These Five "Special Case" Dogs Are Looking for Adoption

Meet Five Special Dogs Looking for Adoption in Beijing

Charly Kutscher | May 28, 2024 12:17 pm | Add a comment | 266 reads

For the better part of 14 years, Cypriot expat Daphne Hutagalung, an independent dog rescuer, has been working to help strays in Beijing find homes with loving families in the capital. Now, Hutagalung is reaching out to the expat community to help with five "special case" dogs in need of a forever home.

The five are considered to be "special cases" because of an unwillingness by most to adopt them. As the dogs aren't any special pure breed, are no longer puppies, or other issues, this unfortunately means they've been overlooked by most people looking to adopt. The dogs have been staying in a special "dog hotel" for the past six months, and due to the rising costs of taking care of them, it's now more important than ever to help them find a permanent home.

We spoke with Hutagalung to find out more about her interest in dog rescuing and what it takes to raise an adopted dog in China.

Hi Daphne! First off, what inspired you to start rescuing dogs?
It was never a matter of inspiration, it was a matter of becoming aware. I adopted my first dog from a friend who found him along with the rest of his litter, in a plastic bag in the trash. I had not considered adding a dog to my life, but the cruelty with which that person acted, urged me to support by adopting one of the dogs. I asked for and adopted the one least likely to find a home - in my dog's case, this was because of its tendency towards creative mischief.

Once he was in my life, for the first time ever in my years in Beijing, I started noticing strays; dogs and cats alike. Once you notice, they are suddenly all around you. Yes, I can't help them all, but in cases where an animal's life is in danger -- whether they are too young to survive on their own, sick, hurt or in imminent danger from other "elements", I can't pretend it's none of my business and just keep to myself. The same thing happened with this pack of dogs. It is different in that there were five of them that needed all kinds of care rather than one or two at once. But other than that, all I can say is that it was fate!

Which type of person do you feel would be suitable for these five dogs?
This pack has gone through a rough patch. They have already come a long way physically and emotionally but now need to find their forever homes in order to keep progressing and to continue to build trust. They are all lovely, gentle, and fantastic with other dogs, but they definitely need humans with calm, confident personalities who know not to expect too much too fast. They should be willing to give them space, treats and gradual exposure to different environments and people. Ideally, the adopter would have the time to invest and dedicate to the dogs at the start while they get to know each other and set their routines. In short, a calm, patient, and loving dog parent with an understanding of the commitment this decision entails. For this reason, families with young children are not an ideal match as children tend to be quite unpredictable.

What's likely to happen if these dogs aren't adopted soon?
Because keeping them at a facility is quite expensive, the options are very few and not ideal. The dog hotel was never a long-term solution. They have been there for over six months, and they won't be able to stay indefinitely. The only other option would be sending them to a "yard" which is just people with space on the outskirts that keep the dogs for very low fees. Those fees are indicative of the quality, or lack thereof, of care. I have at no point used those facilities, and I hope I never have to.

Do the dogs have any specific needs or requirements?
Patience, time, and an understanding that you will need to allow them to come to you rather than the other way around. Setting routines early on is a must as is consistency in maintaining those routines. Much like children, they need familiar patterns to feel safe and be able to develop, grow and become a part of the family. A stray's struggle is the unknown and constantly being on alert for potential threats. Routine helps take that uncertainty out of the equation. I always stay in touch with my adopters to offer guidance, training tips and help and (thankfully) in only two cases in all my years doing this, finding another family better suited for the pet in question.

Turning to the cost of raising, just how much does it cost to own and raise a dog in Beijing?
Adopting a dog in Beijing comes with several financial considerations that potential owners should keep in mind. The main ongoing costs include:

Food and Supplies: High-quality dog food is pricier but a healthy, balanced nutrition will save you on vet costs in the long run. You'll also need to budget for items like leashes, toys, beds, grooming supplies, etc.
Medical Care: Regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and preventative care can add up to RMB 2,000 per year. Unexpected medical issues or emergencies can be more expensive.
Licensing and Registration: All dogs in Beijing must be licensed, costs vary among districts. There are also potential fines if your dog is not properly registered.
Boarding/Sitting: If you travel, the costs of dog boarding or sitting can be RMB 150-300 per day.
Relocation Expense: If you plan to move cities or countries, there are fees associated with transporting them, obtaining permits, etc.

While these costs may be many, owning a dog in Beijing is very doable for most people, as long as you plan and budget accordingly. The companionship and joy a dog can bring often make the expenses well worth it for responsible pet owners.

We kindly ask you to please consider adopting one of these dogs, in case you are in a position to take care of them. We do not want them to have to return to their tragic lives on the street or land in a cramped shelter. If you’re looking for a cute and fluffy playmate, please consider adoption. We’ve included Daphne’s contact below, and you can find her WeChat QR- code on each of the flyers.

“You can’t change a dog's past, but you can rewrite the future."