Lilo Blessing

ON MAKING DECISIONS AS A FAMILY

How did the idea of bringing a canine companion into your family first arise?

It all started with the kids, Oliver (8) and Colette (10), expressing a desire for a hamster. As parents, we were navigating this journey with them. However, after some research, we discovered the nocturnal nature of hamsters, prompting us to reconsider. We then shifted our focus to the idea of adopting a guinea pig. It was during our exploration of the guinea pig option that something interesting happened. Lydia coincidentally stumbled upon a captivating video featuring puppy siblings Lilo & Stitch on Instagram. This unexpected find added a new dimension to our considerations and led us to initiate contact with Mercylight through an email. And that's how our transformative journey with Lilo began.

What motivated your family to choose adoption over buying a dog?

Our decision to adopt was rooted in a deep awareness of the challenges faced by abandoned animals. Regular exposure to videos portraying the struggles of dogs in shelters also left a lasting impact on us. The sheer number of dogs without homes struck a chord, reinforcing our commitment to adoption. We firmly decided against contributing to the demand for purchased pets, opting instead to provide a home for a dog in need.

How was the adoption process for your family?

The adoption process was a deliberate and extended journey for us. After reaching out to Mercylight, Lydia was informed that it would involve 5-7 visits to the shelter. While the length might seem daunting, we valued the thoroughness of this approach. Each visit and staycation during the extended timeline provided us with crucial insights into potential challenges, allowing us to address issues gradually. The time spent apart from Lilo also became a poignant reminder of our growing attachment. Every time we returned home without Lilo, our longing for her company became more pronounced, and we often found ourselves adjusting our schedule to minimize the time until our next reunion with Lilo. This emotional journey further strengthened our commitment to making Lilo an integral part of our lives.

What factors did you consider when choosing a canine companion for your family, especially with your children in mind?

When selecting a dog, we were mindful of the energy level, aiming for a balanced disposition suitable for family life. We sought to avoid any potential issues like snapping, particularly around the kids. Kelly's guidance played a crucial role in this process. Through multiple visits, she provided insights that helped us understand Lilo's behavior, contributing to our decision to adopt her. It was a thoughtful consideration of traits to ensure a harmonious match with our family dynamics.

How has Lilo's presence influenced your family dynamics since she joined your family?

Lilo's arrival prompted a conscious reshaping of our family dynamics. In December, we made the decision to postpone a planned trip, underscoring our dedication to Lilo's integration into our lives. Recognizing the importance of acclimating her to being alone, we chose to forgo outings as well, prioritizing the establishment of a strong bond and addressing any potential separation anxiety.

This intentional shift in our lifestyle has had several positive repercussions. Our daily step count has seen a notable boost, thanks to regular walks around the neighborhood and leisurely Sunday visits to parks—all facilitated by Lilo's need for exercise and outdoor activity. The anticipation of returning home to Lilo's cheerful welcome has also become a cherished highlight for the kids, fostering a deeper sense of joy and connection within the family. Beyond serving as a pet, Lilo has seamlessly woven herself into the fabric of our routines, taking on roles that extend beyond the conventional. She has assumed the role of the family's new alarm clock, bringing delight to the kids by joyously jumping onto their beds and showering them with morning licks and kisses each morning. Her attentiveness extends to our outings, where she keeps a vigilant eye on the kids, waiting patiently outside stores or observing them from a distance. This affectionate behavior further underscores the deep emotional bond that has flourished between us and Lilo.

How has having Lilo as part of your family become a teaching ground for instilling values in your children, especially in terms of responsibility and respect?

The experience of having Lilo has been a profound journey in instilling essential values in our children. Daily routines centered around Lilo have emerged as invaluable lessons in responsibility. Each family member, including the kids, actively participates in these routines, recognizing the importance of their individual roles in caring for Lilo. This shared responsibility not only fosters a sense of duty but also instills the understanding that every family member contributes significantly to ensuring Lilo's well-being. It's a tangible and hands-on way for our children to learn about the importance of caring for another living being.

Moreover, the commitment to Lilo's safety has become a shared responsibility, leading to a heightened awareness of the interconnectedness between humans and animals. The children have learned to watch out for Lilo, ensuring she's not in harm's way, which has, in turn, translated into a newfound respect for animals. Guided by Lydia, the children approach dogs in the neighborhood with respect, allowing them to smell their hands and adopting a slow and cautious interaction approach. This conscious effort to avoid touching anything that moves recklessly signifies their enhanced understanding and respect for the boundaries and comfort of animals.

How has Lilo's journey been marked by challenges and triumphant transformations, particularly considering her initial timid disposition?

Every day with Lilo has been a dynamic journey filled with growth and adaptation for our family. The initial surprise of encountering a timid and fearful Lilo posed a unique challenge. Her timidity, more pronounced in a home than anticipated, led to instances where she would bark at other dogs in the neighbourhood out of fear. Concerned about her adjustment during the homestay, we frequently reached out to Kelly at Mercylight for guidance.

Over the span of two months, we witnessed a remarkable evolution in Lilo's demeanor. She transcended her initial timidity, becoming increasingly curious and forming friendships with dogs in the neighborhood. This transformative process not only showcased Lilo's resilience but also emphasized the crucial role played by our family in fostering her newfound confidence.

During the annual Mercylight walk that we participated in, a crucial moment unfolded as Lilo continuously barked, causing a sense of discomfort within our family. Doubts surfaced—questions about whether we were doing something wrong or if we could truly care for Lilo if she continued to struggle. Kelly's unwavering support became a guiding light during this challenging period. Her encouragement and assurance propelled us forward, reinforcing our commitment to Lilo's well-being.

The subsequent positive shifts, observed for example during our recent outing to Wag n Wild, where Lilo displayed remarkable composure and even engaged in novel activities like sliding down a slide, attested to the resilient spirit within her. Obedience training also played a crucial role in Lilo's journey, unraveling lessons that extended beyond basic commands. This comprehensive approach to Lilo's well-being underscores the commitment and responsibility inherent in pet ownership.

How did your family prepare for the staycation and homestay process that played a pivotal role in solidifying your bond with Lilo?

As we geared up for the staycation and homestay, we received invaluable guidance from Kelly, which we found crucial in preparing for this significant step. Recognising the importance of meticulous preparation, we engaged in a family discussion around our dining table, using a comprehensive email from Kelly as a guide. This email was filled with pointers and considerations, prompting us to deliberate on essential aspects such as designated walkers for Lilo's morning, afternoon and evening strolls, ensuring the safety of both our kids and our furry friend.

Reflecting on the adoption process, how did you perceive the detailed emails and guidelines provided by Mercylight?

The adoption process has some rigorous elements, especially the detailed emails and questions that we discussed as a family. We now acknowledge that every element stems from a place of profound love. Rather than viewing these guidelines as mere tasks, we encourage others to perceive them as gestures of love from those who genuinely care about the well-being and future of the dogs. The commitment showcased by Mercylight and Kelly goes beyond facilitating adoptions; it embodies love, ensuring the establishment of lifelong bonds that flourish in a nurturing environment.

Q1 2024

[UPDATE: We're happy to share that Lydia and family welcomed a second adopted dog from Mercylight, Liam Blessing, into their home in January 2025.]