Their holiday cheer? Well, that comes in the form of tail wags, happy barks, and the unconditional love of the dogs they pet-sit during Christmas.
“Last year, we decorated the house with figurines of dogs,” Emma, 47, shared with a laugh. “We even set up a photo booth for the pups. It’s simple, but it makes us happy.”
For Emma, originally from Jakarta, and Metta, who juggles pet boarding with his sales and education career, Christmas is less about tradition and more about heart. Together, they’ve built a haven for dogs and their owners.
Ten years ago, Emma and Metta tied the knot, blending their lives in more ways than one. Emma, a former singer who once graced Hard Rock Cafe in Indonesia, traded the limelight for a quieter life when she moved to Malaysia.
Metta, on the other hand, was in the IT and sales industry. Originally from Klang, he now manages a full-time job in sales and education while supporting Emma’s dream of running a pet boarding service.
The idea to start their pet boarding business came from Emma’s love for dogs and her desire to work independently. “I wanted something of my own,” Emma explained. “And I love dogs so much, so I told Metta, let’s do this.”
The couple, both online pastors of an independent church, prayed and fasted over the decision, asking for divine guidance. “We said, ‘God, if this is what you want us to do, bring the people.’ And He did,” Metta, 56, recalled.
Since launching their business in August last year, they’ve become beloved by their clients for their personalised touch – daily showers, playtime, free treats, and regular updates for the “pawrents.”
While most people spend Christmas with family or at lavish gatherings, Emma and Metta stay home, surrounded by their furry guests. For them, the joy of Christmas lies in caring for the dogs.
On Christmas morning, the couple blast Christmas carols in their living room, singing merrily along with their furry guests, spreading Yuletide cheer.
“I don’t like going out much anyway,” Emma admitted. “Staying home with the dogs, watching TV – it’s perfect for me.” Metta echoed her sentiment: “The love we get from these dogs is so genuine. It’s like they treat us as family.”
Their Christmas celebrations are simple yet heartwarming. Emma decorates the house, sometimes setting up festive photo booths for the dogs. They even fulfil special requests from clients, like feeding the doggos Christmas meals specially prepared by their owners.
“One person asked us to give their dog a big bone which they provided as a Christmas treat,” Metta chuckled. “Another wanted their dog in a Santa hat for photos.”
Though their home is filled with joy, Metta approaches the dogs with caution. A painful loss in his youth taught him the heartbreak of attachment. “When I was 18, I had a dog named Trixie,” he shared. “He waited for me to come home before he died. It was devastating. Since then, I’ve never owned a dog. But I’m happy to care for others’ dogs instead.”
For Emma, the business is more than just a livelihood; it’s a calling. “I care for the dogs as if they’re my own, and my goal is to make their parents happy,” she said.
And what’s their Christmas wish this year? Emma dreams of returning to her roots as a church singer in Indonesia and hopes to one day start a soup kitchen for the poor. Metta, ever the pragmatist, simply hopes for more opportunities to serve.
For now, their hearts – and home – are full. This is their version of Christmas and they wouldn’t have it any other way.