Merry Christmas!

From the bottom of our hearts, 

we wish everyone of you a  Merry Christmas.

Your friendship has been a great blessing to us all these years!

                              

From the Animal Doctor, Secretary, Human Pup, and our furry crew: Moymoy, Jappy, Trudis, Scarlet, Bambi, Woody and our cat  Poohsie

Power of the paws for Lorenza

Lorenza has a lot of pretty dresses in her closet, but this one is our favorite.

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.

An update on Trudis: Thank God, she has not yet manifested the symptoms listed by our friend Jasper via his comment to this post. 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. 

Thank you all for your support.  We are sending healing vibes to all the doggies and kitties and all animals in need out there. 

~The Secretary

Trudis has corpulmonale

This 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 cor pulmonale. This is just what I got so far from the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library:

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.

Trudis has pulmonary congestion

Just a quick update from the Secretary:

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.

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.

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.

* another term for a mix breed( mongrel) dog in the Philippines

pUpdate on Trudis

A message from Trudis:

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!

Message from the Secretary: 

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- Serum Trypsin-Like Immunoreactivity- 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. 

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!

P.S Thanks to the Animal Doc for taking charge of the situation, I am impressed with what you did today!

Oh-oh Trudis is in serious trouble!

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.

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.

                                                     Gums and tongue are still pink though...

 

Appetite and water intake still okay. 

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.

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!

                                                Love and Kisses, Scarlet

Whats up with me, Scarlet

Please click this link to read about the story of Scarlet's Wheels

I am still here! My Kuya Lowie is taking me out for our daily walk.

(Note: "Kuya" is a Filipino word which we use to call an older person or brother to show respect)

I got a little scolding after Mom found out what I did to my my head rest..

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)

Catching some zzzzzzz's

 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!

Thank you my friends, I miss all you!

Explosion in our street

There's an explosion of puppies and kitties in our street!

This is right in front of our house

This is from the neighbors, where we adopted Woody and Bambi

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.

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.

Trudis writes about dog beds

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.

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 dog beds 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.

So how does our Secretary choose the right doggy bed--I mean, if and when she scrapes the budget for it?

Size and built of a dog are important factors. Dogs like my sissy Woody, who is umm kinda humungous big boned will most definitely need large dog beds 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.

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.

Our Spay and Neuter Campaign

Tinkered with my trial version of Photoshop ( yeah, im a cheapskate) this afternoon... thanks to Woody, Bambi and Trudis who modelled for this ad.

Jenilyn

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

Run free Jenilyn
June 29, 2010

Senor Don Gato

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!

Oh Senor Don Gato was a cat
On a high red roof Don Gato sat
He went there to read a letter,
Meow, meow, meow
Where the reading light was better,
Meow, meow, meow
'Twas a love note for Don Gato

I adore you wrote the lady cat
Who was fluffy, white and nice and fat
There was not a sweeter kitty,
Meow, meow, meow
In the country or the city,
Meow, meow, meow
And she said she'd wed Don Gato

Oh, Don Gato jumped so happily
He fell off the roof and broke his knee
Broke his ribs and all his whiskers,
Meow, meow, meow
And his little solar plexus,
Meow, meow, meow
Ay Caramba cried Don Gato

Then the doctors all came on the run
Just to see if something could be done
And they held a consultation,
Meow, meow, meow
About how to save their patient,
Meow, meow, meow
How to save Senor Don Gato

But in spite of everything they tried
Poor Senor Don Gato up and died
And it wasn't very merry,
Meow, meow, meow
Going to the cemetery,
Meow, meow, meow
For the ending of Don Gato

When the funeral passed the market square
Such a smell of fish was in the air
Though his burial was slated,
Meow, meow, meow
He became reanimated,
Meow, meow, meow
He came back to life, Don Gato

Charlie, 3

I am gazing at the sky, Charlie
Hoping to find you somewhere
In the jumble of clouds and my wishful thinking...

I grieve for you are gone now, my friend
the little brother that I never had.


~ Kuya Jappy

My friend Charlie
March 26, 2007- April 30, 2010


Our condolences to Charlie's Mom

~from The Animal Doctor's Family

I have a present!

I am so excited to finally be able to tell you about the present I got from Princess Coco's 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.

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.

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.

I like this bed, is it obvious?

I have something soft to lie on when its time for me to shift positions.

Thank you very much, Coco's Mom!!!

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.

Tearful Thursday

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: _____, Bogart died!

