The following is part of a series of interviews with adopters about their rescue pups. This particular interview is with Diana about her dog Tommy whom she rescued almost 8 months ago. Tommy is blind but full of love for everyone. He has adjusted well, and is a champ when it comes to walks and bath time!
1. How did you find Free Korean Dogs?
My daughter found Free Korean Dogs after we had discussed getting a dog together. She really wanted to adopt a dog, and based on our living situation, I knew a small dog would be best. So, she began to search online for small dogs to adopt in Toronto. She found her way to the Free Korean Dogs page where Tommy was on the front page…small…and cute!
2. What did you see in your pup? What made you choose them?
Tommy was just flat out adorable. We both fell completely in love after seeing his photos and learning that he was blind. We believed that he would just bring us so much happiness. We chose him for a few reasons. We knew that because he ticked our boxes of being small and up for adoption, we couldn’t ignore him because he was blind. I work with medically fragile children so dealing with disabilities is familiar to me and creates empathy in me. We believed we saw his posting for a reason and that we were the right family for him. We saw a relaxed dog that loves attention which was the perfect fit for our home.
3. What was the application process like for you?
The application process was smooth and quick. Shortly after we put in the application for Tommy, we were contacted and interviewed and it all became reality. We had the chance to meet with EK who was lovely and made us really proud to be adopting from this organization. She was extremely helpful throughout our process and was even there to give us advice after the adoption was complete.
4. Tell me about the day you got your dog, how did you feel?
The day we adopted Tommy was one of the most beautiful and stressful days of our life. Because of his long flight, in combination with his blindness, he was extremely stressed and overwhelmed when we picked him up. We wanted to pick him up and hold him so badly, but we knew we had to keep him in his crate until we were home. He barked the whole car ride home, but once we arrived we tried to make him as relaxed as possible. Having him enter our home was the most beautiful feeling. We showered him with so much love, so he could feel that this was his permanent home.
5. How was the first week?
Regarding the first week, it took his system awhile to adapt to the time change, jet lag and long plane ride, but eventually he did. We were very patient with him and did not put any pressure on him.
6. What are some of the difficulties your pup has/had?
Some difficulties that Tommy had was an ear infection, due to scratching of his ear because of allergies. Because of this we are very diligent in cleaning, vacuuming the house and washing his things with scent free, hypoallergenic products. His allergies seem better now. Also, we have also had to change his type of kibble a couple of times because he would not eat the recommended one. But I feel this will always be an issue with Tommy because of his blindness. His other senses (smell, taste and hearing) are heightened because of his blindness. However, we make sure he gets the right amount of daily kibble.
7. What are some of your favorite (hilarious, adorable or quirky) things that your dog does?
Tommy sleeps upside down in his bed with his head hanging over his bed. He has lifted up his bed and put it on top of his back, so he can sleep under it. He is obsessed with cars. When we take him for a walk it is really hard to leave the driveway. He has this strong urge and need to smell the base of the doors of every car. When we walk in the neighbourhood he pulls his leash towards the cars, he doesn’t see them, but he can smell them and sense their presence!
8. Did you rename your dog? What is the story behind the new name?
No, we felt that Tommy was appropriate. It is a very adorable name for a very adorable dog!
9. Do you have any advice for potential adopters?
To potential adopters, I very recommend adopting a rescue dog. They are so grateful to have a safe and loving home that they are so good. All they want is to be loved, and even if you spoil them they are still compliant. My daughter does not remember life before Tommy.
10. If you could do it all over again, would you?
If I could do it all over again, Yes, I would do it absolutely. We love Tommy so much that I don’t care to go on vacations anymore. My daughter went to Paris with her friend, the whole time she was there she wanted to come home and be with Tommy.
Interviewee: Diana DiPierdomenico – DiScipio
Interviwer: Tatiana Thompson
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