Today, "Chocho had lamb chop and cheese cake and ice cream for dinner, as it is Lil' John's birthday."
Yay.
June 29, 2009
Dog walking is not only therapeutic and
an effective avenue of stress relieving for people, but also a vital part of a pet dog's life. As a layperson who hasn't so much gone into the analytics of canine behaviour, I see dog walking as a routine, as a part-and-parcel of life in allowing the dog to be a dog.
To smell the flowers and the air of the great outdoors. To loosen the joints and work out out whatever pent-up energy from a day of staying indoors. To express itself as an animal of territoriality by marking on lamp posts, bushes and pavements. To sniff out, capture and remember the scents of other dogs in the neighbourhood. To poo and pee. To be in touch with nature -- grass, the bark of trees, fallen leaves and even the imported sand at the playground. To bond with its owner through a 'mutual' activity. To satisfy curiosity.
Which was what we did with Doby on Saturday and Sunday, while he boarded at a landed home -- while his foster family was out of town. For 4 consecutive weekends of training Doby, I had never so much as broken the barrier between Doby and myself that was wrapped up in my fear of his aggression -- until when I personally visited him as he awaited in his large-enough playpen, enticed him with treats that took place along with basic commands fulfilment and brought him out for his walk.
Just me and Doby. Trooping upslope while the neighbours' dogs peered and barked at us. Trotting along the concrete pavements of the park in the cool of a raintree's shade. Exploring the turns of the streets. Linked by a leash and his harness. Connected by a mutual fancy of the experience of walking, just walking.
At 3 years-plus old, it can't be truer that Doby is at his prime. Each time he lunges to catch the treat in mid-air, stands on his hinds to suss out his triple "A" treats in the trainer's pouch or intently studies a foreign passer-by in a position as if ready to charge -- I come to terms with his superb agility as a young, active dog and his potential as a guard dog. Faithful and loyal to his owner and property and potentially ferocious to any alien intrusion which compromises safety.
This is Doby, notwithstanding the fact he is sterilised.
And like any regular domestic ol' faithful, he looks forward to his walks. At the sight of the leash, he is perked up like an eager birthday boy ready to unwrap and open up his present.
And I learnt also that he is, after all, not that 'hopeless', as most may perceive of a 'pariah' dog that bares his teeth and looks so unfriendly to cuddle or be patted on the head.
(Great thanks to A.) If anything, Doby has proven to us his outstanding mongrel intelligence and his ability to accomplish the basics of obedience training. I would say he has pretty much mastered his 'sit', 'down', 'stay', 'heel' and with A's positive reinforcement-based training, Doby has come against our perceived odds in:
* Being able to continue his walk harmlessly to the public via distracting and guiding him to a new point of attraction or direction of walk
* Being able to nicely trot beside owner/walker without pulling and lunging via enticing him with treats
* (Just today) Being able to search for his reward underneath obstacles such as plastic bags at the prompt of 'find'
* Being able to physically 'stay' and then go for his reward placed at a distance at the quick command of 'ok'
* Being able to run towards owner, in one direction and as if single-mindedly, without being distracted by external noise in recall
No need for electronic collar, choke chain or the whip. Though I haven't experienced the full spectrum of the positive reinforcement training, I feel aggression challenges can be overcome without having to shock the nerves, painfully desensitize, inflict pain and suffering, enforce punishment or reducing the dog into a miserable non-dog.
It takes an experienced trainer and definitely patience and consistency, on part of the owner, to see changes which will be so life-changing, rewarding and beneficial to the entire family. And it requires that the dog is walked adequately throughout the week. All to work together for constructive behavioural improvement.
Thanks to A for training with care and love, and J for her motherly fostering in these few years, in spite of the difficulties to juggle baby, family and work. Progress is on it way.
Doby in his playpen of boarder. After his walk, he practically spread-eagled on the floor. Panting tongue, heaving chest -- happy dog
Doby training over weekends -- alert, eager, praise-worthy
A. rewarding Doby with his AAA treat which varies every week to whet his appetite and help make him look forward to each training session
To smell the flowers and the air of the great outdoors. To loosen the joints and work out out whatever pent-up energy from a day of staying indoors. To express itself as an animal of territoriality by marking on lamp posts, bushes and pavements. To sniff out, capture and remember the scents of other dogs in the neighbourhood. To poo and pee. To be in touch with nature -- grass, the bark of trees, fallen leaves and even the imported sand at the playground. To bond with its owner through a 'mutual' activity. To satisfy curiosity.
Which was what we did with Doby on Saturday and Sunday, while he boarded at a landed home -- while his foster family was out of town. For 4 consecutive weekends of training Doby, I had never so much as broken the barrier between Doby and myself that was wrapped up in my fear of his aggression -- until when I personally visited him as he awaited in his large-enough playpen, enticed him with treats that took place along with basic commands fulfilment and brought him out for his walk.
Just me and Doby. Trooping upslope while the neighbours' dogs peered and barked at us. Trotting along the concrete pavements of the park in the cool of a raintree's shade. Exploring the turns of the streets. Linked by a leash and his harness. Connected by a mutual fancy of the experience of walking, just walking.
At 3 years-plus old, it can't be truer that Doby is at his prime. Each time he lunges to catch the treat in mid-air, stands on his hinds to suss out his triple "A" treats in the trainer's pouch or intently studies a foreign passer-by in a position as if ready to charge -- I come to terms with his superb agility as a young, active dog and his potential as a guard dog. Faithful and loyal to his owner and property and potentially ferocious to any alien intrusion which compromises safety.
This is Doby, notwithstanding the fact he is sterilised.
And like any regular domestic ol' faithful, he looks forward to his walks. At the sight of the leash, he is perked up like an eager birthday boy ready to unwrap and open up his present.
And I learnt also that he is, after all, not that 'hopeless', as most may perceive of a 'pariah' dog that bares his teeth and looks so unfriendly to cuddle or be patted on the head.
(Great thanks to A.) If anything, Doby has proven to us his outstanding mongrel intelligence and his ability to accomplish the basics of obedience training. I would say he has pretty much mastered his 'sit', 'down', 'stay', 'heel' and with A's positive reinforcement-based training, Doby has come against our perceived odds in:
* Being able to continue his walk harmlessly to the public via distracting and guiding him to a new point of attraction or direction of walk
* Being able to nicely trot beside owner/walker without pulling and lunging via enticing him with treats
* (Just today) Being able to search for his reward underneath obstacles such as plastic bags at the prompt of 'find'
* Being able to physically 'stay' and then go for his reward placed at a distance at the quick command of 'ok'
* Being able to run towards owner, in one direction and as if single-mindedly, without being distracted by external noise in recall
No need for electronic collar, choke chain or the whip. Though I haven't experienced the full spectrum of the positive reinforcement training, I feel aggression challenges can be overcome without having to shock the nerves, painfully desensitize, inflict pain and suffering, enforce punishment or reducing the dog into a miserable non-dog.
It takes an experienced trainer and definitely patience and consistency, on part of the owner, to see changes which will be so life-changing, rewarding and beneficial to the entire family. And it requires that the dog is walked adequately throughout the week. All to work together for constructive behavioural improvement.
Thanks to A for training with care and love, and J for her motherly fostering in these few years, in spite of the difficulties to juggle baby, family and work. Progress is on it way.
Doby in his playpen of boarder. After his walk, he practically spread-eagled on the floor. Panting tongue, heaving chest -- happy dog
Doby training over weekends -- alert, eager, praise-worthy
A. rewarding Doby with his AAA treat which varies every week to whet his appetite and help make him look forward to each training session
Doby transfixed at A. as a source and provider of yummy treats. After 2-3 weeks, we could see how we can walk Doby without him tugging his leash taut but in unison with the walker's pace
June 24, 2009
This Siberian Husky was
'presented' to a stray feeder as the new kid of the farm -- apparently a discarded pet that his previous owners did not want anymore. Colly, as he's been named, now resides in a boarding facility and seeks an adoptive family.
