Meet Two Local Pandemic Pups and Their Families
One of the silver linings amidst the coronavirus pandemic is that pet adoptions and sales have soared. With many families spending more time at home, it affords them the time to love and care for a pet. At the same time, pets are helping them to cope with the coronavirus stress as research has shown that bonding with a pet is good for our health.
Meet two local families who recently became “PAWRENTS”!
Meet Jenna and Pauly Dogg!
Tell us a little about yourself?
I’m 29, work for a nonprofit association in professional development event planning, and have lived in the Hoboken/Jersey City area for going on 3 years now. My boyfriend, Mike, and I made a quarantine move to the Heights in April which was the catalyst for our journey with Pauly Dogg.
What made you decide to get a pet during the pandemic?
I love dogs and have wanted one for quite a while. My previous apartment allowed pets, but my roommates weren’t cool with the idea so I abstained. Once I learned my job was going fully remote on March 15th, I immediately applied to become a foster for Liberty Humane Society, knowing that I was about to move to a condo where we could have whatever pets we liked, and also knowing myself and what I would need to stay happy throughout these crazy times. Mike was more or less onboard. We quickly learned that everyone else in NJ was also doing this and that LHS didn’t have any dogs (which is a great “problem” to have). Mike, being an essential worker, never went remote so after weeks of being alone during the day, every day, dealing with job uncertainty, lack of cable and internet in our new place, being in a new area I wasn’t familiar with, amongst all other things, I couldn’t wait any longer. At this point, Mike was still only more or less on board. I searched for weeks and applied to so many shelters – it was an exhausting experience. I cried a lot. So when our rescue quickly responded, eager for us to accept a dog, we jumped at the chance. Pictures were sent our way, Pauly was chosen and less than 48 hours later, on May 30th, we had our sweet little 9-week cuddle bug. NOW Mike was fully onboard and the two immediately gravitated to one another eliminating any concerns Mike previously had – so cute!
Is this your first pet? If yes, how has your experience been so far?
Pauly is my first dog as an adult. Growing up, I had 4 dogs, a cat, a guinea pig, 2 turtles, and lots of betta fish over the years. Mike got a family dog when he was in college. I thought I knew what it was like to have a puppy, but nope. I quickly learned that I knew nothing about how to be a puppy parent and immediately texted my mom a “thank you and I’m sorry”. We originally looked for a “young” dog (over 6 months and under 2 years), because we were nervous about puppyhood. But I think if we didn’t raise one now, while I’m always home, I don’t think we would have ever done it. We don’t regret a thing!
What is the hardest thing you have learned about being a pet owner?
I think time is something I didn’t really factor in. Puppies need walks (down 4 flights of stairs and back up again), playtime, social time, all of our attention, consistent practice with training… it adds up really fast! If my job wasn’t remote and my schedule wasn’t flexible, I don’t know how we would get Pauly to the point he is at today. He’s been fully potty trained since 5 months, is in his second PetSmart training class (puppy grad, now in intermediate), is learning to be a good leash walker, and is super comfortable with all people and dogs he meets.
What is the most rewarding thing about being a pet owner?
Having a companion who loves you unconditionally is like no other feeling in the world. For weeks I was feeling isolated and depressed, and now I have a purpose again. Pauly gets me out of bed in the morning, encourages me to put on “real people” clothes so I don’t look crazy on our walks, and gives me a purpose, on top of so many other reasons to smile!
How did you come up with the name and does it have any specific significance?
Pauly was the name given to him by the rescue – he was part of a “P” litter. We tested out a few other names but ultimately decided that Pauly was super cute (and appropriate for being our little Jersey boy). His IG handle is @pauly.dogg because my last name starts with a D, but also because Mike and I met at the Snoop Dogg concert a few years back at Exchange Place and we wanted to give homage to where our family’s story really began.
Age
He turned 7 months on Oct. 28th!
Breed
We were told Pauly was a pit bull mix – after a few weeks, we knew there was no way this was true so we decided to DNA test him. He is a mix of 16 breeds, including American Staffordshire Terrier, Chihuahua, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Havanese, and Rottweiler!
Where did you rescue your pet from?
Home at Last Dog Rescue (outside of Philadelphia). He was rescued and transported up here from South Carolina.
How did you come to choose him/her?
We had applied to 14 different dog rescues when we learned about this one from a family friend. We originally applied for a different dog but he was accounted for. We were given the first choice of this new litter traveling up, but had to choose based solely on a picture – this seemed crazy and super nerve-wracking but once we saw Pauly, we knew he had to be ours!
Do you know his/her history?
Sadly, not more than the state where he came from and what the estimated family tree looks like from his DNA results. I think we got a happy and healthy puppy though, so that’s enough history for us!
How is your pet adjusting to your family and home?
Pauly is THRIVING! We live across the street from a dog park where he has become the undeclared mayor. He has tons of friends, loves to socialize, and especially loves when he can have his friends (both human and dog) over to play.
Meet John and Lulu!
Tell us a little about yourself?
We are a family of 4 (now 5). Me, my wife Lisa, daughter Kate (age 15) and son Michael (age 9). My business, Hudson Family Chiropractic and Physical Therapy has been in Hoboken for 20 years, and we have been living in Hoboken for 18 years, raising both kids here.
What made you decide to get a pet during the pandemic?
My daughter, Kate has been begging for a dog for years. I grew up with a great lab, but my wife didn’t have pets growing up and was resistant, until the pandemic hit. Kate asked again and Lisa told her to look into fostering. We looked but all the shelters were empty and it eventually led to us looking at specific breeds. Kate looked daily until we finally found a place that we were comfortable with and pics of a pup that we fell in love with.
Is this your first pet? If yes, how has your experience been so far?
Yes, first pet for this family and it’s been amazing and somewhat surprising. Surprising because Lisa, who never wanted a dog, is totally head over heals in love with her! My son Michael was pretty indifferent about getting a pet and he now cuddles with her all the time. As for Kate and me, we are loving the fact that it finally happened.
What is the hardest thing you have learned about being a pet owner?
House training was more difficult than I remember!
What is the most rewarding thing about being a pet owner?
How did you come up with the name and does it have any specific significance?
Choosing a name was difficult as we were doing it by committee. Her full name is LuLu Gucci Rotundo but we just call her LuLu or “Lou”. It’s significant because somehow 4 people agreed on it!
Age
Lulu was born on 4/4/20
Breed
Cavapoo (King Charles Cavalier \ Toy Poodle mix)
Where did you get your pet from?
How did you decide on the kind of breed you wanted?
We wanted small and needed hypoallergenic (Lisa is allergic). Kate did the research and decided that a Cavapoo would be best and she was spot on!
How is your pet adjusting to your family and home?
She is doing great. She is so affectionate and lovable…she puts smiles on our faces daily. House training is going well and she’s tolerant of just about all other people and pets. She’s perfect!
