SINGAPORE’S LEADING MAGAZINE FOR PET LOVERS THE ONLY AUDITED PET MAGAZINE IN SINGAPORE petsmagazine.com.sg
Kids In Charge
Young pet owners who play an active role in caring for their pets Floral Seduction
The most beautiful pet-friendly cafe you've ever seen
Training Handbook
• Tried and tested dog trainers • An introduction to different methodologies + bird trainers
Keeping It Real How being a pet owner keeps rising star Foo Fang Rong grounded
ISSN 1793-7736
S$5.00 9 771793 773006
All good things come in threes - or even fours at Happy Dog!
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Premium quality meat and valuable animal proteins are the most important components of our pet food. In our Happy Dog dry food, the proportion of meat and animal protein in the overall protein content is up to 90%.
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SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019
24 LIFESTYLE 16 THE IN THING The latest and hottest products and services in the pet industry, spanning essentials to indulgences
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24 HOT PICKS One-of-a-kind treats for your pet 26 TRIED AND TESTED – DOG WOOFS-PERERS Our readers share their trusted canine obedience schools 32 PET-FRIENDLY VENUE – IN FULL BLOOM This fairytale-like garden cafe is a picturesque spot to while away your weekend mornings with your furry best friend
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SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019
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PEOPLE & PETS 36 COVER PERSONALITY – FOO FANG RONG The rising star shares her touching pet ownership journey — and how being a dog owner keeps her grounded 44 FEATURE – KIDS IN CHARGE Two young dog owners prove that age is no barrier when it comes to caring for their fur siblings 50 PETPARAZZI Pet and people in the news from around the world 52 GET SOCIAL Binge-worthy Instagram feeds to follow
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SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019
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WELLNESS 56 BODY AND SOUL – TO FORCE THE ISSUE, OR NOT Understand the main approaches to dog training to identify what suits your dog — and you 62 PET PANTRY – GOING GREEN The vegan canine diet is more than a fad. Find out how it has evolved, and how it might work for your pet 66 ASK THE EXPERT Rui Rodrigues Oliveira, Veterinary Ophthalmologist at Amber Vet sheds light on how diet can affect feline eye health 70 TOGETHER TIME – STRANGE BED FELLOWS Sharing a bed with your fur-kid : yay or nay? 72 TOP DOG – CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL 74 FANCY FELINE – AUSTRALIAN MIST
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76 FEATHERY FRIEND – SUN CONURE 78 SMALL WONDER – GREEN TREE FROG 80 MARINE PARADE – COMMON OCTOPUS 84 BEEN THERE, DONE THAT 87 UPCOMING EVENT
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SINGAPORE’S LEADING MAGAZINE FOR PET LOVERS
PUBLISHER Ho Sum Kwong (sk.ho@petsmagazine.com.sg) EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Koh Yuen Lin (yuenlin.koh@petsmagazine.com.sg) DESIGN CONSULTANT Keris Wee (chris@olivegrin.com) STYLIST CK Koo PHOTOGRAPHERS Vernon Wong, Zaphs Zhang EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Ashutosh Ravikrishnan, Garrett Ng, Gwen Li, Joshua Tan, Meredith Lin, Tony Tan, Vince Ong, Saba Kash IT & DIGITAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Jun Evangelista (jun.evangelista@petsmagazine.com.sg)
www.petsmagazine.com.sg www.facebook.com/PETSmag www.twitter.com/petsmagazine www.youtube.com/PETSmagazine www.instagram.com/petsmagazinesg
SINGAPORE’S LEADING MAGAZINE FOR PET LOVERS THE ONLY AUDITED PET MAGAZINE IN SINGAPORE petsmagazine.com.sg
Kids In Charge
Young pet owners who play an active role in caring for their pets
1
06/01/2010
10:26 AM
SEP / NOV 2019
ISSN 17937736_00_00.pdf
Floral Seduction
The most beautiful pet-friendly cafe you've ever seen
TRAINING FOR SUCCESS
Training Handbook
petsmagazine.com.sg
• Tried and tested dog trainers • An introduction to different methodologies + bird trainers
MCI (P) 153/03/2019
Keeping It Real How being a pet owner keeps rising star Foo Fang Rong grounded
ISSN 1793-7736
S$5.00 9 771793 773006
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 IMAGE PRINTERS PTE LTD L025/09/2018
FROM THE TEAM
A Little Magic C
hildren and pets are meant for each other. They share the same playfulness, and naughtiness, of course; and both possess the language of innocence. Some dog lovers are of the opinion that no dog should be deprived of the company of children, for the bond that is shared between canine and child, especially when they grow up together, is akin to that between siblings — just without the sibling rivalry! Yet there could be so much more to be gained from a healthy relationship between a child and his or her pet, and it starts with putting things in the right perspective from the beginning. More often than not, adults introduce pets into the household as playthings or companions for the children. But kids do have the ability to take a more active part in caring for the pet — apart from just playing with it. Our cover girl, actress Foo Fang Rong, shares with us her memories of taking care of her first dog, and how active dog ownership has helped to keep her grounded even from her days as a child star. We also put the spotlight on two primary school students who do not shun away from the heavy lifting when it comes to being a responsible young pet owner, and take it upon themselves to train their pets. And on the topic of training, we speak to loyal customers of obedience schools to find out what they seek. We also deep dive into the divergent training methodologies out there to give you a lowdown on the different principles behind each — so that you can decide what works best for you and your pet. It is very much up to you to decide how your pet ownership journey will be, be it a cat, dog, bird or even a tortoise that you own. And the more active a part you play in taking care of them, the more richly rewarded you will be. We hope this issue will present lots of helpful tips and pointers to new and experienced pet owners alike, and inspire the building of meaningful relationships between pet and owner.
Pets Magazine Team
petsmagazine.com.sg
CONTRIBUTORS
contributors < Meredith Lin When not hunched over typing out animal tales, Meredith can be found gambolling across sandy shores with her pup and scavenging for treats â&#x20AC;&#x201D; both for herself and pet.
Gwen Li > Gwen graduated with a degree in Sociology and has spent the past eight years building communities in different industries. When not lobbying her husband to adopt a cat, she spends time in the kitchen cooking up storms.
Saba Kash > Saba is a Singaporean-born Persian with a great adoration for animals. You can usually find her playing with her ginger Persian cat Charlie, who loves to get up to all kinds of shenanigans.
< CK Koo CK is sought after by fashion houses and magazines alike for his ability to put together timeless looks. When he isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t styling shoots or conducting masterclasses, CK is a dedicated parent to his beloved senior dog.
Zaphs Zhang > A photographer who has a big heart for animals, Zaphs has been shooting for editorial and commercial projects for many years, capturing human language through fashion and personality photography.
petsmagazine.com.sg
LIFESTYLE Inside
â&#x20AC;˘ Everything new and trending, from Needs and Wants to hangout spots
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IN THING
IN THING BY MEREDITH LIN
Someone Say, ‘Treat’! Just like how you feed your virtual Pokemon “pets”, you can now handle the meal times of your real-life pet through an app too! Furbo is a smart device that lets you dispense treats to your pup from your work desk — or anywhere that allows you Internet connection. Integrated into the device is a sleek webcam that links to an app in your smartphone, and through it, you can observe you pet as it goes about its day at home. When Fido does something right, or when you simply just feel like it, you can toss it a pre-
loaded treat from the device. And yes, we said “toss”: the pet feeder is designed to dispense the treat out through a projectile, as if you are physically there to flick your pup a tasty morsel to catch in mid air. This clever contraption also comes with a two-way microphone and speaker, so you can praise your good pooch at the same time. Furbo Pet Feeder, from furbo.com
A Place to Call Home Give your pet a safe cocoon to watch the world go by with this handmade, Instagram-perfect tepee crafted from grey felt. The holding poles are made from solid wood, while a plush cushion — complete with a case that can be removed for washing — provides extra comfort. Felt Teepee, from hellopetshop.com
Cookies and Cream Here’s a plushie that will keep your pet entertained for hours, even days. Watch your pet nose and paw at this milk carton-shaped toy to get to the ‘cookies’ hidden inside. The cookie pieces can also be detached and used as individual squeaky toys. Cookie & Milk plush toy, from ciderandbasil.com
Jungle Cat This jungle gym is perfect for multi-cat households. Made from natural birch plywood with animal-friendly curved corners, it’s a feline playground with two covered tree-houses, two perches, and a sliding post upholstered in durable carpet fibre. Milo jungle gym, from tuftandpaw.com
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IN THING
A Hoppy Home Get crafty and build a deluxe two-storey playground for your pet bunny or cat! The Hoppy Lapin Lookout is made from dense, corrugated cardboard that is strong yet foldable into a hideout or home, complete with a little rooftop for your pet to perch. Hoppy Lapin Lookout, from ecottage.sg
Lip Smackin’ Cool Keep your pup’s gut instinct sharp and his belly happy with this kefir ice cream. Wholesome Paws ferments and makes their own kefir, before turning the liquid yogurt into yummy pumpkinand-honey or berry-flavoured frozen treats. Thaw the ice cream for five to 10 minutes to reap the full probiotic benefits of this dessert. Frozen Kefir Ice Cream, wholesomepaws.co
Harry for Halloween Dressing up your pooch for Halloween? Made from merino rib-knit with a neat button opening, this smart pullover is guaranteed to make your pet look like the smartest student at Hogwarts. A pop of yellow and a blue lining gives this outfit a bit of an edge. ‘Librarian’ knit pullover, from mungoandmaud.com
An Organised Mess Keep your kitty litter in one place with this waterproof, hooded litter box. A replaceable carbon sachet keeps the area smelling fresh, while a flip-up design makes it easy to reach in and clean out your pet’s mess. Comes with a complimentary scoop, so you don’t have to get your hands dirty. Hooded Cat Litter Box, from mhpetslife.com
Deliciousness, Delivered Can’t bear to destroy your manicure preparing those chicken treats that your dog loves? These freeze-dried liver treats for pups will save you doing the prep work. Full of Vitamin B12 and essential fatty acids, these tasty bites are conveniently packed in a re-sealable bag to keep them fresh for longer. Ubite Cage Free Chicken, from Pet Lovers Centre
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IN THING
Got Your Back! Fortify your turtle’s home with some extra calcium and keep his swimming water clean. This calcium block dissolves in water easily, neutralising acidity as well as helping to strengthen your turtle’s shell. Dajana Calcium Block, from Pet Lovers Centre
Gold Standard Your pet goldfish deserves shine like, well, gold. Give its skin a healthy sheen with this natural feed packed with minerals and vitamins to enhance the colour of your pond fish. These mini ‘wafers’ are easy for the fish to nibble at, and good for daily feeding. Dajana Gold Colour Floating Chips, from Pet Lovers Centre
Smells Like Heaven Keep your pup smelling good with this no-rinse body mist for dogs, which has long-lasting notes of bergamot and oak moss to give your canine pal a lively, masculine fragrance. Cloud K9 Body Mist, from Pet Lovers Centre
Just Keep Swimming Not all fish tanks are made equal, especially not this limited-edition 40-litre aquarium made from unfinished birch wood that can be painted in your favourite colour. The sleek design of the tank compliments any home décor, and it is equipped with a quiet energy-saving pump. Activated carbon pellets and ceramic rings keep the gunk filtered out, so your pet fish can swim about merrily. Paintable Birch Aquarium, from norrom.com
