Helllooo Hooo-mans and Woofies alike! This is Tinker here again, reporting from D's house.
We had a tiring day! I am happy that this year D was around to celebrate my birthday. We went to M's house and played with Apollo, Candy and Auntie F! However, I wasn't too happy when D gave me a smacking for being naughty to Candy. =(
Welllll, on the bright side, he bought me a big beautiful cake from US Doggie Bakery. There were a few hiccups - the cake was wrong, came late and we were charged the wrong price, but the kind baker and driver has sorted it out with M. We all agreed to overlook the wrong cake thing since the cake was already here and we couldnt wait to dig in!
My Delicious Cakie Wakie! Yummieee!
We were supposed to have the cake with fresh strawberries, but oh well. Even the Hooo-mans ate the cake and thought it was quite good!
M said that Apollo could only eat a little little bit, but D didn’t listen! It made M frown a little, but Apollo boy was so happy!
See the icing on Apollo boy's nose?
Candy was acting high class and only wanted the cake when it came with a lot of icing.
I ate A LOT and I LOVE IT!! Here is a peekture of me eating:
I got so messy that D had to bathe me after that! Hoho.
Anyway, I came to a conclusion that BarkDays should be celebrated 365 days a year. I know it is impossible, but its not too bad, 10 days till Apollo & Candy's BarkDay and another cake will be coming!
Hello Peeps! This is Tinker Boy here. Candy let me use the blog as a birthday present (although i understand it is supposed to be OUR blog).
This pre-birthday post is specially for me to say:
THANK YOU Auntie I and Birdy for my birthday gift! YEY YEY YEY!
It's the first time I got a surprise present! I cant wait to see what it is, M won't let me open it till tomorrow!
PS: We are trying to upload the picture but there just seems to be a problem =(
Anyways, you'll get to see the OPENED gift tomorrow! I cant wait! I heard there will be goodies such as cake, which we only eat once or twice a year because its not very healthy. While D doesnt mind feeding me more of such stuff, M is very strict with Apollo and Candy. HAHA!
Update: Here is my gift from Auntie I and Vel-bird!
Finally our internet is working! Tinker came to stay with us while D was away, and initially he kept whining and wooing me! I know I'm simply irresistable. (M: Yeah right, we made an appointment with Dr Hsu to neuter Tinks already.)
Well, before the 15 days are over, HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR to all of you, from all over the world! Don't forget the red packets, one for each of us.
Our own Mommy didnt give us any red packets, but she ordered alot of food from a butchery! They can be found in Our Yum Yum's page. Here is a picture of a handsome hunk, by the way.
The President of the American Greyhound Track Operators Association even said to People Magazine, “The animals must be disposed of. It’s an economic thing.”
Why is it that our greyhound friends have to suffer because of MONEY? Do YOU think its right that someone else dies for the sake of filling your pockets? Please think again! Greyhound racing does not only mean the animals are killed, these poor things have to go through hell before God frees them of their pain.
You might think that retired or injured greyhounds do get adopted, but remember, for every one greyhound adopted, it means another dog loses it's second and probably last chance at life. We aren't saying don't adopt greyhounds, but for the good of greyhounds, we need to get to the root of the problem. As Judy Paulsen, Founder of Greyhound Companions of New Mexico says, "Adoption is not the answer. It is merely a band-aid on a hemmorhaging jugular.".
"Why are there so many "retired" racing greyhounds in need of homes?", you ask. To produce exceptionally fast greyhounds, breeders overbreed and breed in large numbers. This selfish act causes the rest of the slower greyhounds to be abandoned, killed or given away. Some starve to death even before people can rescue them. Do not forget that the greyhounds are UNSTERILIZED and unlike rehomers or rescue groups, the breeders do not screen potential owners! This results in a vicious circle of 'newbies' hoping to break into the industry taking these hounds for overbreeding and then giving them away again.
Remember this, Without the destruction of the greyhound racing industry, no matter how many Greyhounds [the greyhound rescue groups] manage to find homes for, there will always be those who die mutilated in racing accidents; suffocate during transport; lie injured to perish in crates as a result of receiving little or no veterinary attention; and the list goes on and on.
Fever's Story
Fever, when she was rescued
To read Fever's story, please click the link below.
Greyhounds were initially thought to be dangerous and unadoptable by majority of the humane societies.
The number of greyhounds destroyed is nearly impossible to determine. Not every breeder registers their dogs with the NGA and the fate of these unregistered dogs are not trackable.
