Influential Dogs (and Their Humans)
Shanghai is a small town when it comes to major cities and there are some pretty ‘Shanghai famous’ people kicking about. Most of us know these people: chefs, media KOLs, restaurant owners and socialites. But do you know their dogs? A few of these pups have even become more well-known than their owners. We thought we'd take a look at some of these cuties and find out how they ended up where they are.
Ralph & Chris Foste
Tell us about yourself Chris.
Some call me Chris, others call me Foste, and a few more know me as the Bearded Bear. I'm from a small town near Chicago called Urbana, in the USA. My position is F&B consultant for marketing, operations and event planning.
How did you come to own Ralph?
The story of how Ralph and I came to be is a charming one. You see, my family has always had at least one dog since I was eight years old, and after moving out to Asia, I spent three dog-less years here before the itch to have a furry friend beside me was unbearable. Thus, I reached out to a few friends to see if there were any rescue dogs available, as there were so many that needed a good home.
As luck would have it, a friend of a friend had just rescued two little white puppies from the clutches of a three-wheeled animal cart. One looked more chihuahua, while the other was a wiry fluff ball of terrier. These were the first two dogs I inspected to become my partner in crime. The chihuahua was full of energy and running around, while the fur ball one was quite mellow. I picked up the handful full of white fluff and instantly he just melted back in my arms, while I took a selfie. Once I put my phone down, the little pup stared directly up at me, and while it could not speak any words, his eyes whimpered, "Will you be my daddy?"
"Yeah, no, we're done here. I'm taking this one." My friend, Scarlet was awestruck. That quickly? Was I serious?
Yes. This fluff-wad was claimed by the Bear, and he shall be named, Ralph!
What is Ralphy like?
Ralph is a scruffy fur-nugget who likes to lounge around without a care in the world, or to zoom around outside in whatever green patch he can find. He is picky about his food and isn't a fan of strangers. While in bars, people always want to pet, touch, pick him up, or cuddle with him, but unless he is already familiar with you, that won't happen. Definitely skeptical of strangers.
What’s your favorite thing about living with Ralph?
Dogs keep you happy and healthy, as long as you have time to properly take care of them. They keep you on a schedule with needing walks every day, and will always be there to shower you with affection immediately once you open the apartment door. Nine times out of ten, dog people are friendly, joyful, and responsible. I just wish they didn't shed so much…
Any negatives about owning a dog in Shanghai?
Getting your dog registered is something everyone must do. Last thing any loving dog owner needs is their pup ripped from their hands by the long arm of the Chinese police. Secondly, it's all these other people who don't know how to react properly to dogs. Whether it's random Chinese people whistling for your dog to come to them, dodging poopy sidewalk traps, or people who are so terrified of dogs they would rather run face-first into that large bearded man instead of walking past a furry pooch no taller than their kneecaps.
What would you say to people who are considering getting a dog?
If you are interested in getting a dog, I recommend checking out any of the many dog rescue organizations that hold more than enough loving pups who just want a master. Puppy mills are a terrible thing that exist in China, and when raised in poor, confined conditions they can get sick easily and pass away before they are barely an adolescent. Rescue pups are loyal with bundles of love to give. Check out a shelter, today, or contact one of the many animal rescue charities. Maybe you will find your next best furry friend!
Banban & Ludovica
Tell us about yourself Ludovica!
I'm Ludovica, Italian. My job is pretty much to make sure everyone in this town stays hydrated; I'm the GM of BottlesXO, the awesome delivery app that delivers good quality booze whenever you need it. Besides that, I'm a passionate foodie so in my spare time I write about recommended eateries in Shanghai for my blog, Lulu's Hungry.
How did you come to own Banban?
My boyfriend Edoardo and I had been compulsively watching corgi videos online for about 6 months. You'd be surprised to see how many corgi videos are out there. Every night we'd sit in bed, giggling at their funny butts and tiny legs, the most hideous face expressions and moves. One day we came across this little mixie pooch who had white spots on his nose and only half his face colored. Instant love spark, and after a few weeks we decided to take that big step and bring him home.
Can you tell us what he is like?
