Home is Where They Are: Facundo Mura Opens the Doors of His Miami Home Alongside Simón, Toby, and China

The Argentine Defender for Inter Miami: Facundo Mura's Journey with Paws in Town

Facundo Mura's Heartwarming Story of Adaptation, Rescue Dogs, and Responsible Adoption

Facundo Mura is experiencing significant changes. He arrived in Miami in January to join the Inter Miami squad. This transition involved not only adapting to a new league and culture but also managing the logistics of relocating his beloved dogs: Simón, Toby, and China.

In a conversation with Paws in Town, Facundo shares how his four-legged companions have been essential in helping him feel at home in the U.S. He reveals his deep connection with animals and his strong belief in responsible adoption.

The Move to Miami and the Role of Pets in Adapting

Paws in Town: Facundo, when you arrived in Miami, what role did your pets play in that process of adapting to a new city and culture?

Facundo Mura: Juli and I arrived in Miami in January of this year. A few days later, as soon as we found a house, we welcomed them after they traveled from Argentina. They played a vital role in helping us feel at home again, and we strive to do the same for them. We are incredibly happy to continue our lives together here in Miami.

The Beginning of an Unconditional Bond: The Story of Simón, Toby, and China

PIT: When did your love for animals begin, and how did your current dogs come into your lives?

FM: My love for animals started in childhood. My family always had pets. Later, when Juli and I met and began living together, she already had Simón. During our first chapter in Santa Fe, we rescued Toby. He showed up in our neighborhood, and we decided to help him. Ultimately, he stayed with us.

With China, it was a similar story. While in Buenos Aires, we found her wandering on the highway, pregnant. We helped her so she could have her puppies in peace, and in the end, she stayed with us too. Juli's and my love for animals remains strong.

"It doesn't matter if we see them as pets or as children; what truly matters is the love, care, and attention we can give them."

Balancing Professional Football and Home Routine

PIT: Between training sessions, travel, and matches, how do you maintain that special bond with your pets? Do you have any favorite routines together?

FM: During matches and trips, Juli stays with them, cares for them, and looks after them. It gives me peace of mind to know they are with her. When I'm home, I spend time with them whenever I can, both indoors and outdoors. I know they need their daily walks, so we make sure to give them that.

If at any point neither of us can be there, we have a trusted place to help us look after them. This way, we can rest assured that they always have what they need.

A Funny and Unexpected Anecdote in Miami

PIT: Is there any funny or unexpected anecdote involving your pets since you moved to the United States?

FM: Yes! Shortly after arriving, we had a funny incident. On one of our walks, Toby—due to his past as a street hunter—spotted something on the street. I’m not sure if it was an iguana or another animal, but he tried to catch it. We had to rush to the emergency vet clinic. Fortunately, it was just a scare, and everything turned out fine.

Maintaining the Bond with Their Roots from Afar

PIT: Have your pets helped you feel closer to your roots and the family you left behind?

FM: Yes, they are part of our family. Whenever we are with them, we feel at home. Our family back home always asks about them and wants to know how they are doing. We send photos and make video calls constantly. They are a part of our house and our home. Whenever we've had to move, we've found a way to bring them with us.

The Logistics of an International Move

PIT: What was the process like to bring the dogs from Argentina?

FM: To bring them to the United States, we used a specialized company that handled the entire relocation. They took care of the paperwork, vaccinations, and health certificates. They picked them up from our home in Argentina, drove them to the airport, and put them on the plane. Once they landed, they repeated the process and brought them straight to our home in the U.S.

They provided immense peace of mind, constantly sending us photos. We knew the trip went well because, when they arrived, they said goodbye to the transport staff in the friendliest way. It was a huge relief for us.

Reflections on Coexistence and Adoption

PIT: What message would you give to families considering adopting a pet, especially those starting a new chapter in another country?

FM: Adopting is one of the most beautiful things we've done. When an animal is welcomed into a home, they feel at home and are incredibly grateful. It’s the best way to start a relationship with a dog because they appreciate everything you give them from the very first moment. Plus, the companionship is mutual; a unique bond is built. They truly cherish their relationship with the family, and that is priceless.

PIT: If your pets could speak for a minute, what do you think they would say about the adventure of living with you and Julieta in Miami?

FM: They’d probably say they are a bit tired from the moves and all the motion. Just like us, they need their adaptation period to turn a new house into their true home. But I have no doubt they would express gratitude for everything we do for them. Daily, they would surely ask for food, walks, or simply our company. Being close to them keeps them active and happy.

PIT: If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

FM: What a question! If I could have a life like theirs, I would easily be a dog. For them, human companionship is incredibly important. If I could choose a house to live in, I would definitely choose to live with us. We feel that we accompany them and are at their service for whatever they need. That is what having a pet is all about: supporting them in their daily needs.

PIT: Do you see your dogs as children or as pets?

FM: It’s a complex question, as everyone has different views. Ultimately, it doesn't matter whether we see them as pets or children; what matters is the love, care, and 24-hour attention we can give them. They need many things, just like we do, and the main thing is that we are there to support them. As of today, we don't have children, so our pets fill that space to some extent.

A Message of Awareness

Facundo concludes the interview with a heartfelt invitation to the Paws in Town audience to foster empathy towards homeless animals: "Many dogs need a home, love, and a family. If you have the desire to add a pet to your lives, adoption is a wonderful path. Have no doubt that they will thank you for it for the rest of their lives."

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