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IN THING Gaming Formula If your pet is on a grain-free diet, you will be delighted to find British kibble brand Canangan Country Game — a new product on the market. Made using natural ingredients, the highprotein formula is packed with lots of good stuff, including deboned duck, venison and rabbit. It is even fortified with marigold and salmon oil to strengthen your pet’s immune system, and makes a tasty meal even for fussy eaters. Canagan Country Game Dog & Cat Dry Food, from Pet Lovers Centre
Tunnel Vision Keep your hamster or gerbil busy in this spacious two-storied home. The bottom floor features a plastic tray that can be filled with sand, so your pets can indulge in a spot of rolling about and some tunnel-burrowing. And when they are ready to shake off the sand, a ladder and miniature bridge makes for some climbing fun. Savic Habitat XL cage, from Pet Lovers Centre
Sniff For A Whiff If you love tucking into a bowl of piping hot ramen, you’ll get a kick from watching your pet nose around this plush toy. Hide your treats in the tangle of noodles for a challenge, or take it a level up and keep your pet entertained for hours by putting his favourite treats in the ‘pockets’ of ingredients. Ramen Nose Work Dog Toy, from gingerandbear.com
Island Getaway It’s tough floating on your belly all day. Your pet turtle deserves a mini island getaway, where it can bask in comfort. This turtle bank is held in place by magnets, and can be placed in the corner of the tank to maximise the swimming area. Available in three sizes, you can easily pick one that suits the size of your terrarium. Exo Terra Turtle Bank, from nekojam.com
Sweet Like Honey For a healthy yet tasty treat for your pup, try this mouth-watering take on popular new year snack, bak kwa. Made with real chicken, pork, or duck that is seasoned with organic raw honey before going through the dehydrator, these crunchy and addictive bites are bound to get your pet performing tricks for treats. Honey Glazed Bak Kwa, from knibbles-sg.com
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HOT PICKS
One and Only
Curry favour with your pets by indulging them in one-of-a-kind treats! We round up a shortlist of exclusive munchies and toys that will land you top spot in their heart. BY MEREDITH LIN Complex Carbs Keep your pup in good shape with this healthy Chicken & Sweet Potato formula. Made from real chicken meat, with lentils, sweet potato and flaxseed, this gourmet dinner is also chock-full of vitamins and probiotics, making it good for gut health. VitaLife Chicken & Sweet Potato 2kg for Dogs, exclusively from Pet Lovers Centre
Something Fishy Nothing quite makes a cat purr in delight as the prospect of tasty fish. Here, Omega-3 rich salmon is packed with pumpkin and apple, as well as sweet potatoes, a winning combination that will keep your cat purring in satisfaction. VitaLife Salmon & Sweet Potato, 1.43kg for Cats, exclusively from Pet Lovers Centre
Salmon & Potato Happy dog, happy human. Keep your pup thrilled with delicious, balanced dinners that feature salmon, potatoes, and vegetables. Made without artificial colouring and soya, this formula also contains yeast to maintain healthy digestion. Harringtons Salmon with Sweet Potato & Vegetables 2kg, exclusively from Pet Lovers Centre
Good Ol’ English Roast Weekends are meant for indulging. This made-in-Britain dry formula is almost like a Sunday seafood feast for your kitty — made from fresh salmon and a side of sweet potatoes, with plenty of healthy, tasty herbs. Little BigPaw Cat Adult Atlantic Salmon 1.5kg, exclusively from Pet Lovers Centre
A Moment On The Lips No need to reach for the mini cheese cubes every time your pup wants a fancy treat. Applaws Chicken Loin keeps things all-natural with their whole chicken fillets speckled with Goji berries. High in protein and low in fat, this is one gourmet snack that won’t last forever on your dog’s lips. Applaws Whole Chicken Fillet with Goji Berry Loin 30g, exclusively from Pet Lovers Centre
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Slow, Lazy Afternoons It’s always nice to kick back with something to nibble on a lazy afternoon. These lengthy jerky strips, made from meat trimmings, are perfect for slow snacking. Each strip is wood-smoked for that extra aroma, and infused with rooibos that acts as a natural antioxidant. Our pet’s favourite: the Bushveld Venison that packs a gamey, flavour punch. Nandi Jerky Strips - Bushveld Venison 150g, exclusively from Pet Lovers Centre
A Bone To Grind Teething can be a pet owner’s worst nightmare. Keep your pup’s jaws off your hands and legs and give him a bone to pick with this large chew toy. Made from latexfree materials, the hollow and squishy centre of this toy makes it extra satisfying to chew, catch, and carry about. A good training tool that also gives you a few moments of peace. West Paw Skamp, exclusively from Pet Lovers Centre
Done and Dusted Wood shavings are the most popular bedding choice for hamsters, but not all wood is good. You want something that won’t make your hamster sneeze excessively. Chips from natural plant fibre, 100 per cent dust-free, and also effective in blocking out unpleasant smells. CHIPSI Classic Plus Wood Shavings 60L (3.2KG), exclusively from Pet Lovers Centre
Fighting Fuel Siamese fighting fish are not only beautiful to look at, they sure know how to put up a good, well, fight. Keep your Betta powered up with these special pellets, crafted from fish meal and krill protein that will give your pet energy to go to war. Dajana Betta Pellets, exclusively from Pet Lovers Centre
Turn Down Service There is no better comfort for your hamster or gerbil than good bedding. These special hygiene pellets keep unpleasant odours at bay with their ultra-absorbent and dust-free qualities. Not only will your pets smell good, but we reckon them rolling about in glee will make for some pretty heartwarming moments. CHIPSI Universal Plus 8L (4.4KG), exclusively from Pet Lovers Centre
Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle These tropical pellets rich in worms and herring are not only nutritional, but also will not disintegrate in water easily — giving your pet fish time to nibble at their own leisurely pace. Just don’t feed this treat to the kids. Dajana Worms Tropical Pellets, exclusively from Pet Lovers Centre
Koi Polloi Fuel your pet fish’s vigorous swimming with these yummy koi sticks. Made from vegetable protein concentrates and algae with shells for a calcium boost, this is a treat you can dole out several times daily in small amounts. Dajana Koi Sticks, exclusively from Pet Lovers Centre
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tried and tested
DOG WOOFS-PERERS
Dog training is not regulated in Singapore and seeking out a trainer can be tricky for a first-time dog owner. We speak to loyal customers of certified dog trainers to find out what they look for in an instructional programme. WORDS JOSHUA TAN
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TOUGH LOVE Chief Trainer Kevin Yeo co-founded Pawrus Dog Training Academy in 2014 after working as a Military Working Dog Trainer as part of his National Service duties. He trained close to a dozen working dogs for the purposes of guarding, protection, as well as arms, explosives and narcotics detection. His buddy and narcotics detection partner, AE (pronounced “eh-yee”) suffered from on-leash reactivity and was nervous during search missions in the field. Traditional methods of training did not help. However, Kevin discovered clicker training and positive reinforcement methods. Over time — with plenty of kindness and patience — Kevin managed to help AE overcome his reactivity, and allowed him to grow into a competent and respected working dog. When Kevin founded Pawrus Dog Training Academy, he took a position against any form of violent, intimidating and fear-inducing training methods. As such, he has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to the usage of training equipment such as choke, prong and shock collars. With the exception of public holidays, classes and consultations can be conducted at the homes of owners (for those who live in the Western districts 22 to 24) on all days of the week. Online consultations can also be conducted over the phone, via Skype, Facetime or Whatsapp, while certain specialty programmes are conducted at a preferred partner’s location.
Years in operation: 5+ Qualifications, experience and awards: Kevin Yeo is a Certified Professional Animal Trainer and Behaviour Consultant. He is accredited by the Animal & Veterinary Service
(AVS) to conduct Basic Obedience Training for Scheduled Dogs and Dogs Assessed to Require Training by AVS. Kevin is also a Certified Behaviour Consultant Canine — Knowledge Assessed (CBCCKA) accredited by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical / Applied Animal Behaviour.
Training methodology: Pawrus Dog Training Academy uses a trademarked force-free, positive-reinforcement approach called Shaping Confident Dogs.
Price range: Upwards of $300 per hour. A $50 surcharge applies for Sentosa sessions.
Loyal customer: Aylwin Tan, 41, Physical Education Teacher Owner of a Cardigan Welsh Corgi named Butter. A customer since 2018. “As new pet owners, my wife and I faced many challenges as Butter would damage things around the house when he got bored from being alone at home. We wanted a pedagogical and scientific approach to dog training. Given his credentials, we felt that Kevin was the ideal trainer for Butter. Hence, when he was coming to three months old, we enrolled Butter into Pawrus’s ‘Puppy Start Right Preschool’ classes which consisted of six sessions. Kevin was able to explain why Butter behaved the way he did and help us adjust our expectations, without overpromising. Slowly, Kevin shared with us the intricate science and pedagogy behind clicker training through the sessions. Butter also continued his training with the ‘Fluency and Proofing Foundation’ as well as the ‘Adolescent to Adult Canine Companion’ classes. In total, Butter attended sessions for close to a year and all the sessions were held one-on-one at our residence. Even though Butter doesn’t require training anymore, Kevin is a professional and still offers us advice from time to time.” Pawrus Dog Training Academy www.pawrus.com.sg WhatsApp/Tel: 8223 9340 Email: wecare@pawrus.com.sg
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tried and tested
ALL ABOUT PUP-SITIVITY Pups Dog Training School emphasises teaching your dogs right behaviours and rewarding them. By using a positive approach, Pups Dog Training School focuses on what your dog is doing right by getting your dog’s cooperation and teaching him to please you, his owner. This method builds trust, strong learning retention and a deeper bond than correction-based techniques. The school offers a comprehensive and innovative Life Skills Levels Program designed to meet individual owners’ needs and give each dog the time it needs to learn. The teaching methods also cultivate a dog’s thinking abilities through the belief that dogs can learn by trial-and-error. Dogs are taught not to fear failure and instead, are instructed to exercise options in the quest for correct, desired behaviour. Chief Instructor Debra Sim has been involved in dog obedience and agility since 2001 and is considered one of the pioneers in the dog sport arena. Through innovation, she is always looking to improve training methods and raise the standard of training without sacrificing fun and safety for her furry clients.
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Established in 2003, Pups Dog Training School set out to offer owners and pups a positive, pedagogical paradigm. The school regularly consults with local veterinarians and international trainers to ensure that their methods, and nutritional and medical advice are up to date. Pup Dogs Training School holds mostly outdoor group training sessions as they encourage the socialisation of dogs but for owners who prefer individual attention, private classes are available too.
Training methodology:Reward-based training. Price range: Upwards of $500. Loyal customer:
Years in operation: 16 Qualifications, experience and awards: Instructors at Pups Dog Training School have WMA-Certified Dog Agility Instructor certifications and certificates from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA). Instructors also have experiences as Singapore Kennel Club (SKC) and United States Dog Agility Association obedience judges, and training experience ranging from one to 16 years.
