Ronja Dygas is a kindergarten teacher, who came to Beijing from Germany eight years ago. Here she met fellow German Axel Schiemann, and their two children were both born in the city. 2-year-old Laila attends Green Garden International Nursery, and the family has recently been blessed with the arrival of little Mika. Somehow she also finds time to look after a fish and Linny the dog!
Did you have a pet as a child? If so, what was it?
Yes, I grew up with dogs. My parents are whippet breeders. I loved having dogs around and they were our best buddies.
What factors did you consider when choosing a pet for your family?
I chose to have a dog, before I met my husband. I always wanted to have a French bulldog, but my friend went to Vietnam shortly after rescuing a dog from a bus station. She asked me whether I could take the dog and I fell in love with the little puppy on first sight. Now Linny is no longer a puppy, but she is still cute, and my oldest Beijing friend.
What pets do you have, and how do they relate to different family members?
We have a dog and a fish. The dog was a bit depressed after the kids came into our lives. But she settled well. My daughter Laila loves Linny, and is always trying to include her into family activities. My husband takes Linny out for walks, and I am the spoiled one who gets all the cuddles.
The fish is the latest addition. Laila is the one who feeds him and I clean the fish tank.
What do you call your pets? Who chose the names, and why?
Our dog’s name is Linny and the fish is called “Fish”. I chose Linny’s name as I found it cute and a good fit for her personality. The fish doesn’t really have a name yet.
How do you encourage your children to take responsibility for looking after your family pets?
I feel like when they grow up with animals, they naturally grow into the position of taking responsibilities. According to Laila’s age, we include her more and more in the caregiving aspects of having a pet. So now she asks to help, and she goes to feed the dog or the fish. She goes together with her dad to walk the dog.
What do your children learn from owning a pet?
They learn to take responsibilities. They learn to respect animals and nature. They experience that it’s not always easy to take care of someone else. They experience the joy of our dog when seeing us, when we return from traveling. They enjoy the cuddles and love she gives us.
How do you combine owning a pet with traveling, eg back home for holidays?
Ayi takes the dog when we are away.
Do you plan to get any more pets in the future? If so, what?
Right now, we have enough pets. If we would get another one then it would be a dog, to keep Linny company.
Ma Jiayi and her husband Sen Sheng have always loved animals, so Bean the dog was a natural addition to their family in 2017. A year later, they welcomed another new family member: a little girl named Xinxin. Xinxin is curious about everything, they tell us, while Bean is “sometimes cool and sometimes enthusiastic.”
Did you have a pet as a child? If so, what was it?
I kept many pets when I was young. I had a chick and a little rabbit, but it was a little squirrel who was with me the longest.
What factors did you consider when choosing a pet for your family?
My husband is very supportive. We both love animals. We hope to add new members to our small family, to increase the happiness of life and a sense of responsibility.
What pets do you have, and how do they relate to different family members?
Now we have a dog. He’s smart enough to know what benefits he can get from different family members. He likes to ask for snacks, and likes to join in on fun. He is also very friendly to our little baby who came after him.
What do you call your pet? Who chose the name, and why?
Our dog’s name is Bean. The name was given to him by his rescuer. Maybe he thought, “people who love to smile always have good fortune!” Mr. Bean has been making people happy his whole life and he has good luck. I hope that name will bring our dog good luck.
How do you encourage your children to take responsibility for looking after your family pets?
Since our baby is still small, it’s a little difficult for her to take care of the dog. But we will let her interact with the dog more as life goes on: let her pet the dog or give him a snack. She sees her father interacting with the dog and sometimes she giggles. Now when we ask her where Bean is, her eyes immediately go to his basket.
What do your children learn from owning a pet?
In my opinion, keeping a pet has a great impact on children. It can help them improve their sense of responsibility, promote the development of language ability, and even improve their immunity.
How do you combine owning a pet with traveling, eg back home for holidays?
When we take him out, we plan ahead and choose hotels and attractions that will allow him to stay. We get his usual supplies and medications ready. On the way we let him get out of the car in time to do his business, and make sure he doesn’t get thirsty while we’re out. And be sure to make him wear a leash, in case he gets lost.
Do you plan to get any more pets in the future? If so, what?
I might consider getting a cat. It’ll be such a wonderful life to have both a cat and a dog.
This article appeared in the beijingkids October 2019 Family Foodies issue
