SINGAPORE’S LEADING MAGAZINE FOR PET LOVERS THE ONLY AUDITED PET MAGAZINE IN SINGAPORE petsmagazine.com.sg
APRIL - JULY 2020
CREATING THE PERFECT RUNNING CANINE COMPANION
HOUNDS OF LOVE
A Beagle for a whole hunk of good ole’ doggy affection!
FANCY FELINE
Celebrating the world’s most popular breeds of cats for 2019
COLOURFUL ENCHANTRESS
Ever-captivating Siamese Fighting ISSN 1793-7736 Fish S$5.00 9 771793 773006
Exclusive interview
TIN PEI LING Member of Parliament
Every little bit of public awareness raised brings with it a helping hand, hope and a fresh start
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APRIL-JUly 2020
REGULARS 2 CONTENTS 8 ED NOTE 10 NEWS • Covid-19 & Animals • Bigger Dogs Now Allowed In HDB Flats • PETAS: Fresh Appeal | NANAS: Call For Action • FAQ: Covid-19 & Your Pets • Paw Prints
LIFESTYLE 16 IN THING The latest in great pet food products, really useful items, and, the oh-so-cute must-haves!
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24 PET-FRIENDLY VENUE: COOL CAT CAFÉS For our feline lovers, here are some of the places to start you off on your quest ‒ to find the purrfect cat café. By Iau-Yang Yu, Dion
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PEOPLE & PETS 28 COVER PERSONALITY: TIN PEI LING SMILE AN EVERLASTING SMILE Exclusive interview with: Ms Tin Pei Ling, MP for MacPherson. 36 WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES A tragic turn of events that led to Abby's adoption.
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38 PETPARAZZI: A VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS Raising awareness faced by dogs from shelters. 42 ADOPTION: IF YOU CAN’T ADOPT… A list of 5 things pet lovers can do if they can't adopt. 43 ADOPTION: IF YOU CAN ADOPT… The mantra here is: Adopt don't shop.
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WELLNESS 45 BODY & SOUL: CREATING THE PERFECT RUNNING CANINE COMPANION Train and condition your dog to be your running companion. By Joey Peh 50 IS YOUR CHILD ALLERGIC TO YOUR PET? Strategies to ease allergies. By Shenielle Aloysis Joseph 52 ASK THE EXPERT: WHY DO RABBITS EAT THEIR POOP & SHOULD I WORRY? 55 PET PANTRY: • POOCHIE MEAT CAKES • POWER PLAY
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58 TOP DOG HOUNDS OF LOVE: The Beagle 62 FANCY FELINE: MOST POPULAR BREEDS IN THE WORLD 66 SMALL WONDER HEY GOOD LOOKIN’: Lionhead Rabbits 69 MARINE PARADE COLOURFUL ENCHANTRESS: The Siamese Fighting Fish 73 PICTURE PURR-FECT: YOU GOT ME AT HELLO!
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77 HAPPENINGS • SINGPET SUPER STORE AT DEMPSEY HILL • FREE COFFEE SUNDAY CHRISTMAS • PETS’ DAY OUT: HAPPY ‘HAMMY’ CHINESE NEW YEAR EDITION • ANIVERSITY: FOR THE LOVE OF ALL ANIMALS • TUX FOR TAIL FUND RAISER CANCELLED
SINGAPORE’S LEADING MAGAZINE FOR PET LOVERS
PUBLISHER
Ho Sum Kwong sk.ho@petsmagazine.com.sg
MANAGING EDITOR
Eileen Chan eileen.chan@petsmagazine.com.sg
WRITER
Joey Peh
PHOTOGRAPHER Zaphs Zhang
FASHION STYLIST Mei-Z
MAKE-UP ARTIST Wenny Fu
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Iau-Yang Yu, Dion Jim Kenshalo Shenielle Aloysis Joseph Dr Tabitha Thompson Niki Lau Patricia E Tan
DESIGN CONSULTANT Keris Wee chris@olivegrin.com
IT & DIGITAL MEDIA DIRECTOR
Jun Evangelista jun.evangelista@petsmagazine.com.sg
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & EVENTS MANAGER Ernie Loh ernie.loh@petsmagazine.com.sg
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Mireen Ng mireen.ng@petsmagazine.com.sg www.petsmagazine.com.sg www.facebook.com/PETSmag www.twitter.com/petsmagazine www.youtube.com/PETSmagazine www.instagram.com/petsmagazinesg PETS MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY PETS MEDIA & MARKETING PTE LTD REGISTERED AT 11, YISHUN INDUSTRIAL STREET 1, #07-92 NORTH SPRING BIZHUB SINGAPORE 768089. MCI (P) 153/03/2019 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO MATERIAL MAY BE REPRODUCED IN PART OR IN WHOLE WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT FROM THE PUBLISHER. VIEWS AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN PETS MAGAZINE ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE PUBLISHER OR THE EDITORS. ALTHOUGH REASONABLE CARE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO ENSURE THE ACCURACY AND OBJECTIVITY OF THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS PUBLICATION, NEITHER THE PUBLISHER, EDITORS AND THEIR EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS CAN BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY ERRORS AND OMISSIONS, NOR ANY ACTION TAKEN BASED ON THE VIEWS EXPRESSED OR INFORMATION PROVIDED WITHIN THIS PUBLICATION. PRINTED BY KHL PRINTING CO PTE LTD L010/08/2019
If we all do a little, we can do a lot It’s a scary time right now and while we hunker down at home we can count our blessings that our pets are there ‒ providing much-needed solace for those quarantined or on stay-home notice. However, more so at this time than ever, it is a time to circle the wagons and be of service to others caught in the crosshairs of Covid-19. Help out pet owners: Social media stories abound on households that have been financially upended. There’s a pretty good chance some have a pet or so roosting with them. If you want to make a difference in the most direct way, simply figure out how to make pet food supplies magically appear at the front door of those in need. Help a shelter out: Let’s state the most obvious first ‒ Donate. Reach out to the shelters as many have reported an increase in animal drop-offs. Now is the time to make a difference. The SPCA has had to cancel their Tux For Tails fundraising event. It’s a major blow to them as money raised goes towards the care and support for these animals for a whole year. Another heartfelt appeal, this time from across the causeway ‒ NANAS (Noah’s Ark Natural Animal Shelter, in Johor). They depend on guided tours around the area for income, and since Malaysia is in a lockdown situation… you get the drift. Yes, donate please. Keep in touch with the pets’ community: It’s going to be a long-drawn affair. Food supply chains may face disruptions. Specialised pet food, supplements and medication to prevent pets from suffering or falling ill due to diet change or restrictions, all face jeopardy. Towards this, and other such ends, the rejuvenation of Pets Enterprises & Traders Association (PETAS) could not have been more timely (see News). Finally, don’t surrender a pet right now. Yes, bad things happen, but if you’re able to hold onto your pet, please do. Look around; if you know of friends, family members who are considering drastic measures ‒ for whatever reason, at least offer some temporary respite. Above all, take necessary precautions to stay safe. Have a plan ready for you and your pet should anything untoward happen. But also, let’s take care of each other and together we’ll all emerge at the other end of the tunnel – hopefully, with only slightly ruffled feathers.
Eileen Chan Managing Editor
PixRepo
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Covid-19 & Animals T
he current spread of Covid-19 is a result of human to human transmission. As of date, there is not enough scientific evidence to identify that companion animals can be infected with or be a source of infection for Covid-19, says OIE – World Organisation for Animal Health. The scare started in late February when health officials in Hong Kong placed 17-year-old Pomeranian dog under quarantine after hospitalising its owner for Covid-19 coronavirus infection. A spokesman for the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) issued a statement on 12 March that the blood test result of the dog which had repeatedly tested weak positive for Covid -19 virus is negative. A week later, on 19 March, another pet dog, a twoyear-old German Shepherd, was sent to the AFCD, and it too had repeatedly tested positive for the virus. The owner was confirmed with Covid-19, and the dog was sent for quarantine with another mixed breed dog from the same residence to the animal keeping facility at the Hong Kong
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Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. “No positive results were obtained from the mixed-breed dog and neither dog has shown any signs of disease.” The AFCD added this to be another case of human-todog transmission. Covid-19 is a newly emerged disease and the situation is still evolving. The AFCD will continue to work together with Hong Kong’s Department of Health in handling relevant cases. To ensure public and animal health, the Department strongly advised that pet animals from households with persons confirmed as infected with Covid-19, or close contacts of infected persons, to be put under quarantine. The AFCD spokesman reminded pet owners to adopt good hygiene practices and to maintain a clean and hygienic household environment. People who are sick should restrict contact with animals. If there are any changes in the health condition of the pets, advice from a veterinarian should be sought as soon as possible. Pet owners should under no circumstances abandon their pets. The American Veterinary Medical Association too, have come out to say in a FAQ that no evidence suggests dogs or cats can become sick from this coronavirus. Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control, World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and World Health Organisation have issued notices in the same light. “There is no evidence that dogs play a role in the spread of this human disease or that they become sick…,” according to the OIE Questions and Answers on the 2019 Coronavirus Disease. “While there is no evidence of a Covid-19 infection spreading from one animal to another, keeping animals that test positive for Covid -19 away from unexposed animals should be considered best practice.” The World Organisation for Animal Health has cautioned that there is no evidence of pets transmitting the virus to humans. “However, because animals and people can sometimes share diseases... it is still recommended that people who are sick with Covid-19 limit contact with companion and other animals until more information is known about the virus,” it added.
binZiegler | Pexels
BIGGER DOGS: NOW ALLOWED IN HDB FLATS Singapore: There has been a revision in dog size criteria for those living in HDB flats. You can now own bigger dogs ‒ provided they are local mixed-breed canines that are up for adoption. According to the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), this type of dogs can now be up to 55cm tall, with no weight limit. Previously, only dogs under 50cm and up to 15kg could be re-homed to HDB flats. Effected on 1 March 2020, the programme is led by AVS and supported by the HDB, in partnership with Project Adore Animal Welfare Group (AWG). Under the new ruling, some 20 percent more local mixed-breed dogs can be rehomed to HDB flats each year. As of end 2019, some 1,335 local mixed-breed dogs have been rehomed under the scheme. Project Adore (ADOption and REhoming of dogs) was started in 2012. AVS has five rehoming partners – SPCA, Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD), SOSD, Exclusively Mongrels (EM) and Causes for Animals (CAS). They are also working with AVS in its Trap-Neuter-ReleaseManage (TNRM) programme. With the TNRM programme, AVS hopes to manage the stray dog population sustainably and humanely. The present expansion of criteria for re-homing dogs will allow more mixed-breed dogs to be rehomed. Ms Sun Xue Ling, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Home Affairs and National Development said: “Together with our AWG partners, we had launched Project Adore to allow local mixed-breed dogs to be rehomed in HDB flats. Our AWG partners ensured that stringent adoption conditions are met. Residents have thus far been receptive to the presence of these rehomed dogs in their neighbourhoods. Given the good progress in the past eight years, we have now reviewed the criteria for Project Adore to allow more dogs to be re-homed. We will continue to work closely with our partners to ensure that proper safeguards are in place, and that responsible pet ownership is practised.”
PETAS: FRESH APPEAL Singapore: Pets Enterprises and Traders Association (Singapore), a corporate entity registered in Singapore since 2008, has elected its executive committee members to serve in the 2020 – 2021 term. Elected members include Mr SK Ho, President; Mr Chua Ming Kok, Vice President; Mr Yap Seng Teck, Advisor and Mr Thomas Lim, Secretary. Mr Ho in his acceptance speech said: “Moving forward, the new committee intends to rejuvenate the current PETAS and more business for the whole industry.” Mr Ho notes that while the pet industry has grown quite a bit in Singapore, he and his team will work towards improving the industry as the playing field has changed much over the years. Besides a membership recruitment drive, other priorities that the PETAS Exco members will be working on include: Liaison with government boards on capabilities development, and commercial issues affecting the pets’ industry.
NANAS: CALL FOR ACTION
Johor Bahru, Malaysia: Noah’s Ark Natural Animal Shelter (NANAS) sent out an urgent appeal for donations on 21 March. Raymund Wee, its founder said that while they will “not turn away any abandoned or injured animal rescued by the public during this crisis,” he needs funds and a steady supply of food to feed the animals. Tours to the wildlife refuge sanctuary in Pekan Nanas, Johor have been cancelled since 11 January 2020. These visits are crucial as they collect entry fee to sustain their operations. This has “pretty much stopped”. In his letter of appeal, he adds: “If many people contribute even in small amounts, we are sure it will add up and help us ride out this difficult time.” To contribute, visit www.noahsarknaturalanimalshelter.com for details.
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FAQ: COVID-19 & YOUR PETS
No, your pooch does not need a mask. Seriously.
