Categories
Community Stories

Aon’s HappyTails: @donut.pawfriend

Meet Donut and her pawmily!

When we first got Donut, we were a couple with no kids. Now we’ve just recently welcomed a child and we officially consider our furkid as our eldest kid and our son as the second kid. 

Q: What motivated you to get pet insurance and why Aon Happy Tails?

Coming from the Philippines, it surprised me to see how expensive (though more thorough and better machines) vet care is for pups in Singapore. I wanted to plan ahead when Donut gets older and it seemed like a logical step to have insurance for her.

Q: Share your experience/journey with Aon thus far? 

It was easy for us to sign up for their insurance just on their website. We just needed less than 10 minutes and they emailed us the approval. Thank goodness we have not found a need to claim yet.

Q: Are there any specific health conditions or breed-related concerns that you are looking to be covered?

For small dogs, we were worried about Donut having LP. That’s why we signed her up when she was less than a year old so it would not be considered a pre-existing condition. 

Q: Do you agree that having pet insurance has provided you with peace of mind regarding your pet’s health and well-being?

Yes, of course. We never know when the next illness will strike. 

Q: How important do you think pet insurance is for pet owners?

Given how expensive bills can be, I don’t want money to be a hindrance to getting her the proper treatment. 

Do it! We planned out our finances when we got Donut but we didn’t expect so many vet visits. When she was a puppy we had to go to the emergency vet twice and she’s had multiple UTIs and ear infections. Nothing severe but it definitely put a dent in our wallet! So it’s always good to have insurance because we just can’t predict how sickly our pups will be.

As we conclude this blog, I encourage you to explore further and consider pet insurance for your beloved companions. Remember, their well-being and happiness are worth investing in, and pet insurance can be a valuable resource to ensure their health and provide peace of mind for you as a pet owner. 

Thank you for joining Donut and her pawrents in this insightful journey. We hope the information shared in this blog has been helpful and informative. If you have any further questions or topics you’d like to explore, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. 

Wishing you and your furry friends a lifetime of health and happiness!

Categories
Community Stories

Aon’s HappyTails: @pudding.meows

Meet Delia and Pudding, as we learn more about their experience!

I am a pet lover with a Diploma in Veterinary Technology. I wasn’t able to have pets when I was younger because my parents disapproved. So when I got married and moved out, my husband and I got a cat! Instead of buying one, we decided to adopt. Coincidentally, an ex-classmate from my diploma days was doing animal rescue and fostering. She thought we would be suitable as Pudding is a special Ragdoll that requires a lot of patience and tolerance.

Ragdolls are well-known for their friendly and gentle nature. However, due to multiple abandonments, Pudding can be aggressive and is easily triggered. It took a lot of time for Pudding to settle down in our household. It has been more than a year now and we are still prone to occasional attacks. When he is comfy and happy, he is very much like other Ragdolls who meow softly, flop around, and are easily picked up.

Q: Why did you decide to get insurance for your furkid?

We are looking at long-term care for Pudding. Vet bills are expensive and as Pudding gets older, it is unavoidable that he might run into some health problems. Pet insurance can help to provide some monetary relief, especially for long-term chronic illnesses. Similar to human insurance, which I am sure everyone has, we decided to get one for Pudding as he is part of our family.

Q: How did you get to know of Aon Happy Tails’ pet insurance? 

Our regular vet who sees Pudding recommended AON to us. After which, I queried at NTUC Income Lite booth. A kind advisor provided more information and explained the easy application process to me.

Q: What made you settle for Aon Happy Tails?

Firstly, our vet recommended it and she was agreeable to go through the physical examination and microchipping required for the insurance purchase for Pudding, who is not a happy cat at the vet. Not all pet insurance covers cats (mostly dogs) and AON has the most comprehensive coverage for cats and is the most affordable. AON even covers specified hereditary and congenital conditions, which a pure-breed cat like Pudding might get! Lastly, the coverage also includes common health needs such as chemotherapy, surgical procedures, X-rays, and diagnostic tests.

Q: What factors did you consider when choosing a pet insurance policy?

I would consider the following factors: affordability, coverage, ease of application, and claims.

Q: Are there any specific health conditions or breed-related concerns that you are looking to be covered?

