SG60 :: Building Singapore Together

It's National Day 2025. We're at 'SG60. Let's build our future Singapore together.' That's what every banner and celebratory tagline yelled out. There're plenty of celebratory events and observance ceremonies. Celebratory red things (like giant red balls placed in various locations) popped up all over the island this August. 

While I do bother to listen to the NDP theme song every year, I rarely could memorize them since I have no reason to. LOL I don't have to sing it! I only need to sing the National Anthem right. Oof. I have no interest in fireworks or mass singing or things like that. I have been forced to participate in the parade when I was in school, as a performer and as part of the audience. I would rather never do that again. I most definitely am not even turning up at any grassroots or community events unless I'm obliged to and can't squirm out of it.

Instead of checking out the parade event-thingies, I decided to read about Paws on Patrol at the National Day Parade 2025, and watch a short reel on the dogs and their handlers. That was quite fun.

I certainly don't personally care for the dogs or the handlers, and I don't know any of them. But it's nice to put a human face and a warmer touch to the working dogs and staff at the Police K-9 Unit. The photos are always welcomed in an article like this. I like knowing the names of the dogs, and who their handlers are. 

This particular article hosted on MHA's site is pretty well thought-out, and also provided the insights of a veteran handler who has been deployed at many NDP deployments versus a first-timer, and how they treat their dogs. That isn't discussed in depth, of course, given constraints of the word limit in this article, but it's sufficient for a glimpse into their work day in this 34°C August heat.

During NDP, the K-9 Unit patrols at key areas to strengthen Police presence and deter potential threats. The team also cooperates closely with units such as the Police Tactical Unit, enabling a swift response should there be any incident that calls for their specific capabilities. 

In the heat of the day, handlers ensure that their dogs remain operationally ready. This includes making sure the dogs are well-rested and properly hydrated between shifts, so that they are prepared to respond throughout the deployment.

To that, as pet ownership rise in Singapore and places become more pet-friendly, I hope pet owners educate themselves more about their pets' health and nutritional needs. Dog owners ought to also be considerate and mindful about neighbors, and understand the on-leash rule because the rest of the world doesn't care for your dog(s) running free. And FFS, pick up after your dog too. That simple logic doesn't seem to be a common-sense thing for many dog-walkers.