Monday, January 19, 2009
Hobbit de Alameda, California
My dear Hobbit is turning 11 this year! His happy-go-lucky attitude matches his "I love the world and the world must love me" outlook and approach to life ;)
C&N Update
A lot has changed. My landlord asked me to get rid of the puppies as soon as possible. As a result, I had to drop them off at SPCA.
That day when I dropped off Novaya and Choco at SPCA in Grenada, Caribbeans, the SPCA lady told me that Novaya tried to bite her when she tried to pick her up. Immediately, I picked up Novaya and all was fine.
A few days ago, my friend (who is interested in adopting Choco) and I went to SPCA again. Initially, Novaya did not recognize me. She ran to the furtherest part of the kennel and gave aggressive dog parks. After I kneeled and called her name, she came wagging toward me and started to lick my hand. SPCA told me that they had to move Novaya from one part of the compound to another b/c her high pitch barks were disturbing neighbors.
We went to see Choco. Choco is not a barker. When we talk to the caretaker, he runs to other dogs and lays down to them, even though they are in kennels themselves, but he is free to run around.
SPCA told us that these two puppies are "feral-like" and are hard to adopt out. However, when I play with them, they are just like ordinary puppies. I think they are use to me and behave very affectionately. They might not pass the initial first impression with strangers, but with a patient, doggie-experienced household, they will flourish. During the short time that I had Novaya and Choco, I even took Novaya onto buses and shopping malls!
The future owners of these pups must understand that these pups were former street dogs and need a lot of patience/time in order to blossom. Their family need to give a lot of praise, love, time, and energy. Choco is a follower and would like to have a doggie sibling, while Novaya likes to be the only dog. Choco is smart; she lets Novaya do things first and if Novaya survives, she will follow. Smart? Ehh?
In sum, though SPCA claim these pups are feral dogs, when I am around, they eagerly give kisses on my face and hand just like any domesticated pups will. Their homes need to invest love, time, devotion, and trust in these pups. If they do so, just like I have, they will have loyal friends for the rest of their lives.
That day when I dropped off Novaya and Choco at SPCA in Grenada, Caribbeans, the SPCA lady told me that Novaya tried to bite her when she tried to pick her up. Immediately, I picked up Novaya and all was fine.
A few days ago, my friend (who is interested in adopting Choco) and I went to SPCA again. Initially, Novaya did not recognize me. She ran to the furtherest part of the kennel and gave aggressive dog parks. After I kneeled and called her name, she came wagging toward me and started to lick my hand. SPCA told me that they had to move Novaya from one part of the compound to another b/c her high pitch barks were disturbing neighbors.
We went to see Choco. Choco is not a barker. When we talk to the caretaker, he runs to other dogs and lays down to them, even though they are in kennels themselves, but he is free to run around.
SPCA told us that these two puppies are "feral-like" and are hard to adopt out. However, when I play with them, they are just like ordinary puppies. I think they are use to me and behave very affectionately. They might not pass the initial first impression with strangers, but with a patient, doggie-experienced household, they will flourish. During the short time that I had Novaya and Choco, I even took Novaya onto buses and shopping malls!
The future owners of these pups must understand that these pups were former street dogs and need a lot of patience/time in order to blossom. Their family need to give a lot of praise, love, time, and energy. Choco is a follower and would like to have a doggie sibling, while Novaya likes to be the only dog. Choco is smart; she lets Novaya do things first and if Novaya survives, she will follow. Smart? Ehh?
In sum, though SPCA claim these pups are feral dogs, when I am around, they eagerly give kisses on my face and hand just like any domesticated pups will. Their homes need to invest love, time, devotion, and trust in these pups. If they do so, just like I have, they will have loyal friends for the rest of their lives.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Beautiful Beginnings
Today marks the beginning of many new things:
1. After spending $50EC on transportation (their first time in the car!) and $110EC at Grenada SPCA, both pups are now
(1) vaccinated (5-in-1),
(2) have their rabie shots,
(3) are dewormed,
(4) placed on Revolution, the anti-flea/tick/heartworm/mange prevention treatment
(5) Got their ears cleaned
They will go into SGU Vet Clinic for their booster shots 3 weeks from now.
