If golden retrievers are known to be outgoing and trustworthy family dogs, Punitha Yogaratnam’s two furry companions certainly tick those boxes.
Brandy and Rosebud come from a litter of eight. “Their mum Duchess, who was also mine, had four boys and four girls,” Punitha, 55, told FMT.
Having just turned 14 on Dec 25 – yes, they are Christmas babies! – the pair could not be more different when it comes to their personalities.
“Brandy is calm and loving, while Rosebud is active and playful,” Punitha added.
Years ago, when Punitha was devastated over her late father’s hospitalisation, Brandy went over to her, pushed her head against her chest, and placed a paw on her lap, as if telling Punitha everything was going to be OK.
“All of my dogs were home at the time and only Brandy came to me,” Punitha recalled fondly. “That’s how much of a gentle soul she is.”
Rosebud, on the other hand, acts like a puppy despite being in her teens. The older of the two always wants attention and to be in the middle of things.
The mischievous girl likes flop down right in the middle of the floor as she pleases. As such, Punitha needs to be extra vigilant when she is in the kitchen as Rosebud likes to lie down right behind her!
“I always tell my friends if you hear news that I fell in my house, it’s because I tripped over Rosebud!” she said, laughing.
As rambunctious as they can be, they are both very friendly and don’t have a mean bone in their bodies. “Every time I take them out for walks or to the vet, everyone wants to pet them.”
Their distinctive personalities extend to how they respond to her as well. Rosebud will come, most of the time, when she calls, while Brandy only comes when she wants to.
When it comes to mealtimes, the dogs enjoy kibble with canned food – and, unlike many other canines, enjoy their vegetables as well!
“They love carrots, peas, pumpkin, and broccoli,” Punitha shared, adding that whenever she goes to the market, she reminds her helper not to forget “the kids’ veggies”.
While friendly and happy most of the time, the pooches have their fears as well – especially thunder and fireworks.
“Because of this, festive seasons and thunderstorms are very stressful for them, and for me, too,” Punitha said, adding that the dogs shiver and panic whenever they hear loud sounds.
“As they grow older, I often worry about how they handle such noises, afraid they might have a heart attack.”
The duo used to enjoy sleeping in Punitha’s bedroom, but with age comes difficulty in climbing up the stairs; so these days, they nestle in their respective favourite spots downstairs.
“Brandy loves the bathroom where it’s cool, dark and quiet, whereas Rosebud switches between the living room and the kitchen, not far from her sister.”
Despite the headaches her pets cause her sometimes, Punitha loves them immensely and wouldn’t trade them for the world.
“I would go to the ends of the earth for them,” she concluded.
This article was written by Toon Kit Yi. 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.