Your Pet Story: This Shih Tzu has a winning personality


Tarwin’s lovable personality has endeared him to his family, relatives and neighbours. — Maya Murthee
Do you have an interesting story about your pet that you would like to share? We’d love to hear from you. Tell us in 600-800 words (in Text or Word format), with three to four photos (1MB, captioned, in JPEG format). There is no payment for submissions. We reserve the right to edit all submissions. Email: lifestyle@thestar.com.my with the subject 'My Pet Story'.

My family and I reside in Penang Alma, a suburb in Bukit Mertajam, Penang. Our family has a pet dog whose name is Tarwin, a male Shih Tzu, and he has been with our family for five years.

Tarwin is a very active and playful dog. One of his favourite things to do is go for walks twice a day.

During his walks, he loves to sniff around the area for new and unfamiliar scents. To keep Tarwin happy, my family members and I often take him out for walks whenever we are free.

Like many other dogs, Tarwin has his own special quirks and habits that make him unique and precious to us. After every walk, he needs someone to wash his paws. If no one is around to wash his paws, he would wait in the bathroom until one of the family members obliges.

Tarwin’s favourite snack is Jerhigh sticks. These dog treats come in many different flavours and types, and they are packed with nutrients and vitamins which ensure that Tarwin is well-nourished.

During Tarwin’s relaxation time, he loves to play ball – whether it is playing fetch, rolling it or simply chewing on it. He is a very playful dog as he loves to disturb me while I am studying. Tarwin is also very protective, as he once bit my brother for fighting with me.

However, no pet is truly fearless. Tarwin is especially afraid of thunder during thunderstorms, as well as firecrackers which are usually set off during festivities.

His favourite hiding spot when these events are occurring is under the bed, where he will hide until the thunder or sound of firecrackers cease. Tarwin usually calms down and is content when we comfort him and stay beside him when he is afraid.

As a purebred “Indian” dog, another one of Tarwin’s favourite snacks is muruku.

Whether it is during Deepavali time or just a normal day, Tarwin will hang around family members who are snacking on muruku and hope for treats to be given – which usually happen, since no one in our family can resist those puppy eyes he gives when he wants a treat.

Yet another one of Tarwin’s favourite treats are sausages. Whenever there are sausages being cooked in the kitchen, his sharp nose picks up the scent and he hangs around family members who are eating sausages.

Tarwin is a very lucky dog as he is loved by everyone and hence, everyone spoils him by giving him his favourite treats – muruku, sausages and Jerhigh sticks.

Tarwin’s puppy-like sense of innocence and good behaviour has remained with him until adulthood. Even now, he is still a very innocent and good boy, which causes those around him to love him very much and grow very fond of him. Even neighbours and relatives enjoy being around Tarwin because of his good manners and loveable personality.

Tarwin has a very special bond with each family member. I believe that Tarwin can sense how much we all love him, and that he trusts us wholeheartedly. When we arrive home after school or work, Tarwin is always the first one to greet us by running to the gate. Just seeing Tarwin and the fond expression on his face is enough to make our day better.

In conclusion, our family loves and treasures Tarwin very much. Over the years, we have made countless memories with him. We consider him a family member, and we are very lucky to have Tarwin in our lives.

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Pets , dogs , family dogs , Shish Tzu , Tarwin

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