Adopt a furry friend amid a flurry of activities

She spotted the creature leashed and lying down next to a makeshift barrier at the National Geographic Channel (NGC) Free Pet Shop, Singapore's largest dog-adoption drive, last year.

But what drew teacher Stacey Low to Smudgey was its gentle nature. She ended up taking it home from the shelter, Action for Singapore Dogs.

"I have three kids and she is very gentle with them," Ms Low, 39, told My Paper yesterday.

"I have no regrets (adopting a dog) at all. When you adopt, you are actually giving a dog a chance to be loved."

The adoption drive, now in its third year, returns this weekend at Big Splash in East Coast Park from noon to 6pm tomorrow and Sunday, meaning more Singaporeans will have a chance to find their canine BFF.

This year, there will be more than 100 dogs up for adoption. The number of no-kill shelters participating has increased from five to eight this year. The three new entrants are Causes for Animals Singapore, Three Legs Good and Uncle Khoe's.

Last year's event was attended by more than 6,000 people.

The five shelters involved in the adoption drive last year received 270 more queries, a 35 per cent hike from 2012.

This year, there will be a Singapore Specials Dog Show, obedience-training trials and talks by vets and dog-behaviour specialists.

The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore will be making its first appearance at the event. It will offer lessons and tips on responsible pet ownership, all for free.

To top it all off, Subaru, presenting sponsor of this year's event, promises a spectacle in the form of Singapore's Largest Doggy Dish, a 3.7m wide pool in which your dogs can make a splash.

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