If you have seen the Oscar-winning movie, Parasite (2019), you must have heard of art therapy.
Making its rounds on social media, Art therapy has been lauded for its ability to help people to explore self-awareness and stress management. It can also boost one’s confidence and social skills. To testify for the ever-growing demand for art therapy, many seek out art-jamming sessions worldwide to have a taste of this therapeutic and invigorating activity!
Art Jamming refers to the act of making art together in a group. This activity emphasises unleashing the creative potential of individuals. An art jamming session may encourage one to reflect on their creative energies.
To further enhance one’s experience within an art jamming session, Amanda Cho of Wildflower Studios invites her cats to hang out and attend to participants in the studio. She refers to these as her Cat-Art jamming sessions.
We reached out to discuss her innovative studio, and to find out more about the added benefits of engaging in art therapy alongside a fluffy feline friend.
What inspired you to start Cat-Art Jamming sessions?
Amanda: I had always loved the idea of having a studio space as I enjoy art. I thought about the combination of art+cats would be a creative and popular idea and decided to give it a go!
At Wildflower Studio, participants are encouraged to interact with Amanda’s four beautiful cats, Sundae, Saffron, Mel, and Soba.
Photo Credit: Wildflower Studio
How do the cats participate in these sessions?
Amanda: Our sessions start off with about 15 minutes of cat interaction which include introductions and opportunities to feed cats their favourite treats.
After the cats are fed, they start to groom themselves. We position their favourite spots around the participants- Saffron likes her hammock, Mel likes the floor, Soba likes to be in the side table nook and Sundae likes the kitchen counter.
The cats are very comfortable with humans and normally hang around the participants. Much to our participants’ delight, the cats will typically approach humans without being forced to or enticed by food.
Photo Credit: Wildflower Studio
Believe it or not, but encouraging participants to interact with cats is a great way to further enhance one’s self-confidence. Being able to successfully connect with a feline friend is a guaranteed way to feel better about yourself.
As a pet owner myself, I can guarantee that nothing feels better than hanging out with a fluffy animal!
Housed within her own home, Wildflower Studio boasts an organic and cosy atmosphere. It also showcases lots of natural wood in its interior. It’s hard not to feel at home when you step inside.
This also allows her cats to feel more at ease with the environment around them.
Photo Credit: Wildflower Studio
The ambience of your studio seems so comforting. How have you managed the interior space of your studio to accommodate both your participants and your cats?
Amanda: My studio space is housed within my home and the interior has been designed to look a bit like a cafe. It wasn’t designed with the intention to run an art studio though haha… that idea came much later.
We clear our sofa and carpet to the side so there is space for the easels and participants to walk and sit comfortably while taking into consideration the prevailing safe management measures.
Our cats are already in a space that they are familiar with so they don’t have any issues adapting to the environment. It seems that the cats look forward to our art jamming sessions as they will hang out around the studio set up prior to each session.
Currently, a 2-hour cat-art jamming session at Wildflower Studios retails at $35 for both adults and children. Session extensions are also available for $8 every half an hour thereafter.
What can participants expect from a session?
Amanda: A cosy and chill session doing art in the company of 4 friendly cats… nice drinks with light acoustic music playing in the background and friendly hosts!
Many adults tend to feel afraid to attempt an art piece they like but I always encourage them to try and trust the process. I am always around to guide them or help them along with their artwork!
Wildflower Studio has an average 5-star rating across 38 Google reviews. Most of Amanda’s clients praise her warm hospitality and guidance. In one such review, a participant also equates the encounter as similar to visiting a friend!
You can find more information about Wildflower Studios on their website. They also offer pricing plans for those interested in attending multiple sessions.
Check out this variety of all natural and healthy treats that are guaranteed to impress even the pickiest of pets!
Recently, preservative and additive-free diets have been proven beneficial for pets. Our range of all-natural single-ingredient treats offers the benefits of such a diet, however with the additional care of dental health. Begone are the days of sweeteners and preservatives, your pet deserves only the best with these high-quality snacks. Our snacks can be redeemed as samples for Pawjourr members or purchased independently through Shopee.
Take a look at our full collection of treats below and seek what is most suitable for your pet!
Seafood Variety
Fish meats are sustainably sourced from Australia and are completely natural.
