Guess There Was More Food Over The Rainbow Bridge

The sad news came early in the morning that my sister and brother-in-law had to put their sweet goofy girl down as her internal injuries were too much for the rest of her body to handle.

She was a crazy little one that seems to get herself in trouble for her greediness, eating sticks and tearing her throat when she was a pup. Almost killing her then, but her greediness got her out of that one as she obviously had food on her mind more than any pain can stop her.

She stole loaves of garlic bread, slices of pizza, a box with the lava cake in it (yes, all food) and she definitely stole our hearts.

I think she's part python. Other than always willing to eat, she's always trying to keep warm, either snuggling next to you, or lying in your spot after you left the bed, or catching every bit of sun she can get (sometimes overheating).

Oh Shadow girl, what did you go eat this time?

Well I hope you're having a ball with the rest of the doggies, sunning your days away and eating everything you couldn't down here.

Happy Sunbathing "Big Paw"! R.I.P. :''(

Eco-System In A Bottle

 

Wanted to check out Typo today and I passed by the Totally Hot Stuff pop-up store. It was having a moving out sale and was giving a twenty percent discount on everything, and I spotted some salt and pepper shakers. While walking through the store, I saw one last bottle which has some tiny red shrimp in it. I have been eyeing this for a long time and with the discount it was at a much better price. I probably emptied my bank account, but I am happy about what I spent my last few dollars on.  

Destructability Tester

If any company needs to test how easily their toys can be destroyed, and how fast it can be done, they can hire Barkley. This was a snorting pig toy made for dogs that originally looked like this. It's a rather big toy, yet it lost its head just minutes after Barkley got hold of it. Worst still is that the head has a slight rip in it and can no longer fit nicely back onto it's body. It still snorts though. 

Huge Dog Treats

Dad and I went to Canning Vale markets last Sunday and found some really huge smoked bones for the dogs. Since they were rather good girls and the weather was good for a picnic, they got a huge smoked joint each to chew. They were actually chewing most of the afternoon and only decided to come back into the house when it was too cold to stay out.

My Little Monster

Barkley had gotten one of his new outfits dirty, and he needed a haircut, so I decided to try some of other new clothes on him. One of them was a Stitch outfit but it was a bit small around his ribs and needed some adjustment by mom. We managed to get him partially into it and he looked every bit like  the little alien Stitch is supposed to be. 

Can't wait till mom finishes the alterations. 

My Personal Muppet

If you haven't noticed already, there's one four-legged fur ball that is featured in a few of my posts. His name is Barkley. Originally called Ah Wang, then Elvis, he was sadly passed up by 2 families and ended up with us. I'm not sure exactly what happened to him but he came to us not knowing or not able (I'm still unsure) to climb up stairs. Then we found he couldn't lift his leg like most male dogs when he peed, and he had a very sensitive left hind leg. Then I later realise that the left side of this jaw had teeth that was in odd positions. that didn't mirror the typical sure of a dog's jaw. I honestly think he had a really rough start in life.

Whatever is it, Barkley has been a joy to have. He brings out a happiness you see in the smile everyone has when they see the muppet bounding in on Sesame Street with his love. His love for the outdoors, love for everyone he meets, the crazy love for anything covered in tennis-ball-green felt, love (or obsession) for squeaky toys, the unrelenting love for the wind in his face, and his greedy love of liver. 

Just look at that face!

Day 15 - The Person You Miss The Most

Well, the one I miss the most really isn't a person, but is actually my first dog Daisy. She was brought into the family in 1989, just few months shy of a being a year old, and quickly wormed her way into our hearts. She was so small that she could fit right on my dad's hand, and would sleep right behind me every night to keep warm. It's amazing I never squashed her in my sleep, but I guess she was quick to move out of the way when I had to move.

She grew up to learn a few little tricks, one of which was stealing food. She was stealth and smart. 2 qualities that helped her steal water chestnuts right from under where my dad was peeling them, bak kwa from the plate where my dad would leave them to cool, and almost got to a whole packet of chicken rice but her plan was foiled when the cover of the container popped and caused the plastic bag to rustle.

She also grew up learning never to mess with my mom's endless balls of crochet wool, and in return, claim one of mom's special patchwork blankets as her own.

In her later years, even with her eyes failing her, her nose still helped her navigate through the house, and would be able to sit patiently next to you for one of the chocolate Hello Panda snacks no matter how quietly you opened the pack.

We wondered how long she would live, and then came the night when everyone was home, she howled like she was in pain, and after everyone gave her a bit of attention, she passed away.

R.I.P. Daisy 

7 Dec 1988 - 25 Oct 2003

Dog's Day Out @ The Park

I was reading a pets' magazine and found an advertisement for an event called "Dogs' Day Out At The Park", and since I didn't have anything to do that day, I got everyone out to West Coast Park to enjoy a day with the doggies.