A
s at the end of March 2020, there was no evidence that suggests the Coronavirus can be transmitted to or from companion animals. But questions remain as to whether your pet can be affected by the virus; what will happen to your fur-kid should you be hospitalised, etc. To help out, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions around the Coronavirus and what it means for pets and pet owners. • Can we get Covid-19 from our dogs? According to the World Organization for Animal Health, there is no evidence that pets play a role in transmitting the disease to humans. Despite the highly publicised instance of a pet dog exhibiting a “weak positive” when tested for the virus, the consensus is that we’re more likely to infect them than they are to infect us. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) adds that the disease is spread to humans through personto-person contact. There have been no reports of pets or livestock becoming ill or spreading the coronavirus. • Does petting our dog expose us the virus? Unlikely. According to the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA), “Because your pet’s hair is porous and also fibrous, it is very unlikely that you would contract Covid-19 by petting or playing with your pet.” According to the AVMA: “Smooth (non-porous) surfaces
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(eg: countertops, doorknobs) transmit viruses better than porous materials (eg: paper money, pet fur), because porous, and especially fibrous, materials absorb and trap the pathogen, making it harder to contract through simple touch.” However, they add: “It’s always a good idea to wash your hands before and after interacting with animals; ensure your pet is kept well-groomed; and regularly clean your pet’s food and water bowls, bedding material, and toys.” If you’re worried, wash your hands after horsing around with your pet, and try not to bury your face in his/her coat or get slobbered by his wet, wet kisses during this time. • How should we prepare to care for our pets during this time? As you stock up on toilet paper, rice and instant noodles, don’t forget your pet’s food supply too. The recommended is a twoweek supply of pet food. If your pet needs heartworm, flea, or tick preventives, or medication for a chronic condition, call your vet ahead
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and get a refill. Ensure all medications are documented with dosages and administering directions. In addition, have a contingency plan and designate a caregiver early. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends creating a pet dossier for your caregiver. Put all your pets’ information in an easy-to-find place. Adds the ASPCA: “Consider including things like habits, food preferences, medical conditions and medications taken, veterinarian contact information, and any behavioural tendencies.” Ensure that your pets are wearing a collar and ID tag. • What if I get Covid-19 and have to be quarantined? What should I do? The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) in America says people with Covid-19 should tell their public health point of contact that they have pets or other animals in their home. Specifically, they advise: “While these people are symptomatic, they should maintain separation from pets as they would with other household members, and avoid direct contact with pets, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food.” • Can I take my dog out for a walk? Unless you’ve been told to stay in by healthcare professionals, take Fido for a walk, run or hike. Go out solo with the dog rather than with friends, and preference should be for lightly occupied areas with plenty of space. • What can I do with my dog inside the house? Many of us will be spending way more time at home than they’d like. Our dogs are likely to consider this a bonus, but it presents challenges too. Lots of stay-at-home time also may require new coping mechanisms and skills. It is also a perfect time to teach your old dog new tricks: From “Shake” to “RollOver” and “Crawl” to mentally stimulating
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games like “Find It” (where Fido has to find his treats or gnarly toys). It’s a great bonding opportunity. • Should we make (or keep) vet appointments? Call ahead first to check. Vets too have systems that minimise person-to-person contact. Of course, if you feel like you might be coming down with something, we need to let the vet know that as well. • I think my pet is ill—what do I do? Call your veterinarian first and check. If your pet shows signs of illness, and they have been exposed to someone with Covid-19, tell your vet and ask if they can do a checkup. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there is currently no clinical test kit for pets. But the good news is that tests and testing capacity are being developed. Finally, Dr Stephanie Janeczko, Vice President, ASPCA Shelter Medicine Services says: “A pet’s first line of defence is a well-prepared owner, and we strongly encourage pet owners to take the necessary precautions and incorporate pets into their preparedness plans to keep their family ‒ including their pets ‒ healthy.” q
GOOD HYGIENE PRACTICES On our end of the leash, in addition to the ubiquitous “wash your hands after petting” advice, the CDC recommends pet owners practice good hygiene. Just like our phones, wallets and backpacks, pets are just as liable to pick up some unintended stuff along the way. Good pet hygiene practices include: • • • •
Washing your hands after handling your furry one Bathing your pet on a regular basis Reconsider kissing your pet at this time Wipe the paws down after his daily walks
paw prints
Belarus: The Fund-Raising Cross-Eyed Feline San Francisco, USA: Pet celebrities are more famous than they have ever been. Meet Belarus – a feline Internet celebrity with close to 300,000 followers on Instagram, an internet store selling tee shirts and mugs, and, his own Facebook and YouTube accounts. But that’s not all: This fuzzball is rolling in the catnip cash – which he donates to animal shelters in the San Francisco area. Belarus was born cross-eyed due to an eye condition called strabismus. Luckily, the condition doesn’t cause him any pain, nor is his vision affected. After a post featuring the Nebelung feline at San Francisco Animal Care & Control (SFACC) went viral back in June 2018, animal lover Rachel Krall adopted him. By posting his antics with the now-famous face of Belarus, Rachel is hosting fundraisers for the animals in need. Thanks to his following, there is now a whole range of clothing available on Bonfire featuring Belarus’ goofy grin, with 100 percent of the profits being donated to animal charities in the San Francisco area. Rachel says: “His favourite hobbies include juggling, waiting for his food machine and looking in two directions at once.”
Walking Dogs With Drones?
Instagram-user Vakis Demetriou shared a video of him using a drone to walk his dog Oliver during a countrywide Covid-19 shutdown in Cyprus
Cyprus, Greece: Mr Vakis Demetriou, from Limassol, Cyprus, figured out a pretty ingenious way to ensure his little Pomeranian could still go out for a walk during the country’s Covid-19 shutdown.
While he understood that he needed to stay home, there was no reason why his dog, Oliver, should. By attaching his dog’s leash to the drone, Mr Demetriou was able to take his dog out while practicing social distancing. Mr Demetriou shared his experiment on his Instagram, showing his dog walking up a quiet residential street with a small drone hovering overhead, holding the leash. He piloted the drone from a small balcony in his apartment. In a video post shared on Facebook and Instagram, Mr Demetriou wrote: “(5th-day) quarantine. Stay Home Safe but don’t forget your (dog’s) happiness.” The Facebook video has garnered more than 43,000 shares and 7,000 comments, while his Instagram account garnered more than 20,000 views. One thing though, he did not say how he was going to clean up the ‘doggie doo’.
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IN THING
IN THING
Pet products for your furry ones. Spanning the gamut: From the latest great food products to the really useful items, and of course, the oh-so-cute must-haves! Fokker Milk: For New Born Pups
Fokker Milk is a complete mother’s milk replacer for newborn puppies as it forms the basis for a healthy dog later on. It’s also suitable as supplementary food for puppies and young dogs as it promotes healthy and uniform growth. As it boosts and strengthens the immune system, it can be used to support pregnant and lactating dogs, and aid in the recovery of animals. Fokker Milk is available in 500 g containers at Pet Lovers Centre.
Instinct: Real Lamb Recipe
Instinct, the Raw Brand offers a purposefully simple, made with one animal protein and one vegetable meal, versus the mix of each you’ll find in most other dog foods. Great for pets with food sensitivities, the meal is made without grain, corn, wheat, soy, dairy, eggs, chicken, beef, fish, sweet potato, potato, carrageenan, artificial colours or preservatives. It comes with delicious cuts of lamb in savoury gravy in an easy-to-serve package. Available in 85 g pouches from Pet Lovers Centre.
1st Choice Derma: Grain-Free Dog Dry Food
Your dog will love the irresistible taste and satisfying crunch of Icelandic+ natural cod and lobster combo bites. These dog treats are made from cod and lobster caught fresh in Iceland and air-dried within FDA, USDA, EU, and MAST standards. The treats promote healthy skin and coat with Omega-3 fatty acids and, at the same time, it reduces plaque and tartar build-up in your dog’s teeth. For freshness and convenience, the treats are packaged in a stand-up 100 g resealable bag.
The grain-free Derma formula by 1st Choice, is designed to take care of dogs with reactive or hypersensitive skin. Formulated with ingredients known to reduce skin inflammation, irritation, and itching, it creates a protective barrier against environmental aggressors. The presence of Omega-3, 6 and 7 fatty acids aids in the promotion of healthy skin while the absence of grains lowers the risk of allergic reactions. The added Zinc maintains healthy skin, reduces hair loss and promotes a lustrous and shiny coat.
Available at Pet Lovers Centre.
Available in 2 kg packs from Pet Lovers Centre.
Icelandic+: Cod & Lobster Dog Treat
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IN THING VET Hepatic: Relieve Stress On The Liver
Happy Dog VET Hepatic can significantly help to support and relieve stress on the liver in dogs with chronic liver disease. A moderate amount of proteins with a high energy content reduces the burden caused by harmful metabolic products. The ingredients include easy-to-digest rice, tasty salmon and milk thistle to protect the liver. Available at various vet clinics or Happy Pet Singapore with a vet prescription. Tel: 82223184 or Email: orders@happypet.com.sg.
VET Diet P-Urinary: Gentle On Liver & Kidneys
Happy Dog VET Diet P-Urinary is used to prevent and support the treatment of calcium oxalate, urate, xanthine and cystine stones. The recipe is very low in purine and is gentle on both liver and kidneys. The combination of plant-based ingredients lowers the content of nutritional components that encourage urinary stones. The recipe makes it an accompaniment and support for leishmaniasis and its treatment. Available at various vet clinics or Happy Pet Singapore with a vet prescription. Tel: 82223184 or Email: orders@happypet.com.sg.
Vetalogica: Biologically Appropriate Fisherman’s Feast VET Diet – Hypersensitivity: For Food Allergies
Happy Dog VET Diet Hypersensitivity is used in cases of food allergy or intolerance. The main features of this dietary food are the single, exclusive animal protein source, quail, and the unusual carbohydrate source, sweet chestnut. The highly-digestible recipe is extremely palatable and is suitable as an elimination diet. Available at various vet clinics or Happy Pet Singapore with a vet prescription. Tel: 82223184 or Email: orders@happypet.com.sg.
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Vetalogica, an Australian family company, crafts small batch, natural, grain free, biologically appropriate pet foods in their Sydney Kitchens. Founded and developed by pharmacist brothers, Vetalogica formulations are blended with natural, regional Australian ingredients and no grain, corn, wheat, artificial colours or flavours, glutens or GMO’s. The Vetalogica Biologically Appropriate Adult Dog Food offers a blend of Australia’s seafood including mackerel and tuna. Available from Singpet@Dempsey or, online: www. singpet.com.
Dog Gone Smart: NanoSlim Raincoat
A raincoat that protects your dog from wind, rain, and dirt, is lightweight for comfort yet strong and durable. The NanoSlim raincoat from Dog Gone Smart feature a “stay-clean” nano treatment to make it more resistant to dirt, stains, liquid, and pet odour. The raincoat comes with a contoured elastic tail cut-out and elastic body panels, as well as a high collar with neck and head toggle drawstrings for a better fit. The top central hexagon-pattern panel is made out of a retroreflective fabric.
Nakeless: Collars With QR Code
Designed to keep animals out of shelters, the Nakeless collar comes equipped with its own QR code tag so you’ll never be separated from your four-legged friend again. With its leather collars and leashes designed in California, USA, the collar combines style with functionality. Upon purchasing the collar and registering it on www.nakeless.dog, anyone who finds your special friend can contact you directly. Available directly from: www.nakeless.dog at US$45 for the collar and US$55 for the leash.
Available at Pet Lovers Centre.
The Pets Couture: Duchess Collection
Perfect for that photo session! Made with quality Duchess Satin material, these handmade, hip “fur-kid” apparels from The Pets Couture are the creative efforts of Singapore designer, Sia Ai Wei. With style and comfort foremost in mind, the wrinkle-resistant and stretchable cape can be worn outdoors and further accessorised with existing leashes. In addition, the pearly sheen and luxurious touch lend itself well to that picture-perfect soft elegance. Cleaning is effortless as a gentle hand wash with mild laundry detergent in cold water is all it takes. Available at: www.thepetscouture.com.
Muttluks: MTTravel Seat Belt Clip
It’s a seat belt clip for dogs on the go. The Muttluks MTTravel clip allows a free range of motion for the dog while he is on the go. It moves with the seat belt and comes with an easy-on/off, one-handed attachment. The clip fastens to any harness and will allow the dog to sit, stand or nap comfortably while in the car. Available online at www.muttluks.com.
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IN THING Muttluks: Woof Walkers
Woof walkers are a mid-range dog boot created to satisfy a demand for “pawsitively” comfortable and adaptive shoes to fit a dog’s paw shape and movement. It comes with self-tightening straps for a secure fit; flexible light-duty leather soles and water-resistant nylon uppers. There’s also re-useable mesh bag to hold the four boots conveniently, and yes, it is machine washable. Available online at www.muttluks.com.
Button: The Hokkien Therapy Dog
Button is a grey and white miniature schnauzer on a mission to bring cheer and comfort to the dying. The seven-year-old dog has been trained by Ms Fiona Foo, 48, to obey commands in Hokkien to better connect with patients at Assisi Hospice. Fiona, the author of the book and founder of Hope Dog Rescue since July 2011, gives us an insight into the transformation of Button from her days as a stray. The book will also cover topics such as responsible pet ownership and puppy mills. This 128-page paperback book (ISBN: 9789814845922) is available at $18.90 and all proceeds go towards Hope Dog Rescue’s work. The book is available at Epigram: https://shop.epigrambooks.sg/ collections/new-releases/products/ button-the-hokkien-therapy-dog
Found My Animal: Dog Beds
Established in 2006, Found My Animal offers accessories for adopted animals and their people. By encouraging rescue over purchase, the company does more than its part to support animal welfare. Its luxe velvet dog beds are the latest in the company’s offering. Washable, modern, and effortlessly chic, these cushioned beds come in a host of colours. Handmade in its Kingston, New York studio in the US, these beds epitomises their company’s tagline: Products that celebrate adopted pets. Available online at: www.foundmyanimal.com.
