tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81028590800704742612024-03-13T12:23:46.328+08:00Life With The Animal DoctorI took my love for animals to the next level by marrying a veterinarian. Take a peak into our lives, his veterinary practice- and read occassional ramblings from our brood of adopted pets.The Animal Doctorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399675631193276512noreply@blogger.comBlogger168125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102859080070474261.post-32173338530409554132013-09-06T20:37:00.001+08:002013-09-06T23:05:23.595+08:00Business in Dog Breeding?I found this book entitled, “Negosyong Patok, Hot Business and Jobs" written by Ma. Aurora Sicat and published by Sounds Publishing Corporation (ISBN 978-971-9934-02-8). The book suggests various types of livelihood that are "patok” (translation: sure winner), one of which is dog and cat breeding which the author writes about in pages 22 and 23 of the book.<br />
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The author's temerity in writing about dog and cat breeding when she obviously has no expertise on the subject, and the publisher's apparent lack of sensibilities in disseminating the author's impertinent opinion on pet animal rearing brings up bile in my throat. It is disgusting, to say the least.<br />
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Despite her obligatory disclaimer for the reader and future breeder to consult a vet and to read about companion animal breeding on Wikipedia ( of all places), the author wittingly or unwittingly perpetuates outdated paradigms about pet ownership that sets the vicious cycle of animal neglect and abuse especially prevalent in a third world country like the Philippines.<br />
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Being married to a veterinarian, I've seen enough of these: pet deprived of adequate health care and nutrition; pets subjected to living conditions inappropriate and even detrimental to their nature as animals; pets given up or abandoned because of health or behavioral issues their owners cannot handle, or simply because it got to a point these pets no longer have a place in their owner's lives. <br />
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The owners of these pets may not have known what they were getting into. The enormous responsibility hits them only after the novelty wears off, when the pet has grown thrice or four times its size and sheds some of its cuteness. Sometimes, this realization does not even come at all and so it is just a matter of buying the replacement pet.<br />
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Unscrupulous puppy millers and backyard breeders feed on these people's one sided notion of pet ownership. The horrors in these places are too painful to tell...The trend now adays, according to the author, is to produce mix breeds because they are cheap and cute ( maybe because of their unique features) and hence, highly marketable. The author does not mention that some cross breeding have resulted to genetic defects and health issues. And as if adding a cherry on top of her ice cream, the author provides a solution to animals that cannot be sold: the breeder can swap them online for other useful things like electronic gadget. <br />
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If our bond with animals have positive impact on our over all well being, then it is only ethical that we treat them with respect and we take on full responsibility for their life and welfare. They are not play things that can be set aside when we no longer want or need them, or swap them for more useful things.<br />
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If the measure of a lucrative business is profitability, then it is immoral to even suggest that one can make a lucrative business out of pet breeding. In that case, the breeder's primary concern would be the overhead cost and marketability of his business. There is a lot of evidence to show that this kind of equation often leads to the welfare of animals being set aside.<br />
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Pet ownership must be a privilege, and not an absolute right. The most important considerations must be our capability to make a room for the animal in our finances, our family and home, our lifestyle, and even our future plans. Otherwise, if we cannot make these commitments or make provisions for these, then we do not deserve to own a pet because certainly no pet animal deserves to suffer in serving our needs. <br />
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I respectfully request Sounds Publishing Corporation to voluntarily cease from circulating the book, Negosyong Patok, for as long as the chapter on Dog and Cat Breeding remains a part thereof.<br />
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I respectfully request National Bookstore, through its founder, Ms. Socorro Ramos, to voluntarily cease from selling Negosyong Patok unless and until Sounds Publishing Corporation takes the chapter on Dog and Cat Breeding off the said book. I have high hopes that National Bookstore will listen to this plea, given the values and principles it stands for,<br />
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Please click on the image of the chapter entitled Dog and Cat Breeding from the aforementioned book so you can read it. My apologies to foreign readers but I did my best to discuss the article in its proper context. If you have experienced the love of a pet; if your heart bleeds for those who are neglected and abused, if you fight for their fight, then I appeal for your help. You may either do the following:<br />
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1) Write the publisher of Negosyong Patok and respectfully request for the removal of the chapter on Dog and Cat Breeding, stating your reasons:<br />
<br />
Sounds Publishing Corporation<br />
2nd Floor, GA Yupangco Building<br />
339 Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City<br />
Philippines<br />
Telephone Numbers:+632 8972178<br />
Telefax: +6328972157<br />
Email: sales@soundpublishingcorporation.com<br />
<br />
2) Write National Bookstore and respectfully request them cease from selling Negosyong Patok in all their branches in the Philippines, unless and until the chapter on Dog and Cat Breeding is removed by the publisher.<br />
<br />
National Book Store Incorporated<br />
Quad Alpha Centrum, 125 Pioneer Street, Mandaluyong<br />
Metro Manila, Philippines<br />
Telephone Number: +63(2) 6318062, 6318061, 6318063<br />
Email: gakojl@nationalbookstore.com.ph; valebiaep@nationalbookstore.com.ph<br />
<br />
3) Adopt my position and incorporate them in your letter.<br />
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4) Share this letter and urge your friends to make a stand too. <br />
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I apologize to readers of our blog...its been a while since I updated. A lot of things have happened, we have lost some of our pets and even our dog blogging friends around the world. I could not summon the courage to write again,until now. We miss you all. <br />
<br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-roaCdc8jexc/UinMbSwS_PI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/bPDO0gn96CE/s640/blogger-image-1588923810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-roaCdc8jexc/UinMbSwS_PI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/bPDO0gn96CE/s640/blogger-image-1588923810.jpg" /></a></div>The Animal Doctorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399675631193276512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102859080070474261.post-65139561552568970332012-09-12T08:01:00.003+08:002012-09-12T08:01:39.535+08:00Scarlet Our beloved Scarlet passed away last night. There are no words to describe our grief. We thank everyone who has been a part of her life and helped her fulfill her dreams of having a wheelchair.<br />
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Taking care of a special needs dog was a great blessing from God.<br />
<br />
