Great Easter Sunday

We had our mini adoption drive on Sunday past. Yes, the drive went very successfully. Thanks to all those who took time off on an Easter Sunday to bring our beloved pooches for a day out (A & C, M, G & W, J & friend, A, also photographers, XX, L and their group). What fun we all had. The RATS pack were enamoured by the pats and attention the volunteers had for them. And then the marvellous treats and snacks that kind visitors brought and bought for them. It was treats galore, from beef jerky to chicken flavoured bites to fish sticks, we doubt the Pack had ever seen so much before, so much to smell and eat, with no one saying no, there was plenty for seconds, thirds and even more. Milo especially the one who is ever ready and can never say no to an offer of food. Milo rejected snacks towards the end and that meant he ate so much, so much that he was completely full. In his own usual well mannered way, he did accept politely what was given but dropped it on second thoughts.

The beautiful 'Adopt me' scarves crafted so lovingly by A. Thanks so much.

What a fun time we had, the Pack drew a lot of pats and cuddles.

See the beautiful hand painted poster, balloons - So much care and thought went into these details, all credit to A & C

We handed out flyers on that day and many people dropped in because they had heard there were dogs in front of "Loving Pets". Many came already recognising the pack from the blog and the special story they each carried, and yet there were others, without an inkling who they were. But all visitors were treated to the sweet temperament and patience of the dogs. The Pack really did us proud. They were so well behaved and they understood it was an important day. Even Cara did not jump as much, so quiet she was. Except for let ups of a few pushes now and then, as personal space got invaded, they were amicable, sweet and such darlings. We are so proud of them, so very proud.

All the visitors, children, adults, strangers commented how good natured and friendly they were. They were patted and stroked and cuddled, photographed. It was a tiring day for them too but the weather was great. Yes it did drizzle but that did not damper our spirits, rather it helped as it wasn't too humid or hot. We had prayed for sunny skies but God knew better, He gave us intermittent slight drizzle which refreshed us and helped us not to get heatstroke or the dogs panting too much.

I'm ready, where's the snacks, yum, I'm the golden boy, I look good, yeah, says Milo

I'm ready too, Who's coming, who? who? I'm so excited, yelps Cara

Do I look beautiful, see my scarf, do you like it, is it my colour? (flutter flutter) whispers shy Mama Brown

Hey Golden boy, better watch out, they don't call me the Macho for nothing, ok ok I will wear the scarf, (sigh, what's a macho dog doing with a scarf, grumble grumble) mumbles Horlicks

Yes, the drive was successful not because we rehomed our beloved dogs, in fact we didn't get too much queries on their adoption status but it was extremely successful in that we achieved what we had wanted to do, We displayed that there were beautiful good natured dogs for adoption and we also created awareness that Animal Lovers League (ALL) existed.

Animal Lovers League

A shelter like ALL (http://www.animalloversleague.com/) so humble and quiet about their rescue efforts should not be hidden. They should be blitzed and blogged about on the great job they are doing. Regrettfully, due to a lack of manpower, ALL remains relatively unknown to many pet owners and only among some rescuers and rehomers, we know how much sacrifice and effort they have put in, for the animal welfare of Singapore. Many surviving dogs and cats can attest to their second chance in life because of ALL.

Currently ALL need aid on food for those in their care, besides many others, please visit http://www.animalloversleague.com/wordpress/ to see their lack. If you can help them supply their needs, Ms. A has very kindly offered a simple online avenue. Click on http://myconceptpetstore.blogsrc.com/a-help-for-the-strays-at-all/ and partner with us so that the dogs and cats in ALL can stay healthy and happy.

So in the end it doesn't matter that our Pack returned to the kennel where they are now boarding, they returned very happily, with big smiles and happy wags and a full full tummy and lots of yips, barks and woofs to share. And us, we carry with us happy memories that Easter Sunday of 2009 was spent very fruitfully, very happily with lots of fun and one we will not forget.