2. Choco is starting to learn to walk on a harness/leash. Initially, she resisted with all her might. Workers would pause to look at us as we practiced walking. They had a smile on their faces. At the end of our 45 minute walk, I see progress. Cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings :)
3. Choco gave me the best present this morning....I did not wake up to a pool of urine :) Hippie!! While Novaya is already housebroken, Choco still urinates in the room. But today, she was able to hold it in and waited until 5am to wake me up for a bathroom run. Throughout the day, she did not go to the bathroom in my room either and would wait until bathroom time to let it all out in "the wild, wild west." Novaya even held in her diarrhea (the medication is flushing out all the unwanted stuff in the body) and waited for our walks to let it out. I am touched.
4. When I sat down on the floor today, Novaya ran into my lap and wanted a belly rub. With the passing of each day, she is becoming more and more domesticated. While Choco intially behaved like a wild hooligan on the leash, at home, she gave me kisses.....Choco gave me kisses!!! Truth be told, if I did not have prior committment to two dogs (Tinky of GND and Hobbit of California), I would keep Novaya and Choco. I cannot imagine more loving dogs than them and to think that they were former street dogs as well.
Novaya would actually wait by the door for my return. How adorable is that? She is sleeping right next to me too! While there are many places for her to sleep in such as on the pillow, comfortable beds, airy/spacious/cool tiles in other parts of the apartment, or even in her private den underneath my bed, she would rather sleep cramped next to my desk with her neck leaning against my desk and her muzzle against my chair.
My heart hurts a little when I think about the day when they go to their forever homes, but I know that I cannot keep them. If I did keep them, I would end up with 4 dogs and that won't be fair to any of them.
1. After spending $50EC on transportation (their first time in the car!) and $110EC at Grenada SPCA, both pups are now
(1) vaccinated (5-in-1),
(2) have their rabie shots,
(3) are dewormed,
(4) placed on Revolution, the anti-flea/tick/heartworm/mange prevention treatment
(5) Got their ears cleaned
They will go into SGU Vet Clinic for their booster shots 3 weeks from now.
2. Choco is starting to learn to walk on a harness/leash. Initially, she resisted with all her might. Workers would pause to look at us as we practiced walking. They had a smile on their faces. At the end of our 45 minute walk, I see progress. Cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings :)
3. Choco gave me the best present this morning....I did not wake up to a pool of urine :) Hippie!! While Novaya is already housebroken, Choco still urinates in the room. But today, she was able to hold it in and waited until 5am to wake me up for a bathroom run. Throughout the day, she did not go to the bathroom in my room either and would wait until bathroom time to let it all out in "the wild, wild west." Novaya even held in her diarrhea (the medication is flushing out all the unwanted stuff in the body) and waited for our walks to let it out. I am touched.
4. When I sat down on the floor today, Novaya ran into my lap and wanted a belly rub. With the passing of each day, she is becoming more and more domesticated. While Choco intially behaved like a wild hooligan on the leash, at home, she gave me kisses.....Choco gave me kisses!!! Truth be told, if I did not have prior committment to two dogs (Tinky of GND and Hobbit of California), I would keep Novaya and Choco. I cannot imagine more loving dogs than them and to think that they were former street dogs as well.
Novaya would actually wait by the door for my return. How adorable is that? She is sleeping right next to me too! While there are many places for her to sleep in such as on the pillow, comfortable beds, airy/spacious/cool tiles in other parts of the apartment, or even in her private den underneath my bed, she would rather sleep cramped next to my desk with her neck leaning against my desk and her muzzle against my chair.
My heart hurts a little when I think about the day when they go to their forever homes, but I know that I cannot keep them. If I did keep them, I would end up with 4 dogs and that won't be fair to any of them.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Choco is up and running
Chocolate's behavior before getting hit by the car
:o She bullies Novaya during meal time. Chocolate would quickly finish her meal and run to Novaya, growl, and even snap at her to force her to abdicate her bowl. I usually stand in between these two puppies during meal time to prevent this disproportionate food consumption.
:o Novaya can play rough and her teething bite can hurt. Chocolate will growl and snap when Novaya becomes too much
Chocolate's behavior after getting hit by the car
:( Novaya now bullies her for food
:( Chocolate will run and duck her tails between her leg when Novaya plays rough.
:( I became Chocolate's personal bouncer!
Chocolate's behavior (yesterday 1/4/09)
:o "Let's start from the very beginning........"
