Pay it forward and a christmas greeting to all furriends!

I, Trudis, and my sister Scarlet played Addie's Pay It Forward game and offered to do random acts of kindness in behalf of the first three blog owners who responded to our post about it. But we realized this Christmas season, three isn't enough! And since we were not able to send pawsonal greetings to our friends ( which may have saved a lot of trees but made us feel bad), we decided to spread kindness and cheer to as many unfortunate animals in honor of our friends.

So with the help of our Secretary, who whipped up a yummylicious home cooked meal of rice, ground meat and egg; and the Animal Doctor who acted as our pawsonal chauffer, we went to some of the oppressed areas near our place to feed some dogs and cats.

We offer these acts of kindness to our friends who inspire in us LOVE, KINDNESS and COMPASSION. Without so much awoo, we present to you our Christmas greetings:

Pay it forward

Our friend, Addie introduced us to this exciting game called Pawy it forward. This is how it works:

"The exchange focuses on doing an act of kindness without expecting anything in return other than that the recipient will, in their turn, pass the kindness along and 'pay it forward' in their own way.

This is how it works...
I am going to agree to send something fun, inspiring or uplifting to the first 3 blog owners who post a comment on this entry. In turn you will then post about this on your blog, link to me, then send something to the first three people who sign up to play along through your blog.

There are no cost restraints, BUT don't go crazy!The little something you send can be something you made, bought, were given or found. No biggie, just a gift that will make the person smile.Maybe something unique from where you live? And, remember that kindness does not have to involve money; there are untold ways to help others every single day, everywhere you go - just look around."

So here I am, racking my brain for an idea. We hope Addie won't mind but we will modify the rules a bit, in that instead of sending something, we will offer to do three random acts of kindness in behalf of the first three blog owners who will comment on this post.

But guess who wanted to come along as I chase my idea?

SCARLET! Yay! This girl has not gotten out of our house for ages so I told her as gently as I could, " Okay, you can come with me Scarlet, but you gotta take a bath first because you stink!"

and, " Don't forget to wear nappies."
Here, the new Assistant, Nonoy, is carrying Scarlet.

"Hurry up, will you, Scarlet?"


Here I am resting after our secret activity.

And Scarlet did nothing but sleep!

We will reveal our secret activity tomorrow, and as mentioned, I am offering this to the first three bloggers who comment on my post. I hope they will join the Pay it forward game and pass along the kindness.


~It is~

I just want to show you the gifts that we gave to our top fifty clients. We wanted to give every dog a gift but we just could not bake that many cookies.

Christmas Dogs

Our friend Lorenza wanted to see our christmas tree, so here it is:




There are no gifts for us underneath the tree, because here they are:

( drum roll please)

Woody

Bambi

Blaze

HUWAAAAT? Moy spluttered and Jappy blinked in disbelief. "B-but those are real puppies, not toys!"

These puppies belong to our neighbors who did not want them in the first place but did nothing to prevent their dogs from making puppies. They already gave Bambi away but I guess her suppawsedly new family did not want her either. Aki and Shelly guessed correctly, these three little puppies are going to live in our house until we find a family who will really want them. Some hoomans might have treated them badly in the past because the pups scurry to their hiding place whenever hoomans try to approach them.

The Secretary told us about Christmas during our last sunday story time. She likened the three puppies to the Three Kings. Woody, Bambi and Blaze came to our house to present us with gifts:

an opportunity to show

love,
kindness and
compassion

to another living being.

Christmas is a time for gift giving, and some people think dogs make good gifts. Not so! This misconception is often the cause of misery and sadness to a lot of pet animals. For once, my nitwit brothers said something right. These puppies are not toys. They are live animals that have needs 24/7. They are not stuffies that hoomans can throw away or keep in a box when they outgrow their puppy cuteness or when they no longer fit the hoomans schedule or life plan.