Last year, Pudding’s blood test showed an elevation inSDMA levels, which is an early kidney disease marker. Our vet advised that might be from the tough life he had before coming to us, with proper diet and supplements it should resolve. However, I am still worried that he may be plagued with kidney problems later in life and since kidney disease is chronic, it might mean a long struggle with treatments, medications, and high vet bills. In addition, Ragdolls are genetically predisposed to heart diseases and it is great that AON Happy Tails cover hereditary conditions!

Q: Do you think it is important for pet owners to get pet insurance? 

Yes of course it is important! I would always advise my friends to get one for their pets and if I get another cat, I would definitely choose AON Happy Tails again. In the event that pawrents lose financial stability to provide quality and adequate health care for their pets, pet insurance does much to alleviate the strain. Monetary concerns can sometimes force one to give up or abandon their pets. Pets are family and are for life, hence, I believe that insurance is a very good investment to give my family a peace of mind.

Q: How would having pet insurance impact your decision-making when it comes to seeking veterinary care for your furkid?

As our vet is also aware that we have pet insurance, she can advise on the quality of vet care the clinic can provide within our financial means. Hence, we may be able to afford better treatment plans for our furkid with pet insurance than without. If I have more cats, I would definitely insure him or her with AON Happy Tail again!

Q: What advice would you give to someone who is considering purchasing pet insurance for their pet?

I am a member of a few cat lovers groups on Facebook and it pains me to see owners give up their ailing pets because of financial difficulties. With pet insurance, vet care can be more affordable and our precious furkid would be able to enjoy better treatment plans!

As we conclude this blog, I encourage you to explore further and consider pet insurance for your beloved companions. Remember, their well-being and happiness are worth investing in, and pet insurance can be a valuable resource to ensure their health and provide peace of mind for you as a pet owner. 

Thank you for joining Pudding and his pawrents in this insightful journey. We hope the information shared in this blog has been helpful and informative. If you have any further questions or topics you’d like to explore, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. 

Wishing you and your furry friends a lifetime of health and happiness!

Categories
Community Stories

Aon’s HappyTails: Run_baileyyyyyy_run

Meet Bailey, as we discover about his journey with Aon’ Happy Tails!

Bailey is a 6 year old Maltese who is full of personality. He is super friendly and loves meeting new fur friends and people, but he can be a little feisty. He is a party animal and loves to go out to socialize and explore new places. He is also a sweetheart and loves to snuggle up on the couch and spend time with his humans. Bailey is a strange, quirky little fluff ball full of personality who is loved by all who know him.

Q: What are some critical factors you think are important to consider when choosing a pet insurance provider?

Protecting Bailey’s health was the most important factor for us, so hospitalization and coverage for surgery and illness was a major consideration. The insurance had to be comprehensive enough to cover most common problems, such as cancer, heart disease, bone fractures, etc.

Factors like theft and third party liability were the least important to us – we were looking for a health-only plan. Vet bills are very expensive these days, and I have seen so many pawrents have to pay insane medical bills or, even worse, abandon or euthanize their pups because they could not afford the medical care. So it was very important to me that I never get into a situation where I cannot afford to save Bailey’s life, or where I have to choose between Bailey or my future/child, etc. It sounds very dramatic, but it’s not uncommon. In the past few years, I have seen so many fundraisers on Instagram because pawrents did not invest in insurance and could not pay the medical bills.

Q: What made you settle for AON Happy Tails? Any uniqueness of AON Happy Tails?

It really was the best and most comprehensive health plan available. The other pet insurance plans on the market only covered certain aspects of healthcare and were more focused on being an all-in-1 plan. With Aon, on the other hand, I felt like it was designed by someone who understands the needs of pawrents who simply want to ensure and protect their furkid’s health.

As for Aon’s uniqueness, first, it offers lifetime coverage, while many other plans cover health care up to a certain age.

Second, there is a high annual cap. We took out the most expensive Furball plan, which covers up to 12.5K annually.

Third, they offer comprehensive coverage where most common health needs are covered. For example, chemotherapy, surgical procedures, X-rays and diagnostic tests.

Finally, Aon’s Happy Tails insurance is relatively affordable. There are a range of rates – depending on your preferences – from the lowest rate around $25/month.