It wasn't as big as I had expected, but everyone attending the event were quite enthusiastic about everything, and participating in as much things as their dogs could handle. As it was just after noon, the sun was out in full force and some dogs were in the tiny cooling tent to help them with the heat. There were repeated warnings to keep the dogs and ourselves cool in the heat and the tents weren't really helping as the air was still too warm to cool anything off.

I signed Barkley up for the 'Happy Tails' competition which was to see which dog could wag the longest and the strongest. While collecting the free goodie bag, we were called up for the contest and by that time, Barkley was already too tired to even meet and greet other dogs. Finally when the contest began, he was so bored until he realised that the dog next to him was a Dushund puppy, about a quarter his size, and that's when he got all excited to meet another dog that was so cute!

Well if it wasn't for one judge who decided that he didn't deserve a prize, Barkley would have been in the top 5. I guess the contest was also partly a giveaway. Imagine the little puppy winning a large bag of kibbles meant for big dogs. So the big dog won the big prize, and the little ones got the little prizes. It was all good in the end as all participants got a participation goodie bag, which just added to my day's haul.

Going around after the contest, I managed to bag a few more goodies, some that were just too big for Barkley, and so it went to the neighbour who has a big dog. Barkley also got a new portable, collapsible bowl and a new name tag. Once Barkley was too tired to even move to look at other dogs, we went off, at the same time realising I also got a new idiot tan.

Making Friends

Tired Contestants

Big Bag Of Food For The Happiest Tail

Hauling My Collection Of Goodie Bags

Barkley's On Holiday

Barkley will be on holiday for a week, returning on the 2nd of June. He will be enjoying a week with the wind in his face, protected only by a pair of goggles. If in case of emergency, he'll be staying at the Paws & Furs hotel @ Jalan Kilang.

*Squeak! Squeak! Squeak!*

Baby's Got A Temper...

Got a glimpse of how Barkley reacts to being rejected just now.

When I woke up, I decided I wanted to got get some seafood for dinner and told him that we're gonna go out. So we showered him, let him dry out, brushed out his fur, and put on a new t-shirt. What was left was to put on his harness and let him out the door. At this point, he's all dressed and following mom every step of the way, thinking that she'll put the harness on.

I'm not ready and so mom leaves, without him, to the car to get it warmed up. Next thing I know, I see Barkley trying to bite off his t-shirt in anger. I ask him what he was trying to do and he start whining like a little kid throwing a temper tantrum, blaming someone for his anger. He stopped whining when I said just wait a while more, I'll be ready and we can go. He then continues to whine like he was grumbling that I was taking too long. All this time facing his favourite chair, basically showing his butt to me.

If I knew it was going to happen I would've taken a video. All this while I thought he was just an emotional blackmailer. Now I know he's got an attitude too! Hahahaha....

Help!

Doggy's Day Out (Sentosa to Orchard Road)

We rented a car and decided to give Barkley a treat for the day, bringing him out on his first trip to beyond the neighbourhood. He got all excited for his usual walk in the neighbourhood, but was clearly surprised, and lost, as to what was happening when he was told to get into the car. When he realised he was travelling without having to walk, he got all excited and started to enjoy sticking his head out the window to look at the world going by. Then he realised that there was more going by on the other side of the car and started to jump onto Mark to get a better look. About 10 minutes into the drive, I left him in the back seat where he got comfortable and just lay down to cool off from all his excitement.

Soon, we were in Sentosa and it was time he got to stretch his legs. We took him right up to Imbiah Lookout and let him explore civilisation. There was a guy with the python there charging for photo opportunities and soon enough, Barkley became the free alternative for some Indian tourists. Since he's such a friendly dog, they found it easy to take a picture of the whole family with him as the centre of attention. I wonder what story they'll tell their family and friends back home.

"Oh we went to this island in Singapore called Sentosa, and we took pictures with this dog for free! Imagine that... free... and that guy on the side was actually charging to take pics with a snake. I mean, look at the billions of snakes here, we can just pick one up and take a picture anyway... but a fluffy dog like that? For free??"

Hahaha! And so Barkley waited while I got my coffee fix and then we were off to check out the luge that seem like lotsa fun.

Waiting His Turn To Go Up The Revolving Tower.

Realising there was nothing much to do at the top there but stare back at the main island, we decided to make it Tanjong Beach and let him run about in the sand, and maybe dip his paws in the water and take a swim. But the sky got dark as we got to the beach and so we decided to chill at the bar instead. Barkley soon made some friends with one of the staff's pets, who were slightly afraid of this whiney, noisy dog.

Barkley easily found a comfy spot on the deck chair and was soon enjoying the cool gentle breeze and shared the plate of fish and chips we ordered. We also ordered a jug of beer and wondered if he liked some. After sniffing my finger, he took a quick lick and neer came back for seconds. However he seemed drunk when I got a picture of him infront of the jug.

Locked Up.












Drunkard.

After finishing the drinks and food, we decided to get some dessert and Mark suggested something from the Chatterbox. When we got there, we were disappointed with the desserts on display and decided to head back instead. Since the car was parked in Cineleisure, Barkley got his first walk on the bustling Orchard Road walkway with tourists and local shoppers alike. There was just too many people for him to pay attention or try to get the attention from just one person that he was just walking and looking around, excited and again confused.

