My name is: Summer
I came from: Cyprus
Now I live in: London
My favourite things are: Sniffing & tug games, food - lots of food, cuddling, cuddling, cuddling, did we mention cuddling?
Follow me on Instagram: @mowgliandsummer

Summer’s story

We had been looking to adopt a dog to join us and our poodle boy Mowgli for a while, when we came across Underdog International. We were immediately impressed by the degree of detail about the dogs up for adoption, as we could assess the dogs best suited for us. Our boy Mowgli is a bit of a brat and we were keen for a dog who could take on his sassy energy. Our biggest problem, though, was that we loved nearly all dogs listed on Underdog’s page!

It isn’t easy. We are still routinely looking to adopt ALL of the Underdogs. Anyway, we digress.

With so many adorable dogs to choose from, Eve was kind and incredibly helpful in recommending the right dog for us. Having scrutinised Mowgli’s Instagram account, Eve suggested a well-socialised female dog. She insisted we take a look at a few dogs and we really couldn’t look past Summer. Summer seemed perfect for us! Eve’s detailed notes helped us understand Summer better, and having seen her photos and videos, she felt just right for us.

We made the deposit right away to reserve Summer and waited for the home check call. We continued to be impressed by the professionalism and helpful approach of every Underdog team member we spoke with. Our home checker had also gone through the adoption process which helped us understand everything from Summer’s travel to her first night at home.

Within days we heard positive news and started gearing up for Summer’s arrival from Cyprus. Even after hours of travel, Summer warmed up to us right away and had a quiet ride home. As suggested by the Underdog team, we ensured Mowgli and Summer met in a neutral environment first, and then brought them both home.

As all rescue dog clichés go, we were prepared for a dog hiding under the table, or crying at night, or worse, not getting along with Mowgli. We had read all of the guidance and literature provided by Eve & colleagues, which really helped us prepare in advance. Summer napped loads as she’d had a long journey, but she was also curious about new environment and wanted to be around us. Her first night was a tad tricky as she was keen to join Mowgli and us, instead of a cosy bed in a crate that we’d set up for her (which we packed up in a matter of days). Mowgli and Summer took a few days to learn how to play together, and became inseparable soon after!

Summer’s first gotcha day is around the corner and it honestly feels like we have had her forever! She’s an incredibly loving and confident dog, who is motivated by food which has helped us in her training. We are still working with her on her impulse control (those pesky squirrels!) and her recall outside. We are so amazed at how quickly she has settled into our home. Summer is a cuddle machine and is always by our side on the couch. She is calm around kids, loves playing tug, going for long sniffy walks, and can eat peanut butter all day. Summer is perfect for our family - from long hikes to beach trips to cosy days in, she loves it all.

We are constantly impressed at how accurate Eve’s description of Summer was, as it has helped us in tailoring her training and try and keep up with her needs. We are so grateful to the team for their guidance right from the start, and cannot thank them enough for our adorable munchkin Summer! If you have room in your life for a dog, please adopt. It can be daunting at first and definitely a commitment, but as our experience with Underdog goes, you will have a giant community of supportive and kind Underdog volunteers and adopters who will help you along the way! Since adopting Summer, we have met other Underdogs in and around London, and we can’t wait to meet yours!

- Rohit & Jaco