TheWongDogs

National Day Treat – Wellness Ninety-Five Percent Lamb Recipe

Remember we promised two Treat Of The Week posts? Here is the second one!

Singapore was in a celebratory mood over the nation’s 49th birthday and it just seems right to give their brunch an extra boost today. But… What can I do? After all, Cory and Cole get an quite the healthy supply of homemade goodies that are sourced from all over the island!

I decided to go back to the basics and gamely opened a can of Wellness Ninety-Five Percent Lamb Recipe. There is just something about canned food which makes the boys go crazy! Typically, I only give them wet food during special occasions to avoid their picky side from rearing is ugly head. But hey, Singapore’s birthday right?

Used as a topper, Wellness Ninety-Five Percent Lamb packed in real lamb meat and almost nothing else! A check on the ingredients showed the protein source and four other ingredients! If you ask me, the shorter the ingredient list, the better! By the time I looked away from reading the can, I was presented with two clean dog bowls and smiling faces.

Though I much rather scoop one huge chunk and get them to savour their up-sized meal, it just seems to make more sense to mix it well into their kibble - especially when you are in danger of Cole only devouring the topper and leaving his kibble untouched.

Guilt-free this Wellness Ninety-Five Percent Lamb Recipe may be, pet owners still have to provide a balanced meal for their furkid. This is because this range is meant for supplemental feeding only – and as they say, our canines cannot live by protein alone. However, some pet experts have recommended canned food recipes as a means to increase the water intake of their pets.

What’s more, Wellness Ninety-Five Percent Lamb Recipe contains no controversial ingredients such as wheat, soy, artificial flavourings and preservatives. One thing to note, is the strong meat smell that lingers long after they have finished their meal. Cory’s beard and Cole’s mouth area smelt like lamb for the better part of the day and it is highly recommended that you clean up their muzzles to avoid food being trapped in their fur.

Wellness is brought in by Silversky. Do visit Wellness for more information.

Labels: dogs, miniature schnauzer, mixed breed, pet treats, pets, treat of the week, wellness

❤ "National Day Treat – Wellness Ninety-Five Percent Lamb Recipe" was Posted On: Sunday, 10 August 2014 @00:11 | 0 Wong comments ✿

Race For A Cause - Sheffield Retired Greyhound Fund

"At a Greyhound race in Sheffield, England. I donated part of my winnings to the Retired Dog Fund. The money helps to finance their daily needs till they get adopted or pass on. The Greyhound above is currently seven years old and has completed almost 200 races!" - DennisFX on Instagram

Labels: dog rescue, dogs, greyhound, greyhound race, pets, pictures, stories

❤ "Race For A Cause - Sheffield Retired Greyhound Fund" was Posted On: Friday, 8 August 2014 @02:35 | 0 Wong comments ✿

Save Our Street Dogs Flag Day 2014 Is Back!

Come 9 November, Save Our Street Dogs(SOSD) will be heading back to SCAPE for their Flag Day! This time, The Wong Dogs will be involved as full-time volunteers and it is our way for Cole to give back a little to his home shelter. Yes, Cole was under the care of SOSD volunteers before he came to me.

This year’s theme is called ‘A New Start’ and it signifies SOSD’s seemingly never-ending work in the rescue of Singapore’s strays, with a hope that they are given a chance at a start for a better life.

We hope to see all our friends taking part in this meaningful event!

9 Nov 2014
Youth SCAPE Park
11am to 5pm

Would you like to volunteer? Click on the link here to express your interest. If there are issues with the website, simply email fundraising@sosd.org.sg and someone will get back to you!

Labels: dog rescue, dogs, miniature schnauzer, mixed breed, pets, puppy, singapore special, sosd

❤ "Save Our Street Dogs Flag Day 2014 Is Back!" was Posted On: Sunday, 3 August 2014 @22:08 | 0 Wong comments ✿

Treat Of The Week – Basic Instinct Spare Ribs

Apologies on the post being late! As such, The Wong Dogs will be doing two Treat Of The Week reviews this week! :p

Deemed one of Singapore’s first chewies, Basic Instinct is readily available in pet stores around the island. Many experienced pet owners I know have personal experience with Basic Instinct Spare Ribs, recounting positive instances of excited pooches listening to every command before they are dished out a rib.

