In the digital age, a single post can change a dog’s life
Who knew saving an abandoned pet could start with a double tap? Hong Kong adopters are proving the internet has heart
Just days before Christmas 2023, Lili Gleason, a 45-year-old homemaker in Hong Kong, was scrolling through Facebook when a post on the Lifelong Animal Protection (LAP) Charity page stopped her in her tracks: “600+ days and still counting … We’re not optimistic about getting Loyal and Pascal adopted unless a miracle happens and someone who doesn’t mind them being shy pops up. Would that be you?”
Loyal and Pascal had been in the shelter for 760 and 600 days, respectively. Toilet trained, friendly with other dogs and deeply affectionate, the dogs generated more than a thousand likes and 458 shares.
“This post really affected me,” Gleason says. “I couldn’t imagine these dogs living in a shelter for so many months.”
Even with her small flat and her own dog, Cannoli’s separation anxiety, Gleason felt a strong urge to help. After consulting her sister, who suggested that adopting another dog might ease Cannoli’s anxiety, she adopted Loyal, renaming him Luccio.
Other adopters have had similar experiences on social media. Amber Nathaniel, a 28-year-old teacher, discovered Cici through Instagram in 2021. The dog had been abandoned and was underweight and unsocialised.
“Her story was heartbreaking, so I wanted to give her a better home,” says Nathaniel.