SWEET DREAMS, AND SEE YOU IN THE MORNING
Author Hwang Ui-jeong gives her all to her giant retriever, Dushik. After visiting her husband, who was working on a construction project in Jeju, she falls for the brilliance of Jeju’s scenic views and wishes she could share these sights and sounds with Dushik. Realizing that her time with Dushik is not infinite, she makes a brave decision to leave her city life and move to Jeju, where her family can enjoy gorgeous walks and an idyllic country life.
But life doesn’t always go according to plan. Hwang writes about the uncomfortable stares Dushik gets when she takes him on walks as their countryside neighbors are not used to seeing such a big yellow dog. Thankfully, there is a silver lining. The author and Dushik chance upon quiet, lush forests and beautiful scenery as they explore new walking paths to avoid judgemental stares. These places they discover make for precious memories that the author documents through her essays.
Besides the beauty of Jeju, the author writes about the joys of living with animals. Although Dushik was the couple’s only pet, their family later welcomed all sorts of furry characters like Dajeong, Deokcheon, and Seulgi. The essay collection details the heartwarming and humorous backstory about how these animals came to live with them. We learn about the difficulties of living with animals who have distinct personalities, and about the struggles of keeping one’s household fur-free!
Despite all the trials and tribulations of living with so many animals under one roof, the author’s main takeaway is this: the love that the animals show is beyond worth it. Every episode, every hurdle, and every new experience teaches her something about life. This essay is the perfect comfort read on the importance of extending kindness and the power of love.
