Days of bad skin and dreadful cone

Can I whine somemore?

I'm not sure if the ticks had to do with my itchy and bad skin. My tail and rump were so itchy I kept biting on them and ended up with raw, bleeding skin. Of course my pawrents were very worried and decided to torture me further by applying medication on the wounds and forcing me to wear the dreaded e-collar.






You probably can't see my wounds very well in the pictures. Well, I must say they were nasty! And the one on my rump left a scar or some kind of dark pigmentation on my skin after the wound was healed.

And don't get me started on the e-collar! I was so unhappy and uncomfortable wearing that damm thing! I couldn't walk or pee properly when I was out on my daily walks. And some idiots didn't know what the e-collar was for and thought it was some kind of dog umbrella! You see, one evening when mummy and I were out for a walk, it started to drizzle. When we passed by a group of teenagers under the block, one of them commented loudly "hey look at that dog and the cute thing that he is wearing! Is that his umbrella?!"

Mummy and I tried not to laugh out loud.

Tsk Tsk Ticks

Why did God create awful things such as ticks?

For the first time in my two and a half years of living, I had a pretty bad case of ticks! My pawrents found one of the top of my head once when I was six months old but that was it until two yers later.

My pawrents were really annoyed especially since we now have my baby sister crawling around the house on weekends and both mummy and daddy have to work so no one is able to help get rid of the ticks on me and in the house on an hourly basis.

Well, my pawrents did mop and vacuum the house more diligently and cleared out all the clutter in the house that ticks love to hide in. Everyday after work, mummy and daddy would touch me all over the body to look for ticks and they would get very excited whenever they found one. One of them would grab the tweezer and pull the nasty bloodsucker out and drop it into a small bottle of white vinegar. Mummy loves to see how the ticks die in that clear, sourish acid.

Of course I had to be subjected to horrible-smelling stuff that were being applied to my already very short coat by the over-enthusiastic pawrents. There was Frontline, Biospotix repellant spray, Accurate tick and flea disinfectant and of course tick and flea shampoo. It took almost three weeks to totally eradicate the tick problem. I'm so glad we didn't have to fog the house.

And now that we found out the source of the ticks lies in my grandparents' house, my pawrents no longer bring me there. This is a huge pity, cos that means I can't play in the lovely garden anymore and I am spending less time with the family on weekends. I'm not sure how the humans are going to get rid if the ticks in the garden. I suspect even if I get to go to the grandpawrents' house, I will not be allowed to stay in the garden.

It's been almost half a year!

I can't believe my lazy mummy allowed almost half a year to slip by without updating my blog!

Lots of things happened ever since my last encounter with The Evil Cat. While I spent the most of my days just sleeping, eating and lazing around at home, waiting for my pawrents to return home after work everyday, I also witness the growth of my baby sister who has blossomed from a bawling infant to a drooling and tumbling toddler. She is all of one year old now and loves to follow me around the house and feed me her pacifier as a show of her affection to me.

In this video, you will see my baby sister at around 10 months old, crawling slowly and unsteadily towards her favourite object, the remote control while I kept watch over her. You will also noticed that I was much slimmer. Nope,it's not that my diet was a succes. It was because I had to be shaven in order to get rid of the horrible ticks! Yes, I suffered from ticks and it was a nightmarish 3 weeks for me and my pawrents. I'm so glad it's over now!


I believe I caught the ticks when I was playing in Granddad's garden. My pawrents went to Perth for a week and I was dogsitted by Granddad and Grandmum at their house. I missed my pawrents terribly and Coco refused to play with me. I didn't try to escape this time cos the grandpawrents are very smart and careful now when they opened the front gate. Mummy took a picture with a doggie who was lying at the doorstep while waiting for his owner to shop at the Salvos in Perth. I'm sure Mummy missed me as much as I missed her.

The Evil Cat

Just a few mornings ago, Mummy and I were out for a walk when we encountered The Evil Cat.