Goh Sing Yee, 36, Real Estate Agent Owner of a Border Collie named Chase. A customer since 2019. “It was my first time dealing with a medium-sized dog and Border Collies are hyperactive breeds. I didn’t want to scare my dog into submission as any training using intimidation and fear can’t be good. Plus, I have young children and other docile pets at home and didn’t want Chase to turn against them unexpectedly. I was recommended by a friend to try out Pups Dog Training School as they use positive training methods and the trainer I worked with, Dexter, is well-versed in training Border Collies. I have experienced a good outcome with Chase as he has retained what he learnt and acts upon it when commanded. Dexter is extremely observant and nurturing even with Chase, who exhibited obsessive behaviour traits. He never rushed the process or showed signs of impatience, choosing instead to slowly encourage Chase and helping him grow into a mature dog. While positive training requires plenty of treats and patience, I have also become a better person through the process.” Pups Dog Training School www.pups.com.sg Tel: 8774 0168 Email: pupsdex@gmail.com
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tried and tested
TAKING FLIGHT
Meet a new breed of trainers: those who teach pet birds how to fly free. Birds have an instinct to fly far and wide—and seldom will you encounter a bird that naturally returns eagerly to its owner after a flight. However, as birds have become popular pets in Singapore, so have the demand for bird trainers. Traditionally, birds have been trained to perform tricks and talk. Instead, trainers like Nurhisham Abdul Wahab, 38, teaches birds to fly free — but return to their owners. This is called free flight. Training a bird for free flight requires a level of determination and patience. It can take anywhere from two weeks to two years, depending on how old the bird is and whether it has already picked up undesirable habits like landing on trees or chasing distractions. Nurshisham charges $350 for four sessions, which is usually enough to train most birds. He does this by getting the birds to recognise their owners’ voices and commands, and also guides the bird to fly back to their owners. This avid bird whisperer uses a string that can extend up to 400m, with an elasticised component attached to the bird’s feet to prevent injuries. However, no matter how much training a bird receives, there is always a risk for it to go missing. While this risk is minimal with well-trained birds, you will still see many shout outs on Facebook groups for bird owners about missing birds. A good way to mitigate this is to use a GPS tracker which can help narrow down the location of a bird that has fluttered beyond its owner’s awareness. Lost birds are at risk of being hunted by predator; such as eagles and crows, which are not exactly uncommon sights in Singapore. Birds are also easily distracted in our urban environment from sources like crowds and traffic noises. Another fellow bird enthusiast, Arman Mastan, 44, began bird training five years ago. He favours training birds at open fields, so it is easy to spot them. Larger breeds like macaws are also preferred as well as smaller birds are more difficult to track. Arman is a founding member of Birdies, Buddies, Kakis, a bird enthusiasts’ group which gathers on weekends. Even though bird training has taken flight so to speak, finding a professional or certified trainer can still be a difficult task. This is because bird training is a largely informal affair in Singapore. If you’re a passionate bird owner who wishes to train your bird in free flight, try looking around the various local bird groups on Facebook for current information about gatherings and bird trainers.
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EVERY DOG IS DIFFERENT Just like humans, each dog is unique in terms of personality and behaviour. Canine Solutions embraces this philosophy by tailoring their training programme to each individual dog and its learning style. By doing so, Canine Solutions brings out the best in a dog by helping it make the right choices, behave well in an urban environment and be responsive to its owner. The school trains dogs using behaviour creation methods with reward and motivation, as well as behaviour modification methods where dogs are taught to make the right choices under pressure — such as through exposing them to situations with a certain level of stress, mimicking realworld conditions. While Trainer Ken Tng is relatively new in the dog training arena, he is no stranger to working with dogs. Ken has three dogs, all Singapore Specials which he adopted from a shelter he volunteered at. He has also fostered many dogs, all of which have been successfully adopted into welcoming homes. Having worked with mixed breeds, rescue dogs and pedigree dogs, Ken has a talent for working with ‘more difficult’ dogs — hyperactive, fearful or misunderstood pups who are often mislabelled as aggressive.
Years in operation: 3 Qualifications, experience and awards: Trainer Ken Tng attended the Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers in the United States and focused on puppy development, management, motivation and obedience. Ken has also attended courses at Solid K9 Training which specialises in behaviour modification and enrolled in their Shadow Program where he received hands-on training with their board-and-train dogs. Training methodology: Adaptive training styles suited for each individual dog, based on engagement and motivation. Price range:Upwards of $200.
Loyal customer: Philip Ho, 62, Facilities Manager Owner of a Shiba Inu named Buddy. A customer since 2016. “My wife and I adopted our first and only dog, Buddy, about four years ago. We had not realised that with Buddy’s breed characteristics, the previous owner’s training and upbringing would have such a lasting impact. We decided to send Buddy to Canine Solutions for a six-week long board and train programme. However, Buddy continued to display some serious behavioural issues, such as the tendency to bite.
As my wife and I were unprepared to deal with these issues as first-time dog owners, we decided to rehome him. Canine Solutions was kind enough to keep him for 18 months, and continued the board and train programme in that time. Through their patient training, Buddy become the companion we had originally hoped for and we happily readopted Buddy a year ago. Ken has been nothing but professional during this time. As Buddy was a particularly difficult case, Ken was even motivated to seek further training in the United States in order to get Buddy to better engage and respond to his training. Canine Solutions is completely dedicated to helping dogs and their owners, especially with their vast experience with rescue dogs who often have ingrained behavioural issues.” Canine Solutions www.caninesolutions.sg Tel: 6802 4513 Email: woof@caninesolutions.sg 118 Tembeling Road, Singapore 423617
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pet-friendly venue
In Full Bloom
This fairytale-like garden cafe is a picturesque spot to while away your weekend mornings WORDS: MEREDITH LIN | PHOTOGRAPHY: VERNON WONG
T
ucked away in a quiet corner of the East, Cafe de Nicole’s Flower is a charming spot to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee and a slice of cake — with your pet by your side. Come camera-ready, or with your phone fully-charged: this flower bar-cum-cafe is adorned with beautiful, fresh blooms and quaint knick-knacks that make every corner of it Instagram-perfect. The owner, Nicole, honed her flower-styling skills in Korea before opening Cafe de Nicole’s Flower in Singapore in January this year. The elegantly-dressed lady boss combines her passion for flowers with her love for good coffee, transforming this good-sized space near Siglap into a pretty, homely corner. THE AMBIENCE It is early morning as we make our way to Cafe de Nicole’s Flower for a spot of breakfast. Stepping through the glass door framed by a flower arch, we found ourselves in a secret garden of sorts. A flower cart by the door overflows with fresh tulips, peonies, roses, and hydrangeas imported from Kenya and Holland. The longstemmed flowers are dressed prettily in pastel hues. Natural wood fittings add a rustic touch, while delicate white curtains soften the harsh sunlight filtering through the glass walls of the cafe.
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Early mornings are usually quieter at the cafe, making it easier to snag a coveted table by the window in air-conditioned comfort. The space tends to fill up by lunchtime, so be prepared to dine al fresco if you come past noon — the outdoor area is kept cool with shade and circulating fans overhead, and there’s also a green, grassy area for your pet to roam about. Just be sure to keep your pet on an extended leash though, as the cafe leads out to the main road. FOOD AND DRINK Keeping in theme with the flower shop, every drink and dish here is inspired by the vibrant colours of the fresh blooms. The Mermaid’s Tears is highly recommended by Nicole, who came up with the idea for this drink. A lidded carafe of butterfly pea tea is served on a wooden tray with a vial of honey lemon syrup. Whip out your camera to capture the moment when you mix the tea and syrup — the sapphire-blue tea turns a vibrant shade of
mulberry, a pretty and tasty concoction laced with floral notes and zest. For brunch, tuck into Nicole’s Favour, a hearty plate of smoked salmon, sliced avocado, pork sausages, and chicken thigh served with mixed salad and toasted sourdough. The Original Pancakes with Hokkaido Strawberry Ice Cream is a must-order for those with a sweet tooth, or those craving the perfect food shot for their Instagram feed. The fluffy souffle pancakes are sprinkled with icing sugar, and garnished with fresh berries and dainty sea lavender flowers. A scoop of icy strawberry ice cream on the side is a delightful contrast to each forkful of warm pancake. ENTERTAINMENT Cafe de Nicole’s Flower is located at the corner of the compound, which means extra space for your fur kids to roam about. There are plenty of vintage knick-knacks to admire, as well as an assortment of magazines to read while your nurse a milky latte. Nicole also offers flower workshops regularly, so picking up the art of floral arrangements might be something to try your hand at! ACCESSIBILITY If you’re ferrying your pet about, you’re probably taking private transport. Parking space here is ample, with parking lots flanking both sides of the cafe. For your friends meeting you and your fur kid there for a tete-a-tete, it is a 15-minute bus ride from Eunos MRT station, with the bus stop directly outside the cafe’s location at Telok Kurau Road. PET-FRIENDLINESS Cafe de Nicole’s Flower offers ample space indoors for your pet to wander about in air-conditioned comfort, though a signage on the door requests that you keep your pets leashed at all times. The cafe’s house pet, a grand British Shorthair that goes by the name Lao Ban (Mandarin for ‘boss’), is a dignified character that is happy to share his home with fellow pets. There is also a patch of wild grass outdoors, where your pets are welcome to roam and scamper about. At the moment, Cafe de Nicole’s Flower does not have a petfriendly menu, so be sure to pack your furry friend’s favourite treats with you. q
CAFE DE NICOLE’S FLOWER #01-01 224 Telok Kurau Road, Singapore 423836 Opens from 8.30am - 8.30pm, Tuesdays to Sundays
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people and pets
Inside â&#x20AC;˘ How rising star Foo Fang Rong keeps it real â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with the help of her dogs, and little pet owners who step up to the plate in a big way
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cover story
Floral dress, Tory Burch
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Staying Grounded Foo Fang Rong, the female lead in Dick Lee’s hit musical Fried Rice Paradise, might be a starlet on the rise, but she keeps it real – with a little help from her canine companions. WORDS: MEREDITH LIN . ADDITIONAL REPORTING: GWEN LI
Photography: Zaphs Zhang, The Republic Studios | Styling: CK Make up: Rie Miura, using Shu Uemura | Hair: Karol Soh
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f
air-faced with a sunny disposition and a honeysuckle voice, Foo Fang Rong is every bit the sweet girl-next-door. She dances, sings, plays the guitar, and certainly knows how to flirt with the camera in a girlish, effortless manner, never mind the uncooperative coastal wind sweeping her tresses across her face and the merciless tropical sun threatening to scorch her porcelain skin. Though only 23 years of age, she is a veteran by standards — Fang Rong has starred in more than 30 drama series and movies since entering the industry as a four-year-old child model. She recently struck gold with the opportunity to play the female lead in the small-screen adaptation of home-grown musician and playwright Dick Lee’s popular stage musical Fried Rice Paradise. Yet she is not your typical self-possessed celebrity. Instead of preening herself, she fusses over her dog in between sets, refilling its portable water bowl and feeding it snacks. And yes, she is also the responsible dog owner who cleans up after her pooch. Fang Rong is neither spoilt nor pampered, and certainly not a child-star-gone-wild. Beneath all that floozy girlishness are grit, guts (by the way, she also practices Brazilian Jiujitsu) and a whole load of well-grounded sensibility. And the dogs in her life have a big role to play in it. A Leading Role Fang Rong was 12 years old when her family welcomed Snowie home through adoption. The two-year-old potty-trained shih tsu was a breeze to integrate into the family. “It was very simple with Snowie really. Her favourite toy was a tennis ball and she would get the crazy ‘zoomies’ whenever we picked up the ball,” shares Fang Rong fondly. The family of five — Fang Rong has an older brother and sister — would also bring Snowie out on car rides, and make an effort to go on regular weekend outings to East Coast beach as a family. “Having Snowie definitely brought us closer together, for she bridged the age gap between everyone and gave us a common reason to go out together as a family,” she shares. Such healthy bonds certainly went important in grounding her as a young actor who was getting more than a child’s usual share of attention as a star in television dramas like
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School House Rockz. Snowie was also a source of comfort to Fang Rong during trying times. In 2013, Fang Rong made the difficult decision to quit her studies at Saint Andrews Junior College. Being dance captain in charge of preparing the team for Singapore Youth Festival (SYF), while simultaneously filming I’m In Charge for Channel 8, became too overwhelming too fast. A typical weekday for Fang Rong would see her attending school from 7am to 3pm, then heading to a two-hour dance practice, and wrapping up at the studio at 1am. “By mid-year of level one in junior college, my grades were falling. Everything was snowballing to a point where it got really bad,” recalls Fang Rong. Then, she would often take nighttime walks with the shih tsu to clear her head. Those moments of clarity helped Fang Rong steel herself for a route less orthodox: instead of attempting to complete her ‘A’ Levels, she enrolled in a full-time Bachelor of Arts psychology course by University of Buffalo, under the Singapore Institute of Management. The flexibility to schedule her classes meant she could take Friday and the weekends off for filming, and the US-style curriculum, with its focus on understanding and application of content, was also easier to digest than the memorise-and-regurgitate style of our local system. “Through that experience, I learnt a lot about myself – and how to let go of things even when I am not ready to do so. It made me grow up a lot,” says Fang Rong. Even so, some things are just more difficult to let go of, and it was heart-breaking moment when she had to say goodbye to Snowie earlier this year. The family dog had developed liver problems and spent most of her last three months in the vet’s clinic — until Fang Rong’s mother made the decision to keep Snowie at home in her last few days. “It was hard to see Snowie becoming very weak in her last few months of life,” says Fang Rong. The actress recalls the exact moment she learnt of her pet’s passing — at exactly 12 noon, as she was waiting to board her flight home from Malaysia after wrapping up the filming for Fried Rice Paradise. “I was in the waiting area bawling my eyes out.” She adds, “A part of me still feels guilty because I have not been spending as much time with Snowie as we did
Floral dress, Bora Aksu
Floral dress, Tory Burch
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when she was younger. It was the first time I lost something so close to me. I don’t think I will ever fully heal from it, even though I have accepted it.” A New Romance Almost two years back, Fang Rong — together her boyfriend whom she lives with — decided to get a dog for their own little “family unit”. And though a seasoned dog-owner by then, Fang Rong was taken surprise by the challenges of taking care of a puppy. For one, Sydney, then just five months old, had to be constantly taken out as part of the pup’s potty training. Fang Rong recalls waking up at 3am just to walk him, and having to harden her heart and turn a deaf ear to Sydney’s incessant whines at night, like a tough mother allowing a baby to cry it out for its own good. “It was really a trying few weeks… I didn’t have proper sleep on most nights,” shares Fang Rong, who had never owned a puppy before this. Being very involved in Sydney’s training allowed Fang Rong to build a strong relationship with the Labradoodle — an affectionate 17-kilo ball of woolly fur who would caper madly about the ankles of Fang Rong’s visitors and bestow a generous number of free licks to all. “Sydney’s kisses never fail to cheer me up instantly,” shares Fang Rong as she ruffles her pet’s head. “When she licks me, she always looks into my eyes with such innocence. It reminds me that no matter how bad my day is, there is this sweet little being that cares for me.” One can imagine how hard it must have been then for her to leave Sydney behind and head to Malaysia for the filming of Fried Rice Paradise from March to June earlier this year. “Being away from home for so long, I really missed my family, friends and Sydney,” shares Fang Rong, who would watch videos of Sydney that her boyfriend sent over each night before bed. In a scene where her character — an aspiring chef trying to uncover the mystery behind her mother’s death — gets buried alive, the cameramen had to take a close-up shot for a good 15 seconds with her face covered by sand. “If I had accidentally breathed, I would have choked and possibly died.” It was a terrifying quarter of a minute, and one of the thoughts that flashed through her head was: who is going to take care of Sydney if I die? How will she feel if I don’t come home?”