Q: Are there any specific health conditions or breed-related concerns that you are looking to be covered?

Maltese are generally known to have pretty bad joint and hip problems, which was definitely one of the factors I considered when looking for insurance for Bailey.

Q: Are there any personal experiences or stories you heard that have influenced your views on pet insurance?

Before I got Bailey, I volunteered at animal shelters and every once in a while we would find a pet that had been abandoned by its owner due to ongoing health issues. That really broke my heart, and I told myself that if I ever get a dog one day, that would be one of the first things I would do – to protect its health.

Q: Do you think it is important for pet owners to get pet insurance?

It is incredibly important, and I have been a huge advocate for it with personal friends. You should never put yourself in a situation where you have to choose between your furfriends life or your future and/or children, etc. I truly believe it is a worthwhile investment to give yourself and your family a peace of mind.

Q: How would having pet insurance impact your decision making when it comes to seeking veterinary care for your furkid?

I think it can be quite daunting to chalk up vet bills, especially if it is a recurring condition. I might opt for cheaper home remedies first and delay treatment if I did not have the assurance that I could pay the bills. Now that I have pet health insurance, I am definitely more willing to send Bailey to the vet if I detect early signs of a problem.

Q: Any other pointers that you would like to add on/share with fellow readers? 

Insurance is one of many ways to protect the health of your furkid. Diet and nutrition are also areas worth investing in. I am not an expert in this area, but I speak from experience and from the experience of other furkids. Kibbles may be cheaper, but if you can afford it, freeze-dried, air-dried, home-cooked or raw food is definitely much better for your furkids’ health. Bailey gets freeze-dried food and I have noticed a marked improvement in his skin condition, coat, tear stains and overall energy. But every furkid is different, so speak to your vet about how to give your furry companion the best life.

As we conclude this blog, I encourage you to explore further and consider pet insurance for your beloved companions. Remember, their well-being and happiness are worth investing in, and pet insurance can be a valuable resource to ensure their health and provide peace of mind for you as a pet owner. 

Thank you for joining Bailey and her pawrents in this insightful journey. We hope the information shared in this blog has been helpful and informative. If you have any further questions or topics you’d like to explore, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. 

Wishing you and your furry friends a lifetime of health and happiness! 

Categories
Community Stories

Aon’s Happy Tales: kopi.thedog

The Permanent Spot

Kopi, is a 9-year-old Singapore Special who is also Isabel’s furry best friend. Described as skittish but super sweet once she gets to know you, Kopi is a constant in Isabel’s life. Be it walks, car rides and even Friday night outings, the two are a package. 

With no fear or filter, Kopi is “a sassy and stubborn girl who knows what she wants”, and isn’t afraid to make sure her family is on the same page as her. It is quirky but Kopi is family, and a well-loved one, so naturally, she is much accepted. 

The First Time and Also the Last

Worry and love comes hand in hand. When Kopi suffered from bladder stones, Isabel and her family realised how scary it was for them when their beloved family member fell sick. 

Fear also rose from not being able to give Kopi all the help she needs. “The thought of her getting sick or injured and not being able to afford the vet bills” resonated deeply with the hoomom. It is a constant reminder that nags at her and thus, Isabel turns to AON insurance as a solution. 

No more  cruel choice to make

“It is elevating to not have to choose between her best friend’s health and finances — especially when both are significant issues to consider.” This also becomes one of the many reasons why Isabel chose AON as their insurance policies are customisable and flexible to budget constraints. 

In addition, AON provides lifetime coverage — a stark distinction from other providers who only cover up to a certain age. It entails a promise of providing “the best care for Kopi, even as she gets older”. 

Do note that while Aon is known for its comprehensive coverages, pre-existing conditions are not covered and such exclusion is typical with health insurance. Click here for more information.

The Relative Cost of It All

How small is insurance costs in comparison to un-insured health bills? It is insignificant, and furthermore, insuring our pets is also ensuring a peace of mind. With AON, it is having a peace of mind for life. These are exactly why Isabel recommends to fellow pet parents, who worries about the costs incurred from taking care of their precious fur babies. 

