What A Dog Teaches You

An email forward that says it all !

------------------------------------------------------------------------
What A Dog Teaches You


A dog teaches us a lot of things, but we never seem to take notice. These are some of the lessons you might learn…

* When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
* Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
* Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
* When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience.
* Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.
* Take naps and stretch before rising.
* Run romp and play daily.
* Thrive on attention .
* Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do.
* On warm days stop to lie on your back on the grass. On hot days drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.
* When you’re happy dance around and wag your entire body.
* No matter how often you’re scolded don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and make friends.
* Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
* Eat with gusto and enthusiasm, stop when you have had enough.
* Be loyal.
* Never pretend to be something you’re not.
* If what you want lies buried dig until you find it.
* When someone is having a bad day be silent, sit close by… and nuzzle them gently.

---------------------------------------------

Top Dog - Djokovic

Djokovic's lucky charm, Pierre the toy poodle, was not able to enter UK due to quarantine rules. Pierre was nonetheless able to provided guidance, support and luck telepathically resulting in Djokovic's sensational win at Wimbeldon and sealing the World Number One status. Congratulations to Pierre!

From this link
-----
Pierre, the white toy poodle, is tennis great Novak Djokovic’s security blanket, lucky charm and mascot, all rolled into one….Team Djokovic is comprised of Novak’s girlfriend, his coaches and Pierre, who gives the tennis champ an air of calm just by being in the stadium on his own special cushion….unfortunately for Novak, the British Animal Quarantine laws are proving a formidable roadblock for Pierre’s presence at all lawn Wimbledon championships now being played in London….. according to the british tabloids, Novak himself appealed to the “highest level” of british diplomats to secure an entry visa for Pierre, but to no avail….Pierre will have to settle for a cushion in front of a wide screen television at the Djokovic homestead where he will bark his approval whenever Dad serves an ace…. Pierre has his own Twitter account and Facebook page, so he’ll be able to keep in touch with all of Novak’s fans around the world….

Let's get on the "BAN"dwagon

In true San Francisco style, there is a proposal to ban all pet sales..  

At the least, banning puppy mills and kitten factories will be a good start and hope more cities worldwide get involved.

Link to the news item:
http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jun/26/local/la-me-goldfish-20110627

If the proposal is accepted - you can buy live animals to eat but not as pets - now that's a topic for another day :-)

Little Nina

She looked tiny and fragile and so very lonely. She'd being attacked by rats and left with a big open wound.  She put her paws on my knees, and greedily snatched the treat from my half opened hands.

Impulsively, I decided to foster little Nina, a 2 month old puppy. She hadn't found a home, she was all alone in the back room at the shelter and had very little human or dog interaction. I thought of the delicate, frightened pup, I thought of puppy cuteness and I thought of Polka getting a playmate.

We welcomed Nina with giddy excitement. She was less than half of Polka's size. I put my hand forward to pet but she put her head down and went on her knees and shivered. Little Nina was scared, viewed everyone with suspicion and crawled with her head down like a tunnel rat. It was disturbing and sad to watch her move and I wondered what life had offered in her brief 2 months existence!

I was trying hard to make her feel welcome and comfortable - bribing her with treats and toys, getting down on all fours and waiting for her to approach me, taking her in my arms  - but nothing worked. Little Nina just shivered and took a step back at every attempt. All my efforts were in vain...

But that was not the case for Polka - she was able to work her charm. Initially, it was a slow dance. Polka moved forward aggressively, Nina retreated instinctively. Polka pawed her persistently, Nina stayed her ground. Polka continued to paw, Nina joined in the fun. Polka became dominating, Nina submissive... and the dance continued. Soon, they found their rhythm. Polka became gentler and Nina braver. Polka became less insecure of the new puppy and Nina more trusting of all of us. It was wonderful to watch as they learned to play together, share toys and become best of friends.

Under the tutelage of Polka, Nina blossomed little by little. I was the one who was suppose to teach, foster and bring my experiences 'to the table'. Instead, I had nothing to offer but a lot to learn. 

I learned to be patient while Nina was getting paper trained. I learned to be tolerant and accepting as she learned to stand her ground. I learned what it means to protect as Polka came in between every time I tried to scold Nina. And I learned to let go.

Little Nina found a family but she preferred to go back to the shelter. She now has her own "nerd gang" and is healthy and happy. Lots of love and luck to you dear Nina!

Dog Tales

'Pee'ved!
A friend on her dog's annoyance at being left alone:

Our dog doesn't like being left alone for long periods.. When we return from our vacations, she expresses her annoyance by jumping and peeing on our bed. Now we have 2 dogs and both of them do it!

