This valentine, I choose to spend my day with you

Feeling lonely this valentine? Why not meet the one and only man’s best friend!

(Image taken from http://www.folksdaily.com/cute-cats-kittens/)

For today’s fur-day, we’re going on an adventure. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars this valentine's, you could be spending your time and money on something even better! Whether you have someone to celebrate with or not, the local animal shelter is definitely the place for you to celebrate your valentine. Not only would you feel less lonely, you can also actually spread some love there. Here in Singapore, there are endless lists of animal shelters in Singapore and here are some names that could be near you.

(Image taken from drawthedog.com)

Mutts and Mittens -

A commercial facility that involves community service with the animals in the shelter. Don’t get it all wrong, Mutts and Mittens aren’t just for dogs but also cats too! They also provide services to make your animal be more fit! The website itself pulls people! Located at Pasir is Farmway 2. 

(adapted fromhttp://www.muttsnmittens.com/boarding.html)

Action for Singapore Dogs -

Located near to haw par villa MRT station (3 Jambol Place), a no profit organization to improve the welfare of dogs all around Singapore, abandoned or stray. These dogs are just waiting for your love and affection to arrive on their doorstep. ASD beliefs that all dogs deserve a second chance in getting a home.

(Adapted from http://asdsingapore.com/wp/)

Animal Lovers League - 

League of animal lovers right here! Its even in the name! Located also in Pasir Ris, Farmway 3. Consisting of both cats and dogs, the animal family includes strays, abandoned and rescued animals from around Singapore. Another non profit organization looking out for all these animals around. 

(Adapted from http://www.animalloversleague.com/)

Animal Concern Research and society (Acres) -

Now if you’re not into the whole puppy and kitty love during this valentines and looking for something a little more, you may head down to 91 Jalan lekar to share the love. The passion for sharing care for animals speaks for itself when you head down to ACRES. Not just do they have pets but also bears and piglets and many other animals that were found treated badly. They also believe in protecting animals rights and animals from getting abused all around the globe. It is just like a zoo over there!

(Adapted from http://www.acres.org.sg/)

What better way for you to celebrate either by yourself or with a loved one over all these places during the course of this lovable day. Bring down a friend or so and you may never know maybe you might just bring home a new pet animal!

stay positive,

salwaa

Scarlett The Heroic Cat

Hello again!!

It's Random Thursday again today! Today I am going to talk about a LEGEN-wait for it- DARY cat and her name is Scarlett.

WARNING: STORY MAYBE VERY TOUCHING. TEARS CAUSED FROM READING THIS STORY WILL NOT BE COMPENSATED BY WRITER.

(Source: http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20121210072656/merlin1/images/f/fd/Triangular-warning-sign.jpg)

This is dear Scarlett. She might not look cute like your average house cat, but I promise you that the phrase "Scaredy cat" does not apply to this heroic little one.

Meet Scarlett

(Source: http://www.lifewithcats.tv/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/scarlett3.jpg)

Scarlett was not the normal kitty you have at home as she was abandoned at a garage along with her 5 kittens. Without actual reasons, the garage was engulfed by a huge fire. The New York City Fire Department was called to the scene to put out the fire. Moments later, a firefighter saw Scarlett carrying each and everyone of her kittens outside the garage. Her body was badly burned, her fur on her face had burned off but she continued to carry each and every kitten out to safety. Scarlett was brought to the vet after she fell unconscious.

Scarlett with multiple burns

(Source: http://bigcatrescue.org/000news/Advocat/2007/images/ScarlettCatBrooklyn/scarlett.jpg)

Scarlett with her 5 kittens 

(Source: http://ourcompass.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/scarlett_hero_cat_02.jpg?w=600&h=393)

After getting some medical treatments, Scarlett was put up for adoption. Over 7,000 letters flooded the vet clinic from animal lovers who were willing to adopt Scarlett and her kittens. Scarlett and her kittens were adopted by different people. Scarlett herself was adopted by Karen Wellen. Karen had her reason of adopting animals with special needs after her previous cat died due to a traffic accident. 