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Chill Recipe: Designed To Sooth
Designed to soothe the more anxious felines at any stage of their life, the ChillRecipe dry cat food by Pronature Life offers deboned Turkey in 2.27 kg packs. For all those who seek to integrate more zen moments with their furry felines, these kibbles are packed with loads of real Turkey meat, and no corn, soy or wheat. Available at Pet Lovers Centre.
IN THING Applaws: Chicken Puree for Cat
If one-on-one time with your cat is something you love, try the Applaws treat range. These grain-free treats are made with only natural ingredients, have no added sugar and can be fed by hand. With no artificial ingredients, additives, flavours, or preservatives, and no added sugar, these treats help to maintain a cat’s healthy weight, teeth, and gums. Available at Pet Lovers Centre.
VET Diet – Intestinal: Digestive System Care
Happy Cat VET Diet Intestinal is used to regulate acute and chronic gastrointestinal disorders. The diet contains highlydigestible ingredients and moderate carbohydrate content to reduce stress on the digestive system. The dietary fibre promotes the growth of intestinal flora balance and holds water to stabilise the consistency of the stools. Available at various vet clinics or Happy Pet Singapore with a vet prescription. Tel: 82223184 or Email: orders@happypet.com.sg.
VET Diet Adipositas: Weight Reduction For Cat
VET Diet – Struvit: To Break Up Stones
Available at various vet clinics or Happy Pet Singapore with a vet prescription. Tel: 82223184 or Email: orders@happypet.com.sg.
Available at various vet clinics or Happy Pet Singapore with a vet prescription. Tel: 82223184 or Email: orders@happypet.com.sg.
Happy Cat VET Diet Adipositas is used to reduce excess weight. The diet offers reduced energy and carbohydrate contents and is rich in protein and filling roughage. The recipe creates the conditions for gentle weight reduction and helps to improve the physical constitution. The milk thistle and artichoke ingredients are traditionally used to protect the liver.
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Happy Cat VET Diet Struvit is used to break up struvite stones. The diet contains particularly high-grade protein along with reduced magnesium and phosphorus contents. It results in a clear reduction in urine pH levels. The slightly elevated sodium content increases water consumption and thus flushing of the urinary tract.
Vetalogica Naturals: Grain Free Chicken
This natural pet food is made with Australian Hormone-free chicken and comes packed with vitamins and minerals. Carefully crafted in small batches to ensure freshness it’s great for a cat’s healthy digestion, odour control, skin and coat. In addition, it’s made with no grain, wheat, rice, corn, gluten, soy or GMO’s and does not contain artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. Available from Singpet@Dempsey and online at: www.singpet.com.
Suitical: Recovery Suit For Pets
This full-body Recovery Suit is a professional alternative for the medical cone and bandage for your pet. The suit available for both dogs and cats, protects your pet during recovery after a medical procedure; a skin condition; in heat; in case of light incontinence, overgrooming, etc. It allows your pet to move comfortably with its breathable design, soft, stretchy material, and snug fit. Available at: ww.suitical.com.
Biogance: Helps The Healing Catalyst: Sustainable Cat Litter
Love your pet and change the planet at the same time. Catalyst Pet is a completely sustainable performance cat litter made with upcycled softwood. It’s permeable, clumps for easy scooping and stops odour in its tracks with a fresh, crisp wood smell instead of the unpleasant odour of perfumed clay. Lightweight, minimally scented, odour-trapping and cat-friendly, Catalyst is available in a variety of formulas.
With Tamanu oil (known for its soothing, restorative and regenerating action) and Tea Tree essential oil (for purifying and sanitizing action), the Biogance Repairing Cream is formulated to help repair small cuts and irritated areas. The Paraben-free balm is suitable for dogs and cats as 98% of the ingredients are organic. Available in 50 ml capacity at Pet Lovers Centre.
For more information, visit www.catalystpet.com
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pet-friendly venue
Cool Cat Cafés
For our feline lovers, here’s some of the places to start you off on your quest – to find the purrfect cat café. BY: IAU-YANG YU, DION
Neko No Niwa: Experience the wonders of spending time with a cat.
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s Alsatian polymath Albert Schweitzer once said, “There are two means of refuge from the misery of life – music and cats”. If the Cats musical film last year wasn’t your cup of tea, why not switch it up to coffee and do some café hopping at the same time? Cafés of all kinds and themes have been sprouting up across Singapore, and with the sheer number of animal cafés on our sunny island, it can get a little bewildering at the best of times.
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NEKO NO NIWA
After visiting several cat cafés in Japan, owners Sam and Sue witnessed how a customer entered a cat café only to settle in a comfortable chair, close his eyes and begin to soak in the relaxing kitty energy surrounding him. Deciding to bring the idea back home, the pioneer of cat cafés in Singapore opened in 2013 in the hopes of championing cat therapy. The name itself translating to “Cat Garden”, Neko No Niwa strives to dispel myths such as cats being noisy or dirty by providing an opportunity for people to spend time with cats and experience their wonders by themselves. While cat cafés overseas tend to feature only pedigreed cats, Neko No Niwa puts the mantra “adopt, don’t shop” into practice as all their charges were lovingly adopted into their furr-ever home. They want to spread the message that non-pedigreed cats are just as beautiful and loving as their pedigreed counterparts, and all cats deserve our love and affection, no matter their background. The café also conducts Cat Care Workshops on a quarterly basis throughout the year. Topics range from the basic essential must-knows (eg: when welcoming a cat into your life), to intermediate practices on grooming and nutrition.
pet-friendly venue
Currently housing 13 adorable charges, Neko No Niwa is a peaceful, therapeutic space in the heart of Boat Quay. It’s a great place for visitors to soak up all the positive energy emanating there, and provides a temporary respite from the general hustle and bustle of life. Address: 54A Boat Quay (Level 2) Singapore 049843 Cuddle Charge: 1st hour - S$12 Subsequent ½ hour: S$5 3-Hour Special: S$24* Whole Day Pass: S$32* Opening Hours: Mon, Wed to Fri: 11am-10pm (last entry at 9pm) Sat & Sun: 10am-10pm (last entry at 9pm) Closed on Tuesdays Age Restriction: 7 years old and above Children between 7-14 years old have to be supervised by an adult at all times
Neko No Niwa
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The Cat Café
THE CAT CAFÉ
Tucked away in a 3rd level shophouse beside the bustling Bugis Street is a roomy, bright loft-like space, home to 15 furry friends. This café’s story began when two people with big hearts and a huge love for cats who just wanted to share the joys of spending time in feline company (basically, a convenient excuse to adopt a whole bunch of kitties!). In order to convert an old office space on top of Bugis Village into a cat café, owners Jefferson and Candice spent more than three months convincing various authorities on their ability to run it. Never one to give up, The Cat Café opened its doors in 2014 and its long tenure since then is a testament to their capability. As the café aims to bring awareness to the stray cats in Singapore, all of their kitties were previously stray or abandoned. They were all rescued by Kittycare Haven before being adopted into the café, so don’t be surprised if they look familiar to you! The Cat Café prides itself on being the purrfect coffee place and strives to provide the perfect combination of cats, coffee, tea and pastries. They want to create the best environment possible in which visitors can interact and learn about felines. The décor can attest to that. Hung all over the walls are portraits and descriptions of their feline family, complete with their habits and quirky personalities. There are even pictures and posters educating customers on cats and how to pet them. For visitors who prefer reading over visual cues, the café also has a bookshelf filled with books and magazines.
The Cat Café: Great place to interact and learn more about felines.
One unique point about the café is that visitors pay per entry and have no time limit as long as they stay within the premises, unlike other cat cafés in Singapore. Therefore, do stay for the cats’ feeding times at 11am, 3pm, and 6pm to catch more action from your favourite kitty. Psst: If 15 furry friends aren’t enough for you, do visit The Cat Café’s second outlet when it opens in early April at The Rail Mall. Address: 241B Victoria Street (Level 3) Singapore 188030 Cuddle Charge: $16 per entry (with a complimentary soft drink) Opening Hours: Mon: 3pm-10pm Tue to Sun: 10am-10pm Age Restriction: 6 years old and above Children between 6-12 years old have to be supervised by an adult at all times
Meomi Cat Café: Casual and jovial atmosphere lingers throughout.
MEOMI CAT CAFÉ
Hidden amongst bar restaurants and cafés along North Bridge Road is the youngest cat café on this list, Meomi Cat Café. Since its opening in 2014, the cosy space has been home to 7 loveable cats, most of which are exotic breeds. If you’re looking to interact with cats that are less commonly seen in Singapore, this is it! Meomi Cat Café strives to provide a personalised experience for each customer, from the time they enter the café all the way till they leave. The café rules and introductions are dispensed in the form of jokes and puns while the casual and jovial atmosphere lingers throughout the entire stay. The friendly and humourous staffers are good with children. They introduce the felines to all interested visitors and regale in delight when talking about the social and intimate aspects of each cat’s personality and quirks. Although smaller than other such cafés, its huge on décor and furnishing. There are wall steps, hanging fixtures and a catwalk – all designed to let you get up close and personal with its furry charges. If you’re lucky or happen to visit at the opportune moment, the staff might just offer you some cat treats to feed your favoured feline. q Address: 668 North Bridge Rd Singapore 188801 Cuddle Charge: 1st hour - S$13 (with a complimentary cup of juice or tea) Subsequent ½ hour: S$5 Opening Hours: Mon to Sun: 11am-10pm Age Restriction: 6 years old and above
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SMILE AN EVERLASTING SMILE Photography: Zaphs Zhang | Fashion Stylist: Mei-Z Make Up: Wenny Fu of Paletteinc | Blouse from: IROO
Every cause represents an act of compassion, courage, even sacrifice. In addition, Ms Tin Pei Ling, MP for MacPherson, believes that every little bit of public awareness raised brings with it a helping hand, hope and a fresh start. BY EILEEN CHAN
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T
A lost Shogun waiting for adoption at the SPCA
oo often we underestimate the power of a smile, a listening ear or a random act of compassion, all of which has the potential to turn life around. For Ms Tin Pei Ling, a Member of Parliament in the MacPherson ward, her smile is her autograph, her logo, her calling card, and, most importantly, sincere. Back in 2011, she was the youngest PAP candidate fielded in Singapore’s general elections. Now at 36, she’s serving as an MP, she’s CEO of a non-profit organisation and she’s the busy wife to another civil servant in the government. The list goes on… she’s also the doting mother of two very young boys (4-yearold Kee Hau, and 1 ½-year-old Kee Xuan). And… here’s more – she’s the mother figure to two endearing dogs. Yes, she loves dogs – you can see how she lights up when her fur-kids come into view, and, vice-versa. She readily admits that she is drawn to fur-kids whenever she does her round around her constituency, or during her regular meet-the-people sessions.
A very young Volty.
The Right Thing To Do Ms Tin’s own fur-kids include Volty, a male snow-white Japanese Spitz and Shogun, an adopted male Golden Retriever. It was back into 2012 when the dogs first came into their apartment. “It was just hubby and myself at that time, and when Volty was added, it lit up my entire life,” she says. It was a case of “love at first sight” and naturally being the “first baby” of the house, the furry fella laid claim to the household as rightly his. For Volty, the jubilation did not last long for in came a bear-like creature called Shogun. With Shogun, it was an urgent call for adoption that prompted her to step in. He was lost in Toa Payoh and was temporarily stashed at the SPCA. Ms Tin was drawn to the Facebook posting of the forlorn creature. She says: “The post of that skinny dog – I was worried that he was going to be put down.” Yup, she did the right thing: She went on to adopt the scrawny, smelly, huge bag of fur and took him home – then she promptly told hubby about it. Although she had some initial reservations about Volty accepting Shogun the newcomer, the fur finally settled some three months later forming what is now a close and enduring bond.
Another one for the family photo album: “And then, there were three”. Kee Hau with Shogun (L) and Volty (R).
A Classic Tale Reminiscing, she says: “Shogun back then was a young, easily excitable dog. He had a wound on his tail when we took him in. No one noticed it till he hit the corner of the cupboard – the blood just came spewing out – all over the room!” A visit to the vet put paid to that bit of wretchedness. Bandaged up, they did a make-shift Elizabethan Collar (ie: as in Cone of Shame from ‘Up’, the movie) to comfort poor Shogun. The saga of how Shogun landed himself in a situation like this, is, unfortunately, a classic. From the microchip on him, they found he was already one and a half years old, and managed to trace him back to the original owner. Of course, the original owner said he gave away the dog, but he does not know who he gave the dog to… Because of Shogun and the plight of many like him, Ms Tin spoke up in Parliament on the subject of pet abandonment then. She reflects back and is at least placated, noting that such issues are in the very least, being looked into.
Knowing Your Strength Motherhood came three years later, and her two dogs took readily to the introduction of Kee Hau initially, then Kee Xuan later. Of course, competition was inevitable in the growing brood: Foremost over food then, affection. Volty was oft-times, the ninja culprit that stole a helpless, crawling Kee Hau’s food. But as the boy grew bigger and taller, Volty knew he was licked and couldn’t chance it anymore. Ms Tin says Shogun is the wiser one: “She makes sure he gets into the good books of the boys” to get what he wants. While her older son favours heavyweight Shogun, the younger one is drawn towards lithe Volty. She’s been a dog lover since “forever”. Fortunately, hubby, shares in her passion for the four-legged. Her smile broadens noticeably when she speaks of hubby. “He’s the loving husband and father. When I am sometimes busy with my constituency work, he’s the one in charge of them (the dogs). He’s the in-charge for dog-walking too,” she adds.
