What Percy and Pluto Taught Me

For more than forty years, I had never really come close to a dog.

Then our daughter asked for one.

As often happens, the child asks, the parents agree, and the parents eventually become the ones doing most of the work.

We first went to see one puppy. But when we learned that he had a brother, we could not bring ourselves to separate them. We came home with both.

Pluto was a name we had always liked, and it continued the accidental tradition of names beginning with P in our family. Percy was inspired by Percy Jackson, which our daughter was reading at the time.

They came to us when they were not even eight weeks old.

Within two days, I was very close to giving them back.

It was overwhelming. The sleepless nights, the constant cleaning, the worry about whether we were doing everything correctly, it felt like we had taken on more than we could manage.

Fast forward two years, and Percy and Pluto are no longer pets. They are family.

I have always loved children, perhaps because of their innocence. They do not hold things in their hearts for long. They forgive quickly, move on easily and return with affection as though nothing happened.

Dogs seem to have the same gift.

They are excited every single time they see us. They find joy in the smallest things. They do not need grand plans to be happy. A walk, a familiar face, a few minutes of play or simply sitting beside us is enough.

When we lived in the United States, our travel plans gradually began revolving around them. Where could they come with us. Which hotel would allow them. How long could we be away. What would make the journey comfortable for them.

Yes, having dogs can make life more complicated.

People sometimes say that dogs restrict your freedom. You cannot travel as easily. You need to plan everything around them.

That is true.

But perhaps it is also a question of whether we see the glass as half full or half empty.

Even assuming we travel for thirty days a year, not having them may make those thirty days easier. I would rather think about the other 330 plus days, the warmth, joy, affection and kindness they bring into our home.

More importantly, what they quietly teach us during those days.

Our move from the United States back to Singapore was one of the hardest parts of this journey. The documentation, medical requirements, flights and constant anxiety about their safety made the relocation far more complicated.

But leaving them behind was never an option.

It was difficult. It was also completely worth it.

One day, I hope to write the longer story of their journey, or more accurately, our journey with them.

For now, the lessons are simple. Be excited to see the people you love. Live in the moment. Forgive quickly. Find joy in small things. Show loyalty through actions. Drink water. And never forget to play.

Percy and Pluto may have entered our home because our daughter wanted a dog.

But somewhere along the way, they became two of my best teachers.

For anyone raising a puppy, considering getting a dog, or moving with pets between the United States and Singapore, please feel free to reach out. We learned many things the hard way, and I would be happy to share what helped us.