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Floral dress, Bora Aksu
A Worthy Splurge When it comes to pampering Sydney, Fang Rong doesn’t hold back. She shares some of the items she has splurged on for her beloved labradoodle.
Fuzzyard Reversible Dog Bed, $200 “We knew she was going to grow into a medium-sized dog, so we wanted to get a comfortable, good-quality bed that she can ease into and use for a longer period of time. She loves her bed so much, every time we say “go to bed” she will run and lie down on her bed!”
VETWerkz Laboratories, Moisturising AntiMicrobial Shampoo for Dogs & Cats, $40 “Sydney has sensitive skin. At one point, she would scratch until her skin was red, so we knew we couldn’t stint on the quality of the products we put on her skin. We also changed her diet to one that helps to calm her skin condition.”
Monthly treats and toys, $50 “Sydney really likes pears! After dinner, we’ll wash and cut a pear for her. She will show off all the tricks we teach her — sit, down, spin, jump — just for a piece!”
Floral dress, Tory Burch
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Floral dress, Bora Aksu
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Despite her demanding and irregular working hours, Fang Rong religiously carves out time to be with her loved ones and Sydney. “I’ll read my script while sitting on the floor, so Sydney can be on my lap,” says Fang Rong with a smile. On weekends, she and her boyfriend take Sydney out to the beach or a nearby reservoir to gambol freely. The couple also make it a point to include Sydney in their social outings with close friends. “We pack her water bowl, wet wipes, treats and her toy ball every time we go out. It’s almost like packing to go out with a baby,” says Fang Rong with a laugh. “Sydney taught me how to be responsible for another being. It’s important to commit to making sure she eats and sleeps well, and if you go out with her, she has all the items she needs.” The doting dog owner also shares that while she happily splurges on Sydney, she often holds back from spending on herself.
When it comes to training the sweet Labradoodle, Fang Rong is the good cop to her boyfriend’s bad cop. While he plays the alpha figure, who disciplines Sydney when she makes boo-boos, Fang Rong is the loving parent who soothes her chided pup with cuddles and love. One thing they both take turns to do, though, is clean up after Sydney. “Picking poop is such a normal part of dog ownership, yet it also forces you to remember that you are part of the same community and have to take care of it so other people can enjoy the space that you are in,” says Fang Rong. It definitely helps to keep the rising starlet grounded. Says Fang Rong with a giggle, “At the end of the day, no matter how famous you think you are, there’s no greater reality check than having to bend down to pick up your dog’s poop!” g
Sydney taught me how to be responsible for another being
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people and Their Pets
kids in charge
These two young dog owners prove that age is no barrier when it comes to caring for their fur siblings WORDS BY TONY TAN | PHOTOGRAPHY VERNON WONG
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The saying goes that “dog is man’s best friend”. Look around you and you will find great examples of this. While it’s also true that the main caregiver of a pet dog is often an adult, children can play an active role as well. It all starts with the right mindset: often, adults introduce dogs into the family as playthings for the children. But having a pet is much more than owning an interactive toy: dogs and children can forge strong bonds and having a dog can help children develop kindness, understanding and respect for living things. Dog companionship can also improve a child’s social skills with people and taking care of Rover will encourage responsibility. To be sure, a child has a lot more to gain from pet ownership if he or she is encouraged to take a more active role in caring for the animal. Here are two capable kids who play a significant role in helping their parents with their doggy siblings.
ADOPTING A HANDS-ON APPROACH
Lucas, 12 year-old owner of 4.5 year-old adopted dog Shoyu Twelve-year-old Lucas is quiet, and even shy, at first. However, bring up the topic of his dog Shoyu and he opens up immediately. “I have always wanted a dog and when I was in Primary Four, my mummy said I could have one if I performed well in the end-of-the-year examinations,” says Lucas. He achieved good results and got the go-ahead to get a dog. However, his parents, Amie and Ernest, wanted to ensure that he was prepared for all the work that was required to care of a dog. The family also agreed that they wanted to adopt, instead of buying a dog, hence Lucas volunteered at local shelter MercyLight Adoption for two months during the 2017 school holidays. “After I finished volunteering, we began to look around for a dog to adopt. We
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people and Their Pets
visited a few shelters including SPCA Singapore and SOSD and it was at the former that I first met Shoyu,” explained Lucas. That day, Lucas and his parents participated in the shelter tour which SOSD conducts bi-monthly. “Shoyu and the other shelter dogs were returning from their morning walk and she approached me for belly rubs and I instantly liked her!” Interestingly, things could have turned out differently as Lucas and his parents were interested in another dog named Indie. However, Indie wasn’t as friendly. Also, the volunteer who attended to them shared that Indie had other potential suitors. It has now been almost one-and-a-half years since Shoyu was officially adopted (her actual adoption date is March 30, 2018 which also happened to be Good Friday) and she and Lucas are inseparable. Despite a very busy school schedule — and increasingly packed days as he approaches PSLE — Lucas makes it a point to walk Shoyu every morning before he heads off to Anglo-Chinese School (Junior). “I walk her at 6am and the walk takes around 20 minutes. In the evenings, I take her on a longer walk — around one hour at least,” he said. “I also bathe and groom her every Sunday as well as brush her teeth once a month.” Besides taking care of Shoyu, Lucas has also completed a basic obedience course with her. It comprised six one-hour sessions which included and a compulsory assessment at the end of the course. This was necessary as Shoyu was adopted under a programme called Project ADORE which allows mixed-breed dogs to be adopted by people who live in HDB apartments. Lucas has taught four-and-a-half-year-old Shoyu quite a few commands including sit, down, stay and paw. He is now in the process of teaching her how to roll over. “My most favourite activity is bringing her to the beach to swim. She feared water at first but she’s comfortable playing and swimming in it now after I showed her it was nothing to be frightened of,” says Lucas, proudly.
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BEST BUDDIES
Shin Ji, 8 year-old owner of Bingo, a seven-month-old Shih-Tzu
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people and Their Pets
Shin Ji’s first experience with a dog ended in tears. “Four years ago, we had a pet Bulldog named Bulkie in Malaysia. However, when we moved to Singapore two years ago, we had to find a new home for Bulkie because our landlord didn’t allow dogs,” explained Sally, Shin Ji’s mother. “I cried when mummy told me that Bulkie would be put up for adoption,” said Shin Ji. Nowadays, this eight year-old student at St. Gabriel’s Primary School still feels sad whenever anyone talks about Bulkie. However, the good news for this young dog lover is that his family has moved into their own home and he has a new furry sibling now — a seven-month-old Shih-Tzu named Bingo. “We bought Bingo from a pet shop and I chose him because I loved his cute face. He was also the most responsive of the Shih-Tzu puppies there,” said Shin Ji. Bingo was named after a dog which was featured in a Taiwanese TV show. “My mummy liked the actor and, in the show, he had a pet Poodle named Bingo!”
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Shin Ji accompanied Sally, when she signedup for a puppy playschool programme at a dog training school in June this year. Even though the minimum age for a participant to handle a dog was 12 years old, the trainer allowed him to assist his mummy as he proved to be a good learner. “Bingo is very clever — he knows how to sit, stay, paw, catch and jump! I am teaching him how to flip over now and I learn how to teach him by watching YouTube videos with my mummy,” says Shin Ji. As Shin Ji is still relatively young, he does simpler tasks when it comes to caring for Bingo. “I wash his pee tray whenever it’s dirty and I comb him weekly. I also take him for a walk weekly. During mealtimes, I give him his bowl
FIVE REASONS WHY DOGS ARE GREAT FOR CHILDREN Dogs Teach Responsibility Dogs teach children about responsibility and how difficult, but necessary, it is to care for another living thing. Owning a dog will help children learn to take initiative, remain grounded, and teach them that another living thing depends on them.
Dogs Keep Children Active Dogs need to be walked regularly and your child will gain all the health benefits from the activity. Children also love to run and play with dogs so they get an added dose of exercise. It’s a fun way to maintain an active lifestyle throughout their lives.
Dogs Improve Social Skills after mummy prepares his food. He loves salmon and veggies!” When asked what are some of the naughty things that Bingo does, Shin Ji says: “He likes to steal my things such as my erasers and toys and then he hides them in his bed. When I catch him in the act, I take him to his mat and give him the ‘stay’ command.” “But I cannot get angry with him for long as he looks so cute and I just love to hug him! In fact, if I was granted one wish in the world, I would want Bingo to live forever and ever.” And if he had another wish, Shin Ji wants another dog — a Golden Retriever! j
Studies have shown that children who are around a dog tend to be more sociable and less shy. This can help your child make friends, keep friends and become more participative in a group situation.
Dogs Are Like Children Dogs and children are very similar. In fact, scientists believe the brain of a dog and the brain of a child are very similar. So, a dog is a great way to keep your child engaged at home and give them an instant friend.
Dogs Boost The Immune System Children who live with dogs tend to get less sick throughout their lives. Dogs bring in different kinds of germs and bacteria that a child’s immune system learns to build defences against. This will help them fight off other illnesses and immune threatening dangers as they grow up.