Back then, Volty loved to snuggle up whenever he could.
Forging Ahead As she cleans her fur-kids ears regularly, gives them treats, and wash and clean them at home she recognises that age is catching up with them. “I can sense that the energy level is going down with each passing year” she adds with tapered voice. It’s not just about championing for the downtrodden or the under-dog. She’s working hard for her children’s future too. “I may not be able to spend a lot of time with them, but I hope through my effort in Parliament and the community, I can help to shape a thriving future in which there will be many opportunities for them and their peers.” Yup, she’s much tougher than she looks, and her insistence on championing the causes she cares about (be they canine or human), propels her forward. And, here is where her smile works best: It serves to disarm a confrontational stance, and opens the air for true, and meaningful dialogue to take place. She’s so much like the country she represents: Small, but one that “punches above its weight”. g
people and Their Pets
What A Difference A Day Makes This is the true story of Abby, the Wonder Dog. It’s a bizarre story of how a tragic turn of events, and unimaginable violence, led to Abby’s adoption. BY JIM KENSHALO, COLLBRAN, COLORADO, USA
Looking good under a cloudless Colorado sky.
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Abby has become a “Wonder-dog” companion for our family. Every day, I give her a chance to run away. Every day, she sticks around the house, laying in the sun in several locations around the yard. This old hound comfortably keeps an eye on the comings and goings of our home. If it’s raining or snowing, she’s laying in a bed of dry grass under the trash trailer. I may not know where she is, but I know she sees me. She loves to snuggle in the LazyBoy with me. At night, she sleeps on the wide-open floor at the foot of our bed. No fancy and fluffy “Costco” dog bed for her. She does snore, fart, whimper, run and roll around in her sleep. All this without having to hang a bacon sandwich around my neck. Abby has awakened us several times now in the middle of the night with a tired hoarse bark. Because there was something outside that gave her the creeps.
15 Months Ago… It was just 15 months ago when I brought her home. It took hours to coax into the house. She just stood there shaking and looking at me. I had crystal clear Collbran water and a small piece of moose roast in clean cereal bowls just inside the door. But she didn’t move... for hours she stood shaking. I left the lights on, left the door open and let her be. I was in repose on my LazyBoy, when she finally came in the house and drank the bowl of water. For the time being, she passed up that tender piece of moose roast floating in cold gravy. She then sniffed all around the house. Eventually, she laid down in the middle of the living-room, with one eye on me and one eye closed. There she slept all evening. I watched “Nature” on Public TV and I let her be. In her whimpering slumber, I could see her fur was a matted mess from stem to stern. The fur hung in long thick dirty ropes. Intwined in the fine white, brown and black hair were small sticky seeds, thorns and dried leaves. Obviously, a neglected bobbed-tail female border collie and oh! how she stunk. Tragic Beginnings My journey with Abby began earlier in the evening when an unimaginable act of violence occurred in our quiet little town of Collbran, Colorado, in the US. A young and strong disturbed tattooed veteran murdered a defenceless old woman who had hold of a walker in one hand and a doorknob in the other. This tragedy took place just a few blocks east of Main Street, in the hollow of
New beginnings for me and Abby
Abby and me.
our town. She was gunned down just a few heart beats after a knock at her front door. I, of all people, was given the one and only blessing from this deplorable tragedy. Many of us here in Collbran have been impacted, one way or another, by an individual who apparently took the life of our fragile neighbour, Janice Brown. During the day of this deplorable act, many of us were approached on Main Street by the gunman. “Please take my dog,” he yelled. Obviously, this distraught strong young man was pleading for help. All day, that poor old hound got dragged all over town. This guy wildly begged anyone he met, and he approached a lot of people in town before he ran into me. I had just driven up and parked my little car in front of the Collbran Town Hall. This guy, who is head and shoulders taller than me, runs up pointing his finger at me as I am trying to climb out of my little car. Yelling, he begs me to take his sad looking dog. Absolutely nothing this man said, made any sense. I realised the dog looked more frightened than I was and “I ain’t afraid of nothin.” As Fate Would Have It I knelt down and tried to beckon the dog toward me. The poor thing, she only
Abby is loved and been hugged by all six of our grandchildren.
cowed away. This distraught young man grabbed hold of her by the fur. Somehow, he flung the animal up onto his shoulders. He started spinning around on a heel. He almost fell from being dizzy. I caught him from falling. This was so weird. I am getting real creeped out by this strange acting tattooed dude. So just like that, I opened the back hatch of my little Prius. The dizzy dog leapt from his shoulders to her fate in the back of my car. I closed the door behind her. And, just like that, that scary guy ran away. He headed east wearing a dirty tank top, knee high shorts with bare feet in flip flops, yelling something. Never looking back. That night, in a single breath, he takes the life of a fragile friend and neighbour. So many questions and so few answers. So, just like that, I have a new old dog. She is sweet, shy, and she seems to like me. She does not jump up or down. She has not peed or pooped in the house. I haven’t had to tie a pork chop around my neck to get her to play with me. So far, so good. I have named her Abby, a good two-syllable she-dog’s name. I named her after a friend, a writing coach, a distinguished educator and published Alaskan author, Dr. Abby. So begins a new chapter in my life with “Abby of Collbran.” j
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PetParazzi
A Voice For The Voiceless
The Perfect Voiceovers aims to raise awareness of the bias faced by dogs from shelters – especially those with special requirements.
Jean Tan & Spottie
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delman Singapore, in collaboration with CAS (Causes for Animals Singapore), ASD (Action for Singapore Dogs), SAM (Society for Animal Matters), Chained Dog Awareness and Mutts Rescue – launched The Perfect Voiceovers campaign to increase the adoption rates of shelter dogs. The campaign, which started at the end of February this year, features nine Singapore residents and several local dogs (aka, Singapore Specials), sharing the challenges they had to overcome and the bias that they were faced with. “Over the years, we have fought to overcome common public misperceptions of shelter dogs as being second-grade, damaged or otherwise unworthy of a loving home, and encourage people to avoid making unfair judgments about these
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dogs before interacting with them,” said Christine Bernadette, Co-Founder, Causes for Animals Singapore. “It is a pity that they are unable to express themselves; to address that, we were excited to be part of this campaign that would allow humans to serve as their voices.” Tales Of The Forgotten The short four-minute film features nine Singapore residents from all walks of life: an amputee, individuals with physical disabilities and survivors of breast cancer and sexual assault. They take on the role of professional voice talents, first sharing their life stories and challenges dealing with their disabilities and past traumas before reading stories of what seem like similar experiences. It is at this point that they discover that
the subjects of these stories are shelter dogs. The film evokes the strongest of human emotions and emphasises the need for greater inclusivity in Singapore. The heroes who gave the perfect voiceovers include: * Theresa Goh, 32, born with spina bifida, Theresa’s decision to turn to the water saw her becoming Singapore’s first local Paralympic swimmer, breaking several records. * Jean Tan, 33. Born with a severely deformed cleft palate and lip and an incurable kidney disease. Today, she has defied all odds and produced three albums as a singer-songwriter. * Charlene Koh, 36, Breast cancer survivor. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, Charlene now actively takes steps to reach out to others suffering from the disease * Sandra Aulia, domestic abuse victim. She suffered nine years of domestic abuse in her marriage before cutting the relationship * Pamela Ng, in her 30s is a survivor of sexual assault. She now actively speaks out to empower other victims. * Fiona Ke, 32, domestic abuse victim. Despite being a victim of domestic violence and diagnosed with a heart defect, Fiona has become a nurse in order to give back to society. * Devika Panicker, 25, sexual abuse victim. Devika was seven years old when she was sexually abused. She is now a spokesperson for AWARE. * Kalai Vanen, 61, leg amputee. Kalai lost his left leg to bone cancer. He is now a competitive para-powerlifter and personal trainer. * Lionel Tan, 24, complete visual impairment. In 2014, he became the first blind student enrolled into ITE. His diligence paid off when he received a Certificate of Merit, given to the top five per cent of ITE graduates. The Dogs & Their Stories Wendy Low, Vice President, Action for Singapore Dogs Society said: “It is true that most of our rescues have a story to tell but with love, time and patience, these rescued animals become loving and loyal pets.”
These are the dogs and their stories: * Poppy: Chained. Diagnosed with weak bones due to poor nutrition since birth, Poppy grew up with a lot of fractures. These fractures left her with deformities in her legs, causing her to be wheelchair dependent.
Treasure
Theresa Goh
Charlene Koh
Sandra Aulia
Pamela Ng
Fiona Koh
Kalai Vanen
Devika Panicker
Lionel Tan
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PetParazzi
Lexie with birthday cake
Logan
Ah Leng
Lexie
Scooby
Hero
* Barney: Chained. Barney has spent his life constantly chained up by his owners. As he lost sight, his owners restricted his freedom further, in fear that he might hurt himself due to his disability. * Spottie: Chained and in poor health. An old rusty cage outside a workshop was his home for the last 10 years. It has left Spottie with a list of illnesses including cancer. * Lorne: Chained and a domestic abuse victim. Lorne suffered 15 years of domestic abuse chained in the backyard of a shophouse. When he was eventually rescued, his fur had fallen off and he was weak and under mental distress. * Didi: Visual impairment. Chained and blinded in one eye due to glaucoma, he was eventually taken in by the shelter.
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* Treasure: Physical disability. Hit and run accident left him with a severed spine and paralysed hind legs. Having been under ASD’s care for seven years, Treasure remains cheerful and affectionate, often welcoming visitors to the Adoption & Rescue Centre on his walks. * Ah Leng: Cancer. Ah Leng was living on the streets before being rescued in 2013. Diagnosed with Transmissible Venereal Tumour (TVT), she has since undergone chemotherapy multiple times. * Logan: Abandonment. Logan was placed in a boarding facility after his ex- owner’s divorce and frequent travels. Basically, they dumped him. * Lexie: Physical disability. Lexie was found in a forested area when she was only 2- 3 months old, with her hind paw badly injured. Eventually, her hind paw had to be removed. * Hero: Forced breeding. This ex-breeding dog was malnourished and suffering from a host of infections. His previous experiences made him afraid of human contact. * Scooby: Misplaced Trust. Scooby was found among a litter of puppies at a construction site. A traumatic beating left Scooby wary of humans. Save Our Singapore Specials From the team behind the video, Victor Ng, Executive Creative Director, Edelman Singapore, said: “It was incredibly powerful to witness these special individuals providing the perfect voiceovers for shelter dogs – strongly reiterating our responsibility to speak up for those without a voice.” John Kerr, CEO, Edelman Singapore added: “We hope this campaign not only increases the understanding of the plight of our Singapore Specials but opens the doors of more homes to give them a better life.” q The film, available on YouTube (https://youtu. be/1TLfjgtJAY0) and Facebook, is supplemented by a series of smaller clips featuring the “voiceovers” and will be accompanied by the following hashtags: #lendavoice and #adoptdontshop.
PEOPLE AND PETS
If You Can’t Adopt…
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t’s no secret that most people love pets. But for a variety of reasons, not everyone can adopt a pet. If you can’t, don’t worry, there are other ways you can still help. 1. VOLUNTEER Purina senior scientist, Dr Ragen McGowan, and her colleagues set out to research the impact just 15 minutes of undivided attention from a volunteer might have on the emotional well-being of shelter dogs. It turns out, 15 minutes of petting and cuddles from a stranger makes the lives of shelter pets better. “We were able to detect positive physiological and behavioural changes in the dogs after only a 15-minute session,” said Dr McGowan. “Overall, the dogs’ heart rates were lower, their heart rate variability was higher (associated with positive emotions), and they showed more behaviour like lying down and cuddling with the volunteer at the end of the session than at the beginning of the session.”
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Pixrepo
Luckily, Purina scientists and its pet welfare team have put together a list of five things pet lovers can do if they can’t adopt.
2. FILL THEIR FOOD BOWLS The cost of food is among the top expenses a pet shelter has, leaving most shelters to rely on the community for support. 3. SHARE YOUR TALENTS Whether you’re a graphic designer who might lend a hand designing an appeal mailer, a DIY weekend warrior with basic construction skills, or simply someone who likes to plan events, many shelters are always looking for more hands and minds to help keep the organisation running. 4. FOSTER Foster families are often the unsung heroes of the pet welfare community. By opening your home to a cat or dog in-waiting for even a short time, you can help develop a pet’s social skills, experience life in a family and allow the shelter to take in another pet in need. 5. DONATE Did you know that the typical adoption fee only covers a portion of the investment that a shelter makes in most animals? Aside from the basic costs of owning and operating a facility, all pets coming into a shelter receive a complete veterinary exam, along with standard vaccines to protect against disease. q
If You Can Adopt…
If you love animals, then choosing to adopt a rescue animal is one of the best things you can do. The mantra here is fairly simple: Adopt don’t shop. There is a paw trail of shelters and organisations that have plenty of animals waiting for a place to call a forever home. SPCA
enquiries@spca.org.sg Rocky, male, Cross Burmese, 8yrs 4 mths A confident cat if there ever was one. Handsome and dashing, he will take pride of place in your heart. James, male, local, 8yrs 6mths Though highly independent, he’s lovable and yearns for your affection. Josiah, male, local, 7yrs 4mths Josiah opens up quickly to people and shows a healthy dose of curiosity. He is quite opportunistic when it comes to spotting a warm lap to curl up. Cuddle, female, local, 3yrs 5mths The clue is in the name – her cashmere-soft fur is simply irresistible and perfect for a good cuddle. If you haven’t fallen in love with her yet at first stroke, her round, green eyes are sure to steal your heart. Lucky: female, local, 5yrs 1 mth She is a playfully, chatty young girl that came to the SPCA earlier this year as her owner could not take care of her. Daisy, female, local, 7yrs 2mths Give Daisy some attention and you’ll see a very lovable kitty inside.
