Elizabeth “Ellie” Rodewald first arrived in China in 2016 to complete a two-year internship in the sunny city of Zhuhai. Little did she know then that a few years later, she’d be running an organization with a heart, with no other goal but to help stray animals living on the streets of Beijing.

Compassion and a genuine love for animals was the main reason for Ellie and Sorcha Moore-Smith partnering up and launching Furry Tales in December of 2021. “The name is actually a spin-off of ‘fairy tales’, since our goal is to provide our animals with storybook endings,” says Ellie. “We’ve rescued a total of 249 animals around China so far.”

Ellie says she can’t pick her favorite out of these 249 cats and dogs, but the rescue she’s most attached to is Ripley.

Ellie and Ripley

“Ripley was found abandoned outside an apartment. [He was] most likely a pet, but he was discarded after some type of abuse. He now suffers from head shakes and severe incontinence, so he must wear a diaper.”

Furry Tales has no physical address; it’s run from the homes of good people of Beijing. Ellie says: “We do not have a shelter, as securing land and a facility would be expensive and would probably end up being reported by community members if many dogs living together bark, so instead we rely on fosters around the city to care for our animals. This way, it also prepares the animals for living in a home with children, and adults young and old with working schedules, etc.”

Other than not having a physical location to run the business from, Furry Tales also completely relies on Ellie, Sorcha and their volunteers to get the work done. “We have a few volunteers who help us take photos at events, plan fundraisers and design and sell merchandise for us, but it’s mainly Sorcha and I operating things on a day-to-day basis,” says Ellie.

To raise money for their animal rescue, and to be able to pay veterinary bills, Ellie and Sorcha often team up with local vendors and host fundraisers throughout Beijing.

“We’ve had quiz night crossovers with Beijing bars, [and]two adoption events at Plan B. We’ve held a Halloween party at Side Street (Jiudaokou) and our annual anniversary party at The Local. Peach has also hosted Sip ‘n’ Paint events for us as well,” continues Ellie.

Quiz night at The Local

Students from international and bilingual schools have also shown their support to the cause and stepped up by hosting fundraisers selling chocolate, as well as organizing a 5k charity walk – and all of their donations go toward the animals’ veterinary bills.

A charity walk for Furry Tales

Ellie and Sorcha also organize an annual “Doga” event, a super fun way to spend a morning doing yoga with your special furry friend. There are ten spots available, and according to Ellie: “Yoga experience is not required for human or dog.”

Other than finding ways to raise enough money, running an animal rescue organization brings other challenges as well. “The most difficult aspect of running an animal rescue organization is people who message us after finding an animal outside and expect us to immediately drop everything to go get the animal. Sorcha and I have full-time jobs, families, our own animals, hobbies, etc., so we hope to use our platform and experience to provide advice for first-time rescuers and also give them the confidence and knowledge to help the animal themselves.”

To help others understand the process better, Ellie even created a step-by-step guide to assist people when they find an animal outside. “We all can play a part in animal rescue. We are not like a government-funded organization back home; we are volunteers ourselves and other rescuers are swamped with animals, so it’s really helpful when community members step up to the plate to help in any way they can (i.e. taking [the animals]off the street and out of harm’s way, bringing them to the vet, providing them with treatment, finding a foster etc).”

“Our goal is to educate the public about the “Adopt, Don’t Shop” movement, which encourages people to put breeders with unethical practices out of business by refusing to buy pets from them. We also hope that we can inspire people to stop when they see a stray animal and try to help in any way they can – provide it with cold weather shelter to protect it from the elements, set out food and water bowls, try to trap/catch it in order to spay/neuter, and then prepare for adoption if friendly.”

Furry Tales is currently looking for summer fosters, so if you’re staying in Beijing, show your empathy and kindness by temporarily taking care of one of the cuties from the poster below. It won’t cost you a dime, and you’ll get all the assistance you need: supplies, WeChat support, training tips and medical care reimbursement. If you’re interested in becoming a foster to Cider, Dumpling, Pedro, Floki, Rusty, Cheddar, Stacy or Bo, scan the QR code on the poster.