Information disseminated by the NGA pertaining to the number of greyhounds destroyed each year and the number placed into adoptive homes is misleading. Using the few surveys they distributed years ago, their statistics regarding the number of dogs being placed by adoption groups is pure speculation and likely overestimated. And for the above reason, they cannot possibly know the massive numbers of greyhounds actually being destroyed. Their claim that the number of greyhounds being bred each year is declining, must be regarded with skepticism.
Cases of abuse and neglect of greyhounds by trainers and breeders are underreported due to fear of retaliation by industry peers. The relatively small number of cases reported usually come from those who have defected from the industry in abhorrence of industry injustices and grotesque abuses witnessed.
Because greyhounds are generally docile by nature, they are prime specimens for research and veterinary teaching schools. The number of greyhounds turned over to these institutions has been greatly underestimated as demonstrated by a recent disclosure that over 900 greyhounds had been surrendered by trainers to a Colorado veterinary school in one year. The figures had been previously reported to be in the range of 300 until greyhound rights advocates uncovered the grisly truth. The dean of this veterinary school admits they destroy 500 greyhounds per year that are not even used for any teaching purposes.
After their association with the racing industry was exposed, the Colorado university agreed to eliminate their practice of destroying the glut of dogs coming off the Colorado race tracks; however, it is interesting to note that the number of dogs now available to adoption programs in that area is nowhere near the large numbers once being turned over to the university — where are those dogs? Are they being shipped off to other areas where they can be disposed of without the media attention and heightened public awareness that now exists in Colorado?
Slow and injured dogs are loaded onto "kill trucks" to make room for better performers in the kennel. Some are euthanised, others are less fortunate and are shot or bludgeoned to death.
Greyhounds are transported long distances during the heat of summer in trucks without air conditioning. There have been tragic reports of trucks reaching their destination only to open the compartments and find dead or dying greyhounds as a result of exposure to extreme heat.
Other species of animals such as rabbits are destroyed as a result of the dog racing industry Methods for training the most successful racers involve the torture and mutilation of animals that are used as "live lure" to heighten the prey instinct of the greyhound in training. Dogs trained by this method are considered ineligible for competing on most tracks; however, track officials often turn their heads to allow these more aggressive, crowd-pleasing dogs to compete.
*Fever's Story, pictures, quotes (in red), the "Did You Know" section and majority of the information are the courtesy of Greyhound Companions of New Mexico. You may visit their website through the sidebar of the blog. They have information on greyhound behavior and health too.
Our family has agreed to help anyone in need of spreading the word!
About Animal Welfare Issues
If you have an animal welfare issue to bring up, eg. Cruelty in Puppymills (which we'll be doing soon), feel free to email us.
Be sure to add in supporting evidence (pictures, videos, statements, references). We'll do some research about it and post it up once its done!
About Rehoming An Animal
If you arerehoming an animal friend, please email us with all the details listed below, preferbly with a picture. We'll do a post for you as well!
The ONLY condition to spreading the word is that you are not SELLING the animal, but rehoming it for no cost.
If you wish to set an adoption fee, you have to explain what the money is for, and where it goes to. Receipts of defraying vet bills etc MUST be given to us for publishing, and we will NOT post if there is even a cent of profit involved. If anyone has given us proof that you are profiteering, we will delete your post immediately.
Also, you are advised to let the adoptor sign an adoption contract and make it compulsory to sterilize an intact animal.
Details which MUST be given:
Breed: Name: Age: Gender: Neutered Male/Intact Male/Spayed Female/Intact Female Reason for being given up: Good with kids: Good with other dogs: Good with other animals: Dog's temperament: Dog's problems: Ideal Owner: Ideal Home: Other info:
How are you related to the dog: Owner/fosterer etc Contact:
*You can also leave a comment after you sent an email to remind us to look it over.
We came across some facts about Greyhound Racing while surfing the internet, and are extremely disgusted with the humans who did this to our fellow canines!
While M was in Aussie, she saw ads for greyhound racing, but she never knew about the horrors! We strongly urge anyone who is overseas NOT to go to any races at all. Please help us SAVE THE GREYHOUNDS!
One of the ten starving greyhounds found in South Phoenix pens with little food and no water. Taken from the Greyhound Protection League (www.greyhounds.org)
Greyhounds found in an Idaho dump near the dog track, shot or bludgeoned to death. Taken from the Greyhound Protection League (www.greyhounds.org)
If you dont think you can read the whole article, at least read the bolded parts.
1. Do problems exist with greyhound racing?
Yes. Greyhound racing constitutes animal abuse because of the industry's excessive surplus breeding practices, the often cruel methods by which unwanted dogs are destroyed, the daily conditions in which many dogs are forced to live, and the killing and maiming of bait animals, such as rabbits, during training exercises. The industry exists solely for the entertainment and profit of people—often at the expense of the animals' welfare.