This season, puppy millers are scrambling on their feet, getting their dogs mated without much thought; pet shops abound with animals in various sizes and shapes. Before you even begin to ask how much is that doggie in the window, please please please think of the thousands of homeless dogs in the street or in shelters hoping for some warmth and forever love this Christmas. Please think twice if you really need to buy a dog or if the person you'll be giving it to is prepared for the big responsibility.

By adoption, not only will there be one less unwanted dog in this world, but another person makes a stand against the indiscriminate breeding of animals solely for money.

It is,

A Mission

My real siblings Benji and Wacky are having a howling time in our house. Benji reached her target weight and compared to before, she really is much happier and livelier these days. She's no longer taking those yucky pills and is allowed to eat regular food. The Animal Doctor stole a bit of her blood yesterday to check if her kidneys will be fine with this arrangement, and the kidneys said yes! My brother, Wacky, on the other paw, will be neutered today. Thank God, he has no other major health issues.

I am a bit very sad because the Secretary told me that Benji and Wacky are going home to their adoptive moms this Sunday. Benji's Mom already visited our house and told Benji to come home. Wacky's Mom promised that she will sort her personal problems so she could take better care of my brother.

The Secretary is sad too, she hugged me and made me understand that we have to let Benji and Wacky go home because we have a new job to do.

~ It is~

Broken

The Animal Doctor had to amputate this dog's left forelimb after a traumatic fall caused his bones to break in several fragments ( a comminuted fracture). Tiny dogs are fragile and we do not recommend them as companions or playmates to very young children who may accidentally pull their leg or drop them to the ground.

This dog is lucky to have a family who loves him and is willing to spend for his treatment. If amputation was not performed, gangrene would develop and result to life threatening infection.

High five, anyone?

Disclaimer: The pictures above were used without the permission of the subject. While this article only intends to educate, we undertake to remove the images as soon as we receive notice demanding their removal.

Murder!

The Animal Doctor plead self defense.

The rat, which was bigger than a new born pup, had been claiming a stake in our house and our food supply. I caught up with him one night when he knocked over a tumbler in the kitchen. The rodent was clearly not amenable to negotiation because instead of escaping through the open door, he came charging at me like a demented assailant. I was screaming and jumping from one couch to another ( but managed to shoot with my cam anyway) until the Animal Doctor delivered the lethal blow on his head.

It was a good thing that the dogs slept through the mayhem, but I feel horrible that a bloodshed had to end my stand off with the rodent.

Confession

I have developed an obsession with towels. It started when our decision to offer grooming services at the Pet Clinic drove me to a relentless search for good quality towels at dirt cheap price. Because these towels do not really last long with the constant washing and bleaching, my obsession became insatiable. Its as if my brain is wired with a homing device that sends me straight to the towel section of every mall and department store. Banners and placards announcing 50% off discount equally seduce me to rummage through the mountain of towels on sale. Its crazy. Soon I started giving towels as gifts too.

My latest find is a Microtowel which is made of microfiber. It is highly absorbent and has a luxurious feel even at a ridiculously low price 0f P100 ( about 2$). I bought a set for our grooming services and another for use by our patients at the confinement section. I think the sick animals would feel better cuddled to something warm and fluffy.

Bone shape

I finally found a bone shaped cookie cutter so while I was in Iloilo last weekend, I tried a dog biscuit recipe I found in the internet. I wanted to try Ben's recipe but it called for milk which my dogs do not tolerate well.

I made these biscuits using 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour, 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1/2 cup oatmeal, 1/4 cup water, 3/4 cup beef broth and 2 tsp canola oil. The original recipe called for whole wheat flour and safflower oil, but I made use of what's available at the local store.

I mixed the wet ingredients first then added the dry ingredients after, until I ended with a beautiful brown lump( moist but not sticky) that I flattened into a 1/4 sheet using my rolling pin. What's nice about making biscuits is that you don't need to be so precise with your measurements. If the dough is too wet, you just add a little more flour; and if its too dry, you add a little water.

