Bruno came into our life

“Bruno came into our life via an SOSD Facebook post back in July. We have been contemplating for about a year now to get a dog, and have chosen adoption over buying after talking to a few dog-lover friends. My wife was quite clear on what she wants; an older dog, good with people and reasonable big size (Think golden retriever). For me, I secretly wanted a dog which is more playful, active and with a bit of character (Think Shiba). We went to a few adoption drives and mingled with a few potential dogs, but to cut the long story short, there wasn’t any chemistry between the dogs and us as a whole family.

One fateful day in July, my wife forwarded a dog profile from SOSD website. My first impression of the lone picture on the website was, what a goofy dog! Omg, he doesn’t look like a 9 year old, but with a “childlike” look on his face . His life story on the profile: a street dog for 3 years, shelter dog for 6 more year with numerous “jail breaks”, this dog definitely has some character to say the least!

We arranged for a meet-up with the fosterer through Sabita, our SOSD volunteer, a few days after. We brought the whole family including my wheelchair-bounded mother-in-law and also our helper over. First encounter – we do not know what to expect meeting this rebel, to our surprise, we were greeted with a frantically wagging tail and sniffing all round for each of us (including my wheelchair-bounded mother-in-law!) He is an extremely docile and well-behaved doggie which hardly barks!

After spending close to an hour at the fosterer’s place, learning about his behavioural traits (his love of squeaky toys and dislike of cats), we knew he is the one.

Fast-forward to now and he brings so much joy to the whole family. From the morning walks, to the loud slurping of water, always begging for treats, and the occasional tense encounters with cats and dogs in the neighbourhood, Bruno have walked into our lives and added so much colour. We are slowly working with a dog trainer on his fixation issues with cats and dogs and stubbornness to suddenly stop at the most inappropriate place laying flat down (we are not joking). But all this tends to be overlooked once he comes to you with his puppy eyes asking for treats or a good belly-rub!

Why adopt such an old dog? He may be more susceptible to illness and do not have that many years to spend with us. Well, we know all that. But to give a 9-year-old dog a forever home after spending all his life as a vagabond is priceless. All we know is we are going to give him all the human attention he craves, bring him on long walks alongside rivers and seas and the endless car-rides he so enjoy, for the rest of his golden years.”

— Bruno’s Pawrents, Paul and Annie

Like what Paul and Annie said, older dogs do not necessarily mean they’re less cute or less affectionate. Every dog has lots of unconditional love and fun to share. Do consider giving adult dogs a chance!

To meet our doggies up for adoption, please write to us at bit.ly/sosdadoptform or come by to our next adoption drive at City Square Mall on 17 Nov Sunday!