친구- Chingu! Formerly Chico

ADOPTED!
From our foster to our adopted "son"- we decided to make Chingu an official family member.

This is a bittersweet celebration because Chingu had an amazing couple who were his potential adopters. I want to acknowledge them and thank them for understanding that we couldn't part with our little boy.

Here's to rescuing and loving ALL animals!

8.9.12 Update: WOW! This guy is an all-star! Not exaggerating, walking around with him has totally changed my experience here in Korea. I live in a really small town and I'm the only female foreigner so things around here can get awkward. Since Chingu came to town, people are talking to me...people are smiling! I truly believe he has made an impact around here in their perception of dogs.
I regret not having posted anything sooner, but Chingu came close to being adopted and I wanted to hold out before I wrote. As you can infer, he did not get adopted. I made the decision to hold onto him until I found the perfect forever home for him. This person was as sweet as can be but she later admitted she was unsure about her future and how he would fit. I'm so glad I've grown to love him so much that I'll wait as long as I have to until he gets what he deserves.
I've had lots of folks fall in love with him and screech "let me have him!" but we all know our beloved furry friends are entitled to more than peoples whims. I am sure that his people are nearby and when they meet it will be years of friendship like no other. I'm jealous! And excited! Totally thrilled to see him make his match.

Chingu has really become his own man. He is great on the leash through traffic and impressive off-leash in hikes.
Last week I went on a bike ride with him on a long, long trail (HOT outside!) and I almost cried most of the way. He ran next to me the entire time. I would stop to give him breaks since he didn't think of quitting even when I could see he was beat. I've never experienced such loyalty from a dog before. As I said- WOW!

He's totally house trained, he's quiet, he's the best at entertaining himself, he's an adorable cuddle monster, he loves the outdoors and loves relaxing at home. A little miracle, this Chingu.

7.15.12 Update: It's official- he is The Adventure Dog. Chingu went on his first full-on hike yesterday and had the time of his life. Since we were in an enclosed area and no one was around due to the rain, (by the way, he wasn't the least bit perturbed by the rain, he just wanted to be on the mountain) I decided to let him off leash. This was a test. I wanted to see if he was as loyal as I believed him to be, and he was. He is a loyal guy. And, my sweet goodness, he's a little champion. I've grown fond of our cuddle sessions so I've been taking for granted how fit and sturdy he is. His legs might be short but he's solid and strong as can be. Cuddly + strong = dreamboat.

I also discovered his bark recently. I had been wondering if maybe he'd been debarked or something until he finally let out a few woof woofs. We bought him a squeaky toy and he went nuts over it. He had no idea what it was or why it was making that sound. Hilarious! Please check out the video of him playing with it, I've left the link in the comment box below.

With the knowledge that he can bark yet doesn't since he's laid-back and respectful AND he is obiedient and loyal when it comes to being outdoors...again...I'm blown away.

Like I've said from the start, who ever his forever family is, they don't know it now but darn it if they aren't the luckiest owners around.

7.5.12 Update: What can I say? I'm in love. In two weeks Chingu has gone from- oh!oh! stop! what does that sound mean?! -to- Let's go, lady! I want to walk!
His reservations are melting away beautifully. I was apprehensive, thinking that when he began to shed his layers that I might meet a dog that is great, but still aggressive or cranky or something of the like.
What I see is a dog who is becoming confident and therefore more outgoing (he has always been incredibly friendly, just anxious). He respects my boyfriend and I and listens to us in a way that I can't help to say- wha? are you real?

Yep, he's a real sugarlump of a dog.

We're still working on his house training, though right now we are at a 95% trained. He has never attempted a #2 inside, just a few 1's from time to time. His leash-walking is going along wonderfully. Soon he'll be ready to take on the world!

6.24.12 Update: Its been one week of pure joy. Chingu's personality blossoms a little more every day. I still can't believe what a great guy he is. We went to the vet yesterday for a general check-up and he's doing great, no health issues at all! Now we're focusing on his building his confidence when it comes to walking around cars and meeting new pups along the way. What I'm struggling with is refraining from giving him a bunch of treats and spoiling him because he is SO CUTE! Soooo well behaved! What a charmer!

6.18.12 Update: It's day three of Chingu's new life in foster care and so far he has been AMAZING. My boyfriend and I are in awe of this little guy. We changed his name from Chico to Chingu because it's the Korean word for friend, and that describes him perfectly. He is a friend, a buddy that's calm, loving, and patient. As of yet, I have virtually no information on Chingu's history but I can guess he's had his share of hard times. He isn't shy around people and happy to get to know them, though he's nervous when walking around unfamiliar spaces. Moving cars shake him up so I think he might have had some bad experiences on his own. Before I got him I expected countless obstacles, and they still may come, but for now I am shocked at how eeeassssyyy living with him has been. With lots of walks and confidence building, I know this dog is going to be the best kind of guy. Just as he is today, anyone would be LUCKY to have this buddy!!!!!!!!!!!!

UPDATE TO POSTING: Your life starring Chico! Chico is a confident dog, considering he's at a shelter and still waiting for someone to see his star power ^^ He is a really beautiful dog, and attracts a lot of attention because of his cuteness and cool markings, and super whiteness. He's been waiting a while now, but he survived the rough Korean winter and now things are looking up for him. Come and meet the cutest boy Chico.

FIRST POSTING: Chico is a newer arrival at Asan. He looks to be a cross between a Chihuahua and a Japanese Spitz, but he doesn't have any jitteriness that Chihuahuas sometimes have. He is currently living in a pen with many other dogs, and he gets along with the many other doggies there. Though I have never seen him and he is newer, he was a brave boy to come out of the pen and walk with me. He walks well on a leash, loved when we stopped and sat on a rock for cuddles. He is the perfect size for an apartment and for someone who wants to travel with a dog in-cabin but he's solidly built for his compact size.

He is white, but he has these beautiful gold markings. His eyelids are gold and blonde, and he has some gold flecks here and there. He is a beautiful dog, isn't he?