I have not interacted with Colly personally but you may find information about this beautiful dog below these pictures:
* Name: Colly
* Sex: Male
* Age: Estimated 3 yrs
* Size: Stout
* Sterilised: Cannot confirmed as yet, but testicles found missing
* Behaviour & Temperament: walks excellent on leash, does not tug and pull / understands basic commands like 'sit' and 'stay' without aid of treats / very friendly with people / so far, okay with other large dogs but not sure of reaction with small dogs
* Comments: On first encounter, Colly appeared with a neat set of coat and trimmed nails, boasting a healthy husky shape.
Interested parties, pls contact 9727 7359 / noelleohm@yahoo.com
I have not interacted with Colly personally but you may find information about this beautiful dog below these pictures:
* Name: Colly
* Sex: Male
* Age: Estimated 3 yrs
* Size: Stout
* Sterilised: Cannot confirmed as yet, but testicles found missing
* Behaviour & Temperament: walks excellent on leash, does not tug and pull / understands basic commands like 'sit' and 'stay' without aid of treats / very friendly with people / so far, okay with other large dogs but not sure of reaction with small dogs
* Comments: On first encounter, Colly appeared with a neat set of coat and trimmed nails, boasting a healthy husky shape.
Interested parties, pls contact 9727 7359 / noelleohm@yahoo.com
June 19, 2009
It's been about 2 months
since we transferred Chocho from the shelter to her new foster family comprising the resident shiba inu, who's the queen of the pack; a golden retriever who loves a mouth-hand tug-o-war over his prized soft toys; a soulful cocker spaniel who's 'larger than life'; and a old female shih tzu who's crooned over and protected by her owners, living her sunset years in peaceful dignity.
Thankfully, the foster stepped forward to offer Chocho a new lease of life--into domesticity.
The first day Chocho entered, A. locked her in the laundry section of the kitchen, which at least offered Chocho an 'infrastructure' of safety and comfort, with the makeshift pens and window grilles. At the first instance, our girl even tried to clamour through the square of the window grilles and got us a tad panicky of her escape tendencies and the endless possibilities a stray 'escape artist' can conjure and act upon, and catch the humans unawares.
A routine of 3x walk per day and regular meals was built into her, together with what was 'administered' to the rest of the pack. Just when we thought Chocho was beginning to take comfort in the regularity put in place that one late Sunday morning, one week into her fosterhood, Chocho, by a sheer occasion of accidence, wrangled out of her collar and took off!!!
The next thing I knew, we had a 5-man search team frantically combing industrial estates, buildings, fields, petrol kiosks and the neighbourhood; frantically scrambling after her, after we failed to corner her within a hedge of bushes; waiting for her at the periphery of a forested area while she suspectedly hid behind the clumps of greenery and peered at us--her pursuers.
A very wild ride indeed.
It was such an experience: locating her at several junctures, asking people if they'd seen our chocolate-brown girl, sprinting after her, (literally) diving for her, losing sight of her again from time to time, pacing beside her--all the time taking care not to unnerve or scare Chocho, in what seemed to be an existing state of pandemonium.
A dog which wanted to be free but completely clueless that all that we were doing was to protect her from harm. And Chocho, according to the security guards of the building, was almost knocked down by two vehicles--one of which a double-deckered bus--when she tried to cross a busy carriageway. A scenario that we feared to think about.
What ensued after Sunday was the establishment of even more troubled hearts and while we grappled with the wounds and aches sustained from Sunday's event, each of us was worried: Is she safe? What is she eating now? Where does she sleep? Has anyone discovered or seen her? Did she join another dog or a stray pack? Is she still within the area or has she crossed over to other parts separated by the highways and roads?
At least for me--I couldn't control my mental monologue series of speculations and the what-ifs.
A dog that 'outplayed' and outran us, but alas, clues of Chocho surfaced when A. caught news that others had actually seen Chocho on the loose in the estate; further clues that showed she'd returned to the doorstep and ate the food put out for her; and finally, a good confirmation that she was alive when they (the foster family) as a matter of fact saw her, our chocolate girl resting right on the doorstep. Cautious of her surroundings but seeking refuge in a 'familiar' place, even though it had only been one week since she settled in from a completely different environment and location.
We figured that the one week of routine did her good and helped provide her leads with which she managed to smell and track her way back home. A. was playing cautious with her cards and strategised to rebuild confidence in Chocho--hopefully influencing her to associate this very foster home as her source of food, water and a place of rest. And smartly, Chocho did return intermittently in the next few days.
After yet another failed attempt to corner her with human bodies, we engaged a professional dog catcher, who with methods unbeknownst to us, actually successfully and effectively captured Chocho in the wee hours of the morning.
And a burden was lifted from all of our hearts, stress disintegrated.
With due vigilance, Chocho is now watched over and taken care of by the foster and we are sure glad she's found a pal in the resident retriever, played chase with the alpha female and am showing all signs of guards lowered and submitting to the comfort and safety of her foster home.
Here's an update from foster family: -
Chocho is doing fine and I am so surprised that Gigi, my queen plays with her. She is not normally so relaxed about another dog i.e. play with them. The 3 of them were making so much noise playing in my living room over the weekend, Gigi, Diesel and Chocho. It is just so nice to see them happy, especially Chocho.
I think I have totally spoiled her with our choice of menu at home. Sorry, whoever adopts her will have to adapt to her style!!
I am going to give her a bit more time and probably do some basic training with her. We shall see how that progresses.
Now isn't this wonderful?
Thankfully, the foster stepped forward to offer Chocho a new lease of life--into domesticity.
The first day Chocho entered, A. locked her in the laundry section of the kitchen, which at least offered Chocho an 'infrastructure' of safety and comfort, with the makeshift pens and window grilles. At the first instance, our girl even tried to clamour through the square of the window grilles and got us a tad panicky of her escape tendencies and the endless possibilities a stray 'escape artist' can conjure and act upon, and catch the humans unawares.
A routine of 3x walk per day and regular meals was built into her, together with what was 'administered' to the rest of the pack. Just when we thought Chocho was beginning to take comfort in the regularity put in place that one late Sunday morning, one week into her fosterhood, Chocho, by a sheer occasion of accidence, wrangled out of her collar and took off!!!
The next thing I knew, we had a 5-man search team frantically combing industrial estates, buildings, fields, petrol kiosks and the neighbourhood; frantically scrambling after her, after we failed to corner her within a hedge of bushes; waiting for her at the periphery of a forested area while she suspectedly hid behind the clumps of greenery and peered at us--her pursuers.
A very wild ride indeed.
It was such an experience: locating her at several junctures, asking people if they'd seen our chocolate-brown girl, sprinting after her, (literally) diving for her, losing sight of her again from time to time, pacing beside her--all the time taking care not to unnerve or scare Chocho, in what seemed to be an existing state of pandemonium.
A dog which wanted to be free but completely clueless that all that we were doing was to protect her from harm. And Chocho, according to the security guards of the building, was almost knocked down by two vehicles--one of which a double-deckered bus--when she tried to cross a busy carriageway. A scenario that we feared to think about.
What ensued after Sunday was the establishment of even more troubled hearts and while we grappled with the wounds and aches sustained from Sunday's event, each of us was worried: Is she safe? What is she eating now? Where does she sleep? Has anyone discovered or seen her? Did she join another dog or a stray pack? Is she still within the area or has she crossed over to other parts separated by the highways and roads?
At least for me--I couldn't control my mental monologue series of speculations and the what-ifs.
A dog that 'outplayed' and outran us, but alas, clues of Chocho surfaced when A. caught news that others had actually seen Chocho on the loose in the estate; further clues that showed she'd returned to the doorstep and ate the food put out for her; and finally, a good confirmation that she was alive when they (the foster family) as a matter of fact saw her, our chocolate girl resting right on the doorstep. Cautious of her surroundings but seeking refuge in a 'familiar' place, even though it had only been one week since she settled in from a completely different environment and location.
