Give a pet a good home

He still can't bring himself to own another dog.

He said : "Dogs make your heart softer.. Sue saw me through Primary School till I was 27, so she really was a member of my family."

PET CAUSE

Which is why in 1996 Mr. Ng decided to start a free re-homing service for any pets that owners need to give up.

These can be any animal - dogs, cats, chinchillas, rabbits, tortoises, birds.

He said : "It's a service that a lot of people still don't realise we offer.

"Suzanne was the inspiration - but I felt it's the least I could do."

I'm sure that you've seen notices like this sometimes pinned up on supermarket noticeboards : "Kim, a friendly cat, needs a home".

These have been put up by concerned owners who, for one reason or another, have to give up the pet.

If you know someone in this situation, tell them about this free service.

What you need to do is call 842-1088 and Mr. Ng's staff will instruct you to send in seven pictures of the pet and its particulars.

They'll then post the pictures and details at seven outlets, to give the animal a better chance of finding a new home.

The success rate has been quite high so far, expecially when the animal is healthy.

Pet owners who would like to help others can take a tip from the German Shepherd Club.

Its owners gather with their dogs and bring them to visit old age homes, where they put on shows that delight and charm the residents.

Mr. Ng added :"I heard this story in Japan about a housewife who used to take her St Bernard dog to the stock exchange.

"And these stressed people would stroke the dog and get a moment of relief."

So if you have the time to spare, think about visiting someone that you know who might need a lift and let the dog play and go for walks with them.

They have a magical ability to bring smiles to faces.

And smiles are free.