I met my furry boy four years ago. My family visited adoption events every month, and finally, we met him—Bomi. My life has always been filled with puppies, which make me feel warm. Bomi is my first dog with an outdoor-only bathroom habit, and I appreciate his well-mannered behavior. But sometimes, it feels like a double-edged sword.
Every morning, like clockwork, my puppy would wake me by gently scratching the door, signaling that it was time for our first outing. When we stepped outside, he would eagerly sniff and search for a comfortable place to do his business. This routine became an unbreakable ritual for both of us.
However, this outdoor-only bathroom habit does come with its challenges. You know how often it rains in Shanghai. On stormy days, when it’s pouring down, coaxing my puppy outside becomes quite the ordeal. The worst thing is that he doesn’t like stepping into puddles. He would stand in the middle of the street, hesitating, as if questioning how I could care for him. Ultimately, I have to walk home holding a soggy puppy. The worst part is when he doesn’t poop, and I need to make another plan for him.
The burning summer heat, 40 Celsius, presents another set of challenges. During scorching afternoons, the pavement can become unbearably hot, and the sun’s intensity can be overwhelming. We adjust our schedule, taking early morning or late evening walks when the temperatures are more bearable. Finding shaded areas for him to relieve himself becomes crucial, as the direct sunlight can be too harsh on his little paws.
Whatever the challenges, the most important thing for me is not fancy trimming or superficial appearances but my puppy’s happiness and trust in our family. It’s about creating a loving environment where my puppy feels safe and cherished. Our shared routines and mutual understanding are the foundations of this trust
In these four years, I have learned some tips as a dog-owner in Shanghai. First, there are malls that are very welcoming to dogs. You can shop and sip coffee, especially in the unbearable weather. Bailian Xijiao Mall (88 West Xianxia Road, Changning District).
Bomi is very introverted and scared of water. He is a bit of a coward, perhaps due to trauma from when he roamed around abandoned. I understand his hurt and embrace everything about him. We like to visit doggy restaurants for special treats. It’s like a restaurant tour, introducing him to yummy and well-balanced meals.
Oneseventh (No.207, Bldg 25, 731 Hongxu Road, Minhang District). Various treats can be served in the store. There is a spacious playground and even a swimming pool.
Starbucks (some branches) (158 South Jinhui Road, Minhang District). Some Starbucks offer a free drink, Puppuccino for customers with a doggy.
猫狗聚乐部宠物餐厅 (No.12, B2F, 230 Ruiping Road, Xuhui District, Next to Hema). You can sit at the same table while your pup or kitty dines. But the price is pretty high.