Sardines
These sardines snacks are allergen-free and rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. This will help improve the condition of your dog’s coat and joints, whilst also being a fun snack to chew on. Each sardine is full-sized and delicious to consume. This product is suitable for all dogs.
Gummy Shark Fish Jerky Strips (Cat and Dog Friendly)
Suitable for both dogs and cats, Gummy Shark Fish Jerky Strips are also rich in Omega 3, however, they have the added benefit of protein. Your pet will enjoy nibbling on these satisfying snacks made from the leftovers of sustainably sourced fish. For cat owners, this is a great way to introduce variety into your cat’s diet!
Do you have a large and hyperactive dog who enjoys chewing? Try our Mackerel Skin Twists which are a chewy and delicious dental snack. This treat will keep your dog entertained for a long time. Chewing on our Mackerel Twists will also help to clean your dog’s teeth. Keep your pets occupied for a long time whilst ensuring they are enjoying the best.
All meats are sourced sustainably from Australia and New Zealand to ensure the highest quality for optimal snack time.
Sheep Ears
Dehydrated sheep ears are small and easy for your dog to chew. It is also suitable for puppies who have begun teething. You can build up your pup’s muscle mass, sustain strong healthy teeth and bones with these low-calorie snacks. Do take note that the colour of the ears may vary depending on the colour of sheep acquired.
Feeding the liver to your pets helps cleanse their blood of toxins and improves their vision. This variant is suitable for both cats and dogs! It also contains essential nutrients such as Vitamin A, B, and fatty acids. Lamb livers are excellent as training snacks or a quick treat, depending on your furkid’s needs. It can also be broken up into smaller pieces so you can best maximise each piece!
For that extra protein punch, do consider our pork pillows made out of the pig’s scrotum. These treats are rather large hence are more suitable for medium to large dogs. Do be warned though! These snacks are rather oily and messy to consume, hence are much more preferable as an outdoor treat. Regardless, it is rich with flavour, hence it is not to be missed!
Invite your pup to nibble on these chicken necks which are high in chondroitin and glucosamine. These are important in supporting joint health and mobility. In addition, chicken necks are also easily digestible and are enticing to dogs who prefer a good crunch in their daily diet.
A popular choice are these beef spare ribs made of 100% all-natural Australian beef. Due to it being dried, it is less susceptible to bone breakage thus it is safe for your pet to consume freely. Regardless, the durable bone will help dislodge leftover food, plaque, and tartar.
For pet owners who are interested in trying something new– our collection also boasts a large selection of Kangaroo treats, from the heart to the kidney.
Kangaroo meat is one of the leanest red meat protein sources and is ideal for furkids who require a low-fat diet. They also contain a high amount of antioxidants and Omega 3, making it the most well-rounded snack option available for your pet.
Kangaroo Heart
Our Kangaroo heart treats come in bite-size portions however can be broken off into smaller portions if necessary. These are low in energy and would not fill up your pet, hence feel free to feed these crunchy snacks to them whenever you feel like they deserve something special!
Now available as Samples or can be purchased via Shopee for $16.90 per 100 grams.
Kangaroo Tendons
These tendons are another great dental choice for your dog. Each tendon comes with ‘bulb’s at the end to ensure a satisfying chew. We predict these treats to last from 15 minutes to an hour, however, large dogs are expected to finish these rather quickly! These are great for small to medium dogs looking for something fun and delicious to nibble on.
Made and hand-cut from a kangaroo’s lung, these puff cubes are great bite-size snacks due to their small yet gratifying crunch. These treats also do not contain chemicals, antibiotics, or feed as they are sourced from free-roaming kangaroos. These are suitable for pet owners who are looking for a simple and easy treat for their dogs, without any hassle!
Now available as Samples or can be purchased via Shopee for $14.90 per 100 grams.
Kangaroo Kidney (Cat and Dog Friendly)
Cats can also try out this desirable meat! Kangaroo kidneys are packed with zinc and are considered a more preferable option to muscle meat. They also carry plenty of Vitamin B3 which are essential for your pet’s immune system. It also helps with blood circulation. One whiff of these delectable snacks and your furkids will be jumping for joy!
Now available as Samples or can be purchased via Shopee for $15.90 per 100 grams.