Banban is incredibly sweet, he curls up on people looking for cuddles and loves to play. He tends to devour pretty much all the food he can find, not unlike his mommy. His only flaw, which is easy to deal with, is that he loves shoes. Biting on them and ripping them apart specifically. So we know not to leave shoes around when he's alone.
What’s your favorite thing about living with Banban?
My favorite thing about having Banban in our lives is that he makes me feel like I need to be a "real person". As an expat it's easy to forget how to face responsibilities, and him being 100% dependent on us helps us to keep a precise schedule, spend more quality time together at home and organize healthy daytime activities like visiting the park, going on walks, etc. Plus he truly is an unlimited supply of joy and love. No matter how long a day we've had and all the pressure, he can always put a smile on our faces.
What troubles do you face owning a dog in Shanghai?
In Shanghai, dogs are not particularly welcome in transport and public facilities. Not owning a car makes it even more difficult to get around to dog-friendly parks and venues which can be quite scattered. Even though we live right by Fuxing Park, we have to put him in a crate and take a taxi to go to West Bund for him to be allowed to run around in the mud and grass and find other dogs to freely play with. Complexes like Xintiandi, Soho or Sinan Mansion have outdoor restaurants and bars but dogs can't walk there, even if it's just a street. How weird is that?
What would you say to someone who is thinking of adopting a dog?
Having a dog is a big responsibility, but a super rewarding one. It's easier to get a dog if you have a significant other so you can split the work, but if you're single and still want a dog make sure you're able to stick to a schedule and have enough time to play and make your pooch happy.
Cannery Pete & Mark
Hey Mark, Tell us about yourself.
I’m Mark …an easy-going, outdoor-loving business guy from Vancouver, Canada. I arrived in China about 10 years ago with Adidas. Now, I am the father of The Nest and The Cannery.
Can you tell us the story of how you got Pete?
I have great admiration for all those who adopt the homeless dogs in Shanghai and beyond. But my Pete is directly from a breeder… based on a long-time dream of having an English bulldog.
Can you tell us what your dog is like?
Excuse the expletive… but the best way to describe Pete is, he just doesn’t give a fuck. He is ALL attitude! He sleeps A LOT… moving from one position to the next (the coffee table is one of his favorites) and snoring thunderously. He will follow me around the house, or around The Nest or The Cannery when I bring him to work. But if I go to squeeze him or pet him, he will move away. When I take out the leash to take him for a leisurely stroll (not even a ‘walk’), he will rush under a little side table and squeeze against the wall to try to avoid the exertion of exercise. He’s absolutely charming.
What is your favorite thing about owning a dog?
When I’m happy… I love to share it with Pete. If I am down, Pete always lightens my mood. He makes me laugh so much always that it’s almost impossible to be miserable when he is around. I love having him sleeping at my feet when I’m sitting working on the computer.
Can you tell us the challenges you face owning a dog in Shanghai?
I love a BIG dog… and Pete is pretty ideal for Shanghai because he doesn’t need wide stretches for big exercise. I am also fortunate to have the freedom to work from home or bring Pete with me to the venues, so I don’t have to leave him alone too often. We have the big grassy space in front of The Cannery, which is great for him to roam. English Bulldogs are pretty challenging to own – period! Though, I haven’t found a lot of challenges to Shanghai specifically. If anything, perhaps it’s these annoying guys that are always blowing whistles and what not when your dog walks on the grass on other ‘kept’ grounds (even though you are cleaning up after him).
What would you say to people thinking about getting a dog?
Absolutely do it… as long as you are prepared to provide the care. Living with a dog enriches one’s life!
Lady & Cristina Ng
Cristina, what do you do and where are you from?
I’m Cristina Ng, food editor at That’s Shanghai and I’m from Los Angeles.
Can you tell us the story of how you got Lady?
I went to an animal adoption day in Pudong run by JAR, because I thought that I was going to foster an adult dog. I wasn’t sure if I could commit to the responsibility of owning plus I have never trained a puppy. But then I saw a box of puppies with their mother and picked one up. It was the cutest one in the box, but it didn’t have any interest in me. I grabbed the second one and she crawled up my arm and snuggled in my neck. When I asked her if she wanted to go home with me, she licked my face. That’s how I met Lady.
When I was filling out the forms, they asked me if I was fostering or adopting and I said automatically, “adopting.” We’ve been together nearly seven years now.