Oopss, I forgot how long I baked them! I knew the biscuits were done when they turned golden brown like that above, and the insides after breaking a biscuit in two, are dry. These biscuits should not be kept in air tight containers or inside the refrigerator because of their tendency to form molds due to moisture.

Now here comes the most feared part: The Judgment.


Associate Justice

Goobled biscuit in one second, poop looked okay the next day.


Chief Justice

Gobbled biscuit in two seconds, poop looked okay the next day.


Verdict: Peanut butter dog biscuit is a delicious and safe treat for dogs
and may be eaten by humans too.

Christmas Meme

Aki's Manang tagged us for this seasonal meme. Since most of my Manila dogs will be spending christmas for the first time, I will provide the answers.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Gift bags. I usually don't have the patience to wrap things.

2. Real tree or Artificial? As long as we're not talking of food, I go for anything cheap. Artificial of course.

3. When do you put up the tree? Oh thanks for reminding me hehe.

4. Wreath on your door? Maybe.

5. Do you like eggnog? I don't think we have that here.

6. Favourite Christmas gift received as a child? Toys and candies.

7. Easiest person to buy for? The Animal Doctor ( because he can't complain! LOL)

8. Least easiest? - The Human Baby ( a lot of analysis involved)

9. Do you have a nativity scene? No.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Email, to save trees.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?A planner. But what made it worst is, the giver asked for the ribbon back because he just "borrowed" it from another gift under his tree.

12. Favourite Christmas Movie? -I like all christmas cartoon movies.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?- This year, I did it a month ahead.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?-Umm, yes?

15. Open presents on Christmas eve or morning?Morning.

16. Lights on the tree?- Yes,

17. Favourite Christmas song? We have nice Tagalog Christmas songs.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?-We've always stayed home.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's?- I know Rudolph.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? I prefer stuffies.

21. Favourite thing to eat at Christmas? Ham ( I'd feel sorry for the pig afterwards)

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? -in the Philippines: traffic

23. Favourite Tree ornament, theme or colour?- Stuffies ( dogs and cats mostly)

24. Favourite for Christmas dinner? Roast chicken with cranberry sauce

25. Brussels Sprouts - love or hate them? Ewww?

26. Favourite accompaniment to the Christmas Pud?

28. Your very Favourite Christmas Thing? I don't have to work on this day!

29. A Christmas wish! I wish people will treat animals more kindly.

30. Tag a Seasonal Six! I think everyone has been doing this , but if you're slooow like us, come and join!

Shooting the dogs

Honestly, I have not bought something special for myself in a long while-- until a chat with Aki's Manang awakened my long repressed (and forgotten) dream: photography. As soon as I got my christmas bonus at work, the Animal Doctor accompanied me to Henry's at Quiapo to purchase a Nikon D40.

The dogs will be my companion as I venture into the world of digital photography. I still don't know how this thing works ( nervous laugh here) as evident from the photo above. But I think I have a creative eye, and provided the dogs could contain themselves for a second- this camera will be put to good use.

Update: Benji managed to pack a few pounds, I am confident we will hit her target weight before she goes home to her adopted Mom. The other dog you see is Trudis' brother. He too was adopted but for some reason that I cannot discuss publicly, he will be us for the time being. Can you see how Trudis is way bigger than the rest of her two siblings? Trudis was the runt in her litter. She reminds me of Clifford, the big red dog. LOL

Clifford The Big Red Dog is an enduring American chidren's book series first published in 1973.Clifford was the runt of the litter, and was chosen by a city child named Emily Elizabeth Howard as her birthday present. No one expected Clifford to grow, but Emily Elizabeth's love for her tiny red puppy changed Clifford dramatically. Before long, he was over 25 feet (7.6 m) tall, forcing the Howard family to leave the city and move to the open spaces of Birdwell Island ( photo and text from Wikipedia).

Who are they???