These snacks are limited in quantity so do purchase as soon as possible to avoid disappointments! In the event you are interested in trying out multiple variants, do consider our variety packs. We are offering 4 types, catered to your furkid’s individual needs.
Starter Pack (Cat and Dog Friendly)
Interested in developing your pet’s taste for natural snacks? Our starter pack includes Lamb Liver, Chicken Neck, Fish Jerky Strips, and Kangaroo Tendons. This selection offers a good range of dental and single-ingredient snacks which are also safe options for that picky pet. Additionally, this starter pack also includes the full range of treats that we deem most suitable for cats!
Now retailing on Shopee for $19.90. Packed by weight.
Standard Pack
Unsure of which to try first? Our standard pack allows you to try most of the variants. In this pack, you will receive 1 each of the Sardines, Chicken Neck, Pig Snout, Beef Spare Ribs, Kangaroo Tendons, and Sheep Ears. It is also a cheaper option for pet owners who are unsure of their pet’s tastes. Entice them with variety!
For that true luxe experience, consider investing in our Deluxe Edition pack. In this pack, you will receive a Pork Pillow, Beef Spare Ribs, Mackerel Skin Twists, Kangaroo Tendon and Pig Snout. All of the variants here are rich with flavour and brimming with meat so your pet has a truly delectable dining experience. Great for a special occasion or when you think your furkid deserves a bit of pampering!
Now retailing on Shopee for $24.90. Packed by weight.
Puppy Pack
Lastly, we have also curated a special pack that caters to all you puppy-loving pet owners out there! Get your dog started on natural treats at a young age! This pack includes Gummy Shark Fish Jerky Strips, Sheep Ears, Lamb Liver, Chicken Neck, and Kangaroo Puff Cubes. These treats are bite-sized and easy to consume, ensuring your puppy’s dental care and health would be well taken care of. Starting your pup on a preservative and additive-free diet is the best way to ensure their well-being growing up.
Now retailing on Shopee for $24.90. Packed by weight.
My husband and I were at a church conference last January 2020, and just coming out of a church conference, you would never think a tragedy would take place.
But that’s exactly what happened.
A few hours after the conference ended, at around 2am, I received a call from Singapore that my dog, Chandler, who is a small 2 1/2-year-old Maltipoo, was bitten by a 25kg large dog and was in critical condition.
Now, for you to fully comprehend how dreadful it was for me to hear this, you need to understand how much Chandler means to me. He’s pretty much like a son to me.
I was just refreshed and renewed getting out of conference and this happened. My natural reflex reaction was that my world came crashing down.
At that moment, my husband had to snap be back to my senses as my emotions were taking over me. It took a while to do so and to even get myself to speak out and not come into agreement with the current situation.
I vaguely remember the exact words I said, but I remember declaring victory over the situation and that this will be a miraculous testimony. Saying these words were not the easiest considering circumstances were against us in the natural, but I held on to what Jesus said when the centurion approached Him. Let it be done as you believed it would.
I believed the healing has already taken place.
I believed his health and body will be restored brand new.
I believed we are fighting from victory grounds against this attack by the enemy.
I believed the enemy intended to harm me, but God will use it for the good.
I believed this will be an amazing testimony to His goodness.
I believed many will witness this healing miracle and that many will believe.
DAY 0: CHANDLER IN CRITICAL CONDITION | SURGERY DAY
My husband and I immediately packed and made our way to the airport to fly back to Singapore as soon as we could.
While in transit, I was sending voice messages and prayers of healing for them to play for Chandler.
When I finally saw him, I broke down seeing how he was. We were told he has multiple bites, is losing blood, has 3 broken ribs, muscles torn and lost, a broken shoulder, damaged eye, fractured spine, and possibly punctured lungs.
They would only be able to see the extent of the internal injuries when they open him up and undergo surgery to do repairs.
At that point, I felt I was faced with an impossible situation and had to make conscious efforts from time to time to not fear and to just remind myself that Jesus has already won the victory for me. I was stirring my faith, but in the natural, the head surgeon, Dr. Nick of Advanced Vetcare, was managing our expectations by telling us that though other patients made it through surgery, they didn’t make it through recovery. Most usually don’t make it through the first 24 hours, he said. Hence, he would be more at peace when he sees Chandler make it through 2-3 days after surgery.