Can you tell us what your dog is like?
My dog is so sweet and full of love, with the nicest laid back personality. She gets really cute and excited when around people she hasn’t seen for awhile and has a bit of separation anxiety, but overall she’s just a really well behaved, good pup.
What is your favorite thing about owning a dog?
The unconditional love she gives me.
Can you tell us the challenges you face owning a dog in Shanghai?
Two walks a day are hard to fit into a busy schedule and I live in a five-floor walk up! In Los Angeles, everyone has a yard, so they just need to walk their dogs for exercise. Here I have to go outside every time she wants to go to the bathroom.
What would you say to people thinking about getting a dog?
I would tell them how much time and commitment it is, but totally worth it. Also do not even think about getting a pet in Shanghai if you do not intend to move it home with you when your time in Shanghai is up. If you aren’t up for the stress and money involved, then either foster or make friends with dog owners for your cuddles.
Pepe, Kofi & Anabela Mok
So Anabela, who are you and what do you do?
I’m the Editor in Chief of Shanghai WOW! I'm originally from Hong Kong but grew up in Singapore, Connecticut, Taipei, New York and now Shanghai. I had my first dog when I was 6 years old in Singapore. She was a Dalmatian, and since then our family has always had dogs (my parents currently have 6). All our dogs are rescues, including my two boys.
Can you tell us the story of how you got your dog(s)?
I adopted my first boy, Pepe (the black one) from a Chinese rescue association in 2013. He was two years old at the time. His rescue family couldn't give him a permanent home because they were pregnant and already owned a dog. For me, it was love at first sight. I could not resist his big beautiful eyes. Our second dog, Kofi (caramel colored one) was abandoned by his owners when they were moving houses last year. According to the building’s Bao An, they already had two dogs and decided Kofi was not a keeper. My husband saw him running around the building lobby looking confused and whining. At that moment I knew we could not just turn our backs on him and we took him in.
Can you tell us what your dogs are like?
My boys have completed opposite personalities. Pepe is a mama's boy and he loves nothing more than having his belly rubbed while cuddling under the blankets. He is extremely protective of our family, especially me. On the other hand, Kofi is Mr. Social and loves being the center of attention. He is comfortable being cuddled and carried around like a baby by strangers. There is nothing he enjoys more than being with his daddy. But, both boys can agree that their favorite spot to people watch is Starbucks, especially when there is outdoor seating.
What is your favorite thing about owning a dog?
Everything is better with a dog! I cannot imagine coming home without the pitter-pattering of paws or sharing a tiny bit of my dinner with them. Even naptime is better with the cuddles and gentle snores coming from my boys.
Can you tell us the challenges you face owning a dog in Shanghai?
Some taxi and Didi drivers won't take dogs in their vehicle so it is hard to take our boys out of the neighborhood.
What would you say to people thinking about getting a dog?
Before deciding on owning a dog, be sure you have enough time and space for your pooch in the apartment. If you are a first-time dog owner, try to foster first so you know the responsibilities and time commitment. And when you have reached the decision to own a dog, give shelter dogs a second chance. You will be giving them a new lease on life and they will fur-ever be grateful to you.
Nina & Matt Nolan
Can you introduce yourself? Where are you from and what do you do?
I’m Matt – a North Carolinian working for as a brand strategist for BBH, an ad agency with British roots tucked away in the Former French Concession.
Can you tell us the story of how you got your dog(s)?
Nina has been around the block and then some. To this day, I still meet people on the street that she knows from before my time with her. To all those that helped her get from where she was found, to me, thank you!
Nina was first found by the Pets-4-People rescue network in Shanghai. When they found her, she was 8 months old and barely hanging on because she had spent the majority of her short life living in a cage. One man within the rescue network, Tomás, took her in and bottle-fed her an elixir of pork fat and charcoal – a recipe advised by his father, a chemist in Medellín – to quickly put some meat on her bones and clear out her system. It worked!
But Tomás needed another foster home for her, which is where I came in. What was supposed to be 2 weeks has now been 2 years.
These days, Nina is the most well-fed dog in Shanghai. She has become a bit of a celebrity in and around FFC lane where we live. We have a little house with a courtyard for her that looks out on the lane, which now means that there is no shortage of Aunties coming to give her snacks throughout the day to ‘keep her strength up’.
