Category Archives: Adoption

Pets for adoption.

Three Adopted Today

Posted on August 1, 2012 | Leave a comment

Wonderful news. Just as things were beginning to look bleak, we’ve had some luck. THREE cats adopted in one go. Carlton will be a family pet and Danielle and Craig will live on a farm. We wish them much happiness and joy.

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Posted in Adoption, Cats

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Rehoming your pet

Posted on January 18, 2012 | Leave a comment

Unlike many fervent animal lovers, I am the first to admit that when things don’t work out as planned, it is typical (and to some extent logical) to rehome your pet. In a perfect world, we would keep them forever. In a perfect world, people don’t get divorced, retrenched or fall sick.

So instead of laying the guilt on those who need to rehome their pets, here is a little guide on how to do it properly. Putting in this one last surge of effort is part of being the responsible pet owner that you want to be. An it sure beats having to put them to sleep.

First, ensure your pet’s health records are compiled. Collect proof of vaccination and desexing (I am assuming your pet is ALREADY desexed). If they have had or are having any issues, make a note of when it started, how long it lasted and if it is likely to recur. What medications were prescribed and how long was each course. Do you remember how much you spent? Having all this information will make it easier for his future owner. If you need to surrender him to a fosterer, then all the more reason to be meticulous.

Make sure your pet is free off parasites. If she has had any ticks in the last three months, get her tested for tick fever at the vets.  While you are there, get a complete bloodworks so you can pick up any potential problems.  If your 8 year old dog has the beginnings of any form of organ failure, the chance of rehoming her becomes extremely slim. You may have to consider having her put down.

Get pretty photos taken of your pet. A good photo of your pet in a situation that shows her off at her best will help her chances tremendously. If you want for her to continue having a nice sofa to sleep on, post a picture of her snuggled on a cushion on your sofa. This sends the message that you are looking for her to have a comparable or better home.

When you write her adoption profile for petfinder.my or the mass email, mention her preferences and dislikes. Explain your reasons for giving her up (as honestly as possible) and be specific about what you want for her.

And if you need to surrender her to a fosterer, remember that they are helping you. They do this because they want to help but sometimes they simply may not have the time or space. They are human too, like you. We are all here to do our best and help as much as we can. So if your fosterer asks a lots of questions or seems reluctant, try to also see it from their point of view.

And a final note on surrendering. Unless you have a healthy, purebred (or extremely attractive) young dog, surrendering your pet to a shelter is almost certainly a death sentence.  Less then one in five dogs in shelters are adopted.  You do the math.  If your dog is older, sickly or has severe behavioural issues, the only responsible thing to do may be to have them humanely euthanised.  I know this will incite strong negative reactions but I think that until we really understand that our choices can mean life and death for our pets, we cannot truly claim to be genuine responsible pet owners.

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Posted in Adoption

The problem of unwanted animals and a few helpful suggestions (A cross post)

Posted on June 2, 2011 | 1 Comment

Here’s something I posted in Petfinder.my a while back.  Reread it and wondered why I didn’t post it here instead; must’ve had a bad coffee that day.

We’ve been doing the whole ‘rescuing’ animals things for a while and over the years we’ve learned a few things. Before I share, please realize I mean no offence to anyone and these are merely my opinions.

Firstly, the word ‘rescuing’ is in itself somewhat inappropriate. Over the years, I’ve come to see that not all animals need saving. They are perfectly content to roam and hunt, play and rest, mingle and take their chances with other less friendly cats etc. However, this natural life also leads to breeding and unwanted kittens. As a mother myself, it’s hard for me to see mummy cats being chased by amorous males and kittens, starving and ill, killed by territorial males or stray dogs. Aging toms sporting cauliflower ears and mange also pull at my heart strings. We don’t intervene to rescue them but because we can do a little something to help.

Secondly, not all animals want our help. When we first started, we idealistically imagined finding loving homes for every last cat. We soon learned that while we can neuter every animals that has the luck (or misfortune as some may see it) to cross our path, some are meant to return to the streets for either extreme fear of people or just general inability to live in close proximity with so many other cats. Before we were willing to accept what the animals wanted to teach us, we suffered stressed cats, a few noisy quarrels and sleepless nights trying to conjure money from thin air to finance our obstinance. Now, we know that we can only do so much and taking our cues from the individual cats is as important as doing the right thing.

Finally, try not to criticize what someone else is doing especially when you know their intentions are good. Unless you can do it better for them. To sit and moan is to lose hope. Every individual life means something. While I don’t recommend remortgaging your property to save one animal, common sense being a much beloved trait of mine, every little bit counts.