We figured that the one week of routine did her good and helped provide her leads with which she managed to smell and track her way back home. A. was playing cautious with her cards and strategised to rebuild confidence in Chocho--hopefully influencing her to associate this very foster home as her source of food, water and a place of rest. And smartly, Chocho did return intermittently in the next few days.
After yet another failed attempt to corner her with human bodies, we engaged a professional dog catcher, who with methods unbeknownst to us, actually successfully and effectively captured Chocho in the wee hours of the morning.
And a burden was lifted from all of our hearts, stress disintegrated.
With due vigilance, Chocho is now watched over and taken care of by the foster and we are sure glad she's found a pal in the resident retriever, played chase with the alpha female and am showing all signs of guards lowered and submitting to the comfort and safety of her foster home.
Here's an update from foster family: -
Chocho is doing fine and I am so surprised that Gigi, my queen plays with her. She is not normally so relaxed about another dog i.e. play with them. The 3 of them were making so much noise playing in my living room over the weekend, Gigi, Diesel and Chocho. It is just so nice to see them happy, especially Chocho.
I think I have totally spoiled her with our choice of menu at home. Sorry, whoever adopts her will have to adapt to her style!!
I am going to give her a bit more time and probably do some basic training with her. We shall see how that progresses.
Now isn't this wonderful?
June 8, 2009
Trial between animal welfare group ACRES and contractor begins
Channel NewsAsia - Tuesday, May 26
SINGAPORE : The company had allegedly dumped wood chips on the site of an animal shelter construction project, which contaminated the land. Now it is not only disputing the claim, it is counter claiming S$180,000 from the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES).
ANA Contractor and its director said the animal welfare group had defaulted on payments since September 2007.
The arrangement between the two parties, rather than the contamination, took centre stage at the start of ACRES' lawsuit.
The animal welfare group had appointed ANA in September 2006 to construct a Wildlife Rescue Centre to save animals from illegal trade. It was supposed to be finished by April 2007.
ACRES claims that the contractor did not meet the deadline and did not finish works, including an entrance porch for the office block and volunteer house.
But ANA's lawyer Lee Kwok Weng said in his opening statement that "throughout the construction of the project", ACRES did not state "any requirements or covenants".
He added that "the time of completion is at—large, with no fixed completion date" since the progress of each stage of work depends on "the availability of funds" from ACRES.
The non—profit organisation is still unable to operate the rescue centre because of toxic waste from wood chips dumped into a landfill.
ANA was supposed to level the plot of land by transferring earth from higher ground to lower ground.
ACRES is asking for damages of $180,000 for wasted rentals paid to the Singapore Land Authority and also wants ANA to pay for the costs of excavating the waste and re—building structures that have to be demolished because of the excavation.
So far, ACRES has received two quotes of between $4.5 million to $8 million for this.
The group claims that ANA director Tan Boon Kwee should bear responsibility for the dumping of wood chips, as he was the supervisor of the construction project.
Mr Tan's lawyer Gwee Hak Theng argued that Mr Tan's work was to "supervise the construction of critical structural works" and not to offer any technical expertise.
The wood chips caused a foul blackish discharge to pollute Kranji Reservoir, which was discovered in September 2007 and resulted in the National Environment Agency initiating prosecution against ANA last September, under the Environmental Protection and Management Act.
The agency said it is still consulting the Attorney General's Chambers on the "appropriate action to take".
"It is premature at this point to speculate if any cases will be submitted to the court for hearing," said a spokesperson.
The hearing continues. — TODAY
Source: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/cna/20090525/tap-767-trial-animal-welfare-group-acres-231650b.html
SINGAPORE : The company had allegedly dumped wood chips on the site of an animal shelter construction project, which contaminated the land. Now it is not only disputing the claim, it is counter claiming S$180,000 from the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES).
ANA Contractor and its director said the animal welfare group had defaulted on payments since September 2007.
The arrangement between the two parties, rather than the contamination, took centre stage at the start of ACRES' lawsuit.
The animal welfare group had appointed ANA in September 2006 to construct a Wildlife Rescue Centre to save animals from illegal trade. It was supposed to be finished by April 2007.
ACRES claims that the contractor did not meet the deadline and did not finish works, including an entrance porch for the office block and volunteer house.
But ANA's lawyer Lee Kwok Weng said in his opening statement that "throughout the construction of the project", ACRES did not state "any requirements or covenants".
He added that "the time of completion is at—large, with no fixed completion date" since the progress of each stage of work depends on "the availability of funds" from ACRES.
The non—profit organisation is still unable to operate the rescue centre because of toxic waste from wood chips dumped into a landfill.
ANA was supposed to level the plot of land by transferring earth from higher ground to lower ground.
ACRES is asking for damages of $180,000 for wasted rentals paid to the Singapore Land Authority and also wants ANA to pay for the costs of excavating the waste and re—building structures that have to be demolished because of the excavation.
So far, ACRES has received two quotes of between $4.5 million to $8 million for this.
The group claims that ANA director Tan Boon Kwee should bear responsibility for the dumping of wood chips, as he was the supervisor of the construction project.
Mr Tan's lawyer Gwee Hak Theng argued that Mr Tan's work was to "supervise the construction of critical structural works" and not to offer any technical expertise.
The wood chips caused a foul blackish discharge to pollute Kranji Reservoir, which was discovered in September 2007 and resulted in the National Environment Agency initiating prosecution against ANA last September, under the Environmental Protection and Management Act.
The agency said it is still consulting the Attorney General's Chambers on the "appropriate action to take".
"It is premature at this point to speculate if any cases will be submitted to the court for hearing," said a spokesperson.
The hearing continues. — TODAY
Source: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/cna/20090525/tap-767-trial-animal-welfare-group-acres-231650b.html
June 5, 2009
Anti-piracy pup sniffs out 35,000 illegal DVDs - M'sia
AFP - Thursday, June 4
KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - - A DVD-sniffing anti-piracy dog named Paddy has uncovered a huge cache of 35,000 discs in Malaysian warehouses, many destined for export to Singapore, industry officials said on Wednesday.
The black Labrador helped enforcement officials who carried out raids last week in southern Johor state which neighbours Singapore, the Motion Picture Association (MPA) said in a statement.
Paddy was given to Malaysia by the MPA to help close down piracy syndicates who churn out vast quantities of illegal DVDs. The dog is specially trained to detect chemicals in the discs.
"Paddy led enforcement officers on a successful weekend operation to shut down the supply lines of pirated movie DVDs in the Malaysian state of Johor," the MPA said in a statement.
"Post-raid investigations revealed that two of the targets were actively involved in exporting pirated DVDs to Singapore," it added.
The raids carried out by officials from the MPA and Malaysia's trade and consumer affairs ministry shut down six warehouses storing pirated products, it said.
The MPA said just-released titles such as "Terminator Salvation", "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian", "Angels and Demons" and "Star Trek" were among the movies seized.
"This is a clear signal to the pirates that we will not waver in our efforts to shut them down," said Mohamad Roslan Mahayudin, director-general of enforcement with the Malaysian ministry.
"We are glad to hear that Paddy's skills are being put to good use against the large, organised network of pirates involved in exporting illegal pirated DVDs to Singapore," said Mike Ellis, the MPA's Asia-Pacific managing director.
The MPA said its member companies lost 6.1 billion dollars to worldwide piracy in 2005. Of that lost revenue, about 1.2 billion dollars came from piracy in the Asian region.
Source: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20090603/tap-malaysia-crime-counterfeit-film-anim-0193655.html
KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - - A DVD-sniffing anti-piracy dog named Paddy has uncovered a huge cache of 35,000 discs in Malaysian warehouses, many destined for export to Singapore, industry officials said on Wednesday.
