Pet Adoption Tails: Cheryl Carpio and Saturdae

Housewife Cheryl Carpio first came across Saturdae when he still belonged to her neighbours. She felt compelled to foster the Shih Tzu after seeing him living in the garage, contained in a small cage day in and day out. Three years later, the temporary arrangement has become a paw-manent one with seven-year-old Saturdae finding a loving home with Cheryl and her other pet, BMO.

Waldo’s Friends (WF): Could you share Saturdae’s adoption story?

Cheryl Carpio (CC): Saturdae is my first pet adoption but my third pet. I used to be afraid of dogs, but since I got a Yorkie 10 years ago, I have been a hopeless dog lover. 

Saturdae used to be a neighbour’s pet. Unfortunately, the neighbour experienced difficult times and could not care for their dogs anymore. Saturdae was left alone in a small cage in their garage. The thought of him being in a cage 24/7 exposed to the heat and the rain just didn’t sit well with me. I offered to foster him until his owners could care for him, but after some time, that temporary arrangement turned into permanent placement.

WF: How was Saturdae’s first few weeks at home?

CC: When I first got Saturdae, I wasn’t sure how to bring him to the family home as we already had two dogs. A good friend of mine agreed to foster him for a few weeks to familiarize Saturdae to a home environment. 

At first, my two other dogs (both male) didn’t agree to Saturdae’s invasion of their territories. It was a good thing that Saturdae is a naturally relaxed dog, so he would avoid getting into fights. After a few weeks, my dogs learned to tolerate him and I would catch them playing with each other. But they would still have the occasional territorial spat now and then. 

I also gave Saturdae his own toys so he would not need to “steal” the others’ toys. He also had his own bed and bowl. I think it helped that Saturdae had his own belongings and space in the house so he wouldn’t feel insecure. I also make sure I allocate the same amount of time for each dog.

WF: Now that Saturdae has been living with you for years, has he exhibited any funny quirks?

CC: Saturdae is protective of my laundry. No one but me is allowed to handle my dirty clothes as he would jump on top of them and growl. He is also addicted to the air conditioner. He refuses to go to sleep and would stare at you for hours until the air conditioner is switched on.

WF: How has your life changed after adopting Saturdae?

CC: As they say, my house would be clean, my wallet would be full, but without pets, my heart would be empty. Animals are some of the purest beings on earth. They don’t really deserve us humans. Sharing our homes with them and giving them the love they deserve make us better people.

WF: What’s your advice for people thinking of adopting a rescue animal?

CC: Just be well informed to manage expectations.

WF: What’s the best tip you can give for first-time animal owners?

CC: In some ways, they are just like human kids, albeit more independent. Make sure to research on what to expect when you take your pet home. There are lots of articles and resources on the Internet that will help you. Canine Chow PH and Dr. Karen Becker helped me with pet nutrition, while Summer & Bailey and Judgejudylim gave me some tips on dog training. A documentary film, Pet Fooled, is a must-see for all pet owners. [You can watch the trailer here.] It made me totally change my pets’ food. 

Aside from these, setting up an Instagram account for your pet might also help you meet other people who love animals as well.

Read more rescue stories here! Do you know of an interesting pet adoption, foster, or rescue story? Share your suggestion with us by commenting below!