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PetParazzi Pets and people in the news BY GWEN LI
Paws-on Healing
Who: Surfing extraordinaire Ricochet, an ace Golden Retriever who also happens to be a service dog Where: Escondido, California What’s the Story: Ricochet was an award-winning competitive surf dog at the young age of 15 months — but that is not all that makes this canine special! Ricochet has been an ambassador for surfers with disabilities and is quite possibly the only SURFice (get it?) dog in the world ever since she jumped on a surfboard with 14-year-old Patrick Ivison, who is quadriplegic. Since that exhilarating experience in 2016, Ricochet has never looked back on helping those with special needs, and even extended her friendly paws to likes of surfers with disabilities, and wounded warriors or veterans with PTSD. Just on 2 August, she surfed with children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) at the 5th annual “Surf Away SMA With Ricochet” event held in San Diego. Quite the superstar, Ricochet was also recently featured in IMAX film ‘Superpower Dogs’, which premiered in March 2019. We Say: Atta girl! This one is worth a follow on social media (fb.com/SurfDogRicochet) because we love a pup who is as fluffy as she is helpful and inspiring.
Better Together
Who: 15-year-old Luke and his six-legged tyke Roo Where: Kent, England What’s the Story: We all love a happy adoption story, and the pairing of a bullied teen and a special needs puppy — reported by People magazine in August — probably comes up tops as one of the most touching we’ve read. Eight-month-old Roo was so named because she hops around on her back paws like a marsupial. Born with two extra front legs, the Labrador mix was put up for adoption online by breeders in Essex and as luck would have it, Luke spotted the special pup and the rest was history. It seems the stars were aligned for the two as Luke was feeling like the odd one out in school because of his psoriasis — a skin condition which his peers often make fun of, and now has got a best friend to match. In fact, Luke’s mother thinks Roo might help alleviate Luke’s stress from school and improve his skin condition! We Say: Special dogs like Roo might need extra responsibilities but they also bring also extra love. We cannot be happier that Luke and Roo have found forever homes in each other.
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Crazy (Rich) Dogs
Who: Jiangsu-based online pet supplies store Crazy Dog Where: China What’s the Story: Pet owners know it is only a matter of time before pet e-commerce booms, considering the pet care market in China alone reached USD$24.7 billion in 2018, according to a whitepaper published by online authority Goumin.com. And boom it did, when Jiangsubased online pet supplies store Crazy Dog raising USD$43.4 million in Series B funding, with Guangdian Capital and Fosun Group as lead investors in the round. This is testament to their success on platforms such as Tmall, JD and Amazon, amounting to RMB 600 million of revenue in 2018. With the new funding, Crazy Dog is now looking to extend their reach to 20 brick-and-mortar shops by the end of this year. We Say: It’s about time an Asian pet platform hits a homerun. We are rooting for more friendly competition so we get more innovative products and services such as pet swimming pools and pet barber shops for our fur kids! q
get social
Duck Tails
Fur and feathers, flock together. BY GWEN LI
The brood often enjoy their downtime together at home.
Cuddles and belly rubs are critical parts of the Ishiguro household.
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I
If, like many of us, you often find yourself accidentally scrolling through social media for hours a time fawning at dogs, cats and other lovable critters, it might be time to start following Pam Ishiguro from Orange County, California, and her brood. “Embrace diversity,” quips the description of her instagram account @duckmakesgreatpets, and diversity is exactly what she gamely embraced in her house of fluff and fur - Pam is a proud human to a grand total of two dogs and eight ducks in her household. As far as great friendships go, we are pretty jealous of the superb bond between her jolly golden retriever Barclay and the flock of eight ducks. Not even Pam herself could have anticipated the amount of cacophonous love that was about to enter the house when she posted an image of her duck eggs finally hatching back in October 2016. Barclay soon started frequenting the hatch and struck up an unlikely relationship with his feathered brothers and sisters. While alpha duck Rudy first chased Barclay away anytime he tried to approach any ducks in the group, they soon grew to trust each other. In owner Pam’s words, “When they are together, somebody is always chasing or jumping on someone else, but when they are apart, they’re always calling for each other.” Aww. Unbeknownst to some followers, Pam actually has a second dog Izzy - a chihuahua and terrier cross-breed - who has never been such friendly terms with the ducks. Goes to show that the affection between Barclay and Rudy is really as unconventional and precious as they come! q
IMAGES COURTESY OF @DUCKMAKESGREATPETS
They may seem an odd pair at first, but these best friends share everything from treats to bath water.
WELLNESS
Inside â&#x20AC;˘ Training methodologies, the vegan diet revolution, how to decide on sleeping arrangements and tips from expert
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BODY AND SOUL
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Understand the main approaches to dog training to find out what works for your dog — and you. WORDS GARRETT NG
Whether you’ve met your canine companion as a puppy or an adult, training is an essential part of a dog’s growth. Dog-training methodologies can be broken down into three broad categories: traditional, modern and those that take a mix of techniques from both methods. Every training method (or combination of methods) can be roughly said to fall under these three umbrellas. While each has its camp of supporters — and endless discussions on- and off-line about how each is the “better” method — it is up to each individual dog owner to decide which method would suit them and their dog best. It is also important to note that one should look beyond the negative stereotypes associated with each of the methodologies, as these could be sensationalised. More important than jargon and labels are the individual trainers themselves — for not all dog trainers, even those who subscribe to the same school of thought, are made equal. Before signing your dog up for a class, observe a session to see how the trainers handle the dogs, how the animals respond to them, and decide whether or not the person instils confidence in you.
‘bad’ or unwanted actions. These tactics can range from stern commands to more physical methods such as shock or prong collars. It is important to note that there is a fine line between discipline and abuse, and harsher disciplining method should only be employed when an owner is properly trained in the usage of such techniques.
The Traditional Approach
Best suited for: Authoritative owners who desire a nononsense relationship with their dog. This approach is often used in the specialised training of military dogs or protection dogs who have a very different role to play as compared to companion dogs.
What is it? The traditional approach is also known as ‘obedience’ training. These methods are often characterised by disciplinary tactics meant to dissuade dogs from performing
Specific Methods: Alpha dog training, dominance training, electronic training. Pros and Cons: The traditional approach is, of course, the ‘tried and true’ method of dog training. It is straightforward and can produce results in a relatively short span of time. It has also been popularised by big names in the dog training world, including Cesar Millan, the famous ‘Dog Whisperer’ himself. However, the sometimes harsh tactics associated with this method may not sit well with some. This is especially true for modern dog owners, who tend to have a more compassionate approach to pet ownership. Some would also argue that the principles behind obedience training is based on outdated research. On a practical level, both extremely aggressive and extremely timid dogs may be resistant to this methodology. Additionally, a dog trained is this method may only respond to its ‘handler’ — the one it recognises as doling out discipline. Such a dog may thus feel no obligation to behave itself in the presence of others.
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BODY AND SOUL The Modern Approach What is it? The Modern approach was popularised by former U.S. government Marine Mammal Commissioner Karen Pryor’s 1984 book, Don’t Shoot the Dog. The basic concept behind this methodology is to train a dog to associate good behaviour with a positive outcome. This usually takes the form of a treat in return for a desired outcome. There is more to this method than simple treat-slinging, however. Other methods include the use of a clicker sound to better help a dog recognise positive behaviour and seek to replicate it. Overall, this methodology seeks to find ways to rewire a dog’s brain without using punishment or harsh measures. Specific Methods: Positive reinforcement training, force-free training, clicker training, mirror or rival training. Pros and Cons: Modern-day pet owners who are sensitive to the possibility of animal abuse lean towards this approach due to the absence of punitive measures involved in the training, and the diminished chance of a dog being negatively affected by training. However, this approach is not as straightforward as the traditional approach. It can be effective in encouraging behaviours, but might not be as effective in limiting them. For example, training a dog to bark by positive reinforcement is a simple task. Training him to stop barking however, might prove a bit trickier. That isn’t to say it is impossible, just potentially more complex relative to traditional methods. Best suited for: Those who are sensitive to animal welfare, and owners who are more patient.
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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO FEED HAPPY, HEALTHY DOGS & CATS
100% NATURAL
W I T H A D D E D V I TA M I N S & M I N E R A L S
BODY AND SOUL The Mixed Approach
Why Hire a Trainer?
What is it? As its name implies, the mixed approach incorporates methods from both the traditional and modern schools of dog training. While disciplinary measures might be taken to correct bad behaviour, positive reinforcement is also used to reward good behaviours.
Should you hire a trainer, or can you train your puppy on your own? We’ve reached out to expert dog-trainers from around Singapore for their opinion. “The earlier a dog starts training, the more it benefits. A good, structured programme will address potential problems early on and correct them before they start causing issues. Many owners who attempt to self-train their dogs only reach out to a trainer when bigger problems start arising. By then, it is much harder to correct these problems as the dog has already built up many bad habits over months or even years.” - Patrick Wong, Waggies “I would say that dog-on-dog socialisation is the most important thing a dog gets out of training. Smaller dogs learn how to moderate their behaviour around bigger dogs, and larger dogs learn how to go easy when they play with smaller dogs as well. Socialisation also helps a dog develop bite inhibition, making it less likely to bite other dogs or even people!” - Maureen Tay, KasPup UniFURsity “Ideally, one should contact a trainer even before getting a dog! Especially in an urban environment like Singapore, a trainer can give advice on whether a particular dog might suit the owner’s lifestyle. And after getting a puppy, a trainer plays an important role in helping them to grow up right, imparting lessons that its mother or its siblings might have taught it in the pack. This helps the dog grow up welladjusted and eliminates bad habits.” - Cindy Cheong, Bugle’s K-9 Training Skool l
Specific methods: Science-based training, relationship-based training. Pros and Cons: Not everyone agrees that the two methods are compatible. While proponents of the modern approach tend to see the traditional way as archaic and harsh, the latter might see the former as ineffective. When it comes to training culture, it would seem that there is a great divide between the disciplinarians and the proponents for force-free training, and never the twain shall meet. It is, however, possible to bring the two approaches together and — hopefully — combine the best of both worlds. This can also allow you the opportunity to test which methods your dog responds best to. Do note, however, that this approach method may require constant monitoring and adjustment, and requires you to be the most ‘informed’ out of all three methods. Best suited for: Owners with especially unpredictable dogs – such as adopted dogs with an unknown background.
