Dog Squad goes to Rat Island

5-7 Jan 2007, PAAPP trials

‘Penang Isle, here v come!’

Ven I heard dat v were making a trip 2 Rat Island with d PetnU Dog Squad of Angel, Archer n JRT Russell, got pretty worked up coz it seemed like a dream vacation 4 a terrier… imagine an island full of rats 2 track down n gv chase. Wasn’t 2 b as it was actually d Pulau Tikus (@ Rat Island) suburb in Penang Isle, famous 4 its old coffee shops n authentic hawker food. No worries, v still hd d beaches n agility trials 2 look forward 2 during d weekend trip.

‘JRTs at Teluk Bahang beach’

PAAPP were holding deir very 1st OB n agility trials n tho’ it was only basic jumpers class, v still made d trip mainly 2 gv support n promote d sport, gain some exposure n perhaps, win some kibble at d same time. Penang is a long 3½ hr drive north n dis was also our 1st trials out of town. Felt like 1 of d trials held in Western countries whereby dogs travel near n far just 2 take part in agility trials held throughout d country. Hope dis trend continues in my country coz den it’ll mean more vacations n activities 4 mutts like us.

Stopped at Ipoh 4 short lunch break, crossed d Penang bridge n was excited 2 c d wide span of sea n floating vessels on it.

‘Stranded on our very own desert island’


‘Archer, cool as u like…’

Made it 2 d beach at Teluk Bahang, n found a secluded corner near some large rock formations 2 play at. 1st time dat me mates Angel, Archer n Russell laid paws on sand n sea, so it was left 2 me 2 show dem how 2 behave … it’s Frisbeeeee time! Not dat dey were keen on frisbees but dey certainly enjoyed giving chase with me as I raced 2 catch d disc on d soft sand.

‘Playing catch with my owner…’


‘Running free on d beach is d only way 2 go!’


‘Ok guys, u cn stop following me around…’

In between, Russell did learn a couple of swimming strokes as he was engulfed by a small wave n doggie paddled safely 2 shore. On 1 of d rare occasions dat he got a hold of my disc, he decided 2 tear a hole in it … well, dey dun call him Russell d Rascal (not 2 b mixed up with me other mate, Russell d Cocker) 4 nothing.

‘Swimming in d sea, not so good at dis...’

‘Running on d beach, am good at dis…’


‘Not so sure bout getting a tattoo at dis funny looking residence…’

Got 2 gallivant along Gurney Drive n Pulau Tikus suburb as my owners went in search of authentic hawker food. Me mates hd 2 stay at d apartment as dey were a little tired n weren’t accustomed 2 walking around town. Penang Isle is predominantly Chinese, so most dun mind seeing a dog in public n eateries. Easy 4 a mutt of my size 2 get around … I’m beginning 2 like dis place!

‘Beware, Guard dog!’

‘Warming up at d ‘warm up ring’

Day of d trials n venue was only walking distance away from our apartment. D Chinese Recreation Club field was large, grassy n flat, just perfect. Deir agility equipt hd a fresh coat of paint n looked neat n easily portable. Dey even set up a rest area n warm up rings 4 participating teams, cool. Angel went thru her OB exercises in Pre Novice n Novice classes n came 2nd with almost perfect scores of 99, only upstaged by a Poodle who scored 100 in both classes.

‘Angel at OB trials’

‘Waiting 4 our turn…’

‘Archer getting a paw massage b4 d agility trials’

Played with d kids whilst waiting 4 my run. Was also asked 2 do an impromptu tricks demo n my owner is ever ready 2 accommodate without any consultation with me. No predetermined steps like Heelwork 2 Music … just tricks, prefer dis n my moves were smoother n came thick n fast. Penang audience were very appreciative coz dey dun normally get 2 c a mutt dishing out a fair number of tricks, 1 after d other.

‘Always ready for a game or 2…’

Floodlights came on as d mini agility jumpers got under way, 14 obstacles comprising of jumps n open tunnel. D Dog Squad swept d honours with clean runs from Archer, Russell n me. Incurred a couple of faults on my 1st run as I hd 2 adjust 2 d dim lighting n slightly higher jumps. 2nd run was clean n took home d mini agility title with a time of 18 secs, sweet. Angel came in 2nd in d maxi agility category as well to complete an excellent haul by d Dog Squad!


.....‘I like Penang coz it’s dog friendly … well, mostly anyway’

Day ended with a pole weaving demo by us n a couple of d PAAPP dogs which kept d crowd entertained. Only downside was d slightly dimmed lighting conditions n d rain which cut short d prize giving ceremony. Other den dat, was a great venue n competition was keener den expected. Cant wait 4 d next trials in Penang Isle … heard dat there’s 1 scheduled for May.