Eliza, a graduate of LASALLE College of the Arts, has always been driven to centre her works on topics that sit closely to her heart. Her relationship with her paraplegic cat, Tuna, served as the true source of inspiration for her final year thesis project, “Being Able to Be Unable.” Tuna suffers from high-rise syndrome, a term used to describe injuries sustained by animals, particularly cats, when they fall from significant heights. Despite his grim initial prognosis, Eliza and her family chose an alternative path to help Tuna recover, relying on noninvasive treatments like Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This journey not only allowed Tuna to live a fulfilling life but also inspired Eliza to explore the profound connections between animals and humans, emphasising the importance of perseverance and empathy in creating inclusive environments for all.
Incorporating Empathy in Design- A New Approach to Pet Care
Caring for a pet with special needs is a demanding and sometimes discouraging journey. Owners often struggle with dilemmas about whether they are doing the right thing and face discouraging comments from the public and people around them. Some may suggest they are causing more suffering to the pets or wasting their time, which only adds to the emotional stress of the owners. Eliza’s thesis research hopes to shed light on this important topic, encouraging others to see how one can lead a fulfilling life regardless of their abilities. It centers on the idea of empathetic design, a method that prioritizes understanding and empathy at the core of the design process. The goal of utilising empathetic design is to provide solutions that could better speak to the needs and feelings of the user. This can be achieved by employing body-storming – a technique that involves living and seeing the world through another’s eyes, and interviewing targeted users.
Rising above the Challenges
As a design major, Eliza struggled with veterinary expertise, finding reading materials, contacting organisations, and securing collaborators for her research. The project gained momentum with the help of her supervisor, Yasser Bin Suratman, and Andy Yeo, founder of Optimus Animal Rehabilitation, who contributed significantly to the research and final outcome.
Andy, a Veterinary Animal Rehabilitation Therapist since 2012, has worked closely with many owners of special needs pets. He believes the emotional health of pet owners plays a significant role in their pets’ well-being. Through years of practice, Andy has built connections with service providers and identified essential resources for special needs pets. Observing the emotional toll on pet owners and the gap between available resources and those who need them, Andy aimed to raise awareness, change public perception, and connect resources with those in need, aligning perfectly with Eliza’s thesis.
Shared goals between Eliza and Andy led to a successful collaboration on Eliza’s thesis. Their mutual objectives and clear communication ensured the project stayed on track. With no precedent in Singapore for a project centered on special needs pets, they drew inspiration from other nonprofit fields and organizations, grounding the project in empathy and familial relationships.
The outcome of Eliza’s thesis research, in collaboration with Andy, led to a three-day event called “Being Able to Be Able,” serving as a hub for resources and workshops to educate and support caregivers with similar struggles. The project aims to shed light on this important topic, encouraging others to see how one can lead a fulfilling life regardless of their abilities.
Looking Forward
The collaboration and thesis topic believes that significant change can be made in this world by incorporating empathy and kindness to all. Their aim is to reduce the number of animals subjected to euthanasia and abandonment in Singapore due to their differences. The project hopes that people come to the understanding that special needs pets have a quality of life worth fighting for, and through care can lead healthy and fulfilling lives just like any other pet; encouraging others to see how one can lead a fulfilling life regardless of their abilities.
The goal of promoting inclusivity and empathy in pet care is commendable, challenging societal perceptions by redefining what quality of life for special needs pets implies. The topic believes pets with disabilities shouldn’t be pitied but rather appreciated for their individual journeys and the happiness they offer to their owners. Eliza’s next steps involve continuing her collaboration with Andy, working together to elevate the project to new heights by working with more organizations and organizing workshops to raise awareness and reach more people considering the responsibility of caring for a special needs pet. Additionally, they both look forward to hosting more events in outdoor venues like parks or seaside locations to foster intimate and strong community connections among owners and their special needs pets.
The story is a testament to the power of empathy and resilience, advocating for improved care for pets with special needs and challenging the belief that such pets cannot live meaningful lives. Eliza and Andy aim to raise awareness and foster community connections, ensuring that every pet, regardless of their abilities, can lead a joyful life. Their project, “Being Able to Be Unable,” underscores the profound impact of empathy and perseverance in creating inclusive environments for all.