Karen Wellen and Scarlett

(Source: https://geekinthebreeze.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/scarlett2.jpg)

A few years later, Scarlett was diagnosed heart murmur and multiple diseases as well. Scarlett died in October 2008. This LEGEN-wait for it- DARY cat has caught attention from all over the world with organisations paying a tribute to Scarlett as the bravest cat in the world and as well as for Mother's Day. 

(Source: http://img.timeinc.net/time/photoessays/2011/top10_heroic_animals/scarlett_cat.jpg)

I feel that a cat like Scarlett would always be remembered by the public for years to come. 

Thank you for reading!!

Love,

Faizah Shahmat

The Most Faithful Animal: Coyote

It is Valentine's Week! It is one of some perfect moments to show your companion how deeply you are in love with them.

In real life, there are so many romantic love stories for us to share. But, most of them belong to human. Have you ever read about romantic stories of animals? Well, you are about to read one about coyote, one of few most faithful animal in the world.

Source: http://guardianlv.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/155990805_Gray-wolf-couple-450x337.jpg

Among many animals, they performed polygamy to increase the number and quality of their offspring. However, coyote is one of few who will raise its offspring with it's mate.

Source: https://simbania.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/coyotesummer.jpg

According to scientists with Ohio State University, there were no evidence of coyote was unfaithful to a mate after they took genetic samples of 236 Chicago-area coyotes over of six years.

The co-author of Science Daily, Stan Gehrt said that a father coyote knows each of the pups is his own, he has  genetic stake in helping them to survive.

"The male spends just as much time helping to raise those pups as the female does," said Gehrt.

Moreover, they are romantic in their own way. When mother coyote is pregnant, the father will stick with her all the time, according to Cecilia Hennessy, senior author of the study. The father will spend his time looking for food and marking their territory together with the mother coyote.

Source: https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3174/2634961597_7c9e952fb7_z.jpg

Some might argue, "How about the symbol of romantic love, the swan?"

Hmmm. Unfortunately, swan is not a very faithful mate. Especially for father swan, "until death do us part" does not work on them. They do help in nest-building and egg-incubating. But some of the father swan might still be messing around with others, leaving mother swan alone with the children swan.

Source: http://media.mnn.com/sites/default/files/styles/node-gallery-display/public/swans.jpg

Not sure if the reason behind is because the coyotes understood that they were investigated and observed by the scientists (just kidding). Anyway, their faithfulness towards their mates are inspiring and respected.

Maybe sometime during this Valentine's weekend, people can confess their love to their partners or spouses by comparing themselves with coyote, the symbol of loyalty!

Source: http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_large/hash/59/e4/59e4aa5450410a3919478b6c8185556e.jpg?itok=Uh_QAUj9

Details from Huffington Post, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/30/coyotes-monogamous-study-faithful-cheating-urban_n_1923649.html and http://www.scientificamerican.com/slideshow/love-for-life-animals-mostly-monogamous/.

A Pawsitive Valentine's Day

With Valentine's Day around the corner, I'm sure many of you are fretting over how you're going to spend this special day with your loved one. Well, for all you singles pet owners out there, why not spend this day doing something special for your dog? The one who was with you through the ups and downs of your life. The one who never failed to put a smile onto your face after a long day.  You know what they say, dogs are man's best friend.

Use this special day to tell your dog how much he/she means to you! Here are some delicious treats that your dog will most definitely enjoy! 

1. Peanut Butter & Banana Smoothie Bon Bites

Source: http://www.17apart.com/2014/08/dog-treat-recipe-peanut-butter-banana.html

This treat will most definitely help your little furry friend cool down from the outside heat. These protein-packed bon bites are easily made from just 3 ingredients which are bananas, greek yoghurt and peanut butter. This means it's also completely safe for human consumption. 

Check out the full recipe here.

2. Chicken Jerky

Source:http://www.dogtreatkitchen.com/chicken-jerky-dog-treats.html  

This simple little treat makes a perfect training treat for your dog. Furthermore, it's really simple to make and it only requires chicken breasts fillet as the main ingredient. Give this recipe a try and train your dog on Valentine's Day. Who knows?  Maybe your dog might just surprise you on this very special day.

To get the full recipe, read this.

