The first time we met this Shar Pei,

we could not go close enough to touch her, cos within metres, she would be growling deep-throatedly at us. At anyone who walked down the lane leading to her living spot.



(If you find her living condition unacceptable, remember the many home pets who are also living in situations none better then this, in chains and improper shelter, some who are fortunate to have been spotted and rescued/have their living conditions improved. And the many puppy farms out there right now, with living conditions far worse. With breeding dogs hardly let out of cramped cages, sun-less enclosures, poor food, no socialising, no vet care when needed. Dumped/put to sleep/left to die when they outlive their breeding ability. Puppies born who do not conform to pedigree standards are also immediately destroyed.

The message is: ADOPT.

REDUCE buying from pet shops (locally bred and imported dogs) and DO NOT buy from breeding farms. Many of the dogs from pet shops come from the farms anyway. You just don't see the living conditions of the puppies' parents.)



The closest we ventured to her was within a metre. Just squatting down to be close to her, letting her sniff us out. But still, with her unceasing deep growling and raised hair on her back, and the farm owner's warning that she is quite fierce towards strangers, we chose not to touch her. (The Shar Pei's temperament is stated as being very strong-willed, stubborn and territorial)

Today, we visited her again with plans to bring her to the vet for a health check first while we ascertain her temperament for rehoming. Her name is Porky. (not very flattering ...)

As we turned into her lane, metres away, her strong barking started. As we moved within 1 metre from her and squatted down, her deep growls started. And it went on for a good few minutes while we tried to assure her of our good intentions.

(From a Shar Pei website: Aggression toward strangers - Many Shar Peis have protective instincts toward strangers. They need extensive exposure to friendly people so they learn to recognize the normal behaviors of "good guys." Then they can recognize the difference when someone acts abnormally. Without careful socialization, they may be suspicious of everyone, which can lead to biting.)

Nothing helped till we brought some chicken meat and started feeding her bits. Bit by bit, nearer and nearer. And finally after a few minutes, she relaxed enough to eat from my hand. Surprisingly, she was a gentle eater. Unlike some dogs who may unintentionally chomp down on your fingers as you hold out food for them. Not her. She comes close tentatively. Gently. And I would feel her rough drooping muzzle folds rubbing against my hands before she lightly takes the meat from me. (Shar-Pei translated in mandarin means 'sand skin', thus the roughness)

Then, finally ... after some minutes ... a gentle wag of her curled-up tail! And she allowed us to stroke and pat her head and back. Once that fear barrier was broken, you can see that Porky's true nature is good. Friendly. Her seeming aggression is socially learnt from lack of human contact for 4 years.

So off we go, leading her out. Once out, she had her nose perpetually glued to the ground. Sniffing at all the new things beyond her little lane of a world -- every nook, every corner, grass, flowers, boxes, pails of water. We gave her some time to enjoy the new smells before carrying her into the car. First car-ride after 4 years.

She was good in the car, sitting up and absorbing every scene, snorting now and then from a runny nose. And we know her innate nature is sweet when after a while, she turned towards me and initiated doggy kisses.

Diagnosis at the vet: dry flaky skin, slight fever, flu, ears full of wax but not badly infected. Heartworm negative. Good weight. She hated the ear-clean and showed it clearly by pulling us away from the clinic once we got out. I experienced the strong-will of a Shar Pei then. When we alighted back at the farm, she walked around a bit and then u-turned and tried to jump back up the driver's seat....she would have liked to go with us, I guessed.

The farm owner has been advised to improve the living area for now, while we find a good home for her. We're assured she is let off leash every evening for her run around the half-side of the farm. Medication given. We will monitor her situation.

* Given the unique Shar Pei character:

"Temperament:
The Shar Pei is often suspicious of strangers, which pertains to their origin as a guard dog. In general the breed has proved itself to be a loving, devoted family dog. The Shar Pei are also very independent and reserved breeds. Nevertheless, the Shar Pei is extremely devoted, loyal and affectionate to its family, and is amenable to accepting strangers given time and proper introduction at a young age. If poorly socialized or trained, it can become especially territorial and aggressive. Even friendly and well-socialized individuals will retain the breed's watch dog proclivities (such as barking at strangers). It is a largely silent breed, barking only when playing or when worried. The Shar Pei was originally bred as palace guards in China. While this breed is adorable it is also very protective of its home and family, a powerful dog that is willing to guard its family members. The breed is amenable to training, but can get bored from repetition. Overall, the Shar Pei is a dog that is loyal and loving to its family while being very protective & independent. (Wiki)"

We would prefer a family who is familiar with the breed. Someone confident and firm with a breed who can be strong-willed and stubborn at times.

Having spent a day in close contact with Porky, we have witnessed her strong-will and also her sweet nature. Her take to us and her doggy kisses assured us that all she needs is someone who will be patient with her from the start. No rushing her. Giving her time to be relaxed and be secure in your presence. In her own time. Forgive her stubbornness in her walks as she is making up for all the lost years of nature sniffings.

Email us at projectjk@gmail.com if you are or you know someone who is right for Porky. We do appreciate your contribution towards her medical fees and her upcoming sterilisation fee too. Thank you.

(Will share more photos of today's outing with Porky soon. Do email us a better name for her, if you've one in mind!)