Doggy Going Down.

Finally when we got home, Barkley just plopped himself on the floor and went to bed, absolutely satisfied, and tired, from the whole day.

My First Love

It's been 2 years, and I still love you.

And I know you're shining down on me from Heaven
ANGEL OF MINE

Dead Or Alive: Hamster Edition

My hamsters sleep in rather odd positions. Here's one that made it look as though it's dead. Plus with the little breaths they take, you can't really tell if they're still alive sometimes. Worse is when they sleep on their backs with their little paws sticking straight up into the air. Weird little fellas...

Yes the bugger is still alive.

Doggie's Evening Out & Midnight Nummies

Went out yesterday evening with mom for lunch (breakfast incl. for mom, yeah we're owls) and tagging along was the furry one. Took a walk to S.G. Holland Village Eating House and while on our way there, Mr Furry Butt stomped over an ant's nest and got a bunch of them stuck to his fur. Soon the little buggers got pissed off and started biting him, which made Furry Butt jump around doing some sort of acrobatic act. It wasn't long before we reached our destination and got rid of some angry ants, one of which died a horrible death for biting me! With all the energy used up from twitching and twirling around while walking, he was too tired to even bother with the kids around him. He just sat quietly in his chair, although a bit sad, but soon cheered up when he got some drink (aka my drink) and a few hellos from strangers.

After filling our tummies, mom got some food for grandpa and I got some for our super-late dinner. With a craving for fish and seafood, my eyes landed on a picture of barbecued stingray and was enticed to pack that home. Ordered two fish, a bunch of prawns and some sambal kangkong to go. When the packets arrived at the table, it smelled so good I wanted to eat it right then.

Had a slightly slower walk home and somehow the ants were at it again. Decided to have a look and was shocked to find a whole bunch of them still clinging to his fur. Once we were done getting rid of those pesky things, we continued home and that's when he flopped out. Not as tired as the other day, he started playing and running around the house again within the hour. I think my dog is mad.

Later that night after dad was done with his war movie (more like he slept through most of it), we all sat down to a tasty meal. Now how good can this be? Dad actually liked it. With a fussy person like dad, who only says that none of these BBQ seafood beat those in Pangkor (Malaysia), that's a compliment. This stall is also competing with a ZhiCha stall that serves up seafood that's still swimming around in tanks. If it isn't good, it would not be open.

Sambal Kang Kong

BBQ Sole Fish

BBQ Prawns

Why bother with plates and washing up when you can just eat them off the packets and throw them away? With hot fluffy rice and nice spicy sambals over the food, what else can u do but just enjoy the meal with your loved ones and ur fingers!

Better than KFC

Doggie's Long Day Out

Went for lunch today with Shirley, led by Dad. It was a workout walking the path that cut through the Malaysian railway , a large field and a long winding road. Company were 4-legged friends, Ginger (Pomeranian) & Barkley (Monster).

Making Way For An Additional Track?


Malaysian Railway


Greener Pastures?


Fur Balls

When you finally reach Singapore Judo Federation on Portsdown Road, u turn into Whitchurch road and will be greeted by a little playground partially hidden by trees. This playground is found right next to our main destination ~ Colbar (new location). The place looks like something you only find on Pulau Ubi. Like an old school shack with a tiny canteen/mess hall that has now been transformed to a quiant little eating place where u can enjoy an ice-cold beer in the cool breeze.

No Spelling Mistake


More Seating On The Right

They've got a nice selection on the menu catering to both the local and expatriate tastes. Most of them who go there are actually chilling out with friends over beer. Some go there to get some food and finish their current novels. There is a small library, next to the cashier, with books and magazines which you probably can browse through while waiting for anyone running late. With no restrictions to animals (YAY!), every child was excited to see two dogs seated with us.

Satellite Dish


Cotton Ears

Shirley had Pork Chops & Chips with Peas, Dad had the Fried Whole Sole & Chips, while I had the Fried Fish & Chips. If you want to know what we thought about lunch, read more here. I was thinking of having a few beers before we left but thought that another trip there to do that was a better idea. Long walk back home with the dog stopping often to take wee breaks, and flopping dead on the floor once we were back home. Tired and satiafied with his day out as much as I was.

How Much Is That Doggie In The Window...

Mom and I had a lil steamboat dinner tonight and we had a lil furry bit of company as well.

What goodies will the giant hand bring me this time??

When you have it at home, and pic out your favourite stuff to throw into the pot, it's just that much more enjoyable. Plus you don't have to dress up, or wear anything (if u're like that), for dinner.

Double double toil and trouble, fire burn and cauldron bubble...

And with the furball around, u have a automatic vacuum cleaner cum trash disposal unit. Not that he had to clean up after us, but for being a good boy he was rewarded with a few chunks of raw beef.

It's mine! It's MINE!!