The More I Find Out...
The more I find out....the more I'm always amazed at Panda's life history. As some of you know, I've kept in contact with Panda's original owner from Hong Kong and tell her of his progress since he arrived at my home. His first year with me I also had a visitor from that country, whom was trying to start a rescue over there and had heard about Panda and wanted to meet him. He filled me in more of some of Panda's background. He assured me his first owner loved him but because of lack of available reputable rescues in Hong Kong and a society that doesn't necessarily view dogs as family ..well most of you know his story. I knew he spent the first year of his life with her and like most large dogs in that country - he grew up outside. Panda as a young pup, lived with his first owner, and her grandparents in the countryside near the South China Sea. She became employed in Hong Kong and as everyone in the city lives in apt buildings his space was on the rooftop of an apt building in the heart of the city of millions of people. He spent a year on that rooftop viewing life from up high. When the couple broke up, neither could take Panda and he went through a series of homes (6 in total) most kept him no longer than 3 wks. The fellow that visited me from Hong Kong told me that at one point he believed Panda lived on the streets semi-feral for a period of time. He was micro- chipped and so the original owner was tracked down. Eventually he ended up back at the breeders which was actually a puppy mill - 40 different breeds of dogs kept in 4 by 4 metal cages. Panda was kept in that cage for 6 months. He slept, ate, pooped in that cage and never let out, until Roy and Elby's visit. Hosed down to clean him and the cage out - he learned to fear hoses, men with sticks and other things. They charged his original owner 500 monthly as she tried to find alternative accomodations for him, but had little option as to where to place him. She paid the fee for six months. The alternative was a death sentence for him. Roy and Elby whom posted about him originally, were dismayed to see him in that cage and worse they viewed his beating by three kennel people trying to get him back in the cage after they visited with him. He then bit one of the kennel people which was his death sentence sealed as now no one would take a dog labled a biter. Roy and Elby then wrote about him on this site offering to send him anywhere in the world for someone to take him. That's where myself and many others on this forum first heard about him and where my story begins with him. Luckily there was a direct flight from Hong Kong to Vancouver - 12 hrs, with Cathay Pacific airlines giving him VIP treatment and no charge. As they kennel people loaded him in his crate to prepare him for his flight they were reported to have said "whoever takes this dog is %#%#@ crazy". Well....that would be me.  I met him for the first time when he was 3 1/2.
Admitedly it took a lot of patience and perserverance that first year as he had never lived indoors before. He also had so many fears but eventually overcame most of them through desensitization and learning to trust people once again. Panda arrived in March 2004. Now I find out more about Panda's story. Apparently one of the homes he's lived in had servants!!! - according to an email I've just recieved today from his previous owner. She said her parents are flying in from Hong Kong on Aug 2nd and would love to see Panda as they knew him when he was little," but he grew too large and they feared his large powerful teeth and jaws." Thus Panda, went to live in a home with a couple that had a yard and servants whom they felt could take care of him better. Unfortunately she feels they were mean to him and beat him which caused his aggressiveness. I've periodically written her and told her of his progress and of his recent fourth place finish at Canadian Pet Idol. She was thrilled to hear of his progress since she last seen him and passed the info along to her parents. Panda is going to see his Chinese Grandparents in about a weeks time as they are flying in to the city and want to see him. She asked what he prefers as they are wanting to bring him treats. So ends my long ramble about another of Panda's adventures...from the countryside, boating on the South China Seas, living in the heart of the Hong Kong, living with wealthy people with servants,semi-feral on the streets, caged and beaten, flown as a VIP 12 hrs half way around the world, now living in Canada next to the Pacific Ocean, He's experienced travelling in cars, planes, boats, ferries, overcoming so many of his fears and "issues", placing fourth amongst 100 pets in a talent show. Panda, my gentle boy whom kisses his feline siblings, bunny and Guinea Pig and never chases deer, squirrels or bunnies. His loving and gentle nature is obvious to all that meet him. As I said I'm always amazed at his adventures and what he's experienced in his life. I feel I'm very lucky, to have over the last 2 years found out from various people whom knew him then what he has gone through. I've had many rescues and always wished I knew their history.. if only they could talk! In Panda's case I am fortunate that through contacts I found out over time most of his history and just today found out a bit more. I'll keep you guys posted as to how the visit goes with his Grandma and Grandpa. Marianne and Panda |
