My name is Eunee — 운이 — which means Lucky in Korean. And after six months of the most unexpected adventures a dog could ask for I think the name fits perfectly.
6 months ago, my life began in Busan, South Korea. I was adopted from the pet store by two weird looking foreigners who spoke an even weirder language! They took me home and spoiled me. I was even allowed to sleep in their bed instead of a cage. They named me Eunee, 운이, which means Lucky.
After a few months, they decided to move to the US. It was an awesome opportunity for me, even though I was scared. I had to get a ton of shots and stay in a cage for hours and hours under the seat of this huge moving thing that flew through the air.
When I got to America, I never realized just how amazing grass was.
I got to go to a dog park.(the dog on the left is my alter-ego), but I got daring enough to say hi to some of the dogs.
I celebrated Halloween with all the kiddos dressed as Superman! Everyone thought I was the cutest and gave me so many treats.
Mommy baked with Grandma Maryanne and I had to attack the flour. It was this soft powdery stuff that got all over the kitchen floor, but it really had no flavor.
I LOVE the car!!! As soon as we get in, I climb up Dad’s shoulder and sleep behind his neck. That way I stay warm and can see everything out the window.
I even have a ton of Aunt’s and Uncle’s, everyone is bigger then me. BUT, I love to play with them. They are all really patient with me. Sometimes I wish they would play more and I really have to get their attention and bark forever for them to play with me.
My cousins play with me everyday! They walk me and give me treats and tell me I am a good dog when I go potty outside. They are the best!
Anyway, I have a ton more to share about my awesome time here in America. I can’t believe all that has happened in 6 weeks! I hope everyone who moves to America gets to have as much fun as me.
Q: Can you adopt a dog in South Korea and bring it to the US? A: Yes — and Eunee is living proof. The process involves vaccinations health certificates and compliance with both Korean export and US import requirements for pets. Eunee traveled in a carrier under the seat in the plane cabin for the journey which while stressful for everyone involved went smoothly. The moment she discovered American grass made every complicated logistical step completely worth it.
Q: What is it like bringing a Korean dog to the United States? A: A genuine adventure for the dog and the humans equally. Everything is new — the grass the smells the dog parks the Halloween costumes and the cousins who walk you and give you treats every single day. Korean pet stores and the dogs in them are not so different from anywhere else in the world but the journey from Busan to America is a remarkable one regardless of species.
Q: What does Eunee mean in Korean? A: Eunee comes from the Korean word 운이 meaning lucky or fortune. We named her this because finding her felt like exactly that — a stroke of luck that arrived at exactly the right moment in our lives in Busan and has been with us through every adventure since.
Q: Is South Korea a good place to have a pet as an expat? A: Korea’s pet culture has grown enormously and dogs are genuinely welcomed in many spaces. Finding Eunee in Busan was one of the unexpected joys of our second stint living in Korea and she became an immediate and permanent member of the family. Pet care is affordable vet services are excellent and Koreans are generally very warm toward well behaved dogs in public.
Q: What should you know about flying internationally with a small dog? A: Small dogs that meet airline size requirements can typically fly in cabin in an approved carrier under the seat in front of you. Requirements vary significantly by airline so research your specific carrier’s pet policy well in advance. Eunee needed vaccinations a health certificate from a licensed vet and compliance with US import requirements — start the paperwork earlier than you think necessary as processing times vary.
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Travel with your family
Remarkably livable once the initial adjustment passes. Korea is safe, efficient, and genuinely welcoming to families. The food culture is extraordinary. Kids adapt faster than adults to the language and social norms. Most expat families describe Korea as having raised their standard for what a city should offer.
The children’s museums in Seoul are world class. Korean street food is an adventure for kids of all ages. Palaces and traditional villages give history a physical form that works for children. Jjimjilbang family spas are a uniquely Korean experience worth trying. And the playgrounds and outdoor spaces in Korean cities are genuinely excellent.
Korea is excellent for adventurous young eaters. For picky eaters it takes adjustment. Korean fried chicken is universally beloved. Kimbap rice rolls are approachable for most kids. The spice level can be managed by ordering milder dishes. Street food culture especially tteokbokki corn dogs and hotteok pancakes is a huge hit with children.
Apps like Duolingo and Pimsleur help with the alphabet and basics. Language exchange partners are available and Koreans are generally patient and appreciative of any effort. Formal classes exist in every major Korean city. Kids pick up Korean in school environments much faster than adults do in language classes.
Pros: extraordinary safety, excellent public transport, amazing food at every price point, strong medical system, and a culture that genuinely values family. Cons: language barrier for adults, high academic pressure culture that affects international kids in local schools, air quality issues especially in spring, and the social insularity that can make deep friendships with Koreans slow to develop.
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How good does it feel to rescue a dog who then becomes a huge part of your family…? He is lovely, hairy and cute, just like my Stanley http://jennhammerphotography.wordpress.com/category/its-a-dogs-life/