Adopt A Pet

I am organizing a dog walk-a-thon event to promote responsible pet ownership on 6th August 2011. As I was going around talking to different people to support and help me with my event, I realized that there are many dog lovers out there, but it also breaks my heart that there are many irresponsible pet owners too!

I got in touch with CASA Pet Shop's new owner, Ms Chooi to support me with my event. In her pet shop, she has put up 8 pictures of the dogs she owns and another 1 more picture on the way! My gosh, for some people, having 1 pet is already a big responsibility, imagining having 9 dogs!! She said some of these dogs were adopted. She believes in adopting a pet rather than getting a new dog as she did not want to see these dogs suffer outside.

Ms Chooi introduced me to Animal Care, an organization set up to help re-home stray dogs and cats. The founder, Dr Chan Kah Yein has such a big heart! She picks up all the stray animals in the neighbourhood and get them spayed/neutered to prevent them from multiplying of which after she will re-home these strays. She does not have a shelter to place these animals and all these neutering and medical expenses are all paid out of her own pocket.

Denise who did the Asia Works Advance course with me also started a dog adoption drive on her own as she would like to re-home all the dogs that were given up by their owners.

Why are there so many strays in the first place? Many a times, people go into impulse mode when they want a pet dog or cat only to realize later that having a pet is a big responsibility that they may not be ready for. Puppies and kittens look cute just like babies and everyone loves them when they are tiny. But as they grow bigger and start to destroy things at home or start whining all the time, it become too much to handle and these poor animals are either given away, left on the streets or send to animal shelter homes.

Pets have feelings and emotions too! If you do take a moment of your time to really connect with your pet, you can start seeing a different side of them! Remember, they are your responsibility and not a toy that can be thrown out when you are done loving them!

If you have the intention of getting a pet, consider adopting instead of buying another puppy or kitten! Give life and give hope to the abandon animals! They deserve a second chance from you.

Pets are just like kids!

I'm at the age where many of my friends are getting married and having kids. I find it a HUGE responsibility to be raising a child and I salute to those of you who are doing that wonderfully!

Snowy has become a big part of my life and he is like a son to me, only difference is his four legged and extra furry! Having him gives me the opportunity to learn about responsibility and how to be a parent! Though it may seem easier to care for a dog than a child as you can leave a dog at home alone but not a child. I'll tell you why it is not easy as a pet need the same amount of care and devotion too!

Snowy has fallen sick with an infection last night after he came back from the groomers! My heart was aching to see him unwell and he was not able to tell me what's happening to him. Unlike a child who can tell you if their tummy is aching, or their throat is itching, a dog or cat is unable to do so. Therefore, you can only look for signs to see what is happening to them. However, if you do not bond well with them or just leave them on their own, will you be able to tell if their unwell? Or will they be able to tell you that their unwell?

I took Snowy to the vet today and I'm glad to say he is slowly recovering! I'm really glad that I have created a bond with him and was able to know that he is unwell immediately.

Love your pet like how you would to your child! If they are not important to you, why did you brought them home in the first place??

Conversation between me and Snowy

After a hard day's work, this is the conversation I have between me and Snowy:

Snowy: Mummy, how are you today? (just by looking at me and wagging his tail)

Sandy: Boy, what do you want? What have you been up to?

Snowy: Mummy, I miss you so much today! How come you were out so long? (still wagging his tail)

Sandy: Boy, you got miss mummy? Mummy miss you so much today!

Snowy: Mummy, can you rub my tummy please? (lie on his back on the floor waiting for his tummy rub)

It may seem pretty silly that I am actually talking to my dog. Sometimes people think, how is it possible to be talking to your pet? But I'm sure for those of you who does, you know that your pet can really understands what you are saying! And it is true, they really do want you to talk to them, though they may not understand a single word you say. Well, may be not all words but sometimes I feel that I can have a much more meaningful conversation with Snowy than with real human beings because he really sits or lie there to listen to me.

We have so many things going on daily and when we are communicating with others, do we really stop to listen to what they are saying? I know I don't. When my friends talk to me about something, my mind can wonder off elsewhere.

Our pets are actually more human than we think! Therefore, respect them as you wish to be respected!

Till next post! Ciao...

What I have Learnt Through Snowy!

Snowy is going to be 7 years old by end of this year! He came into my life when he was 1 and a half years old. He never fails to make me laugh everyday and when I'm really stress out, one look at him and it will make my stress go away! That's how amazing having a pet can be!

His not just a dog, he is more human than any human being I know. He laughs with me and cries with me in his own ways! He knows how to cheer me up when I'm down. He knows how to encourage me to soldier on when I'm down. Above all, he taught me how to love unconditionally! I know I may not be the best pet owner, but he never fails to show his affection towards me when I return home after I've been out. My mum says, "when you are not at home, he just don't seem to be able to get his eyes of the front door, just waiting patiently for you to return home!" Hmm...I don't think we, humans are able to do something like that as we have so many things going on in our lives.

Over the past year, I've been through some really depressing time and Snowy was there for me through out that period. I actually have thoughts of ending my life but because of Snowy, I was able to hold myself up again. I know that I am responsible to take care of him for the rest of his life! And that's a commitment I will hold through to my heart...