:o She bullies Novaya during meal time. Chocolate would quickly finish her meal and run to Novaya, growl, and even snap at her to force her to abdicate her bowl. I usually stand in between these two puppies during meal time to prevent this disproportionate food consumption.
:o Novaya can play rough and her teething bite can hurt. Chocolate will growl and snap when Novaya becomes too much
Chocolate's behavior after getting hit by the car
:( Novaya now bullies her for food
:( Chocolate will run and duck her tails between her leg when Novaya plays rough.
:( I became Chocolate's personal bouncer!
Chocolate's behavior (yesterday 1/4/09)
:o "Let's start from the very beginning........"
Sunday, January 4, 2009
My GND dog: Tinkerbell
In the fall of 2008 I lived in SD6, the newly built dormitory on campus. I still remember how Tinky and I crossed path. One day I returned to the dorms for lunch. Afterwards as I was about to leave for class, a friendly black dog (Tinkerbell) greeted me wagging her tail near the staircase of the ground/first floor. To me, she looked skinny (though classmates think she is slightly overweight), ugly, dirty, and hungary. I invited her back to my room for some food. The thought of taking her in crossed my mind, but it was quickly erased. I asked her to leave and left her at the staircase.
Gradually for the next few days, I would prop my door open with a chair and put food in her bowl, I also made a "bed" for her to sleep in. I dared not keep her in the dorms.
There were times when we "clicked." I discovered that she usually comes to my place around 9:45 pm-ish. One day when she did not arrive on that time, I left my room to look for her. Just then, I heard her footsteps (she has long nails and they make a tapping sound when she walks on the tiled floor) and she appeared right around the corner. Her tail wagged and she smiled. I can recount on the many times we bounded and her special personalities.
I started to make inquires about this dog by asking random classmates around campus. There was something special about her. Gradually, I learned that she was heartworm positive and I decided to keep her. The next few paragraphs was the letter that I wrote to the school about letting her stay with us. I did not hear back from them for one month. During that month, I kept her with me in the dorms and we tried to maintain a low profile--going to the bathroom in the early morning and late evenings. Eventually the school told me to find her a foster home off campus. Somehow, I foresaw this and have found friendship in Christina who immediately came to pick up Tinky when the school gave us the ultimatum. To Christina, I am forever indebted. She took care of Tinky (drove Tinky to and from the vet clinic for her heartworm treatment, beach walks, socializing, etc.) for one month. During the beginning of finals week for medical students (final exams), Chrisitna was done with her school work and left the island for US. I would walk to Christina's home every day (morning and evening) to feed Tinky and walk her. I did so for one week until I was able to move into my current apartment whereby Tinky was allowed to stay. So, that's our Tinky story in a nutshell.
The letter to the School:
"There is something else that I need to ask you about....it is about having a dog in the dorms. I know it is illegal. However, my situation is different. There's a campus dog (old, black, female who is extremely friendly.....when random classmates found out that I have adopted her, they expressed relief and happiness.....that's how nice and popular she is). Some time last week, initially, I found her lingering in front of SD6 and invited her into my room for some food. Since then, she has been spending the nights (and eating dinner) at my place. I usually let her out in the morning and will prop the door open in the evening for her return. Last Friday night, I found her waiting for me at our staircase and since then, have decided to keep her.
I have been talking to different students on campus and found out that she was tested heartworm positive. I also washed her and found dead fleas on her as I combed her hair. She still has fleas and perhaps, even manges. She has missing patches of hair and given her age (10 years old plus), is just not in a good condition to be living outdoors. Her immune system is not as strong as it use to be and is more suspectible to external/internal parasites. The other campus dogs seem healthy with full hair and hardly any itches. But more importantly, my heart goes out to her for being such a friendly dog who is heartworm positive and yet no one is willing to treat her. I recently took her to the vet and found out that she is indeed heart worm positive. I have purchased the medication.
Since living in the dorms, she has not barked nor defecated/urinated in the room. When she needs to go to the restroom, she will go to the door.
If she was a healthy dog, I would not have kept her. If she was causing trouble (barking, urinating/defacating in the dorms) to the neighbors, I would not keep her either. I left my dog in the US because I know the importance of obeying campus rules. However, in this case, without proper treatment and care, she will face a slow death. We are health care providers and we have a moral and legal obligation to provide for the sick and ill. It is wrong to pass by a dog every day knowing full well that I could have saved her and that she can live the remaining years, however few it might be, in comfort and with the added security that she will have nutritious meals every day.
