Over the past year, we’ve interviewed many members of the hospitality industry, and one constant among the interviewees has been a profound love for their pets. We thought it would be great to share this love with our readers. That’s why we launched an ongoing feature called “Wag Wednesday” to showcase industry peeps and their pets. Know someone who wants to be featured? Email us at bark@miamifoodpug.com.
This week, we’re featuring David Foulquier, Owner of Fooq’s, and his Border Collie Mix, Fooqie.
Your Name: David Foulquier
Your Pet’s Name: Fooqie
Sex: Male
Age: One and a half
Breed: Border Collie Mix
How did you come to own your dog? What drew you to them?
Dominique, my girlfriend, actually found our Fooqie in an elevator. Our neighbors had just found him and his sister in Morningside Park roaming around. She put them in a box and had them with her in the elevator, as she was gonna give them away to a woman up north. We chose the boy because of this incredible stare he had. So cute, black with a tuxedo and little white socks. He looked so sad and lonely. The second I saw him, I told Dominique we had to keep him. Best decision I’ve ever made.
What’s the story behind your dog’s name?
I actually found Fooqie the same week that I decided to name my restaurant Fooq’s. I figured he would be the Fooq’s mascot. It just sounded and felt right. He’s part of the Foulquier family, for sure.
How would you describe your dog’s personality?
Seeing as though he has Border Collie in him, his personality is extremely energetic and destructive at times. Although he’s not the biggest cuddler, when you do manage to get him in your arms, he’s incredibly loving. Fooqie suffered from distemper that I only discovered a couple weeks into rescuing him. At the time, the prognosis was grim. 75 percent of border collie puppies who get diagnosed with distemper die.
My vet, Dr. Raul Jimenez from the Biscayne Vet Center, saved his life with this shot that’s very rare and hard to find. Since then, he’s had a few relapses where he’s gotten strokes and things like that, but overall he’s a healthy boy now.
How has owning a pet made your life richer?
I always had a dog growing up, but physically owning and rescuing one yourself is a totally different animal. It’s brought so much love into my life. The responsibility and dedication it takes to own a dog is no joke.
It’s said that dogs reflect their owners and vice versa. How does this apply to you and yours?
Fooqie is most definitely a product of me and Dominique. We are both eccentric, high energy, independent yet very loving and affectionate beings. I think our dog is most definitely a great representation of who we are as people. I see us in him all the time!
Tell us a funny story about your and your dog.
So a couple months back we were at Margaret Pace Park with Fooqie, and this beautiful golden retriever/chow mix just entered the park. As all 70 pounds of her walked in, I couldn’t help but share my affinity for her with Dominique. Right as I was telling the owner how beautiful I found her dog to be, my little Fooqie runs up to her and starts full-on humping her! First time I’d ever seen him hump another dog … but he chose the right one! The dog loved it, and the owner was totally cool with it.
About a month later, we ran into the same dog again at the park. Lo and behold, Fooqie got right back on where he left off! Keep in mind, this dog has like 40 pounds on him. It was an incredible sight.
Are you involved in any pet organizations or philanthropies?
Unfortunately, no. However, I would like to get involved in some capacity. I am a major dog lover, and anything to help lost and lonely dogs out there sounds like a great initiative to be a part of.
See past editions of Wag Wednesdays here.