Our Rescue Dog, Buddy!
Hello everyone! Please meet Buddy, our six-year-old Shihpoo dog! Buddy is our rescue dog who like his parents are also from California.
By mere happenstance, Buddy came into our lives during a rather bittersweet Christmas season. In 2014, we all gathered in California to spend what would be my mother’s last Christmas. She was sadly diagnosed with late-stage pancreatic cancer a month prior around Halloween. Whilst out running errands on a beautiful winter’s day, we spotted a tri-colour Shih Tzu / Poodle mix lost on a major intersection in suburban California. Being good Samaritans, we rescued him off the busy street with intentions of reuniting this poor little dog with his rightful family.
This rescue dog, who we simply called “Buddy” as a nickname, was wearing a red collar. However, there was no dog tag nor was he microchipped. Matted and shaggy, this gentle little soul was so lovable that it pained me that he got himself lost. We posted on various forums and on social media asking if anyone had lost a dog. And if so please identify the gender, breed, and colouring.
Welcome to our family
Ten days later, to our surprise and with a secret sigh of relief, no one came forward. The truth was that my family and I were completely smitten by this dog. Even if “Buddy” was reunited with his owner, we would forever be grateful for the privilege of fostering this gentle soul and for the warmth and comfort he gave our family during this difficult time. My mother loved having “Buddy” around as he had the most adorable puppy dog eyes and zen-like calm demeanour.
The Sacramento County Animal Control had already informed me that I could legally adopt “Buddy” after ten days if no one replied to my various adverts. So with that, I took “Buddy” to the closest vet for microchipping, rabies shots, and registered “Buddy” to my name using my parents California address.
As he responded to his nickname so well, “Buddy” would now just be Buddy, a proud new member of our family. We were delighted as we have been talking about getting a dog after the house renovation. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect.
London Calling
After spending the next five months with my parents and seeing us through my mother’s final months all the way until her funeral, Buddy then joined us onboard a British Airways flight back to London in May 2015, and the rest is history.
And that is the story of Buddy.
We cannot be more thankful for that fateful day – a mere happenstance that brought us together. People say that we saved him, but the truth is, he saved us. He has been a loyal companion ever since, giving us so much affection; truly a one-of-kind dog!
Follow his adventures on Instagram: @buddycuddy