“It’s a decision that you won’t regret,” The hoomom remarks, and went on to share the feelings of her cherished best friend, “and your furry friend will thank you for it.” We are sure that many paw-parents can relate to this as health and happiness linger heavily on our minds when it comes to our furry companions. 

*Bonus Content* 

 If Kopi could speak hooman for 7 days, what would you say to her, or do with her?

I will tell Kopi to be nicer to the other dogs and make some friends to play with. This of course includes my boyfriend’s dog, Tobi! 

She will also get to hear just how much she means to my family and I, and that we are so blissful because of the amount of joy she has brought us. She will know that she is the goodest girl, and we all want her to remain healthy for the time to come. I’ll also take this chance to remind her to drink lots of water and eat healthier food.  

Categories
Community Stories

Aon’s Happy Tales: d.darbear.b

She Isn’t The One… Is She?

Under a tight budget, Shermin initially had no intention of buying a dog when she was browsing at the K-9 Salon. When Shermin saw darbear, she felt a connection, as it looked like darbear was in her own world, similar to herself. Although she thought darbear was cute, Shermin went on to look at other dogs.

But when Shermin asked the staff to show her another dog in the crowd of pets, the staff picked up darbear again! What’s more interesting is that darbear’s microchip number is the same as the last four digits of Shermin’s bank account number. These left Shermin pondering over what had happened.

Eventually, Shermin was convinced and she paid the deposit. Comparing the market price for 2 kg Maltipoos, all her peers also pointed out that she was lucky enough to have gotten darbear at a lower price.

My Darling Bear

“darbear” is inspired by Shermin’s parents calling each other “dar” — darling and how she thought that the first dog she saw was a walking baby bear. Hence, darbear or db, actually helped Shermin relieve and fulfill her childhood dream of owning a darling bear! 

Even more interestingly, darbear prefers humans over dogs, and this showed through her behavior. At home, darbear is “active and crazy,” according to Shermin, but starkly different from when she is outdoors, where she is “anti-social” and doesn’t pee, poo, eat, or drink much. 

Shermin describes darbear as being very fierce-looking because she seldom sticks out her tongue. Playfully, Shermin also let us in on the fun fact that darbear “snatches her daddy away from me.” The Maltipoo is very territorial over her food and dislikes it when people force her to do something for her own well-being.

Home is where the sweetest memories are made

After realizing that darbear gets stressed out and growls at other dogs when they invade her personal space, Shermin turned their weekly weekend mingling into playing dress-up at home. 

The hoomum loves to get customized items because it reflects what darbear is like in her eyes — a one-and-only unique presence. “Every piece is like a token of memory,” Shermin explains, fondly stating that darbear will come to her side whenever she is packing the wardrobe, and pawdeling new apparel!

The mother and daughter bond after their bath day, where Shermin will shower darbear with kisses while brushing and talking to her precious baby. Mischievous, darbear closes her eyes and pretends to sleep when her mother nags at her! 

“I want her to have everything her way.”

It is impossible to not worry as a guardian. As a carnivore, darbear seldom eats vegetables, fruits, or non-meat food. Naturally, the imbalance of nutrients becomes the top of her list of things to worry about. 

Another item on her list are the common conditions associated with Maltipoos: luxating patella and hip dyslexia. From time to time, Shermin gets darbear to go for health checks during vet visits. Via an embark dog DNA test, she had found one copy of a risk variant associated with IVDD. Fortunately, darbear is still young, and there are no signs of an occurrence despite darbear’s habit of jumping and standing whenever she is excited.

So, some of the things Shermin worries about are accidents, health issues, and, worst of all, death. After admitting that she overthinks sometimes, we asked her how she reassures herself. Shermin gave an inspiring answer: “[Negativity] is inevitable, but thoughts can be redirected”, whereby she simply brushes off those negative thoughts.

Buying protection

Shermin came across AON Happy Tails as an agent selling general insurance. She explains that in addition to the convenience of getting darbear insured, AON is chosen because it can set her mind at ease with its wide coverage. 

“Many people think that [buying insurance is] redundant and not needed. Especially when no claim is made,” Shermin said, raising a common viewpoint that many have about insurance. Yet she argues that insurance saves one unnecessary costs; it is a form of protection.

