My manure-scented boy

So this is a partial photo of my boy. The rest of his body is temporarily censored. :(

For the past 2 weeks, my boy has been suffering from skin problem which is localised to his right side. We have deduced that it could not be from the change in diet (vegetarian or the Ayamas chicken). Rather, it was caused by me ...applying conditioner on him without rinsing it off...thinking I could get the same results as his grooming session. Guilty as charged.

I've been dabbling his red spots with soaked teabags for 2 days now. Today, mum applied the magic cow-dung cream on him. Hopefully the miracle cream can cure it by the weekend because him looking like a dalmation mongrel (brown manure spots on cream fur) is making me look like a bad mother.

Eat Drink Man Dog

I finally finished watching Food Inc this week. Had to pause after 10 minutes the first time because I couldn't get pass the chicken segment. I had to pace myself through the week to watch the rest. So, today I decided to pick up an organic grassfield chicken in the supermarket for my boy and maybe, me...if I have time to cook some of it. Isn't it nice to see that your food had a good life beforehand..


Hmmm...I wonder whether I could have something like this in my backyard.

...thinking....thinking...who's gonna kill the chicken when it's time?...hmmm...

The boy ate his first raw grassland chicken foot today. You should have seen his first reaction when I pass it to him. He had a "Yew...what-is-this" look on his face. The foot laid momentarily on the carpet until he figured it was edible. HAHAHA...

My boy was partial vegetarian for the past 2 weeks following raving recommendation from a fellow neighbourhood dog walker. Since switching his diet, he has developed skin itchiness (hot spots). I can't fully conclude whether it was due to the change in diet or the leave-in conditioner from his bath or the daily spoonful of yogurt. Otherwise, we are sort-of-eat the same food groups nowadays (except, I don't take his kibbles). Boy drinks chicken soup, gets my Udo oil, cod liver oil, carrots, pumpkins and yogurt (pro-biotics). After Food Inc, I guess I have to finish up the Ayamas antibotic chicken in the fridge, while he gets the fresh organic one.

Growing pains

Since the tail-cliping incident, my boy has not gotten into the dog mobile in the morning. I guess he doesn't trust me with car doors during the day.

Monday - pleadings did not work. Boy was picked up at 9.30 am. Half hour alone time.
Tuesday - pleadings + dog treats did not work. Boy was picked up for daycare at 2 pm. 6 hours alone time.
Wednesday - more pleading + dog treats + ball = fail. Boy was picked up for daycare at 4 pm. 8 hours alone time
Thursday - more pleading + yogurt tub + licking previews + ball = FAIL. Boy stayed home the whole day. 12 hours alone time!!

I wonder what's so fun at home. Is he still traumatised or he thinks guard duty is fun? Well, his grandparents drive by in the afternoons to spy on him. He has been caught sleeping on the job each time. At least, my garden and patio is still intact. He's taking his new duty in stride but I'd rather have in at daycare.

My boy is growing up too soon. *tear*

Is your tail still working?

In my haste to bundle my boy into the dog mobile today, I clipped his tail with the car door ...for the first time ever. Poor boy squeeled.

Hope he's not traumatised by it....else, I'll have to get up ten minutes earlier everyday to allow for coaxing time.

Counting chickens before they hatch

This week, I've been busy understanding labrador genetics.

Ruki's a yellow boy. I've yet to fully understand his lineage in this MKA certificate at the moment. I know far along the line, there was some black blood. (Edit: well, actually not. He had black siblings in his litter) So, here are the possibilities...

If girl is brown and Yellow boy has black genes....babies are black (with yellow and choc genes). Real rojak!




If girl is brown (with yellow gene) and Yellow boy has black genes, 50-50 chance of getting black and yellow, with rojak genes.



If girl is brown (with yellow gene) and Yellow boy is pure, 50-50 chance of getting choc (with yellow gene) and pure yellow.



If girl is pure brown and my Yellow boy is pure, 100% chance all chocs!! ...with yellow genes though...


I suppose it's important what genes my boy carry, otherwise the litter would be like a box of chocolate...you never know what you're gonna get.

Full information here.

It could happen to me

Haruki gets a brown gal pal....and then this...



It could just happen...yellow (my boy) + brown (my girl) = black (my grandchild) ...OMG OMG

My spoilt brat

I had my mosquito netting fixed up this weekend. I was finally going to have a mosquito-free night and wake up to the sound of bird outside my window.

So, I was in bed with my fan on and the windows wide opened for the first time. It was slightly warm tho... and my boy became whiny and restless. so, tit-tit...and the air con came on...and all was well for the night.