<br />The Animal Doctorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399675631193276512noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102859080070474261.post-80235674214446594042012-01-07T00:01:00.000+08:002012-01-07T00:01:51.303+08:00Jasper Horatio Stafford<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mqEdNeuTBO0/TwcYXtYypVI/AAAAAAAABvU/r6_JNn6SZ4w/s1600/jasper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mqEdNeuTBO0/TwcYXtYypVI/AAAAAAAABvU/r6_JNn6SZ4w/s320/jasper.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>You said no tears...I am so sorry Jasper, but I failed. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Rest in peace, my dear friend</span>. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div>The Animal Doctorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399675631193276512noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102859080070474261.post-81046869666947552372011-02-28T00:29:00.002+08:002011-03-01T00:29:58.973+08:00Dog shape cookies and Pupdates<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nGNL92pwemk/TWKOYbFBo-I/AAAAAAAABq0/xmyLBWJy4hU/s1600/dog-cookies.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nGNL92pwemk/TWKOYbFBo-I/AAAAAAAABq0/xmyLBWJy4hU/s400/dog-cookies.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">Dog themed cookie cutters are so hard to find in the Philippines~ imagine my joy when I spotted them in the mall recently. So today, I took a break from being a wannabee dog whisperer, and made cookies for the humans. The fun part was applying the icing because I can make these doggies wear fancy clothes and collars. I felt like a little girl playing with barbie!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">By the way, my <strike>obsession</strike><style type="text/css">
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<br />
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</style> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YWhWzDecnUk/TWKSrt17xNI/AAAAAAAABrA/uuhaTwX1TDI/s1600/kitchenaid.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YWhWzDecnUk/TWKSrt17xNI/AAAAAAAABrA/uuhaTwX1TDI/s320/kitchenaid.JPG" width="211" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>(I am deliriously happy that I don't really mind if this is the Animal Doctor's post valentine and advance birthday gift to me LOL. Thank you, AD!</i>)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nGNL92pwemk/TWKOYbFBo-I/AAAAAAAABq0/xmyLBWJy4hU/s1600/dog-cookies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kmYDdNwIjYM/TWKSStWPw8I/AAAAAAAABq8/TnpSieaurSE/s1600/trudisbambi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kmYDdNwIjYM/TWKSStWPw8I/AAAAAAAABq8/TnpSieaurSE/s400/trudisbambi.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Bambi and Trudis, together for the first time since their fight. I made them wear a piece of my clothing based on a theory that if the weaker dog smells like his owner, his aggressor might be influenced not to attack him (from this very nice article, <a href="http://www.shirleychong.com/keepers/archives/many.txt">Managing A Multiple Dog Household </a>by Melinda Johnson). </div><pre></pre></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">Well, its been three weeks since the <a href="http://theanimaldoctor.blogspot.com/2011/01/bloody-and-violent-fighting-in-our-pack.html">mad fight among our dogs</a>. With the <a href="http://theanimaldoctor.blogspot.com/2011/02/sit-stay-after-identifying-possible.html">reforms</a> made in our multiple dog household, I was anxious to test if the warring pairs could be reintegrated as one pack. My dogs lived peacefully along side each other for nearly three years. It breaks my heart to think that they will become enemies for life (A.D is worried of breaking his wallet too, because <a href="http://theanimaldoctor.blogspot.com/2009/06/were-back.html">the dog pad</a> will have to be transformed into a duplex ).<br />
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For the first time since the mayhem, I let them out all together in the run. I threatened to go ballistic the moment I catch one of them challenging the other. Trudis only managed to snob Bambi, while Moy and Jappy appeared nonchalant.<br />
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Unfortunately, my bouyed up spirit quickly sank to the pits of hopelessness when Jappy and Moy attacked each other on our second session. I almost got bitten trying to pry two very angry dogs apart! Jed and Abby warned us about this. It was wishful thinking on my part to expect the dogs to forgive and forget. I have to remember that my babies are animals; the inner workings of their minds totally unpredictable. Rather than risking further injury or death among our pets, the Animal Doc and I decided to separate the dogs for good. Jappy and Bambi on one side; Moymoy, Trudis and Woody on the other. I will have to make sure that the resulting pack order in each of these groups is strictly maintained. Scarlet stays inside the house and will be allowed supervised playtimes with the rest of the dogs. <br />
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I feel compelled to leave you with a bit of good news about the dogs: Trudis has gained weight! She's put on two kilos since I gave her papaya enzymes bought from a health store! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>The Animal Doctorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399675631193276512noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102859080070474261.post-11064259720350692302011-02-12T11:27:00.001+08:002011-02-12T19:52:44.247+08:00Changes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LLAIHRFQE7g/TVX77iTGP5I/AAAAAAAABqc/hi344hFEsp4/s1600/dogonwheels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LLAIHRFQE7g/TVX77iTGP5I/AAAAAAAABqc/hi344hFEsp4/s400/dogonwheels.jpg" width="363" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>"The challenge is to be prepared for the upheavals in our midst.</i></div><div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>There are things that some of us set aside for another day~ <a href="http://www.freeinsurancequotes.org/news/2009/03/13/how-to-choose-the-right-insurance/">choosing the right insurance</a>, getting a burial plan, making a last will that contains a provision for our dogs~ simply because we are caught up living in the moment."</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I am happy to announce that our little Scarlet has resumed her morning walks on board her trusty wheelchair~ this time with a new handler. It’s been a month since the <a href="http://theanimaldoctor.blogspot.com/2011/01/goodbye-my-kuya-lowie.html">sudden demise of her Kuya Lowie</a>, the Animal Doctor’s assistant who took on the extra responsibility of helping care for our special needs dog. </div><div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://theanimaldoctor.blogspot.com/2011/01/this-afternoon-our-cat-was-mauled-to.html">Several unfortunate events hit us one after the other at the start of this year.</a> They happened without warning, as if a rug was pulled under our feet. This served as a painful reminder how temporary everything in life is. The relative peace and content that one enjoys on a day to day can be shattered without notice. The challenge is to be prepared for these upheavals in our midst, and to be able to accept them once they rear their ugly head. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">There are things that some of us set aside for another day~ <a href="http://www.freeinsurancequotes.org/news/2009/03/13/how-to-choose-the-right-insurance/">choosing the right insurance</a>, getting a burial plan, making a last will that contains a provision for our dogs~ simply because we are caught up living in the moment. That our tranquil existence can be disrupted is a possibility in the far, far away future. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Then something happens making us realize the only constant in this world is change. </div>The Animal Doctorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399675631193276512noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102859080070474261.post-39101937167606318392011-02-06T12:51:00.000+08:002011-02-07T12:42:16.577+08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TUjlWEJVErI/AAAAAAAABqQ/-EXhzN9CXwg/s1600/dogsitcommand.