The dogs are definitely 'pee'ved ;)

-*---------------------------------------------------------------------------*-

Practical Lessons
My plumber had come to fix a leakage in the bathroom. This was an ongoing saga for the last 3 months with no concrete solution but its hard to get angry with him. Polka loves him and he also gives me 'puppy' tips :)

I was bitten by a puppy when I was in primary 1 - I got 18 stitches on my forehead. A few years later, I was bitten at the ankle. Now I am not scared of puppies. You should never run when you see a pup. You should not put your hand on his head  - it can scare him, you know. Don't follow the pup- he might not like it and come to bite you. You hit a puppy, it will bite you. You love him, he will love you back.

-*---------------------------------------------------------------------------*-

Robinhood
I stole a dog once. I went into the house when the owner was out and picked up the dog and ran. The owner beat the dog, starved him, and locked him up. I could not bear seeing the poor thing abused. His nails were curved back into his paw!. I hid him in my house till I found a nice family who adopted him.


-*---------------------------------------------------------------------------*-

Lawyering up
My lawyer cousin had a story to tell:

My friend is a big shot lawyer in India - single and childfree. His pet dog is his only family. He takes him on vacations - not just locally but abroad as well! Everything is planned around the dog's schedule - meetings, work, cases, court appearances.. Any meeting after 6pm is held at his place. The dog comes into the room just before the meeting starts and stays till the end. The lawyer never makes a decision at the meeting. In his words, "I will discuss with my dog and get back to you in the morning!"


-*---------------------------------------------------------------------------*-

Dying with Dignity

Conversation with a 85 year old gramps:

I have a 18 year old dog. People in our area know us very well - The old man with an older dog! But we are going strong. My previous dog was 15 when she was put to sleep. She was very sick. One night, she looked at me to tell me - this is it. I knew I had to do it. I called the vet. He said, 'If I come in the morning it will be $30, if I come now it is $150'. I said, 'Just come. She is ready to go'. I didn't want her to suffer through the night. It was heart wrenching to make the decision. That was 10 years ago! Now, my 18 year old dog and me - both are pretty close to the final moment. I am not sure which one of us will be facing the dilemma. Hah.

-*-------------------------------------------------------------------------------*-

Poo, Pee and all that drama!

The other day, I was walking on the side lawns of an Arts School, when Polka suddenly decided to poo. A young chap sitting on the ledge close by, smoking a cigarette, was forced to watch while Polka went about her business. I gave him my 'Shit Happens' look and he stared back in disgust. Polka is usually shy of relieving herself in close proximity to others so it would normally be an awkward situation for me. But it was comical to watch this young boy - an underage smoker mostly - giving me this child like disgusted look. I got a poo bag out and extended it to him 'Would you like to do the honors for me?"
It was hilarious to watch the little boy  - big glasses, a smoke in hand - his face contorted with shock and disbelief.

But seriously, what is the etiquette when it comes to the business of dogs doing their business? Is it acceptable to give little boys nightmares? Should we be apologetic or embarrassed about picking after our precious ones? Or should we walk around proudly with our poo bags?  Or am I making a big deal out of nothing?

I don't think so. I see a lot of crap on the lawns these days. The number of people shirking their responsibility seem to be growing. How do we bring pride into the very act? How do we make it sexy?

So Polka and I decided to do a survey and ask 'the common man' for thoughts. I present you the top 'crappy' quotes

• A single man walking his dog and picking up poo.. That's definitely sexy. He is a keeper.
• Use transparent poo bags - let everyone see what a responsible community we are.
• Small dogs no need lah.. So little - its not worth picking up. 
• That's the maid's job. Not mine. I don't take my dog out for a walk.
• We should use bio degradable poo bags and it's time to figure out how best to collect the city's crap and use it as fuel or fertilizer. 
• I am teaching my dog to sit on the toilet and flush after him!

The feisty Nina!

Based on Myers Briggs Test, I would be a ISJF personality :)

The fighting spirit!
I am half the size of Polka but I more than make up for it :)



Bite me!

                      

Anything you can do, I can do betterr !

Wink Wink ;)

Let sleeping dogs lie!

Adopt me for a helluva time!
Call ALL

                           


The Sesame Ball

I saw the old gentleman from the corner of my eye. He was tall with grey hair. Must've been 65 years old. He was standing outside the Kopitiam, under a tree, eating a sesame ball (A sesame ball is a Chinese pastry filled with black bean paste and sesame seeds on the outside). I was sitting at a table, enjoying my kopi and watching people go by. He looked at Polka and smiled to himself. I finished my coffee and started on our usual route to Fort Canning. The gentleman was still standing under the tree. As we passed him, he suddenly called out, 'Hello Doggie'. In true Polka style, she responded by jumping on the gentleman and wagging her tail. The startled man stepped back while I quickly pulled Polka away saying, 'Naughty Polka! Bad Polka!'. With an apologetic smile, I hurriedly walked away..

After a week or so, as I passed by Kopitiam, Polka started wagging her tail at a gentleman sitting on the steps. He said 'Hello'. I realized it was the same one with the sesame ball. I smiled, 'She remembers you!' He was visibly pleased.  After the customary 'how are you' and 'good byes', Polka and I continued on our walk.