2. Where does the greyhound racing industry get dogs?
Every year, the industry breeds tens of thousands of greyhounds, more than it can place at racetracks. This overbreeding is motivated by the desire to produce "winning" dogs. Thousands of greyhounds at each track are disposed of yearly to bring in a "fresh" group of dogs. A dog's racing career is usually over at 3½ to 4 years of age.
If able to live out his or her full life as a companion animal, a greyhound may live 13 or more years. Unfortunately, the industry kills greyhounds at various stages in the dogs' lives because they appear to lack racing potential or are injured. Many dogs, when they are no longer profitable, are adopted into good homes through rescue groups, but thousands are not. As with any business, profit is the bottom line; as a result, greyhounds are often destroyed using the least expensive methods, including gunshot. Reports of bludgeoning, abandonment, and starvation have also surfaced. Veterinarians humanely euthanize some greyhounds.
4. What is the daily existence of a racing dog like?
Racing greyhounds spend the majority of their adult lives in crates or pens or in fenced enclosures. Human companionship is limited. Many enclosures are not climate-controlled, causing the dogs distress during inclement weather.
5. Are any other animals abused by the greyhound racing industry?
Greyhound training activities have been known to maim and kill thousands of domestic rabbits and wild jackrabbits every year. (This estimate is based on HSUS investigations into the illegal importation of rabbits as well as the use of animals in training events.) One particular event known as "coursing" involves greyhounds chasing, terrorizing and eventually killing rabbits within fenced enclosures. Some industry representatives argue that this activity enhances the dogs' racing ability because they'll develop a "taste for blood." But greyhounds are sight, not blood, hounds, and their inclination to run is instigated by a moving object, not the scent of blood. The use of live lures is not permitted in at least 16 states, but such laws are difficult to enforce.
6. Why would a state legalize greyhound racing?
Lawmakers initially perceived racing as a way to raise needed revenue. Most were, at first, unaware of the inhumane treatment involved. The reality, however, is that state revenue generated by dog tracks amounts, on average, to far less than one percent of a state's annual income, and has been declining markedly in recent years.
7. What is the status of greyhound racing?
With attendance at racetracks dwindling nationwide, greyhound racing is on the decline, yet it is still entrenched in a number of states. Seven states have specific bans on live greyhound racing: Idaho, Maine, North Carolina, Nevada, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. All of these bans were passed in the 1990s. Forty-six tracks operate in 15 states. Nineteen of those tracks operate seasonally, and the other 27 operate year-round. Simulcasting, which is the televised transmission or reception of a live race to or from an out-of-state racetrack or off-track betting site, takes place in two other states.
During the 1990s, the greyhound racing industry's gross betting handle (total amount wagered) declined by a staggering 45%. State revenue from greyhound racing in the 1990s decreased by an even greater percentage. If simulcasting monies were subtracted from the bottom line, declines would have been even greater, showing that on-track betting and live racing are sharply declining sources of income and entertainment. In the past decade, 16 tracks either closed or stopped hosting live racing. While the U.S. economy experienced unprecedented growth and prosperity during that time, greyhound racing took a nosedive. Americans are clearly voting with their wallets and consciences that they do not want any part of this business.
Gaming industry* statistics paint a bleak picture: Of the entire $61.6 billion gambling market, greyhound racing held a 0.7% share in 2000. That's a decline of 6.65%, or $32.6 million, from 1999 figures.
8. How is the greyhound racing industry fighting back?
Because of the unavoidable economic trends, many tracks have lost enthusiasm for dog racing and, instead, are concentrating on gaming. Currently, five tracks in three states (Iowa, Rhode Island, and West Virginia) have slots, but tracks everywhere are pushing state legislatures to add slot machines, video lottery terminals, and/or some other forms of gambling to prop up their flailing dog-racing operations. A recent Orlando Sentinel article detailed how the gaming industry—which includes greyhound racing—and its lobbyists have flooded Florida state legislators with contributions, despite the electorate repeatedly voting down proposals to expand gambling in the state.
The expansion of gaming at dog tracks may improve some tracks' financial problems, but it will definitely perpetuate the misery and untimely destruction of healthy, young, and adoptable greyhounds. International Gaming and Wagering Business said, "If racing is to prove the New York Times wrong and survive in America, making new fans isn't the first priority, it's the only priority. Industries that can't recruit new customers die." In almost every state where greyhound racing exists, dog tracks are pressing for tax relief or state subsidies to survive.
9. Could the greyhound racing industry ever be operated in a humane manner?
No. The racing industry is inherently cruel. Greyhound racing is a form of gaming in which the amount of money a dog generates determines his or her expendability. The answer for greyhounds is neither regulation nor adoption of "retired" dogs, but the elimination of the greyhound racing industry.
