The National Geographic Channel Free Pet Shops returns after its successful debut with additional dog-shelter and more dogs for adoption
Singapore, 30 April 2013 –( ASIA TODAY )- Encouraged by a 35% increase in adoption rates experienced by dog shelters, and a general increase in public awareness of dog adoption initiatives in the past year, the National Geographic Channel (NGC) Free Pet Shop will return to present the second edition of Singapore’s largest dog-adoption drive this 4th and 5th May, 12 noon to 6pm at East Coast Park, Dalbergia Green. This year, the squad strength beefs up with the addition of Save Our Street Dogs (SOSD), in addition to the four shelters who participated last year. Featuring about 100 dogs up for adoption, the NGC Free Pet Shop will also see fringe partners join in to string together a community of current and potential dog owners, pet lovers and pet-care businesses
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The NGC Free Pet Shop will bring together five dog shelters – Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD), Animal Lovers League (ALL), Noah’s Ark, Gentle Paws and Save Our Street Dogs (SOSD), as well as key industry players including other animal welfare organizations such as Lost Paws, dog groomers, obedience trainers, a dog bakery, pet food companies, dog photographers and advocates on a united platform to educate and raise public awareness of animal welfare efforts, at the same time fostering a stronger support community across the industry. (See Annex A for more information on the dog shelters)
Also debuting at this year’s edition of NGC Free Pet Shop is shelter dog, Mango. Last June, Cesar Millan visited Singapore and lent a magical touch to Mango, a mixed-breed ‘Singapore Special’ dog who has never ventured beyond its kennel since its arrival at Animal Lovers League after being abandoned by its former owners seven years ago. Following Cesar’s successful attempt in coaxing Mango out of its kennel and volunteers’ consistent rehabilitative efforts, Mango will join other dogs for an opportunity to be accepted into a new home this year.
Cesar Millan continues to be a global inspiration to dog lovers and owners. The NGC Free Pet Shop is a local initiative by National Geographic Channel Singapore to inspire fans and the public in Singapore to adopt Cesar’s lifelong mission in preventing the deaths of innocent dogs around the world. Airing on NGC is new television series Leader of the Pack which features Cesar Millan’s goal to raise awareness about rescuing, rehabilitation and rehoming through his work with rescued dogs, and the humans who play the most important role in giving these dogs a chance for a new lease of life.
(Leader of the Pack airs on National Geographic Channel every Wednesday, 10pm on StarHub TV Ch. 411 and SingTel mio TV Ch. 201)
Ms Yvonne Tay, Deputy General Manager of FOX International Channels, Singapore, said, “It was extremely heartening to witness the huge turnout at last year’s National Geographic Channel Free Pet Shop. The dog shelters we have worked with have had their share of heart-warming stories of dogs that have found new homes, as well as an increase in public enquiries and volunteers. More importantly, we were also able to harness the combined efforts of like-minded partner, Subaru, who shared our vision to inspire people to care about the planet and every living creature on it. I hope this year’s event will continue to capture more hearts of individuals and corporations to join us in our cause for adoption and turn our regular TV viewers into true fans of National Geographic Channel.”
Joining forces with National Geographic Channel in championing dog adoption this year is Subaru Singapore. "Free Pet Shop is a fantastic initiative that benefits not just the homeless dogs in Singapore but the people who adopt them,” says Hannah Tan, Senior Manager-Regional Marketing of Motor Image Group. “We are pleased to support National Geographic Channel and its work to help man’s best friend find loving homes and families, as well as to bring the community together for a good cause. As a brand, it makes sense for us to support Free Pet Shop, dog-lovers have always been big fans of Subaru cars. Our vehicles are dog tested and dog approved."
Shelter dogs from the shelters will be ferried to and fro the event ground by Subaru. Subaru will also be giving away complimentary customized dog tags for the first 500 dog owners each day.
Dr. Siew Tuck Wah, President of Save Our Street Dogs (SOSD) jumped at the invitation to participate, and said, “For National Geographic Channel to gather and champion the cause of adoption for non-profit organisations such as the SOSD, echoes our consistent steps to improve animal welfare in Singapore. We are excited to join forces with the other shelters and I hope that through FPS, we can continue to touch hearts, extend our outreach to the community, and in turn, provide our furry friends with a second chance in life. ”
Mr. Ricky Yeo, President of Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD) is appreciative that a big corporation like National Geographic Channel is spearheading this initiative again, “This is the first major adoption drive that ASD is embarking on after Project ADORE has been extended for another year. We hope to reach out to as many as we can to educate on the beauty of our Singapore Specials.”
Ms. Christine Ravi, who runs Animal Lovers League, agreed, “Last year, it was amazing to witness how Cesar Millan exercised his charms on Mango and got him out of his kennel after seven long years. What the event does is beyond promoting dog adoption; it lends an instant support community of dog lovers and expertise on event grounds, and gives people a head start to picking up the essential skills to effective communication with our canine companions.”
Ms. Wanying Loh, spokesperson for Gentle Paws observed, “With NGC Free Pet Shop as a common channel for outreach, we were able to reach out to individuals who want to lend a helping hand to shelters but don’t know how and where to start, allowing them to have a better understanding of what helping out at a shelter entails. The presence of other shelters and industry experts in one common venue also allows interested adopters to really choose wisely and make an informed decision, giving us much assurance that the dogs will go to good homes.”
The National Geographic Channel Free Pet Shop will take place on 4th and 5th May at Dalbergia Green (between Carpark D1 and the beach) at East Coast Park. It is a free event for families and friends to enjoy a day out, where animal lovers, dog owners and their pooches can look forward to being photographed by professional photographers and pampered with nutritional dog treats. Dog obedience trainers and handlers will be present to dole out tips with existing and potential pet owners, providing deeper insight into life with dogs, allowing man and canine to foster better relationships. Animal lovers and dog owners will also learn more about Lost Paws, a new online portal for lost-and-found of pets
One of the unique highlights of the fringe activities is the Singapore Special Dog Show which celebrates the beauty of Singapore Special, also commonly seen as a mixed-breed dog. The Dog Show challenges the misconception that Singapore Specials are not on par with pure bred dogs and will feature proud owners with their local mixed breed dogs sharing stories and the talents of their best friends.
For regular updates, profiles of dogs for adoption and activities, visit www.facebook.com/NGCSingapore.
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