Hence, if every concerned person once a year, instead of bemoaning the sad fate of the starving kitten, picked it up and paid for some basic medical care, a microchip and a desexing operation (at worst spending around RM200), things would pick up pretty quickly. And if said people did this twice a year, the positive impact would be doubled. I am so positive that individuals are what will turn the tide and I wish more would get started.

If we then combine this effort with a little record keeping (say an online catalogue) we could measure our efforts and maybe even impress city councils into supporting their people and not negating our efforts by culling strays.

What can I say? I’m an optimist :)

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Posted in Cats, Dogs, General Topics

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An Interview: Pia Zain

Posted on April 15, 2011 | 2 Comments

We’ve been doing this a while now and I thought it’s be nice to go back and talk to a few of our adopters.  There have been so many good people (you know who you are ;) and we thank you ALL) but we want to start with Pia, for Kai was especially dear to us and we worried a while no one would ever see his magic and appeal. Pia is also a great cook and vegetarian, her blog is inspiring (or drool inducing if you’re a foodie like we are).

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Im a multi-cultural Malaysian who has been living here (this time around) for about 7 – 8 years. I worked in human rights and gender issues, as well as being the producer of a theatre company. But I am now changing my life and embracing my true passion – cooking! I adore animals – always had them growing up, and for the first five years or so while in KL, really missed the company of a cat. But then, fate and luck and love gave me PutPut and Kai and life feels very complete.

How many cats do you have and can you tell us a bit about them?

I have two cats.The first, I found under a car in Bangsar outside my brother-in-law’s house. She is grey, fluffy, and was tiny enough to fit in the palm of my hand when I found her. I advertised for someone to adopt her (because I thought I didnt want the responsibility of a cat at that time in my life) … but everyone who answered my advert was not “good” enough. Finally, my sister got frustrated, and told me to just accept the fact that I had been adopted by this little creature! My life has never been the same. I named her Putri Bising Manja Sayang because she was so tiny that I thought she needed a big name to compensate! But we call her PutPut and even though she is quite scared of humans (I think she was abused before I found her), she is incredibly manja, very sweet tempered, incredibly intelligent and quite bising. She has her quirks, but loves to sit and watch the birds from my bed, and is the best cicak catcher I have ever met.I felt that PutPut was a bit lonely with just me for company, and so after about six months, decided to adopt a companion cat for her. I went to Pet Epicure because I knew that not only did they have rescued animals for adoption, but also because I knew that they really interacted with each and every animal. They knew their personalities, their idiosyncrasies, whether or not they got on well with other cats / children, etc. I had two very specific desires for my second cat – I wanted him to be able to live in an apartment and I needed him to get along with PutPut. I explained the kind of character I was looking for to Olivia and Alicia, and they took a while to consider. When they suggested Kaiser (as he was called then), I went to meet him and adored him on sight. Not only do Pet Epicure know the personalities of each of their animals they put up for adoption, but they also know the stories of how they got there. Kai found his way to Alicia’s door in a rainstorm. And he too was tiny – and was adopted by a female cat who had lost her own kittens. He is a gorgeous brown tabby, with the hugest green eyes. Very very loving. He was tested for FIV and neutered before I adopted him (a practice I completely agree with), and I took him home a few weeks later. I renamed him Kai Very Manja Sayang – and he is exactly that. My friend Kit says that Kai was napping when they handed out the intelligence gene, so he got double of the love gene. He adores everyone – loves being with people, plays like a kitten, is incredibly patient with children, and is endlessly fascinated by visitors. He is happiest sleeping in the arms of a friendly person.

What influenced you to adopt your cats?

I missed the companionship of cats, and I was lucky enough to find PutPut … who adopted me! I have never had “full breed” cats – always adopted. (I have a bumper sticker which says “My favourite breed is rescued.”) I believe they are healthier, stronger, and more of a mix. I would rather give a home to an animal in need rather than an animal bred to be bought. Also, I feel  that animals who are up for adoption have a special kind of love.

What do you think the negatives are with adopting?

I have never encountered a negative in adopting from the sources I have used. Adoption is opening your heart to a creature who needs it. Its a satisfying and joyful interaction.

What would you tell someone who was connsidering adopting a pet?

Be clear about what your expectations are, and what you can give the animal. Know that it is a lifetime commitment, and that your life from now on must factor in the needs of the animal as well as yourself. But know that given all of this, adopting an animal is one of the most soul satisfying and joyful acts in life. It is pure joy and happiness, love and comfort. It is a wonderful and humbling experience to have a sentient creature living with you and loving you.

