TheWongDogs

Lunch Over Books – The Book Café.

Before I continue, this is not a full review of The Book Café but a quick meal I had earlier in the day.

Also, today marks my mum’s birthday! Happy Birthday, Mummy!

The Book Café serves quite the list of nosh to choose from. But what I find most attractive is their offering of Asian food.

Having tried a couple of dishes, today the spotlight is on the Salmon Noodle Soup. Singaporeans will identify with the Salmon Noodle Soup as it is uber similar to the popular Fish Head or Fish Meat Bee Hoon. The broth was delightfully tasty with generous portions of salmon though more ikan-bilis would have been appreciated.

More than just a comfortable setting and an extensive menu, is the quality of service. I have experienced the past three times I was there. From the handling of the phone reservation, to taking of orders, everything was perfection. Thank you for making every visit an enjoyable one.

For more information, do visit their Facebook page here.

Operating Hours

Sundays to Thursday: 830am to 1030pm (last order at 10pm) Friday and Saturday: 830am to 1230 midnight

To make a reservation, drop them a line at 6887-5430

Labels: cafe, dogsofinstasg, lunch, miniature schnauzer, review, singapore special, the book cafe, the wong dogs

❤ "Lunch Over Books – The Book Café." was Posted On: Monday, 23 March 2015 @03:23 | 0 Wong comments ✿

A Great Man Has Passed On - Lee Kuan Yew

I never knew Lee Kuan Yew as a dog person. In fact, he never had an official statement on pet ownership in Singapore. However, in memory of his passing, we tend to forget Lee Kuan Yew is only human and like us has a family. He gave and sacrificed so much to Singapore, which I am sure took precious time away from his then-young family.

Thank you Charissa for sharing this picture.

Photo credit: The Straits Times Archives

Labels: dogs, family, LEE KUAN YEW, the wong dogs

❤ "A Great Man Has Passed On - Lee Kuan Yew" was Posted On: Sunday, 22 March 2015 @22:58 | 0 Wong comments ✿

Top 5 Things To Check Out At Pet Expo 2015!

Pet Expo is back with their 2015 edition and The Wong Dogs sniff out what are the five top things to do and/or see at this year’s edition!

Happening from 20-22 March 2015 at Singapore Expo Hall 8, Pet Expo is set to be the hallmark pet event for any furkid owner to attend. Note, this list might get longer as The Wong Dogs trawl the humongous halls during the three days.

1. LARGEST SINGAPORE SPECIAL GATHERING

This year, the Singapore Special (Yes, if you did not know, Cole is a Singapore Special) is in the limelight. Conceived at last year’s Pet Expo, the Singapore Special Club (SSC) celebrates its one-year anniversary and if you ask me, there is no better way to commemorate the occasion with the largest gathering of Singapore Specials to date! All shapes, size and colour, there is not one canine that looks alike – Come join like-minded owners who each have their own precious story on how they came about owning and cherishing their Singapore Special! Any excuse for a gathering, right?

Also, the first 100 confirmed registrants will get an exclusive goodie bag, courtesy of B2K PET PRODUCTS

2. TINY KREW

Less than six months in operation and the ladies at Tiny Krew are participating in their very first Pet Expo. Already, this locally-run outfit have garnered a sizeable following with their range of pet products aimed at pet owners with an eye for aesthetics. Tiny Krew will be debuting new products such as the Flying Pig Squeaky Toy and new rope toy designs all from Jax & Bones.

Also, their popular Business Buddy will have more designs to choose from!

For Pet Expo 2015, Tiny Krew is offering a 20% off your total bill when you buy three or more items at their booth. For more information on what Tiny Krew has to offer, check out their website here.

3. B2K PET PRODUCTS BOOTH

Boasting a huge presence at Pet Expo this year, B2K Pet Products usually have promotions and deals that no pet owner should miss! One of Singapore’s fastest growing and biggest pet distributors, they stock popular pet food brands such as Merrick, Canine Caviar, Natural Balance, Primal Pet Foods and Brit Care just to name a few. As with last year, B2K Pet Products are debuting a number of new items to their ever-growing list.

