20th May is National Dog Rescue Day. During the month of May, we will share Second Chance stories. Today is Capri’s story as told by Twinnie Kwok.
I live in Brentford, a pet friendly complex that most people have dogs. I live in a flat without a garden but there are plenty of parks and greens nearby.
My dog’s name is Capri. She’s a rescue from the Humane Society in the Cayman Islands. She’s a German Shepherd and Chow Chow mix. I asked the shelter about her story but they didn’t know much.
When I first started walking dogs from that shelter, I wasn’t planning to adopt one until I saw Capri, I fell in love and decided to provide a forever home for her.
What made you decide to rescue?
I relocated to the Cayman Islands for work in 2019, one of the things that my colleagues suggested me to do on weekends was walk a dog from the Human Society as they needed volunteers to take the dogs out and keep them active as often as possible. It was my first time being a part of the rescue animals community and it made me realise that there are so many shelter dogs that need a forever home. I felt like if I wanted a dog, I should consider adoption instead of buying.
How did you choose your rescue dog?
I met Capri briefly the first time visiting the shelter, she immediately drew my attention being very well-behaved and smiley. Someone had already walked her that day so I didn’t get a chance to interact with her. I returned to the shelter and walked different dogs multiple times and also participated in training sessions to help prepare the shelter dogs for domestication; however, I still hadn’t had the chance to pair up with Capri. One day, I went back to the shelter again, they told me Capri was no longer there. I thought she got adopted and felt sad. Luckily, she was not adopted but sent to a daycare that has a partnership with the shelter – the daycare allows a shelter dog over for spa, grooming and socialization with other dogs every week. The week that Capri was at the daycare, I went to walk her before and after work every single day, I could feel that we were bonding even just within a week. I was really considering to foster her and see how things go first as I had never owned a dog previously. Later, the daycare owner told me that a family was very interested in adopting Capri and I should think about adoption. I was away for vacation for a weekend and when I got back to the island, I made up my mind to process the documents for adoption. It sounds crazy but at that time, I was actually staying at a temporary place that was not pet friendly. The daycare owner was so kind to let Capri stay with them until I found an apartment that allows pets. It wasn’t easy but eventually I was able to get a place that could accommodate both of us!
Tell us about the rescue/shelter you adopted from.
The Humane Society in the Cayman Islands is run by volunteers and relies on donations. They constantly look after around 100 animals, they not only look for domestic adoptions but also overseas ones. In addition, they only send dogs overseas to non-kill shelters.
The Cayman Islands suffer from flooding during hurricane season, the shelter is located in a low lying area and is always flooded. They always have to call for volunteers for foster care whenever there is heavy rain.
They do an amazing job at promoting ‘adopt don’t shop’, individual volunteers are welcome all the time and they are more than happy when companies approach them to organize team building events.
How easy was it to get Capri to the UK?
It was quite easy to get Capri to the UK. I took Capri to the Department of Agriculture for her rabies vaccination and hired an agent to handle everything else. Capri didn’t have to quarantine when she arrived in London, the agent was able to clear her through customs and deliver her to my place on the same day.
What did you think about rescues before adopting?
I didn’t know much about them, I thought perhaps most of them had certain issues that’s why they are abandoned.
What do you think about rescues after adopting Capri?
I realised that many of them were strays before being surrendered to shelters or just that people don’t have the capacity to look after them. It’s not that they have problems, they are simply sweet creatures that deserve love and a home.
What is your message to anyone who is thinking of getting a rescue?
If there’s a shelter near your place, definitely make a visit, spend time with the dog that you are interested in and see if you two get along. If you have time, it would be great to volunteer at a shelter so you get to do the groundwork and understand if you would be able to take care of one before making a decision.
Adopt don’t shop!! 
What have you learnt from rescuing Capri? Things about yourself? Has it changed your perspective about rescue dogs?
Capri makes me feel like I have so much love to give. I’m a more patient person now willing to take on responsibilities in order to take good care of someone. She teaches me loyalty and trust. Whenever I let her off leash, she always turns around to check on me. It makes me smile every time.
It has changed my perspective about rescue dogs for sure. I have great sympathy for them, if a friend is planning to get a dog, I will suggest them to adopt one. Rescue dogs deserve as much love as other dogs!
What are your favourite things to do in London with your rescue dog?
I love exploring all the parks and cafe hopping with Capri. We are so lucky that most cafes in London are dog friendly, people always offer a bowl of water and compliment Capri when they see her!
Thank you, Twinnie for sharing Capri’s story.
We met Twinnie and Capri at our @RescueDogsofLondon meet-ups and it is so wonderful to see the various dogs from all over the world adapting to life in the UK.
Adopt, don’t shop. Over 75% of the world’s 900 million dogs roam the streets. There are animal charities around the world working endlessly to sterilise dogs to help curb the population growth. And there are shelters full to the brim with dogs who need a second chance. Please consider giving one of those stuck in shelters before buying a puppy.