The black Labrador helped enforcement officials who carried out raids last week in southern Johor state which neighbours Singapore, the Motion Picture Association (MPA) said in a statement.
Paddy was given to Malaysia by the MPA to help close down piracy syndicates who churn out vast quantities of illegal DVDs. The dog is specially trained to detect chemicals in the discs.
"Paddy led enforcement officers on a successful weekend operation to shut down the supply lines of pirated movie DVDs in the Malaysian state of Johor," the MPA said in a statement.
"Post-raid investigations revealed that two of the targets were actively involved in exporting pirated DVDs to Singapore," it added.
The raids carried out by officials from the MPA and Malaysia's trade and consumer affairs ministry shut down six warehouses storing pirated products, it said.
The MPA said just-released titles such as "Terminator Salvation", "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian", "Angels and Demons" and "Star Trek" were among the movies seized.
"This is a clear signal to the pirates that we will not waver in our efforts to shut them down," said Mohamad Roslan Mahayudin, director-general of enforcement with the Malaysian ministry.
"We are glad to hear that Paddy's skills are being put to good use against the large, organised network of pirates involved in exporting illegal pirated DVDs to Singapore," said Mike Ellis, the MPA's Asia-Pacific managing director.
The MPA said its member companies lost 6.1 billion dollars to worldwide piracy in 2005. Of that lost revenue, about 1.2 billion dollars came from piracy in the Asian region.
Source: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20090603/tap-malaysia-crime-counterfeit-film-anim-0193655.html
May 25, 2009
May 23, 2009
Nutro Products Announces Voluntary Recall of Limited Range of Dry Cat Food Products
Dear all, pls take note of this release from Nutro.
"Franklin, Tennessee (May 21, 2009) -- Today, Nutro Products announced a voluntary recall of select varieties of NUTRO® NATURAL CHOICE® COMPLETE CARE® Dry Cat Foods and NUTRO® MAX® Cat Dry Foods with “Best If Used By Dates” between May 12, 2010 and August 22, 2010. The cat food is being voluntarily recalled in the United States and ten additional countries. This recall is due to incorrect levels of zinc and potassium in our finished product resulting from a production error by a US-based premix supplier.
Two mineral premixes were affected. One premix contained excessive levels of zinc and under-supplemented potassium. The second premix under-supplemented potassium. Both zinc and potassium are essential nutrients for cats and are added as nutritional supplements to NUTRO® dry cat food.
This issue was identified during an audit of our documentation from the supplier. An extensive review confirmed that only these two premixes were affected. This recall does not affect any NUTRO® dog food products, wet dog or cat food, or dog and cat treats.
Affected product was distributed to retail customers in all 50 states, as well as to customers in Canada, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, New Zealand, and Israel. We are working with all of our distributors and retail customers, in both the US and internationally, to ensure that the recalled products are not on store shelves. These products should not be sold or distributed further.
Consumers who have purchased affected product should immediately discontinue feeding the product to their cats, and switch to another product with a balanced nutritional profile. While we have received no consumer complaints related to this issue, cat owners should monitor their cat for symptoms, including a reduction in appetite or refusal of food, weight loss, vomiting or diarrhea. If your cat is experiencing health issues or is pregnant, please contact your veterinarian.
Consumers who have purchased product affected by this voluntary recall should return it to their retailer for a full refund or exchange for another NUTRO® dry cat food product. Cat owners who have questions about the recall should call 1-800-833-5330 between the hours 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM CST, or visit www.nutroproducts.com.
Recalled Pet Food
The varieties of NUTRO® NATURAL CHOICE® COMPLETE CARE® Dry Cat Foods and NUTRO® MAX® Cat Dry Foods listed below with “Best If Used By Dates” between May 12, 2010 and August 22, 2010 are affected by this voluntary recall."
"Franklin, Tennessee (May 21, 2009) -- Today, Nutro Products announced a voluntary recall of select varieties of NUTRO® NATURAL CHOICE® COMPLETE CARE® Dry Cat Foods and NUTRO® MAX® Cat Dry Foods with “Best If Used By Dates” between May 12, 2010 and August 22, 2010. The cat food is being voluntarily recalled in the United States and ten additional countries. This recall is due to incorrect levels of zinc and potassium in our finished product resulting from a production error by a US-based premix supplier.
Two mineral premixes were affected. One premix contained excessive levels of zinc and under-supplemented potassium. The second premix under-supplemented potassium. Both zinc and potassium are essential nutrients for cats and are added as nutritional supplements to NUTRO® dry cat food.
This issue was identified during an audit of our documentation from the supplier. An extensive review confirmed that only these two premixes were affected. This recall does not affect any NUTRO® dog food products, wet dog or cat food, or dog and cat treats.
Affected product was distributed to retail customers in all 50 states, as well as to customers in Canada, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, New Zealand, and Israel. We are working with all of our distributors and retail customers, in both the US and internationally, to ensure that the recalled products are not on store shelves. These products should not be sold or distributed further.
Consumers who have purchased affected product should immediately discontinue feeding the product to their cats, and switch to another product with a balanced nutritional profile. While we have received no consumer complaints related to this issue, cat owners should monitor their cat for symptoms, including a reduction in appetite or refusal of food, weight loss, vomiting or diarrhea. If your cat is experiencing health issues or is pregnant, please contact your veterinarian.
Consumers who have purchased product affected by this voluntary recall should return it to their retailer for a full refund or exchange for another NUTRO® dry cat food product. Cat owners who have questions about the recall should call 1-800-833-5330 between the hours 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM CST, or visit www.nutroproducts.com.
Recalled Pet Food
The varieties of NUTRO® NATURAL CHOICE® COMPLETE CARE® Dry Cat Foods and NUTRO® MAX® Cat Dry Foods listed below with “Best If Used By Dates” between May 12, 2010 and August 22, 2010 are affected by this voluntary recall."
May 22, 2009
Heard a vet
speak on "How To Deal With Grief", in terms of a loss of a pet.
One thing that stayed with me was this point by the vet: she spoke about the varying personal attitudes towards euthanasia. On how it is a good choice to prevent an animal from suffering, when all treatment has failed. However, vets also face the unpleasant task of euthanising perfectly healthy animals, due to behavioural issues like biting, barking.
In her opinion, when faced with putting down a dog with a biting issue with no hope of rehoming, versus subjecting it to 10 years living in a dog shelter - she will choose to put it to sleep.
10 years living in a small dog shelter. That, to her, is not life. It got me thinking.
One thing that stayed with me was this point by the vet: she spoke about the varying personal attitudes towards euthanasia. On how it is a good choice to prevent an animal from suffering, when all treatment has failed. However, vets also face the unpleasant task of euthanising perfectly healthy animals, due to behavioural issues like biting, barking.
In her opinion, when faced with putting down a dog with a biting issue with no hope of rehoming, versus subjecting it to 10 years living in a dog shelter - she will choose to put it to sleep.
10 years living in a small dog shelter. That, to her, is not life. It got me thinking.
April 23, 2009
The reality of street life
On behalf of a rescuer:
"Please help...my friend has been feeding this pack of puppies and their mom for the past week or so now and they are in desperate need of a home cos where they are hanging out, there are all these trucks and cars going about and these puppies have no idea that the cars and trucks are dangerous. Just recently, one of the puppies accidentally fell into a drain and drowned!..."
While animal welfare groups are working towards the longterm resolution of the stray issue, we call for a present help for this present case.
Do consider to adopt a pup if you are ready for the commitment and share the appeal with your good contacts. You can find out more from Christina at 9747 8468 or email venus.lim@gmail.com
Do consider to adopt a pup if you are ready for the commitment and share the appeal with your good contacts. You can find out more from Christina at 9747 8468 or email venus.lim@gmail.com
April 20, 2009
We didn't expect the day of
welfare work for the animals to encounter, finally, Mr L's friendly female cat, Lili, and her kittens. Encroaching into the space of his business, we'd tried repeatedly to talk sense into him to get her sterilised, but the old man said he wanted to breed Lili as his farm products were damaged or consumed by rats.