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pet pantry
goinggreen
Despite heated debates over its health impact, the vegetarian canine diet is more than a fad. We speak to Lindsay Rubin, vice president of vegan dog food brand V-dog, to find out more. ADDITIONAL REPORTING: GWEN LI With hyper-engineered plant protein on the lips (and in the tummies) of just about every person now, vegetarian canine food might seem like a trendy product of the times. But proponents for a vegetarian diet for dogs have been around much earlier: Barbara Lynn Peden, who published her book Dogs and Cats Go Vegetarian In 1988, is often credited as one of the earliest champions of feeding pets a meatless diet. While there is on-going discussion about the impact of such a diet, the point of contention is always the same: whether or not a dog is able to get the necessary nutrients purely from plants. The arguments against vegetarian dog food often circles around the intake of protein and micronutrients available in meat, and how it is against their wolf instincts to survive purely on plants. Yet dogs have evolved since domestication more than 15,000 years ago — it is not just their habits that have changed, but also their ability to digest different foods. Similarly, vegetarian dog food has also evolved: technology now allows better extraction of protein and essential vitamins and minerals from plant sources, and research has given pet food producers better insight into the dietary needs of dogs. In that aspect, commercial pet food that is developed with a dog’s nutritional requirements in mind might pose less risks than homecooked food, for which nutritional composition might be difficult to gauge. Here, Lindsay Rubin, the vice-president for American vegan dog food brand V-dog (known outside the United States as v-planet) shares with us her industry insights on vegan diet for canines. What is the biggest myth surrounding vegan canine diets, and what is the truth? That dogs are carnivores and need meat to thrive. The fact is that dogs have evolved
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alongside humans for over 10,000 years. On a genetic level, domesticated dogs have evolved to make excellent use of starchy, plant-based foods. Thanks to the AMY2B gene, dogs can thrive on a complete and balanced vegan diet. Do you see vegan canine diets becoming a mainstream option, and if so, when? V-dog was founded in 2005 and has thousands of customers in the USA, and v-planet is currently available in five countries outside of the USA — including Hong Kong and Singapore, with new countries coming soon. We project to continue along our path of monthly growth and expansion with both our USA and international brands. As pet parents continue to research the pet food industry and factory farming standards, more consumers are choosing plant-based options for their dogs for health and ethical reasons. The pet food industry also continues to trend toward plant-powered ingredients. With more science, including in-progress veterinary studies on v-dog, the industry and veterinarians will be able to feel more confident about the many health benefits of nutritionally-complete, plantbased diets for dogs. How does v-planet kibble’s compare to conventional meat-based options in terms of nutrition values? V-planet kibble is a 100% vegan, complete and balanced kibble for dogs. The goal is to provide a tasty, healthy, meatless food that adult dogs thrive on well into their golden years. We work with PhDs in animal nutrition, veterinarians and pet food formulators to create any new products at v-dog and v-planet. Along the way, we have also made some slight adjustments, including removing peanuts and including 100% non-GMO ingredients for our v-planet formula.
pet pantry
Our kibble meets all AAFCO standards for adult dog nutrition, so the nutrient levels are comparable to those of commercial meatbased diets. Our kibble is regularly tested post-production by a third-party laboratory to ensure that the finished product contains the appropriate nutrition. We’ve seen thousands of dogs thrive on our v-dog products during our 14 years in business without any issues related to deficiencies. What are some key, scientifically-proven, canine health benefits that a vegan diet provides? Vegan diets are naturally hypoallergenic, so they can greatly benefit sensitive and allergy-prone dogs. According to a 2016 study published in American medical journal BMC Veterinary Research, dogs are most commonly allergic to beef, dairy, chicken and other animal products. Vegan diets are also naturally antiinflammatory, which can help with joint health as dogs age. They provide all of the nutrition that dogs require without any of the animal byproducts, fillers, hormones and antibiotics associated with the animal agriculture industry. Many vets speculate that the increase in incidences of cancers, kidney failure and other degenerative diseases in our pets may be due to the harmful ingredients in many commercial meat-based pet foods. Is there any negative health impact that can arise from a vegan diet? With any diet that is not nutritionally balanced (whether it be plant-based or meat-based), you run the risk of nutritional deficiencies. As long
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as you choose a complete and balanced vegan formula like v-planet, you can be confident that your dog is receiving the appropriate nutrition. What should one look for when shopping for vegan kibble? We recommend choosing a food that is nutritionally-complete, balanced, and formulated by a nutritionist. It’s also important to choose a food with ingredients that you trust. Steer clear of products that include fillers, byproducts, and artificial colors and flavours. Is a vegan diet suited for all dogs, including puppies under 1 year and senior dogs? Our kibble is formulated for dogs one year and up, including seniors. Although our products haven’t been formulated for puppies, we’ve seen many customers feed vegan diets to their puppies successfully. Seniors see incredible benefits from a vegan diet, including improved digestion and reduced inflammation. What are the key benefits for the owners who chose to put their pets on a vegan diet? A vegan diet is not only beneficial for your dog’s overall health, but also treads lightly on the planet. Animal products are incredibly taxing on our natural resources, including land, water and fossil fuels. Switching your pup to a vegan diet dramatically lowers their carbon pawprint. Vegan diets are also 100% cruelty-free, which is an important cause to us here at v-dog. If we can feed our dogs a diet that provides them with the nutrition they need, without harming a single animal, we believe this is the optimal choice. l
ASK THE EXPERT Q: “I have noticed off-the-shelf cat food touting ingredients that promote eye health. Does a cat’s diet really have an impact on its eye health? If so, what are the key nutrients that they require for optimal eye health, how do they impact the cat’s vision, and what are good sources of these nutrients?”
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A: Cats need several different kinds of nutrients to survive: amino acids from protein, fatty acids and carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and water. Like most carnivorous animals, cats can obtain most of their protein from meat, fish and other animal products. Some animal-based protein is easier to digest than plant-based protein and is better suited to the cat’s digestive system. Dietary protein contains 10 specific amino acids that neither cats nor dogs can make on their own. Known as essential amino acids, they provide the building blocks for many important biologically-active compounds and proteins. In addition, they provide the carbon chains needed to make glucose for energy. High-quality proteins have a good balance of all of the essential amino acids. Taurine Top Up Taurine (an amino acid) is especially important for cats. Taurine is an essential amino acid (a building block of proteins) that must be supplied in their diet because cats cannot manufacture it themselves. Found abundantly in many fish, birds, small rodents, and most red/white meats, taurine is either absent or present only in trace amounts in plants. Strict vegetarian diets are not appropriate for cats unless supplemented with nutrients essential for cats that are not found in plants Taurine deficiency in cats causes several metabolic and clinical problems, including a potential risk of total blindness (a condition called FCRD — feline central retinal degeneration). It also causes dilated cardiomyopathy in cats, a disease of heart muscle conducing to heart failure. The two conditions can occur alone or together in any individual cat. Taurine retinopathy, also called FCRD, is deterioration and “death” of the retina that is caused by a deficiency of taurine in the diet of cats. Within 10 weeks of eating a diet low in taurine, the cone photoreceptors of the retina begin to deteriorate. The cones are responsible for bright-light and colour vision. Within 20 weeks, many of the cones are “dead”. If taurine remains deficient, eventually the rod photoreceptors (responsible for dim-light
vision) are also affected. Taurine affects both eyes in a symmetrical fashion, and the end result is complete blindness. Taurine deficiency in cats causes can also cause deafness, cardiomyopathy inadequate immune response, poor neonatal growth, reproductive failure and congenital defects. Since the discovery in 1987 that taurine deficiency can cause dilated cardiomyopathy, commercial cat foods have been manufactured with a higher content of taurine. For reasons yet to be fully understood, wet cat food requires twice the level of taurine supplementation of dry food, to allow the cat to absorb adequate levels of the nutrient. Taurine retinopathy may occur in cats that eat predominantly dog food or leftovers alone, because taurine is not supplemented in canine diets. Dogs can make taurine themselves from other dietary components. Taurine retinopathy is also sometimes found in cats that have been strays and in those exposed to poor-quality food. Cats that consistently eat a well-balanced commercial food rarely develop the disease. Good fats Fats (and oils) are composed of fatty acids, sometimes referred to as “vitamin F.” Linoleic (LA) and arachidonic acids have long been considered to be EFAs essential fatty acids for cats. More recently, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been added due to its important contribution to feline vision, reproductive health and the immune system. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) may also be of benefit. EFAs must be obtained from food sources. Unlike some animals, felines don’t efficiently convert plant sources of EFAs to the needed derivatives. For example, cats must eat meat to obtain arachidonic acid. Also, they don’t convert LA to gammalinolenic acid GLA (as some animals do), and studies show that GLA can benefit the health of feline skin and coat. Cats cannot synthesise some vitamins from precursors (pre-vitamin structures) in the diet. Cats are a bit different from other animals in that their ability to convert betacarotene to vitamin A is extremely limited. Because of this, cats must get all of the vitamin A and niacin they need directly from the food they eat.
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ASK THE EXPERT Deficiencies in vitamin A can adversely affect the health of the eyes, and adult cats deprived of niacin in their diet will lose weight and may even die because of it. The diets fed to many cats — especially canned food containing fat-laden fish products — make them more susceptible to deficiencies of certain vitamins, such as vitamin E. Vitamin E, an antioxidant, provides protection against oxidative damage. Some vitamins are not only essential in small doses, but are also toxic in excess amounts. Too much vitamin A — a natural consequence of feeding large amounts of liver to growing kittens — can cause hypervitaminosis A, a condition characterised by a variety of skeletal lesions. Basically my recommendations are that you make sure your feed your cat an adequate diet for his age, preferably from a reputable brand, as these are surely nicely- balanced, fully-supplemented diets. This way, you avoid spending more money and using extras supplements to complete cats diets. These Premium foods are grain-free and will always list a source of animal protein origin as the first ingredient. Never purchase
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a cat food that is made with corn, wheat or soy ingredients, or one that uses artificial additives like colours, flavours and artificial preservatives. Don’t try to compound or do an homemade diet to your cat without supervision of a veterinarian with nutritional know-how. Don’t forget: cats are carnivores (not herbivores or omnivores as we are), so protein should be the main focus of their diet and this needs to come from a premium animal source. Rui Rodrigues Oliveira, Veterinary Ophthalmologist, Amber Vet A veterinary ophthalmologist with international work engagements, Dr Rui Oliveira spends time working extensively in ophthalmology in the United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, China, Hong Kong, Dubai and Singapore. He attained the Certificate in Veterinary Ophthalmology awarded by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons London (RCVS) in 2012. Dr Oliveira enjoys treating eye cases in a wide variety of animals, and regularly performs surgery for cataract, glaucoma and conditions of the eyelids, cornea and retina. j
together time
pet time at bedtime
Plush pillows and satin sheets â&#x20AC;&#x201D; should your pet enjoy these creature comforts just as much as you do? WORDS: SABA KASH
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t’s 10pm and 27 year-old Nadiah Nayyar is tucking herself into bed. A few minutes later, her British Shorthair jumps into the single bed as well and finds a comfy spot at the foot of Nadiah’s bed. If this were to happen in Carol Chan’s bed, the 30-year-old public servant would have a fright. “I love my cats but would never let them into my bed!” she exclaims. This illustrates the “bed-or-no-bed” issue that divides many pet lovers; in fact, the American Pet Products Association found that it’s neatly split in two, with half preferring their pet in their beds and half despising it. Whichever side you lie on, here are some things to remember when it comes to bringing your pet into your bed.
ALLERGENS ABOUND Cats and dogs often bring dirt, grass and pollen back home from their outdoor adventures. This can spell disaster for those who struggle with asthma and skin sensitivities, since these are often allergens. Constant exposure to fur and dander can also exacerbate symptoms. But if sleeping with your pet is non-negotiable, place a HEPA filter in the bedroom to reduce reactions.
2. THE POWER OF COMPANIONSHIP Sleeping with your pet next to you actually has myriad benefits for both you and your pet. Cosleeping increases the amount of time you get to spend with your furry friend. In instances where you’re away from home throughout the day, it may help reduce stress and feelings of loneliness your pet may experience, according to the American Kennel Club. Sleeping next to your four-legged buddy can also improve your mental wellbeing. That’s because it fosters a sense of safety, which will have you feeling well-rested the next day.
3. HYGIENE HANDBOOK While it may carry quite a low risk, bringing your pet into bed with you may bring in fleas and ticks, as well as any possible infections your pet may be carrying. However, there’s no reason to be alarmed as long as you take your pet to the vet regularly. With the average, healthy pet, there is a very low risk of illnesses being transmitted. Another downside of co-sleeping with an animal is the fact that they carry fecal matter. If your pet wanders around outside, it probably steps in and plays around poop. In the same way that you wouldn’t wear your shoes into bed, you should note that your pet may probably carry some of the outside in with it when you welcome it into your bed. Beat this hurdle by always washing your pet’s feet after time outdoors.
4. TOSS AND TURN Another main concern of snoozing with your pet is creating a disruption in your nightly routine. If you’ve ever slept next to a partner, you should realise that sleeping with a pet is no different. There’s tossing and turning, and maybe even a fight for space. As a loving pet owner, it can be tough moving your sleeping fur baby to make more room for yourself. However, a study by Mayo Clinic found that sleeping with a dog did not compromise on sleep quality. And a sleep specialist from that clinic also observed that a purring cat was conducive to sleep and aided in destressing!