3. Fruit Parfait

Source: http://www.doggyadvices.com/perfect-fruit-parfait-for-your-fur-friend/

This healthy dessert is sure to melt your dog's heart once they taste it. It is made from strawberries, blueberries, apple sauce and non-fat yoghurt. You'll only spend a few minutes making this dessert because all you have to do is to mix all the ingredients together. Simple, right? You can keep this dessert in your refrigerator for up to seven days. Now, isn't that convenient?

To read the full recipe, click here.

These recipes are really simple to make, even for people who hardly step into the kitchen. Furthermore, they are really cost-efficient and most importantly, delicious. 

Regardless of Valentine's Day, you should always take the chance to show your beloved dogs how much you love them. Let's all use Valentine's Day to kickstart this habit of showing love. Cheesy as it sounds, do it. All these recipes are safe for human consumption, so why not have a candlelight dinner with your dog? I'm sure their love for you is 100% genuine. With that, I wish you guys a Pawsitive Valentine's Day. 

Love,

Megan

If you can't keep a pet... VISIT PET CAFES!

I'm not sure if you know how the saying goes, "If you can't keep a pet.."

YOU COULD ALWAYS VISIT PET CAFES! 

I kid, there's actually no such saying. But visiting pet cafes have been all the craze lately. Here are 5 pet cafes you should consider visiting if you're craving for some adorable cuteness as well as some sweet bites! Visiting pet cafes is a much more fun and unique activity than the regular movie or spending your money shopping at Orchard Road.

1. Cat Cafe Neko No Niwa
They were actually the FIRST cat cafe to have opened in Singapore and since then, there has been many other cat cafes popping up all around our island. Being the first cat cafe with about 15 cats, it also makes it one of the more prominent and popular ones amongst Singaporeans and tourists. Located at Boat Quay, it also sells desserts from local bakeries from The Muffinry and many others.

Some of the rules you need to abide by when visiting Neko No Niwa! 

(source: http://www.catcafe.com.sg/cafe-rules/) 

2. The Cat Cafe
An entire level with 20 pretty looking cats, what can any other pet lover ask for? This sounds just like heaven to me! Located at Victoria St, this spacious shophouse is filled with cats and I'm sure you won't be able to keep your hands off some of these gorgeous felines!

(Source: The Cat Cafe Facebook Page) 

3. We're the Furballs
This petting cafe houses 8 dogs that will bound to keep you active, playing with and chasing them around. Located at East Coast Park, you could also always go for a romantic stroll afterwards (if you're not too tired that is).

(source: We're The Furballs Facebook Page) 

4. III Cafe
Famous for its "barkery" which sells foods for our canine friends, it also allows you to dine with your dearest pet. Unlike We are The Furballs, which is strictly a petting cafe, III Cafe is an integrated pet-friendly cafe that will allow you to spend some quality time with your dog over food.

(Source: http://www.iii-cafe.com/about-us.html) 

5. Riders Cafe
Familiar with Caroline and her horse, Chestnut from 2 Broke Girls? Horses make such unconventional pets but they can be so loving and caring towards you, just like any other pet. Located at Fairways Drive, it serves as a great place to chill out with friends or family. Make sure to wave at some of the horses as they pass you by in the midst of a meal.

(Source: http://www.hungrygowhere.com/singapore/riders_cafe/)

Well, there you go. Visit these pet cafes and remember to take plenty of pictures as keepsakes! :-)

Cat Cafe Neko No Niwa
54A Boat Quay (Lvl 2) 
Singapore 049843 

The Cat Cafe
241 Victoria Street
Singapore 188030


We're the Furballs
687A East Coast Road (Lvl 2)
Singapore 459055

III Cafe
687 East Coast Road
Singapore 459055

Riders Cafe
51 Fairways Dr 
Singapore 286965

The pet that could kill you...

with its looks… 

For today’s fur-stastic fur-day, we’re going back in time when this animal common to trade and own as a pet.

This is the slow loris.

Image taken from mnn.com

It’s kind of a pet. It’s considered as a pet. It’s kind of illegal to trade them but did you know, they were at one point in time the most common and adored pet around? Just look at them!

Image taken from popsci.com

In 1895, Singaporeans would trade these cutesy little animals as pets. As more of them were traded, the slow loris became growingly scarce.

The seemingly harmless pet can be found mostly at central catchment area and Bukit time nature reserve. Shy and slow, it's innocent physique would catch you off guard.