10. Aren't "retired" greyhounds adopted? What happens to those who aren't adopted?
Greyhounds make wonderful companion animals and are loving and responsive to human contact. Unfortunately, thousands of "retired" greyhounds are not adopted each year. Many greyhound owners use adoption programs as dumping grounds when their dogs are no longer profitable. Although The Humane Society of the United States applauds the efforts of those volunteers who give their time and money to place unwanted greyhounds in loving homes, thousands of these dogs are still destroyed each year because there are not enough homes to accept them. In 2000, an estimated 19,000 greyhounds were killed.* This includes 7,600 greyhound puppies who were farm culls, and another 11,400 "retirees" who were not rescued. Other greyhounds are either sold to research labs, returned to breeding facilities to serve as breeding stock, or sent to foreign racetracks, sometimes in developing countries with appalling track conditions.
11. Who oversees the racing industry? Aren't there laws to protect greyhounds?
State racing commissions exist to regulate the industry, but their primary function is to protect the state's financial interests, not to enhance animal welfare practices. The racing industry is virtually self-regulated. Unlike other commercial animal enterprises—such as animal breeding, zoos, circuses, and animal transportation via airlines—greyhound racing is not governed by the federal Animal Welfare Act, which is enforced by the United States Department of Agriculture.
13. What is The Humane Society of the United States doing to help solve this problem?
The HSUS investigates industry abuses, works to educate the public about the inherent cruelty of this industry, and initiates and supports legislation to ban greyhound racing. The HSUS believes that as long as greyhound racing continues in this country, dogs bred for no other reason than to race will be needlessly put to death. We believe the dog-racing industry has a lifelong responsibility for the adoption of every dog it breeds. This population includes not only retired racers, but also thousands of industry-bred puppies who never make it to the track because they are deemed unsuitable for racing.
14. What YOU can do?
Don't participate in the cruelty of greyhound racing by attending or betting on dog races.
Tell your friends, family, and coworkers about the tragedy of greyhound racing.
Distribute copies of this web page.
If your state or neighboring state has a greyhound track, write to state officials to express your opposition to greyhound racing. Tell them that greyhounds belong in loving homes, not on race tracks.
Contact The HSUS for model legislation to ban greyhound racing.
*As reported by Greyhound Network News and the Greyhound Protection League
Please click on the link above to find out more about our greyhound brothers and sisters!
On NY's Eve, D decided on the spur of the moment that he would like to try some shots for us, with the help of uncle H and M. You may notice the backdrops and stuff arent perfect (especially grooming the perfect ME), because they were in a hurry to setup.
Here are some of the pics, M said she loves 'Uncle Apollo' the most. HAHA!
And just one memory of Kola...
M: This picture was taken the last time D and I tried to setup the backdrop. We put his cushion underneath the backdrop so he just went to lie on it unexpectedly!
Less than 6 days have passed since you left me, I still remember the first day I met you.
It was at my grooming instructor's pet shop. You were there for grooming. I still cant forget the way your eyes shone, how you wanted to jump on to me, despite the situation you were in. Did you even understand how much trouble you were in? Or were you still happy because you knew someone would save you.
You could say the reason I opened my heart to you was partly becaused you reminded me of Cocoa. But i knew you were different. You may be the same breed, same color even, but you look worlds apart to me. Your personalities were like chalk and cheese.
Still, I decided that you should not die because of a human. I was determined to rescue you. We tried so hard to find you a nice home. There were so many applications i rejected because I knew they were not the right ones. Just when I thought I got you the best home, you bit their kids. Not once, not twice. Many times. Once you even bit your M at that time. Despite them trying, you just didnt seem to behave.
Auntie J took you back for boarding and wanted your ex-M to pay the bill. Up to this day I still remember her SMSes. She told me to bring you to SPCA and that she will never part with a cent for you. She even scolded me for SMSing as it cost 5cents, as opposed to the FREE email. I couldnt believe it. It was your life we were talking about and she wanted to save 5cents and spend more time emailing?
D took you home again, because Auntie J refused to keep you without being paid. We tried so hard to accomodate you, but obviously D's place wasnt big enough to accomodate two dogs. Chinese New Year was coming... I pleaded to bring you back home.
"Until D comes back", I told your Grand-Mommy.
Days passed since D landed in Sunny Island again, slowly months slipped away. At times Grand-Mommy got angry with you, so did Grand-Daddy. It was because you bit people.. And not to mention, fought with Candy and bullied Apollo. The house was topsy turvy with you.
I pleaded with them, and they relented. Actually, deep down inside, I know that they miss the topsy turvy you turned this house into as well. It is so quiet now Kola...