When asked if pawrents should consider insuring their furbabies, Shermin gave a short yet succinct answer: “Don’t buy when it’s too late; we will end up incurring more costs than expected.”

Do note that while Aon is known for its comprehensive coverages, pre-existing conditions are not covered and such exclusion is typical with health insurance. Click here for more information.

*Bonus Content* 

 If Darbear could speak hooman for 7 days, what would you say to her, or do with her?

We do Animal Communication quite frequently, once every month or every few months. I’m not a gentle mom, so there will probably be nagging and scolding during these sessions.

Actually, for my next session, I will be catching up with darbear who was just sterilized two weeks ago. I want to make sure that she understands why I put her through this pain. For these 7 days, I’ll also be taking leave from work to spend time with her – just to fulfil all of my baby’s requests 😄

#pawjourr #contentcreation #petcreators #petgigs #thewoofagency #freelancer #barbiegirlchallenge 

Categories
Community Stories

Aon’s Happy Tales: Holatruffle

The Heart Gets What It Wants

When Josephine first interacted with Truffle in one of the pet kennels, her heart was drawn to him. Very active and happy, she knew he was the brindle Frenchie boy she wanted. 

“When he was younger, there was a period where he wouldn’t sleep if he wasn’t on my lap.” The hoomom reminsiced and we can see why she has since revolved around Truffle’s happiness every second that she is free from her own duties.  

Coffee dates, swimming, playdates with Truffle’s siblings and friends, and socializing events are just some of the exciting activities Josephine brings Truffle on, fulfilling both their desires for an active lifestyle. 

A Language Only They Know 

Josephine and Truffle communicate via buttons, the ones we have all seen on the Internet before! 

Insistent on playing with his hoomom all the time, Truffle will press “Mommy”, “Play”, and “Now” to get her to play with him whenever she is on her phone.

Or if Josephine gives him a toy to play by himself, he will hammer the “Mommy” button ten times, demanding her immediate attention.

The same thing also happens every morning when Truffle delivers his very own special wake-up call. Pressing “Mommy” followed by “Outside” is his way of getting her out of bed to entertain him. Certainly one smart boy!

The Road To Happiness

Josephine is a firm believer that a well-behaved and trained dog is a happy doggo, which is why she does mental and physical training on Truffle. More than these, she also includes training during his mealtimes.

She fondly shares that one of Truffle’s favorite things to do is to guilt-trip her during her mealtime. He will sit right next to her and drool as he watches his hoomom eat! 

We are not sure how Josephine can endure Truffle’s cuteness. 

Another important factor in her doggo’s happiness is having his needs and wants understood. 

While Josephine is well aware of this, there is also the notorious fact that Frenchies can be a stubborn breed, and Truffle is no exception. Thus, to resolve this, she always observes his body language to learn about his telltale signs. 

Through her continuous efforts, she is able to tell when Truffle is uncomfortable, nervous, bored, or tired. Not only can she tell how he is feeling, but Josephine can also point out what Truffle wants to do, such as when he wants to drink water during walks, potty time, or go home, from this non-verbal way of communication. 

Fascinatingly, this amazing bond between the two of them is not a one-way thing, as Truffle also reads his hoomom’s body language. He knows that Josephine dislikes him for being stubborn and understands her cue. “Just two words are needed from me — ‘UH OH!’… Eventually, he gives in.” Josephine shared with us. 

By taking the time and effort to understand what Truffle wants and needs, Josephine manages his stubborn personality well by making him a happy puppy who occasionally gets his way. 

The Fear that All Moms Share

According to Josephine, this is her take on pet insurance: “Although it might not cover everything, it’s certainly better than having no coverage at all.” 

One experience she recounted was when 5-month-old Truffle swallowed a 10cm beef tendon during a chewing session. Josephine had just looked away for less than ten seconds when the incident happened. Fortunately, he did not have any breathing or choking issues and underwent induced vomiting to remove the tendon, but the incident still severely scared the hoomom. 

On top of that, knowing that French Bulldogs are prone to having a lot of health problems and known for being a “walking vet bill” breed, Josephine naturally fears when Truffle gets sick or uncomfortable. Such cases prompt her to secure pet insurance. 

