A Beagle and the City: Viva México, Hello NYC!
It is said that some meetings are written long before they happen, and Jorge often feels this to be true when he looks back on the day he first encountered Oliver in his family’s house in Mexico. The beagle, only twenty months old but carrying the calm of a much older soul, watched him with an expression so steady and knowing that the rest of the world seemed to fall into silence. Neither of them knew then that their paths would wind all the way to New York City, where new routines, hidden corners, and unexpected joys would slowly take shape around them.
To start us off, could you tell me a bit about yourself, and what life with Oliver looks like these days?
I’m a 35-year-old dentist from Mexico with a deep love for art, music, and photography. I’ve always been drawn to the energy and diversity of New York City, a place that constantly inspires me to see beauty everywhere.
Recently, I adopted Oliver, a 20-month-old beagle from Mexico, and he has brought a whole new rhythm into my life. Exploring Manhattan together has quickly become one of my favorite rituals; through his eyes, even the most familiar streets feel new again.
It sounds like he made an impression right away. Do you remember that first moment you met him?
I first met Oliver about eleven months ago, over Christmas. My parents had been fostering him for a couple of weeks, and the moment I saw him, I was completely taken. There was a kindness in his eyes and a sharpness in his expression that instantly melted my heart. It didn’t take long to realize he wasn’t just passing through our home — he was meant to be part of my life
What made you decide you wanted him with you in New York?
I decided I wanted Oliver with me in New York — to bring the balance I didn’t know I was missing. Caring for someone who depends entirely on you makes you more grounded, more compassionate, and more human. I was determined to give him a fabulous life, one filled with love, adventure, and all the joy he had already brought into mine.
And now that you’ve been together here for a while, how has it been?
I’ve been with Oliver for seven weeks now, and it’s truly been transformational. He’s motivated me to be more active, to explore, and to embrace new adventures. Of course, it’s been an adjustment — New York has a long list of requirements and paperwork to ensure the health and safety of all its dogs — but every step has been worth it. Watching him thrive here makes it all feel incredibly rewarding.
You named him Oliver, so where did that choice come from?
I chose the name Oliver, inspired by Charles Dickens' Novel Oliver Twist — the story of an orphan boy whose resilience and innocence always moved me. The name felt perfect: it carries a certain presence, but also a gentle kindness, just like him.
What’s one little thing he does that always makes you smile?
What makes me smile instantly is watching Oliver sit patiently while waiting for the elevator — he knows that means a treat is coming. It’s such a small gesture, but it perfectly captures how smart, sweet, and full of character he is.
If you had one moment where Oliver could actually talk back to you, what would you ask him?
If Oliver could talk, the first thing I’d ask him is whether he’s happy with his new life. I hope he feels as loved and fulfilled as he’s made me feel since the day we met.
As in all stories shaped by fate, love announced itself in an instant, but the world insisted on time. Between the moment Jorge first saw Oliver and the moment they stepped foot on Manhattan streets, months passed — months filled with documents, signatures, examinations, and rules written across borders. Wanting to understand that labyrinth, I asked Jorge to recount the path that carried Oliver from Mexico to the city where their life now unfolds.
Listening to you talk about Oliver, it’s clear how deep the bond is — but I know getting him here wasn’t simple. Once you decided he was coming home with you, did anything about the relocation or adoption process worry you?
About the relocation process for Oliver, I knew it would be long and detailed — full of paperwork, lab tests, licenses, and countless vet appointments to make sure he could travel safely and meet all the requirements to enter the U.S. and fly with me. It was a lot to manage, but I was not surprised.
My biggest concern when bringing Oliver with me was making sure I could give him the best possible life. I wanted to have the right support system in place — a trusted veterinarian, a reliable walker, a good daycare, and opportunities for him to socialize with other dogs. Just like us, dogs need a healthy balance — good nutrition, care, and a community around them to truly thrive.
How did your family first come across Oliver’s situation in Mexico? Was it through a rescue group, or something more personal?
Many wonderful organizations in Mexico take care of dogs and help them find new homes. In my case, Oliver came from someone close to my parents who was looking to give him up for adoption. My mom was heartbroken about his situation and offered to care for him until the right person came along — and that person ended up being me.
I'd love to hear about the months leading up to his arrival — and maybe help others who are thinking of doing the same. What were the main steps you had to complete before Oliver could travel to the U.S.?
There are so many steps involved, but to make it simple, I like to break the process down into four main stages.
- CDC Dog Import Form (Link)
- Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Completed within 30 days of arrival (Link)
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Screwworm Examination
To bring a foreign dog into the United States from a screwworm-affected country, you need an official health certificate issued within five days of shipment, stating the dog has been inspected by a government-approved veterinarian and is either free of screwworm or was treated until free from the infestation. -
Service Animal Documentation for the Airline
Since Oliver was originally a service dog for a girl with mutism, it was easier to get him certified as my service dog so he could travel in the cabin with me to help ease my anxiety generated by my germaphobia and OCD symptoms while flying.
From the moment you said ‘yes’ to the moment he landed in New York, how long did the whole process take?
It took eight months from the moment I decided to adopt him until the day he arrived in New York.
(Oliver in Cave Canem's Ventus Windbreaker)
And what about the actual travel day — what was it like flying with him? Anything you wish someone had told you beforehand?
Some tips for the flight: book a seat for your dog if possible, and bring treats or calming toys to keep them relaxed. There’s also a product called Calming Bites that can help ease their stress. Have a dog diaper handy just in case, and reassure your dog—takeoff and landing can be very loud and sometimes stressful for them.
Looking back now, what part of the journey tested you the most — and what moment made everything feel worth it?
The challenging part was coordinating all the lab tests and vet visits within the timeframe required by the CDC.
The most rewarding moment was our first night together, with him sleeping close to me, knowing that he was safe.
Before all this began, did you know anything about Oliver’s life or past? What parts of his earlier story stayed with you?
He was a service dog who assisted a girl with mutism, but she unfortunately developed a fear of dogs and could no longer keep him. That’s how he eventually came into my family’s care — and from there, into mine.
So one last question here for you: when you think about the future, how do you hope Oliver will remember his life with you?
I want Oliver to remember his life with me as an incredible friendship — one filled with adventure, love, and care. More than anything, I hope he always feels how deeply he’s been loved and how much joy he’s brought into my world.
Life in New York can be loud, fast, and endlessly shifting. But Oliver brought Jorge a quieter kind of transformation — one built on patience, routine, and love that stretches across countries. In the end, it turns out that home isn’t always a place. Sometimes, it’s a beagle learning the city one block at a time.
To keep up with Jorge and Oliver’s adventures in the city, you can follow them on Instagram @ollie_dellmar