Interview: Dobby

Pets, they’re your best friend and confidant. Big or small, fluffy or a bit scruffy, it doesn’t matter, we love them all. They’re there for you unconditionally and the feeling is mutual. Our interview series celebrates this special bond between animals and hoomans. Let the awws begin.

Hooman: Jasmine

Doggo: Dobby (1.5 years old)

Home: Hong Kong

I’ve always wanted a dog and I’ve been doing dog research practically my whole life. I knew I wanted a short haired dog that could cuddle at home but also go on hikes and long walks. That’s how I found out about Vizslas, they’re known to be “velcro dogs” who are super attached to their humans as well as lazy active dogs. I went through a friend who has a Vizsla and got my breeder’s contact information.

The first time the breeder sent me the litter’s picture, I immediately circled Dobby as my favourite pup. He had his elbow resting on the side and just looked so nonchalant and cool, it was love at first sight. As they grew older, the breeder eventually recommended two pups, one girl and one boy. I had originally wanted a girl pup but the breeder's description of the boy’s personality (wise, curious, and sweet) immediately won me over and that is how I ended up with Dobby!

I’ve been obsessed with Harry Potter my whole life and when I saw a picture of Dobby as a little pup and he just had the same googly eyes and floppy ears as Dobby the house elf in Harry Potter. I think they also have very similar personalities as well, they’re just trying to help out and be friends with everyone.

Dobby LOVES attention. He loves playing with friends (human and canine) and is happiest when he’s playing. Dobby is usually very happy and friendly (sometimes almost too friendly); he doesn’t know danger, so he once tried to run at a wild boar in Hong Kong which is very terrifying! Only occasionally when I’m busy or not giving him enough attention will he bark or demand love. When it comes to other dogs, he just loves to play.

The way he plays is that he will stick his mouth in other dogs mouths and lick them and run around with them. Sometimes this is too much for other dogs and he will get nipped or barked at, but Dobby is the type to brush it off and not realise he was told to stay away. When he’s tired (which doesn’t happen often) he’ll cuddle right next to me. Mostly, he tries to sit on everyone’s lap. Even though he’s a medium sized dog, he thinks he’s a lap dog.

Dobby has a lot of funny moments because he’s a very awkward and goofy dog. But the funniest is during Halloween, when he wore a lion’s mane on his head and he clearly didn’t like that but couldn’t take it off so he had the goofiest facial expression on his face. I love his goofy personality!

Also, Dobby is a butt dog. Every time he meets a new human or an old friend, he’ll greet them face first then turn around and stick his butt out for butt scratchiest. His mama doesn’t know where this came from, but everyone thinks it’s hilarious. He only likes giving people his butt.

My whole world revolves around Dobby. Dobby sleeps with me and will wake up when I do. He pretty much spends his whole day with me if possible and even eats his meals next to me (and often tries to sneak bits of food off my plate). We go on 4 walks a day and 1 long walk, if mama has time. I didn’t realise how much responsibility it is to take care of a pet, but I cherish all the time I spend with him and miss him constantly when I’m not around him.

Follow Dobby as he grows up in Hong Kong on Instagram here.

#QuickFetch with Dobby

Favourite hooman: Mama.

Favourite animal friend: He has a few pals, he has a Vizsla gang (they play really well together), Pepper the Border Collie, a big Labrador mix named Maxie, and basically anyone and everyone he meets.

Favourite toys or games: He likes using his nose so we play search a lot, fetch, tug of war.

Favourite food or snack: Mama’s food, deer antlers.

Prefers to be naked or dressed up: Naked all the way.

Likes: Butt scratches, attention, long hikes, games, sleeping.

Dislikes: Getting nails cut, having to be alone, not being able to eat human food.

If Dobby was a hooman, he would be…Prince Charming, or The Rock.