Pepsi

SONY DSC

SONY DSC

SONY DSC

The Adventures of Pepsi the Pup

During our week-long volunteer adventure at the Elephant Nature Park, we (Alanah & Matt) had an opportunity to spend time at the dog park assisting with the daily duties. Among taking the dogs for walks, serving them food, and removing their ticks, we were pleased when we were invited into the runs just across the road to help check up on each of the dogs. It was during this time that we met Pepsi. Through the morning, we must have walked tens of dogs and met upwards of 100 within a few hours, but with one look and some slobbery kisses, Pepsi stole our hearts.

It’s often said that your pet, be it canine or feline, chooses you. And beyond a shadow of a doubt, this was exactly what happened to us.

Weeks later when we settled back into home and work life in Vancouver, Pepsi’s endearing personality and delightful little spirit was something we couldn’t stop thinking about. We contemplated making a donation to the park knowing that every penny would be used to sustain a good life for the hundreds of dogs living at ENP. But there was a part of us that really wanted to love and care for Pepsi every day we could. Alas, we made it happen. And although it took some serious consideration on our part, the moment we picked him up from the airport we knew we made the right decision.

The airport. Well that’s a whole tale of its own. Tiffany and Blake, who lived just across the border from us, volunteered to bring our furry friend from Thailand to the soon-to-be-curious world of Canada. We couldn’t be filled with more gratitude by their kindness and we’ve definitely made long time pals in them.

Once we parted ways, it was time to head from Seattle back to Canada. After a well-deserved wee, the lot of us made our way to the car. It took us a solid 30 minutes convincing Pepsi that this time, he wouldn’t be loaded into a plane for another twenty plus hours if he got in the car. Eventually we hauled his jittery little behind into the comfortable back seat of the car and made our way home.

It’s been just over a week since being here and every day we learn something new about Pepsi. He loves walks, but is quite shy around the other dogs in our neighbourhood. We’re hoping that he becomes more comfortable as we explore our apartment building jungle. He also loves beef, long afternoon naps, sprawling out on the sofa, and snuggles. Although he doesn’t have single clue what to do with dog toys just yet, we are positive he’ll love those once he begins to grasp the concept. But for now, Pepsi will settle for love.

One surprising and slightly hilarious thing we’ve discovered is that street corners confuse Pepsi. We learned that one the hard way when we took him for a walk for the first time. Let’s just say it’s a work in progress.

We’ve been told there’s a honeymoon phase with adopted pups, so we’re excited to see what happens once Pepsi lets down his guard and fully embraces his new life with us. All in all, the great news is that Pepsi’s adjusting well, and seems to be very happy in his new home. Despite a few “accidents” on the carpet, we’re loving our new furry family member.

Welcome to your new pack Pepsi!

To follow Pepsi’s adventures, we’re instagraming the excitement with the #pepsithepup

Love,

Alanah & Matt

7.7.2015 – update on Pepsi:

Hey there,

Pepsi is doing so well. He is seriously adjusting to life and coming into his own every day. We've recently been taking him for long walks in the park and letting him off leash to run around and boy does he like to run. He's lightning quick with the trot of a horse. He's discovered squirrels and ducks which is pretty amazing too--definitely has a hunter instinct. He also loves going to the beach. Pepsi really is man's best friend as it turns out he's quite the ladies man everywhere we go.