Scizzorhands Whippets

This cover story appeared in the first Issue of DogTalk magazine for 2003.
We got featured on the cover because Martina won Singapore's #1 Dog of the Year 2002.
The story has quotes from both my doggy and non-doggy friends and family.

Martina has done it again. She is Singapore's #1 Dog of the Year 2002; and was, if you remember, #1 Dog of the Year 2000. She was also the #2 Dog in 2001. I'm finding all this a little hard to believe….

Martina has fulfilled my childhood dream of winning one Best in Show ten times over now. She has won 8 Best in Show and 2 Reserve Best in Show awards; and 15 Best and Reserve Best in Group out of the 19 shows we've been to in the past three years.

Martina - The biggest-winning, record-breaking Hounnd & Whippet
in the history of the Singapore Kennel Club since 1971.

For Dogtalk magazine this year, I won't be telling my story - that was done when we won the coveted title in 2000. This time around, the few people who mean the most to me, aside from my loving and always supportive family, will tell the story as they see it.

Before I close today's journal, hey, Molly, from the bottom of my heart, thanks again for the astonishingly beautiful dog you bred. You didn't send me a live dog; you sent me a living dream. And Martina, thanks for never letting me down every time we walk into the ring …"

"Winning Singapore's #1 Dog Of The Year once is an honour ....
but twice is sheer brilliance."
Mrs Molly Rule-Steele, Taejaan Whippets, Australia

"I first met Dr Arnold Tan whilst visiting Singapore in 1996. We lunched with him at the Raffles Hotel where he worked then, and later to his home for dinner. Arnold has a beautiful house and garden which he is very proud of. In fact Arnold takes pride in all that he partakes. However, it was the love and devotion he gave to his animals that impressed me most about Arnold Tan. When I arrived home in Sydney, my memories of Arnold were quite vivid; and I felt no one more than he deserved a good dog to show.

It was quite a while later that Arnold rang me to ask to buy a Whippet from my kennel. As I had already sent Whippets to another kennel in Singapore I felt I must stay loyal to their wishes and not flood the market with too many Whippets. After all, they have so few shows there.

Arnold and I did keep in touch and when we moved to our new kennels in 1999, Arnold approached me again and this time asked to purchase our Best In Show winner, Aust Ch Taejaan Ms Martini. Martina, as she is known, had a very successful show career as she had won several Specialty classes in Show and two times All Breeds Best In Show awards while still in the Junior Class. I told Arnold that Martina was not for sale as I already had several offers for her that I had declined.

Molly with Martina winning the Hound Group at the
prestigious Sunbury Show 1999, where entries ran into the thousands.

Martina is a daughter of BIS Aust Ch Taejaan Tia Maria "Teally" who has been our best brood bitch. Teally was mated to Aust Ch Mikshar Top Hat n Tails who is out of Aust Ch Taejaan Satin Knickers (litter sister of Floyd, my Adelaide Royal Best in Show, Aust Grand Ch. Taejaan Read My Lips), put to Aust & Int'l Ch Airescot Waistcoat. So although the sire was an outcross, we bred the lines back into itself which has proved fruitful in the past. In other words, Martina was precious to us for our future breeding programme.

As we had such a huge job in setting up our new kennel complex, I did wonder if we would have time to get to any dog shows during this time. Arnold asked me again if Martina would be available and I told him I would think about it. He told me his ultimate dream was to win one Best In Show.... a dream he had had since childhood.

I knew Arnold would have the dogs living with him in his home, and that he had room for the dogs and that they would live in air-conditioned accommodation whilst he was at work. So when I told Arnold I would allow him to have Martina he was over the moon.

Martina has surpassed all of our dreams since her arrival in Singapore. Her record-breaking show career is documented elsewhere in this magazine, so I won't go into it here. However I am very proud of what Martina and Arnold have achieved together.

Arnold is not only a gifted handler of dogs ... he knows how to condition and groom, and the unconditional love he lavishes on his dogs gives him the winning edge and a special bond which seems to put dog and handler in tune with each other, to which every visiting judge has noticed and commented on.