We first ran into it when I was just minding my own business near a block of flats. There, The Evil Cat, suddenly appeared from behind a pillar and stared at me. Mummy quickly dragged me away and we continued our walk on the other side of the neighbourhood. Just two or three blocks away, we bumped into The Evil Cat again. This time I returned his rude glare and he immediately arched his back, ready to pounce on me. Mummy promptly pull me away so that I do not get the chance to provoke this nasty feline.

We purposely took a big detour to avoid The Evil Cat and on our way home, The Evil Cat appeared again and it decided to follow us! The faster we walked away, the faster the cat followed us. Just after we crossed a street and Mummy turned back to see where the The Evil Cat was, she was shocked to see the cat crossing the street and approaching us with its menancing glare. Before we know it, the Evil Cat ran over to attack me! I was caught off-guard and was doing my best to get away from its constant, crazy scratching. Mummy shooed and waved and shouted at The Evil Cat, but it refused to go away. Mummy had to literally dragged me and ran away from The Evil Cat. When we reached our block, The Evil Cat was nowhere in sight. Thank dog, I was not hurt. I think my thick coat protected me from the constant scratchings.

Mummy is begining to dislike our neighbourhood. Firstly, the number of stray cats is increasing and it's hard to walk me when I get easily distracted and excited at the sight of a cat. Some of the strays are fierce. They never run away when they see me. Instead they will hunch and puff up to show me they are the boss. Secondly, many people in our neighbourhood like to comment whenever they see me. They will point their fingers at me and tell their kids that I am so big, I will bite them or that I am so scary. These people are so rude! Nowadays, Mummy doesn't bother telling the people that I don't bite. If the comments are too rude, she will just tell me out loud (enough for the people to hear) to ignore these STUPID people. I think she is waiting to fight with somebody one of these days.

No, Chow Chow, No

How many of your mummies actually trust you when you are around your younger siblings? Sad to say, my Mummy doesn't trust me at all!

Ever so often, I try to be friendly and show my care and concern to my baby sister by looking at her very closely and sniffing her head or licking her tiny toes and fingers. She seemed to have finally noticed my existence recently cos her eyes will light up whenever she sees me and she will get excited and keep looking at me no matter where I go. She makes me feel like a fish in an aquarium sometimes, but I still love her.

However, my evil Mummy doesn't want us to get too close. Perhaps she is just jealous. Whenever my baby sister is on her jumperoo and I go over to say hi, Mummy will push my head away and say "No, Chow Chow, no". Fine, I'll go rest under my favourite table and watch her behave like a clown in order to keep my baby sister entertained.

Sometimes when Mummy and Daddy and the baby are cuddling and playing on the couch, I go over to join in the fun by licking the baby on her legs. Again, my Mummy will carry the baby away and say "No, Chow Chow, noooooo". Only when I go away to the balcony with my head lowered and looking so disappointed will she say sorry and "I love you" to me. But who cares for sorry and "I love you" when all I want is to join in the fun as part of the family.

If the humans can kiss the baby, why can't I?

The other day, Mummy screamed when she found me licking my baby sister's fingers. The baby was laughing away as she happily puts her hand near my mouth. So why must Mummy spoil the fun for us?

The worst was this: Mummy was in the kitchen one day when she suddenly heard the baby cried out loud. Immediately she assumed it was my fault cos she rushed out of the kitchen screaming "No, Chow Chow, no!!!" Just because I was in the same room as the baby. When she came out, she realised I was sitting at the other end of the room, while my baby sister was on the other side, screanming cos she was bored/hungry/sleepy. Of course, Mummy felt really bad for thinking it was me who caused the baby to cry. She probably thought I was chewing on the baby's succulent thigh for breakfast. Hello! I'm off the raw diet, remember?!

I gave Mummy a sad face and look away. Hah! This will send her on a really long guilt trip!

I really wish my baby sister can grow up very quickly so that she is no longer so "fragile" and we can both play together. And for dog's sake, baby sister, please stop screaming out loud whenever I'm near you. I know you are my biggest fan but I don't deserve another accusation!

