Canine Chronicles: Meredith and Molly
In our December issue, we revealed the must-knows of dog adoption in Beijing. If you're still on the fence about owning a pooch, here's some more advice from someone who has taken the plunge. Meredith only meant to tag along to help a coworker pick out a pet from a breeder on the outskirts of the city, but unexpectedly found herself bringing home a pup of her own. Three years later, her dog Molly is thriving at home in Beijing. Here, she dishes about what to expect when adopting a dog in China.
An irresistible runt
When they brought out Molly's litter, I couldn't resist. She was the runt of the litter and I was told that Chinese people wouldn't buy her because her hair was "undesirable."
A rough puppyhood
I thought that the grounds would be cleaner and the treatment of the dogs more humane in a place like this versus a puppy-mill supplied pet market. However, the place was filthy, overcrowded, and dogs were all penned up in these cages.
Now or never
Deciding to buy her was instinctual. At first I tried to ask them to keep her for a couple more weeks to get her socialized, but they told me it was too mafan and that I needed to take her now or they'd just dispose of her since they wouldn't get that much money for her. Then they put her into a computer box, handed me some kibble, and asked for, like, RMB 500.
Hidden costs
Whatever I paid initially, I paid tenfold during the initial months of her care. Reputable vets (please do not go local unless it's a large, clean, friendly hospital and you've got references), de-worming, shots, registration, etc. There's a ton for which you need to account and that I honestly didn't consider. I don't regret it at all, but it has been challenging, especially when I've been strapped for cash and she's had some sort of accident. (She fell from a roof once. Seriously.)
Commitment-phobe?
For most people, including a number of my friends, a puppy or kitten is cute until they realize that they need to be home at certain hours. If a fixed schedule is something that doesn't appeal to you, I recommend offering to pet-sit or dog walk for one of your friends. You'll get your animal fix with no harm done to any of the involved parties.
Home is where the hound is
If I could sum [pet-ownership] up in three words? Rewarding, unconditional, home. A dog is a responsibility that I associate with my family in New York; taking on that responsibility was the acknowledgment that my home is here.
