In Greek, the word “petra” means “rock”. So, when one meets Petra, it’s hard to reconcile the beautiful pooch with the meaning of her name.
With her thick, curly coat, this 12-year-old Labradoodle – a mix of a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle – is so friendly and affectionate that she easily melts the stoniest of hearts.
Then again, a rock is solid and dependable – and this is exactly what Petra has been to her human, Christina Pillai.
Christina first laid eyes on Petra – then a four-month-old puppy on the website of a breeder – when she was studying in the United States. She remembers being taken in by Petra’s beautiful eyes.
“I reached out to the owner and wanted to know more about her,” Christina told FMT.
However, the owner initially wanted to keep Petra but, much to Christina’s joy, eventually had a change of heart and agreed to release the pup into her loving arms.
Thus began the therapist’s adventure with Petra – and what an adventure it has been! The four-month-old first travelled in an airplane from Ohio to California, where Christina was then based.
“When I met her, I was so excited as I now had this new friend in my life,” Christina recalled fondly.
Although she was very quiet for the first three days in her new home, Petra gradually came out of her shell – and that’s when Christina saw her personality bloom.
They began spending a lot of time together, with the puppy following Christina everywhere, from malls and restaurants to even IKEA!
In 2012, Christina was wrapping up her dissertation and had to prepare to bring Petra back to Malaysia. She decided to send Petra ahead, so the jetsetting pooch travelled to New York to meet Christina’s brother, Brando.
From there, Brando and Petra made the long journey home – but not before first stopping in Amsterdam!
“I missed Petra so much and FaceTimed my family back home just so I could see her,” Christina told FMT. Alas, the pooch is not fond of cameras and would often shy away!
‘Animals don’t discriminate’
Christina was finally reunited with her beloved pet six months later… even though – clearly not pleased with being sent home first – Petra initially stayed away from her human.
This thankfully didn’t last long, and Petra soon began approaching Christina and laying her head in her lap.
“It was as though she was telling me, ‘Okay, I am done being upset and I’m happy you’re home’.”
Today, a decade later, the duo are closer than ever. Describing her pet as a “curious girl”, Christina said: “She likes to be involved in our conversations at home. Her ears will perk up, she gives direct eye contact, and shows deep concentration as she tilts her head to the left and right.”
Petra loves her toys, and the clever girl knows how to place them back in her bed after she is done playing with them.
She is also very alert and knows how to let her humans know when there are visitors. She further diligently keeps squirrels, rats, and monitor lizards out of the house.
The pooch enjoys a healthy diet of kibble, brown rice with meat such as chicken or beef, and broccoli, carrot and pumpkin – as well as various types of fruits with coconut oil and collagen.
“Petra brings laughter and cheer to our home,” Christina added warmly. “She is graceful but can be quite clumsy. For example, there are times when we call her and she quickly runs to us – only to end up skidding on the floor because she’s so excited!”
Looking back, Christina reflected: “Petra has truly been a rock in my life. As humans, we can get overwhelmed at times; but just by being there, she is a source of comfort and joy to me.
“She has a very special place in my heart because animals don’t discriminate or keep bitterness or anger in their hearts.”
This article was written by Sheela Vijayan. 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.