Celeb Pawrents: Comedian Kumar's maltipoo Coffee makes special appearances in latest show

Straits Times

2 days ago

Singaporean comedian Kumar with Coffee, one of his four dogs, at his comedy production S.O.S. Kumar at Sands Theatre.
SINGAPORE – Audiences oohed and aahed when Kumar took his maltipoo Coffee out with him during a segment of his latest comedy production, S.O.S. Kumar.
The local comedian, 56, also proudly displayed a photo of his four fur kids – all male maltipoos – as he wanted to share how cute they are and the place they hold in his heart.
Three-year-old Coffee is the calmest – compared with Cookie, seven; Latte, two; and Biscuit, one – and is oblivious to the stage lights and cheers from audience members. However, Kumar is still careful to take him on stage only during quieter moments and avoid loud music or applause that might cause distress.
His dogs have been 'guest stars' in his previous live shows, with Latte having the honour of first sharing the stage in 2024's Kumar Uncut.
S.O.S. Kumar, now running at the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands until Aug 3, is a tongue-in-cheek celebration of Singapore's 60th birthday.
As Marina Bay Sands does not allow pets on its premises except service animals, a special permit – which takes about three months to obtain – is needed for Kumar to take his dog to the Sands Theatre.
'I also have a pet sitter to look after Coffee in the room when I'm on stage,' says Kumar.
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The veteran entertainer, who is one of Singapore's beloved comedians and known for his bold humour, has always been a dog person.
'I was always with dogs,' he says, describing a childhood spent at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), as his father worked at the agency and cared for the animals at night.
Despite this early exposure, Kumar became a pawrent only around 2013 when he moved to his own HDB flat. 'I never had the opportunity to have my own dog as I never owned a house,' he says.
He welcomed Oreo, a female Scottish terrier, followed by Cookie in 2018.
Oreo died in 2022 after ingesting rat poison . A blood test confirmed the poisoning, but it was too late to save the dog . 'I found out only later that a few dogs around the neighbourhood also died from rat poison,' Kumar says, adding that he now advises people to ask for blood tests if their pets are unwell.
Kumar has four maltipoos: (From left) Biscuit, one; Coffee, three; Latte, two; and Cookie, seven.
PHOTO: KUMAR
Kumar bought Coffee, while Latte and Biscuit were gifted by his manager.
'Cookie is the most manja (Malay for affectionate) and is the attention-seeker. He may be the oldest, but he still throws tantrums at times,' says Kumar, adding that the dog likes to get extra hugs.
Coffee is loyal, always following Cookie's lead, while Latte is Kumar's shadow. 'He likes to sit by my feet and goes wherever I go in the house,' adds the funnyman.
Biscuit, says Kumar, is playful and mischievous, and is often found chewing on something he should not.
'If Biscuit is missing for more than 10 minutes, I know he's up to something,' he says, laughing, recounting a time when the dog finished off food left on the dining table, cleverly avoiding the chilli and onions.
The dogs have sibling-like dynamics. 'They have different ages, like children. Sometimes they get along, sometimes they don't, but they all sleep together and are very much part of the family,' he adds.
Kumar's dogs make a special appearance at his S.O.S. Kumar comedy production at Sands Theatre.
PHOTO: BASE ENTERTAINMENT ASIA
Kumar bought landed property in 2024 to give his dogs more space. He moved out of his HDB flat as, according to its rules, only one dog is allowed in each residential unit.
'I didn't want to get into any trouble. My neighbours were fine with my dogs, but I feared that other people in the neighbourhood might complain,' he says.
While Kumar is a hands-on pawrent, he has a helper to look after his dogs when he is travelling or working late.
'I will get jealous when they become too close to her, so I make sure they sleep with me at night,' says Kumar, adding that each dog has a favourite position on his king-size bed.
Coffee sleeps on Kumar's right, while Latte is on the left, often hugging Kumar. Biscuit sleeps near his head, sometimes resting his head on the comedian. Though Cookie sleeps on the bed with Kumar, the eldest dog prefers the floor.
Kumar spares no expense on his furry companions, spending over $2,000 a month on food, grooming and transportation.
'I work very hard to provide for them,' he says, emphasising that his dogs are family. Their well-being is a top priority and he credits them with providing unconditional love and emotional support.
'They are always happy to see me, no matter how long I've been away, and will always greet me when I step into the house,' Kumar says, adding that their presence brings much joy, love and comfort.
'When you're sad, they come to you. They know when you're angry because your tone changes. They're very intuitive.'