I'd completely forgotten about him - till recently. I saw him standing next to the lawn opposite our apartment.  He was thrilled to see Polka and vice-versa. Then he got chatting, 'I saw a similar dog in Israel. If you don't mind can I give a treat to your dog ?'  I was hesitant to agree, 'Well.. Umm.. she has to go poo first .. maybe some other time'.  He responded, 'Ok!  Lets go to the kopitiam then!'

I was still trying to figure out if he hadn't heard me or had decided to simply ignore me when hubby arrived.
                                                               
Hubby in a low voice: Whats going on?
Me: He wants to give a treat to Polka.
Hubby: Why?
Me: Well... he is Polka's friend.
Hubby:  ???
Me: Umm.. Polka met him couple of times before this and he likes her.. I guess..
Hubby: So where's the treat?
Me: He wants us to go to the Kopitiam with him!
Hubby: Why do strange things happen only to you?

I handed Polka to hubby with a smile. So the gentleman, Polka, hubby and me headed to the Kopitiam. 

Me: So how long have you lived in Singapore and Israel?
Gentleman:  Am actually half Israeli and half Singaporean. I've lived mostly in Singapore. I went for a couple of weddings to Israel.
Hubby: So you stay close by?
Gentleman:  Farther down - but I come here to visit the temple.
Gentleman: Would you guys like a drink?
Hubby and me in unison: No thank you. Some other time!
Hubby: So you must be close to the other food mall. We used to stay on that street earlier.
Gentleman: Yes. I stay in a landed property there. It's the house for the aged and poor!

Hubby and I go silent. We exchange glances. I can see the accusing look - How can you agree to this? He must be already low on cash!

Upon reaching kopitiam, the gentleman goes inside to get the treat. We stay out with Polka and I try hard to avoid hubby's piercing eyes. Luckily, two girls come by and start playing with Polka and provide the needed distraction. Soon the gentleman returns, hands me a brown bag,  'Its hot now. Give it to her when it cools down. Bbye.'
I turn back to look at him, he smiles, waves his hand and vanishes into the crowd.

We continue walking with Polka on the crowded street and eventually reach the park. We sit down and open the brown bag. 

It's a sesame ball!

Polka Woof

"In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn't merely try to train him to be semihuman. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog."

- Edward Hoagland

Happy Birthday Polka!

Polka was born on Dec 19th 2009, as per her medical records. A Sagittarius girl. According to Linda Goodman's Sun Signs book - every female teenager has read her book including yours truly - "To the Sagittarian, life is secretly a circus, and (s)he's the clown, rolling and tumbling through purple hoops in a sky-blue suit”. This describes Polka perfectly - a happy-go-lucky, carefree spirit!

For her birthday, Polka got a lot of treats and toys. As a special treat, she was even allowed to sleep on the bed with us! We decided to take Polka to the Animal Lovers League (ALL) farm from where we'd got her nine months back. The volunteers were happy to see her - the little puppy they'd known had grown into a big, strong, wonderful girl.

Polka was left behind in an off-leash park next to the farm. She was known as Kiwi then.. This was the story that was put out by ALL at that time:

"Cases of abandonment and cruelty continue to soar. Little Kiwi is one such case. Kiwi’s owners simply left her behind. Never to return. The poor girl sat in a field playing with the dogs as they ran by. One by one, the dogs left for home, with their owners. Kiwi’s owners were nowhere in sight. This innocent girl was left without water and food. All she had on was a red collar. We looked around anxiously for the people who left her behind. Nobody knew or saw her owners. We waited and prayed they would return but nobody came. How harsh and cruel this world can be to the young and innocent who ask for little but love and a roof over their heads. Little Kiwi remains as happy as can be. She loves the company of other dogs, bigger or smaller than her. Kiwi is amazing. Despite her sad tale, she continues to brighten our lives. She seems to know no sorrow. Do you have a forever home for Kiwi? She is young and deserves far more."

I guess Kiwi (now Polka) thought it was all an adventure. She was 2 months old when she got left behind in the park. I can imagine Kiwi looking around for her owners, perhaps her mother, trying to find a familiar face among the crowd.. She must have sat patiently having full faith that everything would be just right. When she was taken in by the kind folks at ALL - the farm with hundreds of dogs and cats must have caught her fancy. Her big eyes must've lit up, 'This seems like fun. So many dogs to play with'. She was kept isolated as her immunizations were not done but she must have said, 'I must be special to get a room for myself. That’s so cool'.  When we met her at the farm, she wagged her tail and was ready to play. There was no sorrow or fear written on that beautiful face and every stranger - human or dog - was treated with a delightful jump. Polka surely must see life through rose-tinted glasses!

When Polka arrived home for the first time, she ran into every room and back and then looked up at us with her large inquisitive eyes, as if to say, 'And the adventure continues. Life is indeed a circus and I always take centre-stage. After all, it’s all about rolling and tumbling through purple hoops in a sky blue suit. Isn’t it?’

Happy Birthday, my dear Polka!