She explains that it is the same reason people get insurance. Ultimately, it is to protect themselves from exorbitantly high bills by transferring the risk to the insurance company. Paying a smaller monthly premium ensures that they are covered for big, unpredictable bills. 

After conducting extensive research and evaluation, she has settled down on Aon Happy Tails which provides the highest value. 

Do note that while Aon is known for its comprehensive coverages, pre-existing conditions are not covered and such exclusion is typical with health insurance. Click here for more information.

*Bonus Content* 

If Truffle Could Speak Hooman for 7 Days, What Would You Say to Him, or Do With Him?

Sometimes, Truffle gets his body clock confused, which happened a lot during his adolescence period. During times like this, he would press buttons at 430 am and whine non-stop. 

Or, there would be days when he wants to embark on some nighttime adventures, cueing me with his “Play” and “Outside” buttons at 11 pm.

So, I would definitely use this chance to teach him how to read the clock!

Categories
Community Stories

Aon’s Happy Tales: Princess_cookie_monkey

“The Best Thing That Happened to Me”

As the world fell victim to the virus, the COVID-19 pandemic was for many people a fever dream. But if Sheryl was asked whether there was a silver lining, she would name Princess, Cookie, and Monkey in a heartbeat. 

Meeting each one at different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, fate would have it no other way. 

Princess was adopted from a shelter at the start and became a companion to lean on for comfort and relief. A steady pillar of support that has helped Sheryl get through the toll on her mental health. 

Just as Princess has found her way into Sheryl’s life, so did Sheryl into Cookie’s and Monkey’s. Sheryl rescued Cookie when the latter was sadly kicked on the streets when people were trying to shoo her away and Monkey was to be put down if no one adopted her after some time. 

Their stories were something that significantly impacted Sheryl as a TNR cat rescuer. She could never ignore nor let it continue, and thus, the beginning of a family sticking together till the end of time. 

In Between the Past and the Future  

Being rescues, there are gaps in Princess’s, Cookie’s and Monkey’s backgrounds that Sheryl is not able to fill in. It makes concerns like dormant hereditary diseases much more worrying.

There is also the worry that the three will get into accidents.

According to Sheryl, being blind fuels Monkey’s fearlessness. Like any other young adult cat, Monkey is just as crazy and exhibits her fearlessness enthusiastically. There is a lot of jumping, leaping and chasing but sometimes, she misses and bangs her head. 

As with any other moms, the only thing Sheryl could do is to prepare her kitties for the future.

Princess, Cookie and Monkey had up-to-date vaccinations and annual health checks. Sheryl also makes sure they are leashed and harnessed or secured in the stroller while they are outside. With Cookie and Monkey being active furballs of energy, the balcony is also cat-proofed to prevent any accidents from happening. 

Better Safe Than Sorry

Despite her best attempts to understand and care for her three girls, Sheryl knows that there are some things beyond her abilities. 

For instance, the current DNA test available for cats has a lesser accuracy when examining the potential for health issues based on their guesstimated breed.

With the future being unpredictable, Sheryl doesn’t want to gamble fate. Naturally for her, the next step is to obtain insurance. 

Just as much as she prepares her girls for a variety of potential problems, Sheryl also wants to be fully prepared herself. 

So, when she learnt about AON Happy Tails at the Pet Expo event, Sheryl was undoubtedly relieved. 

It covers hereditary issues which were among her major concerns for her three girls who have unknown medical history. This excitedly makes it a good fit for Princess, Cookie and Monkey. 

The only thing holding Sheryl back is that it wouldn’t cover Monkey’s pre-existing condition. 

Sheryl believes that it is “Better [to be] safe than sorry” when it comes to managing her girls. 

Do note that while Aon is known for its comprehensive coverages, pre-existing conditions are not covered and such exclusion is typical with health insurance. Click here for more information.

*Bonus Content* 

If Your Girls Could Speak Hooman for 7 Days, What Would You Say to Them, or Do With Them?

Actually, we do animal communication!  😆 

All 3 are different because Princess whines as if she is being treated like a peasant. In the meantime, Cookie is overly concerned about me and Monkey just wants more food, treats and playtime. But yeah, they are all my babies.