Even though we told him that we could 'pass' other (sterilised) cats to him to guard his business from the pests and that Lili should be given to us to be sterilised. Our main objective was to spay Lili to prevent unwanted births and the 'trouble' of having to manage a fresh new litter of kittens.
Last Saturday, we visited Mr L again and chanced upon Lili's four little ones that were scurrying on the grounds of the farm. About 3-4 weeks old already and getting adjusted to every nook and corner of Mr L's dilapidated farm setting: discarded boxes, unswept floor, decaying wooden shelves, old styrofoam boxes -- I don't really know how to describe his farm!
A beautiful tabby, Lili lied serenely on the floor in the late morning sun, grooming her paws. Her slender body; miniature bone structure. She responded affectionately to us and wasn't at all, fearful of the strange scents from our hands.
Until we made the decision to take her for sterilisation, for we didn't know when we would ever go by the farm and risk having Lili impregnated again.
Until we placed her in a styrofoam box and realised that she can be a fiesty female fighter of the feline species. Refusing vehemently to be enclosed in any crate by head-butting her way out against the styrofoam lid.
We tried bringing her into the car, without any carrier or crate, by just grabbing the scruff of her neck and holding her limbs, but the poor mother was writhing and contorting out of our clutches; we had no choice but to release her, suffer the consequence of a failed attempt, i.e., an even warier Lili. The last item on our sterilisation list of priorities: an uncooperative, unwilling animal.
So S, in her quick-wittedness, suggested borrowing a carrier from the nearest vet clinic after a fair bit of negotiation with the clinic staff and explaining the nature of our work -- animal welfare. A few of us stayed behind the farm to regain Lili's trust with some wetfood.
Armed with the carrier, I approached Lili who was crouched, surprisingly calm, in the dark of the room -- while her kittens munched on the wetfood outside. At the smell of the bait, she came closer to me and in spite of the unpleasant encounter just now, even allowed me to stroke her. She purred at the caresses. Then, I placed the food closer to the carrier and tried to nudge her into the carrier.
When she resisted to go into the carrier, I decided that a dose of coercion was necessary and in my lone battle with Lili, I worked at putting her into the carrier while she obstructed her entry by sticking her feet out against the carrier's opened gate. A little tussle, and as soon as she was in, I slammed and secured the carrier shut. Lili fumbled and knocked about the inside of the carrier and I applied pressure to demonstrate to her the sturdiness and solidness of the carrier against which her struggles would be futile.
And then we swiftly whisked her into the car, then to the clinic, taking care to hold the carrier securely when we moved from vehicle to clinic. The last thing I dread on a mission like this is a flimsy carrier imploded open and a fear stricken Lili running about with the traffic on the main road.
So, on the sterilisation front, it's one check for Lili and four more checks for her kittens. Marked them down mentally.
Do email us at projectjkteam@yahoo.com.sg if you'd like to contribute to our work in stemming the root of a core area of the animal welfare through active sterilisation.
One of Lili's offsprings. Another goodlooking tabby.
Lili enjoying the warmth of the morning when I approached her.
Even though we told him that we could 'pass' other (sterilised) cats to him to guard his business from the pests and that Lili should be given to us to be sterilised. Our main objective was to spay Lili to prevent unwanted births and the 'trouble' of having to manage a fresh new litter of kittens.
Last Saturday, we visited Mr L again and chanced upon Lili's four little ones that were scurrying on the grounds of the farm. About 3-4 weeks old already and getting adjusted to every nook and corner of Mr L's dilapidated farm setting: discarded boxes, unswept floor, decaying wooden shelves, old styrofoam boxes -- I don't really know how to describe his farm!
A beautiful tabby, Lili lied serenely on the floor in the late morning sun, grooming her paws. Her slender body; miniature bone structure. She responded affectionately to us and wasn't at all, fearful of the strange scents from our hands.
Until we made the decision to take her for sterilisation, for we didn't know when we would ever go by the farm and risk having Lili impregnated again.
Until we placed her in a styrofoam box and realised that she can be a fiesty female fighter of the feline species. Refusing vehemently to be enclosed in any crate by head-butting her way out against the styrofoam lid.
We tried bringing her into the car, without any carrier or crate, by just grabbing the scruff of her neck and holding her limbs, but the poor mother was writhing and contorting out of our clutches; we had no choice but to release her, suffer the consequence of a failed attempt, i.e., an even warier Lili. The last item on our sterilisation list of priorities: an uncooperative, unwilling animal.
So S, in her quick-wittedness, suggested borrowing a carrier from the nearest vet clinic after a fair bit of negotiation with the clinic staff and explaining the nature of our work -- animal welfare. A few of us stayed behind the farm to regain Lili's trust with some wetfood.
Armed with the carrier, I approached Lili who was crouched, surprisingly calm, in the dark of the room -- while her kittens munched on the wetfood outside. At the smell of the bait, she came closer to me and in spite of the unpleasant encounter just now, even allowed me to stroke her. She purred at the caresses. Then, I placed the food closer to the carrier and tried to nudge her into the carrier.
When she resisted to go into the carrier, I decided that a dose of coercion was necessary and in my lone battle with Lili, I worked at putting her into the carrier while she obstructed her entry by sticking her feet out against the carrier's opened gate. A little tussle, and as soon as she was in, I slammed and secured the carrier shut. Lili fumbled and knocked about the inside of the carrier and I applied pressure to demonstrate to her the sturdiness and solidness of the carrier against which her struggles would be futile.
And then we swiftly whisked her into the car, then to the clinic, taking care to hold the carrier securely when we moved from vehicle to clinic. The last thing I dread on a mission like this is a flimsy carrier imploded open and a fear stricken Lili running about with the traffic on the main road.
So, on the sterilisation front, it's one check for Lili and four more checks for her kittens. Marked them down mentally.
Do email us at projectjkteam@yahoo.com.sg if you'd like to contribute to our work in stemming the root of a core area of the animal welfare through active sterilisation.
One of Lili's offsprings. Another goodlooking tabby.
Lili enjoying the warmth of the morning when I approached her.
April 19, 2009
Rest in Peace, Spotty
For the vet, the caretaker and I, I guess it took us a measure of courage to reconcile with the fact that Spotty is gone. His caretaker, W, dropped me an SMS last Monday morning to inform me of his departure; we didn't need to fuss over Spotty anymore, he was gone that morning.
Spotty slept into peace, not far from where he usually slept with a few of his pals who are more socialised with people. Often close to his caregiver when the chance permitted; otherwise, he'd be out with the rest of the pack in the bush, exploring the scents of wilderness, or napping in a deserted spot on the farm.
On one note, his passing means an easier management for W; for one dog less means that she can focus better on the rest of her dogs. A redistribution of the labour of love. It also represents to us Spotty's sacrifice to his siblings and friends. To die at a young age of a year plus. To 'make space' for others.
A week or so ago, Spotty was sent to the clinic and treated of his tick condition. The vet reported that he was overburdened with ticks -- when the staff were deticking him, the crawlies and fleas literally sprang out of his body and were inching along the walls surrounding the corner where he boarded. He was running a temperature and treated with anti-inflammation. Temperature went down but he remained weak and wobbly.
He was released thereafter on the assumption that he would be well, but little did we know that he would discontinue eating normally, drink sufficiently and before long, he only appeared occasionally to his caregiver. A sure sign that he knew he was deteriorating into sickness.
Perhaps he knew his time would be up and like most dogs, he sought a place quiet and secluded to go away peacefully.
We arranged for transport and a plan to trap him in the enclosure first thing on Monday, so that we could send him to the vet for another round of inspection and treatment, but Spotty, chose to leave us on that same morning.
A step too late.
