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

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.

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

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!

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