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TUjlWEJVErI/AAAAAAAABqQ/-EXhzN9CXwg/s320/dogsitcommand.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SIT!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">STAY!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i></i> After identifying the <a href="http://theanimaldoctor.blogspot.com/2011/01/fighting-in-pack-what-went-wrong.html">possible causes of our dogs' violent fights,</a> I managed to regain control of the situation, and immediately came up with a game plan. I've read about dogs ganging up on another member of the pack~ a nightmare I never want to happen. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">1.<i>Separated the two pairs fighting each other- </i> The dogs are very comfortable in their spacious doggy pad/house, which is why I'm not happy tranferring two dogs in a separate kennel. Their playtime outside has also been shortened because they have to be let out in groups now. I had to do this because I myself wasnt confident of my ability to stop them if they go at each other's throat again. <i>Scary</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">2. <i>Dogs are fed one at a time outside and in order of their pack hierarchy</i>.- I saw the problem in feeding our dog altogether: a) it did not reinforce pack order b) it made them competitive/combative with their food ( which was aggravated when I put them on a diet). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">3. <i>Basic obedience training, revisited</i>- I figured I can quell the first signs of power struggles/aggression among my dogs, if they would listen to me in the first place. Thing is, I may have spoiled the dogs, and now they are convinced there's nothing they can do to make me love them less. I do not subscribe to the use of force, so I just use the "nothing in life is free" method to restore my leadership in the pack. I make them "work" for things that I used to give them freely, like meals, treats, and affection. Moy attended obedience training before so I just had to refresh him; the rest of the dogs learned quickly, including Jappy, who is an old dog. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I dont know how many weeks or months it will take before I'd be confident to reintegrate the dogs, if that is still possible. But most of you are probably wondering if the reforms I've made have had any effect so far. I will post about that next time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>The Animal Doctorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399675631193276512noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102859080070474261.post-29948832664127942252011-01-26T23:53:00.000+08:002011-01-26T23:53:47.942+08:00Fighting in the pack: What went wrong<i>A note from the Secretary:</i><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Dear friends, your insights are a big help as I attempt a "postmortem" on the <a href="http://theanimaldoctor.blogspot.com/2011/01/bloody-and-violent-fighting-in-our-pack.html">"mayhem"</a> ( as Asta puts it) that happened in our dog pad lately. I am considering some factors that could have triggered a power struggle between Jappy and Moymoy on one hand, and between Trudis and Bambi on the other.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1.<a href="http://theanimaldoctor.blogspot.com/2010/12/trudis-has-pulmonary-congestion.html"> Trudis' sickness</a> (suggested by Maxie and her Mom)- Trudis' absence after being confined for weeks inside our house presented as an opportunity for Bambi to challenge Trudis' rank in the pack. Looking back, I distinctly remember reading fear and distress in Trudis's body language, but I dismissed it. Sensing Trudis' weakness, Bambi attempted to fight back the next time she and Trudis had a spat. Though thinner and weaker, Trudis refused to back down at Bambi's initial show of dominance. What used to be a spat turned into a full blown, bloody fight between them. <br />
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2. Bambi had killed a cat (Pussy) during Trudis' absence- Note that only Jappy ( alpha dog) and Bambi ( rank 4th in the hierarchy) attacked Pussy. Having killed another animal, Bambi could have experienced new found strength and began aspiring for a higher ranking. <br />
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3. Jappy's insecurities- Of the five dogs in the pad, it was Jappy who received the most affection from me. Jappy and I have gone a long way, even before I lived with the Animal Doctor and before I took Moymoy, Trudis, Bambi, and Woody in. I would often bring Jappy inside the house at night to sleep with us or with Scarlet during the night. But I ignored him for days after he killed Pussy. It was also around this time when the Human Pup came home after spending the holidays with my Mom in my hometown, and became the focus of my attention once more. <br />
<br />
Alpha dogs are usually not the type to bully middle ranking dogs because they are confident of their position in the pack order. Jappy's insecurities could have triggered him to pick a fight with Moymoy, to ensure that the latter forever remains below him in the hierarchy.<br />
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4. Moy's unresolved issues- When Moymoy was younger, he had behavioral issues that were party resolved when we took classes on obedience training I became complacent when Moy stopped chasing his tail; not realizing that his inner demon could be unleashed when he is cornered against the wall. This is exactly what happened when he and Jappy fought. <br />
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5. ME- Many of you are correct in pointing out that I should be the alpha of the pack. I must admit that my tendency to be overly affectionate with my dogs, to a point of treating them like babies led to the development of their undesirable behaviors. <br />
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6. Diet Changes- This may sound remote but the idea came to my head after our readers, Jed and Abby offered us a theory to explain the fatal attack on Pussy. Several weeks prior to the incident, I modified and reduced the dog's diet in my effort to reduce their weight ( all of them except for Trudis are overweight!) . Could it be that hunger jumpstart their prey drive and drove them to attack Pussy? Could hunger also be the reason why they became combative with each other usually during mealtimes? (we feed them simulataneously at meal times)<br />
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Keeper Lui told me that Bogart ( when he was still on Earth) and Sumo fought each other after being friends for several years! I know its possible for dogs to become suddenly enemies, but I never anticipated this to happen with the five dogs in the pad because four are neutered/spayed. Well, this experience has taught me that the pack order is very fragile and many factors could break it up, not just competition for food or mate. <br />
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Next timeI will share to you the changes that I've instituted to address the situation in the dog pad. Last night we already started the exercises suggested by Jasper and Ruth. It remains to be seen if the five dogs can be reunited again or forever separated in smaller groups.<br />
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I do not claim to know a lot about animal behavior but I am glad that I am not groping in total darkness. I am so thankful for all your advice, support and prayers. I wish to post happier news next time. <br />