Tonight, determined not to concede to another night of closed windows and air-con, the fan was turned up a notch. In minutes of plonking into bed, the boy was perched on my bedside wanting to go outside. Out he went. Soon, he came in again. Walked about the room trying to find a cool spot to sleep...but couldn't. Poor thing...

So, tit-tit...the air con is turned on for yet another night.

what the *toot* *toot*

I read a question on my American dog forum today....

I know you are not supposed to force run a lab before age 2 or so. What is everyone's advice about picking up the pace of the walk to a run for 100 yds or so and then resuming the brisk walk? My boy is 13 months old. I strongly suspect he has a good bit of growing left to do as his Dad was significantly larger. I DEFINITELY don't want to put excess strain on his growing joints, but we could both definitely benefit from a little sprint now and then. Your thoughts?

we are talking about the long term health of the dogs here. Yes, it is a decision each owner will have to make balancing both sides of the issue but it is important they KNOW the health issues it can cause.

I definitely see your point, I guess the difference for me is that when they are running free, it's under their control how hard, how fast, and when to stop but when they are on lead it's not and the fear is you may push them to do more than their bodies can handle.

I dunno .. I never run with my dogs even when their growth plates are closed, so don't have any advice on way or the other.

Is this the reason why my boy looks like this evertime we reach our running stretch? Lately, he literally lies down and refuses to budge at the starting point.



I thought maybe the road was hot or something. Each time, I stick my hand on the road to check the temperature before we start. All this while, I thought he was just plain lazy.

Have i advanced his hip dysplasia? *gulp*

Rainy days and Mondays

....always brings FROGS to the garden.



Last week got off with a good start. The boy dilligently slept indoors when it was bedtime. By the end of the week, nightly rain made it cooler outside. So, he decided to sleep outside. It doesn't end there though.... I have a faint feeling that he wants me to camp out with him...HAHA..

Every night without fail, he will start with his whines and then pace around the bed. If that doesn't work....he will bark and bark. If that doesn't work, he will half-climb on the bed and start to play-bite on my feet until I get up.

Once again, like many moons ago, he has come back to the phase of wanting my company outside as he jump around with the frogs in the garden.

Those were the days

On days when my boy looks a bit scruffy (like today), I reminisce his glow and silky touch after his grooming session. I guess it's like coming home from your hairdresser. You look good until you wash your hair and you can't re-create the same look on your own. Darn!



Photo on 23 August 2009

Longest Week of the Year

Our daycare center was left unmanned for 3 days this week. After all the excitement from the furkids' weekend, things came to a total standstill in dog's terms. Ruki was home alone on guard dog duties from sun up to sun down. So every morning, my boy had this dreaded look as he waited outside my bathroom as I got ready for work (well, he too had to get ready for duty!).



Every evening, he stuck to us like glue when we got home. Poor boy. Luckily, his solitary confinement time ended and he was back to his normal self again at the end of the week.



Photo on 9 September 2009

Meet the children and Ruki's first love

Today, Ruki made his first therapy visit to El Shaddai in Old Klang Road. The shelter houses 20-over kids (I think) from 4 to 17 years. He did a splendid job with the children and fell for a basset hound in the process.

The day didn't exactly start out all that exciting. Look at his sulky face. I think he was looking forward to a laid-back sunday.



But, things picked up as soon as we got there. The kids were totally unafraid of the dogs. They took to my boy like fish to water.



Just then, Ruki saw her...


It love at first sight or rather..sniff. He became more interested in the girl dog than anyone else in the party. So, for the rest of the time, we were all on hump-prevention mode.





The children were all eager to handle the dogs themselves. I was worried at first because Ruki is really strong. I can hardly hold on to him myself. But soon, the children got a hand of things....





The kids seem well loved and doing well in school. I spoke to their caretaker. The children are not only orpahsn...some were either abandoned or abused or come from poor families. The Shelter is sponsored by Mercedes Benz Malaysia. So, it's good to hear that their expenses are largely taken care of. The oldest child is 17 and will be sitting for her SPM this year. She will likely enter into a program with the company to study to become a teacher or a nurse. The boy (below left) is Muthukumar or Joseph. He is 13 years old and took an instant liking to Ruki. He knew quite a bit about dog breeds and asked how big is a bulldog and a doberman. He wants to have a large breed dog when he grows up. Below right is El Shaddai's wonder boy. He's really talkative and outgoing. He's brilliant in math and apparently is tackling math three levels more advanced than his age. According to the caretaker, he's Mercedes star resident.



Ruki had a great time and was totally exhausted from the outing. I think he'll be having hush puppy dreams for the next few days...hahahaha... >:)


After his nap, he was back to his good old self again. All ready to go for his evening walk.