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Posted in Adoption, Cats

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For Adoption: OSCAR

Posted on April 7, 2011 | Leave a comment
Dacshund x Chihuahua

Looking for Lurve

Sometimes you meet a creature, and you form a connection. One such creature is Oscar.  He carves a niche for himself in your heart and home despite your best intentions to be detached and professional.

This tubocharged dynamo has tonnes of energy, which he will invest in escaping UNLESS he is with people. He adores people. Truly. We are wishing for him a home with an elderly retired couple who want a cuddly dog that walks gently on the leash or family with young children who will play with him and teach him tricks.

Oscar is special and deserves a forever home where his strengths won’t be held against him and where his faults will be managed kindly.  Please help us help Oscar find his happy ending.

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Posted in Adoption, Dogs

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Of Hope in all it’s shapes and forms

Posted on December 23, 2010 | Leave a comment

Today, I picked up Fritz (as he is to be known for now) the Doberman from Ara Ampang Animal Medical Centre.  His owners had asked for him to be put down because he had become paralyzed but Dr Jonathan got in touch with me asking about Reiki and Acupuncture.  In the end, we decided Fritz would come to my house.

Note: I have been called arrogant and foolish.  Today, I realised, it’s true :(

When I got Fristz to the house, the magnitude of what I have volunteered for erupted in my face.  After introducing him to my pack and settling the sweetie down on a nice mattress, I went in to investigate wheelchairs for dogs.  The severity of his disability having already shocked me to my core.

After ten minutes, I went outside and had my closest brush to a hysterial fit as I have ever had in my life.  There was blood EVERYWHERE.  First I thought one of the dogs had killed another.  Then I though, one of the dogs had eaten some part of another dog.  Then….worse thoughts ran through my mind.

When the red haze of terror and panic abated, I realised, Fritz had been ‘walking’ around the porch with Tristan and the blood was from the wounds on his back legs where they dragged along on the floor.  Realising my distressed, Tristan and Sheeri quietly snuck under the bench and hid their faces.

Taking (I’d like to say a few but reality disagrees) moments to calm myself, I manouevered Fritz back to his spot, leashed him to a sturdy table and went up stairs to pray and recover.  20 minutes later, I packed the bemused children into the are, went to the shop and picked up Kiss and Anya’s old crate, some washable wee wee mats, a longer leash and a selection of other items which I thought I might be able to fashion into a makeshift/temporary walking aid.  Amy, Erika and Olivia seemed unnaturally calm.

Then my Facebook/Twitter breakdown erupted.

And wonderful people from around the world responded. Moral support flowed in and honestly, it helped!  Dr Bel recommends cage rest, regular assisted walks and suspects possible ivermectin toxicity.  And/or a slipped disc.  Yen messaged me with contacts for Dr Dom who has a doggie wheelchair I might be able to borrow and for Lydia, a pet physiotherapist, whose own story is so inspiring, I’m sharing the link here.  Made me feel like a total wimp to be moaning and groaning when Lydia’s Hope was much worse off!  Dr Susanna has agreed to squeeze us in on Christmas Eve and Katarina will send Reiki this evening.  The kids even drew Fritz a picture to look at so he wouldn’t be too bored in the crate :)

The Universe sent help in so many ways and shapes, I now have hope.  Thank you all!  He’s now resting in his borrowed crate, with bandaged feet.  He had a good meal and has a bone to entertain him if it pleases him.

However, I think Fritz needs a new name…so let the suggestions roll in.

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Posted in Dogs

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ADOPTION DRIVE

Posted on September 23, 2010 | 5 Comments

Pet Epicure Adoption Drive

Date: Oct 23rd and 24th

Time: 10am to 4pm

Venue: Pet Epicure, Tmn Melawati


We are having our annual adoption drive (which we had to skip last year because we were in the midst of moving) and would love to have you join us.  It’ll be a good time to chat because we’ll all be there.  We’re hoping to have lucky draw prizes to give away and we have planned for some food to be served.  The plans are underway and we would appreciate any help you can offer in spreading the word.

I’ll be posting updates as we go along and hope to have everything finalised in the next couple of weeks.

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Posted in Adoption, Shop Update

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Lucky Us

Posted on September 15, 2010 | 6 Comments

We are blessed in many ways.  But one of our favourite blessings is having friends who are very good behind the lens.  Here are some of my favourite photos taken by Chew WS during a recent visit at the shop.

by Chew WS

by Chew WS

by Chew WS

I love how he catches them in their natural state.  The patience it must require…..

I am really hopeing these lovely photos will move people into adopting.  Our numbers recently surged and frankly, it’s been challenging.  Finances are stretched (thank goodness for the fund from the Raya boarding) and Olivia and Rohamah are working full pelt.