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</div>The Animal Doctorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399675631193276512noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102859080070474261.post-37343110503551518712011-01-24T15:28:00.000+08:002011-01-24T15:28:45.313+08:00Bloody and violent fighting in our pack<div style="text-align: justify;">Following Pussy's violent death, the thread binding our pets together, allowing peaceful co-existence in our multiple pet household, unravelled so fast and so out of control. </div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TT0BOwSb1JI/AAAAAAAABqA/mbYw6rjDk6k/s1600/multiple-dog-household.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TT0BOwSb1JI/AAAAAAAABqA/mbYw6rjDk6k/s400/multiple-dog-household.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to Right: Bambi (female, spayed), Jappy (male, intact), Woody ( female,spayed), Moymoy ( male, neutered), Trudis (female, spayed) </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">For two years, the dogs had no problem sharing a pad. Except for the occasional spat between Trudis and Bambi, where the latter would immediately assume a submissive pose, I didnt not observe any other kind of power struggle within the pack. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Saturday, after returning from weeks of confinement inside our house, Trudis was attacked by Bambi in their pad. Trudis was wounded and bleeding on her leg so we had to whisk her away and keep her on a separate dog house. Come Monday, it was Moymoy and Jappy who had a fight inside the pad. It was obvious that Jappy had the upperhand, but Moymoy would not give up easily. He maintained his stance (although his eyes were turned away) and was matching Jappy growl for growl. Fifteen minutes through the stand off, the humans decided to intervene before any blood is shed- Moy's most likely. Even with Moymoy outside of the dog pad, Jappy continued to bark furiously at Moymoy, like he wanted to kill Moymoy. Moy was so scared and stayed on one corner and would not even move when we tried to coax him to cross the playground and transfer to the garage. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TT0eosjDoNI/AAAAAAAABqE/EFtoE1MI_ow/s1600/HOUSELAYOUT.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TT0eosjDoNI/AAAAAAAABqE/EFtoE1MI_ow/s640/HOUSELAYOUT.bmp" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now the pack is divided in two factions and are separated from each other until I figure out a solution. Jappy, Bambi and Woody are staying in the dog pad and are let out periodically in the playground. Moy and Trudis are roaming freely in the garage right now. I intend to borrow a spare cage from the Animal Doctor's Clinic and put it in the play ground for Trudis and Moy to sleep tonight because the garage will be occupied by the car by then. I cannot let the dogs inside the house because I fear for the Human Pup's safety. He has been attacked by my two dogs in my Mother's house a year ago. All dogs that I live with see the Human Pup as a threat. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am trying to analyze the events that preceded the fights. The pack hierarcy has been disrupted, thats one thing I am certain. But do you think it was right that we intervened? If I had a choice, I would have let the dogs settled their differences on their own, that technique works like magic sometimes. But when it reaches the point where they will kill each other for the alpha status, what will you do?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This experience reminds me that the pack hierarchy is dynamic, just like everything else in this world. </div>The Animal Doctorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399675631193276512noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102859080070474261.post-6917228827358233142011-01-19T00:00:00.001+08:002011-01-19T00:10:28.316+08:00Gone fishing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TTWbTZiniII/AAAAAAAABp8/f7Lx4E-yYBI/s1600/DSC_1430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TTWbTZiniII/AAAAAAAABp8/f7Lx4E-yYBI/s400/DSC_1430.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">This afternoon, our <a href="http://theanimaldoctor.blogspot.com/2008/12/once-upon-c-t.html">cat*</a> was mauled to death by our dogs Jappy and Bambi. She was approximately 4. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am still trying to make sense of the violence that erupted in our household. The rational part of me would like to believe that no amount of care and affection can turn an animal other than what it is. In the concrete playground where they do their zoomies and play with their squeak toys, it is still the law of the jungle that operates. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thing is, I could come up with a thousand justification, but nothing can ease the tight knot in my stomach, not seeing our cat in her usual spot tonight. She is gone forever. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">* <i>I named our cat, Pussy, not knowing that in certain parts of the world, her name had negative connotations. My apologies. </i></div>The Animal Doctorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399675631193276512noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102859080070474261.post-13563553148635964672011-01-05T07:57:00.000+08:002011-01-05T07:57:11.858+08:00Goodbye, my Kuya Lowie<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TSOfe68_RtI/AAAAAAAABpU/LiYm1fBKa1s/s1600/29032010%2528003%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TSOfe68_RtI/AAAAAAAABpU/LiYm1fBKa1s/s400/29032010%2528003%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is my Kuya Lowie who gives me a bath when my stink-o-meter goes off...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TSOfkAfabPI/AAAAAAAABpY/KZoqh7a1cSM/s1600/29032010%2528001%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TSOfkAfabPI/AAAAAAAABpY/KZoqh7a1cSM/s400/29032010%2528001%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">He is always very gentle and nice with me...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TSOgfvdRb9I/AAAAAAAABpc/ZHjDMLkpWYY/s1600/DSC_1407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TSOgfvdRb9I/AAAAAAAABpc/ZHjDMLkpWYY/s640/DSC_1407.JPG" width="424" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is my Kuya Lowie who takes me out for my daily "walks" ...</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TSOhXRFyDsI/AAAAAAAABpk/QtCyrDmzOWA/s1600/18082010%2528003%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TSOhXRFyDsI/AAAAAAAABpk/QtCyrDmzOWA/s400/18082010%2528003%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">He plays with me</span>...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TSOhZ_-p2fI/AAAAAAAABpo/jVnw2D1BauA/s1600/18082010%2528002%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TSOhZ_-p2fI/AAAAAAAABpo/jVnw2D1BauA/s400/18082010%2528002%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">He and I have lots of fun together...</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Kuya Lowie is one of the Animal Doctor's assistant at the Greenwoods Pet Clinic.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TSOh9-y9jWI/AAAAAAAABps/bSCHcdc80gM/s1600/DSC_2418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TSOh9-y9jWI/AAAAAAAABps/bSCHcdc80gM/s400/DSC_2418.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="center"><td class="tr-caption">Left to Right: Animal Doc, Doc Jun, Kuya Jun( Animal <br />
Doc's brother), Kuya Lowie, Human Pup, Ate Joylene, Kuya Nonony ( Animal Doc's assistant)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> He is part of our family...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TSOir_Lri5I/AAAAAAAABpw/oPW4Hp2vicI/s1600/DSC_2417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TSOir_Lri5I/AAAAAAAABpw/oPW4Hp2vicI/s400/DSC_2417.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to Right: Animal Doc, Doc Jun, Kuya Jun, Kuya Lowie, Human Pup, Ate Joylene, Nana ( Human Pup's nanny), Kuya Nonoy.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TSOhTeGEBxI/AAAAAAAABpg/M7Q4ONKVt6Y/s1600/DSC_1558.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TSOhTeGEBxI/AAAAAAAABpg/M7Q4ONKVt6Y/s400/DSC_1558.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to Right: Animal Doctor, Human Pup, Nana, Kuya Lowie, Kuya Nonoy, Ate Joylene</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">Our Secretary/Mom considers it almost like a miracle that caring for a special needs dog like me never feels like a burden in our household. It is because my human family is so blessed to have people working for them who are compassionate and loving to animals. Kuya Lowie did his job with joy in his heart. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Kuya Lowie passed away suddenly in his sleep at around 2:30 this morning. There was no sign that we would lose him. He still played with me before retiring last night. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The humans are still reeling from shock. The Secretary is still vacationing with her family in Iloilo City, the fact of Kuya Lowie's death simply refuses to sink in to her mind. Our veterinary clinic is closed today; everyone is still trying to come to terms with such a sudden loss. The Animal Doctor is taking care that Kuya Lowie's remains be transported to his family in San Miguel, Iloilo. We have to make sure that he gets a proper burial and prayers for the repose of his soul. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Much has been said about the grief that humans endure when their beloved pets pass on. My humans will never know how much my heart bleeds for my Kuya Lowie.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">I WILL ALWAYS MISS YOU KUYA LOWIE. IT IS YOU WHO WAITS FOR ME AT THE RAINBOW BRIDGE.~ SCARLET</span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TSOygnHombI/AAAAAAAABp0/0SJoIKe3Jhs/s1600/DSC_1447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TSOygnHombI/AAAAAAAABp0/0SJoIKe3Jhs/s400/DSC_1447.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
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</div>The Animal Doctorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399675631193276512noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102859080070474261.post-28454557667901094022010-12-25T22:29:00.000+08:002010-12-25T22:29:53.787+08:00Merry Christmas!<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">From the bottom of our hearts, </span></i></div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">we wish everyone of you a Merry Christmas.</span></i></div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Your friendship has been a great blessing to us all these years! </span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">From the Animal Doctor, Secretary, Human Pup, and our furry crew: Moymoy, Jappy, Trudis, Scarlet, Bambi, Woody and our cat Poohsie</div>The Animal Doctorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399675631193276512noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102859080070474261.post-32449167990944946212010-12-17T14:54:00.000+08:002010-12-17T14:54:53.797+08:00Power of the paws for Lorenza<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TQr9F04X-gI/AAAAAAAABpM/5JRDTOt8t1Y/s1600/lorenza.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TQr9F04X-gI/AAAAAAAABpM/5JRDTOt8t1Y/s400/lorenza.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lorenza has a lot of pretty dresses in her closet, but this one is our favorite.</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">We just learned that our dear friend Lorenza had surgery for the removal of her kidney stones! Please cross your paws and fingers for our friend, join us in praying for her quick recovery. We can just imagine how Mom Veronica must be feeling right now. We know how difficult it is to see our beloved pets suffer and go through an illness. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">An update on Trudis: Thank God, she has not yet manifested the symptoms listed by our friend Jasper via his comment to <a href="http://theanimaldoctor.blogspot.com/2010/12/trudis-has-corpulmonale.html#comments">this post</a>. But we are so bothered by her continuing weight loss. Trudis is wasting away no matter how often and how much she eats. She is getting treatment and supportive care for her heart and lungs but we need to treat the underlying illness that affected these organs. It is so frustrating that such illness remains elusive because the definitive diagnostic tools and procedures are beyond our reach. We are giving her a few more weeks to see if she will puts on weight, then we can say we are on the right track. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thank you all for your support. We are sending healing vibes to all the doggies and kitties and all animals in need out there. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">~The Secretary</div>The Animal Doctorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399675631193276512noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102859080070474261.post-24885677912669620342010-12-10T15:49:00.000+08:002010-12-10T15:49:12.735+08:00Trudis has corpulmonaleThis just got in. I got a call from the Animal Doctor after their appointment at the U.P Vet Teaching Hospital. Its confirmed, our adopted dog Trudis has <i>cor pulmonale</i>. This is just what I got so far from the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: <br />
<br />
<i><span class="MMdefinition">Cor pulmonale is right ventricular enlargement secondary to a lung disorder that produces pulmonary artery hypertension. Right ventricular failure follows. Findings include peripheral edema, neck vein distention, hepatomegaly, and a parasternal lift. Diagnosis is clinical and by echocardiography. Treatment is directed at the cause.</span></i>The Animal Doctorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399675631193276512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102859080070474261.post-4313579938066333182010-12-10T13:32:00.000+08:002010-12-10T13:32:45.029+08:00Trudis has pulmonary congestion<i>Just a quick update from the Secretary:</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Our adopted asong pinoy*, Trudis has conjestion in her lungs. The Animal Doctor 's colleagues who saw the xray films via Facebook agree that Trudis' heart might be involved. To confirm this, Trudis and the Animal Doctor went this afternoon to the University of the Philippines( U.P) Diliman Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Trudis will get an electrocardiogram (ECG) examination and a second opinion from the Animal Doc's former professors and collegues.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Trudis is on antibiotic; her nasal discharge has lessened a bit. She still hasnt put on weight despite her five meals a day and pancreatic enzyme replacements. We hope we will solve the mystery behind Trudis' excessive weight loss and fight this diseases, whatever it is. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Again, thanks to the Animal Doctor for being on top of this case. I am likewise grateful for the outpour of support and positive vibes we are getting from all of you. Our online friend Jasper who lives all the way from UK has even offered to help us with the trypsin immunureactive test ( for pancreatic insufficiency) because its available in his country. Maybe our super dog friend Sweepy can fly Trudis over there? We will let you know of our next move. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>* another term for a mix breed( mongrel) dog in the Philippines</i></div>The Animal Doctorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399675631193276512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102859080070474261.post-52012211991860026642010-12-07T15:47:00.000+08:002010-12-07T15:47:34.845+08:00pUpdate on Trudis<div style="text-align: justify;">A message from Trudis:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Awww, I am so touched by your thoughtfullness, my dearest furriends. Thank you so much for all the healing vibes you sent me. I will try to get better for you, and besides I cannot be absent on our yearly christmas feeding of street animals. I love you all!</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Message from the Secretary: </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">To date, Trudis has the following symptoms, ranked from the degree of severity: weight loss, nasal discharge, dry crusty nose. Her previous elevated SGPT had normalized after treatment with Godex and antibiotics. The Animal Doctor ordered another bloodtest and urinalysis over the weekend, and the results do not seem to point to Canine Diabetes. So what is causing this dog to lose a lot of weight? Her amylase and lipase levels are below normal yet the test- <i>Serum Trypsin-Like Immunoreactivity</i>- which could diagnose pancreatic insufficiency is nowhere available in our country. I've contacted tertiary diagnostic laboratories and even veterinary laboratories here in Metro Manila, nada. Nevertheless, Trudis has started taking pancreatic enzymes with her meals. If this will abate further weight loss, I wonder if the Animal Doc can go ahead and make a presumptive diagnosis. