneezing

Dog reverse sneezing can be mistaken for coughing. To help you identify it, here is a video of a classic dog episode. You can also watch out for these signs:

• Dog breathing heavily through the nose. You may notice abnormal breathing patterns in your dog. This involves deep breaths that are coming from the mouth.

• Honking or snorting noise. When dogs forcefully pull the air through their nose, you hear a loud snorting sound.

• Rapid, noisy breathing. You will notice rapid breathing patterns accompanied by noise.

• Head and neck extended forward. When reverse sneezing, dogs tend to stiffen while extending their neck and head forward.

• Eyes are bulging or watering. Excessive sneezing can make the dog's eyes bulge and water. Irritants can contribute to this symptom.

Treatment for a Reverse Sneezing Episode in Dogs

Most dogs experiencing reverse sneezing do not need medical treatment. Here are a few treatments you can do at home to make your dog feel comfortable and the options your vet might suggest if the episodes persist.

1. Gently massaging the dog's throat

Lightly massaging your dog's neck. This treatment can calm your pet down. Talk to your dog softly while doing the massages. This can be very effective, especially if the cause is due to excitement.

2. Covering the dog's nostrils

Cover your dog's nostrils for a brief moment. Holding the dog's nostrils closed briefly and gently petting its throat will help it swallow and clear its nose of any irritation, thereby stopping the spasm.

3. Offering water or food

Water can clear any irritants that are causing the reverse sneezing. Food also diverts the dog's focus and stops the spasm.

4. Using medication

Dogs can become exhausted from reverse sneezing for a long time. In that case, vets may prescribe antihistamines if they determine that the cause is an extreme allergic reaction. They may also prescribe corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation.

5. Surgical procedure

Surgical procedures may be needed in severe and frequent reverse sneezing episodes. Soft palate resection is done on dogs with excess tissue in the soft palate area to allow better airflow.

How to Prevent Dogs From Reverse Sneezing

Reverse sneezing is generally harmless, but it can be very uncomfortable for your pet and distressing for you as a pet parent. Here are some ways to prevent dogs from reverse sneezing.

1. Keep the dog's environment clean. Ensure the surroundings are clean to prevent any infestation of parasites like worms, nasal mites, and bugs. Ensure the dog is also free from fleas, ticks, and other parasites.

2. Minimize exposure to irritants. Pet parents should be mindful if certain plants cause allergic reactions in their pets. Avoid using substances with a strong scent, such as cleaning products at home, particularly in the areas where your dog spends the most time.

3. Avoid sudden changes in activity level. This can make dogs overexcited and can trigger a reverse sneezing episode.

•4. Regular checkups with a veterinarian. Frequent monitoring by a trusted vet can check if these episodes are still normal or if they are clinical signs of a more serious condition.

Lost & Neglected, Mr White finally gets the medical help he needs

Another neglected dog.

We were alerted to a seemingly lost dog found wandering the streets 3 weeks ago. The dog was in a severely neglected state. He was unkempt, smelly, with very bad skin and overgrown nails. We have since reported the case to AVS and cannot comment while the case is being investigated. We have taken to calling him Mr White while he is in our care.

Even though Mr White might have belonged to someone, our first course of action was to take him to the vet and get him the medical help he obviously needed as we could not leave him in such a bad state. His skin, which was extremely bad, had yeast and bacterial infections, and he also tested positive for ringworms. His ears were also infected and filled with pus. He dribbled pee, likely from prostate nodules which were found during the ultrasound. The nodules could be from previous chronic prostatitis, or from being neutered late. They could also be contributing to a secondary UTI as a urinalysis also showed bacteria in his pee. The ultrasound also showed 2 nodules on his spleen, and some kidney stones. He had badly rotted teeth and 23 teeth were extracted. Those that were left were starting to have root exposure and were very embedded in the jaw. They could not be extracted as there was a risk of fracturing the jaw. X-rays taken of his spine showed narrowing of the thoraco-lumbar intervertebral spaces indicating spinal disease which can only be monitored for now. 

We have spent $5k+ on his vet bills so far. If you can help contribute to Mr White's vet bills, please email hopedogrescue@singnet.com.sg

Little Richie (owner surrender)

Yet another old dog unwanted and a long suffering one.

The owner didnt want her old dog anymore and asked us to take him away. She had no harness, collar or leash for him, as she had given it away long ago. He hasn’t gone out of the house for years, and hardly goes to the vet. In fact, its been so long, the owner couldn’t even remember the name of the vet clinic. He also hasn’t been showered for eons, and not groomed – his nails were so long, it curled almost full circle and the gunk in his ears literally overflowed from his ear canal.