Winning Singapore's #1 Dog Of The Year once is an honour .... but twice is sheer brilliance. Well done Arnold and Martina!"

Mrs Molly Rule-Steele
Taejaan Whippets & Salukis, NSW, Australia

"For those who know Arnold well, no one will dispute that he deserves all his recent successes after more than 20 years of constant struggle to achieve his dream of winning a Best In Show at an All Breeds Championship show.

I have known him for nearly 20 years and have seen the many downs and the few ups in his dog show career until he acquired Cosmo and then Martina, after two years of convincing Mrs Molly Rule-Steele to finally part with her.

Many have seen him in the ring with Martina and the beautiful picture they paint together. However, the most beautiful picture very few are privileged to see, is the relationship he has with his dogs at home. They are not just dogs to him, but more a family, with unconditional love showered on them, regardless of their performance in the show ring.

Congratulations Arnold on Martina's second Dog of the Year award. It couldn't have happened to a nicer person."

Mr Joseph Dorall, Singapore

"My family and I first met Dr Arnold Tan about 10 years ago. Over this period of time, we became very close. His love for animals is very apparent, and they only leave his home when they pass on from this world, which is more than can be said for some.

His whippets, Cosmo & Martina, are more than show dogs. They are family. And I think that is why they always give a 100% each time they are exhibited. Win or lose, they are loved just the same and I think that is why Arnold and his dogs are a force to be reckoned with in the show ring. Because having fun on the day is what is important; not just the winning, which, of course, is nice. And being gracious about it, no matter which way the card may fall.

Finally, I want to tell you that Arnold is a very special person in - and especially outside - of the show ring. We wish him all the best of luck for the future."

Oz "Mom & Dad"
Mrs Kay & Mr Rudolph Ward,
Foundation Breeders of Talukdar Chinese Crested Dogs,
Melbourne, Australia

"Arnold Tan. Our friendship started whilst we were in our early teens and was built through the meetings at dog shows. The friendship has grown that much stronger over the years and dog shows are now just a small part of our lives. Dog shows are NOT the be all and end all in our lives today .... but it does bring home beautiful memories of how it all started a long, long time ago.....

Arnold has been and continues to be a loyal and wonderful friend/mentor to me in both personal and professional matters. He is my listening ear on a day that's been difficult, a friend to go to movies with when I need a popcorn buddy, an exercise partner when we walk the East Coast Parkway with the dogs, or just someone to go to Newton Circus with when I need to chill. And now as I am living away from home on an overseas assignment - he is the one who calls and talks to me to make sure I am just SANE ! And definitely an inspiration when I think of what he has accomplished both in his personal and professional life.

Dogs are part of Arnold's life and I know will always be. Having good dogs to show these last few years has been a definite plus but they have always been part of his 'family' first and foremost and that's the other common thing we share - our love for our animals and family. I am so very proud to have and call him a friend and so, so happy for him that Cosmo and Martina now share his life and bring him so much joy. Love you dear.....Shaz."
Ms Sharon Tan, Singapore

"Dearest Arnold, when I reflect on the past, I just can't imagine where we started out more than 20 years ago and where you've ended up now. Those were the days (Shih Tzu days) when we used to fret in the collecting ring as to whether our dogs would put their tails up or even move! Now as I sit by the ringside and watch, you have at the end of your leash dogs that only put their best paws forward for you all the time.

Your dogs and you are like hand in glove - you work so magically together and that can only be because of all the love and dedication you shower on them.

Once again Arnold, congratulations on all the multiple best in show wins, all the champions you've made up and most of all thanks for being such a wonderful friend to me and my family."

Mama and Papa told me about Martina's fabulous wins! Congratulations!!! I am so happy for you! Mama and Papa have told me all about your lifelong dream of winning a Best In Show.

Well, this dream has come true - manyfold. And I think that someone like you, who loves his dogs so much, whether they win in the dogshows or not, is definitely special and especially deserving.