Image taken from slowlorispet.com

Now here’s the catch about these ‘seemingly harmless’ pet. Its sharp canine teeth can actually cause you to have severe to fatal anaphylactic shock! It would bite it’s own elbow to secrete and ooze out a certain kind of poison that is deadly (you’ve been warned).

But theres more to this adorable being than just its venomous elbow and razor sharp teeth. Having these adorable slow loris around would mean smelling it’s pee on everything… yes, everywhere. Once it gets comfortable at a place and wants to mark territory, it’s bladder wouldn’t even hesitate. 

BUT WAIT! Highly recommended you watch the next few Gifs first...
How about when it eats?

So what do you think about having the slow loris? Does the bugged eye sad looking slow creature still appeals to you or does its urinating venomous habits repulse you? Tag us what you think at twitter or on instagram at @PawsitiveThings 

Have a purr-fect weekend,

Salwaa 

My Top 5 Famous Celebrity Pets

Hello again! Today for Random Thursday, my top 5 list of the cutest and really famous celebrity pets on Instagram. Well since we know that celebrities gain attention for their good looks and their amazing talents, I must say that their pets do gain attention for their really adorable features and cuteness overflow. Oh My God! Shall we see the cutest celebrity pets on Instagram?

(Source: http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2010/282/7/8/excited_face_by_jezkah008-d30ftel.jpg)

1. Taylor Swift and her pet cat Meredith <3
                                              

(Source: http://media.tumblr.com/5beaddee196a783051e7d34303ae1fef/tumblr_inline_mmeh9qM0Lx1qz4rgp.gif)

First is the cutest cat of all time, Meredith. Meredith gained attention on Taylor's Instagram account with more than 652K likes for an image of this incredibly-cute-furry-feline pet. A round of applause for Taylor Swift  and not to forget the star, Meredith. Well, even with such sad break up songs from this talented singer which many say that it must be from her past relationships, Taylor definitely has a Blank Space for her pet Meredith.





2. Teddy Edwards in Zayn Malik's fashionable sock XP

(Source: http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/11/04/1415126933437_Image_galleryImage_Perrie_Edwards.JPG)

Say hello to this adowable (cuteness intended) puppy of Perrie Edwards and Zayn Malik. This innocent looking little pup has gained so much attention for its fashionable sweater (made out of Zayn Malik's sock) made by Perrie Edwards. I must say that it's fashion runway worthy, well for more than 183K likes definitely very worthy. This pup has got that One Thing that Zayn and Perrie long for, which is cuteness overload.

3. Katy Perry and Kitty Purry! Wait what?! XD

(Source: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/05/00/f2/0500f29d2b87eab9b5f9b93faa7ff388.jpg)

Welcome Katy Perry and her emerald-eyed cat, Kitty Purry! This majestic cat received more than 174K likes on Instagram for its fierce looking profile pictures! No wonder this cat has the eye of the tiger, which is of course aiming at the hearts of Katy Perry's fans.

4. Demi Lovato's goddaughter Monica

(Source: http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/37400000/Demi-became-a-Godparent-of-a-Turtle-at-the-Meridien-Resort-in-Bora-Bora-August-2014-demi-lovato-37432691-1024-682.jpg)

We all know that Demi Lovato is a genuine sweetheart by adopting a baby turtle and named it Monica at the Meridien Resort in Bora Bora. Demi and Monica are the perfect godmother and goddaughter pair, as this beautiful couple got a whopping 640K likes on Instagram. We all hope that Monica grows well and who knows, Demi might even Let It Go when Monica is fully grown to join the other turtles.




5. What does the Fawkes say? Hmmm

(Source:http://www.bopandtigerbeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Screen-Shot-2014-08-08-at-10.37.04-AM.png)

This little cutie is Ariana Grande's new pet pup, Fawkes Grande. A pup this small has gained great attention on Instagram when Ariana posted a cute profile of this much adorbs canine, receiving over 614K likes on Instagram. Even though this little pup looks really innocent, Ariana declared that this adorable puppy is rather feisty. Well Ariana certainly can't get enough of this pup for sure, hmmm can't Break Free from it I guess...

Haha, so that's it for my Random Thursday post! I hope you enjoyed reading this!

Love,

Faizah Shahmat