They say dogs aren’t just pets, they become family. And now, I truly believe that. Let me share with you the story of how I met my dog, Chuchay, and why this first meeting was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
Chuchay was given to me by my friend Joyce. At first, I thought it was just a simple gift, but there’s a very emotional reason behind it.
Joyce’s dog, Chichay—the mother of Chuchay—died in a very heartbreaking way. One day, Joyce went home and thought she saw Chichay just standing inside her cage. She didn’t notice that Chichay had actually slipped her head through the bars and got stuck.
By the time she realized it, Chichay had already suffocated. Joyce told me this with so much sadness and guilt in her voice. She couldn’t save her beloved dog.
Because of the pain of that memory, Joyce decided to give Chuchay to me. I could tell it wasn’t easy for her, but maybe she felt it would be better for Chuchay to have a new home, and maybe for her to heal too. Receiving Chuchay felt different—it wasn’t just “here’s a dog for you.” It was more like, “please take care of her, because she carries the memory of her mother.”
When I first got Chuchay, I thought about changing her name to “Moby.” Her rustic orange fur reminded me of that color, and I wanted her to have a fresh start. But you know what? She was already so used to being called Chuchay.
Every time I tried to say “Moby,” she didn’t respond, but when I said “Chuchay,” her little ears perked up. In the end, I decided to keep her name and it’s part of her identity, and it connects her to her mom, Chichay.
Our first night together was honestly a struggle. Chuchay barked almost nonstop. She was restless, probably scared, missing the only place and people she had known. We couldn’t sleep until 3 AM because she just kept barking. I felt tired, yes, but more than that, I felt sorry for her. She was adjusting to a new world, and I knew it would take time.
And it did. Slowly, she started to feel at home. Her barks became fewer, replaced by playful jumps and happy runs. She began to trust us, and day by day, I felt myself falling in love with this little furball. I started spoiling her too—I bought her new things, like a cute toy shaped like a watermelon ball. Now she loves playing with it every time we walk outside.
I even got her some more essentials and toys, because let’s be real—seeing her happy makes me happy too.
What surprised me most was how quickly she won the hearts of people around us. Neighbors and even strangers stop and smile whenever they see her. She became everyone’s little favorite, not just mine.
Looking back, I realize Chuchay came into my life at such a meaningful time. She came from a story of sadness and loss, but with her, I feel so much love and joy. In a way, she carries her mom’s memory, and maybe that’s why she feels so special to me.
Every time I see her playing, wagging her tail, or just lying by my side, I think of how life has a way of giving us light even after a dark moment. For Joyce, losing Chichay was painful. For me, meeting Chuchay was healing. And together, we’re writing a new chapter—one that’s full of love, play, and little barks that no longer keep me awake at night, but instead make me smile.