Billa, 11-yr-old male, Singapore Special Billa is an adventurous and confident boy who loves his walks. Do not let his age fool you, he walks very well on leash and he can go on for miles without stopping! So if you love to go on hiking and adventures, Billa can be a great walking buddy.
Forget Me Not Dog Shelter fmndogshelter@gmail.com
Alfa, 4-yr-old, male He is very lovable, but needs time to warm up. Walks well on leash and will always look out for his handler. Snoopy, 5-yr-old, male High energy fella, good with other dogs and humans too. Walks well on leash. Bleu, 4 months, female Unsterilized but have received the necessary vaccines. Compulsory sterilization should be carried out when Bleu is 6-months old. She’s a shy little one. Weedle, 6 months, male Friendly fella, easy to train, soon to be sterilized. Brings joy wherever he goes.
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PEOPLE AND PETS Dakota Cats:
Pei Ying at WhatApp: 98712692
Adoption Agencies
OLIVE: Almost 1 yr old, female Olive is fiesty due to the lack of human contact during formative months and before rescue. However, she has spent two months with a home foster and is exposed to a human home environment. Time and patience are required from any potential adopter. Olive is also curious and playtime will be welcome by her. Olive has been sterilised, vaccinated, dewormed and her deflea has been completed, FIV and FELV negative.
SPCA www.spca.org.sg ACRES www.acres.org.sg Action For Singapore Dogs www.asdsingapore.com Adopt A Dog www.adoptadog.sg Animal Lovers League www.animalloversleague.com Bunny Wonderland www.facebook.com/BunnyWonderlandSg Causes for Animals Singapore www.causesforanimals.com Cat Welfare Society www.catwelfare.org Chained Dog Awareness Singapore www.facebook.com/ChainedDogAwarenessSingapore Exclusively Mongrels www.exclusivelymongrels.org Hope Dog Rescue www.hopedogrescue.blogspot.com House Rabbit Society Singapore www.houserabbitsocietysingapore.wordpress.com Love Kuching Project www.lovekuchingproject.org Kitten Sanctuary Singapore (KiSS) www.kittensanctuarysg.org Mercylight www.mercylight.wixsite.com/mercylight Mutts ‘n’ Mittens www.facebook.com/Mutts-MittensCommunity-175084129305175 Noah Ark Cares www.noahsarkcares.com Oasis Second Chance Animal Shelter (OSCAS) www.oscas.sg Purely Adoption www.purelyadoptions.com SOSD www.sosd.org.sg The Animal Lodge www.nparks.gov.sg/avs/who-we-are/our-centres/theanimal-lodge-(tal) The Cat Museum www.thecatmuseum.com.sg
SNOWY: 5-yr-old, female Snowy’s a little reserved and wary, but sweet and gentle once familiar with her humans. She’s sterilised, vaccinated, dewormed and her deflea has been completed, FIV positive but otherwise in good health. BLACKIE: 12-yr-old, male He’s a very human-friendly elderly gentleman, enjoys company, pats and head rubs. Quiet in nature. In terms of health, he’s been sterilised, vaccinated, dewormed and is deflea completed, FIV positive but otherwise in decent health. PETAL: Almost 1 yr old, female Fiesty due to the lack of human contact during formative months and before rescue. Time and patience are required from any potential adopter. She’s been sterilised, vaccinated, dewormed and her deflea is completed, FIV and FELV negative.
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Creating the Perfect Running Canine Companion Having a dog as your running buddy is great. But your dog has first to be trained and conditioned to be your perfect running companion. TEXT JOEY PEH
Marissa Deck | Unsplash
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BODY AND SOUL
Y
ou love running, and so does your dog. However, the both of you can never seem to get your footing in sync with each other. Here are some easy techniques you can harness to enjoy each and every running session with your dog. Being able to involve our dogs in as many facets of our life as possible is a dream come true for many a pet owner. From eating to swimming, and even shopping, paw parents are doing it all. So, when it comes to exercising, it’s almost a no-brainer. Put a human who loves to run together with any dog and you get the perfect running duo. Well, almost. Because as much as we imagine a beautiful, in sync experience, it doesn’t always turn out that way. And before you decide to run your dog off leash to possibly avoid trip ups, let it be known that it is illegal to do that in Singapore (yes, you can Google it). So, what now? And how much work do you need to do before you and your pooch are able to enjoy that satisfying, perfect run together? Will you have to sign Rufus and yourself up for expensive training courses to learn how to do that? Not really. It may even prove to be a rather simple task, more so if your dog has some basic obedience techniques under its paws.
Taking It Slow Similar to how you would train yourself to run, starting off slow and easy will be a good way to start your journey to creating an ideal running situation with your dog. Choose a side you will prefer to have your dog on to reduce confusion and begin by going on a walk and getting your dog to walk alongside you. Keep doing this until your dog is walking perfectly beside you. Remember to reward your furry friend with treats when he does well! Training isn’t over until your dog learns to listen out for your cues! Teach your pooch words such as “Heel” to stop, “Whoa” to slow down, “Move” to start running and perhaps “Let’s go!” to pick up the speed. Loosen your grip on the leash, and combine your cues with short running and walking bursts to let your dog get used to the commands and perfect the execution. While some runners are fine holding on to their dog’s leash as they run, others, like Miss Janet Tan, 30, finds that tying it around her waist or to her waist pouch works well too. When running with her 15-month-old Japanese Spitz Shiro, she says: “To ensure Shiro doesn’t get distracted and wander off during our run, I employ either one
Janet Tan and Shiro
of two methods. First method, I'll have her leash hooked to my waist pouch if I'm wearing one, then I'll hold onto the middle of the leash like how I would walk her, and have a little slack so she does not get to go behind or in front of my legs,” says Janet, a Process Technician at a local firm. “The short slack is important so she does not get stepped on by me, neither do
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I get tripped over by her! For the second method, the leash goes around my waist so basically, we will end up having a little slack automatically and I get to run hands-free,” added Janet. Always, always award treats for a job well done, and ample rest time and water in between training sessions. Let’s Start Running Just like anyone of us, dogs need to build up their endurance before they embark on a run. Start with a combination of slow jogs and short running bursts, and increase the amount of running time and distance as you go along.
Adrian Lum, exSAF dog trainer: "The character of your dog determines its training style."
According to ex-SAF dog trainer Adrian Lum, 48, the character of your dog determines its training style. Hyperactive dogs will need to be trained with a firm hand without too much environmental distractions. Timid dogs, however, should be trained using encouragements, praise and rewards, which will motivate them better to come out of their shell and accomplish what needs to be done. “Dog training requires owners and handlers to have a good understanding of the dog’s character. Establishing and maintaining a good relationship with the dog is important, and it always pays to be patient and observant, a crucial part to training a dog well in basic obedience,” says Adrian. q
Tips For A Safe & Enjoyable Run
Make sure to give your dog time to take a break in between, and stop if it is showing signs of lethargy. Over time, and longer running sessions, you will be able to have your dog and run with it too! At the end of the day, understanding the psyche of your dog’s breed (some breeds are more easily distracted than others), age, character and stamina are important factors to take note of.
• Warm up your dog before you run and cool him down when you’re finished by walking for several minutes. • Be aware of weather conditions. Dogs can’t handle heat and humidity as well as humans can. • Carry water on your walks and offer it to your dog regularly. • Give your dog frequent breaks, so he can recharge, go to the bathroom, and enjoy his surroundings. • Only allow your dog to run off-leash where it’s safe and legal, and only if he has a reliable recall amid distractions. • Watch your dog for signs that he’s had enough, such as excessive panting or lagging behind you. Dogs may run to please their owner, even when they want to stop. Source: American Kennel Club
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BODY AND SOUL
TIES THAT BIND
For those who love running with their dogs or simply like to carry less when out and about, here are some great products available in the market to consider
DOOG WALKIE: BELT FOR HANDS-FREE RUNNING The Doog Walkie Belt has been designed to free up your hands and pockets as you run, walk or exercise with your dog. It sits snugly and stylishly on the hips and comes with two strong clips for hands-free dog running or walking. The bigger front pockets accommodate larger phones while the back compartment hold treats. The third, holds change or house keys. Size extends from 70cm - 130 cm. Available from SingPet@Dempsey, or visit www.singpet.com JULIUS K9: DOG HARNESS With interchangeable patches and Velcro system on the chest, the IDC-Power harness is suitable for home use as well as for working dogs. One of the most important functions of the IDC-Power harness is that it works well as a visibility vest too: The grey line on the chest strap and the edges of the harness are made of reflective materials. This helps to keep your dog visible even from a great distance when out walking in the dark. The Oeko-Tex material used makes it breathable through its skin-friendly inner lining. Available at Singpet@Dempsey or visit www.singpet.com.
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ROGZ: DRESS JELLYBEAN FIXED LEAD Rogz has a wide range of cool graphic ribbons are stitched onto high-grade webbing, ensuring your dog sports the latest. The fashion ribbon is stitched onto high-grade nylon webbing while all joins are box stitched for extra strength and a quality finish. Lead length is 1.8m and is suited for small dogs like Yorkie, Pom, Maltese, Miniature Poodle, and Chihuahua. Available at Pet Lovers Centre.
ROGZ: UTILITY-FANBELT FIXED LEAD Rock solid range for those dogs that have a taste for the better things in life and an appreciation for the classics. Featuring durable webbing with reflective details for night time visibility. With contoured plastic components, the large (Fanbelt) is 1.4m long by 20mm wide. Suitable for Dalmatians, Spaniels, Dobermans, Boxers, Staffies. Available at Pet Lovers Centre. ROGZ: UTILITY SNAKE FAST-FIT HARNESS A padded harness that ensures comfort and additional control for any adventure! The ergonomic boomerang design harness comes with reflective stitching. Woven into the webbing and piping, the reflective yarn makes it great for improved night-time visibility. Padded for extra comfort and support, the Fast-Fit Harness transfers pressure from your dog’s neck to its chest. Available at Pet Lovers Centre.
WELLNESS
Is Your Child Allergic To Your Pet? Allergies can be a tough situation caused by your curious and affectionate pet. But fret not, as there are some strategies you could use to ease some of these symptoms. BY SHENIELLE ALOYSIS JOSEPH
Yerlin Matu | Unsplash
T
here are many different types of allergies – food allergies, drug allergies, allergies to environmental pollutants such as dust and smoke, and pet allergies. They occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance such as pollen, mould or pet dander (dead flakes of skin). While some of these allergies may be common among children, some youngsters are seemingly more susceptible than others. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not the pets’ hair that makes a child sneeze and wheeze. It’s the proteins found in their urine, saliva, or pet dander, says the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). The proteins can stick to surfaces of walls, furniture, and clothing and remain there for an extended period of time. And before you blame Fido’s dander for the allergy, remember it could be just pollen he brought in after rummaging in the park, into your home. Dander, however, is a particular problem as they are very tiny and can remain airborne for long periods. Also,
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they tend to collect easily in upholstered furniture and sticks to most clothing material. While pet allergies are fairly common, your child is more likely to develop a pet allergy if allergies or asthma already runs in your family. According to the Mayo Clinic, being exposed to pets at an early age may help you avoid pet allergies. Some studies have found that children who live with a dog in the first year of life may have better resistance to upper respiratory infections during childhood than children who don’t have a dog at that age. Another, published in the Journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology has found that exposing a baby to a pet doesn’t increase the risk of developing allergies or asthma. It may actually protect the child from developing them in the future. The Symptoms With a large percentage of our children affected by one kind of allergy or another, how do you know if your child has an allergy to your pet? What are some of the signs to indicate that he may be suffering from an allergic reaction? Symptoms of allergies may include watery eyes, stuffy nose and in extreme cases, wheezing and possibly an asthma attack. But no need to fear and run around looking for an alternative home for the pet. There are several ways to ease these symptoms, and hopefully, keep everyone happy in the family. Protecting Your Child 1. Clean. Susan Dorai, mother of a 10-year-old girl, shares that her family pet
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sleeps in her daughter’s room. Despite what many have said, she has no misgivings about the pet being in the house or the rooms. She says: “I just clean more often and rope in my husband and daughter to help out. She added that installing an air purifier in the bedrooms would be an excellent idea. 2. Change. Use dust-mite covers for your child’s mattress, blanket, pillow covers, etc. Doreen Ng who has three children aged between one and 10 years old, says that she has been practising this as advised by her paediatrician. They have three dogs. 3. Hygiene. Teach your child to wash his hands with soap and water after he touches or plays with the pet. And remember to change his clothes after he is done playing with the pet. 4. No carpets. Do not use carpets in any of the rooms, as dander sticks to carpets easily. Stephanie says that this keeps her sanity as there are fewer things to clean. 5. Grooming. Ensure that your pet is groomed weekly. This sort of helps it not shed so frequently. 6. Medication. See a paediatrician and keep allergy medication handy for your child. As a parent, you must decide what’s best for your child and your family. Many consider pets as part of the family and making changes to accommodate these furry creatures is all about staying together as a family and learning important life lessons. Options Available Finally, before bringing a pet home, try to expose your child to the animal a few times first. It’s a good way to see if your child develops any symptoms that would indicate that you might want to wait a little while more, or at least re-consider an alternative pet (turtles, fishes for example). When it comes to diagnosing pet allergies, it’s pretty easy to tell as most symptoms occur fairly soon exposure. Skin tests or special allergy blood tests can also be done, to confirm a suspicion of an animal allergy.
