Greg and I recently learned about Animal Cafes! Many Koreans do not have pets, if they do they have small dogs; thus, although it is not confirmed I do not think they have many pounds for animals. Instead animals are taken in and pampered in these cafes where people can enjoy the company of their furry friends.
Both of the cafes we visited were near Hongik University; a spot we like to explore on Friday nights and take in random musical shows in park like areas. The first was Geo Cat located near a Greek restaurant we like to go to. Before entering the cafe you rub a little hand sanitizer on your hands slip off your shoes and put on slippers as provided by the cafe. The room is a little sparse in terms of tables but has a large structure for the kitties to climb on. Drinks are also a little more expensive than traditional coffee shops but you do get to spend hours if you wish with your furry friends. To me, the kitties seemed a little sick but it does seem much better than out on the streets. There was one little kitty with a red color; he was grey colored and looked a lot like Baloo. They were very concerned when he decided to take up my lap for a nap. Apparently the ones with red colors means they bite. After seeing how this little kitty was, he really didn't attack and seemed to act like any cat who didn't want to be moved... he'd lightly bite to express his discomfort. Although I realize since it is a public place where people can come and go, it seems reasonable to disclose safety standards; however, it also makes you realize how little they are exposed to cats as pets. Many girls stayed away from this little kitty and became quite nervous if he decided to curl up next to them.
Yesterday we went on a mission to find Bauhaus- a dog cafe; however, it seems they recently changed their policy and they are only a dog hotel rather than a cafe. We managed to find another cafe with dogs a little further down. It was quite amusing to have every dog stop what they were doing and bark at anyone new who came in. There was a vast array of small dogs including mini border collies, a wiener dog, schnauzer, miniature pincher, Yorkshire terrier, terrier aka spuds mechanize (the Target dog), corgis and cockier spaniels. They had a few bigger dogs including a husky, golden retriever, and a samoyed. Once again we saw some Korean girls who had to have been at least 8 years old and they were terrified of the dogs! Greg really enjoyed himself and I know it will be one of our regular spots so he can pet the dogs. A few of the dogs could do a couple tricks and the golden retriever scouts every table for a bill ready to be paid, will take the little clipboard with the bill and cash to one of the workers. It was funny to watch her look at each table when people get up; if someone gets up to pay it themselves she quickly stops them looking at them eagerly hoping to be able to do it herself! Unfortunately I had my camera at the dog shop but had forgotten to put the memory card back in it so we only have pictures from GeoCat at the moment.
