The eye-catching adoption poster wonderfully designed by Elena
A lot of preparation had to be done prior to the adoption drive; ranging from organizing the venue and time to delegating volunteer duties, it was a very hectic time for us! Of course, the only thought on our minds was that we hoped the dogs would be successfully adopted. After much consideration about the date that we would hold the adoption drive on, we decided that a Saturday afternoon would be best, as more people would be available to view the puppies! We also finalized the venue for the adoption drive to be at Doggiestyle Cafe (NEX Shopping mall), as it was a rather central area for people all around Singapore. Families doing their weekend shopping could also stop by - the larger the crowd, the higher the chances of a successful adoption drive! Saturday was also a convenient day for our working adults and students volunteers who could help out.
After the date was established, we informed the owner of Doggiestyle Cafe, Ivy, that we would like to hold an adoption drive at her premises. Ivy kindly allowed us to host our adoption drive at her cafe and we were very grateful that she was willing to support our cause. Again, Doggiestyle Cafe was the most ideal place for having an adoption drive, because it is a place where pet owners and lovers hangout with their dogs. We also observed that the human traffic passing by the café was high as well, therefore we hoped that more passers-by would stop for a glimpse of The Coffee Pups.
Getting to know more about The Coffee Pups
On the day of the adoption drive, everyone including the puppies were so excited! Our volunteers arrived a tad earlier to prepare for the event. Upon their arrival, The Coffee Pups were very excited to be in a new environment, and they were sniffing other dogs, hoping to play with them. Our adoption drive officially started when a special announcement was made by Ivy, introducing The Coffee Pups, as well as MoMo, a little brindle puppy who was also looking for a home. All the pups attracted lots of attention with their cute and adoring expressions - many people wanted to pat and hug all of them! Soon, Doggiestyle Cafe was swamped with so many visitors that we had to move our adoption drive outdoors, which attracted an even larger crowd! Many people enquired about the pups, and our volunteers basically introduced the respective dogs that they were handling, as well as explain our adoption conditions and procedures.
Lots of pats and cuddles from visitors!
It was getting too crowded in the café that we had to move the adoption drive outside!
The people who were genuinely interested in adopting the pups had their details recorded down and a short questionnaire was completed by them to decide on their suitability. Volunteers informed all potential adopters that a thorough screening had to be done, as well as a house check would have to be performed before confirmation of the adoption.
After the adoption drive, volunteers spent time running through all the adoption questionnaires and details. We filtered out the most suitable families who were willing to take a Coffee Pup home. Over the following weekend, our volunteers busied themselves with house-checks and decision making.
Eventually, all of the Coffee Pups, as well as little MoMo were successfully and happily adopted! Though all the preparations were painstaking, everything was all worthwhile as we saw our street pups finally land in loving families, who would shelter them from all the dangers that they would have continued facing should we have left them on the streets.
Café, now named Riley, with his Mommy Joy and Daddy Justin
Handsome Riley at his new home!
Cocoa and Latte have been adopted together!
Pretty Latte
Below is a short reflection written by Cherryl Louise Scharenguivel, who's family adopted Mocha;
"A friend of my mother's was telling us about these “Coffee pups” that were up for adoption at Hope Dog Rescue so we decided to check them out via email.
When I saw the picture of the four, the first one to catch my attention was Mocha, now named Bailey Bliss; and I instantly fell in love with her.
Princess Bailey Bliss with her new family (Karen, Cherryl and Royston) - see the striking resemblance in the family.
Firstly, you'll save a life.
Shelters tend to euthanize animals when they run out of space and it is really a painful and tough decision to make. The number of euthanized animals could be reduced if more people adopted pets instead of buying them, especially if the decision was an impulsive one.
Secondly, you'll get a healthy pet.
Animal shelters are brimming with happy, healthy animals just waiting for someone to take them home. Most animal rescue organizations - especially Hope Dog Rescue, examine, treat and provide vaccinations and all that is necessary to animals when they are rescued.
Lastly, it will make you feel like you have done something extremely humane.
Pets have a way of putting a smile on your face even at your lowest moments, especially my Bailey girl. She's the most cheerful, loving and clumsy doggie I've ever met. She never fails to greet us excitedly when we come home or when she sees us first thing in the morning. She runs and dives at out feet, wagging her tail vigorously, gets up, jumps on you and gives you little kisses all over your face.
Caring for a companion animal can provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment and lessen feelings of loneliness and isolation. It has been a month since we adopted Bailey and this little princess is happy as a lark. She has learnt several commands such as 'come', 'sit', 'paw' and 'down'.
My name's Cherryl Louise and I'm a proud owner of a 5 month old local cross breed puppy, Bailey Bliss."
Main article written by Yi Siew