We really miss you so. People keep telling me, that you are in a better place now. You dont need to suffer. You wouldnt want to see me like this. You would want me to move on.
I know all these, but letting go isn't easy. I know that it wasn't easy for you to let go as well.. Especially since you finally got Home.
I will live on happily, I promise you. I just need time... I will get over the grief, but i will never stop loving you.
More than two years have passed since Cocoa left me, I still think about her everyday. And now, i will think of both of you... And see you in my dreams.
Previously I've mentioned that M ordered some remedies for our Angelic Kola from Far Far Away.
They arrived only today, and since St Kola isnt around to use them, M gives them to us!
She bought quite a few remedies, among them, Life Cell Support and Vibactra.
As Life Cell Support can be used to detox the body and enhance the immune system, M doses us with the recommended feeding, and OH MY DOG! THEY TASTE BITTERRRR!!
And trust me, Vibactra doesnt taste any better! But M insists that we take them because of our skin problems. These are natural remedies made of organic herbs, thus M is happy to use them on us.
It is too early to see any results, but M seems to love these products. In fact she is so happy that she is bringing in many more of these products, for tummy, heart, kidney, blahblahblah. C'mon M! These are borrrrrringgggg.
(M: Apollo is not young anymore, so i hope to have these remedies on standby rather than panic and import them. Most people may not trust these products but i spoke to and trust the person who helped formulate some of them.
Many people prefer to leave illnesses and diseases to the vets, I wish I could too. But I've seen for myself the effectiveness of traditional medicine, when Cocoa passed away, when Kola followed thereafter, when my hamsters and rabbits died one by one. Since the vets cannot save them anyway, I have nothing to lose by trying these remedies.
Apollo's skin problem recovered fully only after going natural by the way.)
M thinks that grooming is very important, thats why she signed on for a professional grooming course almost three years ago. Now she grooms us herself, and with the help of D.
M & D both think that we should be as close to the breed standard as possible, and do not encourage shaving. We'll talk about that later on, but for now here are our grooming tools.
The Green brush is our Les Poochs Pro Brush with medium bristles and a soft flex. As it is double sided, and can be bent, M loves to use this to brush us as she says that it can dematt easily.
The Yellow brush is our Les Poochs Soft Bristle brush, M thought that this would be good for my delicate coat but she now prefers the Green brush as she says that my coat is so thick so a lil breakage wont hurt =(
The two steel combs you see are the Chris Christensen Buttercombs.
The one on the left is the 7.5inch long tooth comb, M says that it is great because it can reach allll the way down to the skin when she combs me.
It is important to comb all the way from the root so that the hair does not matt at the root. Some people only brush the surface. The hair may look ok, but if the root is matted, sooner or later the whole body of fur will be too. And dematting is PAINNNNFULLLLLL.
The comb on the right is the Poodle Comb, M said that she loves to fluff Kola up with this comb.
M decided to login FaceBook today as she rarely did, because there were a few requests.
She found this group that donated $10 to SPCA with every 1000 members. People with facebook, please join! Every cent makes a difference to our poor animal friends in SPCA. Kola-la was once in SPCA and nearly sent back until M took him in by the way.
Anyway she found a real nice quote there, credited to www.peta.org:
Why we should be vegetarian and save animals...
the question is not, Can they reason?, nor Can they talk? but, Can they suffer? -Jeremy Bentham
We realise in our lives that there are many who love animals, but even more who do not view them as an equal. M's cousin ever asked M why she bothered spending so much time and money on us. We are afterall, 'just dogs'.
M was unhappy with the comment. (M: They are my kids, my family. We do not treat family as an inferior species.)
Lastly, M hopes that those who dont think that animals are worth a damn, can jump off a bridge and die. She says that if a person does not have compassion for animals, how can he have compassion for humans?
For humans who think they are superior to us dogs, or other species, please reconsider your stand. A life is a life isn't it? Humans have subjected many animals to different kinds of torture - killing cats and dogs, hunting elephants for their ivory tusks, and others for their skin. Is this really necessary?
Remember, dogs have and will continue to help humans in their daily lives, including saving others. One day, our canine brother may save your life.
There are alot of things on our minds, which we wish to blog about but right now we are feeling very tired about all that has happened. We'll continue on this soon!
They burnt (M: Cremated!) Kola at Tengoku (www.tengoku.com.sg) instead of at Mount Pleasant as M decided she couldnt wait till Monday.
The people at Mount Pleasant were nice this time, and even wrapped up Kola's body nicely, which M was grateful for.
