Billie, a one-year-old local breed, was rescued near a factory site as a tiny pup. After a failed adoption, his rescuer posted Billie’s photos on Instagram, hoping he’d find his forever home.
When Dinesh Kumar saw that post, he knew Billie would make the perfect anniversary gift for his wife. They were ready for the joys and challenges of adopting a rescue, but Billie turned out to be a whole lot more than they anticipated.
Though he may look like a Corgi, Billie has the personality of a much bigger dog – opinionated, expressive, and endlessly entertaining. From day one, he showed he was no ordinary pup. Small in size but big in attitude, Billie’s got a signature sing-song whine that sounds just like a seal.
Whether it’s asking for a walk or needing to go out, Billie has no problem making his needs known. And when nature calls? “He sits by the door, gives it a serious look, and makes his special sound, which is really helpful!” said Dinesh.
Like any other dog, Billie loves his daily walks. You can say it is one of his greatest joys – but not in the usual “dog out for a stroll” way. For Billie, walking is a mission. He doesn’t care about meeting new friends or sniffing around aimlessly.
“He’s all about marking his territory, with laser focus on his usual trees. He won’t even glance at other dogs, cats, or people,” Dinesh explained. Watching him hurry along, nose to the ground, checking off his “spots” is hilarious – like he’s guarding his kingdom.
But Billie’s love for food is truly his most relatable trait. As a certified foodie, he’ll try almost anything, including spicy gravy and vinegar!
“During his teething phase, we tried dabbing vinegar on our fingers to keep him from nibbling. Billie ended up liking it and asked for more!” Dinesh laughed.
Eventually, Billie’s refined taste led them to swap kibble for home-cooked meals. He’d look up at his family like, “This kibble? Really?” So, they began preparing boiled chicken, sweet potatoes, carrots, and pumpkin, which he now devours happily.
When he’s not patrolling or napping, Billie enjoys a good TV session. He’s quite the sensitive viewer. If an animal appears on screen or a character gets hurt, he’ll jump onto the TV cabinet, sniffing the screen like he’s trying to help.
The early days with Billie were not without challenges, though. Despite being partly potty-trained, there were still some “oops” moments. He peed on the sofa and twice left surprises in the upstairs hallway.
Dinesh and his wife were so stressed, they even considered giving him back. But in the end, their love for Billie won out, and they decided to try crate training – a suggestion from Dinesh’s wife that turned out to be spot-on. With crate training, Billie quickly learned discipline and, before long, no longer needed the crate at all.
Looking back on those early, chaotic months, Billie’s family can’t imagine life without him. Billie, their little buddy, is as feisty and lovable as they come, and with him by their side, there’s never a dull moment at home.
Follow Billie on Instagram.
This article was written by Dinesh Kumar Maganathan @ FMT Lifestyle. Read more pet stories here.
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