Photos on 6 Sept 2009

In Pursuit of Happyness

As my boy turns one, I can't help but wonder what does he want to be when he grows up. Search and rescue dog? he's good with sniff the grounds but still can't find me hiding behind the door in the dark or maybe a gun dog? special assistance dog?

Oh well, I've decided to start him on some therapy dog training just to see whether he enjoys it. Just want him to be happy. Que sara sara...whatever will be, will be....ok maybe, it's me and my competitive mum syndrome...hahaha..


Here are the Therapy Dog International (TDI) testing requirements... *gulp*

Test 1: Accepting a Friendly Stranger
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation. The Evaluator and handler shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness, and must not break position or try to go to the Evaluator.

The dog must be tested around medical equipment (such as a wheelchair, crutches, cane, walker, or other devices which would ordinarily be found in a facility) to judge the dog’s reactions to common health care equipment. At the discretion of the Evaluator, this part of the test may be included in any of the following tests: 2,3,5 or 9

Test 2: Sitting Politely for Petting
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler. The dog should sit at the handler’s side as the Evaluator approaches and begins to pet the dog on the head and body only. The dog may stand in place to accept petting. The dog must not show shyness or resentment.

Test 3: Appearance and Grooming
This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit a stranger, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so. It also demonstrates the owner’s care, concern and sense of responsibility. The Evaluator inspects the dog, then combs or brushes the dog, and lightly examines the ears and each front foot.

Test 4: Out For a Walk
(Walking on a Loose Leash)
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog can be on either side of the handler, whichever the handler prefers. There must be a left turn, a right turn and an about turn, with at least one stop in between and another at the end. The dog need not be perfectly aligned with the handler and need not sit when the handler stops.

Test 5: Walking Through a Crowd
This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places. The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three). The dog may show some interest in the strangers, without appearing overexuberant, shy or resentful. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise the dog throughout the test. The dog should not be straining at the leash.

Test 6: Sit and Down on Command/Staying in Place
This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler’s command to sit and down, and will remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers). The handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one command to make the dog sit and then down. When instructed by the Evaluator, the handler tells the dog to stay and walks forward the length of a 20-foot line. The dog must remain in place, but may change positions.

Test 7: Coming when Called
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog. The handler may use encouragement to get the dog to come. Handlers may choose to tell the dog to “stay” or “wait,” or they may simply walk away, giving no instructions to the dog as the Evaluator provides mild distraction (e.g., petting).

Test 8: Reaction to Another Dog
This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 10 yards, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 5 yards. The dogs should show no more than a casual interest in each other.

Test 9: Reactions to Distractions
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations, such as the dropping of a large book or a jogger running in front of the dog. The dog may express a natural interest and curiosity and/or appear slightly startled, but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness or bark.

Leave-It: The handler with the dog on a loose leash walks past food on the ground (placed within a distance of three feet) and, upon command, the dog should ignore the food. (Please note: TDI does not permit the use of food/treats during actual therapy dog visits.)

Acclimation to Infirmities: This test demonstrates the dog’s confidence when exposed to people walking with an uneven gait, shuffling, breathing heavily, coughing, wheezing or other distractions which may be encountered in a facility.

Test 10: Supervised Separation
This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain its training and good manners. Evaluators are encouraged to say something like, “Would you like me to watch your dog?” and then take hold of the dog’s leash. The owner will go out of sight for three minutes. The dog does not have to stay in position but should not continually bark, whine, or pace unnecessarily, or show anything stronger than mild agitation or nervousness.

Test 11: Say Hello
The TDI Certified Evaluator will test the willingness of each dog to visit a person and that the dog can be made readily accessible for petting (i.e., small dogs can be placed on a person’s lap or can be held, medium and larger dogs can sit on a chair or stand close to the patient to be easily reached.)

The dog must be able to work well around all types of populations, including children. The dog's behavior around children must be evaluated during testing. It is important that during the testing the potential therapy dog and the children are not in direct contact. This means the dog can only be observed for a reaction toward playing, running or in general children present at the testing site. Any negative reaction by the dog will result in automatic failure. Negative reaction means a dog showing signs of aggression.

Additional Rules for TDI Testing
Dogs must be tested on a plain buckle collar or harness. Training collars, training harnesses, halties, or any other corrective devices are not permitted during testing or visiting as a TDI registered Therapy Dog.

Source: Lab-retriever.net

Photo taken on 23 Aug 2009

The thinking dog

It's always amuses me when I watch Haruki making important decisions.