I froze. For a moment, I could not remember if Bogart was a person or a friend's pet. Then it hit me, Oh no! I called up the number, certain it was Keeper Lui.

Bogart lived a good nine years here on earth. He, his brother Sweepy, popsy Sumo, 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.

In Heaven they came to know our scents too.
These flowers like my scent and I like theirs too.
They smell like they lived for a long time.
They bloom, fade and repeat the same for so long.
- From Bogart's Blog

You too will live for a long time in our hearts, Bogart. Smell the flowers for me in Heaven above.

I miss you friends

My friends are probably wondering about me. I know for sure, Jasper and his partner did. I am so sorry for making you worry, but I am alright. My Secretary/Mom is just swamped with work or so she says. I am enjoying some wallymelon in this photo. It is so hot in our country these days, its a good thing we have a lanai and that is where I spend my afternoons catching some zzzzz's.

Even if you didnt hear much from me for the past weeks, know that I love you all and I think of you always. I will be back before you know it. :)

Running with the wind

I still need Mom to push my wheels in order for me to get around. My favorite part of it is when she pushes it really fast, and we zip across the street. So this is how it feels like to run, huh? Amazing!

I cannot stop thinking about my new found discovery. Mom laughs because even if as I lay in bed, I squirm and wiggle like crazy, I still want to run.

Happy Valentines!

I scored this thoughtful gift from the Animal Doctor.
Awww, I am so touched.

Happy Hearts Day to all our friends around the world.

My head rest is here!

YAY!

I shared my wheels for the first time with my siblings. Big sissie Trudis was baffled at first...

But they are happy for me

Thank you Eddie'sWheels!

Now my quadcart feels more comfortable than ever.

Its perfect. I even fell asleep in it.

Mom's Note: Sorry for not visiting your blogs, dear friends. We will catch up soon.

Presenting, My Spankin' New Wheelies!

Just a sneak preview, I know my friends are all excited and happy for me.

I am improvising with a towel under my chin because my wheelies did not come with a headrest. But no worries, Eddie's Wheels already promised to take care of this little glitch and send me one very soon.

Check out my front stirrups

Check out the view from my back

All the discomfort I endured ( Mom measured me one too many times!) was all worth it because my wheelies fit well. Job well done, Eddie's Wheels!

Wait, did you just say Walkies?

My first time to take an evening walk in our street... I dedicate my first "step" in sweet memory of Scarlett, our friend Evie's dog.

Well, this is it, my dream is finally happening! My little heart is bursting with gratitude to Labrador Life Line Organization who assisted me financially in the purchase of my wheels; and especially to its kind volunteer Teri Askew, my hooman angel who made it possible for my little voice to be heard among throngs of desperate and needy animals.

I am very much thankful to my friends, old and new, whom I met through the internet and in the real world. Some of them helped me put up the remaining funds needed to purchase and ship my wheels:

Evie
Jeff Sullivan
Teddy and Mom
Lorenza and her Mom
Mango the Maltese Kiddo
Anne Fernandez
Ruby and Penny
LeeTal and her chihuahuas
River and his Mom
Belle's Mom
Dudet
Pam
Rhodora
Moy,Jappy,Trudis, Bambi,Woody, and Pussy
Catherine, Lex and Snap
Aki, Poopie, and Manang
Piappies World
Asta fwom New Yowk
Jasper and Ruth
Caroline Wong
Siku Marie

While some unselfishly dedicated a page or spot in their websites to spread my story, sending donors and well wishers my way:

Poopie and Akie
Charlie the Spitz from Mandaluyong
Lorenza
Teddy the Poodle
Ariel
Sundae on Pampered Pets
Life with Dogs

And the rest gave me much needed cheers and encouragement which got me and Mom going:

Suzuki
Wild Dingo
Prints the Cat
Hound Tooth
Rigel
Scout and Freyja
Charlie
Sisa
Oz Girl
Sweepy
Amy from the House of Cats
Isis
Digby and Prinnie
Suka
Lancaster the Puppy

From the bottom of my heart, and in behalf of my family, I thank you all. We will be back to post pictures, visit your blog and reply to your wonderful comments as soon as my Mom gets over her excitement.

Decision on our Appeal

YAY! The Customs Collector turned out to be a good guy. At 4:53 PM today, he personally called the Secretary to inform that my wheelchair will no longer be subjected to customs duties so UPS may proceed to deliver it.