For example, Merrick’s new range of all-natural, grain-free, gluten-free treats, Power Bites, Dental Chews and Kitchen Bites will be available for purchase.

Natural Balance new Jerky Bark treats which contain a single animal protein source along with limited carbohydrates.

What I am most excited to have a look and feel is the introduction of the uber-colourful Touchdog Beds. It seems Cory changes beds more frequently than me!

Those looking for promotional offers will be glad to know that Primal Pet foods will be having an upgraded form of their Buy-1-get-1. Now, buy five sets of those and get a 14oz bag free!

Big dogs are also not forgotten with Natural Balance 14Lbs bags going for only $50!

For the latest updates, visit their Facebook page here.

4. THE BARKERY SINGAPORE

Home-made pet food and treats are all the rage now. That is why it will take a little more to impress pet owners today.

That is why when I heard The Barkery Singapore is going to launch Barkwaursts, the dog-version of the popular American sausage, I got all excited. Made with human-grade ingredients such as liver, bone dust and celery, The Barkery Singapore sticks to their mantra of no artificial preservatives, additives flavourings, colourings, fillers, salt or sugar. For a limited time only, 200g costs only $8.80 (U.P. $10.80). If you would love to pre-order, e-mail sales@sgbarkery.com for more details.

For more updates, visit their Facebook page here.

5. SILVERSKY PTE LTD BOOTH

For the first time, visitors to Pet Expo 2015 will be able to get attractive offers on premium pet food brands such as Wellness, Eagle Pack, Holistic Select and Timberwolf Organics.

In addition, Silversky brings in trusted pet care brands such as TropiClean, Safemade and Cloudstar which any well-informed pet owner will know about.

So far, promotional items include $2 offer coupons on Petz Route while there will be Schesir cat canned food samples and offers up for grabs. However, I heard through the grapevine that offers will be revealed on the day itself.

For the latest news on Silversky, visit their Facebook page here.

Also, here are some extra coupons to check out before heading down! Enjoy!

Labels: b2k, barkery, coupons, dog food, gathering, miniature schnauzer, mixed breed, pet expo, silversky, singapore special, the wong dogs, tiny krew, top 5 reasons

❤ "Top 5 Things To Check Out At Pet Expo 2015!" was Posted On: Thursday, 19 March 2015 @03:27 | 0 Wong comments ✿

Assessment Time – SOSD Healing Paws

Today, Cory took one step towards one of my resolutions for 2015 – that is to start involved in Animal-AssistedActivities (AAA). Interested parties had their canines exposed to a number of situations (wheelchairs, walking sticks, rough handling etc) to see their reactions, assessing their suitability of AAA events. Due to taking part in the assessment, do pardon the lack of pictures.

Credit: SOSD

Unfortunately, Cole due to his shy demeanour among strangers (that is why I did not sign him up) is still not ready to be involved in the programme. However, looking at the progress he has made towards strangers, I won’t be surprised if he is part of Healing Paws’ activities in time to come.

A little backgrounder, AAA differs from the more common practice of Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT or Pet Therapy). AAA are more casual and usually involve more “meet-and-greet” activities that involve pet owners and their furkids visiting homes and instituitions. What attracted me most is that such sessions are all-inclusive and do not need to be tailored nor geared towards medical conditions.

Recently, research has shown AAA has helped enhanced the quality of life especially for the disabled and the elderly, providing relief from anxiety, dear and loneliness. In kids, an obedience demonstration can be used at facilities which house children/teenagers with delinquent behaviours.

That is not to say other forms such as AAT and Pet Therapy are of lower quality. In fact, these take more specialised curriculums and need trained professionals with the process being documented and evaluated.

Thank you Dr. Siew, Stasha and Maureen for the opportunity. Now, it is time to see if Cory makes the cut!