His body was warm when W discovered him motionless. And she teared slightly over the phone when she updated me and I could feel -- since she's decided to take on the route to care for these dogs and entwined her life with the trials and tribulations of tending to stray lives -- a bond with a dog so strong and undeniable.
Being lower on the pack hierarchy, admittedly, Spotty was more often than not bullied by the bigger boys but nonetheless trailed his mates wherever they went. A follower, a passive member of the group. Come feeding time, he was deprived of the bigger chunks so W sometimes had to hand-feed him, and he would lapped up the pieces gleefully from her hand.
He had a favourite spot, that was, the tattered cushions of an unwanted, old sofa. He was laden with mange infection. He lapsed into mangey modes (dried flakes and crumply skin) periodically, and after medication, would regain his coat of patchy black spots over a blanket of white.
Good old days: Spotty moving around with alpha male, Buffalo and other youngsters around the farm
May 2008: Seeking respite beneath the clusters of farm machines. This was Spotty.
A few months old before they were sent for sterilisation. Chocho with Spotty, wary of my approaching with the digicam
Spotty's departure serves yet again as another reminder to all socially-responsible individuals that until we have arrived in a world with no suffering strays, we must sterilise, or encourage to sterilise, the dogs in our communities -- domestic or feral. The death of a normal, healthy mongrel integral to our communities -- be they industrial farms, private residences, or within our home spaces -- is part of the vicious cycle of dog populations unsterilised, left to suffer and die. Their high mortality.
Case in point: Spotty was vaccinated when he was 4-5 month old. And slightly over a year since his vaccination, his immunity reached a point that however external his parasite burden of ticks, fleas and mange was, he was unable to combat them. Perhaps, an insidious invasion into the mechanisms of his organs was what happened.
As long as there are unsterilised female and male dogs around, litters of puppies that grow into adult dogs that, in the same repetition, mate, will manifest as reality all levels of society have to inevitably encounter. Dog numbers that multiply exponentially are a reality and when left to checks of nature, high mortality and disease penetration rates ensue.
A caregiver, being limited in his/her own resources, is incapable of offering the ideal medical attention to any sick or diseased dog that crosses his/her path.
Spotty escaped the enclosure and loathed being force-fed or being taken away from his comfort zone to be handled by strange hands and equipment at the vet's. He didn't know it was a procedure and experience necessary for his recovery.
To him, the only way to recover and feel better was to ingest selected weeds in the wild to purge undesired toxins from his body system(s).
It was a struggle for him to fight the plagues and equally, a struggle for us to get him to receive proper medical attention.
Sterilisation effectively stems the root of the problem of suffering animals and human-animal conflicts when stray dogs seek out urban environment for food. The connection is simple, it doesn't take an educated guess to know sterilisation is the way to go to mass-benefit street dogs and their welfare. It's certainly not merely the rehoming of one dog, but the sterilisation of existing ones to prevent future generations of dogs suffering from the hazards of street life or diseases that require human intervention.
We continue with Spotty in our hearts.
Spotty slept into peace, not far from where he usually slept with a few of his pals who are more socialised with people. Often close to his caregiver when the chance permitted; otherwise, he'd be out with the rest of the pack in the bush, exploring the scents of wilderness, or napping in a deserted spot on the farm.
On one note, his passing means an easier management for W; for one dog less means that she can focus better on the rest of her dogs. A redistribution of the labour of love. It also represents to us Spotty's sacrifice to his siblings and friends. To die at a young age of a year plus. To 'make space' for others.
A week or so ago, Spotty was sent to the clinic and treated of his tick condition. The vet reported that he was overburdened with ticks -- when the staff were deticking him, the crawlies and fleas literally sprang out of his body and were inching along the walls surrounding the corner where he boarded. He was running a temperature and treated with anti-inflammation. Temperature went down but he remained weak and wobbly.
He was released thereafter on the assumption that he would be well, but little did we know that he would discontinue eating normally, drink sufficiently and before long, he only appeared occasionally to his caregiver. A sure sign that he knew he was deteriorating into sickness.
Perhaps he knew his time would be up and like most dogs, he sought a place quiet and secluded to go away peacefully.
We arranged for transport and a plan to trap him in the enclosure first thing on Monday, so that we could send him to the vet for another round of inspection and treatment, but Spotty, chose to leave us on that same morning.
A step too late.
His body was warm when W discovered him motionless. And she teared slightly over the phone when she updated me and I could feel -- since she's decided to take on the route to care for these dogs and entwined her life with the trials and tribulations of tending to stray lives -- a bond with a dog so strong and undeniable.
Being lower on the pack hierarchy, admittedly, Spotty was more often than not bullied by the bigger boys but nonetheless trailed his mates wherever they went. A follower, a passive member of the group. Come feeding time, he was deprived of the bigger chunks so W sometimes had to hand-feed him, and he would lapped up the pieces gleefully from her hand.
He had a favourite spot, that was, the tattered cushions of an unwanted, old sofa. He was laden with mange infection. He lapsed into mangey modes (dried flakes and crumply skin) periodically, and after medication, would regain his coat of patchy black spots over a blanket of white.
Good old days: Spotty moving around with alpha male, Buffalo and other youngsters around the farm
May 2008: Seeking respite beneath the clusters of farm machines. This was Spotty.
A few months old before they were sent for sterilisation. Chocho with Spotty, wary of my approaching with the digicam
Last few days at the clinic: Spotty was put on drip. His right hind leg trembled occasionally. Overall, listless and strengthless. Visited him on Wednesday evening and said a prayer over his healing.
Rest in peace, Spotty. We love you.
Spotty's departure serves yet again as another reminder to all socially-responsible individuals that until we have arrived in a world with no suffering strays, we must sterilise, or encourage to sterilise, the dogs in our communities -- domestic or feral. The death of a normal, healthy mongrel integral to our communities -- be they industrial farms, private residences, or within our home spaces -- is part of the vicious cycle of dog populations unsterilised, left to suffer and die. Their high mortality.
Case in point: Spotty was vaccinated when he was 4-5 month old. And slightly over a year since his vaccination, his immunity reached a point that however external his parasite burden of ticks, fleas and mange was, he was unable to combat them. Perhaps, an insidious invasion into the mechanisms of his organs was what happened.
As long as there are unsterilised female and male dogs around, litters of puppies that grow into adult dogs that, in the same repetition, mate, will manifest as reality all levels of society have to inevitably encounter. Dog numbers that multiply exponentially are a reality and when left to checks of nature, high mortality and disease penetration rates ensue.
A caregiver, being limited in his/her own resources, is incapable of offering the ideal medical attention to any sick or diseased dog that crosses his/her path.
Spotty escaped the enclosure and loathed being force-fed or being taken away from his comfort zone to be handled by strange hands and equipment at the vet's. He didn't know it was a procedure and experience necessary for his recovery.
To him, the only way to recover and feel better was to ingest selected weeds in the wild to purge undesired toxins from his body system(s).
It was a struggle for him to fight the plagues and equally, a struggle for us to get him to receive proper medical attention.
Sterilisation effectively stems the root of the problem of suffering animals and human-animal conflicts when stray dogs seek out urban environment for food. The connection is simple, it doesn't take an educated guess to know sterilisation is the way to go to mass-benefit street dogs and their welfare. It's certainly not merely the rehoming of one dog, but the sterilisation of existing ones to prevent future generations of dogs suffering from the hazards of street life or diseases that require human intervention.
We continue with Spotty in our hearts.
April 11, 2009
Current Needs
Junior & Ginne
In 2006, the two girls were ruthlessly abandoned by their previous owner some 40km from their home in the wilderness and were left to fend for themselves for a week before their whereabouts were linked to our appeals. Junior was discovered in a corner of a HDB void deck and Ginne was taken from the SPCA just in time, before she could have been put down the next day.