He stand momentarily frozen. Then, his brows start to rise from one eye to the other...and back again. Thinking....thinking...You can tell he's weighing his options rather than basing on his pure animal instincts.

Today, my mum reports that like clockwork, Ruki waits diligently at the foot of the staircase for my dad to awake from his nap. Everytime, my mum goes to the kitchen he follows her in hoping that his dinner is coming. A moment later, he dashes out to sit by the staircase again to continue waiting. My mum walked in and out of the kitchen a few time more over the hour. Each time, he follows her in for a second then dashes out to sit by the stairs.

So when dad finally comes down, mum pesters him to take him out. Then dad said it's almost his dinner time...and that he was very confident that Ruki would rather have his dinner than go for a walk. So, he said...see who he follows. Off went mum into the kitchen and Dad the opposite direction towards the front door.

*pregnant pause* then, thinking..thinking...

He zips beside my dad to go outside for his walk. This shows that my boy is not always motivated by food.

so, smelly sock or delicious treat?

well, it depends...how big the treat is.

Photo taken on 23 Aug 2009

Jungle Boy

This was Haruki's first jungle excursion at Bukit Gasing.
he was so excited...I was a nervous wreck...hahaha..

Cute photos and captions by sis.








































Photo taken on 29 Aug 2009

Mon chien and I

Being the mother of a puppy... seems much like mothering a child, watching him grow and learn and develop. After a few weeks, the attachment became intense, and I understand now much more about the fears parents have as they watch their child, their baby, grow and interact with the world. Will he be healthy? Will he be all I hope for him to be? Can I protect him from dangers he knows nothing about? Will somebody take him from me? Will I make a mistake that will scar him for life? Am I a good dog parent? Will I someday make a good parent of children? I have found that the fears, the worries, the stress, the joys, the love-- they're all the same for me. I am in love with my little boy. And just like a mother, I wish I could keep him little longer or save some of his puppiness in a lockbox and take it out again someday when he's older and grown, when I can't pick him up and have him fall asleep on my shoulder, when his puppy breath and puppy fur are long gone. He will always be my little boy. And I will always love him. (source: NYT)

I couldn't say it any better than this!

Photo taken on 29 Aug 2009

A big boy

My boy turned ONE on Aug 10. He's growing up all too fast now. SEVEN HUMAN-EQUIVALENT YEARS has flashed by...how time flies!!!

Once upon a time he was like this...



12 months on...


Health-conscious mama fed the boy with Bark-ery Mutt Loaf Cup Cakes
Ingredients: Mince beef or mince chicken, garlic, dried oregano, whole wheat bread, milk, ketchup, fresh parsley leaves, eggs, egg shells, olive oil, vegetable oil. Topping: sweet potatoes, parmesan cheese, olive oil. Garnishing: blueberries or cherries. 90% organic

Photos taken on 2 October 2008 and 29 Aug 2009

Looking good

And so... my dog goes for his first grooming session this weekend. For RM80...he got his ears cleaned, nails filed, paw pads cleaned and trimmed, scrubbed, conditioned and brushed. For another RM10, this could have paid for my one-hour aromatherapy massage session!!

I guess it's become a dog's world...when my toothpaste costs RM5 and Ruki's toothpaste costs a freaking' RM20.

I must say he looked extra handsome for an entire week. This photo taken after the session makes him look so masculine. He looks almost like a field dog here...waiting for the command to retrieve a gunned-down bird or something. Ok, field dogs would probably be all-muddied up and the garden hose is not helping in creating the out-on-the-field ambience. Oh well...

Photo taken on 23 Aug 2009

Sleeping arrangements

Haruki has been enjoying his sleeps outdoors lately. He has done so for a few consecutive nights now. At first, I thought he just preferred the cool night air as I stopped having the air-conditioning on in my bedroom at night. So, I decided to make it all-cosy indoors ... by turning the air-conditioner on. But, it was all in wane. Night after night, I'll call him in and he will refuse to budge from his favourite spot from the garden.

Then two nights ago (as I began to come to terms that he's now all grown up), he comes into my study demanding attention. So, I take him outside to accompany him as he chase frogs in the garden. After a while, I come in. Ruki returns in a while and play bites my feet. Sheesh...why is he so clingy tonight? So, we came out of the study and just stood in the living room ...doing nothing...hahaaha. Then, I return to my desk. And again, he comes in and starts to nuzzle me insistently.

I realized that he just wanted to go to the bedroom to sleep. Awwww....

Every night since then, he'll take his dog-nap in the garden till 11pm then comes into my study to tell me it's time to go to bed. Like clockwork.

