David comments on their differing personalities, “Hunter is really sensitive and gentle, a little more cautious, while Scout has very little fear whatsoever. She’s a little bulldozer and will run into anything, and is always up for some adventure.”
Scout (black female) and Hunter (white male) are rescues from Mexico belonging to Dr. David King, a sessional instructor at the department of psychology. Both of them were adopted from the same rescue centre but did not know each other before coming to Canada.
David recounts this experience, “We adopted Hunter 2 years ago when he was about 8 months old, and he had spent some time on the streets in Cabo before being rescued. It was clear he had been through a lot, and he took a long time to get used to his new home. This was the reason we decided to adopt Scout as well, to help him feel more comfortable. She was younger when she was adopted and felt at home right away. And the two of them were best friends as soon as they met. They both love their new lives on Bowen Island!”
Dr. David King with Hunter on campus.
Similar to many of our other Pets of UBC Psych, Hunter is no stranger to the department or his human’s classes. Popping by in classes over the last two year, Hunter is a great hit with students and everyone is always excited to meet him. However, all the attention and stimulation can make him feel a little anxious and sometimes he wants David’s full attention (even while he is trying to teach)!
“The first time I brought him to class, I held him in my arms during some of my lecture just so he’d relax, it was pretty funny. But he’s gotten much better over time.”
“Hunter and Scout never get sick of each other and always want to play. Even if one of them is sound asleep, the other one can start biting on their ankles to get them to play, and they totally go for it!”
Established early on, Hunter’s nickname is “Hunter Bunter,” while Scout’s is “Scouty Pouty.” David mentions that these names have proven quite appropriate as Hunter loves to run and bounce around and Scout always has this pouty look on her face, especially when she’s tired — therefore both names sound just right!
Hunter is quite the athletic dog as he is not only a high jumper, but also a fast runner. Scout can’t quite keep up with him, so when they’re playing and chasing each other, Scout has learned to just stop and roll.
David loves to watch them play and wrestle with one another.