Godpa, if they gave out awards based on love, you will always be the Best In Show! We love you! Your godson, Ian"

Mrs Wendy & Mr Dee Lau & Ian Lau,
San Francisco, USA

"Allan and I first met Arnold at the Royal Melbourne Show in 1992, where our whippet BIS Ch Taejaan Keppem Talking won the dog challenge. This was the start of a friendship that has remained strong to this day.

When Arnold was looking for a special whippet, he asked me who I thought would be ideal. I replied without hesitation that Martina would be perfect as she was one of the best Australia had to offer.

I recently visited Singapore and was honoured to be given the privilege to handle Martina and was delighted that she went on to win yet another Best In Show. We congratulate you on not only achieving your dream to win a Best In Show but exceeding that by far
with this lovely bitch."

Mr Tony Kyman & Mr Allan Wishart
Talkabout Whippets, Melbourne, Australia

Best in Show
Judge: Mr Ray Greer, New Zealand (Dec 2001)
Expertly handled by Mr Tony Kyman, Talkabout Whippets, Australia

"Arnold and I went to the same church, but never knew each other. I had no idea he showed dogs until my family and I went to a dog show one day and saw Arnold with his Cocker Spaniel, Oli in the early 1980s. We had Cockers too!

Through the years, Arnold helped us by giving dog-related advice, and sometimes even bags of dog food his dogs had won at the shows! But the one thing I will always remember is the night Arnold came to deliver puppies for my dog at past midnight, complete with dollops of pimple cream still on his face!! By 4 am, he had successfully delivered all four puppies, one of which was a breech presentation and complicated. Arnold was there as a part of a truly memorable moment for my family. And I say again, you should have become a vet, Arnold!

Arnold's passion and commitment to showing his dogs are beyond anyone else I know, but it isn't limited to just his own dogs. Through the years, his love for all dogs is totally unconditional. Whether it's an abandoned cross-bred, an injured lost dog, a crying puppy in the drain, a maggot-infested stray, or a glorious champion show dog, he would treat them all the same. And that is, with love and respect!

I strongly believe that Arnold can take a mutt to a show ring and still win something with it. And that is because of the commitment, discipline and most importantly, love for the dogs and dog shows. It makes me proud to see that Martina is Dog of the Year again. It makes me even more proud that Arnold is still my very close friend, despite my having moved to the US now. Congratulations and thanks for your special friendship these past 23 years, Arnold!"

Ms Sabrina Lauw, San Francisco, USA

"Martina's great achievements in the show ring is a clear testament to the fact that total commitment is always rewarded! Well done, Arnold!"

Mr Rathakrishnan, Singapore

"I've known Arnold for almost 15 years now. There are two things he's very passionate about in life - dogs and gardening. He has done great things not only in his own garden but also in his lucky siblings'. I know - like many dog show exhibitors the world over - his dream was always to win a Best in Show some day.

I have had the good fortune to see Arnold through a few dogs over our long friendship. I was even made "Godmother" to one - Macy the Miniature Schnauzer!

Although it has taken him many, many years, I know it has been worth all the hard work (and heartaches, which he shares with me) to achieve all that he has today. That one special, elusive dog had been missing in his life for too long, until Martina.

I am very happy today for one simple reason: for someone who has made many of his dogs a champion, he has finally got a dog which made a real Champion out of him!"

Ms Samantha Yeo, Singapore

"I met Arnold for the first time at the Bishan Dog Run where dogs and their owners socialise. That was almost four years ago. Our friendship has blossomed with our shared love for dogs. Arnold introduced me to the world of dog shows and convinced me, by his example, that a show dog need not be a show dog every day of its life.

At the dog run, Martina and Cosmo can be seen running their hearts out and constantly looking up to check that Arnold is still there. The joy that Arnold has in being together with his dogs is truly a sight to behold, especially on a wet day: the ground is soggy, the beautiful whippets get transformed into mud-covered brown dogs, and in their excitement playing, turn Arnold all brown and dirty too!

