Canine Style

By Eve Wee-Ang 2024-08-15 12:29:11

Pet fabulous.

Pet ownership is on the rise in China. There are now fashion shows in Shanghai featuring owners and their pets walking the runway together in the latest trends and it’s no longer limited to just clothing. Dog parks and pet-friendly malls are increasingly gaining traction too.

I chatted with Banu Muller, a pet lover and fine jewelry designer from Istanbul who has lived in Shanghai with her German husband and son for 9 years. Her family lovingly named their two dogs Puxi and Pudong!

Tell us about your passion for dogs.

Dogs have been a profound part of my life journey. I’ve never gone without having a dog by my side. Growing up, my family were passionate animal lovers and fostered several stray dogs.

I believe whomever we meet in this life, whether a human or an animal is not a coincidence. There is always a reason behind it. Either you touch their life, or they touch yours.

Your dogs are named Puxi and Pudong! That’s so cool! How did they come to your family?

Puxi and Pudong are siblings who serendipitously came into our lives. I was out for an evening jog when these two adorable street puppies appeared before me when they were around three months old. We instantly fell in love and welcomed them into our family.

The veterinarian identified them as pure “Shanghainese street dogs,” a breed unique to this city. Our son, Maximilian,16, came up with the brilliant idea to name them after the two major districts of Shanghai. Puxi is the active one while Pudong is the lazier, chubby one who loves to eat. It’s a perfect match that connects them to this city we call home

Where are Puxi and Pudong’s favorite parks in Shanghai?

Puxi and Pudong are so integrated into our family that we do everything together. Luckily, we live in a house with a garden in Jinqiao, giving them some freedom to roam. Puxi loves being outdoors, rain or shine and is very social with other pets. Pudong, on the other hand, is content to stay inside and snack - her favorite hobby! We used to organize weekly pet picnics with friends, letting the dogs play at the dog park on Lanan Road.

How do Pudong and Puxi bring your family joy?

Dogs have an amazing ability to lift our spirits and dispel loneliness. If we pay attention, they can also teach us about ourselves and inspire us to grow in compassion and self-awareness. I’ve learned that dogs, like horses, can show us our most beautiful human qualities and encourage us to continue our journey of loving kindness, not just towards others but also towards ourselves.

In our household, dog hair is a condiment, muddy paws are prints, and wet noses are smudges. Their presence is a reminder that we are truly living life to the fullest.

What advice would you give to our readers who are thinking of getting a pet?

Adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue organization is an incredibly rewarding and impactful way to provide a loving home for an animal in need. Each year, millions of healthy, adoptable pets are euthanized in overcrowded shelters simply because there are not enough people willing to open their homes to them. By choosing to adopt, you’re not only saving a life but also sending a strong message of compassion and responsibility.