Chow Chow's 2nd Birthday

I turned two on Monday! Actually it was just another ordinary day. Mummy and Daddy left me home alone all morning and afternoon. No special trip to the dog park or the beach. But at least Mummy brought me a birthday cake and we took a long walk to Grandpa's house (I love the 45-min walk)! Initially, she was feeling ambitious and wanted to bake me a birthday cake using the recipe from her friend. However she was busy that day and had no time to do any grocery shopping, let alone bake me a cake! In order to feel less guilty, Mummy went to buy me a blueberry cake from US Dog Bakery instead!


















I also wore a glittery red bow so as to look more dressy for my birthday! Don't I look sexy?!


















To be honest, I hated it when my pawrents lighted the candles on the cake. The flame is just terrifying. Why do humans like to burn the perfectly normal food? I mean I am so beautifully fluffy. What if my luscious mane caught fire?! I'm not so stupid as to go near the dangerous cake!



After some coaxing from Mummy and with the promise of some treats, I relunctantly posed with Mummy and the dangerous cake. Mummy, the cake is too near for comfort!



Finally, my pawrents decided to sing me a birthday song, wished me a lifetime of good health and blew out the candles on my behalf. Phew! I sniffed at the cake suspiciously. Never had cake in my two years of living so I gotta check if it is safe to eat. Mummy was very eager to feed me a piece of the cake. Hmmmm...normally my pawrents will never offer me the good stuff (like the yummy cakes and snacks and fried chicken that they eat) so I should really be wary of this creamy cake that Mummy is coaxing me to eat!



After some probing here and licking there, I ate the cake eventually. It's not bad but I would want second helpings if there are some bacon strips or barbequed pork in it!

My baby sister woke up from her nap in time for the celebration and we finally took our very first family picture!

Meeting Dino

My pawrents went to Taipei last month for a short holiday before Daddy gets super busy with work in his new department. They had a great time sight-seeing and feasting on the local goodies despite missing me and baby Amanda throughout the trip.

Taipei is a very dog-friendly city. My pawrents saw doggies of all shapes and sizes everywhere they go. It seems like a hot favourite among the Taiwanese is the Golden Retriever! There are so many gorgeous Goldies everywhere....




This is Ah Mao (Furry), the mascot for this restaurant that serves yummy risottos but awful soups. My pawrents were so impressed by Ah Mao's obedience and good looks that they've decided to patronize the restaurant on the last night of their stay in Taipei.

Most of the dogs can walk very well with their owners without leash! Check out this puny puppy in the middle of Ximending, a bustling area with tons of young people shopping and eating.











Here's another doggy - an English sheepdog! Two of them actually, in Danshui.












After a dip at the Hot Spring at Xinbeitou, my pawrents spotted a beautiful female Chow Chow on their way to the train station!












The highlight of my pawrents' trip was meeting my friend Dino and his lovely family! Mummy was really excited cos she has been a fan of Dino for the longest time and being able to finally meet her favourite Golden Retriever is simply fabulous!

Dino is everything that Mummy imagined and more! Not only is he smart and handsome, he is also very obedient! Daddy was impressed with his tricks and how powerful his wagging tail is! It was really quite painful when Dino's tail repeatedly hit my pawrents on their legs! BOL!

















Mummy also got to meet Dino's baby sister, Ashley! Both my pawrents agree that Baby Ashley is the cutest baby they have EVER met. Even our Baby Amanda is number two in "cuteness" compared to Baby Ashley! BOL! Hmmmmm....now I wonder if I am still the number one cute dog in my pawrents' hearts after they have met Dino.


Dino's mummy was also very nice and brought my pawrents around in Danshui, a beautiful tourist attraction. She even gave Baby Amanda and me some gifts! I musy say I really love the treats you gave me, Aunt Julia! Mummy gave me your treats everytime we come home from my walks!

Everybody loves Chow Chow

About a month after the arrival of Baby Amanda, my pawrents threw a party in the house to celebrate the addition of our newest family member with our relatives and friends. Daddy was worried that I might plan another escape during the party cos the front gate will always be opened as the flow of guests arrive at different times throughout the 2-day party. Daddy decided to put a mini gate made up of two panels of the dog gate at the door so that the "double doors" will prevent me from sneaking out of the house easily.

