Milan’s world: A day in the life of a Singapore Special dog

It is 5.30am in a quiet Toa Payoh neighbourhood. Milan is already awake, tail wagging gently as he prepares for his morning walk.

The five-year-old male Singapore Special – a local mixed-breed dog – was rescued by animal shelter SOSD in August 2025. That was where he met his owners, a married Singaporean couple in their mid-30s who wish to be known only by their first names, Ruici and Munees.

Milan’s life revolves around a fixed schedule. He goes for a 15- to 20-minute walk around the neighbourhood twice a day – at 5.30am and 5.30pm. His mealtimes are at 6.30am and 7pm.

“It requires discipline on our part, but it is working out well so far,” Ms Ruici says. “A big challenge was figuring out how he prefers his food, what brand of kibble he likes best and what time he is most likely to eat.”

When they first met Milan at SOSD in November 2025, the Singaporean couple were not looking to adopt.

They were still grieving the loss of their previous dog Raffi, a Singapore Special who died in May 2025 from stomach cancer at age 11.

“We were not ready to bring another dog home,” says Ms Ruici. “We just wanted to spend time helping out.”

So they volunteered at SOSD for two to three days a week over three months — walking dogs, learning about their behaviour and slowly reconnecting with animals.

Milan was one of the first dogs the couple met. At the shelter, he often took his cue from his confident brother Miles, also a Singapore Special, who approached people first. When the couple brought Milan home, he became more wary and reserved given the unfamiliar environment. But as the weeks passed, something shifted.

“He started opening up to us,” Ms Ruici recalls. “He became more affectionate, more willing to come closer.”

On Jan 26, Milan officially became the third member of the family.

The National Parks Board (NParks), through its Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) cluster, has implemented structured programmes to manage and rehome free-roaming dogs.

One such initiative is the nationwide Trap-Neuter-Rehome/Release-Manage (TNRM) programme launched in 2018. It takes a science-based approach to managing Singapore’s stray dog population by working with veterinarians, animal welfare groups and the community.

Under TNRM, dogs are captured, sterilised, microchipped and cared for before being rehomed or released into suitable environments where caregivers can continue to look after them.

As at February 2026, more than 4,400 dogs have been enrolled in the programme, with about 65 per cent rehomed, fostered or sheltered. To date, over 2,000 TNRM dogs have found homes.

In 2021, AVS opened the Centre for Animal Rehabilitation, Singapore’s first dedicated facility for animal behavioural rehabilitation. Designed to mimic a typical Singapore home with common household items, the centre facilitates the integration of Singapore Specials into post-adoption pet life, increasing rehoming and adoption outcomes under TNRM.

Almost half of the dogs enrolled in the TNRM programme have been rehomed

For Milan’s owners, the process of bringing him home to their four-room HDB flat was structured and smooth – in part because they had spent time volunteering.

After deciding to adopt, they went through a two-month preparation process that included a home inspection, necessary modifications to their living space and a homestay trial.

“Part of the home preparation included installing window mesh on all our windows,” says Mr Munees.

“We also set up a safety gate at our kitchen entrance. Having a space where Milan could observe guests entering our home from a safe distance in the kitchen gave him time to settle down,” he explains.

The couple also underwent an obedience training programme with Milan, which is mandatory under Project Adore. A joint initiative between AVS and the Housing Board (HDB), it ensures adopters are equipped to responsibly care for adoptees in a shared residential environment.

Launched in 2012, Project Adore allows each HDB household to adopt one local mixed-breed dog of up to 55cm in height. As at February 2026, more than 2,600 dogs have been rehomed through the programme.

Life after adoption has been a journey of discovery for both Milan and his new family.

Even though she describes him as an “affectionate boy”, Ms Ruici says Milan can still be skittish and shy. “But he will ask for physical affection and treats once he feels comfortable around you.”

Adds Mr Munees: “At the shelter, Milan took his cue from his brother and often copied his behaviour. Now that he’s without his brother, he’s learning to find himself and figure out his comfort zones.”

Affectionate but sensitive, Milan shows love in small, endearing ways, such as by brushing against his owners like a cat or gently pawing them for attention.

His diet consists of kibble with a topper like boiled minced pork, dehydrated meat treats or steamed sweet potato.

With guidance from Ms Yap, Mr Munees and Ms Ruici have learnt to read Milan’s body language, manage leash pressure and create positive experiences during walks.

Simple routines, like positioning him comfortably in a lift or giving him space away from strangers, have helped build Milan’s confidence.

Under Ms Yap’s guidance, his owners have also managed to recognise common signs of stress or anxiety exhibited by dogs, such as a hunched body or avoidance of eye contact.

“Learning how to manage the leash while taking Milan on walks has also been a big part of our relationship with him,” says Ms Ruici.

“Working with Shi Ying led us to understand that too much leash pressure can be stressful for the dog. They feel a sudden pain on their neck if we pull too hard,” she explains. The couple started the training sessions on Jan 25 and completed the last one on April 11.

As Singapore Specials are larger than popular small dog breeds such as maltipoos and pomeranians, Milan sometimes attracts cautious reactions in public spaces.

Mr Munees and Ms Ruici are mindful of this, and adapt their behaviour to ensure both Milan and others feel comfortable.

“We always check if neighbours are okay to share the lift,” they say. “If not, we just wait for the next one.”

They have also had to gently remind others that not all dogs are immediately comfortable with strangers.

Pet adoption offers benefits beyond simply bringing a pet home. It reduces the number of stray and abandoned animals, supports welfare organisations and creates space for more rescues.

“Those looking to get a pet can give homeless animals a second chance through adoption instead of purchasing one from a pet shop. A wide variety of pets are available for adoption through animal-related organisations,” says Dr Anna Wong, group director of community animal management at AVS.

She adds: “Many organisations also provide post-adoption guidance, tips to help pets adjust to home living and ongoing advice about pet care. This proves valuable for first-time pet owners navigating their new responsibilities.”

For Ms Ruici and Mr Munees, the adoption experience has been deeply rewarding. Milan has become a companion, a source of comfort, and a daily reminder of the power of patience and compassion.

“We feel that all dogs are special and deserve love,” says Ms Ruici. “Milan just happened to be the one we connected with.”

Adds Mr Munees: “We look forward to coming home to be with him and receiving his affection after a long day at work.”