There is also a fun upcoming event in Beijing with all proceeds going to Furry Tales, so don’t miss out on your chance to help our furry friends find their forever homes.

Images: Elizabeth Rodewald

Mr. Xu Ke Jian is the busy owner of a small pet grooming service in Hubei. As a hobby, he would feed and care for the strays that gathered outside of his shop—until one day it wasn’t a hobby anymore. Fast forward to 2022 and he is now the sole full-time manager of an animal shelter in Shunyi called 爱宠家园 (ài chǒng jiā yuán) literally “Loving Pets Home”.

It is home to over 500 animals, including several hundred dogs and cats, and even pigs, sheep, and chickens! They were doing alright living happily albeit simply off of donations and the help of volunteers like Lana Shab, the foreign volunteer organizer, and Wang JiaLi, the local volunteer organizer. Until they were told their building was set to be demolished and they would need to move urgently.

As many of you may remember, this is not the first time a shelter has suddenly needed to close down due to city construction in recent years. But with a little luck, Mr. Xu and his team of volunteers found a small abandoned farm in Miyun that can accommodate all of these animals.

But the costs and logistics of moving so many furry friends humanely are high. Rent and much-needed repairs to make the farm habitable come to a whopping RMB 50,000, and of course finding good homes for as many animals as possible is difficult even under normal circumstances. I asked Shab what the most immediate needs were and she told me the expat community can help out by doing the following:

1. Share the donation link with your friends so they can raise needed funds quickly.

https://crowd.dreamore.com/h5/project/supportList?project_id=1417531822

2. Choose to foster or adopt. Scan the QR code below for more information.
3. Join their volunteer days.
4. They are looking for people with B license plates and trucks to help with the transportation of the animals to their new homes.

For questions and more information about adopting or volunteering, add international volunteer organizer Lana Shab’s WeChat through the QR code below.

Images: Canva, Lana Shab

KEEP READING: Beijing’s Best Doggy Playgrounds

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and we want to celebrate the thing that makes us feel alive – Love; that many-splendored thing that’s better than ice cream; that comes in all shapes and sizes and forms not limited to the human race! We’re talking about… puppy love! Literally. We’re celebrating love in its pure, unadulterated form of tail wagging, wet kisses and furry cuddles. Check out the following “tails” of four-legged love from Beijing’s beloved animal rescue group Lost Puppies!

“And they called it puppy love…” ~ Paul Anka [Puppy Love]

Dakota and Loki: From the moment she first met him, she had an instant crush. He’s a bit stand-offish but I’ve noticed him being a bit protective when mean guys get close!

Murphy’s Law… of Love

Fur parent Jack says, “They have a gorgeous relationship. Murphy can’t be without Elsa ever, and Elsa can be quite cold towards other dogs but she always tries to look after Murphy. When he had the snip she was covering him up with a blanket whilst he was moping and cuddling up to him; always nibbling each other and playing and so on.” Follow Elsa and Murphy’s adventures on Instagram (elsa_and_murphy).

Poof! Thor In Love

Fur mom Bisera shares the love between lost puppy Poof and another lost puppy Thor, seen in their adorable dancing moves!

Grizzly and Reya – Sibling Love 

Furry Fun Fact: Did you know that dogs have the same hormones as humans such as oxytocin which is involved with feeling love and affection for others?

However, a dog does not experience the full range of emotions like humans do. …”we know that the assortment of emotions available to the dog will not exceed that which is available to a human who is two to two-and-a-half years old. This means that a dog will have all of the basic emotions: joy, fear, anger, disgust, and, yes, love, but the dog does not experience the more complex emotions like guilt, pride, and shame. [Modern Dog Magazine, “Which Emotions Do Dogs Actually Experience?”] 

Tails of Bromance

Nanook and Joey, 3 years and counting!