5. IS IT SAFE A big concern when co-sleeping with pets is accidentally hurting them when you’re asleep. Such incidents unfortunately do happen, and there really is no preventing them. While it may be tough keeping a whining Chihuahua out of the bedroom, it might really for their own good. But of course, if your ‘baby’ is a giant Alaskan Malamute, your concerns might be very different! g
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top dog
A ROYAL PUP
A popular purebreed, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a family-friendly dog that gets along well with children and other animals.
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CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL • Weight: 5.9 - 8.2kg (for both males and females) • Size: 30 - 33cm tall • Grooming frequency: Daily brushing with a medium-bristle brush • Lifespan: 9 - 14 years • Health issues: Commonly seen major health problems include syringomyelia (fluid in the spinal cord), mitral valve disease (a heart condition), and canine hip dysplasia (can affect mobility in golden years)
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he Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was originally bred from the Toy Spaniel, which were a very popular breed between the 16th and 18th centuries. The breed got its name from King Charles II of England, who would not go anywhere without fewer than three spaniels by his feet. He loved his dogs so much; some even accused the king of neglecting his royal duties to take care of them. And while 'Cavies' come in four different colours, only those with black and tan fur are true Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Their brilliant, silky coats require not more than regular brushing and the occasional bath. Brushing is essential as it not only keeps the coat shiny and tangle-free, but also provides an enjoyable full-body massage. Grooming sessions provide an opportunity to inspect the dog for any skin issues. Check their ears weekly for signs of infection and trim their nails at least once a month to avoid pain and discomfort from overgrown nails. They are also known as comfort dogs, as — in the bad old days — owners of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels would bring them into their beds to serve as their decoy against fleas. While this affectionate dog loves to cuddle and snuggle on laps and soft pillows, they are more athletic than you would think. These pups always require a well-fenced yard or a leash as they are incredibly active dogs who need no invitation to chase down squirrels, birds and even butterflies. As such, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is highly dependent on human companionship. They cannot be left alone for too long and
PRODUCT PICKS Pouch Chicken With Beef, Baby Corn & Broccoli (Dogs) 150g Applaws As Cavaliers can be prone to weight gain, pick for them healthy, low-fat treats masde using natural ingredients. Available for $3.20 at Pet Lovers Centre. Vario Tape Medium 5m Flexi A retractable dog leash will help you keep your pup in control when outside while also allowing it to wander freely to feed its curiosity. Available for $55.00 at Pet Lovers Centre.
need interaction for most of the day, becoming stressed if shown insufficient care and affection. Lonely Cavaliers will whine, bark or chew and damage objects around the house. To keep your dog happy, regular walks, moderate exercise and outdoor activities should suffice. They are smart dogs that are easily trained and excel at several canine sports such as obedience, rally and agility. As with any breed, early socialisation and puppy training classes will help your dog gain the confidence and develop an outgoing, friendly temperament. Some Cavaliers are prone to gaining weight, so it is important to monitor your dog’s consumption and weight. If you do decide to give your pup treats, exercise caution and do so in moderation. Food scraps should also be fed sparingly, and one should avoid cooked bones of high-fat foods. There are other health issues that Cavaliers tend to suffer as they age. These include eye conditions such as retinal problems and cataracts, patella luxation (trick knees), hip dysplasia, middle ear infections, mitral valve heart disease and a neurological condition known as syringomyelia. These conditions can be screened for and most dogs will live comfortably into old age. h
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Fancy Feline
Mist from down under Bred in Australia, the Australian Mist is a relatively new breed known for being excellent indoor cats.
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AUSTRALIAN MIST • Weight: Australian Mist • Size: 5 - 6kg (males), 4 - 5kg (females) • Grooming frequency: Their coats are short and lack an undercoat. As such, they require a quick brush once a week. Don’t overlook the dental health of these cats as they are prone to gingivitis. A good dental care regime, comprising daily tooth brushing and dentalfriendly treats, is essential. • Lifespan: 12 - 15 years • Health issues: Very few genetic conditions but look out for common feline ailments like renal failure, hyperthyroidism and diabetes.
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his medium-sized short-haired cat is distinctive for its round head and large, beautiful eyes. The breed comes in many colours such as the common brown or chocolate, or more intense hues like blue, lilac and gold, and sport either a spotted or marbled coat and spotted tummies. But while they are a beautiful breed, what Australian Mists fans love them for is their excellent temperament. Though they might purr loudly sometimes, they tend to be relatively quiet felines. And unlike many cats, they are very tolerant of being handled and are not inclined to scratch and ruin that expensive leather couch. They make perfect pets for children of all ages, even very young kids who might startle some cats with their unpredictable behaviour. They thrive on human contact and tend to crawl onto the nearest lap uninvited, making them excellent companions. Often, they will persuade their owners to play fetch with a scrunched-up paper ball or a toy. As kittens, Mists are lively breeds, but tend to mellow down as they grow older. Neutered or spayed cats of the breed get along well with other cats and dogs and will quickly become a member of the family when introduced. The 'Misty' also wants to be involved in everything that its owner does, which is peculiar for a cat. This can include ‘offering assistance’ when you’re doing laundry, making the bed, unpacking the groceries and even sampling what you’re whipping up in the kitchen. In fact, they display
a stunning level of almost human-like behaviour — a display of their intelligence. Given their playfulness, owners might want to “cat-proof” their house. These cunning cats have been known to open cupboards — or even fridge doors — which might seem like a harmless act of mischief, but could potentially create dangerous scenarios where the cat might get hurt, such as from falling objects. If your Mist displays such tendencies, consider using child locks as a preventive measure. Mists are bred to be indoor-only cats so owners should avoid letting them roam outside. Many owners cat-proof their gardens and supervise them outside, or build a pen where they can enjoy the sunshine and watch the birds. That said, some owners have successfully trained their Mists to go on walks on a lead. Being moderately active cats, Mists have the tendency to gain weight if their diet goes unmonitored. They are also prone to suffering from gingivitis and hence, it is necessary to maintain their dental hygiene. This can be achieved with a good-quality dry food, dental chews or even teeth brushing if they permit. Regular dental check-ups at the vet are also a great idea as they may require full descaling and polishing sessions under a general anaesthetic. q
PRODUCT PICKS NYLON HARNESS & LEAD (RED) Beeztees Does your Misty look like it needs to lose a bit of weight? Keep healthy with your pet and take your cat for for walks in this fashionably red harness and lead. Available for $13.90 at Pet Lovers Centre. GRAPPER TEASER Kong Australian Mists are playful, active cats that enjoy constant interaction from their owners. Use this toy teaser for hours of indoor fun. Available for $16.05 at Pet Lovers Centre.
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feathery friends
here comes the sun
Native to South America, the Sun Conure is a popular species for bird enthusiasts in Singapore.
SUN CONURE • Weight: 100 - 120g (both males and females) • Size: 30cm long (tail to tip) • Hygiene requirements: Provide filtered, chlorine-free, lukewarm water regularly for bathing; remove the water when done. Alternatively, mist the bird with water. • Lifespan: 15 - 20 years • Health issues: The misalignment of its beak (beak malocclusion) and psittacine beak and feather disease are conditions that owners should be wary of.
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amed so for its gorgeously bright yellow feathers, the Sun Conure is arguably one of the most vividly-coloured feathered creatures. With an average length of 30cm, the sun conure is a medium-sized bird with a classic parrot look, making them appealing to bird owners who do not have the room to house and care for larger birds. However, taking care of a Sun Conure is no easy task and requires a lot of commitment. For starters, these birds can live up to 30 years in captivity, which makes them almost lifelong companions — so be prepared to care for them for a good part of your life. They are also social birds and require a lot of interaction from their owners to stay healthy and happy. If you do not have the time to keep them entertained, at least give these curious and active birds a decently large bird cage with horizontal bars — as they are acrobatic birds that love to climb. They are comfortable in the tropical climate — so you do not have to crank up their air-conditioning for their sake. However, do note that their cage should be off the floor and away from open windows and doorways. Sun Conures tend to be light sleepers, so you should house them in a quiet environment with a cover over the cage. You might also want to consider offering them companionship through other birds. However, it is best to bond with both birds separately before housing two Sun Conures together. Mated pairs of Sun Conures can also get aggressive towards their owner during the breeding season, so ensure that your Sun Conure gets plenty of love through daily companionship, toys and a fun cage, otherwise they may result in screaming. And you do not want that to happen: a means for them to communicate in the wilderness, their ear-piercing scream can travel for kilometres! Their diet consists mainly of grains, seeds as well as insects. A good diet is a mixed one consisting of pellet foods and seed mixes. However, your Sun Conure may get bored of this, so throw in some fresh fruit and vegetables from time to time. Suitable ones include apples, bananas, carrots, peas and broccoli. Always remove any uneaten fresh foods after a couple of hours so that the food does not spoil. Wash the dishes as well before using them again. Never feed them avocado, chocolate or alcohol as these are toxic to them even in small amounts. If your bird starts losing appetite, sits on the floor of the cage, or looks unhealthy, a visit to the vet would be wise. Healthy Sun Conures eat and drink throughout the day, and exhibit dry nostrils and bright, dry eyes. u
PRODUCT PICKS ROTAM PERCH
Wild
A perch will keep your active sun conure happy by providing a nice surface to stand on and relax the rest of their body. Available for $20.30 at Pet Lovers Centre. SNACKS JELLY CUPS MIXED FRUIT 10PCS
Puik
Spruce up your pet bird’s diet with a tasty snack containing natural fruit juice. Available for $51.35 at Pet Lovers Centre.
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SMALL WONDER
RIBBIT, RIBBIT
While not a very commonly seen pet, the Green Tree Frog can make a great companion for the right person.
GREEN TREE FROG • Weight: 50 to 90g (both males and females) • Size: 6cm long • Hygiene requirements: Mist its tank daily to maintain humidity levels. • Lifespan: Two to five years • Health issues: Although the species is not prone to any particular condition, discoloration of its bright green skin is a sign that something’s amiss.
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ou probably have seen the Australian Green Tree Frog (Litoria caerulea) peddled as an easy to breed and long-lasting companion at local pet shops. However, be cautious from the get-go, since there are plenty of irresponsible shops that capture wild frogs and sell them as pets — such activities are detrimental to the environment and should not be supported. As far as possible, purchase pet frogs that are born in captivity and bred locally. Like all frogs, the Green Tree Frog ribbits as well. If you think you might be bothered by this, try to get a female frog as the males are a lot noisier. This is because they are the ones who begin the mating calls while the females only respond briefly. You may also want to avoid placing the tank in your bedroom. Frogs make distress calls occasionally, especially when they are being handled — which they dislike — so pick them up sparingly. This cute critter is one of the easiest pets to
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maintain and you should start with a plastic or glass tank about 50cm in length. The best home for a frog, however, is a terrarium. Frogs are amphibians, so a home with both wet and dry areas is necessary. The tank or terrarium needs a well-ventilated cover and the inner environment should be kept warm and humid, which is easily accomplished in Singapore. When taken good care of, the Green Tree Frog can live an average of 16 years. They are quite docile creatures and are unafraid of humans. Unlike larger pets, keeping a Green Tree Frog is easy and inexpensive. Most of them will reach around 10cm in length and do not require space to roam. The Green Tree Frog lives on a fairly simple diet of crickets, mealworms and other insects. However, you should beware of overfeeding your frog as most frogs do not get sufficient exercise in captivity and might end up obese, unlike their wild cousins. One cricket a day is a good guide. Green Tree Frogs are happy alone and do not usually require companionship. If you do intend on getting more than one frog, ensure that they are of the same species. You should also keep the new frog in a separate enclosure for three months to ensure that it is disease-free before introducing it to your other frog. Do note that a female frog can lay approximately 1,000 eggs at one go which means that one successful mating session can result in the successful hatching of hundreds of tadpoles — and eventually, many little ribbiting frogs. If that sounds like a terrifying scenario, keep all your frogs to one gender and simply purchase additional frogs from your pet shop when you feel like expanding your froggy family.u
PRODUCT PICKS ALL NATURAL FROG MOSS Zoo Med Frogs love humid conditions and this natural frog moss can thrive under proper terrarium conditions to keep your frog nice and moist. Available for $13.70 at Pet Lovers Centre. REPTILE CAVE NATURAL HIDING PLACE — LARGE Hagen To mimic a frog’s natural habitat, place terrain items such as this cave so that your frog can hide and sleep feeling safe. It may say ‘reptile’, but it is suitable for amphibians too. Available for $51.35 at Pet Lovers Centre.
