There are many reasons why Ipoh’s Sinhalese Bar makes for a fascinating tourist spot.
Apart from being one of the oldest in the country, housed in a building that looks like it belongs in a bygone era, its present owner, 81-year-old Alfred Perera, was born right here in the very building, in the shophouse upstairs.
Then there is Merlin, the charming resident canine.
Customers enjoying their drinks often see the adorable brown dog casually making her way around the establishment, meeting and greeting guests while flashing her sweet “hello and nice to see you again” smile.
Seeing her today – eyes bright and tail a-wagging – it’s hard to imagine what life would have been like for her had Perera not found her.
“She had been dumped on the road and at that time, she was just a puppy,” he told FMT. Perera, who has always been an animal lover, knew he couldn’t leave her there to fend for herself, and so picked her up and brought her home.
The timing was right too. He had a male pup at home called Jimmy, another rescue that he felt would love a companion similar in age to grow up with.
Today, the sweet Merlin is a happy and contented seven-year-old.
Besides her friendly nature, he described Merlin as a loving dog who enjoyed “mingling” with his customers who often indulged her with pats and cuddles.
“I’ve allowed her to roam around the bar since she was a puppy and today, most of my customers know and love her,” he shared.
However, Perera is careful not to allow his customers to feed his precious pooch. “She enjoys a special diet of kibbles and boiled chicken.”
During FMT’s visit, the clever canine could be seen calmly walking up to customers who called her name and at one point, she even slumped to the floor, rolling on her back and excitedly kicking her legs up in the air – clearly relishing all the attention and calling for belly rubs.
Alas, her good nature is only extended to humans as she detests the company of other dogs. Jimmy, of course, is an exception as they grew up together.
So, can one look forward to some doggie romance, and perhaps puppies from the pair? “Oh no, Merlin has been spayed,” Perera replied with a chuckle.
At night, after the last customer has left and the doors are bolted, both canines sleep together in the bar – although Jimmy has been known to occasionally sneak his way upstairs where Alfred and his wife sleep!
Perera added that they are both good watchdogs whose ears prick up at the slightest sound – a trait he appreciates as they help keep his family and his bar safe.
Looking at Merlin fondly, he shared: “I have no regrets giving her and Jimmy a fur-ever home and I love them. To that end, I cannot understand how people can be cruel to abandon their puppies. Even if you can’t care for them, take them to an animal shelter instead of leaving them on the road.”