Puppy 1


Puppy 2


Puppy 3

Once Upon A C-A-T

Today, I, Trudis, will tell you the story of Pussy O' Woosie. First of all she is not a dog, but the Secretary said that we are sisters by "default" . Hmmm, I do not know what that means, (All four leggeds in the house must look after each other like family-Secretary) but I said, Pussy, you can be my sissy as long as you don't steal my bone, okay?

Pussy came to Greenwoods Pet Clinic long before any of us dogs did. It was during the first few days of the clinic's operation when an office staff found her. She was just a tiny kitten then with an eye infection. The Animal Doctor thought she needed treatment; the Secretary thought she needed a home.

Back then, the Animal Doctor and the Secretary were living in a small room inside the clinic. There wasn't much space. Pussy had to live inside a prison house because the hoomans were afraid she'd escape to play with the other cats outside, then pick up a disease or worse, get herself killed.

This is where Pussy made poopies inside her prison house. (I find the litter box a great aid in potty training cats if you don't have a garden or a backyard.- the Secretary)

Being cooped up like that made Pussy a little crazy especially during her scheduled play time outside her prison. She tore around the clinic and destroyed everything in her path, especially the bags of pet food that the hoomans sell in the clinic. It got worst when Pussy reached puberty and she really, really, really wanted to go out and date with boy cats. The Secretary was afraid of this because Pussy would then make kittens and the hoomans would end up taking care of more animals than they could afford.

The Animal Doctor knew of a way to stop Pussy from making any kittens, and that is by removing her girl bits. OMD! I am scared because I am a girl too, and that means....

? ? ?

Okay, I will not talk about it now, I will finish Pussy's story. She survived the operation but it took a week before she was able to get back on her four paws and resumed with her destruCATion. Around that time, the hoomans found a real house near the clinic and relocated Pussy with them. It was a perfect time to buy a real house because we doggies had arrived!

In our real house, Pussy is queen of the manor. She has no play time because anytime is her play time. She lounges in the roof, in the front yard, on top of the cabinet, or on top of the stove. I think she loves our house because she never leaves even if cats outside call her name. Oh, I think she loves to play with us more.

Daisy, a poodle princess

Yesterday, I learned that Daisy, one of my favorite poodles in the internet, is seriously sick. I'm sure it will help if we can send positive vibes to her. Sweet Daisy, we are all praying for your recovery. :(

Vacation Stories Part II: Meet the Secretary's Pets

Some of you know that I have eight dogs living with my Mom in Iloilo ( learn about my city in Wikipedia). Four years ago, I left to pursue a career in Manila but had to stay indefinitely when I married the Animal Doctor. I am still plagued by separation anxiety, but my job pays for the good life my dogs are currently living. It takes a 45 minute plane ride on weekends every other month for me to see them, and so, I look forward to vacations where I can stay longer. Our time together is so precious, I can't even afford to sleep!

Dee-Dee Marie, who is turning ten years old, is my very first dog. I remember being scared of her on our first meeting, when her brothers and sisters started jumping up my legs ( silly me). The person who gave me Deedee had to pay P1,500 ( somewhere between 30-35$) to the breeder. I think Deedee is worth billions now- or even more-if I can even put a cash value to how much I love her.

Dexter Franklin Toblerone J, Jr, nine years old, was given to me by Deedee's veterinarian in Iloilo City. Deedee was terribly sick at that time, and the vet promised to give me a new dog if Deedee dies. Deedee recovered( miraculously, if I may say so. I think my non stop bawling scared her illness away), but I adopted Dex anyway. The vet kept him in a very small cage, and it was only after I brought Dex home and given him a bath, did I realize he was spitz and not a golden retriever pup.

Here is Luning Ann, aka Inday Lou, (Inday is an Ilonggo endearment for a sister or daughter) eight years old, looking sad and miserable on the day of my flight back to Manila. Lou was born out of Deedee and Dexter's mating. Of all my dogs, she is the sweetest, she follows me everywhere, even inside the bathroom when I take a shower. Lou has never been mated, and right now I am torn whether or not to have her spayed before she gets pyometra. My other vet ( not the Animal Doctor) here in Manila quoted P14,000( between $311-320) for the operation and I might go for it in January next year- hopefully I can deal with the jitters. He will use gas anesthesia so the risk will be minimized. And I will request to be sedated too.