Please think of us if you know of anyone looking to adopt a cat.  Or dog, for the matter :)

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Posted in Adoption

Adoption Fees

Posted on June 17, 2010 | 4 Comments

We have recently encountered some confusion with regards to us charging adoption fees and I’d like to clarify.  Please try to understand that in order for us to take in, rehabilitate and neuter animals and then house them until they are adopted (or in the case of nervous cats, released) we need to charge an adoption fee.

People often criticise the SPCA for putting animals down but if you know the cost involved in getting any animal into a fit state for a new home, you’d hold your tongue.  It is expensive, time intensive and sometimes unsuccessful.

I am currently fostering a Border Collie called Ryan.  A couple of weeks ago, he bit me and I appealed for a home for him via Facebook and said I would have him PTS if no suitable family would take him.  Cruel? What a waste of a pedigree? Think again.  What kind of person would I be to pour resources into a dog that bites just because he is a purebred?  What of the safety of the people who take him in?  What about Ryan himself?  Will his next owner tie him up outside because Ryan bit someone?  Or will he be tossed onto the street to survive alone?  It’s all possible isn’t it?

Well, when I posted the appeal, lots of people were galvanised into action and spread the word.  I was then put in touch with a couple who have a permaculture farm in Perak.  I thought, how perfect!!!!  Ryan would love all that open space and goats.

When we started discussing taking Ryan for a visit, they mentioned offsetting my petrol costs with a FOC overnight stay.  Alarm bells tinkled.  It would cost me over RM100 to get there and back not including tolls.  If Ryan didn’t like them, I’d have made the trip in vain.    When I asked if I could bring the children, I was told yes but I’d have to pay (which is no big deal, after all it only RM75).  I then kinda realised money might be an issue and wanted to double check before making arrangements to make the trip.  So I sent a text.

—— SMS ——
To: +60109051628
Sent: Jun 17, 2010 9:31 PM
Subject: Hi,

Hi, before I make arrangements to come up, I’d just like to clarify that there is an RM350 adoption fee for Ryan. This doesn’t cover the blood tests, neutering and vet bills but will help with some of it. Am not sure if you were aware of this, so just thought better to mention to avoid any awkwardness later on. Let me know if you are still interested. Thanks.

—— SMS ——
From: +60109051628
Sent: Jun 17, 2010 11:11 PM
Subject: Hi,

Hi, sorry to inform you but the whole thing is off. We wanted to help and are not interested when somebody tries to recover expenses she had with upkeep of dog. We offered to offset petrol and inconvience for bringing the dog here and rather give a home local mongrel. Sad, you didn´t deal with us straight from beginning. Regards Ladia

—— SMS ——
To: +60109051628
Sent: Jun 17, 2010 11:17 PM
Subject: Apologies if you feel I have…

Apologies if you feel I have misled you. I have been fostering and rehoming for over 17 years and this is how we can continue our work. Also prevents ppl from taking dogs on a whim. I will be sharing this conversation on my blog and facebook for transparency’s sake. Regards, Alicia.

Now, I’m a little offended that it was implied I was less than honest.  But I understand the confusion.  So for those of you who want to spread the word, please remember to mention the adoption fee.  It serves more than one purpose.  And I wish I had a money printing press, but I don’t.

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Adoption Update

Posted on April 26, 2010 | 2 Comments

About a month ago, we arrived at the shop to discover a purebred Persian on the doorstep.  She was weak, emaciated and one eye was infected.  We promptly had her treated and began the lengthy process of rehabilitating her.  On Sunday, we took her to Kembiri to be spayed out of habit.

Her neutering was double the usual cost as she is purebred.  While I don’t disagree with Kembiri’s policy I must admit that I was a little shocked.  With the recent price increases for spaying at Kembiri and the incresing cost of living, we have decided that we need to increase our adoption fees.

Therefore, with some trepidation, we have decided the new adoption rates to be as follows

Short Haired Cats RM100

Semi Long and Long Haired Cats RM200

Purebred Cats RM300

The higher adoption fee for semi long and long haired cats reflect the extra work and maintenance required from new owners.  These cats need regular grooming, which you may have to pay for.  They can be more suseptible to skin issue, which you may have to pay for.  They may require supplementation, which you may have to pay for.  It all adds up.  If you cannot afford the adoption fee, you most likely cannot afford to maintain said cat.

The even higher adoption fee for pedigreed cats reflects all of the above as well as the added risk of breed related issues.  Almost all pedigreed cats are prone to at least one genetically influenced health problem.  These can require long term management, so if once again the adoption fee feels like too much, you’ll probably have trouble footing their medical bills too.

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