Candice in Korea
 
The one thing I've missed most, even more than a sunday roast or smarties, is my little brown dog! I've missed him more than my family, because I chat to them on a weekly basis, but I haven't said one word to my pet in over 6 months.


Over the past weekend my family finally managed to get skype and so I was able to see my baby ~ it was so great to watch his little head tilt when I called out his name.
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There is no greater love than a dogs' love (well, at least I haven't experienced anything greater). The following quote was printed on my notebook ~ because Korea loves putting cute sayings on just about everything, although most of the time they don't make sense, however this one does...

"love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day"

This is so true (well, almost...) Rocco likes to first shout at me and then sulk for a while...but then proceeds with face-licking :)
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Walking on Blouberg beach, Cape Town
Research has proven that having a pet (especially a dog) has a therapeutic value. I could bore you with the details, but I won't...The reasons are simple...experts say that pets reduce our state of our arousal, which reduces blood pressure; and that we are fulfilling our inner most primitive and basic need ~ the need to touch. Dogs provide companionship and can cheer you up without a word.
 
Korea is a wonderful place and I've enjoyed living here, but one thing that I've really struggled to handle is the treatment of dogs. The miniature dogs are well looked after but the bigger dogs are always chained to their kennels or lamp posts (which I can understand because many houses are not securely enclosed) but they are never taken for walks and their living conditions are really poor.

I'm am a huge animal lover and it breaks my heart every time I see a beautiful dog in poor condition. There are two dogs in my neighbourhood that I visit and try to feed as often as possible. 

The 'eating dog meat' has always been a sore topic for me but I decided to approach some of my teachers about it because I was just too curious and wanted to clear any rumours I had heard. Unfortunately I wasn't put at ease. I discovered that most Koreans still eat dog nowadays even though they can afford other meat. My teacher's asked me if I hated them for this. Well I do but these are harsh words yo say. I was honest with them and said they I don't agree with it but I can't top them... it's Korean culture, so I do understand, but I certainly don't like it!

Dog meat is eaten in the summer months. There are three days where people will specifically eat dog, these days are known as "bok" days. Today is the second bok day - Jung bok. It pains me to think that people are celebrating this evening with dog soup!

"Bok refers to the three days in summer on which Korea is the hottest. Traditionally, on bok days Korean people eat hot, boiling soup that is supposed to make you sweat and restore balance of your body. The favorite dishes of the bok days are samgyetang (chicken and ginseng soup) and boshintang (dog meat soup.)"

When the heat of Korean Summer set in the poor black dog in my neighbourhood was no longer to be seen. I wondered now...did he just die? Quite possible... he was so malnourished, but it puzzled me because he was still so energetic when I went to pat him.
A few days ago a new pup has been chained to the same kennel (bucket) as the little black dog. Now this just makes me think... if the owners never took care of the previous dog then why would they get a new one? I seriously think they keep a dog just for food. So sad!
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the precious little pup that may sadly be dinner next summer

So this time next year, if this pup is gone, then I'll know. I just feel so horrible for being so close to an issue that I'm very anti. I have to keep reminding myself that it's a cultural thing, and maybe the tradition will fade away with generations to come.
 
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Life in Korea is good, but it would be a whole lot better if I had my dog with me. Life just isn't complete without him. In Korea it's not always possible to keep pets and my apartment is certainly not a good home for a dog, although I've though about getting a companion I would never, because that would be like cheating on my dog. Besides, there is no dog in the whole world that would come close to being better than my Rocco!


So anyway, back to the topic of Korea not being a suitable place to keep a pet… There are many animal lovers out there who can't have their own pet, and the solution…well a pet cafe! In seoul there are dog and cat cafes that you can visit in order to get some animal loving. 

I went to BAU House Dog Cafe, and although I felt a bit guilty for being there without my own, it was just great to be surrounded by canines. We had to wait for quite a while before being seated, but you can still walk around and play with the dogs while you wait.

If you have your own dog you can bring him/her a long for a play date. The dogs at the cafe are both people- and dog- friendly.

You can order a selection of beverages, but unfortunately the only food is doggie treats. 

It is well maintained and the 'waiters' are constantly cleaning up after the dogs and sanitizing, so there's no need to worry about the smell.

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with a face like that of course he can sleep on the table
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taking a time out
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playing tug-o-war with a treat
Although I am more of a dog person, I would still like to check out the cat cafe. There is however one cat who lives at Bau House, but I only saw him briefly as he darted past me.


More details about the pet cafes in the video below.