Iroh and Ginger

Lost Puppies is a non-profit team of volunteers focused on rescuing dogs across Beijing to give them a happy and healthy life. All Lost Puppies rescues are spayed / neutered to help minimize the stray dog population in Beijing from growing out of control. To foster a pup, make a donation or help in other ways, scan the QR code below!

KEEP READING: Hope and Love; Making a Difference at Age 11

Images: Courtesy of pet owners in The Lost Puppies Network WeChat group

Hui’s Sanctuary and the rescue pups who call it home have had a ruff year (pun intended!). As many of you remember, earlier this summer the original shelter was demolished and a call to find homes for 180 animals was enthusiastically answered by the community. The dogs, who mostly couldn’t find homes because of their size, seemed to be in luck when a second location was found, and the shelter invested a great deal of money into making it a puppy paradise with large clean kennels and lots of space to run around in. But paradise is close to being lost. A series of noise complaints has forced the animals out of the shelter until soundproofing can be installed. So once again these animals need your help!

There are currently approximately 40 animals, including a litter of beautiful husky pups, in need of good homes, and the shelter needs to raise funds for soundproofing so they can get the animals back to safety and warmth before the worst of winter hits.

Here are just a few of the sweet dogs looking for their new best friend:

Hu Niu is a friendly, cute, docile, and adorable girl-husky. She loves people, playing, and treats.

Pang Hu is an 8-month-old boy who is very, very energetic! Naughty like a young puppy should be, but also very friendly, he loves playing and running around.

Hu Xiaonian is an elderly bulldog. She is just adorable, and loves belly rubs, chewing on ropes and toys, and laying on her back.

Wu Qi is a very smart boy who’s young and energetic. Although he is big, he’s gentle and well trained.

Huhu (Tiger) is a goofy, friendly dog. He loves and needs to run a lot to exercise his legs.

If you are interested and able to adopt, please add Polly at the QR Code below for more information.

If you can’t adopt but still want to help, please consider a donation to assist with the sanctuary’s soundproofing renovations.

Images: Hui’s Sanctuary

KEEP READING: A Home For Christmas for Pups

Beijing winters are brutal even when you have a warm place to snuggle up with someone you care about. Now imagine being alone and left to fend for yourself in the cold. That is exactly what happened to approximately 20 recently discovered rescue dogs in Beijing. Many have severely frostbitten eyes and/or noses from living in the sub-zero temperatures and will face death if good homes aren’t found for them.

And the puppies won’t be the only ones benefiting. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pet owners have lower blood pressure and cholesterol, an increased immune response, and report less loneliness and depression.

If you can help any of these animals find a warm new home for Christmas, please contact Meghan by scanning the QR code below.

KEEP READING: Bringing Up Baby Far From Home

Images: Canva

There are hundreds of animals hoping to find loving homes in Beijing. If you are considering adopting a pet, Doggy/Moggy of the Week will feature animals from volunteer shelters, animal rescue groups, foster care providers, and pet owners needing to rehome animals. This week’s puppy, Hua Hua, is from ICVS’ Adoptable Pets.

Introduction: Hi everyone, our name are Snowy, Baboshi, and Bani.

Background: We are rescued puppies from a vacant lot. Our kind rescuer took us home, fed us then brought us to ICVS for our check ups. We are now healthy, beautiful puppies, and ready for our forever homes.

Bani

Personality: we are fun, curious, playful, energetic puppies. We are exploring the world and every one of us has a unique personality. Snowy loves to be near you and know what you are doing. He loves to sit in a corner and watch the world go by while slathering you with kisses. Bani loves to play with you and enjoys spending time with her favorite people, learning new tricks, and eating delicious treats. She loves chasing balls. Baboshi loves snuggling at your feet and makes a great foot warmer! He is easygoing, independent and eager to please. All of these wonderful puppies would make a great life-long companion!