In my head, I was declaring God will come through.
“You will see,” I told him.
Chandler before surgery
They performed the surgery and it was successful. All we could do is pray and see how he would recover.
DAY 1: INTENSIVE CARE UNIT
We couldn’t stay long when we visit him ’cause he had to stay inside the cage and can’t be moved, but for the brief time we would see him, we could see he was pleased to see us.
He had a catheter, tubes sticking out of him to drain out the fluids inside, a warmer to regulate his temperature, and an oxygen support to help him breathe. He didn’t have the appetite to eat on his own so they had to syringe feed him. The good news is he wasn’t rejecting the food and was swallowing it.
It pained me to see him so broken, but I was grateful with every good news the doctors and nurses told me.
Making it through the first 24 hours was a blessing in itself.
DAY 2: MAKING PROGRESS
His vitals are all normal and they told us he didn’t need a warmer and the oxygen support anymore. He was also way more energetic than the day before.
He was starting to lift his head up on his own and we were told he would even attempt to bite the doctors and nurses when they would take his vitals and dress his wounds. Now, this is usually a bad habit for a dog, but with the situation he is in, this was a really good sign.
DAY 3: OUT OF THE WOODS!
It was the first time they allowed him to be out of the cage and to be brought out into the visiting rooms. This was a really promising sign.
And it really was good because on day 3, Chandler was declared out of the woods! He is no longer in danger and no longer in a life-threatening situation. The head surgeon said he beat the odds and is such an amazing and strong little fighter.
He’s able to voluntarily eat for the first time too! This is essential because with more food intake, his protein level will normalise and will help him recover faster.
DAY 4: TUBE-FREE
The tubes on his chest were taken out already and X-ray showed no leakage of fluids! He was also way more energetic and is starting to bark and be hyper.
He’s able to eat more when we feed him and he’s now able to sit up and stand up with support too!
DAY 5: MORE MOVEMENTS!
We were told his spine might have been affected, hence his hind legs still being so weak. This was the day we first saw massive improvement with the movement of his legs.
Showing good recovery signs
DAY 6: BACK ON HIS FEET!
All test results are normal, he is also now able to stand on his own.
Getting stronger
DAYS 7-9: WARP-SPEED RECOVERY
The doctors are so pleased with his progress every single day.
His catheter was removed, his appetite was getting better, and his energy was going back to normal.
Not too happy to have a selfieEating on his own
DAY 10: HOME SWEET HOME
Since he was brought to the hospital, I would visit him every single day and just spend time with him. Though he wasn’t exactly his normal self, I knew me being there contributed a lot to his recovery. More importantly, I was able to lay hands on him and pray for him.
On the 10th day, his doctor finally declared he’s fit to go home. Given the severity of his injuries and condition, being discharged on the 10th day was beating the odds.
One thing to watch out for though was since the CT scan detected a slight fracture on his spine, we needed to monitor movement on his two hind legs. He was well enough to continue recovering at home without doctors attending to him 24/7, but he still couldn’t stand up on his own, so I was told he needed to do home physiotherapy.
Excited to go home!
He was also asked to come back to do physiotherapy every 2 days and acupuncture every week to help him recover.
When we got home, he immediately lit up. He was as happy and relieved as I was.
To be honest, seeing him at home was seeing the impossible happen right before my eyes, and it wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for God’s promise coming to pass.
New living room set up with pillows and yoga mats so he wouldn’t slip
He had to have the strength to sit and stand up on his own.
He had to relearn how to walk.
And I needed to be there guiding and assisting him in peeing, pooping, and making sure he won’t injure himself.
The whole process was made even less painful with everyone’s love and support!
You can see how happy he is with all these!
His physiotherapy sessions were helping him get better sooner.
And I could see the progress every single day, not just with how well he could balance and walk, but also with his strength and energy. He seems happier!
BACK TO SCHOOL
Just 1 month after his major surgery, he was already able to go back to school. His playtime with other doggos had to be strictly supervised since his ribs are still healing and his hind legs are still not 100% recovered. Nonetheless, him being there motivated him all the more to practice his walk. And again, he’s so happy!
Not long after that, all his wounds and stitches are fully healed and his walk is almost back to normal!
