Pet Expo 2016 features special contest for white pets

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Pet Expo 2016 at Singapore Expo features White Pawty, a contest for white pets

Mar 21, 2016 06:00 am

When her pomeranian of 14 years Bobo died in 2008, Mrs Jennifer Chen, 46, a part-time barista, continued to grieve over him and did not buy another dog for four years.

Things changed when Mrs Chen saw Bobby, a 43kg pure-bred samoyed dog at a VivoCity pet shop in March 2012.

An instant connection was made, but she struggled with whether she would want to get emotionally involved with another pet.

A week later, she went back to the shop and got Bobby for about $5,500.

Bobby is one of the pets taking part in the White Pawty (meaning an animal "party") contest held at the Pet Expo this weekend. (See report below.)

The Pet Expo is expected to draw 30,000 visitors and 10,000 pets this year.

Seven rescue officers and three dogs are involved in searching for the couple, identified as Mr Sim Hwee Kok and Ms Neo Siew Choo.

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Mrs Chen said she named her new dog Bobby in honour of Bobo.

She had kept a picture of Bobo at her balcony, where the animal used to sleep, for four years after it died.

She removed the picture only when Bobby came along.

Mrs Chen said in Mandarin: "When I brought Bobby's cage home, I cried because it felt like I was getting myself into trouble by getting another pet."

The mother of two young children considers Bobby the third child of the family.

Snowy, a 7kg Maine coon cat, will also be taking part in the popularity contest.

Snowy is described by its owner, who wanted to be known only as Miss Yeo, 30,as "dog-like and clingy", unlike other cats.

Miss Yeo said: "Snowy is an affectionate cat. She will follow me around the house and wait for me by the door."

As part of the Pet Expo, at least 30 pets will be up for adoption on the last two days.

For people still having doubts about whether to become pet owners, Ms Esther Chin, 30, project manager for the Pet Expo said: "The special pet-human relationship between the owner and pet is indescribable.

"It can be felt though real-life interaction, which may inspire others to own a pet for companionship."

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore and volunteers will be present to answer questions and give to advice to potential pet owners as well.