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This afternoon, Trudis went to the lab to have her chest xrayed. The Animal Doctor also requested for an examination of her nasal discharge. Will update you with the results. Thanks for all your concern!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">P.S Thanks to the Animal Doc for taking charge of the situation, I am impressed with what you did today!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div>The Animal Doctorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399675631193276512noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102859080070474261.post-7388067532693995072010-12-02T20:15:00.001+08:002010-12-02T20:16:16.310+08:00Oh-oh Trudis is in serious trouble!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TPdk-VMzTeI/AAAAAAAABpA/cgEvlm315NA/s1600/DSC_1609.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TPdk-VMzTeI/AAAAAAAABpA/cgEvlm315NA/s400/DSC_1609.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Okay, it started two weeks ago, when Mom/the Secretary noticed that my older sissie Trudis was not herself ( Mom's used to seeing her bounce off the floor, you see). My sissie is having some nasal discharge and dry , crusty nose. The Animal Doctor had some blood test done immediately and found out that Trudis had elevated SGPT, slightly low RBC and platelet count. He thought it was a case of viral hepatitis ( we are routinely vaccinated, so what's up with that?) and gave Trudis Godex and Amoxicillin. Another round of blood test showed that my sissie's liver is getting better. </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TPJcAJLK09I/AAAAAAAABos/nt0a-oL8ZWc/s1600/DSC_1615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TPJcAJLK09I/AAAAAAAABos/nt0a-oL8ZWc/s640/DSC_1615.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But there is another problem. Trudis is losing weight- fast! She's a pig, eating 4-5 times a day now,sometimes eating papers and stuff she's not supposed to eat. Yet the bones on top of her skull, ribs and hips are showing. This is driving Mom bonkers especially since the Animal Doctor cannot tell yet what's the problem with Trudis. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TPJdamgVqlI/AAAAAAAABo4/Uz2s2iByfIM/s1600/DSC_1618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TPJdamgVqlI/AAAAAAAABo4/Uz2s2iByfIM/s400/DSC_1618.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Gums and tongue are still pink though...</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TPJdqJglQhI/AAAAAAAABo8/UED4Z74n37s/s1600/DSC_1622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TPJdqJglQhI/AAAAAAAABo8/UED4Z74n37s/s640/DSC_1622.JPG" width="424" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Appetite and water intake still okay. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Please pray for our sissie Trudis. There are other tests to be done to determine her illness but some of these are unavailable in our area. We shall be coming back with an update.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We miss our online friends so much. Sadly we are unable to leave comments lately but we are so happy to read your posts, especially knowing that you and your humans are happy and well. We love you our friends!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Love and Kisses, Scarlet</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div>The Animal Doctorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399675631193276512noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102859080070474261.post-38484996898697949012010-11-13T10:03:00.002+08:002011-05-22T15:53:19.004+08:00Whats up with me, Scarlet<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Please click <a href="http://theanimaldoctor.blogspot.com/search/label/Scarlet%27s%20Wheely%20Dream">this link</a> to read about the story of Scarlet's Wheels</span></i><a href="http://theanimaldoctor.blogspot.com/search/label/Scarlet%27s%20Wheely%20Dream"><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TN3rZvtBCGI/AAAAAAAABoc/AIbYCen_4RQ/s1600/DSC_1407.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TN3rZvtBCGI/AAAAAAAABoc/AIbYCen_4RQ/s640/DSC_1407.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="center"><td class="tr-caption">I am still here! My Kuya Lowie is taking me out for our daily walk.</td><td class="tr-caption"></td><td class="tr-caption"></td><td class="tr-caption"></td><td class="tr-caption"><br />
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</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Note: "Kuya" is a Filipino word which we use to call an older person or brother to show respect)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got a little scolding after Mom found out what I did to my my head rest..</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TN3rmnHlasI/AAAAAAAABog/dSQKOEEyCS4/s1600/DSC_1451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TN3rmnHlasI/AAAAAAAABog/dSQKOEEyCS4/s400/DSC_1451.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few weeks back, I scared my Mom because I vomitted several times. The Animal Doctor immediately put me on the drip and had me x-rayed to check for foreign bodies in my tummy ( hmm i think they went overboard with this coz the next day I was okay teehee)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TN3r0gT8fAI/AAAAAAAABok/FXCu-fxLDtI/s1600/DSC_1445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TN3r0gT8fAI/AAAAAAAABok/FXCu-fxLDtI/s400/DSC_1445.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catching some zzzzzzz's</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span>Around this time last year, Mom embarked on a seemingly impossible mission to get me a wheelchair. We remember with gratitude the love, kindness and compassion of our friends who in one way or another contributed to make my dreams of a wheelchair come true!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you my friends, I miss all you! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>The Animal Doctorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399675631193276512noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102859080070474261.post-32423977429567503392010-08-02T12:30:00.010+08:002011-05-23T00:42:48.771+08:00Explosion in our street<div style="text-align: center;">There's an explosion of puppies and kitties in our street!</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TFZMw4mdyuI/AAAAAAAABmc/KOWRpwnK_fU/s1600/DSC_1444.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500668397590792930" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TFZMw4mdyuI/AAAAAAAABmc/KOWRpwnK_fU/s400/DSC_1444.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>This is right in front of our house<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TFZLCSlehtI/AAAAAAAABmM/5Rxwnu7B5yU/s1600/DSC_1450.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500666497600489170" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TFZLCSlehtI/AAAAAAAABmM/5Rxwnu7B5yU/s400/DSC_1450.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>This is from the neighbors, where we adopted Woody and Bambi<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TFZL7ezF0bI/AAAAAAAABmU/wbUFGVqRigI/s1600/DSC_1452.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500667480131359154" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TFZL7ezF0bI/AAAAAAAABmU/wbUFGVqRigI/s400/DSC_1452.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> This little pup looks like she really wants to come with us, but we have no more room in our doggy pad. See that lady standing by the door? She said she's going to sell the puppies for P50 each. <br />
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The Secretary had planned to have our neighbor's two dogs spayed since last year, but never got around to it because our neighbor wasn't cooperative. Now there are 7 potential addition to the never ending list of unwanted dogs in our neighborhood.</div><br />