Trust me, it wasn't easy to sneak out of the house just like that. I mean besides the "double doors", there were also many pairs of legs blocking, hands patting... AND eyes on me. Tell me, how could I possibly run away?!

At first I was growling and barking and acting all macho when the first few guests arrived. I wanted to show them who's the boss in the house. And then I see some familiar faces, like grandpa and grandma, I get all happy and excited and started to wag my tail! Then more and more people came and I started to get a bit scared, especially with the rowdy kids who loves to scream. They really make me nervous.

Some kids were terrified of me and thought they entered the lion's den. After some coaxing from my pawrents, they tried to touch my coat and let me smell their hands. Very soon, they realised I am just a friendly doggie and only then do they dare to come near me. I honestly think I 'cured' them of doggie phobia!

Here are some pictures to share. And proof to show that I was also the star of the party.

Please help the three dogs

Mummy received an email from Noah's Ark CARES about a fund-raising event for three pitiful dogs. You can read about their story here.

The event is a special preview screening of the movie, Hachiko, A Dog's Story. You can help the dogs by getting a ticket to the special screening. Details as follows:

Date : January 20, 2010 (Wednesday)
Location : Golden Village, VivoCity Hall 4
Screening Time : 7.15pm
Cost Per Ticket:
Ticket Prices according to seat rows
Row F to K $60 each (furthest from screen)
Row A to E $30 each
* Each ticket includes a popcorn and coke, kindly sponsored by Brownie, Audi & 88.
All proceeds will be used to help the three dogs.

To reserve and purchase your tickets (via email), kindly send Noah's Ark CARES an email at info@noahsarkcares.com providing contact details, ticket price and number of tickets required. Please state email subject as "Hachiko Tickets". Payment can be made via fund transfer or cheque payable to Noah's Ark CARES.

Here's the trailer for Hachiko, A dog's Story. Mummy's definitely going to catch this and is looking for friends to join her for the special screening.

Oops!

I must apologize that we haven't sent out any Christmas cards in 2009. The household was chaotic and our lives are never the same again. We didn't even managed to put up the Christmas tree! Mummy tried to take a picture of us - Amanda, Mummy and I, for a last minute Christmas e-card but Amanda has other ideas.


Hurry up, Mummy! I'm all set and ready!







Pardon Mummy's unglamourous look. Obviously she is not ready (or not intending) to be in the picture!










We are all so stressed by Amanda's loud cries! She is so not going to be a good model, unlike me.










The prima donna refused to wear her santa hat! I'm giving up now. The reindeer headband is hurting my head and messing up my fur.









So much for a Christmas picture together. I think this reindeer headband is better as a chew toy!

Happy 2010!

It's a brand new year! Happy 2010, everyone!

My mummy has been a major lazy bum after the arrival of Baby Amanda, thus the lack of updates on my blog. Guilt has finally push Mummy to post this first entry for me.

Here are the pictures that most of you have been waiting for - Baby Amanda and me!




Baby Amanda is now 2 months old. That's how long my blog has been neglected! Anyway, I'm back now to tell you all about my adventures or the lack of it. The weather has been lousy for the past several weeks and I haven't been to the dog park for the longest time. The stupid rain is practically ruining my social life.

My parents are also really busy with Amanda, a noisy creature they called my sister. Initially, I was pretty annoyed by her loud cries and screams but I've gotten used to it since I realised she can't talk or bark like me and my parents, so crying and screaming is her way of communicating with us. I still can't figure out her baby language, unlike my parents who rushed to her with bottles of milk or shower her with annoyingly high-pitched and saccharin-sweet voices whenever she lets out one of her loud cries. And when Mummy gets frustrated with needing to stop doing whatever she is doing to stop Amanda from crying for the nth time, I just gave her the "oh well" look.

To be honest, Amanda is not that bad. At least her head smells good and her feet are soft and nice. I know cos I have licked her feet a few times when my parents are not watching! BOL!