Adult dogs bond well too

Sammy, a mini pinscher, was thrown out on the street to die with a severe maggot wound on the nape of his neck. But he was lucky to have been saved by a member of independent dog rescue group Paws Mission, who spotted him lying by a roadside in Cheras one late night in June.

This energetic doggie, estimated about four to five years old, has now recovered and looking for a new home. Sammy, along with a Shiba Inu named Johnny and more than 30 other adult dogs, will be up for adoption tomorrow at Paws Mission's temporary shelter at 3½ Mile, Old Klang Road, near Wisma Buddhist, from 10am to 6pm.

"A maggot wound can be easily treated especially for young dogs, so we don't understand why Sammy's owner just dumped him like that. We thank the rescuer and donors who contributed to Sammy's medical fee to give him a new lease of life," said Paws Mission coordinator Tracy Ho.

Johnny, a handsome three-year-old white Shiba Inu, was left at the shelter by his owner after a neighbour complained she had too many dogs, Ho said.

Johnny is devoted to his owner and was initially depressed but he has learnt to adjust, though still wary of new people, she said.

In another dumping case, Ho said Murdoch and Wendy were tied in heavy chain with locks around their necks and thrown out of a lorry just outside Paws Mission's shelter a few weeks ago. Despite their ordeal, the two spitz cross, estimated to be about two to three years old, are still friendly and trusting of people, Ho said.

"Many people prefer puppies because they think it is easier to bond with young dogs than adult ones. This is a misconception. The closeness of the bond depends on how much time you spend with your dog, not on the dog's age," she said.

Ho said adult dogs were also more independent, could be immediate watchdogs and much less likely to chew up your shoes or dig up your garden.

Set up in 2009 by a group of volunteers, Paws Mission is committed to the welfare of homeless animals through rescue and rehoming, as well as neutering programmes and promotion of foster care.

Donations in kind especially dry and canned dog food, rice, cages and playpens are welcomed. For details, call Tracy at 016-332 3382, Ivy at 012-395 7217, Kim at 012-919 2263, Apple 012-386 2288, Hui Ling 012-695 2128 and Alice at 013-811 3787. Go to www.PawsMission.com for details or e-mail info@pawsmission.com