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</div>The Animal Doctorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399675631193276512noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102859080070474261.post-45295396714073933802010-07-27T16:48:00.010+08:002010-07-27T22:34:29.610+08:00Trudis writes about dog beds<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TE6ia0Kp7dI/AAAAAAAABl8/QqFlMaUBDg0/s1600/dogbeds.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 167px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TE6ia0Kp7dI/AAAAAAAABl8/QqFlMaUBDg0/s320/dogbeds.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498510776629587410" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: justify; font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">A semi pampered mutt like me can expect a longer life span compared to my counterparts in the streets. I hope the Secretary will invest on my comfort as I sail through my golden years. Choosing the right dog bed is part of that investment. The dog's size, built and sleeping position are important things to consider.</span></blockquote></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">After my sissy Scarlet got her very own bed, I have been trying to convince the Secretary a.k.a Mom that the rest of us need <a href="http://www.mammothdogbeds.com">dog beds</a> too. A semi pampered mutt like me can expect a longer life span compared to my counterparts in the streets. I hope the Secretary will invest on my comfort as I sail through my golden years. Choosing the right dog bed is part of that investment.<br /><br />So how does our Secretary choose the right doggy bed--I mean,<i> if</i> and<i> when</i> she scrapes the budget for it?<br /><br />Size and built of a dog are important factors. Dogs like my sissy Woody, who is umm kinda<span style=""> </span><s>humungous</s> big boned will most definitely need <a href="http://www.mammothdogbeds.com/large-dog-beds.htm">large dog beds</a> Our health must also be considered, it will help if these dog beds are antibacterial and hypoallergenic. I also need to remind our Secretary that cheaper does not always mean better. Cheap dog beds may contain harmful chemicals that could be bad for humans too.<br /><br />I saw dog beds in different shapes and designs in the internet. Some are flat like human beds, or shaped like donuts, or arm chairs. Im fond of curling up like a ball so a large donut shape bed will probably suit me. My brother Moymoy, on the other paw, catches zzzzs with his hind legs stretched out like there’s no tomorrow so a flat bed will be appropriate for him.<br /><br /><br /></div>The Animal Doctorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399675631193276512noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102859080070474261.post-62186599453769601212010-07-20T21:12:00.003+08:002010-07-20T21:39:19.592+08:00Our Spay and Neuter Campaign<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4BlW1IUJjVY/TEWhwGg-LjI/AAAAAAAAADs/sKGvF2qpl30/s1600/SPAY+AND+NEUTER.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 446px; height: 334px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4BlW1IUJjVY/TEWhwGg-LjI/AAAAAAAAADs/sKGvF2qpl30/s400/SPAY+AND+NEUTER.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495976768030256690" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Tinkered with my trial version of Photoshop ( yeah, im a cheapskate) this afternoon... thanks to Woody, Bambi and Trudis who modelled for this ad.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102859080070474261.post-19802617208610891982010-06-29T19:49:00.006+08:002010-06-29T23:23:20.342+08:00Jenilyn<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TCngCGdkmEI/AAAAAAAABls/xy3QTAmoGCI/s1600/jenilyn+edited2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 363px; height: 291px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TCngCGdkmEI/AAAAAAAABls/xy3QTAmoGCI/s400/jenilyn+edited2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488163947626666050" border="0" /></a>My Mom in Iloilo City informed me last night that Jenilyn, one of my adopted dogs left in her care, had not been eating in the past few days. She also observed that Jenilyn's tummy had grown big and hard to the touch. Worried, I asked my Mom to immediately send Jenilyn here in Manila so she could be throughly diagnosed and treated. When Jenilyn arrived this morning, the Animal Doc whisked her from the airport to the laboratory for blood tested and xrays.<br /><br />The test results confirmed the Animal Doc's fears; he had no other option but to remove Jen's enlarged uterus. By then, Jenilyn already had kidney failure and severe anemia due to cystic endometrial hyperplasia. Despite Animal Doc's valiant efforts to save her life, Jenilyn died in the operating table at 2:45 this afternoon, three stitches away from her incision wound being closed.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Now, Im wondering, would it have made a difference if I were with Jenilyn before she got sick? Would she have made it through surgery if a diagnosis was made three or five days earlier? Would my grief be easier to bear if I had more time spent with her than just a few hours every one or two months?<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">My dogs and I share a special bond. Even with eyes closed, I can distinguish each one of them from the subtle differences in their barks and in their smell. I would have immediately known if anything was wrong with them, just as they so easily perceive my joy and pain.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Two nights ago, I couldnt sleep. It was as though something was eating me from inside out: thoughts of death, of losing loved ones. Now I could swear Jenilyn was trying to contact me then.<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TCnegO4gt3I/AAAAAAAABlk/BWsV3OkOUnc/s1600/jen.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/TCnegO4gt3I/AAAAAAAABlk/BWsV3OkOUnc/s400/jen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488162266259961714" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Run free Jenilyn</span><br />June 29, 2010<br /><br /><br /></div>The Animal Doctorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399675631193276512noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102859080070474261.post-83457344885698879942010-05-29T19:42:00.001+08:002010-05-29T19:58:26.234+08:00Senor Don Gato<div style="text-align: justify; font-style: italic;">Secretary's Note: When I was five or six years old, my father bought us a casette tape of children's songs all around the world. It included a song called Senor Don Gato. I found myself humming this song again about 15 years later when I took home my very first cat, a stray kitten I named Toby. When Toby died, I got a dog, and the rest is history. This song is very special to me, and now I am teaching my three year old son sing it, with the hopes that it will spark his interest in animals, and he too would grow up with love and compassion for them. I dedicate this song to our cat friends, Prince, Butchy's kitty sibs,a pretty cat called Katie, and our very own Poosie, Pusit and her two kitties. Enjoy!