Tan (centre) holding a dog-topped cake, with her pups on her lap, celebrating Luca’s birthday. — Photos: YAP CHEE HONG, MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI and CHAN BOON KAI/The Star and courtesy pictures
Dogs have officially moved from the backyard to the living room – and in many cases, into the lap of luxury.
For a new generation of “paw parents”, these pups are now treated like children, deserving of the very best in food, medical care, and holidays.
Take Rachael Kow for example, whose two poodles and a mongrel enjoy everything from spa treatments and birthday parties to visits with a chiropractor.
The 44-year-old has been fascinated with dogs her entire life, and they aren’t just pets; they are her “fur babies”.
Kow and her husband KK Lee with Donutes (left) and Mylo.
She has insurance for them and even hired a full-time maid for their care.
Her deep bond with dogs began long ago. She recalled 20 years earlier adopting her first dog, a shih tzu named Bobo, from a family that no longer wanted her.
“When I found her, she was kept outdoors in a cage under the rain and sun,” said Kow.
When Bobo died of old age, Kow was heartbroken and didn’t want another dog.
But in 2016, life had other plans. While heading to a wedding, she and her husband spotted a poodle in a cage filled with waste, and no water.
They rescued the dog and named her Donutes.
The poodle’s arrival was life-changing for Kow, who had gone through a period of severe depression.
“She made a huge difference in my life and for my mental health,” Kow said.
Now that Donutes is 13, she requires more care. A maid helps with Donutes’ nebuliser and daily needs while Kow and her husband are at work.
The maid also cooks for the dogs, preparing daily meals of prawns or salmon.
The costs add up. Kow spent RM10,000 on Donutes’ last birthday party and estimates her monthly spending at RM1,000 on probiotics and medication.
“My pets are my children,” she declared, acknowledging that some people roll their eyes at her expenses.
“Dogs have short lives, yet bring so much joy – they deserve to be loved and cared for,” she said.
Nature lover Vivian Loo, 39, spends all her free time outdoors with her four dogs.
Loo (front) spends all her free time outdoors with her dogs and even takes them kayaking.
They have gone kayaking, been on paddle boat rides around the Klang Valley and even on sunset cruises.
Loo has a 17-month-old poodle, two Siberian huskies aged 10 and nine, and a 15-year-old golden retriever – all rescued from abusive situations or abandonment.
For most of her life, Loo was afraid of dogs until her sister helped her overcome the fear.
Soon after, she adopted the four dogs and began taking them on nature adventures.
“I even formed a community to hike with dogs.
“The biggest group we have had included 20 people and 40 dogs. We hiked trails in the Klang Valley.
“I also take my dogs swimming. It costs about RM200 each time per dog, inclusive of grooming,” said the fitness trainer.
Loo has also chartered boats to take her dogs to local islands.
“My dogs are seasoned hikers and love adventure. When we go hiking, they follow my cue,” she said.
Loo (right) on one of her trips to the beach with her friends and her dogs.
Her dogs are on a raw food diet, which can be costly.
Loo doesn’t track her monthly expenses but estimates they amount to about RM1,500, including snacks, supplements, food and grooming.
She said her dogs initially fought each other but she managed to train them to get along.
“I also separated the huskies during travels and encouraged bonding with the golden retriever. They eventually became friends,” she said.
Her dogs are like her children, Loo said, and she is determined to give them the best life possible.
Second lease of life
Inspired by her dogs, Jocelyn Siew, 44, started a bicycle rental business in Penang which she runs with her boyfriend.
“I had a female poodle that, at age 15, became inactive and depressed,” she said.
“Her vision deteriorated and she couldn’t go on walks.”
When Siew’s boyfriend showed her a video of a dog convention featuring bicycles designed for pets, she was inspired.
Siew (second from left) with her bicycle rental business in Penang that enables dog owners to cycle around with their pets. Chelsy is pictured here in the covered carriage.
“We bought a vintage-style bicycle for RM8,000.
“When I took my poodle for a ride, she was thrilled. We bonded even more.
“As I took her out more often, people noticed and friends asked to borrow the bicycle.
“Eventually, we started a rental business – not for profit, just to break even,” said Siew, who also helps with her family’s wholesale business.
The couple mainly cycles along Straits Quay in Penang.
Even though it is physically demanding – lifting the bikes into and out of their van has caused Siew’s boyfriend to suffer backaches – she said they do it because they love animals and want to share that passion.
“I celebrate with ‘dog mums’ – people like me who treat their pets like children.
“Through this service, I have made many new friends. We cycle together and enjoy time with our pets,” she said.
Upon Chelsy’s death, Siew held a special service to say goodbye.
Before Siew’s golden retriever Chelsy died, the dog had enjoyed rides in a mini sidecar attached to the bike.
“She was 16 and weighed about 16.5kg. I loved her deeply. She stood by me during my darkest times,” said Siew, who held a beautiful funeral for Chelsy.
Siew said the bike rental service offered elderly dogs a second lease on life.
“I feel fulfilled knowing they had a good life. It is important to care for them till the very end, just like we would for humans.”
Unconditional love
Samantha Tan skipped celebrating her own birthday this year but threw a fancy one for her 10-year-old pomeranian, Luca.
She has three pomeranians and spends nearly RM4,000 a month on medical and other expenses.
“I turned 40 in April. I didn’t feel like celebrating but I was very excited about Luca’s birthday.
“My dogs give me unconditional love and have made me more responsible.
“My dog Rufio has a heart condition and requires expensive treatment. He uses an oxygen concentrator.
“Luca has my personality, and Luna sticks to my husband. Rufio is a foodie.”
Tan’s dog Rufio in his oxygen tank because of a heart condition.
Tan’s past pet party themes included Men in Black, tennis and Alice in Wonderland.
One party had 28 dog guests and each went home with a new collar as a door gift.
On Rufio’s medical needs, Tan said: “He has had multiple surgeries. I won’t give up easily or put any one of them down.
“I go all out to ensure they have a good quality of life.”
Tan also rescues strays and currently cares for about 13 animals.
“I have even paid to have them released when the city council caught them.
“I once paid to get six released at once, spayed and neutered them, and cared for them,” Tan said, adding that she believes caring for sick or stray dogs is a moral and public responsibility.