Human-friendly and domesticated, the girls are 3-4 years old, spayed, vaccinated and very personable. Now free to roam the fields of the shelter and long very much for a home.
Needs: A long-term sponsor or whoever who can pitch in their long term boarding at the shelter. Preferably to be rehomed together as a pair, for they've grown so used to each other, but my hope is that even if they were to be separated, each is to find her own permanent home. A firm, patient hand to calm their excitement, love and affection.
ChochoA highly apprehensive dog, fearful of humans and other dogs. Low on canine hierarchy. Captured by authorities and bailed out in Jan '09. Currently residing at boarding facility. One year-plus old, female, med-sized, sterilised, vaccinated fully for the year and microchipped.
Needs: Donors to cover backlog boarding fees from March onwards and future monthly boarding fees. Long-term experienced foster and ultimately, a permanent, reliable adopter. Chocho needs a patient hand in socializing her to domestic life -- with other dogs and people.
Practical Items
* Neem or tee-tree oil in aid to remove ticks, fleas and other parasites from animal's body
* Detick/deflea solution: Biospot, Accurate spray
* Frontline or Revolution
* Leashes -- ideally for large breeds
* Dog treats
Email projectjkteam@yahoo.com.sg if you'd like to contribute, as well as for more info on how you can help in ways beneficial to our animals and the animal welfare cause
Amazingly, while some if not,
I daresay, most stray dogs are burdened with diseases and marred with scars from territorial fights, Hayley is one quiet survivor, almost unblemished, clean and fit as a fiddle, among the street dogs that I have encountered.
What began as a plan to apply TNRM -- that is, to leave her as she was -- is now a lifetime dedication to ensure her safety (that's utmost important) and a roof over her head.
On part of N, whom we've helped with sterilising, vaccinating and microchipping Hayley.
Hayley belonged to a fairly large field smacked in a corner of a HDB estate, probably slated for more urban developments, given how grossly and disproportionately rapid Singapore is losing its interim secondary forests and other spots that we can claim as our visual respite of greenery.
According to N, there were a few people who fed Hayley and this medium size of a black/tan mongrel, a little scruffy-looking, had a field all to herself and her puppies. For reasons unbeknownst to N and probably her other feeders, her puppies were gone, and Hayley remained unspayed and awaited another six-month cycle before she could get on heat and mate. Her teats were sure sign that she had given birth and been suckled.
Sensible enough, N, whom I got to know through the selling of ALL's calendars, was determined to get her and at the minimum, sterilise her. When you stop at the mother, at least you help prevent unwanted births of generations of puppies.
At one fell swoop, N lifted the feather-light Hayley in her arms and dashed lightning-quick into the car, that day we decided to send her for sterilisation. Before the duo entered the backseat, the dog was so frightened she urinated at the curb -- her bum protruding over N's arm when her flush of pee gushed out. Out of fear and uncertainty.
That stopped N in her tracks alright -- a dog caught in her arms, finding time to pee and de-stress before her car ride.
What happened in the last few weeks, or a month or so, was a flurry of getting her accordingly spayed, vaccinated, microchipped and tested (negative) for heartworm and tick infection, and boarding at A's for a while, and I remember Hayley being such a gentle, docile female that for people she got to know at first chance, she submitted to our caresses on her forehead and our whispers to tell her "Everything is going to be alright, Hayley."
"Good girl, Hayley. Good girl, Hayley," I found myself repeating under my breath.
Without resistance -- quietly, peaceably and sensibly, Hayley led a gentle, charismatic existence at the clinic's and boarding facilities. Her posture seems meditative and still, her demeanour gentle and her face lean. What a beautiful dog.
Hayley--before she was whisked into the car
Today, Hayley will enter the quarantine of a non-profit shelter and join the rest of the dogs that have been unable to find homes under an over-arching residential policy that discriminates against and forbids local dogs.
As we plunge further into 2009, cases like Hayley will inevitably come our way. With a number of dogs ultimately submitted to taking residence in boarding facilities, we need the funds to do more for the populations of street animals out there: STERILISATION, VACCINATION AND MEDICATION.
To turn away a dog in need of medical treatment means starting on a guilt trip of leaving a needy one behind. To begin with, we'd never intended to have too many dogs under our charge boarding at shelters, but in come these few years, we have ended up with a growing number of dogs we are responsible for in their long-termed maintenance at the shelters.
Email projectjkteam@yahoo.com.sg if you'd like to chip in to our dogs' boarding expenses and/or offset our costs in sterilising and providing medical care for our dogs.
Any amount is deeply appreciated.
April 10, 2009
April 6, 2009
I know all of us
have felt tired at some periods of my life. Tired from even a passionate cause we have been fighting for. Not just for animal welfare. But for anything that you sink your heart into. Your stand for the elderly. For the orphans. For salvation.
It doesn't help that there are voices of doubts around. Of discouragement. That a belief as such is worthless, and in the area of animal welfare, if it is only for the animals.
I have thought through this debate many times over. And got discouraged and then realigned in determination, and then discouraged again. And then buck myself up in my belief again. It has not been a steady plane yet. And it may never be, as with all things in life - the flow of tides.
For those who have been standing in the field of animal welfare long enough, there is no need for any convincing that the things done on the streets for the needy strays - are seldom ONLY for the animals. And it is a pretty naive thought to throw out without getting your own hands and feet into the action.
On the surface, it looks like the main priority is the animal on hand. To save and treat the injured and diseased. And if it is a case of abuse, then to attain justice for the abused animal.To the lay person, all focus seems to be on the animal. And humanity or a human being's interest is overshadowed.
But come walk along long enough, and you will see that behind many rescue work, there are many human faces and lives involved.
Be it the exhausted heart of a stray feeder who has sunk too deep to retract her steps now and the only way she knows is forward. And the people in her life whom we get to also meet. Or the good-hearted worker on the farm who is doing his bit to preserve a life. And his hardship and struggles and family we get to know about. Or the God-sent foster family who came forward in the nick of time. And their circle of friends who enter our life. And fellow common-hearted volunteers you meet. And their lives crossing into ours. Lives connected and involved in deeper ways than a mere meeting of 'animal people for the animals'.
As for the contention that the focus is always placed on the animal first (the question being, what about the human being?) - a very simple scenario explains it all. Cos even in a purely human to human interaction, always the focus is on 1 party first. The one who has the key need at that time.In the case of a rapist and a victim - the focus, attention will surely first be on the victim and all means will be rendered to help/save the victim first. And justice attained. That is not to say that the rapist, the other human being is of no value. But at the crux of the situation, it is the victim who needs help first.
Attend to the needful.
It is simple and clear. Should the case be one where an animal has attacked a child without reason, then the focus must be on the hurt child.
Thus very simply, in the area of animal welfare, by placing an initial first-focus on a needy animal does not mean that we downplay humanity. Why don't we withdraw the label of 'human' or 'animal'? Will it be clearer now where you first place your focus? Or will you accept that the focus is placed on the one who needs it more first?
The same for those for take their stand for child labour. Child prostitution. Women's rights. Apartheid. Racism. You don't ask - then what about that pimp, what about his life? No. You reach out FIRST to the party who has been hurt. To the one who is in greater urgency of help. For immediate rectification and cessation of suffering.
Find a need and meet it. In different areas of life.
Akin to the ongoing distress of life-skinning of animals in China - the key focus is to FIRST cease such inhumane practices, to stop unnecessary bloody suffering for the sake of a fur coat. It is not a proclamation that China people are to be condemned. But in such obvious suffering, the most urgent call is to STOP the suffering first. And after that, in tandem, we work to resolve the bigger issue - which includes providing alternative work for these people who have chosen to take on such cruel jobs, largely due to monetary gains, possibly in a market of few jobs.