For more information on the SOSD Healing Paws programme and how you can express interest, visit the link here.

Labels: aaa, animal assisted activities, dogsofinstasg, healing paws, miniature schnauzer, mixed breed, save out street dogs, singapore special, sosd, the wong dogs, therapy

❤ "Assessment Time – SOSD Healing Paws" was Posted On: Sunday, 8 March 2015 @09:06 | 0 Wong comments ✿

“Yes, I Café Hop With Them” – Sin Lee

I couldn’t help not putting such a headline. Especially when I was told that pet owners who love to visit such establishments are of lesser stock. Yes, you heard me right.

The word “hipster” has been diluted recently with hoards of similar establishments sprouting like mushrooms all over Singapore. So you realise what the word really means when no official Facebook page or website turns up on your Google search. It is either they have a heck care attitude towards online presence (with such attention to detail in their interior design, I highly doubt it) or they truly believe in the power of “word of mouth”, right?

Located away from the Tiong Bahru hipster crowd next to the wet market, Sin Lee’s address has it the only café in the vicinity below a block of flats that are more than 50 years old! Imagine how my excitement grew when they told me they are fine with me dining at their alfresco area with Cory and Cole.

So, what can pet owners look forward to when they make their virgin visit?

THE WONG DOGS REVIEW

Like my review for Percolate, Sin Lee is not a pet café. However, the management did allow me to dine alfresco while Cory and Cole relax beside me and watch the world go by.

I absolutely love how everything has been designed – besides the many Instagram-worthy pictures you can take here, the environment feels like it has been whitewashed with a filter on its own. Service-wise, the staff are not the most boisterous but I do appreciate their quiet demeanours and earnest personalities.

If you are driving down, do park at the carpark behind the café (free and open to public on Sunday) though it is mostly for season holders on weekdays. Should it be full, your best bet would be Block 8C across the road.

Of course, what is a café without nosh? With Sin Lee not being a pet café, there is no menu for furkids here. In fact, it hardly matters to Cory and Cole because they seem to be content with just hanging with me. Humans on the other hand, are treated to quite an interesting and may I say, utterly SIN-ful (such pun!) list.

1. Fried Chicken & Waffles ($21.90)

“It better be good…” I mentally noted when I saw the price tag. Though I had my expectations pegged higher, it was quite enjoyable. The sizeable waffle was baked to a comfortable-looking golden hue and the texture was soft to the bite. The chicken leg was deep fried, yet moist and sending yummy signals to my taste buds. If you ask me, can be shared between two.

2. Salted Egg Sweet Potato Fries ($12)

“Wait, these are sweet potatoes??” and continued munching on a couple more of fries! Used to crunchy and salty versions, I relished chewing on these moist creations. Personally , I dislike salted egg but hey, these went really well. Served with crunchy curry leaves on top, need I say more?

3. Beef and Grains ($23)

It took some getting used to the saltiness. Even my mum felt it was too much for her. However, I can think of many people who will fall in love with this uber local-tasting dish. The beef was deliciously tender and the risotto rice (grains…) added a nice chewy texture. It might not look like much, but this definitely filled a considerable portion of my tummy.

4. Pie Crust Milkshake ($9)

If you ask me, this THICCCCKKKK milkshake ought to be a meal on its own. Topped with digestive biscuits, it really felt like someone blended an entire pie into the concoction it lasted me through the entire meal.

My mum gave her own review – Nice décor to sit in on a relaxing afternoon. However the food had very strong flavours and very generous portions. Light eaters can consider the starters to be quite sufficient.

So, will you be making a trip down with Fido?

Operating Hours
Tuesday to Friday: 130pm to 9pm
Saturday: 12pm to 9pm
Sunday: 12pm to7pm
Closed on Mondays.

To make a reservation, drop them a line at 63773-170

Labels: bukit ho swee, cafe, dogs, dogsofinstasg, miniature schnauzer, mixed breed, pet-friendly, review, sin lee, singapore special, tiong bahru