Latest news with #FurkidsWellnessCentre
Free Malaysia Today
12-06-2025
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Sweet Biby: from stray pup to vet's beloved companion
Biby was once a stray pup who Dr Teoh Kah Ying adopted after spotting her begging for food. (Teoh Kah Ying pics) PETALING JAYA : It was meant to be just an ordinary night at the mamak stall – until Dr Teoh Kah Ying noticed a scruffy pup approaching customers for food. Animal-lover Teoh, who was then a veterinary student, was deeply moved by the sight. When she asked the stall workers about the pup, they told her that she first appeared about three weeks ago. They didn't think she belonged to anyone. 'I said, 'Okay, I'll take her',' recalled Teoh. That was about 10 years ago and today, that same stray – whom Teoh named Biby – has been thriving under the loving care of Teoh and her family. Teoh is now a veterinarian and runs Furkids Wellness Centre, a veterinary clinic in Petaling Jaya, with her sister, also a veterinarian. And like most dogs, Biby isn't particularly fond of being at the clinic – even though her human is the vet! 'She would look at me, and I know what she's trying to say: 'Let's go home!',' said Teoh, 30. Perhaps, Teoh mused, it's not fun watching your human pay attention to other animals. Still, Biby remains well-mannered – if she follows Teoh into the surgery room, she settles quietly in a corner and often falls asleep until her human is done. 'She never causes troubles, never barks or bites anyone,' Teoh shared. When it's time to head to the clinic, Biby takes her own sweet time leaving the comfort of the warm bed. Well, who wouldn't choose sleeping over work? (Teoh Kah Ying pics) Biby, she added, loves eating kibbles soaked in fresh milk – especially when it's the Farm Fresh brand. Another one of her favourites? Kuih kapit! 'One fun fact: if other people feed her, they can just put the food down and leave. She will lap everything up. But if it's me, she won't eat on her own. She waits for me to feed her by hand,' said Teoh with a smile. It's a small gesture, but one that speaks volumes about the quiet and strong bond they share. The canine also loves going for walks – although not always with her human in tow! 'Sometimes when I'm busy and my sister has the day off, I'll leave Biby at my sister's place. But Biby knows how to sneak out of the house, go for a walk on her own, and then come back. I think she's street smart,' said Teoh. Their connection runs deeper than companionship as Teoh believes their personalities are quite similar – they're both introverts. 'At the groomer's, the other dogs will be playing in the common area. But there is also a private space. The groomer tells me that Biby opens the door to the private area herself and stays inside,' she said. Dr Teoh Kah Ying with Biby, her precious pet, fellow introvert and sleepy head. (Teoh Kah Ying pics) Now about 12 years old, Biby is showing signs of ageing and has developed cataracts. To keep her safe and comfortable, Teoh ensures that every room is well-lit so Biby can navigate with ease. She also keeps a close eye on Biby's health, regularly checking her eyes, gums and teeth and giving her soothing massages. 'Even though I've said goodbye to many animals, I don't think it's going to be easy when it's her turn,' Teoh admitted. From her days as a veterinary student to becoming a practising vet, Biby has been by Teoh's side, a loyal companion through life's ups and downs. Sweet and steadfast, Biby is a reminder of the lasting bond between humans and dogs – and the special gift their presence can be. Learn more about Furkids Wellness Centre via their website and on Instagram.
Free Malaysia Today
25-04-2025
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
The Teoh sisters: two vets healing animals every day
Sisters in scrubs: Dr Teoh Kah Ying (right) and Dr Teoh Kah Yong are on a mission to improve the lives of animals. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle) PETALING JAYA : When they were young, sisters Dr Teoh Kah Ying and Dr Teoh Kah Yong witnessed a heartbreaking act of cruelty: a group of youngsters spinning a pregnant cat in a net, round and round, before throwing her on the ground. Horrified, the sisters screamed at them to stop. 'Our cousins tried to pull us back, worried we might get hurt, but at that moment, our fear didn't matter,' Kah Ying told FMT Lifestyle. That moment, they shared, was likely the first time they had stood up so boldly for an animal – and it wasn't the last time. 'We always hoped to be on the frontlines, helping animals,' added Kah Ying, 30. Today, that dream has become a reality: both sisters are veterinarians and together, they run Furkids Wellness Centre, a veterinary clinic in Petaling Jaya. Here, they treat pets – and strays – offering the same standard of care to every patient, along with discounted rates to independent rescuers and NGOs. Kah Ying tenderly cares for Sofi, a sweet, paralysed cat. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle) 'We also collaborate with several NGOs, such as Filbert's Foundation for Furry Friends (F5) and Animals Kindness Coalition, which bring in animals monthly for neutering under the trap-neuter-release (TNR) programme,' said Kah Yong, 28. 'Our initial plan was for the clinic to operate almost entirely as a TNR clinic, dedicating only a couple of days to general consultations while reserving the rest of the week purely for TNR surgeries,' added Kah Yong. However, financial realities set in and although they can't devote most of their time exclusively to TNR procedures, they're still making a significant impact. So far, they have successfully neutered 1,127 rescued dogs and cats since starting the clinic in 2023 – not including the many other rescue cases they've treated along the way. It's certainly a meaningful achievement for the sisters, considering how shy they both once were: growing up, they would rather point at items on a menu than speak to the waiter when ordering food! The siblings are making a difference in the lives of animals who cannot speak for themselves. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle) Their love for animals came naturally. Growing up, it was normal for their family members to feed strays when eating out. This deep-seated compassion for animals in need carries through in their work today. Among those who found a second chance at their clinic is Louie, a dog with kidney cancer who had been living in constant pain. 'In the past, we might have only been able to offer palliative care for such cases. But thanks to the advancements in soft tissue surgery, we were able to perform a nephrectomy – the removal of the affected kidney,' said Kah Yong. It was Kah Yong's first time performing the procedure, which took about four hours, and it was a success. Today, handsome Louie is thriving. 'I'm so proud of her,' said Kah Ying with a smile. Kah Yong with Louie, who is doing well after a successful nephrectomy to remove a cancerous kidney. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle) Still, the humble duo acknowledge that they're not perfect, and they're grateful for the support of their team. It's a sentiment that aligns with the theme of World Veterinary Day this year, which highlights the importance of teamwork in veterinary care. 'From veterinarians to veterinarian nurses, support staff, front desk personnel, assistants and cleaners, everyone plays a crucial role in this industry,' said Kah Ying. 'They're all doing the best for animals, and it's not just us,' Kah Ying added. Indeed, the two girls who once couldn't even muster the courage to order food in a restaurant have come a long way to make lives better for animals. 'For me, it's a joy to share this journey with my sister. It's a mix of laughter, blessings, long hours and learning to better understand each other's strengths and weaknesses. We keep each other grounded in our shared vision of helping animals,' said Kah Ying. 'What keeps us going, apart from our love for animals, is each other,' added Kah Yong. Learn more about Furkids Wellness Centre on Instagram.
