Scrappy (Ted) Blessing

RESCUED IN 2020 AND NOW BRINGING HIS FAMILY CLOSER TO THEIR COMMUNITY

What led you to adopt?

I have always contemplated getting a dog for a long time, but I was not allowed to adopt one when I lived with my parents. My husband and I had been married for 3 years, and decided that we wanted a change in our lives.

How was the adoption process like for your family?

We initially found the process of having to go down to Mercylight for about 8 times a bit of a drag, but as time went by, we realised why this process was put in place. Not only could we gradually introduce ourselves to Scrappy, it was also a test of how serious and committed we were.

In retrospect, it was a good introduction period and gave us sufficient time to seriously consider whether we wanted to get a dog. We were also worried about getting the supplies, but the support that Mercylight provided was really good. We received training on things like bathing a dog so that at the end of the 2 month period, we already knew the basics.

Why adopt a shelter dog?

We decided that we wanted to do something useful for society and get a dog out of a shelter. I was browsing on several websites when I saw a picture of Scrappy (then Ted). I decided upon seeing him that I wanted to adopt him specifically.

How has Scrappy adapted to his new environment?

The first few weeks with him, he used to tug the leash very tightly. In the parks as well, he used to be very afraid of us, he went into the bushes and was very resistant to come out. But now he is not as scared anymore. It’s on and off, and we are still in the development stage, so every improvement is a win.

Can you run us through your decision making process?

We are both first time dog owners and I was not sure if my husband would be agreeable at first, but he has been very supportive. We kept going to Mercylight to see Scrappy, after being shown around the different packs as well. We had a 3-week long trial, which was not completely smooth, but we found that Scrappy was very human-like and really like that about him.

How have your daily lives changed?

It has definitely been a routine change for us. We are fortunate to have a community in our area with other dog owners, owners of Singapore Specials. We were not really involved with our neighbours and community previously, but now because we are always bumping into the same people on our walks, there is that sense of community that we appreciate a lot.

Q2 2021