PUTRAJAYA: Fur friends proved to be a crowd favourite at the National Day parade, with search-and-rescue dogs and a cat drawing plenty of attention from spectators.
Among them was Tar, a 10-year-old Labrador from the Civil Defence Force (APM), which took part in the parade as a member of its search-and-rescue (SAR) team.
“We wanted to showcase the role and capabilities of these dogs at such an important event,” said Tar’s handler Wellington Ho, who is also a volunteer of the force.
He said the canine had been involved in operations in the 2022 Batang Kali landslide, where he searched through rubble and helped locate missing people.
“Although he is a senior dog, his senses are still strong enough for operations in the wilderness,” he said.
Tar’s calm presence on the APM truck attracted plenty of attention, with the audience stopping to take photographs with him.
Tar is also part of SAR Dogs Malaysia, whose canines have participated in numerous rescue efforts, leading it to become among the winners of the 2024 Star Golden Hearts Awards, an annual event by The Star that honours unsung heroes.
Another fur friend at the parade was Becky, which was seen sitting proudly in a truck.
Wearing a black vest bearing her name, Becky remained calm amid the crowd as she represented the Prison Department’s K9 unit.
Adding a playful touch to the celebrations was a cat named King Oyen, which was riding on a toy motorcycle.
Families gathered to photograph the feline rider, who sported a bow tie as flags fluttered around the parade grounds.
The furry participants added an unexpected and heartwarming element to the celebrations, giving spectators plenty of memorable moments to capture.
