Carnival time for man and his best friend
By JADE CHAN Photos by ONG SOON HIN
Metro, 27 Nov 2006

This handsome Siberian Husky attracted a lot of attention (and petting).

IT WAS a great outing for both owners and their dogs last Sunday as people and dogs of all ages and sizes gathered for a fun outing at the Eukanuba
/Pet-n-You Dog Carnival. 

Themed “It’s a Carnival!”, the event, held at Central Park in Bandar Utama, was sponsored by Eukanuba and organized by Pet-n-You with the support of various social groups like the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and Paws Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). 

Segambut MP Datuk Dr Tan Kee Kwong officiated at the event, which offered an enjoyable outing for both owners and dogs with its fun-filled competitions and games. 

Among the dog-and-owner activities were Obedience and Agility Challenges, and K9 X-Games like Super Sniffer Dog, Best Kisser (for dogs), Top Dog Model, Top Trick Dog, and Best Retriever. 

There were also lucky draws, grooming demonstrations by Tantinum Pet Supply & Trading, obedience workshops, face painting, balloon art, free physical examination and veterinary consultation. 

Visitors could also shop for dog food, toys, leashes, pet carriers and various pet supplies at special prices.  

Families, friends, and children mingled among dogs like Silky Terriers, Schnauzers, Chihuahuas, Golden Retrievers, Siberian Huskies, Poodles, Bulldogs, Jack Russells, Labradors and Cocker Spaniels. 

Many took the opportunity to have a picnic and enjoy a walk around the park while allowing their dogs to socialise. 

Kaemon Ong snuggling with Fluffi.

Joyce Eng was spotted walking around the park carrying her five-month-old female Shih Tzu, Yuki, in a colorful pet carrier bag. 

“Both Yuki and the bag were a gift from my aunt. Besides enjoying being carried around in the bag, Yuki also likes to eat apples,” said the 16-year-old. 

Joyce had attended the carnival with her father, Eng Ging Kiat, 49, and mother, Yeap Lay Yeong, 49. 

Her parents took turns walking their other family dog, a five-year-old female Golden Retriever named Cha Cha. 

“We love dogs because they’re affectionate and quick to respond to instructions. We won’t be getting any more dogs, though, because we need time and patience to care for them,” said Yeap. 

Seline Lee, 27, had dressed her one-and-a-half-year-old female Schnauzer, Sherwin, in a pair of sunglasses and baby diaper. 

“It’s cleaner and more hygienic for Sherwin to wear the diaper, while the sunglasses will help protect her eyes from the sun,” said Lee. 

Joyce Eng carrying her Shih-Tzu, Yuki, in a cute pet carrier bag.

According to her, Sherwin enjoys dressing up and the attention she receives. 

“I often attend dog-related events with Sherwin so that she can interact with other dogs. 

“In addition, I often take her out after work, either for a walk in the park or a drive around town,” said the medical executive. 

For Fluffi, a four-month-old male Shih Tzu, the outing was his first at a dog event. 

“My brother, Kaelan, got the dog as a reward for doing well in his exams. I’m taking care of Fluffi today as Kaelan is away at camp,” said nine-year-old Kaemon Ong. 

“We’ll be taking Fluffi to visit my brother at his camp later today as he really misses his dog.” 

Kaemon explained that they had initially wanted to get a Schnauzer, but fell in love with Fluffi instead after spotting the Shih Tzu at the Pet-n-You school.