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 shares with Paws in Town the details of his adaptation in the United States, the stories behind his three rescued dogs, and the importance of responsible adoption.

Facundo Mura is going through a period of major changes. Following his arrival in Miami in January to join the Inter Miami squad, the footballer not only had to adapt to a new league and culture, but also organize the logistics of relocating the most pampered members of his family: his dogs Simón, Toby, and China.

In a chat with Paws in Town, the Argentine defender explains how his four-legged companions have been a fundamental pillar in making him feel at home on U.S. soil, revealing his deep connection with animals and his firm stance in favor of 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 very important role for us because they helped us feel at home again, and we try to do the same for them. We are very happy to be able to continue our lives all 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: Since I was a kid, my family always had pets. Later on, when Juli and I met and started living together, she already had Simón. As time went by, 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 very similar story. During our last days in Buenos Aires, we found her wandering on the highway, and she was pregnant. We helped her so she could have her puppies in peace, and in the end, she stayed with us too. It is clear that both Juli's and my love for animals remains very 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 manage to maintain that special bond with your pets? Do you have any favorite routines together?

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

If at any point neither of us can be there with them, we always have a trusted place that helps us look after them when we have to travel. That way, we can rest assured that, one way or another, 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, a funny one shortly after arriving. On one of our walks, Toby—due to his past as a street hunter and his habit of foraging for food on his own—spotted something on the street. I'm not sure if it was an iguana or some other animal, but he tried to catch it and we had to rush to the emergency vet clinic so they could help us resolve the situation. 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, the truth is that they are part of our family, and whenever we are with them, we feel at home. Also, our family back home always asks about them and wants to know how they are doing. So we send photos and make video calls constantly. They are a part of our house and our home, and 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 helped us with the entire relocation from Argentina, since we were already in Miami at the time. They handled the entire process: the paperwork, the necessary vaccinations to clear airport customs, and the complete 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 here, they repeated the process and brought them straight to our home here in the United States. They gave us immense peace of mind, constantly sending us photos. We knew the trip had gone well because, when they arrived at our house, 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 who are considering adopting a pet, especially those starting a new chapter of their lives in another country?

FM: In our experience, adopting is one of the most beautiful things we've done. We feel that when an animal is welcomed into a home, they feel at home and are incredibly grateful. It is the best way to start a relationship with a dog because from the very first moment, they appreciate everything you give them. Plus, the companionship is mutual; a unique bond is built. They really cherish that relationship with the family, and that is truly 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: I think at first, they'd say they are a bit tired from the moves and so much motion. Just like us, they need their adaptation period to turn a new house into their true home. But I have no doubt that what they'd say the most is that they are very grateful because they notice everything we do for them. On a daily basis, they would surely ask us for food, to take them out for walks, or simply for company. Being close to them is what 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 the one they have, I could easily be a dog. For them, human companionship and feeling accompanied is incredibly important. And if I could choose which house to live in, I would definitely choose to live with us. We feel that we accompany them and are at their disposal for whatever they need. That is what having a pet is all about: putting yourself at their service and supporting them in their day-to-day needs.

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

FM: It’s a complex question, as everyone can have a different point of view on this. In the end, I don't think it matters whether we see them as pets or as children; what needs to be clear is that what truly matters is all 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 as our pets, they fill that space to some extent.

A Message of Awareness

Facundo concludes the interview with a strong 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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