The last couple of weeks have seen horrific scenes play out on popular Chinese social media platforms like Weibo and WeChat. Photos and videos of abandoned or killed pets have been making the rounds, a result of owners worried that their furry friends might be the source of COVID-19. Some pet owners even resorted to tossing their cats and dogs from several stories up, while other compounds all over the South of China and as far north as Shanghai are rumored to have banned dog walking for the foreseeable future.
We can agree that this has been a result of a panic on the part of the public and a lack of awareness at the beginning of the crisis on what really causes and spreads COVID-19. Though very few, if any such cases have been linked to Beijing, pet owners are still in a bind. In the event that they wish to travel at this time, they would need to follow new guidelines set forth in order to board their precious pets. This means that in the event of an emergency, they would need to leave their pets behind, and in the absence of a close friend to pet-sit, many pet owners would be faced with the impossible decision of having to give their fur babies up.
But somewhere in the more leafy suburbs of Beijing, there is a little pooch paradise for just such an emergency. Aptly dubbed Diddy’s Hood Doggy Hotel, its a lovely escape for any pooch to frolic, swim and even stay for a while if need be. So just in case you are thinking of making a hasty exit from Beijing and your furry friend cannot come along, it might be an idea to check them into this five-star pooch hotel. We talked to Adrien, the owner of Diddy’s Hood Doggy Hotel, to find out how this all came about.
When a pooch comes to your facilities, what are some of the standard services that he or she can expect from you?
We offer boarding services, daycare, and training classes.
What if my puppy isn’t as friendly around other dogs, will he be turned away?
We have never turned down a dog for being reactive or fearful, however, we do request all new dogs/owners to come for a visit before approval. The selective process is for us to work in sustainable conditions.
Last, we are not breed selective but will turn down most dogs that haven’t been neutered.
What if I am planning on going on a long trip and can’t find a dog sitter, can I leave my pooch with you for long periods of time?
Sure. There is no time limit to how long your dogs can stay on with us. Many dogs have spent up to two months straight with us.
There are rumors spreading about the COVID-19 being spread by dogs leading to many people dumping their pets. How do you feel about this?
It is unfortunately very sad and a very far departure from our reality at Diddy’s hood. Martin Luther King once said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
—Strength to Love, 1963
For a quarantined family with an active pet, how would you suggest that they keep their puppy friend stimulated and avoid them from becoming bored?
A lot of enriching activities can be done indoors to stimulate and fulfill instincts (nose-work, tricks training, massages, puzzles, treadmills, grooming, etc). There is always something to develop with a dog, they love to engage. Think playing, socializing, desensitizing, caring, the list is long!
What future plans do you have for the puppy hotel?
We enjoy our pace, the team thrives. The hours are long but it doesn’t feel like work. We want to keep that balance, keep our guests happy, and who knows, maybe open a couple more around the country.
How can we contact you?
Just add us on WeChat (blackbridgem). We would be more than happy to answer any and all questions you might have for us.
Photos: Courtesy of Adrien – Diddy’s Hood Wechat