Categories
Community Stories

Aon’s Happy Tales: Alphaboy_pom

The moment you bring your brand new furkid home is so magical, it can’t be put into words. In those rare moments, as they become important members of your family, you promise to provide the best. 

That was the sentiment of Alphaboy’s pawrents 6 years ago. 6 years later, nothing has changed. They enjoy bringing Alphaboy out all the time, from new pet-friendly cafés to shopping under aircon-blasted areas — it’s the simple things in life. 

The family’s little furby

6 years ago, on the day Alphaboy joined his forever home, he was with his sibling — just the two of them. According to his pawrents, he was sitting quietly, showing no signs of excitement, when he caught the eye of his pawmom. It was love at first sight and the rest was history. 

As a crucial part of the family, Alphaboy’s favorite pastimes have become the family’s bonding activities. They would bring him out for daily walks, to school once a week, and explore new places like pet cafés and mingle with new fur friends every now and then. Besides exploring new places, this calm and gentle boy also enjoys sleeping in — just like most of us!

Can’t stay young and healthy forever

Alphaboy may be young to some, but at the age of 6, signs of aging began to show. Just last year, he started developing black patches on his back, his fur kept falling, and was seen to be more tired than usual. 

Worried, Alphaboy’s pawrents tried various remedies in hopes he’d get better. They changed his diet and shampoo, and also brought him to therapy sessions for 6 months. When Alphaboy failed to show signs of improvement, they knew they had to get professional help immediately. 

After numerous trips to different vets and after many tests, they found out that Alphaboy has hypothyroidism. Thankfully, he doesn’t have to be on medication, and it’s controllable.

Both pawmom and dad decided to cut down on his treats and gave him food based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to give him strength and energy. After 6 months on the new routine,  test results showed that he was back to normal and back to his normal self.

However, with his history of slight Hypothyroidism, both pawrent had to remain cautious by monitoring him and returning for tests every 3 months.

“His health is just as important as ours”

Among the many pet insurance providers available in Singapore, pawrents of  Alphaboy decided to go with Aon’s Happy Tails, as they offer a wide coverage of illnesses, treatments, and even post-surgical follow-up during the policy term.

They decided to get him insured not because they’re expecting the worst to happen, but because he deserves it! 

“It’s a kind of assurance that at least we know some burden will be handled by insurance if something bad [does] happen. As age is catching up with Alpha, we just want him to be healthy so he can live as long as possible.”

Do note that while Aon is known for its comprehensive coverages, pre-existing conditions are not covered and such exclusion is typical with health insurance. Click here for more information.

*Bonus Content*

If Alphaboy could speak hooman for 7 days, what would you say to him, or do with him?

“I want to ask him what he likes to do and where to go so we can do it together and make him stay.”

Categories
Community Stories

Aon’s Happy Tales: Little.coco.beans

Every pawrent would know all too well of the love and joy their fur kid brings. Which is why they’d want to provide the best, and only the best, to ensure they lead a healthy and happy life — something Coco Beans’ “hooman slave”, Helen, believes wholeheartedly.

Meet Coco Beans the Toy Poodle

Coco Beans was blessed to have found a forever home with Helen after being rehomed at the age of one. Since then, she has been the little angel of the family, charming everyone with her bright personality.

As an important member of the family, she has been included in their getaway trips, having been to 5 different countries like the Top of Europe in Switzerland where she was able to experience snow for the first time. 

To Helen, Coco Beans always come first, where adventures like this are worth it, no matter the trouble of bringing a pet overseas. 

The Beginning of a Fashionista Lifestyle

Helen thoroughly enjoys spending time with Coco, doing absolutely everything and anything. Their favorite pastime includes, café hopping, car rides, trying out delicious snacks and pet accessories.

“We also like to bring her to the parks. Our favorite parks are Gardens by the Bay and Botanic Gardens because these two parks have a host of eateries nearby for Coco!”

As she gets to try new snacks every now and then, Coco has grown to become a foodie, with a dedicated compartment in the fridge which stores her fresh food and homemade treats — sounds like heaven!

Amidst the adventures, Helen never forgets to capture down the moment! And thanks to Coco’ peaceful temperament, Helen can easily get the perfect shot she needs.