Sam from Tengoku was very nice and understanding as well when he spoke over the phone with M. When M and D, together with Uncle H, brought Kola to the farm, the Tengoku guy, Ah Teng, recognized D! It turns out that they were staying in the same building block. (M: She means the same block of flats.)
After the ceremony, Uncle Ah Teng even brought the ashes back to D's place because he knew M wanted it by today.
Kola-la is finally home, M seems a little happier although she still cries sometimes. Apollo and I are at a loss. We don't know how to console M. We know how much she loves Kola, and us. We miss Kola too, although we don't really show it.
M: Thank you so much, Ling, Ah Teng and Sam. Special thanks to D for being with me all this awhile too, and H, loving my dogs so much.
M wrote this poem for our beloved Kola-la. We really miss him so.
----------------------------------- A Poem To Kola
You came to me, as a homeless. We tried to find you a home, Although there were many who were heartless. We knew you didn't want to be alone.
Thus we brought you back. In the morning, you would wake me up. Before you raided the rubbish for your daily snack. At night, you would lie just like a pup.
There were good times and bad times. At times, you bit, fought and scratched. But you would also win hearts with your whines. I thought you and I were the perfect match!
Everyday you would wake me, By scratching at the door to go out. When your antics, no one would see, You would sit there and just pout.
Christmas Eve, I remember, You running about greeting guests, How I wish that moment would last forever, For now, all i think about is your zest.
When I received the call, I remember my heart beating faster. They said you had no chance at all, because of the dreaded cancer.
I asked to see you again, I wanted to say goodbye. But when I saw you in so much pain, All I could do was cry.
When your time came, And God took you away, I cried out your name, Without you, how could I get through a day?
I was with you till the very end. Until you breathed your last. Even though my heart may never mend, In my life, I am thankful for your cast.
In Heaven, where all dogs go, You can run with freedom, Across the green meadows, Without your joints being a burden.
There you can finally be happy, You eat without having a price to pay Past each day without a worry, As i'm sure we will be reunited one day.
I love you endlessly, And I know you love me too, With a heart so pure and plenary And a love so true.
M: This Christmas, Kola woke me up at 0530 with his whines. His stomach was bloated again.
Both of us rushed down to MP Hospital as that was the only vet open, and he was put on drip. Doctor suspected something was wrong with his pancreas although blood tests showed it was ok.
At 8am, the other vet came in and did the ultrasound for Kola. They suspected telescoping of the intestines (where one part of the intestine sucked the other part in) and found pus in Kola's stomach. That means an infection in the stomach, and also the telescoped part of the intestines will have to be cut off. The stomach has to be opened to be cleaned and drained of the pus and gas as well. Chances of survival were 50/50 with the op, and 0% without the op. He would die today without the op. We gave the go ahead.
1230, the vet called me. Bad news. They found a tumour in Kola's pancreas. It was pressing against the stomach, intestine and liver - which is why he had pus, bloat and liver problems. He had cancer of the pancreas.
The vet said with the most intense antibiotics and medicine, he could last another two days at most. We saw the tumour, 1/4 of it. It was the size of a big meatball, i couldnt imagine such a big lump inside him, he went for tests last week! How come nobody knew?
We all could see his suffering.. It would be selfish to make him hold on for our sake.. We decided to let him go. We decided to let him go to a place where there is no suffering anymore, where he doesnt have to compete with other dogs, get hated by humans. A place without starvation, without hatred and cruelty. Without pain and suffering.
To Kola:
My dear Kola, I'm really sorry. For the past 10months we were together, I tried to give you the best. I know you were jealous of Apollo and Candy, but at least you had a place to call Home. For the past 5 years of your life, you were bounced from place to place because you bit people. You raided rubbish bins and fought with other dogs. But at long last, you were home.
Now, you dont have to suffer anymore. You dont have to endure the pain in your tummy, the pain that no one knew you were going through. You dont have to compete for attention, dont have to get scolded for stealing food.. Just run over the rainbow bridge, look for familiar faces. You can look for your sister Cocoa if you wish.
On Monday, you will be cremated and we will bring your ashes back, to our home. I love you Kola. I always did.
Thank you my dear, for waiting for me. For giving me the chance to say one last goodbye to you.
Yours and Forever, M
To my Mom: Thank you for giving me your support through this period. I know times are bad, but you willingly forked out the money to go ahead with his treatment although you knew chances are slim because you wanted to save him. I love you Mom.
About a month or two ago, M decided that we should use Martingale collars instead of our usual ones, and since the old ones were getting dirty anyway she ordered these very very special collars made just for US!
Martingales are usually used for hounds, whose necks are thicker than the head. The collars are chokers but unlike choke chains which put pressure on the trachea, these martingales put pressure on the entire neck, so they don't damage the throat. It acts as an anti slip collar as well, which is why hounds usually use these. But M thinks we need this too as I loveeee to back out of my collar. Its fun!
