Living in Hong Kong

Have you remembered that HSBC commercial that featured pets? It says that 70% of Hong Kong's pet owners love their pets more than humans. Maybe that's because even without pets, Hong Kong people aren't much of a lover of fellow human beings? But most probably, Hong Kong people who have pets really love their pets that some of them are much happier with having pets than having babies.



But things have changed. What used to be a lucrative job is now looking to head into extinction. Some pet owners have lost their jobs, others have lost a significant portion of their investments.

A husband thinking of ways to reduce costs writes to his partner.

My dear wife,

With mortgage or excessive flat leases to pay it is necessary for us to cut costs. Fewer trips to cinemas? Fewer dine outs at their favorite restaurants? Fewer foreign leisure trips? Maybe not enough.

Now what about our beloved Maltese Dingo? He has been a wonderful addition to the family and brings us joy every moment he's with us. But he also is associated with some expenses, too. How much do we spend for his food? What about his maintenance treatment against fleas, bugs, and other diseases? Remember when he had that bacterial infection, we shelled out HK$2,400 for his medication? What if that happens again?

He needs to get groomed everyday and that costs something too. And we need to hire a domestic helper to walk him out in the park everyday, that's HK$3,500+.

So I decide to get rid of Dingo. He isn't as cute as before anyway, and I am sure someone will still love him and take care of him. We can then visit him in his new home occasionally. I know letting go is not a popular one and I know you love Dingo. But that's life, we have to move on. Good thing Dingo will not complain that much.

Your loving husband

Some expat owners don't really want to leave their pets behind. But after they lose their jobs, they can do nothing but leave Hong Kong soon. With no income flowing they are aiming to avoid extra costs. Bringing over their pets means they have to fork out tens of thousands of dollars for documentation and transportation. That amount is too big, and they reluctantly say goodbye to their pets.

Sometimes it's easy to pick on owners as irresponsible people who only wanted pets during good times and abandon them during bad times (or if they find a better pet). We have to look deeper on why pets end up in SPCA or a dog rescue team.