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MARINE PARADE
EIGHT'S THE WAY TO GO
Rearing the common octopus might seem daunting, but preparation, research and the right equipment should keep your tentacled friend in good spirits.
COMMON OCTOPUS • Weight: Up to 4kg • Size: 60-90cm • Hygiene requirements: Ensure the water they live in is properly salted and cleaned after meals. Octopi are very messy eaters and the water quality degrades very quickly as a result. • Lifespan: One year • Health issues: Refusing food is a good sign that your octopi might be sick. Opt for a vet specialising in marine creatures.
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mateur aquarists, look away. The Common Octopus isn’t ideal for your green hands, no matter how pretty you think they’ll look in your tank. In fact, the amateur aquarist will quickly find that the Common Octopus comes with eight times the hassle of most aquarium inhabitants. But those who take the effort to learn about these creatures will find that they also eight times the joy. That’s because unlike other tank inhabitants, octopi are known for their affection and friendliness towards their owners — traits not normally associated with even the friendliest of fish. Here’s how you get to that stage. First, prepare a tank that’s big enough for your new tentacled tankmate. Ideally, it should be the only inhabitant since octopi are known for their vociferous appetite, devouring everything from crustaceans, small crabs, small fish, molluscs to live shrimp. If it is one octopi being kept in a tank, opt for one able to hold at least 200 litres of water. Given their preference for living in the depths of the ocean, the room the octopi is placed in should be dimly lit and away from direct sunlight. Using cardboard to line the back of the tank can also reduce ambient light. The water in the tank should also be saltwater, with a salinity between 1.022 — 1.023. Octopi have a reputation for being escape artists, so ensure your tank has a tight-fitting lid. For added security, place a stable weight on the lid to prevent a Houdini situation. When these conditions have been achieved, it’s time to bring your octopi home. The octopi needs time to adjust to new environments, so be sure to give it lots of hiding places. Large shells, rocks with crevices and even large plants can provide the octopi with much-needed shelter. Do not release the octopi straight from the bag and into the tank as this might agitate it and cause it to release ink. Besides ink, octopi are also known for their pigment sacs. These allow it to change colour to reflect its mood. For instance, a white indicates fear while a red suggests agitation. Understanding these moods will help you bond with your new pet.
PRODUCT PICKS REEF SALT (FOR 200L) Azoo Octopi are extremely sensitive to water conditions, so a good-quality salt mix matters. Available for $24.80 at Pet Lovers Centre. CORDLESS DIGITAL WATER THERMOMETER Gex If you’re serious about keeping an octopi, consider getting an aquarium chiller to keep your tank nice and cool — the sweet spot is around 24°C. This thermometer will keep you on the right track. Available for $17.70 at Pet Lovers Centre.
Feeding the animal at least once a day will help keep it healthy and strong. Octopi need some live food for enrichment and nutrition, but most also accept frozen shrimp and a few other foods. The staple for octopus diets is often thawed frozen shrimp, supplemented with live crabs. One of the major drawbacks of rearing octopus are their short lifespans. Most will live for less than 12 months in captivity but for those who can accept this, they will find that their pets may be short-lived but their ability to please and excite is never-ending. m
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been there, done that
BIG BREEDS & BREAKFAST WORDS: VINCE ONG PHOTOGRAPHY: WILDSEED CAFÉ AT THE ALKAFF MANSION When 27 July 2019 Where Wildseed Café @ The Alkaff Mansion
Big breeds have it tough in Singapore. Some have to be muzzled at all times in public, and your best furry friend may not always be welcome at public parks. And even when they do find a friendly dog run, it can still be challenging to find friends of a similar size. But we love our gentle giants all the same, and on 27 July, Pets Magazine organised a a special breakfast fit for epicureans at Wildseed Café to celebrate our love for big-breed dogs in Singapore.
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The response was overwhelming and tickets to the event were sold out within days. Attendees enjoyed an engaging yet relaxing Saturday morning, starting bright and early at 8.30am. They were first rewarded with a breakfast of poached eggs and bacon on toasted bagels with sides of garden salad and truffle fries, served in the beautiful cafe, which is housed in the ground floor of the 101 year-old Alkaff Mansion, itself nestled amid lush greenery. While enjoying the sumptuous spread, they also picked up nuggets on grooming from Ms. Faith Cheong from Animal Arts Academy. The senior groomer outlined grooming tips that may be relevant to large breeds, and also working breeds that tend to have double coats that require more care and grooming. Mr SK Ho, publisher of Pets Magazine, further entertained the breakfasters
with interesting anecdotes and canine facts and trivia. For instance, did you know that the smartest breeds are the larger one notably, Golden Retrievers, Border Collies and German Shepherds? Once breakfast wrapped up at around 10.30am, it was time to start off the Healthy Pack Walk to HortPark before the weather got too hot for the pups. It was an awesome sight: imagine a collective of large breeds: a Rhodesian Ridgeback, Doberman, German Shepherd and Greyhound to Golden Retriever, Labrador, Labradoodle, Border Collie, Siberian Husky â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and even a Singapore Special, all walking together as a handsome pack. Many small and medium breeds were in attendance too, as several of the big breed owners brought the entire fur family along for the pawty. It was an invigorating tree-top walk as the big dog-owners got to know each other and their pets. Smiles abounded as they encouraged their pets onwards, and at the end of the event, many said they would definitely take part in the next one. A farewell gift bag packed with treats and sundries served as a souvenir of the event, but the best takeaway for attendees was probably the wonderful memories made through the event. Interested in taking part in the next one? Look out for announcements of the next Breed & Breakfast in your email and our Facebook page!
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been there, done that
SOMETHING FISHY IS GOING ON When 25 Jun 2019 Where QianHu Fish Farm Kids from the Pet Lovers Junior Club (PLJC) had their very first fish-themed event held at QianHu Fish Farm and organised by Pet Lovers Centre. It was a fun-filled day packed with lots of interactive activities and educational takeaways. Pet Care Consultant Keil kick-started the event by introducing the world of fishes to the young enthusiasts through loads of fun facts. They then had the opportunity to take a guided tour of QianHu Fish Farm. QianHu Fish Farm Trading is one of Singapore’s most well-known fish farms, exporting over 1,000 species and varieties of fish to more than 80 countries around the world, and contributing more than 15% of total Singapore ornamental fish exports. This meant there was a lot of fish to discover! It was an eye-opening experience where they not only got to see the different breeds of fishes — betta, goldfish, arowana and many more — but also understand their different needs. Next up was some hands-on time! Our young participants tried their hand at longkang fishing – a pastime their parents probably enjoyed in their own childhood! It was hard work but probably a first time for many of the children, and proved immensely fun for all. Another big bonus was that the kids got to bring home the fishes that they have caught! The children also took home PLJC bags with cute stationery — but the most precious thing they took away from the event was probably the wonderful memories of a fun and educational day spent with their pet-loving friends!
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Back To School CFA Championship Cat Show When 22 Jun 2019 Where Far Eat Plaza Far Eat Plaza was purring with activity on 22 June when the Feline Fanciers Society of Singapore (FFSS) held their ‘Back to School’ Championship Cat Show. Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) judges, Carol Fogarty (USA) and Toshihiko Tsuchiya (Japan) had the pleasure of handling over 80 felines with origins ranging from Singapore to Siberia. In typical CFA-style show format, each cat was judged in a preliminary round before being selected to compete in the finals — where the top 10 cats of each competitive category were awarded. GH Kyqueen, a stunning Blue and White Domestic shorthair was the overall Household Pet winner. The Premiership class was topped by GP Emmanuel Curli Duke, a 1-year-old American Curl. The Championship category saw 2 cats tie for a share of the spoils – GC Siberian Spirit Harwig, a Brown Spotted Tabby male Siberian; and GC Castlkatz William of Chubbybuddy, a Blue male British Shorthair. After some deliberation, the judges’ pick was the Best Kitten in Show; a Cream and White Persian, Leveilleur Veridian’s Heart, to award as their Best of the Best. After the serious competition came to an end, the eagerlyawaited Best Dressed contest took centre stage in the evening. Despite facing strong competition, GP Pussyfoot Berry Kisses and her uber-creative mom Daphne Hoon, drove home with the title of Best Dressed Cat in their magical school bus! With each participant receiving door gifts totaling over $120, sponsors Raw Instinct, Bone Broth Dr, Royal Canin, Mushroom Cat, Cat’s Best, Pet Lovers Centre and more made everyone a winner from the start of the day. The FFSS would like to thank all sponsors and participants for their continued support!
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OSIM SUNDOWN MARATHON When 1 Jun 2019 Where F1 Pit Building Advocating a healthy lifestyle for your pet starts with keeping yourself in tip-top shape! This is why Pet Lovers Centre (PLC) has always actively participated in events that encourage healthy living. The latest was the OSIM Sundown Marathon, which PLC staff has been participating in since 2016. This corporate run saw some 40 PLC employees putting on their sports gear to pound the pavement, alongside employees from 1010 Mother & Child Essentials. Asia’s largest night race, the OSIM Sundown Marathon Singapore saw close to 25,000 runners flagging off at the F1 Pit Building at around midnight, and continuing their run towards East Coast Park. The race route took participants through some of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks, but this wasn’t the time to stop and admire the beauty of the cityscape, especially for the ambitious ones who were vying to break their personal records. The cool of the night certainly helped to refresh our runners, but it still took some effort to get to the finish line — but everybody proudly completed their course, with a little bit of encouragement from fellow racers. It was an invigorating activity for all — and certainly inspires us to perhaps take our dogs for a night run in the future!
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UPCOMING EVENT
PAW FEST 2019 When 13 – 15 September 2019 Where I12 Katong
Get ready for a weekend extravaganza of animal fun as the fourth edition of Paw Fest returns to I12 Katong! Our three-day programme is packed with educational talks conducted by experts, fun demos such as sushi-making workshops and agility training highlights, adoption drives, stage games, and all-round fun for both paw-rents and fur-kids. This year, we are set to create a new entry in the Singapore Book of Records: for the biggest gathering of pets wearing bandanas. Paw-rents, get creative and dress your pooch or purr-pal in a bandana — be it something as simple as a neckerchief, or a statement-making bespoke piece — and join us in setting this new national record!
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Join us on a pack walk during Paw Fest 2019, at 6.30pm to 7.30pm on 13 September, Friday. Officially starting from the outdoor walkway of I12 Katong, it will see participating dogs leash-walked by their owners on a loop route with road marshals along the way to guide all. The 20 minute-long walk leads back to the mall — where all are welcome to rest and relax in the cool of the indoor atrium after an invigorating session! From burrowing hamsters and energetic gebrils to lazing chinchillas and gentle bunnies, there is something absolutely irresistible about small furries. Come down and get up close and personal with these cuties at Paw Fest 2019, where we have organised a display of small animals. Don’t forget to register at www.petsmagazine.com.sg/ pawfest2019 for a chance to win our Grand Lucky Draw Prize! What’s more, registered guests will also receive a goodie bag* for their pet in attendance! * While stocks last.
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