Ideal home: The puppies would be happy with an individual, a couple, or a family with children and with or without other pets. The families must be ready for the responsibilities of adopting a young puppy, with toilet training and obedience training essential to help the puppies become housebroken and socialized. Everyone in the household must agree on having a young puppy as a new family member. The puppies must be neutered/spayed after they complete all of their puppy vaccinations and must relocate with families when departing China.

Breed, Sex, and Age: The puppies are about 2.5 months old. All of them are small mixed breed dogs. Baboshi is a male puppy with long brown hair and two brown ears. Bani is a female puppy with long brown hair and two white feet. Snowy is a male puppy with long, pure white hair.

Medical notes: The puppies are healthy, dewormed, and have already started their vaccinations at ICVS.

Snowy

Post-adoption care: The International Center for Veterinary Services (ICVS) has enrolled me into their Rescued/Stray/Rehomed Pet Adoption Benefits Program. ICVS will provide my new family with significant discounts (up to 50%) on my vaccinations, accompanying examinations, and spay surgery during my first year of life with my new family.

Official Vaccination Certificate: With my rabies vaccination, ICVS will issue my new family the official Beijing Animal Health and Immunity Certificate (e.g., vaccination red book) at no charge. I need the official vaccination red book to prove I have been legally and properly vaccinated for rabies in order to move to another city or leave China with my family.

Official Spay/Neuter Certificate for Dogs: After my spay surgery, ICVS will issue my new family the official Spay/Neuter Certificate that will provide my owner with a 50% discount (e.g., up to RMB 500 savings) on the dog license registration fee at the Public Security Bureau.

Puppy and Adult Dog Obedience Training Programs at ICVS: ICVS has introduced new puppy and adult dog obedience training programs. The dog training classes will help my family and I live a more harmonious life together. All profits from the puppy and adult dog training programs will be donated to the ICVS Non-Profit Humane Animal Welfare Programs.

ICVS Non-Profit Humane Animal Welfare Programs:
Please support and donate to the ICVS Non-Profit Humane Animal Welfare Programs. Your donations support ICVS in helping the many pets like Bubi as well as the many stray/rescued/abandoned and shelter animals in our community. The pets receive medical care, treatment, good nutrition, and socialization with love and compassion that allows them to become healthy adoptable pets.

Please also contact ICVS for more information about beautiful adoptable pets:
Tel: (010) 8456-1939/1940
Email: ICVS_CHINA@yahoo.com

Photo: ICVS

There are hundreds of animals hoping to find loving homes in Beijing. If you are considering adopting a pet, Doggy/Moggy of the Week will feature animals from volunteer shelters, animal rescue groups, foster care providers, and pet owners needing to rehome animals. This week’s puppy, Hua Hua, is from ICVS’ Adoptable Pets.

Introduction: Hi everyone, my name is Bamboo.

Background: Bamboo was found wandering around the Sanlitun area. A very kind rescuer took me home for several days and brought him to ICVS where he was treated and cared for by his kind vets. He is now a healthy, beautiful young dog ready for a forever home.

Personality: At the risk of sounding immodest, I am the cutest dog ever! I am very affectionate, love to play, and I enjoy being with people very much. I am very trusting of people and open my heart to every new person I meet. I need a safe home where I can continue to trust people and love them with all my heart.

Ideal home: I would be happy with an individual, a couple, or a family with older children (e.g., 6 years and older). I will be a permanent member of my adoption family and must travel with my family if they ever leave China or relocate to another city.

Breed, Sex, and Age: I am a 6-8 month old male puppy. I am a small mixed breed with short black and brown fur.

Medical notes: I am healthy, have already been de-wormed, and have started on my vaccinations at ICVS. I will be ready to be neutered soon.

Medical notes: I am healthy and have been dewormed and treated for fleas and ticks. I have already started her vaccinations at ICVS.

Post-adoption care: The International Center for Veterinary Services (ICVS) has enrolled me into their Rescued/Stray/Rehomed Pet Adoption Benefits Program. ICVS will provide my new family with significant discounts (up to 50%) on my vaccinations, accompanying examinations, and spay surgery during my first year of life with my new family.

