ChiChi’s Adoption Story
ChiChi meets The Dogist!
ADOPTED❤️ July 2, 2025 – 7yo ChiChi has had quite a life – and it did not start off good.
The first 6 years of his life were spent surviving in a South Korean puppy mill of utter filth, where cages upon cages were stacked upon each other w/little ventilation, food, & water. In Oct 2024, he was one of 700 dogs rescued from this vile place. We learned they lived in layers of dirt and debris and rotting wood, amongst the remains of those dogs who didn’t make it. A slaughterhouse across the street suggested all kinds of horrors.
Five months later, ChiChi was on a long overseas flight from Korea to NYC to meet his foster mom, @rosiezook. He was experiencing so many changes in a relatively short period of time. Compounded with his traumatic past, it took him time to open up and not be afraid of his surroundings. This seemed to affect his chances of adoption.
Then, in late April 2025, ChiChi met @thedogist!
A few months later, ChiChi could rest easy knowing that he was with his forever family – he became Rose’s foster fail. “I’m not sure exactly when I knew I wanted to adopt Chichi. Over time, I realized this beautiful boy I’d once thought was a shy little guy with a funny tongue was actually a tough-as-nails survivor, but I knew I didn’t want him to have to go into survival mode anymore. I officially adopted him on July 2, so we can share birthdays and haven’t looked back – this little man has brought so much joy and happiness to us and completed our family.”
“Chichi has been on two family vacations: we celebrated his adoption over the July 4 weekend at Long Beach Island, NJ, and in August visited my brother in Stowe, Vermont, where Chichi enjoyed lots of green space and new smells. He has even been to New York City twice – once to visit my former foster, Bonnie the Frenchie, and another time to attend a meet-and-greet hosted by the Dogist in Washington Square Park to raise awareness of available foster dogs. “Chichi has quickly become part of the family. Like most pugs, his favorite time of day is mealtime, and he makes me laugh with the way he races to the kitchen, jumping, spinning, and barking with excitement. When I first met Chichi, he was painfully shy and didn’t want to be near me or any other humans; he set the pace for our interactions. After realizing he was in a safe, loving home, Chichi opened up and has become my faithful shadow.
“Chichi loves car rides and visits to his grandparents’ house. Without fail, the first thing he does when visiting his grands is to race in the door looking for my dad. When he spots him, Chichi takes a running leap, crashing onto my dad’s lap at full force looking for treats and snuggles – and dad is always happy to oblige.
“Chichi loves being part of the family and going on adventures but is also happy squeezing on the sofa. He has no self-awareness and tunnel vision (usually food-related) and will not hesitate to step anywhere on anyone in his path.
ChiChi's rescue story is one of incredible resilience. He survived unimaginable conditions only to shine in the end. 🥹🌟
Congratulations to Rose and ChiChi! 🥰🤗🥰
See more pictures here.