What a great day it has been. Horlicks has the last word

Kudos to "Loving Pets, 168 East Coast Road"

Ms. J of Loving Pets is to be lauded in the stray and rehoming efforts. Hers is one of the very few pet shops in Singapore who do not sell livestock. If you are not in the pet business you probably would not appreciate it but we have friends who have had to close their petshops, shops who do not sell animals as they could no longer sustain the business. Selling livestock in petshops make the shop a lot of money. Much more than you can imagine. When a pet shop chooses not to sell a pup or a kitten, the profit margin drops drastically. A bag of kibble, an accessory, a toy, even a pet carrier, all these have very very low profit margin and for a shop to just depend on these, without the sale of live animals, would mean huge traffic volume, sell a lot and sell more.

And so we applaud Ms. J for her stand on this. Inspite of how hard it is to run the business especially in a very competitive industry, she still does it with a big smile and opens her place to welfare groups. And she humbly puts it “I did the least” but she has done a tremendous more than that. We know she also support many stray feeders, both dogs and cats through her rock bottom price of kibbles and cans to them.

Now why would Ms. J, a business woman choose not to sell pets? Many of you might think it foolish, money is money. For some it is everything but for others, money cannot buy a peace of mind that what is wrong cannot be justified no matter how rosy a picture you paint. Pet shop pups, those cute cuddly little ones you see in their rosy hued box. How cute, you ooze, how perfectly sweet, you whisper. If we showed you their parents in the breeding farm you'll probably drop them in disgust or fear, much less even think of cuddling them. But it is not the puppy's fault, that is true, we so agree with you. It is the fault of the breeders, yes we agree with you too. But by buying one is condoning that it is ok, that it is perfectly all right and the trade is accepted. But it is not. It cannot. We should not let it. Many more breeding dogs will die, some from neglect and some from diseases, many from injuries, and more often than not, these are backyard breeders, so hard to trace, so difficult to clamp down.

Don't get us wrong, we do love breed, pedigrees should be treasured for the line and blood they carry. There is pride in the dam and sire and the history of the bloodline. But these come from reputable breeders and do not usually display their pups in a pet shop. Some of these breeders are very strict who buys their pups and if they deem you are not suitable, they actually turn down the potential owner. To them it is not about the money but the quality and maintaining high standard in that breed. This a huge difference from a pet shop pup.

There is a right way to breeding and there is a wrong. Have you heard before how female dogs on heat are being tossed into a cage full of male dogs? Imagine how it feels for the poor single female dog. It is no wonder that many breeding bitches, die of injuries or get cruelly mauled in that rush, that madness when male dogs tear each other out, or tear out the ears, chunks of flesh, skin of the single female, crazed by the smell of a female dog in heat? No it probably never occurred to some of you, read more and check out internet on these stories. Unfortunately, they are not fiction but facts, that's how it is like in some breeding farms. Then there are some who lock up their dogs day and night, male and female for years and years of their productive life. The dogs do not get a chance to go out, walk in the ground, touch grass, see the sky, smell the air outside their small cooped up cage. Food is tossed into these cages which are already filled with pee and poo. The faster dogs get to eat more, the slower ones only get to lick the remains of what is left amidst the waste. No plates, where is the time for plates, why the waste of water to wash plates. Come on! plates are a luxury for breeding dogs. (sigh) The next time you see your beloved home dog eating his dinner off a plate, remember the ones in the breeding farm - plates?

Can anyone wonder upon release from these cages, the dogs never want to walk, dare not move. Touching grass is scary and so is traffic and so are people. These ones are considered the lucky ones, they survived the ordeal, like a prisoner of war, lock up for years and years, now it is their time to be freed. But there are some farms who drown what they no longer want, no evidence, no need the mop up and no need to waste any more time. And what was the reason for the poor dog’s plight, they have reached unproductive years or their litter became smaller or poorer quality.

