Miyoo Blessing

HOW SIMBA HELPED CHOOSE THE NEWEST MEMBER OF THE FAMILY

Valerie adopted Simba when he was just a three-month old puppy rescued from a drain. Vivian met Simba three years ago and instantly fell in love with him and other dogs. Today, Simba is nine years old, the heart of their household and their loyal companion on grocery runs, café visits and neighbourhood walks.

When the couple moved into their home, they knew they wanted to welcome another dog someday. Not just for themselves, but for Simba — a gentle soul who, they felt, would thrive with the right furry companion. Just as importantly, they wanted to give a shelter dog a chance to experience the life every dog deserves: a safe home, a soft bed and a family of their own.

When the Search Led to Mercylight

Their adoption journey began at Singapore Specials Day in Bishan Park, where they first encountered Mercylight and were drawn to Diamond Blessing. They visited the shelter soon after, meeting Diamond and several other dogs. While Diamond was lovely, they sensed she might not be the best match for Simba.

That’s when Kelly introduced them to Miyoo. Unlike more outgoing dogs, Miyoo didn’t rush forward. She sat in her corner beside her best friend Saint, watching them with wide, curious eyes. But something about her gentleness and the quiet confidence beneath her shyness caught their attention.

Over the next month, they visited the shelter once a week, walking and bonding with Miyoo, and observing her behaviours. The adoption process was more thorough than expected, but they appreciated it deeply. “It was extremely thorough to ensure that the welfare of the dogs is of utmost priority,” they shared.

Finding Compatibility

A crucial step was introducing Simba to Miyoo. They arranged their first introduction at Jurong Lake Gardens — a neutral, calm environment. The meeting was quiet and uneventful. Simba, ever the introverted boy, didn’t interact much. Miyoo maintained her distance too. But there was no tension nor discomfort. Kelly assured them: “This is a positive first meeting.”

Next came a half-day home trial. They braced themselves for Simba’s reaction as Miyoo stepped into the house. To their surprise, Simba remained calm and accepting. And then came the moment they will never forget. Miyoo gently explored the room, wandered over to Simba’s bed, and lay down, as if she had always known she belonged there. Simba let her.

“That was our affirmation,” they said. “That’s when we knew this could work.”

Settling In

Like many shy dogs, Miyoo needed time to understand that she was finally home. Valerie and Vivian set no expectations — they simply gave her space, patience and the freedom to settle at her own pace.

In the first few days, Miyoo was clearly anxious. She had a few poop accidents at home, chose to lie quietly in a corner far from everyone, and showed her skittish side whenever strangers passed during walks. She walked well, but her cautious glances and stiff posture made it obvious she was still scared. After a week, something shifted. Little by little, she opened up, faster than her family expected.

Despite her shyness, Miyoo woke up each day like an energiser bunny, ready for a walk and ready to explore. And without fail, the very first thing she did was adorable: She gathered her squeaky toys one by one, playing with each toy for 20 seconds before hopping off to collect the next, filling the entire couch within minutes. And it made her family laugh every single time. Bit by bit, these tiny moments stitched together a new rhythm — one built on patience, love and the quiet knowing that Miyoo was finally learning what home felt like.

Life With Two Dogs

Three months in, the biggest change Valerie and Vivian have seen in Miyoo is how much she has opened up. When she first arrived, they were told she wasn’t the cuddly type and it seemed true. She would quietly shift away whenever they came too close, unsure of what affection meant. Now, she hops onto the sofa on her own for a cosy squeeze, settles herself comfortably beside them, and even rests her head gently on their laps. She has become braver on walks, less fearful of strangers, and has fallen beautifully into her daily routines.

In the beginning, they lived like polite roommates: one resting in the bedroom, the other in the living room. Simba, ever the sensitive boy, would even bark when he felt he wasn’t getting first dibs on head rubs. Slowly, they grew comfortable in each other’s presence, even mirroring each other’s sleeping positions, choosing rest spots closer and closer together. Recently, they shared the sofa for the first time.

Simba, who once struggled to connect with other dogs, now watches over Miyoo like a big brother. Miyoo returns that affection in her own way, constantly glancing back during walks to make sure Simba is close, sneaking in little sniffs and licks when she thinks he isn’t looking.

What they’ve learned and hope others will too

Adopting a shy dog has taught Valerie and Vivian the quiet power of time, patience and gentle consistency. With Miyoo, every breakthrough felt like a small miracle — her first tail wag, her first approach for pats, her first confident “good morning” while trotting out with a toy in her mouth. Each moment was a reminder that trust, when earned slowly, feels incredibly precious.

“If you’re willing to give them your love,” they shared, “you’ll be rewarded with the same love, times a billion.” They learned that shy dogs aren’t “difficult”, they’re simply waiting for someone to meet them where they are. Once they feel secure, their personalities burst into full bloom, like sunshine after a long stretch of rain.

For families thinking about adopting a second dog, their advice is heartfelt and simple: “Go for it — if you have the capacity. Someone out there is waiting for you, and it’ll be the best decision you ever make.

Q4 2025