Is he shy? Is he anxious? Or is he actually a playful ball of energy just waiting for the right home? The truth is, you’ll never really know in such a stressful setting.
That’s why Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better (MDDB) is flipping the script. This Sunday, the canine-welfare society will host its first-ever Pet Adoption Speed-Dating Jamboree, a new approach to adoption that puts dogs and people in the right environment to truly connect.
Instead of the chaos of a mall, it will take place in a cozy PJ home with a spacious garden. Here, the stars of the day – dogs and puppies – will be free to roam, play, and wag their tails as they please, in a calm, natural setting where their real personalities can shine.
“They’re not going to be confined in a playpen, and there’s not going to be so much noise like in the mall with music blaring and people talking at the top of their voices. That itself will help,” MDDB adoption coordinator Christine Lai told FMT Lifestyle.
“There also won’t be people coming and peering into the playpens and prodding the puppies.”
For adopters, this means the chance to stroll around, sit on the grass, toss a ball, and take their time deciding. No rush, no pressure – just a leisurely day spent getting to know potential furry companions.
“In the home setting, they can take their own time and bring their entire family. They’ll be able to sit quietly and watch the puppy playing. This is important because the puppy will not be frightened – it’s not going to be as reserved as it would be in a mall,” Lai noted.
The idea isn’t just about making the event more enjoyable – it’s also about making adoption more successful in the long run.
“Most of the time when adopters go to malls to adopt a puppy, it is in a very rushed manner. The crowd is big, and the person handling the adoptions also wants to get it through very quickly because we are given a time limit.”
Because of that, “sometimes adopters pick the wrong puppy that doesn’t actually fit with the family”, said Lai, who added that they hope to hold such an event once a month.
The jamboree won’t just be about adoptions: visitors can also look forward to MDDB’s lively jumble sale. Expect tables packed with donated goodies – clothes, shoes, handbags, household items and more – all sold at bargain prices.
Every ringgit spent goes directly to helping MDDB with their rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
You can also lend your support through MDDB’s sponsorship programme. With a monthly contribution of RM100, sponsor one of the society’s more than 400 able-bodied canine residents. RM150 helps cover the extra care needed for a disabled dog.
So, if you’ve ever wondered if your soulmate has four paws, this Sunday is your chance to find out. Come for the cuddles, stay for the bargains, and leave with a new best friend or the joy of helping a good cause.
‘Pet Adoption Speed-Dating Jamboree’
When:
Sunday, Sept 28 from 11am-6pm
Where:
17, Jalan SS3/46,
Taman Universiti,
47300 Petaling Jaya
For location, click here.
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