Rufus & Coco: SelfCleaning Slicker Brush This self-cleaning Slicker Brush has an easy to use push button slide that helps to lift the fur from the brush for easy cleaning. It also has a charcoal-infused head to help prevent the growth of bacteria. Throw in bristles designed to gently detangle and leave a smooth, glossy finish without irritating your little mate, and you have the (we think) perfect brush! Available at Pet Lovers Centre. King Komb: Self-Cleaning Deshedding Tool Say goodbye to all that fur! The SelfCleaning Retraction Action King Komb is a great grooming and de-shedding tool for medium to large-sized dogs. It’s as easy as Komb, Retract & Klean. It comes with 51 rubberised bristles to remove allergy triggering dander and helps keep your pets’ coat silky smooth. Ergonomically designed, it facilitates the removal of loose hair from the topcoat and undercoat. Available at Pet Lovers Centre.
Many of the lifestyle changes and allergy medications can help reduce uncomfortable symptoms if you love your pet and don’t want to give up being around them. An allergist can perform tests and tell you what type of treatment is available to alleviate the symptoms. Talk to your doctor about your allergy and your treatment options. q
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ASK THE EXPERT
Why Do Rabbits Eat Their Poop & Should I Worry?
Q: How can I stop my bunnies from eating their poop? My bunnies eat their poop every time they are about to poop. How should I stop this? - Mavis Dear Mavis,
TS I Unsplash
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Rabbits are herbivores, meaning they eat fibrous plant material for the bulk of their calories. It’s amazing that they can maintain their beautiful fur and lightningfast running speed on such a diet. So, how can a rabbit do all this eating mostly grass or hay? They’ve managed to become the wonderful creatures they are by developing some special physical adaptations. Rabbits’ digestive tracts are similar to humans’, dogs’ and cats’ in some ways. They have an oesophagus for swallowing, a stomach to break down chewed food and a small intestine to absorb nutrients from the food. But that’s where the similarities end. A rabbit’s large intestine is more similar to a horse’s than a human’s. Between the small intestine and the large intestine lies the cecum. The cecum is an adapted part of a rabbit’s large intestine that acts as a fermentation vat for partially-digested plant material. The normal bacteria in the cecum work on the plant material, breaking down the indigestible fibre and producing nutrients that can be used by the rabbit’s body. But they don’t absorb those nutrients directly through the cecum. You see, rabbits produce two kinds of faeces. One kind is in the form of dry, round pellets most people think of as rabbit poop. The second kind of rabbit faeces, are wetter and look like a dark
ASK THE EXPERT brown, tiny bunch of grapes or a brown mulberry. These are called cecal pellets, or cecotropes, and are eaten directly from the anus. You may remember seeing your rabbit leaning over as if to clean himself, then sitting up and chewing something. You’ll rarely see cecotropes left laying uneaten if your rabbit is healthy. Cecotropes are loaded with vitamins, fatty acids and proteins produced by the bacteria in the cecum. By ingesting cecal pellets, rabbits benefit from nutrients they would not otherwise absorb from their food. Some rabbits may produce excessive quantities of cecal pellets or even eat the dry form of faeces when they eat a low-quality diet with too little protein and too many carbohydrates. Rabbits need to eat a lot of fibre in the form of hay. A pelleted diet is not ideal for many house rabbits. You can learn more about house rabbit care and feeding at the House Rabbit Society website. So, don’t try to stop your bunnies from eating poop! As gross as it seems to us humans, cecotropes are an important source of nutrition to keep rabbits healthy. If your rabbits are eating all their hard feces or producing excessive cecotropes, their diet may need improvement. Don’t make any sudden changes in their diet or they could have trouble adapting. A gradual introduction of grass hay and other safe plants can help your bunnies stay happy and healthy for many years. j Sincerely, TB Thompson DVM Pet Life Today Dr TB Thompson Practicing as a veterinarian since 2000 in general practice and emergency pet hospitals Disclaimer: Content is for information and educational use only and should not replace professional veterinary advice.
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PRODUCT PICKS
Aristopet: Small Animals Vitamin Drops Aristopet vitamin drops for small animals contain all the essential vitamins in the amounts required for normal growth, development and optimum health of small animals. Vitamin supplementation is especially important when animals are under stress eg: pregnancy, lactation and recovery from sickness and disease. Simply administer daily directly to your pets drinking water or mix with food. Available in 50ml bottles from Pet Lovers Centre. Homefriends: Orchard Gold Hay 2nd Cut Hay is the most important part of a rabbit or rodents, diet. This hay comes packed with raw fibre, undergoes extra sieving and careful drying. The latest Timothy and Orchard Hay from Homefriends are placed in a freeze chamber for 14 days at a temperature of -24 deg C to eradicate mites. Available in 600grams packs from Pet Lovers Centre.
Poochie Meat Cakes
Users heaped praises in the comments box about how their dogs lapped up these meat cakes.
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his tasty recipe straight from All Recipes, an uberpopular human recipe site that has a surprising number of homemade dog food recipes. Rated as 4.67 out of 5 stars, it comes from Shelly H, the owner of five dogs (all Terriers) ranging from five years to 17 years. After a big dog food scare, she says: “I didn’t want to take chances so I tried to figure out a healthy recipe for them, something that had all the nutrients and fat they needed. This is what I came up with and my dogs loved it! The nice thing about this recipe is that it can be eaten by humans as well.” POOCHIE MEAT CAKES Prep: 35 minutes Cook: 1 hr 15 mins Ready In: 2 hours Ingredients 1 1/2 cups brown rice 3 cups water 2 large potatoes, grated 4 large carrots, grated 2 large celery stalks, chopped 6 kg ground beef 8 eggs 1 dash salt 1/4 cup olive oil 1 1/2 cups regular rolled oats Directions •Preheat oven to 205 degrees C. Grease 36 cups of 3 large muffin tins. •In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, uncovered, and cook 10 minutes. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 20 minutes.
•Remove from heat, let cool several minutes, then fluff with a fork and set aside. •In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, carrots, celery, ground beef, and eggs. Mix ingredients together using your hands or a sturdy spoon. Add salt, olive oil, rolled oats, and rice; mix well. •Fill each muffin cup with some of the meat mixture, and pat down the to make it firm. Bake 45 minutes, or until surface feels set. Cool on a rack 10 minutes or longer. •Remove the meat cakes by turning the muffin tin upside down over a sheet of aluminium foil. Tap each muffin cup to release the cake. Refrigerate or freeze in sealed plastic bags. NOTE: Do not feed to dogs while still hot. l
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PET PANTRY
POWER PLAY
There’s no better time than now to boost your pet’s health. Take a look at these five fuss-free superfood toppers that can be added to their food. TEXT: PATRICIA E TAN
PICTURES: PXFUEL
PARSLEY Benefits: Parsley contains chlorophyll, which reportedly has antibacterial properties. For this reason, it has been gaining popularity among dog owners who wish to freshen their dogs’ breath naturally. The herb also provides a good source of vitamins A, B and C. Note: Chop fresh parsley and mix a small amount into your pet’s food once to twice weekly. Do not overfeed, as too much parsley can have diuretic effects. Parsley is also not suitable for pets with kidney problems.
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WOLFBERRIES Benefits: Wolfberries are rich in amino acids and antioxidants, which are said to improve your pet’s bodily functions, such as growth, metabolism and immunity. These sweet, tiny fruits are also beneficial for eye conditions and age-related problems, such as arthritis, when appropriately prescribed by a veterinarian. Note: The size and shape of the berries make them perfect as training rewards. Otherwise, entice your pooch into drinking more by offering her water boiled with wolfberries. Prescribed doses (by Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine trained veterinarians) range from 1 to 2g in cats to 2 to 8g in dogs. Diarrhoea may be a possible side effect.
PUMKIN SEEDS Benefits: Pumpkin seeds are thought to be nature’s remedy for parasites, such as intestinal worms in pets. “Research suggests pumpkin seeds can prevent calcium oxalate kidney stones, reduce inflammation caused by arthritis, and support prostate health,” shares Dr Karen Becker, a veterinarian who writes for MercolaHealthyPets.com. Note: Crush a few seeds and mix them into your pet’s meal, or feed the seeds as treats. PetMD, a vet authored and approved website for pet health and wellness information, cautions that excess feeding of pumpkin seeds might result in softer stools, as the seeds are high in fat and fibre.
CINNAMON Benefits: Reputed for its antiinflammatory properties, this spice is said to be beneficial for senior dogs suffering from joint problems or arthritis. “Based on a Wheeling Jesuit University study, sniffing cinnamon has been found to improve brain function,” shares awardwinning American pet reporter and author Julia Szabo. “So if you’re trying to teach your pooch new tricks, give her a whiff of cinnamon before you begin your training session!” Note: Add half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder to your pet’s food daily. Cinnamon is not suitable for pets with kidney problems.
CHIA SEEDS Benefits: Chia seeds are a source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids that can be good for your pet’s heart, joints and skin. According to Dr Becker, they also provide fibre, which improves digestion; and calcium and phosphorus, which are essential minerals for strong bones. Moreover, chia seeds do not need to be ground, making it a handy supplement. Note: Sprinkle a dash of dry chia seeds into your pet’s meals, or on a teaspoon of coconut oil for your pooch to enjoy as a treat. q
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TOP DOG
Hounds of Love
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If you have always thought about getting a fluff ball of devotion, you may want to consider a Beagle. Because when you own a Beagle, you own a whole hunk of good ole’ doggy affection! BY JOEY PEH
A Ball Of Energy While they make lovely playmates, Beagles are high-energy dogs and require lots of workouts and playtime. So if you are intending to leave your Beagle at home all day long with nothing to do, be prepared to witness a warzone when you get home. Beagles can also be hard to train due to their independent and stubborn streak so, do make sure the obedience trainer you sign up to understands hounds well. If you have young kids, Beagles can prove to be a large burst of energy. Always have an adult supervising playtime where ever possible to ensure all-round safety. Non-Stop Chomper When it comes to food, don’t Xaya | Pixabay underestimate a Beagle’s threshold. These dogs are well-known to be very food motivated and will do anything for that tasty morsel.
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pikrepoch
f you grew up reading the popular comic strip “Peanuts”, your first doggy love would most definitely be Snoopy. Just like Snoopy, Beagles are a highly lovable bunch. It’s hard to resist their soft and pleading dark brown or hazel eyes, and their happy, outgoing and loving nature. With their hound instincts (inquisitive, determined and focused), these scentdriven Beagles make great hunters, an occupation they were highly involved in in the past. Some countries still practice this till today. Great with kids, and anyone they come into contact with, these dogs have proven to be able to make their owners laugh and cry due to their antics. So with all these in mind, therein begs the question: Is the Beagle the perfect dog for everyone?
While this makes it easy to get their attention (with food), but it also means you need to be very careful with how much you are giving them. Beagles can munch and munch with no end in sight, and overeating is a huge possibility with them. Also, remember how concerned Snoopy was with his food bowl? Beagles not only love their food, but they are also equally protective of it. Scent-Focused Barker Unlike the quiet Snoopy, Beagles are often vocal with their barks making themselves heard very audibly. As they are hounds, their sense of smell is impeccable: They have an impressive 200 million scent receptors that can detect smells from many kilometres away. This means owners will
Fancy Feline
FAST FACTS Temperament Sociable, smart and energetic. Grooming frequency Thrice a week brushing and once a month bathing. Exercise level High. Beagles are very active and need twice-daily walks. Weight 10 - 11kg for male; 9 - 10kg for females Height 36 - 41cm for males; 33 - 38cm for females Lifespan 10 - 12 years Health issues Epilepsy, dwarfism and obesity Suitable for first-time owners? Yes, they love human company and can pick up instructions quickly. Suitable for households with children? Yes, they get along famously with children (adult supervision required). FrankShepherd | Flickr
Suitable for Singapore’s climate? Yes, their short-haired coats keep them cool in our tropical heat. Good “Home Alone”? No, Beagles need human attention and daily interactions or play, frequently.
have to keep them constantly in sight as Beagles tend to follow scents with complete disregard for anything else. The next time you are at the airport and see a Beagle running up to you – it’s probably one of the sniffer dogs used to detect drugs and other illegal substances – it’s on hound duty. These cute little tumbles of love and cuteness are guaranteed to steal your heart. If you are considering getting a Beagle, take note that they are prone to certain ailments such as hip dysplasia and glaucoma (among others) due to their genetic makeup, and will need proper grooming to keep them in their best shape. w
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katapolpP | Pexels
Beagles are high-energy dogs and require lots of workouts and playtime.
Owners will have to keep them constantly in sight as Beagles tend to follow scents – with complete disregard for anything else.
Fancy Feline TOP CATS:
Most Popular Breeds In The World Celebrating the world’s most popular breeds of cats for 2019.