Good thing the Secretary was able to catch him on the phone earlier. She realized we needed to change strategy because raising legal arguments will involve bureaucratic processes that will only prolong our agony. So the Secretary did the next best thing: BEG. Yes, she told the Customs Collector that she will beg if she had to so he would take pity on me.

The appeal to emotions worked, and we get to keep our one month food allowance( which we would have ended paying to the Bureau of Customs).

Hurray to the Power of Paws- The power in believing that anything can be possible for as long as we don't give up.We doggies and kitties know it by heart, my hoomans learned through the saga of my wheelchair.

I am still crossing my paws but I think I can face any more challenge that will come in the way between me and my wheelies. Thank you my dear friends, you know who you are. You give me strength.

Mom's Appeal to the Customs Collector*

January 25, 2010

Atty. XXXXXX

Special Deputy Collector

Bureau of Customs

Clark, Pampangga

Re: Airway Bill No. XXXXXXX

Sir:

This refers to my shipment covered by above captioned airway bill number. I was informed by UPS that said shipment has been assessed an import duty of P7, 000 more or less. Delivery is being put on hold unless I signify my willingness to pay.

I write this letter to appeal for a reconsideration, and that I be exempt from payment of import duties. The item shipped is a veterinary quad cart for Scarlet, a dog who suffers from quadriplegia. I have been taking care of Scarlet for two years already, after her owners rejected her because of this disability.

The quadcart was purchased in part through a funding by Labrador Life Line( LLL), an organization in the US helping disabled dogs. Attached (Annex “A”) is a copy of the notice of approval emailed to me by LLL. The amount of 500US$ was directly paid by LLL to Eddie’s Wheels, while remaining balance of the purchase price was paid by me using funds I raised. Attached ( Annex “B”) is a print out of my PayPal transaction history showing the donations we received from people who all wanted to help Scarlet overcome her disability and enjoy a quality life. It is only Scarlet who will benefit from this wheelchair. Neither I or anyone will profit from this.

On my own, I do not have the money to purchase Scarlet’s wheels. I do not have the money to pay P7,000 plus on import duties. Scarlet is just lucky to benefit from the generosity of other people, and the thought of having to pay the government to get her donated wheelchair, is very, very disheartening, to say the least.

Section 105 of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines enumerates the following exemption to the payment of customs duties, to wit:

r. Scientific apparatus, instruments and utensils specially imported for the bona fide use and by the order of any society or institution incorporated or established solely for educational, scientific, or charitable purposes, or for the encouragement of the fine arts, or for the bona fide use and by the order of any institution of learning in the Philippines, and not for barter, sale or hire.

u. Articles donated to public or private institutions established solely for educational, scientific, cultural, charitable, health, relief, philanthropic or religious purposes, for free distribution among, or exclusive use of, the needy.

With all humility, I appeal to you. Please consider that Scarlet’s wheelchair is similar or analogous to the above articles and importation that merit an exemption.

*We have submitted this already and waiting for the decision of the Customs Collector. Thank you for the positive vibes you have sent to me. Still keeping my fingers crossed.

The Saga of my Wheels

They say they will not deliver my wheels if I dont pay P7,000 in customs duty! That is already our food expense for one month! I am just lucky to have come across compassionate people who wanted to make my dreams come true, but now our government could take that away from me.

The Secretary is busy making our letter of appeal to the Customs Collector, I'm crossing my paws.

A Sad Scarlet

Tracking my wheels

My wheels came from a far place, and has travelled to different places before it will reach me, hopefully on tuesday. It will be my best buddy for life, and I'm sure I will go places with it.

PAMPANGA, PH 24/01/2010 6:06 ARRIVAL SCAN

CHEK LAP KOK, HK 24/01/2010 4:19 DEPARTURE SCAN

CHEK LAP KOK, HK 23/01/2010 13:36 ARRIVAL SCAN

ANCHORAGE, AK, US 22/01/2010 8:51 DEPARTURE SCAN
22/01/2010 5:54 ARRIVAL SCAN

LOUISVILLE, KY, US 22/01/2010 3:28 DEPARTURE SCAN
22/01/2010 0:01 ARRIVAL SCAN

WINDSOR LOCKS, CT, US 21/01/2010 21:46 DEPARTURE SCAN
21/01/2010 20:35 ARRIVAL SCAN

SOUTH DEERFIELD, MA, US 21/01/2010 19:34 DEPARTURE SCAN
21/01/2010 18:34 ORIGIN SCAN

US 21/01/2010 14:39 BILLING INFORMATION RECEIVED

YAY! My wheels due to arrive on Jan. 26th!

