“Which kid is doing this now?” the 51-year-old thought, ready to dish out a mild scolding. Turning around, he paused mid-sentence. It wasn’t one of the kids.
There she was, a determined figure pushing the chair with surprising precision. Her target? A morsel of food left tantalisingly close on the seat. She nudged the chair closer, adjusting her angle like a master tactician, completely unfazed by the audience she’d attracted.
Meet Bailey, the Labrador who isn’t just a family pet – she’s a comedic, loveable, food-obsessed member of the household.
Bailey joined the household last year after Sequerah found her through a chance listing. Her previous owner, overwhelmed by juggling two dogs and a young child, was looking for a new home for Bailey.
“I always wanted a dog,” Sequerah reflected on how Bailey came into his life. “But with the kids and everything, there was never any time. Then, when I hit my big 50, I thought, ‘If not now, then when?’ So, I decided it was finally time.”
From the moment Sequerah met her, he was drawn to her vibrant personality and warm golden coat. “She was excitable, happy-go-lucky, and just full of life,” he recalled. It didn’t take long for him and his wife
From day one, Bailey’s exuberance has been the centre of attention. With a spacious garden to explore, she quickly made it her domain, dashing around, sniffing every corner, and, of course, occasionally stealing slippers.
“We’ve all had a fair share of chewed-up footwear,” he said, laughing. Despite her mischief, Bailey’s playful spirit has endeared her to everyone.
Indeed, for Sequerah, Bailey is more than just a playful presence; she’s a constant source of comfort.
“When I first got her, I was going through a tough time and having Bailey was so comforting,” he admitted.
“She really became a daily companion to me. She will always greet me in the morning and be very happy to see me. She’s always there, putting her head on my foot or sitting right next to me.”
Their daily walks are a cherished routine. “Bailey loves her walks,” he said. “If I miss a day, she’ll nudge me until I take her out. I need to walk too for health reasons. So, my daily walks in the morning with Bailey have really changed the way I start my day.”
Of course, life with Bailey isn’t without its challenges. Besides a penchant for slippers and food scraps, Bailey also insists on making friends with every dog she meets, even the ones that snap at her. “She still tries to get friendly with the dogs and that’s part of her charming personality.”
These days, Bailey is fully integrated into family life. “She’s not just a dog; she’s part of the family,” Sequerah said.
“She even has her place in the dining area and gets upset if she’s left out. She’ll jump at the glass door, making it very clear she wants to be where we are.”
Even extended family visits revolve around Bailey. “When my aunt brings her smaller dog, Mika, over, the two of them run circles around the garden. It’s like flashes of fur zooming past – pure joy!”
Today, Sequerah cannot imagine life without Bailey. “She’s now the fifth member of the family. She has a strong bond with everyone in the family. My wife loves the dog. All of us love the dog. We’re always talking about Bailey.”
This article was written by Dinesh Kumar Maganathan @ FMT Lifestyle. Read more pet stories here.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PET: FMT Lifestyle readers are invited to send in pictures (landscape format) and a short video (if any) of their furry, scaly or feathery friends to [email protected]. Don’t forget to include details like your pet’s name, age, breed and a short story about them.