Pooches to Parrots

After a decade of being a pet owner in China, I understand perfectly why the industry’s soaring high – cities are bursting with communities that make it incredibly easy to find your perfect furry match. My pet story dates back to the autumn of 2015, when a friend asked if we could look after her adorable gray poodle, Duoduo, during the Mid-Autumn Festival. 　

During that weeklong dog-sitting adventure, I made friends with dog-walking neighbors, pampered Duoduo at the pet salon, and spent lots of time together during chilly evenings. On the final day, while waiting at the pet salon, a playful dark furry pup rolled up next to me and started tugging at my shoelaces. This energetic baby poodle and I started playing together and it felt like we’d known each other forever. Impulsively, I turned to the salon owner and asked if I could take him home. I wanted to howl when I heard the price, but that wasn’t going to stop me. Just like that, “Juice” became the newest member of our clan. 　

In the years that followed, I forged friendships with fellow dog owners, trading recommendations for beauty salons and pet food brands. Our weekends revolved around dog-friendly hotspots like parks and pet-friendly restaurants. My RedNote feed was filled with amusing pet content that never failed to crack me up – there’s nothing funnier than a dog throwing a tantrum. He was present for our wedding photos and when we brought our daughter home from the hospital, and with the introduction of remote work, we spent even more time together, becoming as thick as thieves. 　

Just over two years after bringing Juice home, he and Duoduo successfully mated and welcomed five adorable pups into the world. I say that like it was planned, but it actually happened while I was putting the kettle on. The local pet hospital was fantastic during the birthing process, and thanks to our active community WeChat groups, it was a breeze finding loving families for each of the five pups. I was amazed at how supportive all the local pet owners were in helping our furry family find friends. 　

Taking a page out of Juice’s book, we decided we also wanted to expand our family further and welcomed six vibrant fish into our home after a delightful Saturday afternoon near Shilihe subway station, known for its fantastic plant and pet markets. Glancing at the fish bowl now feels as natural to me as the TV or the toys scattered across the floor on weekends. 　

The family was getting bigger, but we felt there was still a bit more room in “Sam’s arc.” Enter Millie and Mew, two feisty parrots – one cinnamon green and one lightning blue. Millie is a bit more boisterous and energetic, while Mew is much calmer and loves a good sleep. Together, they offer a perfect mix of yin and yang to our household. So far, they haven’t squabbled with any of our other pets. I remain the only casualty, with my bite-riddled fingers looking as worn out as Harry Potter’s wand. 　

As joyful as the past decade has been, it comes with the bittersweet reminder that nothing lasts forever. On July 15, 2025, Juice passed away. My sweet boy had contended a weak heart since birth, and as he approached 10, fainting spells became all too common. His final days were cuddled up with me on couch, surrounded by family, as he drifted away in his sleep. 　

Juice’s absence left an aching void, a loss we’re still learning to navigate. Yet, we’ve realized that the last ten years immersed in China’s vibrant pet culture have brought us some of the greatest joys of our lives. As Chinese New Year and Christmas approach, my 5-year-old daughter and I have made a promise: we’ll welcome a new furry member into our family soon. Because even in loss, love always finds a way to grow.