Where Coco Beans shines the most; in front of the camera

Always Staying On The Safe Side

Toy Poodles are prone to health problems like Cataracts, Bladder Stones, Hip Dysplasia, and Thyroid issues — among many others. Coupled with friends whose fur kids contracted cancer and Luxating Patella, Helen was determined to get Coco protected and insured. 

“Singapore is a small country where vet care and pet facilities are easily accessible but they are relatively expensive. So one of our concerns is the cost of vet care especially for long term medical treatment, such as hereditary illnesses or cancer which is quite common nowadays.” She added. 

Coco Beans showing off her newest kicks

“How did you decide on Aon’s Happy Tails?”

When it comes to pet insurance, Helen knows what she wants for Coco; medical and lifetime coverage. Most insurance plans strictly cover accidents and injuries only, which is not enough for Helen. 

Thankfully, Aon’s Happy Tails covers the treatment of any illnesses, injury or accident including post surgical follow-up during the policy term. Aon, known for their comprehensive coverages, also covers specified hereditary, congenital conditions and most importantly, offering lifetime coverage. 

“Do you think pawrents should consider insuring their fur kids?”

“If we humans have insurance coverage for health and accidents, I think pet owners should also consider pet insurance for their fur babies. This will allow us to have a peace of mind and defray the expenses of the medical expenses especially for long term medical conditions.”

*Bonus Content*

If Coco Beans could speak hooman for 7 days, what would you say to her, and do with her?

“If Coco Beans could speak hooman for 7 days, we would tell her that we love her to the moon and back. And would ask her what all her favorite foods and places were. Then, we would bring her to all her favorite places with her favorite food (of course in moderation). If time permits, we would bring her overseas again and spend some happy family time during these 7 days.”

**All information found within this article is subject to the terms and conditions of Aon Happy Tails

Categories
Community Stories

Aon’s Happy Tales: Thepianocats

Healthcare can be tricky, especially when it comes to insurance. After spending hours and hours searching for the best plan out there, you might end up with more questions than before. But there is a reason why we go through this ‘struggle’; all for the sake of our furkid’s health. 

This is especially so for Michelle, pawmom to four domestic shorthairs – Toothless, Milkshake, Cupcake, and Chopin. As a talent developer, harpist, and an avid kayaker, Michelle is all types of busy. However, her passion for nurturing pets has always been her number one priority. 

Brought Together By Fate

Michelle adopted both siblings Toothless and Milkshake together; she chanced upon an adoption notice for Toothless, and Milkshake was just rejected by a potential adopter, hence she took both in. 

During the circuit breaker of 2020, she once again chanced upon another adoption notice by Toa Payoh North Strays for help to rescue an abandoned kitten, and that’s how she met Cupcake. 

Chopin, was part of a litter from a pregnant cat at a car workshop – and that completes the family!

POV: Toothless and Milkshake judging you.

Four’s Never A Crowd

You must be thinking: Wow amazing, four cats in one household? Well, that’s actually not all. Michelle also fosters many cats, even multiple at once. 

Her journey as a fosterer is not an easy one. She has encountered many of them battling certain illnesses such as Urine Tract Infection (UTI), Feline Coronavirus (FIP), Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) among senior cats. Unfortunately, all these illnesses are more common than you think, which is a huge concern for Michelle. But thankfully, they’re all covered* under Aon Happy Tails’ Purrfect plan

*Pre-existing conditions are not covered and such exclusion is typical with health insurance. Click here for more information.

Michelle with one of her foster kitty.

Preparing For The “What-Ifs”

With so many fur babies under her care, she would have to spend a hefty amount on treatment if they all fall critically ill at the same time, which is the last thing Michelle wants to worry about. 

That’s when she chanced upon Aon Happy Tails! Upon looking at their coverage and plan, she felt that it was the perfect idea to get insured for peace of mind in the event of an emergency.

“I like Aon Happy Tails. It has a low deductible and covers most of the medical expenses such as vet’s fee, diagnostic tests and medication which can be quite costly.”

Chopin looking as majestic as ever.

*Bonus Content*

If they could speak hooman for 7 days, what would you say to them, or do with them?

“If they could speak hooman for 7 days, I would convince them to go kayaking with me! I’ve seen some pets going paddling with their owners, which I thought was pretty cool and fun.”