Miso & Mochi

I decided while I was standing in the ocean water of Punta Cana (DR) two weeks ago chatting to my girlfriends that I was ready for a dog. They both have dogs (one has a Pomeranian named Harlem and a Shih Tzu named Chuletta, and the other has a Chihuahua named Joey) as well as my friend Kisha (she has a bulldog named Sophie), Christine (she has a Chihuahua named Stella and a boxer named Guinness) — so dogs have been on my mind for quite awhile now. I’ve been talking about it for months, but finally decided to do something about it.

So all evening on the same day I researched and asked around for nice, reputable breeders and fell in love with a gorgeous Shih Tzu who was gold & white. I decided I wanted a female dog because male dogs in heat sort of gross me out. I made some calls and by noon the next day on a Tuesday, the shih tzu I wanted was on her way to me from Texas.

(Mochi at the vet for her first exam)

When I got back to NY on Thursday from Punta Cana, I received the most amazing news from an old friend who had e-mailed me to tell me that he had a HUGE surprise for me. Of course, I called him immediately to beg him to tell me what it was, but he wouldn’t tell me. Then he asked me what was new, etc. Of course I told him about my new dog and how excited I was. He got really quiet and then told me I just ruined his surprise. He had purchased me a french bulldog (which I told him months ago that I really wanted)! I couldn’t BELIEVE it. It was extremely thoughtful and far too generous but he insisted it was a thank you gift for being a great friend to him for all these years. Wow. It left me completely speechless. Some gift, right?

(Miso arrived at the airport at 9:40AM at 11 weeks old)

(Mochi arrived at 11:45AM at 9 weeks old)

Both pups arrived on the same day to Newark airport 2 hours apart. I named the french bulldog Miso (after the soup, which also means SMILE in Korean) and the shih tzu Mochi (my favorite Japanese dessert - it’s ice cream with a soft dough shell).

(Miso kissing Mochi after I brought her home and they met for the first time)

To be honest, I was terrified about how much work it was going to be to care for two puppies but it has turned out to be the BEST thing. I couldn’t have planned it any better. Miso and Mochi have each other to play with all of the time so they’re never lonely, which means I don’t feel guilty about ever leaving the house and it also keeps them from crying at night. They’re both very smart, playful and they absolutely LOVE each other. When they met they instantly connected and now can’t stand to be apart. They do everything together - eat, play, sleep, etc. It’s really a lot of fun to watch them.

(Their first nap)

I love Miso and Mochi so much. It’s really one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.