CATS AND DOGS

True beauty is often more than meets the eye. Admittedly, gorgeous features, flawless complexion and a jaw-dropping physique might grab your attention at first sight, but what truly counts lies beneath outer aesthetics. Filial piety, respect, compassion, loyalty, integrity and resilience are some stellar examples of what sets a good looking person apart from someone who exudes beauty from the inside out. That probably explain why there's something undescribably sexy and appealing about guys who loves animals.

Volumes could be spoken about the kind and sensitive nature of men who shows concern, patience and love to their pets. Furthermore, similarly to fatherhood, it shows a sense of maturity when a pet lover readily accepts responsibility of being the homemaker and caregiver to his precious little furry pals. Thus, when it comes to hunks with heart, there could be no comparison to fellow pet owners and Senior Manhunt finalists Andy Chng and Armand Rafi Hassan.

Returning Manhunt finalist Andy, a 44 year old 1.78m, 76kg recruitment professional & consultant in luxury fashion & retail, still experiences pangs of heartache when he reminisces about his recently departed pet dog, Art.

It was sixteen years ago in 1997 when the two first met. Invited by a close friend to purchase and adopt a puppy, Andy originally chose Art's sibling from the litter of puppies. However, as he was about to pull out of the driveway, through his side mirror he caught sight of a pale shadow of a puppy, crawling just by the side of his car. Getting out of his car, he picked up the cute little puppy and as fate would have it, Andy decided instead that this would be the puppy he wanted as his pet.

A masterpiece in his eyes, Andy settled upon the name "Art", and that marked the beginning of a beautiful friendship between him and man's best friend. Through the love and care reciprocated between owner and pet through the years that followed, Art opened Andy's eyes to the discovery that animals too shared the same world of emotions as human beings do. A playmate when he's happy and a soulmate during his darkest hours, in spite of life's rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, its only constant was the loyal and steadfast companionship of Art by Andy's side.

Sadly, Art suffered a ruptured tumour, a complication resulting from a fall soon after being diagnosed with abdominal cancer and passed away earlier this year. "Love knows not its depth until the hour of separation". Quoting Kahlil Gibran the Prophet, Andy relates that life without Art has been very different and difficult. Although he admits that there is still a sense that Art is always around him, it is heartbreaking returning home each day and missing the joyful sight of a wagging tail and affectionate leaps of joy. "This lifetime will not be enough to forget the companionship and love that Art had given me for the past 16 years."

As life lowers the curtain on one lifelong friendship, another one begins its blossom. Coincidentally, like Art and Andy, local breed tabby cat Edward was not Rafi's first choice when he picked his pet at the Cat Welfare Society adoption drive earlier this year.

His original choice, another cat, had turned out to be cold, distant and rather unresponsive towards him at initial contact. Instead, it was Edward who reacted extremely excitedly at his first sight of Rafi, so much so that it astonished even the cat fosterer! Cradling him in his arms, like a new-born baby, Rafi knew instinctively that without a doubt this was the pet for him.

Since then, with this new addition to the family, much joy and laughter has been shared within the household. "It's pretty amazing how he can read me and my moods so well. He actually knows when I'm feeling down or when I'm happy. And when I'm sick, he even comforts me by lying on my chest. That is the kind of unconditional love I get from him," describes the 40 year old, 1.8m, 76kg Dynasty Travel supervisor. Such is the devotion that the affectionate feline displays towards his owner. Sticking by him through thick and thin, to Rafi, Edward is now more than just a pet or best friend. He is family.

Needless to say, when it comes to love and compassion, no one quite beats these two Senior Manhunt finalists, as evident from the commitment and care they shower upon their pets. But now for a change, it's time for our pet lovers to take their turn of being fussed over and groomed, before taking the spotlight and becoming the objects of attention of adoring fans everywhere.

Photos Credit:

Beam Artistes Pte Ltd (www.beam.com.sg),
Photography by Barry Seah Photography
PPi :: Print | Photography | Ideas
(http://ppideas.wix.com/ppideas
https://www.facebook.com/barry.seahphotography)
The Makeover Inc.
(http://www.themakeoverinc.com.sg/index.htm
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Makeover-Inc/145085108885779)