Given the circumstance, can I talk to someone (housing authority, judiciary committee, etc.) about letting her stay with us (she is, after all a campus dog who has been living here for some time already) during the course of her treatment? We (she and I) will move off campus next term."
Gradually for the next few days, I would prop my door open with a chair and put food in her bowl, I also made a "bed" for her to sleep in. I dared not keep her in the dorms.
There were times when we "clicked." I discovered that she usually comes to my place around 9:45 pm-ish. One day when she did not arrive on that time, I left my room to look for her. Just then, I heard her footsteps (she has long nails and they make a tapping sound when she walks on the tiled floor) and she appeared right around the corner. Her tail wagged and she smiled. I can recount on the many times we bounded and her special personalities.
I started to make inquires about this dog by asking random classmates around campus. There was something special about her. Gradually, I learned that she was heartworm positive and I decided to keep her. The next few paragraphs was the letter that I wrote to the school about letting her stay with us. I did not hear back from them for one month. During that month, I kept her with me in the dorms and we tried to maintain a low profile--going to the bathroom in the early morning and late evenings. Eventually the school told me to find her a foster home off campus. Somehow, I foresaw this and have found friendship in Christina who immediately came to pick up Tinky when the school gave us the ultimatum. To Christina, I am forever indebted. She took care of Tinky (drove Tinky to and from the vet clinic for her heartworm treatment, beach walks, socializing, etc.) for one month. During the beginning of finals week for medical students (final exams), Chrisitna was done with her school work and left the island for US. I would walk to Christina's home every day (morning and evening) to feed Tinky and walk her. I did so for one week until I was able to move into my current apartment whereby Tinky was allowed to stay. So, that's our Tinky story in a nutshell.
The letter to the School:
"There is something else that I need to ask you about....it is about having a dog in the dorms. I know it is illegal. However, my situation is different. There's a campus dog (old, black, female who is extremely friendly.....when random classmates found out that I have adopted her, they expressed relief and happiness.....that's how nice and popular she is). Some time last week, initially, I found her lingering in front of SD6 and invited her into my room for some food. Since then, she has been spending the nights (and eating dinner) at my place. I usually let her out in the morning and will prop the door open in the evening for her return. Last Friday night, I found her waiting for me at our staircase and since then, have decided to keep her.
I have been talking to different students on campus and found out that she was tested heartworm positive. I also washed her and found dead fleas on her as I combed her hair. She still has fleas and perhaps, even manges. She has missing patches of hair and given her age (10 years old plus), is just not in a good condition to be living outdoors. Her immune system is not as strong as it use to be and is more suspectible to external/internal parasites. The other campus dogs seem healthy with full hair and hardly any itches. But more importantly, my heart goes out to her for being such a friendly dog who is heartworm positive and yet no one is willing to treat her. I recently took her to the vet and found out that she is indeed heart worm positive. I have purchased the medication.
Since living in the dorms, she has not barked nor defecated/urinated in the room. When she needs to go to the restroom, she will go to the door.
If she was a healthy dog, I would not have kept her. If she was causing trouble (barking, urinating/defacating in the dorms) to the neighbors, I would not keep her either. I left my dog in the US because I know the importance of obeying campus rules. However, in this case, without proper treatment and care, she will face a slow death. We are health care providers and we have a moral and legal obligation to provide for the sick and ill. It is wrong to pass by a dog every day knowing full well that I could have saved her and that she can live the remaining years, however few it might be, in comfort and with the added security that she will have nutritious meals every day.
Given the circumstance, can I talk to someone (housing authority, judiciary committee, etc.) about letting her stay with us (she is, after all a campus dog who has been living here for some time already) during the course of her treatment? We (she and I) will move off campus next term."
"You don't give children back because they have problems. You figure it out, and find a solution that works."
Raising a puppy is challenging. I won't lie. There were times when I wanted to quit..."what did I get myself into?" Before you take a puppy home, please read the below link. It is a story about a friend (Karen) and her puppy. It is heartwarming but it should give you a hint about what you might possibly face.
http://lifewithsugar.blogspot.com/2008/11/anxious-separation.html
ps. The title of the entry was a wise saying by Karen's friend. I often repeat that to myself when dealing with these puppies!
http://lifewithsugar.blogspot.com/2008/11/anxious-separation.html
ps. The title of the entry was a wise saying by Karen's friend. I often repeat that to myself when dealing with these puppies!
