Rex and Rosie, the Dobermutts, are ex-strays living a life of luxury. Photo: Alison Murugesu
For pampered pets, holidays are pure happiness. They love having the family around, soak up the happy holiday vibe, and as a bonus there is the pleasure of special food.
In recent years, there has been an explosion in the pet treat business. According to market research firm Polaris Marketing, we are increasingly treating our furry friends as family.
As such, the global pet treat market was valued at US$36.38bil (RM164bil) in 2023 and it’s expected to grow at a whopping compound annual growth rate of 11.8% until 2030.
With Chinese New Year coming up, we talked to one dog lover about her plans for her two furries.
Rex and Rosie had a tricky start in life, being dumped in 2015 on the street with three siblings in Taman Melawati, Ulu Klang, Selangor, home to Zoo Negara and the Firefly Park.
Thankfully, local resident Alicia Ling heard their cries and took them in.
“Jason, my mechanic, heard about a group of pups being rescued and he took in one of them,” says Alison Murugesu, a freelance writer in Kuala Lumpur. “Most of the pups were brown so he picked the black one as they’re harder to adopt out. Then, a few days later, another pup turned up, same look, same colour, definitely the same family, and so he took her in too.”
The pups were tiny, less than three months old, and they had the striking dark fur of puppy German Shepherds and Dobermans.
Sadly, Jason became ill a year later. Hearing of his plight, Murugesu stepped in and adopted Rex and Rosie.
While dogs are prized for their devotion, bravery, and their companionship skills the world over, ex strays often live a hard life, being outside and alone, and living off scraps or plain biscuits.
Rex and Rosie were born under a lucky star because their new mum has given them a luxurious life. The two dogs live with her in the house, have the best food, and are spoilt rotten with treats during the holidays too.
“They’re nicknamed the Dobermutts,” Murugesu laughs. “They aren’t doggy dogs although they’re well-behaved with other dogs when on neutral territory, like when we go for dog pool parties run by their kennel boarder. What they love most is being with people.”
Pampered pets usually also revel in dog toys that are specially adapted for their needs. There are chew toys made from digestible materials that are designed to redirect inappropriate chewing of shoes and sofas and that will also clean the pet’s teeth.
Balls and rope toys are also huge because they allow dogs to play species appropriate games like chasing, fetching and pulling.
Then there are the blankets, baskets, collars and throws, all made from soft materials and typically printed with paws, designed to make pets comfortable and attractive.
However, not all dogs indulge their inner wild canid and the Dobermutts actively reject materialism.
“Rex and Rosie are not into toys,” Murugesu sighs. “At Christmas, they have their presents under the tree but I’ve learned to keep it to food. Even the Japanese cooled dog basket didn’t make the cut – probably because they like to hang out on the sofa. The dehydrated lamb shank went over well, though.”
Dogs don’t feature particularly in the Christmas stories but in Chinese mythology the dog is an important character.
In the famous race held by the Jade Emperor, the dog got so excited about playing in the river, splashing about and having fun, that he came in second last. The only animal slower was the pig that stopped off for a meal and then fell into a food coma.
Rex and Rose like their fun like the astrological dog but they share the pig’s obsession with food. For Chinese New Year, Murugesu will get the furries their red packets stuffed entirely with treats.
“Last year, we had dehydrated duck,” Murugesu muses. “This year, we have Yee Sang for dogs. It’s dehydrated dog friendly treats like lamb meatballs, steamed broccoli, pineapple flakes, and dehydrated fish, duck and liver.”
The one thing the pets do not enjoy about the holiday season is the noise. Fireworks and firecrackers upset them, and as it goes on for the entire festival, Murugesu plans to keep them happy.
“When they were young, they were terrified of the noise,” Murugesu points out. “Now they are older, they grumble rather than cower. But as it does worry them, we lock ourselves in and keep them company.”
Dogs need walks and Rex and Rosie go out for theirs in the early morning and evening when it’s nice and cool. Fireworks are night displays which is when the family are all inside, but firecrackers are a menace.
“Very early morning is mostly firecracker-free and we also drive to the park and walk there because it is quiet,” Murugesu says. “In the evening, we must hope for the best. We also keep an eye out for unusual activity; when there are people gathering, we turn around and avoid them.”
And if there is noise, there’s a comfortable sofa at home, with plenty of holiday treats.
Rex and Rosie might have come to a sticky end when they were dumped as pups. Thankfully, Alicia Ling, the kind lady rescuer, Jason the mechanic, and finally Alison Murugesu secured them a haven and happy life.
The Dobermutts are blessed, and hopefully it’s a fate all strays will eventually share.
Gong Xi Fa Cai! Wishing you and your furry friends an auspicious and prosperous Chinese New Year, filled with love, treats and rich in tail-wagging moments.
Adopt Me
Crackle is spayed, vaccinated, dewormed and healthy. This pretty girl is four years old and brimming with personality. As the smile says, she is cheeky, flirtatious and affectionate. Crackle is also wonderful with other dogs!
Interested adopters, please contact Shannon (012-222 4368) to view at Sungai Long, Selangor.