 
Hardened by more than a decade of rescuing, I have become quite immune to how wicked some humans can be, although I often wonder how they can look at their dogs in that sad, neglected state day in day out and not feel anything for the poor dog. Have they forgotten the cute puppy they bought years ago, the puppy that brought so much joy to their lives? It’s been years since I’ve shed tears with the rescues but today, the volunteers and I were teary eyed when the small, old dog was given to us in a bag; double bag, just in case.

 
First thing that hit us was the smell – yeasty smelling. His fur was so long, we couldn’t see his eyes but when he lifted his fringe, his eyes were sunken! It is most likely that he is deaf and blind. His nails were so long, it must have hurt him terribly to even walk. One cant begin to imagine how long he has been suffering to reach this state of neglect.

 
We rushed him to the vet.

Estimated to be 13 to 14 years old, he is anaemic, some suspicious skin growths, nasal congestion and has difficulty breathing. He is presently on the nebulizer.
We hope he pulls through and be able to live some happy moments with us.

Here’s a summarized list of Richie’s health issues: 

• Corneal ulcers in both eyes, he is most likely blind

• Severe skin and ear issues, including a bad ear infection

• Pending ringworm test

• Anemic with mild inflammation

• Enlarged internal lymph nodes

• Suspicious lesion on chest requiring monitoring

• Nasal congestion

• Heart murmur detected, requiring scheduling for heart and abdominal ultrasound

• temperature slightly high (39.3°C)

• Severe disc disease between L3 - L4 of spine

• Both lower ribs are floating and in abnormal position - vet reckons he may have been born this way 

        *        severe dental disease with receding gums 

• Enlarged heart, recommending an echo ultrasound

If you would like to help save Little Richie, please email hopedogrescue@singnet.com.sg or drop us a private message.
Thank you.

The Cemetery Dogs

Mumtaz, a Muslim lady, approached us recently regarding her dedication to feeding stray dogs at a Chinese cemetery. Her commitment to caring for these dogs is truly inspiring. She has been feeding them every night, rain or shine, even during the month of Ramadan since 2009. Mumtaz's compassion extends to breaking her fasts with the dogs, highlighting her selflessness and devotion.

Despite us facing financial constraints with our outstanding vet bills, there was no way we could say no to her plea for help. 

Mumtaz was concerned about one particular dog, Cemetery Datuk (the brown dog), who was experiencing difficulty chewing and eating, prompting her to seek help. Concerned that there might be a dental issue or something stuck in his mouth, especially since they were strays and prone to ingesting various items, she reached out for assistance. Cemetery Datuk's companion, Cemetery Batman (black dog), was also suffering from severe itching, he couldn’t even eat without scratching.

Cemetery Datuk who lives in the Chinese cemetery

His best friend, Cemetery Batman

             

He had been clawing at the sides of his mouth and the feeder thought something was stuck in his mouth

Feeder was concerned he would get maggot wounds and so asked for help with medical treatment

Moved by Mumtaz's dedication, we agreed to assist both dogs. Trappers were enlisted by her to capture them, and they were taken to our regular vet. Upon examination, it was discovered that Cemetery Datuk had exposed root canals in all four of his canines, making chewing excruciatingly painful. The teeth were severely worn down, with nerves exposed, explaining his discomfort.

Trapped and taken to the vet

We opted to proceed with dental extractions for Cemetery Datuk, removing a total of three broken canines and six small bottom incisors. For Cemetery Batman, the vet diagnosed a yeast infection causing his skin issues and prescribed oral medications, which feeders could administer easily.

 Many of his teeth were worn down and the roots were exposed

Bad yeast infections on Batman

After their procedures, the dogs were returned to the cemetery, and Mumtaz and her feeder friend, Moothi, will monitor their recovery and feed medications. The total bill for their treatment amounted to $1900/-

Cemetery Datuk getting dental at the vet

They love their freedom and will be returned to the cemetery after discharge

                                             

We express our gratitude to Mumtaz and others like Moothi for their unwavering dedication and compassion towards these cemetery dogs. Their selfless acts deserve recognition and support.

To contribute towards covering the vet bills for these cemetery dogs, please consider reaching out to hopedogrescue@singnet.com.sg or sending us a private message. Together, let's stand behind their kindness and ensure these dogs receive the care they need and deserve.