We remember an incident in 2004, December when a licenced (what a laugh) breeder was fined for the abuse of his breeding dogs. We will not post their photos here, it is too tragic to see them but you can read more here http://www.mettacats.org/abused_dogs.htm. The photos we have seen are far worse that what is posted on the web, far far worse. The abuse resulted in the death of three dogs in total, one was found as a carcass, eaten by the other dogs who had nothing to eat, another died a few days later after the rescue, the third died eventually of related breeding infections. Only one survived to carry testimony on the cruelty of her breeder. She is still alive, her will to live was very strong and we are glad she did for she is enjoying the life that so rightfully should have belonged to all four of them.

It has since been 4 years plus this happened but with just a fine to the breeder, like a light tap on the palm of a naughty child, it has not deterred others to stop this horrible trade. It is big money making, big bucks and as long there are people willing to buy, there will always be people ready to supply. Why support this trade and make money for cruel people. Why walk into a pet shop that sells live animals. Why don't you support those who choose not to. There are some pet shops in Malls who cannot sell. This is not a choice but still it is far better than those who sell. Shops like Loving Pets are the ones we should support. We have seen too many good people, honest true blue good people, like Ms. J running pet shops choosing not to sell live animals and having to close down because not enough people understood or wanted to walk in as there were no cute pets to draw them in. By walking into the shop, even if just to browse is showing your support.

We would rather show ours to those who choose to the right thing. If they can choose to do that, despite just breaking even year after year, why can't we also choose to do the same, do the right thing. We should band together and ban those with livestock to sell.

Adopt, Don’t buy

You do not need to buy a pet in order to have one. Look around you, there are so many AWGs with a pet to adopt. You want a dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig, hamster, so many pets are up for adoption. If you need help, let us know, we can help you find one, surely among the so many looking for homes, there would be a right one for you. Why the need to buy. A pet is a pet whether it is bought or adopted. There are breeds and there are crosses. We love the crosses we have rescued as they are our special dogs. They all have a story to tell. They all fought to survive. They did no wrong, crossed no path, all they crave is love and some understanding.

Our five in the kennels are such beautiful dogs, in temperament, in spirit, in nature. They are so appreciative of each pat or stroke. Their look of love towards us answers any question why we do what we do. To know them is to love them. We have been far more touched by them, then they us. Yes, truly, we are the better to have known them.

Devoted Cara - Sterlised Female http://theratspackadoption.blogspot.com/2009/03/devoted-mia-cara-for-adoption.html

Classy Milo - Neutered Male http://theratspackadoption.blogspot.com/2009/03/classy-milo-for-adoption.html

Gentle Mama Brown - Sterilised Female http://theratspackadoption.blogspot.com/2009/03/gentle-mamabrown-for-adoption_18.html

Macho Horlicks - Neutered male http://theratspackadoption.blogspot.com/2009/03/dog-with-heart-of-gold-macho-horlicks_18.html

Farm beagles – For adoption or fostering

We have just been informed two days ago there is yet another female beagle looking for a home. Unfortunately this beagle is crippled due to an accident in a breeding situation. (another casualty among breeding dogs) We do not know how long ago this happened (sigh). So as of now, there is now one male and two female beagles, of which one is crippled, for rehoming or fostering. The beagles need to find fostering soon as we have been told they are not being fed much. They are approximately 5 years old.

The earlier three have been rescued, one adopted and named "Four" as she was rescued on the 4 of April. The other two Amber and Sandy are still being fostered, adoption still in consideration by their fosterers. But these three are adjusting very well in home who have showered love and care on the much food and love starved dogs. More stories of Four and Amber will out in our next blog as this one is pretty long. If anyone is keen to adopt or able to foster a beagle, please do drop us a line at anaterry@singnet.com.sg or call 98383820.