Besides being a good chewing exercise for Fido, it can act as a sort of dental care for their tooth, helping to remove trapped bits of particles stuck between their canines: preventing plaque which can result in gum disease.

Processed in New Zealand (where one of the highest levels of food safety exists), Basic Instinct Spare Ribs are considered all-natural and contain none of the following – preservatives, artificial flavourings, colourings, steroids and antibiotics.

The Wong Dogs Review

While Cory has had experience with Basic Instinct Spare Ribs a couple of years ago, Cole was on another brand previously. I was a little hesitant in purchasing a pack for Cory as this Miniature Schnauzer got a little spoiled last year and would carry around a rib whining for attention. With the addition of Cole to the household, I wondered if it would be any different.

Well, it seems with my Singapore Special in the house, dear Cory seems to appreciate his treats a little more and tends to finish them off instead of leaving them around.

One of the reasons why this is such a great option as compared to baked biscuits is the amount of energy they spend gnawing on these bones. I usually get a good five to 10 minutes of me-time with another 15 to 20 minutes of them relaxing out after a good chew. Hey, that shows they are satisfied, right? Though it is mentioned above that it can be a sort of dental care, it is still advisable to brush your dog’s teeth everyday.

Basic Instinct Spare Ribs is mighty affordable with the 200g bag going for $10.80 while the 500g bag retailing at $26. The best part, they last quite awhile! Unless you give your dog more than one a day, these treats are perfect for the pet owner on a budget but still looking for quality treats that suit their precious furkid.

Also, did we mention they smell quite good? Such is the privileged life of our pets.

Basic Instinct Spare Ribs is distributed by Silversky and is sold in most pet stores. For more information, visit their Facebook page here.

Labels: dogs, dogsofinstasg, miniature schnauzer, mixed breed, pet treats, pets, review, treat of the week, treats

❤ "Treat Of The Week – Basic Instinct Spare Ribs" was Posted @21:31 | 0 Wong comments ✿

Happenstance Cafe - My Cosy Corner

Tucked at little lane (Opal Crescent) along Serangoon Road, it is easy to see why this cosy outfit is gearing up to be a hit with pet owners in the area. At first glance, experienced furkid owners will wonder how the classy wooden flooring will hold up against ‘accidents’ (pee and poo don’t exactly do wonders for parquet) but owner Gigi tells me that she specially chose this Korean-brand of flooring which is known to be hardier and water-resistant – making it extremely pet friendly.

Besides the comfortable-looking interior and spacious floor space (a must for our furkids to mingle comfortably!), the menu had quite an interesting selection of light bites and main courses.

But what caught my eye was the option to ‘Create-Your-Own-Happenstance Pasta (starting from $8.90). I chose a cream-base penne.

Dessert lovers will crave the Chocolate Lava Muffins ($3.50) which were moist yet not too rich for my palate. If you prefer to while your afternoon away over a pot of tea, Happenstance Café offers gourmet brews ($5.50) such as Hangzhou green tea, Long Jing and the interestingly named Happenstance Teh-O (blackcurrant and liquorice base). Oh, yes! We heard that there are two types of teas for wine aficionados – Mieriot and Nior though I will save that for my next visit.

For more information, visit their Facebook page here.

Labels: dogs, miniature schnauzer, mixed breed, party, pet cafe, pets, review, singapore special

❤ "Happenstance Cafe - My Cosy Corner" was Posted On: Friday, 1 August 2014 @10:00 | 0 Wong comments ✿

A Powerful Picture Speaks More Than A Thousand Words

When I first saw this on a friend's Instagram page, I jumped. I knew I had to write a blog entry while the words are still fresh in my mind.

You might think it is just a picture depicting a happy family unit with their pet. But what some people might not know... is the power of this photo and what it represents. Traditionally, Muslims have been taught that dogs are "unclean" animals and should they get in contact with one, they must perform a cleaning ritual seven times, one of which must be earth.

Yet in the light of the Hari Raya festivities happening, the appearance of such a picture tugs at one's heart strings and wonder if there is a change happening at our doorstep.

I am sure that there will be flak but for now, let's appreciate the fact that the love for Man's best friend is shown in the best of light in this instance.