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| It never fails, every time I read Panda's stories, his progess, his adventures with you, I am amazed and humbled by his willingness to learn to trust people again. What a beautiful spirit this boy has. I remain grateful to you, Marianne, for saving this boy. |
| wow...panda boy HAS had an interesting life adventure so far. He has come a long way. Im sure his ''grandparents'' will be proud to see the progress that he has made! |
| What a life he's had. And to think he might not even be here if it wasn't for you! I'm just so glad he ended up with you where he now enjoys the BEST part of his life. |
| Hi Again,
Even though Panda is my boy now, I still feel like an outsider when I read about his life, as if I'm reading about another dog. Sometimes it still hasn't sunk in that this is MY PANDA that I'm reading about. Thus I still find his story facinating even if I wasn't directly involved. If that makes sense? I appreciate your kind words everyone! ! always feel a tad somewhat embaressed as I feel I'm fishing for compliments when I write about his past and where he is now but I'm just as amazed as everyone else! True, he was a bit of work but overall it was HIS ability to overcome adversity, despite all he went through. He deserves the credit! I guess I was slightly bemused when I read the email which stated, "at one point he went to live with a wealthy couple whom had a yard and servants to look after him". The email continued to say, she believed they were quite mean to him and he never had love given to him. That part left me sad. Still shaking my head over the fact that Panda had servants to look after him, then went to a life of living on the streets. I always have felt like the lucky one to have Panda in my life and not vice versa..although I guess it really does go both ways. Marianne and Panda |
Marianne wrote: Hi Again,
Thanks for the comments and I guess I was slightly bemused when I read the email which stated, "at one point he went to live with a wealthy couple whom had a yard and servants to look after him". The email continued to say, she believed they were quite mean to him and he never had love given to him. That part left me sad. I always have felt like the lucky one to have Panda in my life and not vice versa..although I guess it really does go both ways. Marianne and Panda That is sad. I believe that people are given things in order to share them, such as the people with the yard and servants. I often wonder what life Copper endured before we were LUCKY enough to be owned by him. But, I think it's probably better I don't know, because I think it would be sad to know what he went through. But no doubt Panda has led an interesting life. |
| It is really a remarkable story. I love hearing about Panda. I know I wonder what life was like for my sweeties before they became mine. Panda's story just takes it to another level. It is also a great story because there is a happy ending. I think Panda's story would make a great illustrated children's book. (hint hint). |
| Marianne I love your story of Panda. I never cease to be amazed how much love a rescue has pent up inside. Barney, takes things for granted. He's had love all his life. But Maggie has become like glue. She has to be next to me all the time. Sometimes, for no reason at all she will just come up and put her head in my lap. Though also abused she has become a great girl. |
Panda has led such an interesting life. He's proof that dogs can overcome just about anything with time, love, and devotion. I'm so glad he's found his furever home with you, so he'll know nothing but love and happiness the rest of his days.  |
Valerie wrote: It is also a great story because there is a happy ending. I think Panda's story would make a great illustrated children's book. (hint hint).
you know what?..... I totally agree! |
| Hi,
That's always been my dream to write a book about Panda one day. Two years ago I printed off the original post that Roy and Elby sent and all our responses. Thirty- five printed pages in all from that first post! Perhaps send to a publisher? Not sure what legalities are involved ,however as it shows all our advatars and our responses. Later I printed off my post of a year later and the progress he had made. Overall it's a huge stack and already book size. One day I'll find the time and would love to do it. Although I'd love to give the entire proceeds to an animal rescue as it would seem fitting. Realistically, being on my own with my son and 10 furballs I would need to keep some of the monies but definately would contribute a portion to help rescues as many others like Panda would benefit. Ironically, Panda's former owner also wrote on her email that she is currently writing about Panda to inform people in Hong Kong of how caring for one's pet makes such a huge difference. She too is helping other animals over there. Carl, the other fellow from HK that visited Panda when he was in my city, was also trying to start an animal rescue over there, assisting a Western woman with the language barriers. Kinda neat that the story eventually enfolded like a book. Marianne and the boys |
| Marianne,
It is thanks to you that Panda is where he is today. You have done such a wonderful job with him and in turn changed his life for the better. It's amazing what love can do! |
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