Poput, seven years old, is Dex and Dee-Dee's son after their second mating. I learned my lesson and had Poput neutered when he was two months old. All of Deedee's offsprings had poor skin and coat when they were puppies, but look at Poput now with his glorious mane. Poput did something strange when he was 4 or 5 years old. I was seated on a stool in the middle of the garden watching the dogs play, when all of sudden, he ran to me, lifted his leg, and peed. Yes, directly at me. The vet interpreted it as a form of marking, maybe Poput was telling all the other dogs that I was his fire hydrant.

This apricot toy poodle is Cleo Marie Mae, aging between 7 to 9 years old. She used to live in the veterinary office where the Animal Doctor used to work. Her owner, some rich lady, split up with her boyfriend and decided to rid herself of the mementos of their relationship, including their surrogate child. Cleo came to live with me in my apartment in Manila in 2005, and for a while we had fun living an independent single lifestyle. In 2006, Cleo had enough of traveling and decided to retire in Iloilo.

Jennilyn, is somewhere between 4 of 5 years old. I adopted her from the same veterinary office where I got Cleo. Jennilyn was a product of another person's igorance ( her Mom had just survived distemper when the veterinary staff mated her with another dog ) and was kept in a cage entirely since birth. She was thin and had wobbly gait when she came to my apartment in 2006. In that same year, I decided to relocate my Manila dogs to Iloilo which was a far better environment.

Puppy, now three years old, is a cocker spaniel pup the Animal Doctor bought after Jumbo's (Deedee's son, he was airlifted to Manila in 2005 for treatment of Ehrlichiosis) death. Instead of being happy and grateful, I got so angry with the Animal Doctor because like most misguided people, he thought animals were toys that made nice gifts. I was still grieving and totally unprepared to meet the needs of a very young animal. In 2006, I relocated Cleo, Jennilyn, and Puppy to Iloilo.

This is Destiny Joe Aringkingking ( dont ask me about his last name, it just popped in my head) around 2 to 3 years old. He was given as a gift to our neighbors who did not know a thing about dogs. They let him roam in the street outside and basically just forgot that he was a living thing needing quality food and water. My tummy was bursting with a human baby at that time so I managed to ignore Destiny's pathetic cries at night by covering my ears with a pillow. I vowed to save him after I gave birth. Several months later, I barged into our neighbor's house and "confiscated" Destiny. I invoked the law which penalizes the neglect of animals. It was a good thing that the owners did not charge me of theft or tresspassing--maybe they learned how much I spent just to keep their dog alive.

Destiny, after I groomed him on the day of his rescue. He was severely matted and infested with ticks.

As of this date, I have not heard of any person criminally charged of neglecting their pets, although Republic Act 8485 ( The Animal Welfare Act) penalizes this.

Jack Flash is an askal ( asong kalye or stray dog) pup that came to our house in 2002. My Mom agreed to let him in after I assured her that the puppy was only looking for transient residence and will be on his own as soon as he hits adolescence. Well, it never happend. I mean, Jack grew up but my Mom had to spend thousands for the reconstruction of our fence to keep Jack inside.


This is our honorary dog, he is a topiary in the shape of a dog. Sometimes he grows little flowers all over his body and I find those really cute.


This is Pepe, the gold fish I bought to teach my son Miggy about responsibility. Pepe died on Miggy's second birthday. Rest in Peace, Pepe.


We have two other dogs, six cats and two rabbits that have crossed the Rainbow Bridge, but I will never forget them.

We, who choose to surround ourselves with lives
even more temporary than our own,
Live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached.
Unable to accept its awful gaps,
We still would live no other way.
We cherish memory as the only certain immortality,
never fully understanding the necessary plan."

Irving Townsend, from "The Once Again Prince