His love for Martina and Cosmo truly shines through in the way he considers them as part of the family and not just show dogs that are used to earn him merits and ribbons.

Arnold, I'm extremely proud and happy to have you as my friend. I'm glad that all your hard work and love for dogs in the past years have culminated with Martina becoming an all-time best in show winning dog.

And most importantly, she is a dog that is so immensely blessed to have you as an owner."

Ms Ching Chin Yin, Singapore

"Exactly 20 years ago, at a Championship Show at the then Singapore Turf Club, you were so distressed that your Shih Tzu would not walk. My advice to you then was to have an encouraging yet serious talk with your dog. You laughed but I volunteered to do the talking. It really worked!! Guess you did not stop talking to your dogs since that day!!

I have seen you work hard with a couple of breeds in the Utility Group. Many exhibitors have given up simply because they were not successful with their first dog. You deserve the accolades for your perseverance, endurance and patience. Inevitably, along the way you learnt more about various breed standards and developed an eye for good dogs.

I can tell straightaway that you have a special bond and rapport with Cosmo and Martina. You love your dogs and they love you too, it shows in their eyes and their expression. When they look up at you in the Holding and Show Rings, I am sure what they are trying to say is "We'll do anything for you".

Mrs Jina Williams, Singapore

"Arnold is truly a dog lover. To him, it's not all about winning at dog shows, or breeding them to make money. He treats his dogs like a part of his family, with lots of love and affection, and it shows. His trophies are a testament."

Dr Edwin Chan & Charlie, Singapore

Our Prayer
"Dear God, do dogs go to heaven? If so, we promise we'll work doubly hard to get there, so that we can continue to reciprocate the love and devotion our dogs have bestowed upon us; and which we have no capacity to repay in one lifetime. Thanks Arnold for your gift of a beautiful whippet puppy, Ashley."

Mrs Ai May & Mr Danson Kwok, Singapore

"Meeting you, Martina, Cosmo and Charlie has been a great pleasure. I am not a Whippet guru and so will not be going into the technical aspects of these dogs. However, it does not take Einstein to figure out that these three are dogs of quality.

Martina, a super elegant bitch in a class of her own. Her gracefulness, complemented by your presence has been one of the best teams I have seen in the ring here or, for that matter, anywhere else. Cosmo, a flashy dog with superb presence in the ring has also done much winning for you. And, of course, Charlie, a great showman whom I have had no pressure handling - in a breed class of such high quality. It has also been enjoyable handling him as he seems to be always showing with a purpose and on the tip toe of expectation."

Mr Edwin Hu, Singapore

"Off and on, over the years, I have reflected on the knowledge that another dog would one day equal or surpass the show records of my top winning Pekingese, 'Benji' (S'pore Grand Champion Bukin Benjaman of Derandsha - Imp Aust). When I was being very honest I always assumed I would feel some disappointment when that day came. Recently, however, when it occurred to me that it was more than likely that Martina would be the one to eclipse Benji's wins, I realised that I didn't feel a bit disappointed and, in fact, very much hoped that it would be Martina.

Apart from the fact that Arnold has been a good friend for many, many years, and I would always wish the best for him, I know that he shares my passion and a genuine love for man's best friend. Benji gave of his best, showing his heart out at all times, secure in the understanding that he was always a much loved member of my family. I suspect he must have known that he would never be given away, to be replaced with another dog, if he didn't win.

Likewise, I believe, Martina enjoys the same rapport with Arnold. I wish I could say the same for all dogs. Congratulations once more Arnold. Long may you continue to enjoy the companionship and winning ways of your lovely whippets."

Mrs Gael Tan, Singapore

You are a very clever man because you can train your dogs to listen to you. I hope to be able to show my dog one day. But you must promise to teach me how to do it right! OK?"

Lots of love, Nicolene Tan
7 years old

It must be a tedious job training a dog although I've never done it before. The best part is watching the Judge point to Martina for best dog in the whole show. I hope Martina knows she won 'Dog of the Year'. I think she does!"

Love, Nicholas Tan
10 years old