Hello.  I’m Fred.  After a long journey from the United States and serving time in quarantine, I have happily arrived in my new home.  If you don’t already know us, you can read some about my journey with my brother Jack here.  Many friends have asked how we are doing:  Thank you and here is an update!

First, I want to say that Sembawang Quarantine must be the happiest quarantine on Earth.  Pet parents who worry about sending their pets there should know that we enjoyed it as much as pets separated from their owners could.  The staff played with me, knew our names and personalities, and worked to get me home like I was their own pet.

Jack:  “Fred!  Hate to interrupt, but I have to say something.  It wasn’t easy.  I was traumatized, I mean, really traumatized when I got to quarantine.  I wouldn’t eat, my body shook all the time, and the whole family was worried.  I dropped down to 60 lbs. which is not a good look for me.  It was serious!” 

Yes, Jack, that’s all true.  But the people at Sembawang took good care of you.  They moved you into my suite and once you felt safe there, things got a lot better.  Really, you’re fine now.  Let’s move on with the update, alright?

Home Life

Like I was saying, we went home!  We made it home last Tuesday and enjoyed exploring our new space.  Our people welcomed us with bones and a long walk.  It was a great day.  Since coming home, we have developed a routine.

In the mornings, Mom takes us on long walks at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio park. This beautiful park has the Kallang River running through it.  We like to splash in the river and try to catch fish. Our walking loop also takes us to the dog park where I play nicely with others.  Jack…well, he waits outside the fence and is working up the courage to go in.

Jack:  “I’ve got courage, Fred.  I’m just not using it yet.”

Yes, well, we have made some friends anyway.  There are many Golden Retrievers like me in Singapore.  So, it’s easy to relate.  Jack, on the other hand, is a curiosity.  Groodles (what they call Goldendoodles here) are here too, but we don’t ever see them.  Especially ones as big as Jack.  So, he gets a lot of attention.

 

Jack:  “It’s mostly my charisma that draws them in.”

Right.  Everywhere we go, people stare at Jack.  Several groups have wanted to take pictures with him.  Playing second fiddle is not my usual role, but I’m adjusting.

 

Pet Amenities in Singapore

Jack and I also appreciate the amazing pet services in Singapore.  There are pet taxis to take us around the island, wonderful veterinarians, pet stores, and mobile dog groomers.   This week, Mom scheduled us a spa day at home to help wash our travels away.

These lovely people are Ben and Clara from Privileged Pets.  They came to our home, groomed us on the floor and spent four hours loving on us.  They REALLY like dogs.  Jack and I give them 5 stars!

Jack:  “Fred, don’t forget to talk about Clara’s blog…yum!”

Oh, right!  While we were getting groomed, Mom talked to Clara and Ben…a lot!  They shared about life in Singapore.    I heard Mom say she needs help with Asian cooking.  Clara loves to cook and blogs about her delicious recipes.  She offered to help Mom learn to make more Asian dishes….you can find her recipes here.   We are really happy to know Ben and Clara!

What’s Next?

You might be wondering what we will be doing now that we’ve settled in.  Well, we have big plans…Jack, do you want to share a little about them?

Jack:  “You know I do, Fred!  There are many pet cafes and parks in Singapore to visit.    We plan to visit as many as possible and share all about them with you.  Our most exciting journey will be to the Singapore Botanic gardens.  Look for pictures and updates!  Here is a short list of some places we want to visit:

• Sun Ray Cafe
• Ah B Cafe
• Sunny Heights Pool
• Sentosa Beaches

In the meantime, we’ll be doing a lot of this:”