Puppies up for adoption at the carnival. — Photos: ART CHEN/The Star
A GROUP of pet owners and animal lovers alike revelled in a pet gathering at The Square by Jaya One, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
In its sixth year of being a pet-friendly space, the mall held their very first Happy Pets Carnival.
The mall partnered with Ollie & Hana Puppy Nursery, a pet grooming and hotel boarding specialist for dogs.
With various activities lined up, this carnival will be held on weekends until July 28.
Among events are a Pet Fashion Competition and a Mobile Dog Gym Experience where a treadmill for dogs will be displayed.
There will also be a workshop on “Understanding Your Pets’ Love Language” during which a human translator will teach you how to gauge your pet’s feelings and needs.
At the Pet Adoption Drive & Bazaar, vendors sell items such as dog treats and present animals up for adoption.
The mall is also collaborating with animal shelters and non-profit bodies such as Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better and Second Chance Animal Society.
In the previous year, 80 pets were adopted by visitors during the centre’s fifth anniversary celebrations as a pet-friendly space.
Jaya One Sdn Bhd senior marketing and communications manager Ellis Teh said, “All pets are welcomed to the carnival.
“Besides the cats and dogs, pet owners have also brought along ducks, monitor lizards, hamsters and turtles.
“We love bringing communities together and encouraging people to join us.
“This is our social responsibility and we do it for animal welfare as well,” Teh added.
Ollie & Hana Puppy Nursery co-founder Benson Ooi said he liked the mall’s community vibe.
This, he said, made it the perfect place to open his store in January this year.
Carnival visitor Stephani Cham, 40, entered her dog into the Pet Fashion Competition.
Adorning her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog, Millie, was a yellow two-piece attire.
“Millie needs to learn how to socialise with other dogs.
“Coming to this event and participating in the competition is for her social wellbeing,” said Cham.
Another visitor, Elizabeth Tarquinii, 22, came to the bazaar to check out some of the pet treats.
“I came here to help my dog get over its fear of crowded places.
“I’m enjoying it and would definitely come again,” said Tarquinii.