Published: April 03, 2009
I am quite used to living with pet animals – from dogs of mixed breeds to blue-eyed cats, twenty species of fish, flabby rabbits, overexcited hamsters, multihued lovebirds – and I am still not over the fact that we even had lizard eggs at home which my brother kept in a box with moist cotton until they were hatched. I grumbled over the sight of the tiny slimy creatures popping out of their shells. I have never been a fan of reptiles, and just like an average person, I prefer furry and innocent animals for pets.
I had my first Japanese Spitz when I was about ten, an age old enough to take the responsibilities of a pet owner. Since then, I just couldn’t remember going home without a dog that welcomes me back. Now, I have four of them residing in our veranda: Checkers, a seven year-old female local breed; Quiver (my sister who was a Harry Potter fan was to blame for giving such a name), a five-year old female Spitz; Choki, a two-year old male Spitz; and Basilio also known as Chiko, a one-year old mixed breed of American Cocker Spaniel and Lhasa Apso.
Obviously, I am a pet lover and I know I am just one out of a great number. So, thanks to Hobbes and Landes, a specialty toy store, for providing a venue for dog owners and aficionados to meet and greet each other! Hobbes and Landes organized the “Pet Club Series Part 3: Meet the Golden Retriever” last March 29, at the Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City just beside their flagship store.
“Our vision is to promote family bonding through educational and fun activities, and since pets are considered part of the family, we also have a pavilion for them. You will find items in our store which will make your pets feel special,” shares Hobbes and Landes’ Marketing Officer Tes Gangcuangco.
The event showcased Golden Retrievers but was open for all breeds, so I was also lucky to meet some Siberian Huskies, Chihuahuas, Beagles, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Daschunds, and Labradors. “We highlight a specific breed every month since each has a different caring and grooming needs,” explains Tes.
Registration started at 3pm. A series of talks was held after an hour with the help of lovepets.com, a pet welfare group. Philippine Golden Retriever Club President Mark Antonio discussed everything about Golden Retriever breed from its origin to its characteristics. Almar Castro added a bit of information on a puppy’s growing days. Dr. Lou Lopez shared her experience on breeding a bitch, while Atty. Jen Cerrada described the overjoyed feeling of self-training her pet. The lectures helped owners learn more on pet caring.
After the lectures, the agility course was conducted where the pros did their stunts in the field to entertain the audience. Royal Canin also sponsored an eating contest where participating dogs competed in finishing a bowl of RC pet food. Hunter, Atty. Jen’s two-year old male Golden Retriever, won the Large Size Category. Sony Philippines also took part in the occasion; all registered participants were entitled to a free souvenir shot and photo print. Other freebies for both dogs and humans were given away before the program ended. I went home carrying a silver gift bag of a cute dog-shaped tissue box.
Hobbes and Landes assured everyone that it will continue to organize events and activities that will make its customers feel “the business value of being wholesome, educational, fun, and an outlet for building stronger relationships”. I am marking my calendar now for the upcoming happenings! To pet lovers out there, do not miss the fourth of the Pet Club Series featuring mixed breeds on April 26, 2009. Also catch the Summer Board Game Olympics this April and May 2009.
For more information on Hobbes and Landes, 