Official Vaccination Certificate: With my rabies vaccination, ICVS will issue my new family the official Beijing Animal Health and Immunity Certificate (e.g., vaccination red book) at no charge. I need the official vaccination red book to prove I have been legally and properly vaccinated for rabies in order to move another city or leave China with my family.

Official Spay/Neuter Certificate for Dogs: After my spay surgery, ICVS will issue my new family the official Spay/Neuter Certificate that will provide my owner with a 50% discount (e.g., up to RMB 500 savings) on the dog license registration fee at the Public Security Bureau.

Puppy and Adult Dog Obedience Training Programs at ICVS: ICVS has introduced new puppy and adult dog obedience training programs. The dog training classes will help my family and I live a more harmonious life together. All profits from the puppy and adult dog training programs will be donated to the ICVS Non-Profit Humane Animal Welfare Programs.

ICVS Non-Profit Humane Animal Welfare Programs:
Please support and donate to the ICVS Non-Profit Humane Animal Welfare Programs. Your donations support ICVS in helping the many pets like Bubi as well as the many stray/rescued/abandoned and shelter animals in our community. The pets receive medical care, treatment, good nutrition, and socialization with love and compassion that allows them to become healthy adoptable pets.

Please also contact ICVS for more information about beautiful adoptable pets:
Tel: (010) 8456-1939/1940
Email: ICVS_CHINA@yahoo.com

Photo: ICVS

There are hundreds of animals hoping to find loving homes in Beijing. If you are considering adopting a pet, Doggy/Moggy of the Week will feature animals from volunteer shelters, animal rescue groups, foster care providers, and pet owners needing to rehome animals. This week’s cats, Tiger and Tigger, are from ICVS’ Adoptable Pets.

Introduction: Hi everyone, our names are Tiger and Tigger.

Background: We are two beautiful kittens and were rescued in Kunming when our family could no longer keep us. Thanks to many kind people who helped us, we came to Beijing and are living with our very kind foster family.

Personality: Shy at first, Tiger and Tigger both quickly became comfortable in their new foster home. Each kitten has his own unique personality. Tiger – the thinner one- is the adventurous funny one and never hesitates to come and play with you. Tigger is more shy, loves to settle down on top of furniture and watch what’s going on in the home from the comfort of his perch. Both still act like young, playful kittens which make them so adorable and such a joyous pair.

Ideal home: Tiger and Tigger are brothers and would like to be adopted together. They would be happy with an individual, a couple or a family with older children (e.g., 8-years and older).

Sex, Age, & Breed: Tiger and Tigger are short-haired, ginger, tiger tabby kittens. They are both 8-month old male kittens.

Medical notes: Tiger and Tigger are healthy and have started on their vaccinations and are ready to be neutered soon.

Post-adoption care: The International Center for Veterinary Services (ICVS) has enrolled me into their Rescued/Stray/Rehomed Pet Adoption Benefits Program. ICVS will provide my new family with significant discounts (up to 50%) on my vaccinations, accompanying examinations, and spay surgery during my first year of life with my new family.

Official Vaccination Certificate: With my rabies vaccination, ICVS will issue my new family the official Beijing Animal Health and Immunity Certificate (e.g., vaccination red book) at no charge. I need the official vaccination red book to prove I have been legally and properly vaccinated for rabies in order to move another city or leave China with my family.

Official Spay/Neuter Certificate for Dogs: After my spay surgery, ICVS will issue my new family the official Spay/Neuter Certificate that will provide my owner with a 50% discount (e.g., up to RMB 500 savings) on the dog license registration fee at the Public Security Bureau.

Puppy and Adult Dog Obedience Training Programs at ICVS: ICVS has introduced new puppy and adult dog obedience training programs. The dog training classes will help my family and I live a more harmonious life together. All profits from the puppy and adult dog training programs will be donated to the ICVS Non-Profit Humane Animal Welfare Programs.