Xaya | Pixabay
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he Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), the world’s largest registry of pedigreed cat, has announced the most popular cat breeds for 2019, according to the number of cats that were registered throughout the year. The association officially recognises 45 pedigree breeds and companion/ household “non-pedigree” cats. The most popular breed in 2019 is the Ragdoll, an affectionate plush breed with big, beautiful, blue eyes. Developed in the 1960’s, the Ragdoll maintains their dominant position in CFA largely based on their popularity in China, with a 25 percent increase in registrations over the previous year. Landing in second place again this year is the Exotic. This breed was developed in the 1960’s to resemble the Persian, meeting the Persian standard in every way with one very special exception: the coat has a thick, dense, plush, short coat and gives them a soft, rounded, teddy bear look. An ideal breed that produces a quiet, sweet, peaceful and loyal companion. Rounding out the top three is the British Shorthair which CFA officially recognised in 1980. One of the oldest English breeds, the British Shorthair can trace its ancestry back to the domestic cats of Rome. This breed was first prized for its physical strength and hunting ability. While Persians are the most popular breed within the United States, they come in fourth place worldwide again last year. Persians, recognised in 1906, and are known for their luxurious, long coats and big, expressive eyes. The breed was named for their “country of origin”, but hieroglyphic reference as early as 1684 BC shroud their exact beginnings. The fifth most popular breed, the Maine Coon Cat, is a “gentle giant,” weighing from 5kgs to 20 kgs (or more). It is known for its sturdy, rugged appearance which includes a shaggy coat and a long, well-furnished tail. The Maine Coon Cat evolved through nature’s own breeding program developing characteristics by following a “survival of the fittest” evolution With an increase of over 50 percent in registration from 2018, the delightfully silly, curly-coated, Devon Rex comes in sixth place. Man had no hand in developing this natural mutation discovered in Devonshire, England in the 1950’s – but man did step in and make it possible for the breed to survive and flourish.
Peter Jo | Pixabay
Ragdoll: The most popular breed in 2019, the Ragdoll maintains their dominant position largely based on their popularity in China.
Robyn Randell | Pixabay
The Exotic: Resembling the Persian, the Exotic takes 2nd place with its thick, dense, plush coat.
Wikipedia
British Shorthair: Taking 3rd place, it is one of the oldest English breeds and can trace its ancestry back to the domestic cats of Rome.
Union Maminia | Wikipedia
While Persians are the most popular breed in the US, they come in 4th place worldwide.
Skeeze | Pixabay
Maine Coon: The fifth most popular breed, the Maine Coon is a gentle giant known for its sturdy, rugged appearance.
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Fancy Feline
DevonRex|ph
Devon Rex: This natural mutation discovered in Devonshire takes 6th place
Wei Lee | Pixabay
American Shorthair: This easy-going cat takes 7th place
NeedPix
The Abyssinian: The world’s oldest known domestic cat breed takes 8th place.
Pigsels
Sphynx: The 9th most popular breed, the Sphynx is exceedingly rare and unusual.
Another of CFA’s “original six” breeds, the American Shorthair, comes in seventh place. The breed originated from cats following settlers from Europe to North America. Records indicate that even the Mayflower carried several cats to hunt the ship’s rats. Breeders selectively bred these cats by acquiring the finest examples to preserve the all-around working cat’s structure and to refine the beautiful face, the easy-going disposition, and the striking colours present in today’s breed. The Abyssinian, one of the world’s oldest known domestic cat breeds, resembling paintings and sculptures of ancient Egyptian cats, comes in as the eighth most popular breed. Recent studies by geneticists show that the most convincing origin of the breed is from the coast of the Indian Ocean and parts of Southeast Asia. Abyssinians were imported to North America from England in the early 1900’s. As the ninth most popular breed this year, Sphynx are still considered to be exceedingly rare and unusual. The foundation of this breed, found worldwide, are naturally hairless cats produced by Mother Nature. Breeders in North America and Europe have bred the Sphynx to normal coated cats and back to hairless cats for over 30 years. The purpose of this is to create a genetically sound cat with a large gene pool and hybrid vigour. The tenth most popular cat breed is the Scottish Fold, whose lineage can be traced back to one common ancestor, “Susie,” a folded-ear barn cat found on the McRae farm at Coupar Angus in the Tayside Region of Scotland, Northwest of Dundee. The Scottish Fold was recognised in 1978, but due to the rarity of the fold, and since not every kitten is born with folded ears, it is very hard for the supply to keep up with the demand. Some 95 percent of the world’s cat population is rescue, stray, or household “non-pedigree” cats. In CFA, these family felines join Companion Cat World (CCW), which is quickly becoming one of the most popular class of cats in the fancy. CCW cats receive a membership card, are highlighted in an online gallery, and can attend shows to compete and “Meet & Greet” their fans. q
ScottishFold | Piqsels
Scottish Fold: The 10th most popular cat breed whose lineage can be traced back to folded-ear barn cat found in Scotland.
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The Cat Fanciers’ Association was established in the United States in 1906. The CFA is currently the world’s largest registry of pedigreed cats and known as the most prestigious pedigreed cat registering association.
SMALL WONDER
Lionhead Rabbit:
Hey, Good Lookin’ Considered a fairly new breed in the market, the Lionhead Rabbits are fast becoming favoured household pets, thanks to their adorable appearance. BY PATRICIA E TAN
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lthough the Lionhead Rabbit breed has been around since the 1990s, it was only in 2014 that the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) approved the Lionhead Rabbit as an officially recognised breed. The United Kingdom’s British Rabbit Council recognised all known colours and varieties of the breed much earlier, since 2002. According to the ARBA Standards, the Lionhead Rabbit comes in the following colours and varieties: Tortoise (Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac) and Ruby Eyed White (REW), Chocolate & Seal, Siamese Sable. In The Thick Of It Speculation’s been rife about how Lionheads were first created. Many believe that they were bred in Belgium by crossing two different dwarf-sized breeds, although the debate of which two breeds were used, exactly, has left many scratching their heads in wonder. Top of the contenders in the breed-crossing guesses narrowed to that of a Swiss Fox and Netherland Dwarf. A gene mutation allowed this new breed to consistently produce a head of thick fur around the head region, and sometimes the flanks as well. With their small bodies and bold heads, Lionheads can look rather comical. Their manes are at least 4cm long and typically form a full circle around their heads, extending to a “V” at the back of the neck. It may also fall into a fringe between the ears, creating
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a “wool cap”. It is usually thick, woolly, and soft, with “crimping”. Depending on their genetics, a Lionhead can have either a single or double mane. Single-maned bunnies usually sport wool all over their head, ears, chin, and chest, but these typically diminish as they get older. There is also the double-maned Lionheads. These have regular wool around the head, while some have “transitional wool” around the hindquarters, tail and hip (usually referred to as a “skirt”). Lionheads are also described as having a dense, roll back coat of medium length all over their body. As to how big does a Lionhead Rabbit get, the answer is: An average full-grown Lionhead should weigh approximately 1.36kg, although the maximum weight for show requirements is 1.7kg. In other words, they are more similar in size to small-breed rabbits, yet a bit bigger than most of the dwarf-sized cousins. Regular Maintenance Work Like regular bunnies, Lionheads can be fed a diet of fresh greens, hay and pellets. Unlimited supplies of hay (alfalfa for
SMALL WONDER young buns and timothy hay for adults) and water should be supplied round the clock. Hay not only fortifies the little furry critter, but it also gives them enough roughage to get their bowels moving. A daily half cup of vegetables and pellets each will be enough for your Lionhead. They are partial to Bok Choy, lettuce and celery among others. Pellets should be high in fibre and should make up less of your bun’s diet as he or she grows older. Rabbits like the Lionhead have a sweet tooth, but be careful not to dispense too many sugary treats to prevent obesity. Even sweetened papaya tablets (meant to aid digestion) may contribute to weight gain. Stick to nutritious treats like vegetables and herbs and save the sweets for an occasional raisin or banana snack. Due to their long woolly manes, these rabbits have to be brushed at least two if not three times every week. However, when they are moulting, it’s best brushing be done daily. They do become matted easily if left unattended, and this can cause the animal pain or develop skin infections. Rabbit-sized grooming brushes are readily available in the market and should eliminate any knots in their fur. Also, don’t forget the nails. Monthly trimming your Lionhead’s nails is important as when they become overgrown, they can make movement very painful and uncomfortable. Although bunnies are very clean animals and spend hours grooming themselves, your Lionhead still requires help with their ears. Special bunny ear cleaners can be used to groom and are again, readily available. Simply soak a cotton ball with the solution and wipe the inside of your bunny’s ears, but do not stick anything into the ear cavity. Remove excess solution with a dry cotton ball. Lionhead rabbits like to have playtime outside of their enclosures. This allows them to explore and form a bond with their owners. The indoor enclosure should be made of wire, be large enough for them to stretch out in and have one or two toys and, have a plastic bottom. The bottom should be spot-cleaned every day and completely replaced every week with good quality bedding material. u
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FAST FACTS • Size Most grow to an average of 1.2kg. • Colours Black, blue, chocolate, and lilac. • Lifespan 8 - 10 years • Temperament Docile, friendly and
attention-seeking.
• Feeding A daily diet of fresh greens, hay,
pellets, and water. They relish the occasional treat. • Health issues May be prone to ear mites, obesity and snuffles. • Exercise Out-of-cage playtime is necessary. • Suitable for first–time pet owners? Yes, with the proper knowledge • Suitable for owners with children? Yes, but only with vigilant supervision from adults. • Suitable for multi-pet households? Yes, with proper socialisation among all pets. • Suitable for Singapore’s climate? Yes, but daily grooming is necessary. • Good “Home Alone”? Yes, but will fare better with a partner as rabbits can become depressed when bored.
PRODUCT PICKS Cunipic: Alpha Pro Snack Apple (Skin & Coat) Complementary feed for rabbits and small mammals, a healthy and delicious snack. Nice and crunchy on the outside with a smooth cream apple filling. Rich in vitamins, Omega 3 and 6, helping skin and coat repair. Without preservatives or artificial colours. Available in 50g packaging from Pet Lovers Centre. Cunipic: Alpha Pro Snack Malt (Anti-Hairball) Complementary feed for rabbits and small mammals, a healthy and delicious snack. Made with sweet Malta extract to help prevent and get rid of hair balls. Without preservatives or artificial colours. Feed freely or as a reward. Ensure fresh water is readily available and store in a cool dry place. Available in 50g packaging from Pet Lovers Centre.
MARINE PARADE
Siamese Fighting Fish:
Colourful Enchantress
Iridescent scales and long fins that twirl around them like underwater ball gowns, the Betta Splendens continues to seduce, hypnotize and captivate till today. BY PATRICIA E TAN While there seems to be plenty of good reasons to want to acquire one, it must be noted that they do require the same amount of care and equipment as any other fish. They should not be seen as lowmaintenance alternatives. Looking Back Early in 2019, Thailand’s council of ministers confirmed “Siamese Fighting Fish” as Thailand’s national aquatic animal. While they were once selectively bred for fights, collectors now hold beauty contests instead. Fancy-shaped tails like the veil tail, half-moon, crown tail, comb tail or shortfinned fight-style tail are prized, as with its iridescent colours and flamboyant looks.
Wikimedia
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ith its stunning colours and gorgeous tails flashing around, the Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta Splendens), also known as the Betta, is among the most popular of fishes found everywhere from pet shops, right up to the corner aquarium store in wet markets. These undeniably enchanting fishes with its ease of maintenance and relatively small footprint in the house make them ideal pets to consider. The Betta (pronounced “bet-tah”, not “bay-tah”) fish, have long been clear favourites of both novice and advanced aquarists alike. And, as they live in a freshwater environment, the tank is easier to set up and maintain than a saltwater alternative.
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MARINE PARADE FAST FACTS feisty temperament displayed towards other males and smaller species of fish and can often display very aggressive behaviour towards anything that the fish deems as a threat. • Size Betta fish have an average length of 5.7cm when they are fully grown. On occasion and under the right conditions, a betta fish can grow to as big as 7.6cm in length. • Lifespan 2 – 3 years • Health issues Fin and Tail Rot, Columnaris, Hemorrhagic, Dropsy, Pop Eye, Eyecloud, Mouth Fungus, Furunculosis, Fish Fungus, Velvet, Ich, Anchor Worms. • Suitable for first-time owners It’s a popular freshwater fish for novice fish keepers, but as with all things – it’s best to find out more before you rush to the store. • Suitable for households with children? Yes, provided the tank is out of the reach of very young children. • Suitable for Singapore’s climate? Yes. • Good “Home Alone”? Yes. Just make sure their feeding and cleaning schedule is followed up – religiously.
Yet the Siamese fighting fish we see now are a far cry from those found in their natural habitats. The colours are generally subdued, and sorry, no fancy tails. They are a member of the gourami family (Family Anabantidae) and the species is native to the Mekong basin of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Found mostly in the Chao Phraya river in Thailand, they are called “pla kat,” which means “fighting fish” by the locals. These flashy fishes are fully matured by about seven months of age and grow to a length of 6cm - 8cm. Lifespan is about two to three years on average. The male Bettas are well-known combatants, aggressively flaring their gill covers and nipping at the fins of other males (or even females) who venture near. Put a mirror in front of them, and you see them flare-up, ready to attack. Living Conditions While Bettas are perfectly fine living without other fish around, the life of the fish depends on three things: habitat, temperature and food. Poor water conditions and poor fish husbandry are often the cause of an emptied tank.