CHANDLER’S BIRTHDAY / RECOVERY PARTY
Experiencing this breakthrough is definitely something to celebrate. It’s also timely that it’s his 3rd birthday!
He celebrated at his school Doggie Retreat with his furiends who dressed up for the occasion.
He was so happy and even brought home a bunch of presents!
It was the best way to celebrate, indeed. I couldn’t thank everyone enough who contributed to make this happen.
GOD CAME THROUGH
Chandler’s accident was one of the most painful journey I’ve had to go through, but God never fell short of reassuring me every single day that He’s right beside me through it all. Because of that, He gave me clarity of the good things that came out of this.
So many people prayed and held on to God.
They witnessed an amazing miracle.
MANY BELIEVED IN HIM.
As painful as it was, because of all of those, I’m actually thankful it happened. It was an honor to be able to be a part of a testimony to God’s glory and goodness!
Yet again, it just goes to show, no matter how big and impossible the situation is, God is and will always be bigger.
CHANDLER TODAY
Fast forward today, Chandler is all better and back to normal!
It was a tough experience and I wouldn’t wish it to happen to any pawrent out there, but I’m just happy to see Chandler back to his rascal, happy, playful self and I couldn’t be more relieved.
I would like to take this opportunity to specially thank the following:
My husband for standing by me through this.
Dr. Nick and the whole team of Advanced VetCarefor a successful surgery and for making sure Chandler got the best treatment.
Doggie Retreat team (Esther, James, Kio, Lyn, Grace, Clifford, Ames, Jaren, Jeffrey, Joshua, Nicholas, Shan, and Yasmine) for the prayers, the love, the care, and the support from day 1 to date.
And of course, JESUS for winning the battle for us.
I became a volunteer in 2018 at The Right To Live (TRTL) dog shelter, and have been volunteering there ever since. Many people have asked me what it’s like to volunteer at a dog shelter. They wonder about the friendliness of the dogs, what I do to care for them and how the environment is like. Thus, I thought I would pen down my experience as a volunteer in hopes of encouraging animal lovers like yourself to support local shelters!
What kind of dogs do you care for?
Manja and I at Jurong Lake Garden Dog Run ❤️ (*taken before COVID-19)
“Are there any puppies at the shelter?” is a popular question I often receive. It is a misconception that most dogs you will meet at shelters are purebred young pups. They are mostly mongrels (aka Singapore specials), which refer to dogs who are bred on the streets. Singapore specials are commonly rescued from construction sites or sadly, families who have abandoned them. As they are a product of different dog breeds, Singapore specials do not look like purebred dogs. Despite their differences in appearance, they are no different from any other purebred dogs. Every Singapore special that I have met have their unique quirks, just like Manja in the photo above who REALLY loves her belly rubs.
“Dear hooman, rub my belly please… “
What do you do at the shelter?
Toffee giving me paw-fives ?
TRTL houses over more than 120 dogs. At our shelter, volunteers can walk and bath the dogs. The scope of work for volunteers may vary for different shelters but most shelters primarily need more volunteers to help with walking and bonding. As Singapore specials spend most of their days cooped up in their kennels, they do not get to make many hooman friends. Therefore, they get SUPER excited when they meet volunteers. Like many pet dogs out there, Singapore specials take time to warm up to new faces. The longer you commit, the better they will get to know you. One problem shelters face is finding regular volunteers who would stick around for long. These dogs need to foster a sense of familiarity with humans.
How is the shelter environment like?
Other TRTL volunteers ? (*taken before COVID-19)
When I first started, I had to gain the trust of many dogs at the shelter. Dog shelters house many dogs with different temperaments. Due to past experiences, some dogs may take more time to open up than others. Nothing wrong with requiring that extra boost of patience and T.L.C (tender, loving, care) right? What inspired me to continue my volunteer work at the dog shelter was witnessing how much I could brighten a dog’s day. Their smiles, hugs and antics keep me going.
“Not today hooman”
In a nutshell, many shelters in Singapore are looking for passionate helping hands to help care for our beloved Singapore specials. Besides joining volunteering programs, there are other thoughtful ways in which you can support local shelters. You could choose to adopt and not shop for a pet or become a dog sponsor. My volunteering journey has certainly been a fulfilling one, and I hope that it has sparked some inspiration in you to start your journey as well!