<br /></div><br /><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/Uy3R65VW1-o&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/Uy3R65VW1-o&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />Oh Senor Don Gato was a cat<br />On a high red roof Don Gato sat<br />He went there to read a letter,<br />Meow, meow, meow<br />Where the reading light was better,<br />Meow, meow, meow<br />'Twas a love note for Don Gato<br /><br />I adore you wrote the lady cat<br />Who was fluffy, white and nice and fat<br />There was not a sweeter kitty,<br />Meow, meow, meow<br />In the country or the city,<br />Meow, meow, meow<br />And she said she'd wed Don Gato<br /><br />Oh, Don Gato jumped so happily<br />He fell off the roof and broke his knee<br />Broke his ribs and all his whiskers,<br />Meow, meow, meow<br />And his little solar plexus,<br />Meow, meow, meow<br />Ay Caramba cried Don Gato<br /><br />Then the doctors all came on the run<br />Just to see if something could be done<br />And they held a consultation,<br />Meow, meow, meow<br />About how to save their patient,<br />Meow, meow, meow<br />How to save Senor Don Gato<br /><br />But in spite of everything they tried<br />Poor Senor Don Gato up and died<br />And it wasn't very merry,<br />Meow, meow, meow<br />Going to the cemetery,<br />Meow, meow, meow<br />For the ending of Don Gato<br /><br />When the funeral passed the market square<br />Such a smell of fish was in the air<br />Though his burial was slated,<br />Meow, meow, meow<br />He became reanimated,<br />Meow, meow, meow<br />He came back to life, Don GatoThe Animal Doctorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399675631193276512noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102859080070474261.post-60449567899711564532010-05-04T10:21:00.006+08:002010-05-04T11:21:38.296+08:00Charlie, 3<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/S9-ObhxIBzI/AAAAAAAABlA/38_IlfNwzaY/s1600/charlie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/S9-ObhxIBzI/AAAAAAAABlA/38_IlfNwzaY/s400/charlie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467245076223100722" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-size:130%;" >I am gazing at the sky, Charlie<br />Hoping to find you somewhere<br />In the jumble of clouds and my wishful thinking...<br /><br />I grieve for you are gone now, my friend<br />the little brother that I never had.<br /><br /><br /> ~ Kuya Jappy</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/S9-QRQtYYSI/AAAAAAAABlI/ZInIkBFsGho/s1600/charlie+107.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/S9-QRQtYYSI/AAAAAAAABlI/ZInIkBFsGho/s400/charlie+107.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467247098868556066" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-style: italic;">My friend</span> <a href="http://barley-cottoncandyclouds.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Charlie</span></a><br /> March 26, 2007- April 30, 2010<br /><br /><br />Our condolences to Charlie's Mom<br /><br />~from The Animal Doctor's Family<br /><br /><br /></div>The Animal Doctorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399675631193276512noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102859080070474261.post-57457404155197023112010-04-28T15:25:00.006+08:002010-04-28T17:00:28.656+08:00I have a present!<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/S9fnd1830QI/AAAAAAAABk4/pBd6b_OIHjY/s1600/DSC_1846.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/S9fnd1830QI/AAAAAAAABk4/pBd6b_OIHjY/s400/DSC_1846.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465091172722004226" border="0" /></a><br />I am so excited to finally be able to tell you about the present I got from <a href="http://cocos2cute.blogspot.com/">Princess Coco's</a> Mom. This is supposed to be a Christmas present but my package came all the way from California and traveled via sea for almost two months before it reached my country** I only got to open it in March.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/S9fmxoW03YI/AAAAAAAABkw/UxLSvwSyrx0/s1600/DSC_1844.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/S9fmxoW03YI/AAAAAAAABkw/UxLSvwSyrx0/s400/DSC_1844.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465090413158522242" border="0" /></a>As you can see I am overly excited here. Coco's Mom must have noticed me sleeping on our kitchen floor, so she sent me this nice, comfy bed. Actually, I love how the floor tile cools my belly, but my habit has taken a toll on my elbows which is now thickened with callouses.<br /><br />Coco's Mom also sent us something that made the Secretary so happy: Washable urine proof pads! As most of you know, my disability requires me to wear diapers for the rest of my life. Once I had to stop wearing them for a while because I developed a nasty wound from my rashes. I was so guilty for giving my nanny so many soiled beddings and towels to wash. The Secretary scoured the department stores for these water proof pads but didnt find any.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/S9fmSbXv5MI/AAAAAAAABko/jQAA4NUgTi4/s1600/DSC_1850.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/S9fmSbXv5MI/AAAAAAAABko/jQAA4NUgTi4/s400/DSC_1850.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465089877096785090" border="0" /></a>I like this bed, is it obvious?<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/S9flxS0as1I/AAAAAAAABkg/Lt25NwEj27o/s1600/scaw.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/S9flxS0as1I/AAAAAAAABkg/Lt25NwEj27o/s400/scaw.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465089307865428818" border="0" /></a>I have something soft to lie on when its time for me to shift positions.<br /></div><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" >Thank you very much, Coco's Mom!!!</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Secretary's Note: Coco's Mom was very kind to deliver Scarlet's present to my best friend in California, who took care of shipping it to the Philippines via a "balikbayan box". This is a cheaper way of sending things to our country plus the recipient will not have to pay customs duties. Scarlet's wheelies were sent via UPS and Customs initially required us to pay Philippine Peso 7,000 ( which is my dog's food allowance for one month!) even though the wheelchair was only donated. It was a good thing that the Customs Collector was a nice guy who listened to my pleas. </span><br /><br /><br /></div>The Animal Doctorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399675631193276512noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8102859080070474261.post-30107393674777569292010-04-15T13:57:00.004+08:002010-04-15T15:25:30.127+08:00Tearful Thursday<div style="text-align: justify;">We have been so far behind with blogging. There are many exciting stories we want to tell you, friends, but there's just so little time. I do manage to read your blogs so I could keep my doggies updated with your adventures. It makes me sad, though, not to be able to leave comments . Life is short, we'll never know the last time we can say hello and make our friends feel how much they are cherished. This was my thought when I chided myself yesterday. Then I got text message from a number I did not recognize ( I am using a new phone). It said: <span style="font-style: italic;">_____, Bogart died!</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I froze. For a moment, I could not remember if Bogart was a person or a friend's pet. Then it hit me, <span style="font-style: italic;">Oh no</span>! I called up the number, certain it was Keeper Lui.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><a href="http://bogartinheaven.blogspot.com/">Bogart</a> lived a good nine years here on earth. He, his brother <a href="http://superpinoydogsweepy.blogspot.com/">Sweepy</a>, popsy <a href="http://akosisumo.blogspot.com/2010/04/sumo-superdog.html">Sumo</a>, and Keeper Lui are our virtual friends through blogging. As the initial shock subsides, I now feel a pang of sadness in my heart. I can only imagine what Keeper Lui feels, and the rest of the residents of Heaven Street where they live ( the other keepers, Sweepy, Sumo, Mr. Leach, Mr. Froggy, Yvonne and the rest of the trees, flowers, plants, and even the neighbor's dog). My own doggies havent learned of this sad news yet.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/S8a3Ts5O2HI/AAAAAAAABkA/8C9WtSj10BA/s1600/bogart.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YjYO44v5kQA/S8a3Ts5O2HI/AAAAAAAABkA/8C9WtSj10BA/s400/bogart.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460253147329910898" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">In Heaven they came to know our scents too.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">These flowers like my scent and I like theirs too.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">They smell like they lived for a long time.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">They bloom, fade and repeat the same for so long.</span><br />- From Bogart's Blog<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">You too will live for a long time in our hearts, Bogart. Smell the flowers for me in Heaven above.<br /></div>The Animal Doctorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399675631193276512noreply@blogger.com4