Having a dog was my DREAM. I bothered my mom so much about it that she once sat me down and said “we need to talk about your dog issues”. I probably follow more dogs than humans on Instagram and always smile at dogs but not their owners on the streets (unless you let me pet them!). Unfortunately, due to our crazy training schedule and love of travel, Jerry and I had agreed that it was not the best idea to get a dog. I was pretty bummed but knew that it was the right decision.

Suddenly came the crazy typhoon Mangkut! Hong Kong Dog Rescue posted an instagram asking for urgent fosters because most of their shelter is outdoors and also prone to damage in such a strong storm. I spoke to Jerry instantly and we agreed to help out. We got there pretty late on Saturday afternoon and apparently most of the dogs were already fostered. They are only able to let people foster easy dogs (some dogs are too nervous) and  there were only two dogs left! One apparently bites pretty hard so I was not too keen on that. Another doggy was one who liked to bite the leash and also had a small wound on his foot because another dog bit him. We decided to go with the latter and after some tugging and persuasion, Mister was in our little mini cooper. The car ride was mostly ok but we found out the poor thing vomited after… maybe he was nervous or maybe it was Jerry’s driving (jk).

He was a pretty energetic and playful pup and after a day of fun we decided to retire into our bedroom. We left him in the living room and thought that he would just go to bed quietly.

The next morning we found my beloved alpaca statues from Peru butchered and scattered all across the floor. While I was devastated, I realized that the toys would look super appealing to a dog and that I should have kept them out of his reach. The next few weeks were filled with little potty mistakes and multiple visits to the vet. He had a small ear hematoma and then also devoured some chocolate chip cookies. He loved to tug at the leash and also jump on you, but we were also slowly starting to get attached!

We emailed HKDR asking if we could foster him for longer. Jerry and I agreed that we were both happy to take him back whenever but I kept noticing that our conversations had a tone of long term plans. We went to the pet store and got him lots of treats and toys… we got him new dog food and also started talking about what we would do when we traveled. It was an interesting few weeks because we both liked Mister a lot, but we also did not want to fully commit. It almost felt like I was in a “what are we” relationship. Numerous people commented on how cute he was and I had to say that “we were just fostering for now.”

As time went on, it was pretty obvious that we were not going to return him to the shelter. It is the best thing coming home to his happy face and wagging stump of a tail (I love coming home to Jerry as well!). We also found out that the poor boy was abandoned twice by his owners, they found him on the street and they took him back only to be tossed back on the street again soon. Even though he gets a little anxious when left alone, he is so friendly and curious and does not seem to have let his previous experience scar him.

While he can be so freaking annoying sometimes (sprinting to the top of the building and refusing to listen), he is the sweetest and goodest boy ever. There were times in the beginning where I was so certain we would not adopt because I was just too used to how Jerry and I could pop on a plane and also our usual schedule, but having Mister in our family has been the most wonderful and fulfilling experience! Of course we had to adjust our schedules and also find daycare and a pet resort for him during our travels, but it is all worth it. He is also an endurance pup and can keep up with us on all our long runs and hikes!

PLEASE adopt and don’t shop… there are so many adorable dogs who need a home. Many have been mistreated or abandon, but are still so trusting and loving. It really makes no sense to support pet shops and kennels when there are thousands of animals needing a home. Maybe it doesn’t work out and you don’t find the right match, but PLEASE at least give it a try before going to purchase a pet. I used to be obsessed with pedigree dogs and while I still would never buy a dog, I was mostly looking out for those types of dogs at the shelter. Now I look at Mister and think he is the most perfect dog. HKDR is an amazing organization and the volunteers work tirelessly to take care of these dogs. Please go visit their website and donate if you can!