Apollo not only has a Martingale, he has a walking lead as well, which is a Martingale collar and lead all into one. It was also custom made for Apollo and M loved the design. It has padding at the collar part as well and Apollo says its much more comfortable than the old collar.
Right in front: Apollo's walking lead. The red collar with stars is Tinker's, the one white and blue is Kola's and the red and white BITCH collar is MINE!
Apollo's martingale collar is not in this picture as M took all the gear from the previous beach trip to take this peekture.
M says that we don't need one because Kola and I share a coupler. She loves using the coupler as she says that we don't get tangled anymore as we did before. And the lead part she holds has a shock absorber as well!
The coupler with the shock absorbing lead.
The part where the coupler extension connects to the lead is made of three rings, so it won't tangle Kola and I up. Thats the main reason why M decided to get a coupler.
Awhile ago, M ordered some Bach Flower Essences for us. She says it'll help with our emotional well-being whatever that means. Do note that these flower essences are made and can be used for humans.
These are what she bought:
Rescue Remedy: Made from five Flower Essences: Cherry Plum, Clematis, Impatiens, Rock Rose and Star of Bethlehem. Helps relieve stress.
Vine: Allows you to be a leader without being domineering.
Chicory: Allows you to love someone without being possessive.
Holly: Encourages a forgiving and generous nature.
She also bought Olive for D. There is a service in Singapore where they custom blend Flower Essences for you too if you wish, but M imported these directly from Far Far Away so she blends them herself. M thinks that they are good for dogs that are emotionally troubled, so be sure to check this out! Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, it worked with us.. At least M thinks it did.
I overheard M chatting with her friend, and she mentioned that she would be changing some of part of our diet into organic because of the Black One's recent liver disease. She thinks that Organic is the way to go, so that Apollo, Tinker and I wouldnt get caught by the Liver Disease Monster. I told her that only Black dogs will get caught by the Monster, since the Black One is well, Black. But she says no, that isnt true.
Our yum yums will be listed here from now on. (M: This is just what they'll have generally, not specifically for every meal. That will be in a later post.)
Our Main Diet:
1. Raw Meat & Bones - M said that it will cost too much to change our diet entirely into Organic, but she'll try to convert most of it or at least use free range meats if possible.
These are some of the stuff we eat:
Free Range Lamb Kidney
Free Range Lamb Heart
Free Range Lamb Liver
Free Range Veal Liver
Free Range Veal Heart
Free Range Empress Chicken (Whole)
Free Range Chicken Carcass
Organic Beef
Organic Chicken Breast
Lamb
Mutton
Game Hen
Lamb Shanks
Salmon
Cod
Beef Lungs
Beef Liver
Young Organic Chicken, for us and grand-ma!
Free Range Lamb Heart
Free Range Beef Marrow Bones
Free Range Veal Bones
Free Range Veal Heart
Free Range Veal Liver
2. Veggie Blend - M has always bought Organic veggies for us to eat, and they are deeeeeelicious. We eat almost any kind of veggie, RAW. That includes but is not limited to carrots, cabbage, butterheads, xiao bai cai, nai bai, french beans, and many many more!
3. Yogurt - As some of you may know, M makes yogurt for us herself, with the help of some bacteria. All along she used normal cows milk from the supermarket to make our Yoggie, but from now she is only going to use Organic Milk.
Organic Yogurt stored in a glass airtight tupperware
4. Goats Milk - I love this the most as I get the MOST! It is not organic as far as we know, but its fresh from the farm.
5. Organic Thorvin Icelandic Kelp - M bought this from far far away, it is said to be full of trace elements.
Organic Thorvin Icelandic Kelp
6. Organic Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth - M bought this together with the Kelpie, mainly to kill our Tickies, and it worked! She also feeds us some of this white stuff sometimes to kill something inside us. She calls them worms.
Organic Food-grade Diatomaceous Earth
7. Bovine Colostrum - From Newwwww Zealand, it is the first food of all beings! Even you humans! M said that it boosts our immune system and so we must have it with every meal, because our constitution isnt very good. WE LOVE THE TASTE!! YEY!
Our Yummy Bovine Colostrum
As for our Treats, M dehydrates them herself! And occasionally she bakes muffins, cookies or whatever she feels like. Her latest creation was Carob Cookies. The picture will b e up soon!
Now Apollo and I finally figured out why the Black One is called Kola.. As you know, there is a drink called Koka Kola (M: thats Coca Cola), and its a fizzy drink. About 5 days ago, M and D had to rush Kola to the hospital because he was bloated (read: fizzy drinks!).
