A Hairy Haven

Dogs.

They are said to be man's best friend. While I find this slightly sexist, since they can be woman's best friend as well (sorry, but I am not content with a snooty cat as my companion), it definitely is a statement of truth. They are understanding. They are accepting. They are loving. They are loyal. They are good listeners. What more could you want in a companion?

Today, I gained some new companions, if for only a brief period of time. My high school friend Gina, her fiance Cody, and I all met in Gangnam and went to Cafe Pawz, a dog cafe. Contrary to what my father immediately thought, it is not a cafe where they serve you dog meat. That will not pass my lips, especially after some of my Korean friends told me it tastes and smells terrible. It is instead of haven of wagging tails, lolling tongues, and hair everywhere. Dogs run around the cafe, jump up to snuggle with you, greet newcomers with a round of barking and yipping, and surround you to longingly gaze at the blueberry muffin on your plate.

At first, the dogs just kind of ran from us to other customers, not really feeling the need to stick around longer than a few pats on the head. Slowly though, we foreigners became the chosen. A dog Gina nicknamed King Charles since, well, that's the kind of spaniel he was, kept trying to steal the straw wrappers off the tray on our table. He eventually succeeded. A tiny black chihuahua with a ridiculous dress on took a liking to Gina. She sat and sat and sat in Gina's lap, seemingly content to remain there for the rest of her life. 

Two medium-sized mutts took a liking to me. One at a time, and eventually both at the same time, would curl themselves up alongside my leg and become dead to the world for a while. If they got distracted and left, they always came back to the place they knew was theirs. A Shetland Sheepdog also took a liking to my feet and was soon conked out in between them. 

Poor Cody - no one wanted to be his friend. Finally though, we told Cody to move from his chair to the bench. A little Korean girl brought over the puppy she'd been holding the whole time we were there and gave it to Cody to hold. I think that dog was extremely grateful to be out of the grasp of that dear child. Then one of my mutts decided to snuggle up to Cody's side. By the time we were about to leave, we'd been hogging half of the dogs in the cafe. What can I say, they love foreigners. lol

There were so many different dogs. So many personalities thrown together. So much love to give. It was a retreat from the craziness that comprises our weeks as English teachers in Korea. Their playfulness brought smiles to our faces. Their affection and non-demanding manner, for a while, wiped away the stress that can build up over time. Their quiet love brought calm and peace of mind. This was such an awesome experience. Now that I know about it, I might just have to do it again.

Dog therapy - it works.