Snowy (little terrier) - For Adoption

The little terrier has been rescued and currently under foster care with J. He is extremely malnourished and very thin. He has tufts of missing fur but the vet has confirmed it is due to improper food intake and found him to be of reasonable good health. J is trying to toilet train him, a feat which will take much patience and time but she has said he is very sweet and clingy, always following her around. We are very happy is out from that hell and on his way to rehabilitation.

(NO LONGER AVAILALE - Lex has been adopted and Jet will be staying on)

Two 3-month old puppies are up for adoption.

Jet

Lex

Jet and Lex are both playful, healthy and friendly pups. They were rescued from the verge of death and dreadful itch as they were furless and covered in rashes when first found. Because of loving fosterers, good nourishing food and medical care, their fur has been restored and now they are ready for new adventures in a new home. Extremely intelligent, they love children and other dogs and fun.

The black/white pup is a female her name is Jet, so named for her shiny glossy jet black fur.

The brown/white pup is a male and his name is Lex, for he exudes the potentials of a strong dog.

If you wish to adopt one or both of them, please email anaterry@singnet.com.sg or call 98383820. They do not need to be adopted together.

Help Hugo!

Hugo is a surviving puppy from a litter of puppies that have all foundhomes. Sadly, Hugo was not rescued when he was chubby and small unlike hissiblings. He was not sighted by us when we had rescued the other puppies. He had probably lost his way and was left to survive it he jungle with no foodor water or shelter. However, he had found his way to the area where we fed our dogs and is developing a very sweet personality now. He is still very thin and requires a lot more good food. PLEASE help us help Hugo! We can do all we can to help him get better but can you be the one to give him a home he deserves?

Hugo is a local male dog. He is 4 months old, has a great personality and warms up gradually. We are sure that someone out there can see the beauty we see in him and give him a home of his own just like his lucky siblings have gotten. Please call Christine @ 97937162

Harry - Husky/Golden Cross up for adoption

Beautiful golden Harry was found on the 19th of Dec 2008, abandoned, homeless, all bones and extremely hungry. A kind person has been fostering him since. Harry is approximately 5 to 6 years of age. He is medium-large sized and suitable for private estates. Harry is good with humans, even allowing strangers to pat and cuddle him tight. Harry is a beauty to behold.

It would be preferable for someone who has the experience in dealing with the husky breed so as to enhance his needs process but Harry is gentle in nature. He is also sociable with smaller dogs although he might be territorial to big male dogs. Please contact: winterain14@gmail.com

Animal Lovers League (ALL) fundraising charity dinner on Tuesday, 5th May, 2009

During this time of financial difficulty, the kennels are hard hit as they may not be the priority on everyone's mind. The need for shelter, medicines and meals, however, still continues for these homeless, rescued, abandoned and abused animals, many with no sponsorship. Animal Lovers League, a non-profit organisation, (http://www.animalloversleague.com) looking after the welfare of these animals therefore has to constantly solicit for funds and appeal to the generosity of animal lovers and well-wishers to perpetuate this noble undertaking of this organisation to better the lives of the animals, giving them a second chance in life.

The funds raised, will essentially go towards the day-to-day operational demands of the shelter, affectionately known as 'Pets Villa'. Merchandise such as notebooks, hand-painted T-shirts, hand made soaps, decorative candles and such will be also available on the day of the event.

Tickets cost $150.00 for a delicious 4 course meal featuring modern Singaporean cuisine at a posh restaurant at Wild Rockets @ Mt. Emily (http://www.wildrocket.com.sg/wildrocket.htm).

What better way to support this 'big hearted' kennel and at the same time enjoy a cosy, fabulous meal with your loved ones.

Please call one of the following contact to purchase your tickets or if you need more information :
9670-8052 or 9154-6422 or 9838 3820 or email anaterry@singnet.com.sg

Thank you for your kind support

Animal Lovers League at Pets Villa
61 Pasir Ris Farmway 3

Thank you for your generosity.

It goes a long way to the dogs and cats at Pets Villa.