Wohooooo! My wheels are now in transit. The UPS people gave us a tracking number so we are able to monitor where my package is. I still can't believe my dream is coming true, thank you so much my friends!


Scarlet, crossing her paws :)

Jozu

Its been weeks since I last heard from my friend Albar. Tonight, of all days in the calendar, i decided to text him. Turns out, it was his dog, Jozu's bithday! Jozu must have sent me a telepathic vibe so I would greet him. How big are you now, little guy?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOZU!

- The Secretary

Scarlet's Note: Please excuse our Secretary, she got someone out of jail and can't keep the story to herself.


Secretary's Note:

It was two years ago when I first saw Bam ( not his real name). The Animal Doc was driving me to work, when we passed by Bam's house and spotted his small wire cage. That was where I saw him the following day and every single day that I went to work.

I felt sad for Bam. On Christmas 2008, I wrapped him a gift consisting of food bowl and treats, with a note wishing he could get out of his cage soon. I was elated when Bam actually used the food bowl, but he did not get his reprieve.

Christmas 2009, I again dropped him a gift. It was a leash and collar, with a note letting him know how sad I was to see him imprisoned, and that it was my Christmas wish for him to be freed from time to time and be taken out for walks.

I almost forgot about him, but when I went back to work this January, a surprise was waiting for me. Yes, Bam outside his cage! I was so excited that I called the Animal Doctor from work and begged him to take pictures ( Please excuse the blurry images) for my remembrance. And bring some treats, I squealed.

Goodbye Prison, I hope I never see you again!

Hello walkies! Lorenza, will you be my date?

But the Animal Doc is not so good with detective work and was caught by Bam's owner. He had to come clean and admit that we were the ones dropping gifts to their dog. Lucky for him, Bam's hooman did not call the police. She welcomed our gestures, though unsolicited. She also told us that she wont be keeping Bam inside his cage anymore.Tomorrow, the Animal Doc will go back to give Bam his vaccines, while I might take him out for a walkie myself

It has always been my habit to observe dogs when I'm on the road. Some images amuse me, but some can be ugly. I used to close my eyes because the only way that I could avoid tormenting myself with these images, is to pretend that they are not happening. But not anymore today. It gives me courage to confront animal suffering knowing that I could do something about it if I chose to.

Looking back to a year of sacrifices and hard work for animals in need, I want to thank the one person who truly deserves much of the credit: the Animal Doctor. By providing his facilities, expertise and services, as well as immense patience and understanding, he has empowered me to realize my Purpose in life. Now I see the full benefits of marrying a veterinarian. LOL.

P.S. Talking about gifts, big thanks to Charlie's Mom for sending gifts to our dogs. For the past two christmasses, they have not been getting any gifts from us because we told them its better to give than receive. Im sure Moy would stop whining and throwing words like "lame".




Thanks to Sweepy, Popsy Sumo and Bogart who sent us a lovely christmas story via email. Thanks for all our friends who sent us lovely cards and greetings last holiday. May 2010 be a wonderful year for all of us. :)

Gone to Boracay

We apologize for not visiting your blog and leaving comments because our hoomans went on a holiday vacation to Boracay. This tourist destination is known all over the world for its white sandy beaches. Mom had to borrow a picture from the internet to show you. Oh, she did bring her Nikon DSLR with her, but the only picture she took was that of this cat outside their hotel room. Lame.

P. S.

Boracay is about 5 hours drive from the city of Iloilo, which is the Secretary's hometown.The Animal Doc mentioned that Mom kept fretting during their trip because dogs loitered in the highway and seemed to be oblivious of speeding busses, trucks and cars behind them. Fortunately the hoomans did not see any fresh road kill.

Mom said the dogs in the rural areas were taller and more muscular than city stray dogs. Food is probably sufficient because people in the farm keep livestocks and grow their own rice and vegetables. The fields are also vast enough for dogs to run and exercise. Mom saw a dog running down a hill. She also saw dog trying to engage a carabao to play. The poor dog was play bowing repeatedly, but the big black beast just ignored him. It was a funny sight, Mom goshed.

I wish city dogs like us could one day go to the farm, smell fresh clean air, and run like crazy in the rice fields. But I would like to see the beach, before anything else.

~Scarlet