Day One We went to Sentosa with D and Uncle H earlier in the day, even Tinker came, but no photos as Uncle H forgot to bring D's camera along.
(M: We noticed Kola was bloated and he didnt even sniff at his dehydrated treats. It was worrying!)
Kola was put on drip and had an Xray that night at Mount Pleasant Hospital, as M didnt know that our regular vet, Companion Animal Surgery, had a 24 hour facility now. (M: They are on call after hours.) The bill was a whooping $660+, grrrrrrrrr, that amount could feed us for slightly more than two months! Think of all the good food down the drain, cause of the Black One.
Day Two M & D woke up at 8.30am to bring Kola to CAS for further check up. Dr Chua allowed M to bring Kola home, and was told that as long as he stopped vomitting and started eating normally (bland COOKED food they say), he should be OK, another check up would be scheduled in the next week.
However, after 2 hours of reaching home, Kola vomitted FOUR times! Poor poor Auntie G had to clean the floor FOUR times!! M offered him yogurt and boiled chicken but he didnt even sniff! Thats crazy, whoever heard of the Black One rejecting food?! M was worried and called Dr Chua, who told us to bring him back.
He was put on drip again, and his temperature hit above 40deg C. Blood tests and haematology showed liver enzymes and white blood cell count higher than usual. They suspect a liver infection.
Day Three Kola kept biting off the drip line, so the doctors gave him injections instead. It was slightly more painful, but he deserved it!!!! HAHAHA! On the bright side, his fever had subsided and he was eating. The nurses said he was playful (read: naughty).
Day Four Doctor said Kola was looking good, no bloat and eating. No fever as well.
Day Five Kola came home!! Not that we're extremely overjoyed about this, we wished M could've booked him in longer. (M: Hello! This stay cost us $1.5k!)
Dr Lee and Dr Chua both said no more raw food for Kola, only cooked. And that awful Science Diet L/D for two weeks. My gosh! M isnt too happy about that though, she says that she has read some of the books she bought and websites that say raw food is especially important for dogs with liver disease. Of course, these books were written by holistic vets like Dr Pitcairn.
M has ordered some natural antibiotics and liver 'remedy/supplement' to be fed to the Black One. According to Auntie J, the lady in the land of far far away (M: thats the USA), the natural antibiotic can be fed in place of the one Dr Chua prescribed. We arent too sure about that though, we really wish there was a holistic vet in Sunny Island! Anyway by the time the natural stuff come, the medicine from CAS has probably finished. Dr Chua gave the go ahead for the natural liver supplement, after M asked her about it by the way.
Although this is the first time M and Kola has been to Dr Chua and Dr Lee, they are really nice people! Unlike the one at the previous clinic where poor older sis Cocoa passed away in.. I hope IF i get sick, nice people like Dr Chua and Dr Lee will be looking after me too!
M is also revising our diet, the nutritional yeast seemed to have made our skin itchy, so she's stopping that. Colostrum is yum yum by the way, we had it just now. I'll post our diet up after she's done with it, i hope SOOOON. I feel hungry just thinking about it!
M and D brought us out today. Uncle H also came along! It has been sooooooo long since we last saw him!
We all went to the beach, where my dear brother Apollo had to jump in the sea many many times to rescue a rubber duckie. I don't quite understand the logic, if rubber duckie wanted Apollo to rescue him so many times, why wont he stop jumping in?
Apollo watching rubber duckie. Bravely retrieving rubber duckie from the cold waters. This is what Golden Retrievers are bred for, except they retrieve real game. But we eat some game meats at home already, so I guess Apollo doesnt have to hunt for us!
Having a rest and waiting for rubber duckie to go into the waters again.
Apollo to the rescueeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Doesn't he look so cool in this photo?
At the end of the day, a very happy Apollo boy.
We found this Black One wandering around the beach... (M: Yeah right, and at the pink end of the coupler stood the Princess.) Mom!!!! I let it slip when you didnt let me publish any of my photos, but THIS IS TOOOO MUCH!!! GRRRRRRR!
My Delicious Cakie Wakie! Yummieee!
See the icing on Apollo boy's nose?
Young Organic Chicken, for us and grand-ma!
Free Range Lamb Heart
Free Range Veal Heart
Free Range Veal Liver
Organic Thorvin Icelandic Kelp
Organic Food-grade Diatomaceous Earth
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Apollo watching rubber duckie.
Bravely retrieving rubber duckie from the cold waters. This is what Golden Retrievers are bred for, except they retrieve real game. But we eat some game meats at home already, so I guess Apollo doesnt have to hunt for us!
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At the end of the day, a very happy Apollo boy.