ICVS Non-Profit Humane Animal Welfare Programs:
Please support and donate to the ICVS Non-Profit Humane Animal Welfare Programs. Your donations will support ICVS in helping the many pets like Bubi as well as the many stray/rescued/abandoned and shelter animals in our community. The pets receive medical care, treatment, good nutrition, and socialization with love and compassion that allows them to become healthy adoptable pets.

Please also contact ICVS for more information about beautiful adoptable pets:
Tel: (010) 8456-1939/1940
Email: ICVS_CHINA@yahoo.com

Photo: ICVS

There are hundreds of animals hoping to find loving homes in Beijing. If you are considering adopting a pet, Doggy/Moggy of the Week will feature animals from volunteer shelters, animal rescue groups, foster care providers, and pet owners needing to rehome animals. This week’s puppy, Hua Hua, is from ICVS’ Adoptable Pets.

Introduction: Hi everyone, my name is Darla.

Background: My momma was a pregnant stray dog who was rescued by a very kind lady. After mom was rescued, she gave birth to 5 puppies. Unfortunately, our mom got sick two-weeks after we were born so my siblings and I had to leave our mom at a very young age. Our rescuer took us home and nursed us with puppy milk until we were strong enough to eat on our own. We all received our check-ups and have started vaccinations at ICVS. I am now one of the first puppies in our litter who is ready to be adopted!

Personality: I am a fun, curious, playful, energetic puppy. I am good with other dogs and children (I have never met a cat, but I am sure I would like them and become quick friends with them). I am beginning to explore my world and am excited to find my forever family so I can share all my discoveries with them.

Ideal home: I would be happy with an individual, a couple, or a family with children with or without other pets. My family must be ready for the responsibilities of adopting a young puppy and with toilet training and obedience training which will both be essential in helping me become housebroken and socialized. Everyone in the household must agree on having a young puppy as a new family member. I must be spayed after I complete all of my puppy vaccinations and must relocate with my family when departing China.

Breed, Sex & Age: I am a small, mixed breed female puppy and am 2-months old. I have white fur with one brown ear.

Medical notes: I am healthy and have been dewormed and treated for fleas and ticks. I have already started her vaccinations at ICVS.

Post-adoption care: The International Center for Veterinary Services (ICVS) has enrolled me into their Rescued/Stray/Rehomed Pet Adoption Benefits Program. ICVS will provide my new family with significant discounts (up to 50%) on my vaccinations, accompanying examinations, and spay surgery during my first year of life with my new family.

Official Vaccination Certificate: With my rabies vaccination, ICVS will issue my new family the official Beijing Animal Health and Immunity Certificate (e.g., vaccination red book) at no charge. I need the official vaccination red book to prove I have been legally and properly vaccinated for rabies in order to move another city or leave China with my family.

Official Spay/Neuter Certificate for Dogs: After my spay surgery, ICVS will issue my new family the official Spay/Neuter Certificate that will provide my owner with a 50% discount (e.g., up to RMB 500 savings) on the dog license registration fee at the Public Security Bureau.

Puppy and Adult Dog Obedience Training Programs at ICVS: ICVS has introduced new puppy and adult dog obedience training programs. The dog training classes will help my family and I live a more harmonious life together. All profits from the puppy and adult dog training programs will be donated to the ICVS Non-Profit Humane Animal Welfare Programs.

ICVS Non-Profit Humane Animal Welfare Programs:
Please support and donate to the ICVS Non-Profit Humane Animal Welfare Programs. Your donations support ICVS in helping the many pets like Bubi as well as the many stray/rescued/abandoned and shelter animals in our community. The pets receive medical care, treatment, good nutrition, and socialization with love and compassion that allows them to become healthy adoptable pets.

Please also contact ICVS for more information about beautiful adoptable pets:
Tel: (010) 8456-1939/1940
Email: ICVS_CHINA@yahoo.com

Photo: ICVS