My sweet boy....is snoring by my bedside now. :)

When mon chien meets kitty

It seems that my place is being invaded by the neighbourhood cats. My flower bed has somehow turned into a litter box lately. GRRRR!!! This morning as I was preparing for work, I noticed that the stupid cat was lurking on my patio. So, I sent mon chien outside to give chase ....maybe, land a great big bite so it'll never return. Kill it? >:) ... maybe not coz who is going to clear the aftermath. YEEEWW!!!! I will have to brush Ruki's teeth like ten time over!

Mon chien has not been successful in chasing them. Most of the time, the cats are fast enough to climb up the fencing to escape. But, today this happened....



I didn't stay long to watch what happened because I overslept by 45 mins this morning. But when I took the photo, the cat didn't dare to move a muscle as he was cornered. Mon chien was watching him intently. (Talk about "manifesting" a chocolate brown lab..but what comes is a chocolate brown kitty. My message to the universe is not coming through exactly now...HAHAHA)

Anyway, a few minutes mon chien ran into the house. No sign of blood or dead body in his mouth. So, I guess my boy just wanted to sniff it.

Photo taken on 5 May 2009

The one that didn't get away

Something really stunk in the garden. I thought it might been from my much neglected dog-poo duties...but this morning, the smell was distinctly un-shitty. It was something dead and rotting. Yeeeww!!

I thought it was a dead frog...a possible mishap with Ruki while jumping with his frog mates the previous night. After a closer look, I discovered that it was a rat...a baby rat. YEEEEWWWW..... I think its insides were still intact. Luckily....but... YEEEWWWW!!!

Since I had to rush for my morning meeting, we left it there. Hopefully, the sun will dry it out. Maybe, some stupid cat will come by and eat it up. Not such luck. When I came home, it was still there. Luckily, the stink was all gone. So, it was disposed off in a double-layered plastic. GROSS!!

I wonder when it died. I supposed mon chien killed it. Good boy!! but, did you kill it last night and then you came into the house, nudged me with your nose and nibbled on my leg?? YEEEWWWW.....GROSS......

or did you kill it in the morning when I let you outside and went back to bed for a few extra winks? Maybe not...since it was already stinking when I found it in the morning, it must have died much earlier. Did you sniff around the corspe and then nibbled my toes from my bedside? YEEWWW....

And so, today...the bed sheets went to wash and Ruki had his teeth brushed thoroughly!

Photo on 22 March 2009

My boy and the avocado

I can be sure mon chien will be up to some sort of mischief everyday. Tonight, he decides to perch up the dining table to snatch my avocado which I left there to ripen. My(now)dearly departed lunch of the week. Instinctively, I shouted "GIVE IT TO ME!!"....that of course triggers him to dash out the front door like lightning... with my avocado locked tight in his jaws. He settles on the grass to check out his latest find. He rolls in on the grass and sniffs at it. Ok, for a moment, I thought I could salvage my lunch...since it's protected by layer of skin. Then, maybe not....when mon chien rolls it to parched patch of grass. Parched by dog pee, that is. Then, definitely not...he may have poo-ed around there too. yeew!

As a growing expert on dog psychology, I've learnt not to excite him by chasing after him for it or insisting him to hand it back to me. Doing so will only reinforce how valuable the item he has with him. And so, I decided to patient. I imagined that he'll get bored with it soon enough...like he does for every tea towel he snitches from the kitchen counter. Different story when he stuck his nose in my work bag and found my Tag Heuer watch. I think he almost swallowed it ...coz he was running a top speed with my watch in his mouth! That fateful night....I hoped my neighbours did not see me running after him and shouting like a mad woman. *embarrassed*

Back to the avocado. So, I decided to perfectly stay calm this time. I came back to my study to continue what I was doing. A few minutes later, I heard a few faint plunk on the floor...like a stone being dropped on tile. So, I peered out the window. Lo and behold, it turned out to be the sound of an avocado seed!!

My boy licked the whole fruit down to a shiny seed. I wonder whether he eat the skin. It's too dark to check the garden to confirm. Now, he's playing with the seed like a ball in the living room.

So today, Haruki had his first avocado. Sometimes, I wonder whether I should be mad. Most of the time, I'm tickled by his antics. Well, my Tag Heuer went into a coma after the ordeal. Still hadn't the time to get it fixed. On a brighter note... at least mon chien didn't swallow it and I didn't have to recover it from his poo, Marley's style.

It was a hot day

Mon chien spent most of the day sleeping (till almost 6 p.m.). Then, we went for a walk. Since he was well-behaved today, he got to go in the tub after his walk. He simply loved it!



After he got out and rolled himself dry on the carpet, he decided to go into the tub again for another dip. :D

Photo on 18 April 09