Picture credit: @dinierhmn

"As far as I'm concerned, people are more interested in giving God's creations a good home. In a time where there are bigger issues in Islam such as abortions, masturbations etc and someone taking care of a dog is NOT an issue. There is a popular story where I heard during Ramadhan where a female prostitute gave a thirsty dog the water in her shoes and she went to heaven for her good deeds. I still cannot see why loving something, in this case, a dog is a sin. I may not be the most well-versed in the Quran but I know promoting hate is wrong in Islam and it applies to canines too." - Dinie Rahman, @dinierhmn

Labels: dogs, dogsofinstasg, mixed breed, muslim, pets, picture, stories

❤ "A Powerful Picture Speaks More Than A Thousand Words" was Posted On: Wednesday, 30 July 2014 @08:34 | 0 Wong comments ✿

Treats Of Creativity - Feed My Paws

With this dreary weather, it can only mean one thing, sharing The Wong Dog's latest finds - meaning what Cory and Cole have been munching on! Let’s hope these two rascals keep their weight down with all the exercise I am giving them!

This time, the boys received a fabulous care package from the up-and-coming Feed My Paws! Owner and professional dog sitter, Crystle Tan made it a point to ask which of her many treats and cakes would suit the boys. I ended up quite a haul. She explains that this is simply due to the well-being of every pet, “Every item on the menu is typically made-to-order.”

Starting Feed My Paws in November last year, Tan had a head start in her cooking skills when she had to prepare home-cooked meals for pets with different nutritional needs every day. “My customers were very happy to see the difference the meals made to the lifestyle of their pets,” she says. Soon, her customers were taking orders from her and that encouraged Tan to go into this full time.

Delivery day came and Tan made sure the boys had something extra special! An extra packet of Beef Lungs and pup cakes were added to the mix!

Cory and Cole’s sampling platter:

1. Little Carrots Biscuits (From $10.00)

Who knew that carrots treats could look this good? Adding in Manuka honey for a boost of antioxidants, it is a guilt-free moment every time I dished one out for good behaviour.

2. Mighty Milk Animal Cookies (From $14.00)
It is a zoo out there! These are almost too cute to let the boys chomp everything down! Using lactose-free cow’s and goat’s milk, these are easy to digest. Insisting on using organic produce, these Might Milk Animal Cookies also contains organic brown rice flour and coconut oil.

3. Organic Mini Cupcakes (Set of four for $9.80)
It is going to get messy! But can you blame the boys when they smelt so fragrant? With ingredients brown rice, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato among others, you can also choose from a variety of meats such as Beef, Salmon, Pork and Chicken.

4. Pork and Apple Cinnamon Cookies (From $12.00)
If I love the fragrance of pork and apple cinnamon combined, can you imagine how much more the boys will enjoy it? Well, the sure did by running away from me to enjoy these relatively large biscuits in their own quiet corner.

5. Beef Lungs (From $10.00)
Trust me, from personal experience, making this is no easy task! But Tan has managed to perfect the process which took 15 hours to prepare! Looking at the speed the boys devour these portions each time, I doubt they truly know how much work went into it!

Tan assures me that all her produce are 100 percent natural and uses human-grade ingredients. She is so serious that there is even a furry panel of judges who have tried and tested every recipe before she puts it up for sale. “In fact, I think they are sometimes a little too honest!” she laughs. Though I did not pry, I suspect these picky judges are none other than Hoovy, a 12-year-old Chihuahua and Skotch a six-year-old Pomeranian. “Skotch was a very sickly pup when he was one and half years and we made countless visits to the vet. Skin issues, diarrhoea and vomiting and even a viral infection,” she explains. Upon the advice of her vet, she started cooking for Skotch and he has been healthy ever since.

Her quirky creations are inspired by the very things she eats and said her dogs staring at her each time was the starting point to everything, “You know how it is, when you eat something and they never stop staring?” To ensure that all the food produced is nutritionally balanced, she seeks the advice through veterinarian friends who informs her the best ingredients to use.

Feed My Paws is also about giving back to the community. Tan does her best to work closely with a number of dog shelters here in Singapore. “I always appreciate playing their dogs and watching them chomp down on their treats is one of the best feelings in the world!” she says. Tan has big plans for Feed My Paws and hopes that in time to come, it will become a household name for furkids on our little red dot, “I would like people to think of our dog treats that are not only healthy but adorable and fun. With a successful business, it also means I can contribute even more to our local shelters and I am definitely looking forward to that.”