FOR ADOPTION: Novaya and Choco
Greetings! This website was designed with the hope to help you better understand the puppies that I am currently fostering in Grenada, Carribeans.
"Novaya"
6 month old
I named her "Novaya" for "New" in Russian because she came into my life around the New Years. She is beige with white marks. Her legs are long. She LOVES HUMAN INTERACTION and will actively seek out your affection. She follows me everywhere including into the bathroom ;) She is a fast learner and aims to please. She has learned to go to the bathroom outdoors and will do a pretty sit when presented with food. Very confident and affectionate. We tried walking on a leash yesterday. Initially, she resisted (she is a true street dog) and I had to coax and drag her. After 15 minutes she followed and even led.
"Chocolate"
6 month old
She is Novaya's companion. She is black with brown spots on top of her eyes. She too has extremely long legs. Chocolate is shy around people. While Novaya happily bounced into my apartment for food, Chocolate was hesitant and took guards. It took a few days to gain her trust. Whenever I pass by Chocolate in my apartment, I have to actively praise her ("Gooooood Girrrrrlll") and try to pet her. Initially, she showed fear and tried to hide from my hand. But today in the morning, she rewarded my constant efforts by waking me up in the morning :)
A few days ago (January 2, 2009), Choco got hit by a car. This is what happened: Choco and Novaya are wise dogs when it comes to cars. They know to duck when there's oncoming cars. However, that day I took Tinky out for a walk. They followed and were playing chase with each other (Choco and Novaya). Their puppy chase intensity got a better hold of them and Choco did not duck in time for the oncoming car. It was a pitiful scream as the car hit Choco. I ran to her and she made a sound (it sounded like a whimper of her last breath), defacated all over and blood came out from her nose. Long story short, she is a survivor and is on the way to recovery.
Each puppy (Choco and Novaya) gives me a great deal of pleasure. Choco---it is rewarding to see her come out of her shell and greet me with a wagging tail, letting me pet her, and soaking in my praise without showing fear. Novaya--it is rewarding to see her seek affectionate and respond to my positive reinforcement.
We are going to the vet on Monday and will keep all updated on their health status :)
"Novaya"
6 month old
I named her "Novaya" for "New" in Russian because she came into my life around the New Years. She is beige with white marks. Her legs are long. She LOVES HUMAN INTERACTION and will actively seek out your affection. She follows me everywhere including into the bathroom ;) She is a fast learner and aims to please. She has learned to go to the bathroom outdoors and will do a pretty sit when presented with food. Very confident and affectionate. We tried walking on a leash yesterday. Initially, she resisted (she is a true street dog) and I had to coax and drag her. After 15 minutes she followed and even led.
"Chocolate"
6 month old
She is Novaya's companion. She is black with brown spots on top of her eyes. She too has extremely long legs. Chocolate is shy around people. While Novaya happily bounced into my apartment for food, Chocolate was hesitant and took guards. It took a few days to gain her trust. Whenever I pass by Chocolate in my apartment, I have to actively praise her ("Gooooood Girrrrrlll") and try to pet her. Initially, she showed fear and tried to hide from my hand. But today in the morning, she rewarded my constant efforts by waking me up in the morning :)
A few days ago (January 2, 2009), Choco got hit by a car. This is what happened: Choco and Novaya are wise dogs when it comes to cars. They know to duck when there's oncoming cars. However, that day I took Tinky out for a walk. They followed and were playing chase with each other (Choco and Novaya). Their puppy chase intensity got a better hold of them and Choco did not duck in time for the oncoming car. It was a pitiful scream as the car hit Choco. I ran to her and she made a sound (it sounded like a whimper of her last breath), defacated all over and blood came out from her nose. Long story short, she is a survivor and is on the way to recovery.
Each puppy (Choco and Novaya) gives me a great deal of pleasure. Choco---it is rewarding to see her come out of her shell and greet me with a wagging tail, letting me pet her, and soaking in my praise without showing fear. Novaya--it is rewarding to see her seek affectionate and respond to my positive reinforcement.
We are going to the vet on Monday and will keep all updated on their health status :)
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