Can you tell us what your dog is like?
Nina is a lover, a fighter, the butch of the ball and the biggest softie you’ll ever meet. She thinks everyone (and everything) is her friend. She has adapted to life in Shanghai and made it through the toughest parts of life in this city as a dog. She is not graceful… at all. But she does make a statement, usually bouncing around here or there. And did I mention she’s not graceful? If she stubs her toe, she will actually cry.
What is your favorite thing about owning a dog?
I always have an acceptable reason to go home early from a party.
Can you tell us the challenges you face owning a dog in Shanghai?
Nina is 50 kilos, and there is still an enormous stigma around dogs of her size. In a city that is not always the most dog-friendly or dog accessible, she still requires a bit of getting used to. But if our lane is proof of anything, it’s that she can make everyone a dog lover.
What would you say to people thinking about getting a dog?
(Assuming they are thinking of rescuing) I would tell them what my mother told me: they come with baggage, but just tell them they’re beautiful, patch them up, and give them the best life you can.. Because with a rescue dog, each day they are with you is a day they are alive and happy.
Geraldine & Claire Squire
(Cheekily throwing Gerry and myself into this article. She is cute as a button and I couldn’t not.)
I’m Claire and I’m from the UK. I work for Shanghai WOW! magazine as the lifestyle/nightlife/wellness/basically-whatever-I-get-thrown-into editor. My general job is to keep the expats of Shanghai informed about new places to get fat and pissed whilst occasionally making them laugh. You will often find me lurking in dingy wine bars or frolicking on the streets with my dog Geraldine (named after the Vicar of Dibley.)
How did I get Geraldine…
I found Geraldine in a bit of a weird roundabout way. I was walking along the bund with a friend (shout out Tash) after trying and failing to go see a new exhibition at the Rockbund (closed on Mondays, who knew). We had walked well south of the main bund stretch but decided to keep strolling when this little-bedraggled looking creature staggered in our direction trailing a lead. Because it was a street dog, my first thought was RABIES. Then the dog went to walk into the road and straight into traffic. I just stood on the end of the lead. Then we were kind of stuck there… I didn’t want to let her go because I was worried she would die. So I figured I would wait and see if an owner turned up. No one did. So I took her to the vets, no microchip. She had been pretty badly bashed up and had a skin condition and was pretty skanky. But I got her fixed up, took her home and began flyering the area looking for her owner. No one ever came forward… And now we are each others' favorite thing.
What is Geraldine like?
She is a bit of a nightmare. She isn’t very friendly, not good with dogs, or children, or strangers. But we are working on it... She had a bit of a rough life before she came to live with me. For the first month I had her, I couldn’t touch her at all. Now she leaps onto my lap at the first chance she gets and she has her dog buddies that she is pretty cool with. In general, I would describe her as a bit of an ice queen, but secretly warm and cuddly AF.
My favorite thing about her is…
Coming in the door from a tough day at work (tough from working so hard, because I love my job, promotion please) and her being SUPER excited to see me. And then I go to grab shopping and come back and she’s SUPER excited to see me all over again. My favorite thingis when I go on holiday and she goes to hang out with Nina (featured above) and when I get back she howls, which makes Nina howl, which sounds like the world is ending.
Owning a dog in Shanghai can be tough…
ERGH. In England, you can pop to the shop and leave your dog outside and it’s cool. People like dogs, the police like dogs... Dogs can go on buses and trains and the underground. Every park is a dog park, every pub is a dog-friendly pub. I miss that.
My advice to people considering getting a dog…
My first reaction is DO IT. My second is, think about it. I am lucky that I have an amazing network of dog sitters and walkers and friends who help me when I need it (which is often). Having a dog forces you to be responsible, to have a schedule and stick to it. It forces you to put the needs of something else above your own. Having a dog in Shanghai can be really tough. But I wouldn’t not have Geraldine, not even for one second.
If you’re interested in having a photo session with your pet you can contact Barefoot Studios to arrange a shoot.
If you are interested in becoming a pet owner, then contact People 4 Pets who are always looking to match pets with potential owners. You can add them by scanning the WeChat below.
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