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HolgerGrybsch | Pixabay
• Temperament The Siamese fighting fish is known for its
Owners should look for a tank of a comfortable size with suitable water conditions. If the water condition is not quite right, you will be able to notice it quite easily ‒ the once vibrant and lively Betta will become dull and lethargic with fins clamped up. They live in warm water, typically 24 - 27 degrees Celsius, and a “failure to thrive”, a condition most new owners are faced with, is most likely due to water temperatures that are too low or water hardness that is too high. All Bettas can also breathe oxygen from both the air and the water because of a lung-like organ called the labyrinth. While that means they can live in much smaller tanks and tanks that do not require consistent oxygenation, it does not mean that is best for the fish. The fish is just as sensitive to the effects of ammonia exposure as any other aquatic species. They are prone to fin rot and a poorly maintained or undersized tank can make them more susceptible to this problem. Veterinarians suggest that hobbyists keep the fish in at least a 7.6-litre tank filled with slightly acidic water (pH 6.5 to 7). By the way, the larger the chosen tank, the easier it is to maintain ‒ better water stability. Food, Glorious Food Bettas have upturned mouths, indicating that they are top feeders and will scoop up their food on the water’s surface. These are naturally insectivores and while there are
MARINE PARADE
advocates for live food, the potential of introducing parasites and bacteria to your fish is something to ponder on. The alternative, feeding them with pellets and flakes, take away the risk of infections. Preference should be given to dried food with a lot of protein, and one that offers a complete nutritional diet. Betta fish can be given treats, too! Favoured high-protein items such as bloodworms or brine shrimp fed live or freeze-dried are viable options. As with all treats, moderation is best. Dr Krista Keller, a veterinarian at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, USA, who is a board-certified specialist in zoological medicine, suggests that every day a Betta fish should be given the amount of food it can eat within 3 to 5 minutes, without any leftover. Leftovers will sink to the bottom of the tank and as can be expected, problems will surface soon enough as they start to decompose. Social Distancing While most of them can be happy in a tank all by themself, their environment still needs plenty of enrichment. Look for caves, plants, and other accessories to keep them mentally alert and happy. With ample space and hiding areas, female Bettas may be able to live in a peaceful group. While males will fight with other males and male gouramis (a similar-looking species), they may be able to live singly in a “community” aquarium. “There are a variety of other species of tank mates that can be safely added to a Betta’s tank, such as snails, ghost shrimp, certain species of fish, and African dwarf frogs,” Dr Keller says. However, check that the size of the tank and filtration system can accommodate all in the community. Keeping Bettas in Singapore is more than just a hobby for enthusiasts and aficionados alike. To know more, join The Betta Club Singapore (BCS) or such groups, where like-minded hobbyists can band together and share in the knowledge of raising better Bettas. u
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• Around 150 years ago in Thailand, Betta fish started to become pets when kids would collect them from the rice paddies and place them together to watch them spar. As these contests grew in popularity, the King of Siam began to regulate and tax Betta fish. • The Betta fish gained European attention in 1840 when the King gave a few of them to a Danish physician named Dr Theodore Cantor. He studied and bred them, and by the 1890s, Betta fish were being imported into France and Germany. • The first Betta fish didn’t enter the United States until 1910. • The pet trade’s population of Bettas is stocked almost entirely from captive populations, not from the wild according to Earth.com. • Just like us, Betta fish are diurnal. That means they are active during the day and sleep at night, requiring darkness for a good night’s rest.
Chevanon Photography | Pexels
Sirawit Seengam | Pixabay
DID YOU KNOW?
PHOTO GALLERY PICTURE PURR-FECT:
YOU GOT ME AT HELLO!
Pictures of the love-of-my-life from our readers. Send in your purr-fect pictures and there’s a chance, you’ll see them in our next issue! CURATED BY: NIKI LAU
Baby: The third time is always the charm! Geraldine Chia was Baby’s third adoptive family and will definitely be his last. Says Geraldine of her 2-year old male Singapore Special: “I really love how happy he looks in this particular photo. It is like seeing him so happy that he has found his fur-ever furmily.”
Kopi: LA Kopi Tales Charlyn Yap brought Kopi back from Los Angeles, USA, when she was 6-months old. A rescued-dog with a mixed Terrier background, Kopi is now 7. Charlyn says: “This shot captured Kopi’s beautiful demure and her famed Lion tail.
Milo: Paw Prints To My Heart Happiness is chillaxing with delightfully cute Milo says Mikayla Scott. The 5-year-old male Cavapoo has clearly claimed Mikayla as his.
Mocha: Bright Spark This female Yorkshire Terrier is the light of Christin Yap’s life. Although 10-years old, the little fella still jumps and bounces around like a pup.
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PHOTO GALLERY
Cupcake: Blowin’ In The Wind “She’s here to sweeten your day!” says Gennie Lau, owner of this 8-year old female Long Haired Chihuahua.
Mym: Bless You Rescued as a forlorn and hungry kitty, Mym is now 5 years old and is very much a part of Celine’s family. “Look at her, she must be reminiscing about her life’s journey so far. We all love her and we’re blessed to have her with us.”
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NaNa: Cuteness Overload For Marney Seah, when this female Maltese ‘laughed’ she knew “I needed you in my life.” Now 10-years young, Nana was caught rolling on the bed in delight – all because of her new yukata.
Nellie: You can’t buy happiness, but you can rescue it. For Nellie, a 7-year-old Singapore Special, her moment of happiness came when pet-loving Nancy locked eyes with her. Nancy still looks at her with those same loving eyes.
Passion: “You got me at hello” For Sean Iau Yang, this 10-year old male Pomeranian is the light of his life. “He has a smile that melts every heart,” he adds.
Ollie: All About Companionship Less than 1-year old, Ollie the Quaker parrot has captured the hearts of Ashely and Evelyn Lim: “Our little, lovable and so talkative companion!”
Princėė: “It’s time to get this pawty started.” Birthday celebrations just for this 7-year old male Maltipoo.Says owner Niki Low: “Seven amazing years and counting!!!
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PHOTO GALLERY
Precious: Yes, I Am Precious Indeed For her 1-year old female Poodle, Gina Lau believes that “all girls should be two things: classy and fabulous!” Precious just loves all the attention showered on her.
Pi YoYo: Taking Flight Jovan Soh believes her 11-year old female Schnauzer is ready to jet-off any time soon. She adds: “She has a very unique ears, which I call aeroplane ears!”
Sky: Wet Nose, Warm Heart Sky is a cheery and joyful male 6-year old Siberian Husky. Says owner Dawn Gager: “He came into our lives around five years ago and since then, every time I see his bright and cheery face, it makes my day”.
TYnéè Ebi: “Fur-Real” This 9-year old, male Royal Persian Angora chinchilla, belongs to Juliana. The ball of fluff delights her with the soft, soft feel of friendship.
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HAPPENINGS
SINGPET SUPER STORE AT DEMPSEY HILL When: 16 February 2020 Where: Dempsey Hill
Singapore’s pet population will grow toward 1 million pets in the coming years, with a greater variety of pets being pampered in completely new ways. To give pet parents the choice and convenience they need to spoil their fury kids, Singpet opened what is billed as “Singapore’s largest pet store” on 16 February 2020. Set atop Dempsey Hill in a sprawling colonial building, pets are warmly welcomed in the 465 sq m spacious store. The company itself is not exactly the “new kid on the block” ‒ it’s been around for more than a decade, having set up the country’s first pet online store way back then. And, it sold to the rest of the world, not just to pet owners on our sunny shores. Success saw it opening its first brick-andmortar store in 2011. For Sebastian Wiradharma and his wife, Jeanette Marhalim, both Singpet’s directors, they’ve come a long way as they welcome visitors to the superstore. Their combined ideas of what a pet retail store should look like can be seen with the introduction of comfy lounge chairs and dedicated areas for entertainment (for both humans and canines alike). The relaxed atmosphere allows visitors to stroll through and check out the over 3,000 pet product lines beautifully curated through the store. No rush, just enjoy the vast display and relaxed atmosphere. Using the latest in technology in-store eg: all items come with QR codes, the customer can have all necessary details to make an informed decision before buying. “We’re a technology-driven company,” says Sebastian. And, with transactions made almost seamless and fuss-free, customers are happier with their shopping experience. Singpet has also introduced a Singapore-first pet club annual membership which allows owners to purchase everything they need for their pets at wholesale prices, at the store or online at www.singpet.com. “We’re like Costco,” says Sebastian, referring to the wholesale concept style shopping in the US. To date, its membership subscription
remains one of the store’s top 3 sellers. Adds Sebastian: “We shop the world for our customers. We even have ice-cream and cake mixes for the dogs.” There’s also an entire line of premium Italian products coming in for the more discerning pet owners. In addition, he has “purposely created space” for pet-related events to be held on a monthly basis. Catering to an intimate crowd of about 50, it’s a hang-out place where the entire family can come together.
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HAPPENINGS
FREE COFFEE SUNDAY CHRISTMAS When: 29 December 2019 Where: Church Of Our Lady Of Lourdes Free Coffee Sunday (FCS) is more than a food distribution project. Besides sharing a meal with the migrant community, its goal is to spread the spirit of doing good and, inspiring others to contribute to the less fortunate. All this starts with friendship. Pet Lovers Foundation (PLF) has been sponsoring this event since 2016 and FCS Christmas 2019 had the largest turnout by far. Over 60 volunteers and many attending as families, also brought friends in tow to experience the sharing of Christmas joy and fellowship. Through the combined generosity of the FCS and the PLF community, some 550 goodie bags filled with grocery items were distributed to the Indian migrants at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Many of those who gather at the church grounds weekly are from the construction and services industry. Those present also enjoyed a delicious spread of Nasi Briyani. Migrants with families and children were further treated to free pre-loved toys, shoes, and books. Volunteers also contributed Christmas cakes, apples, and chocolates. Added to all that was shared that evening, was the precious gift of themselves!
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PETS’ DAY OUT: HAPPY ‘HAMMY’ CHINESE NEW YEAR! EDITION When: 11 January 2020
Where: Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
Pets’ Day Out (PDO) returned for another day of fur and fun at a new location, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, on 11 Jan 2020 for a special Chinese New Year edition. Attracting some 3,000 visitors, pint-sized little pets, such as hamsters and guinea pigs, were this edition’s stars in celebration of the Chinese Year of the Rat. At the free pet health checks, a PDO mainstay, pet owners got a professional’s take on their little critters’ well-being from veterinarians with experience in handling small animals, who were invited specially for this edition. The Hamster Society Singapore (HSS) joined in the festivities, bringing down a greater number of adorable hamsters looking for ‘fur-ever’ homes. Pet owners were spoilt for choice at the 40 vendor-strong pet retail bazaar, with items ranging from pet food, accessories to photography services. Unique to this edition was the collaboration with Pet Lovers Centre (PLC) and HSS for Petzmania, a popular children’s programme where basic pet care and responsible pet ownership were taught through role-playing and educational activities with pet professionals. Aside from the usual stations where participants completed a pop quiz on responsible pet ownership, learnt how to conduct basic checks on pets and train and walk pet dogs, the 30-odd children between the ages of 7 to 12 also learnt good hamster care practices and how to set up a proper hamster habitat at a special station, conducted by PLC and HSS.
Meanwhile, dog owners had a ball of a time watching their four-legged friends roam free, or mastering the agility course at the pet agility playground. Non-pet owners had plenty to see and do too. From taking Instagram-worthy pictures with the birds; chatting with members of BirdCraze (a bird interest group), as well as interacting with adorable animals looking for ‘fur-ever’ homes and volunteers from Animal Welfare Groups. For updates on Pets’ Day Out, visit NParks’ website (www.nparks.gov.sg/pdo), their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ nparksbuzz) or subscribe to their Telegram channel (https://t.me/nparksbuzz).
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HAPPENINGS
ANIVERSITY: FOR THE LOVE OF ALL ANIMALS When: 5 December 2019
Where: SPCA @ Sungei Tengah Road
Have wheels will travel. Meet the pooch with his own set of wheels!
Aniversity returned to SPCA for another successful year in 2019. Held at the SPCA premises in Sungei Tengah Road in early December from 11 am – 2 pm, this, its fourth edition was jointly organised by Pet Lovers Centre, The Pet Safari, Pet Lovers Junior Club, SPCA and Loyal D. This enabling university teaches children how to care for animals through Loyal.D’s learning through art programme and educational talks on the different aspects of animal welfare by SPCA. Interacting with the animals at the shelter also helps foster a better understanding of animals and their behaviour. While the SPCA took the lead with an education talk on being a responsible pet owner, and adopting a pet, Loyal.D’s Painting with Pooches (PWP) activity provided a platform for the children to express love for shelter animals and they were shown how to approach and interact with a dog. The 10 young participants all got to take home their artwork, plus a goodie Bright and colourful expressions of love by these bag sponsored by Pet Lovers Junior Club worth $20. junior attendees. In this Pet Lovers Junior Club’s activity, the participants were decidedly enthusiastic and passionate about the subject matter on hand. Feedback from parents showed that the day’s event proved has proved to be highly educational and rewarding.
TUX FOR TAILS FUND RAISER CANCELLED 80 petsmagazine.com.sg
SPCA runs Singapore’s only not-for-profit community animal clinic to provide quality healthcare to thousands of sick and injured street animals. The Society heavily relies on public donations to cover their S$600,000 yearly clinic expenses, and S$3 million yearly for its many animal welfare services including 24/7 emergency rescues. In 2019, a clinic upgrade was made possible by the Tux For Tails gala dinner, which was scheduled to occur again in May 2020. However, due to the Covid-19 outbreak, many crucial fundraising events had to been cancelled. Every dollar donated allows a dedicated veterinary team to continue treating injured, abandoned, or abused animals.
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