Yeah… But What About the Dogs?

The One Where the Dogs Move to Korea

One of my biggest anxieties about moving to Korea (and let’s be honest… I had approximately 4,372 anxieties) was Lucy and Beaux.

Throughout Lee’s career at Chevron, a few international opportunities popped up here and there. Before we even talked about schools, houses, or jobs, my first question was always, “Yeah… but what about the dogs?”

At one point, Australia was a possibility. Then I found out our three pups would have to spend SIX MONTHS in quarantine.

Absolutely not.

The closest I was getting to Australia was ordering a Bloomin’ Onion at Outback Steakhouse and watching Chris Hemsworth save the world in another Marvel movie.

Fast forward to Korea.

Two weeks of quarantine? We can do that.

A company that would coordinate flights for our 90-pound Lab, Beaux? Amazing.

The country has the best skincare in the world and lets me bring my dogs? Korea was quickly moving up the rankings.

What I didn’t realize was that moving two dogs internationally requires approximately 17 years of paperwork, 46 vet appointments, bloodwork, more paperwork, rabies titer tests, and at least one emotional support snack for me and an extra pup cup for Lucy after every appointment.

Lee honestly did the Lord’s work through all of this. He handled a lot of the chaos, shielded me from some of it, and somehow helped deliver my favorite child safely to Korea.

And yes, I’m talking about Lucy.

I was basically Ross from Friends walking around saying, “I’m fine! I’m totally fine!” while sounding completely unhinged.

After months of checking boxes, waiting on visas, and finally getting all the paperwork approved, we got hit with another surprise.

Lucy couldn’t fly in business class.

Now before you roll your eyes… I know how ridiculous that sounds.

But if you’ve ever met Lucy (the sweetest rescue), you’d understand. She has absolutely no business flying in economy. This is a dog who believes every blanket belongs to her, every road trip requires a pup cup, and every human exists solely to admire her (albeit from afar, she’s a bit shy).

Thankfully, she made it here safely and has settled into Korea pretty well.

She loves pretty much everything about Korea… except the sliding door in our house that keeps smashing her.

Apparently, even Lucy has enemies.

And yes, before you ask, Beaux’s orange balls made it into our carry-ons with my purses.

Obviously.

Some things were simply non-negotiable.

But as stressful as all of it was, there was never a question about whether they were coming with us.

A few years ago, we lost our sweet Charlie. On the day he passed away, the vet made a clay imprint of his paw. When we asked the boys to pack a few of their favorite things for Korea, they quietly put Charlie’s paw print in the box.

That one got me.

Because that’s the thing about dogs. They aren’t “just dogs.” They’re family. They’re there for every move, every celebration, every hard day, and somehow always know when you need them most.

I’m a dog person through and through. Some days… I like them more than people. (Don’t act like you don’t know exactly what I mean.)

So while moving our family halfway around the world was a huge undertaking, making sure Lucy and Beaux made it here safely was one thing I was never willing to compromise on.

Because wherever we go, they go.

Besides… someone has to keep an eye on us over here.