The Ulti-Mutt Anniversary

We celebrated 6 months of marriage with a taro cheesecake and adopting not one, but TWO “boonie babies”! “Boonies” are the super mutts of Guam. They have descended from dogs brought over in World War II, pets abandoned on island, and the closed dog racing track. They are a mix of: German Shepherds, Beagles, Labs, Dobermans, Greyhounds, Corgis, Chihuahuas and many other breeds. It is estimated that there are 60,000 boonies on Guam who are homeless. Yes you read that right, SIXTY THOUSAND.

Unfortunately there is not enough homes to provide for all of them. There is one animal shelter, a few foster programs, and a program that flies the dogs off island to their new adopted family in the States. We will always be heartbroken about the loss of our sweet Piper, but we felt called to adopt and give 2 of the 60,000 a loving home.

Without further ado, please meet our new fur babies!

Meet Mango! She is 1/2 poodle and 1/2 boonie and is about 3 months old. The fosters say she was born 2 days after Piper passed. She went “belly up” for belly rubs as soon as we walked in the door and immediately captured our hearts! We felt it was a sign from Piper and knew she had to come home with us. We think she will be 30# and has very long legs for her size. But as a boonie, who knows what she will grow up to be!

Meet Dragon! Dragon is short for dragon fruit to keep with the tropical fruit theme and I have been growing dragon fruit in our backyard. He is a 4 month old boonie with no idea what his parents look like. He has a sister, who is the same coloring but smooth haired. They believe he was born the day we arrived on the island. How wild! When we first held him, we couldn’t help resist his sweet face and his fur as soft as velvet. He had to join the pack!

I know, I know, you’re thinking “Two puppies?!” We were always planning on leaving this island with two dogs and with all of these boonies that need a home, how could we not? Also better to get the puppy phase over all once instead of doing it all over again next year. They get along so well! They play well with each other and apart. We are crate training them and taking some puppy school classes. Each of their “gotcha days” I picked them up and they rode home on my shoulder just like Piper did her gotcha day. I know in my heart that she led us to these babies and knew we’d be good dog parents to them 💖

I guess technically we are now 2 docs and dogs !

Look out for more puppy spam to come!

If you are interested in reading more and supporting a few of the animal rescue groups here on Guam or would love to adopt your own “Boonie Baby” check out these links below!

Boonie Flight Project: https://www.boonieflightproject.com/

H.E.A.R.T. Rescue: https://www.heartguam.com/

Guam Animals In Need (GAIN): https://guamanimals.org/