I just felt that I should share my viewpoints for those who wonder about the value and purpose of animal welfare. My very simple reasoning - if there is a LIFE involved, and the balance of the value of life is skewed simply by your physical sight - then just close your eyes. You can hear a heartbeat. And you can feel a breath. You don't have to see to know there is LIFE. In fact, if we are honest with ourselves, there are some people we love but choose to forgo, because we have used our eyes to see them and we just can't get past the barrier of sight.
It is easy to value someone who is like yourself. It is much more difficult when the other is so different from you. To value a life form that is so visibly different to us - that to me, is a powerful declaration of the preciousness of LIFE. An understanding and acceptance that transcends all forms. If we are able to impart this value to our children - to look at an animal and understand that it has a right of life - will it not be easier for them to look at their fellow brothers and sisters who exist in similar form, and understand that they have value in life?
I may be discouraged again further down the path when someone casts doubt on my choice of action. Or I may also be energised and lifted by words of faith and encouragement. I may never have the right answer for whether animal welfare is 'worth it' or not. I may doubt myself at times that I have spent precious hours on a stray cat and isn't it all silly?
But I would rather end up ridiculed than to sit with crossed-arms and do nothing at all. I would rather, even in my mistaken steps - help stop the suffering of 1 life, help make 1 life better, help remove 1 life from chains, from sickness, from abuse.
For every word of doubt to hit me, I lift myself up with the vision of 1 face of gladness. Of 1 smile from Bagel. 1 joyful whine from Ben. 1 huge hug from Puppy-Boy. 1 dash into the pool by Star.
1 life. Made better. Because you were there.
Be encouraged, friends. I will continue to be.
Bagel - rescued from a life in chains, now enjoying his gift of freedom.
It doesn't help that there are voices of doubts around. Of discouragement. That a belief as such is worthless, and in the area of animal welfare, if it is only for the animals.
I have thought through this debate many times over. And got discouraged and then realigned in determination, and then discouraged again. And then buck myself up in my belief again. It has not been a steady plane yet. And it may never be, as with all things in life - the flow of tides.
For those who have been standing in the field of animal welfare long enough, there is no need for any convincing that the things done on the streets for the needy strays - are seldom ONLY for the animals. And it is a pretty naive thought to throw out without getting your own hands and feet into the action.
On the surface, it looks like the main priority is the animal on hand. To save and treat the injured and diseased. And if it is a case of abuse, then to attain justice for the abused animal.To the lay person, all focus seems to be on the animal. And humanity or a human being's interest is overshadowed.
But come walk along long enough, and you will see that behind many rescue work, there are many human faces and lives involved.
Be it the exhausted heart of a stray feeder who has sunk too deep to retract her steps now and the only way she knows is forward. And the people in her life whom we get to also meet. Or the good-hearted worker on the farm who is doing his bit to preserve a life. And his hardship and struggles and family we get to know about. Or the God-sent foster family who came forward in the nick of time. And their circle of friends who enter our life. And fellow common-hearted volunteers you meet. And their lives crossing into ours. Lives connected and involved in deeper ways than a mere meeting of 'animal people for the animals'.
As for the contention that the focus is always placed on the animal first (the question being, what about the human being?) - a very simple scenario explains it all. Cos even in a purely human to human interaction, always the focus is on 1 party first. The one who has the key need at that time.In the case of a rapist and a victim - the focus, attention will surely first be on the victim and all means will be rendered to help/save the victim first. And justice attained. That is not to say that the rapist, the other human being is of no value. But at the crux of the situation, it is the victim who needs help first.
Attend to the needful.
It is simple and clear. Should the case be one where an animal has attacked a child without reason, then the focus must be on the hurt child.
Thus very simply, in the area of animal welfare, by placing an initial first-focus on a needy animal does not mean that we downplay humanity. Why don't we withdraw the label of 'human' or 'animal'? Will it be clearer now where you first place your focus? Or will you accept that the focus is placed on the one who needs it more first?
The same for those for take their stand for child labour. Child prostitution. Women's rights. Apartheid. Racism. You don't ask - then what about that pimp, what about his life? No. You reach out FIRST to the party who has been hurt. To the one who is in greater urgency of help. For immediate rectification and cessation of suffering.
Find a need and meet it. In different areas of life.
Akin to the ongoing distress of life-skinning of animals in China - the key focus is to FIRST cease such inhumane practices, to stop unnecessary bloody suffering for the sake of a fur coat. It is not a proclamation that China people are to be condemned. But in such obvious suffering, the most urgent call is to STOP the suffering first. And after that, in tandem, we work to resolve the bigger issue - which includes providing alternative work for these people who have chosen to take on such cruel jobs, largely due to monetary gains, possibly in a market of few jobs.
I just felt that I should share my viewpoints for those who wonder about the value and purpose of animal welfare. My very simple reasoning - if there is a LIFE involved, and the balance of the value of life is skewed simply by your physical sight - then just close your eyes. You can hear a heartbeat. And you can feel a breath. You don't have to see to know there is LIFE. In fact, if we are honest with ourselves, there are some people we love but choose to forgo, because we have used our eyes to see them and we just can't get past the barrier of sight.
It is easy to value someone who is like yourself. It is much more difficult when the other is so different from you. To value a life form that is so visibly different to us - that to me, is a powerful declaration of the preciousness of LIFE. An understanding and acceptance that transcends all forms. If we are able to impart this value to our children - to look at an animal and understand that it has a right of life - will it not be easier for them to look at their fellow brothers and sisters who exist in similar form, and understand that they have value in life?
I may be discouraged again further down the path when someone casts doubt on my choice of action. Or I may also be energised and lifted by words of faith and encouragement. I may never have the right answer for whether animal welfare is 'worth it' or not. I may doubt myself at times that I have spent precious hours on a stray cat and isn't it all silly?
But I would rather end up ridiculed than to sit with crossed-arms and do nothing at all. I would rather, even in my mistaken steps - help stop the suffering of 1 life, help make 1 life better, help remove 1 life from chains, from sickness, from abuse.
For every word of doubt to hit me, I lift myself up with the vision of 1 face of gladness. Of 1 smile from Bagel. 1 joyful whine from Ben. 1 huge hug from Puppy-Boy. 1 dash into the pool by Star.
1 life. Made better. Because you were there.
Be encouraged, friends. I will continue to be.
Bagel - rescued from a life in chains, now enjoying his gift of freedom.
For weeks on end
I haven't been concretely active on the animal welfare front, owing to commitments to family, work, work and more work. It's a delicate balancing act and at some point in time, I have to learn to say no and get back on track of core areas of concern.
Hence, the quiet on the blog while in actual fact, I'd been somewhat caught up with a little black kitten, barely a few weeks old when found. My neighbourhood caregiver rang me up urgently and said that the new GP who moved in had managed to capture it and intended to bring it to SPCA, if all else failed. Apparently, someone who works in the area had his friend abandon it there!
So I took the brave step of taking black kit in, much to my family's chagrin. Set up the cage where the newborn resided for a week or so, before I was tied up (thanks to L) to an experienced cat lover, TL, who took it in, not as a foster, but a permanent adopter. Hallelujah!
So black kit was ascertained as female by the vet and finally deflea-ed and cleaned up, thanks to TL's trained eye. In a matter of a day, she was let out of the cage and teasing and playing with TL's adult cats, claiming territories all over the house. Really, a worry off my shoulder and divine blessing manifested. To have an experienced cat lover who affords premium cat food take in black kit unconditionally, it was beyond my expectations. Schnorkz, she is now named by TL and I'd mentally call her.
Now: Schnorkz, extremely playful, jubilant, spars with her adult mentors, tears plastic bags and chases others. Boundless energy.
Now: Schnorkz, alert and oh-so-mischievous!
This is Rei Zi, what I assume is Schnorkz's new brotherly mentor. Upon bringing her into TL's living room, he was one of the first to suss her out and now, he willingly allows her to pounce on him, whack him and chase his tail.
A month ago: Schnorkz in my house, loves to spar with my finger and play with her litter. Was still lapping milk mixed with wet, deboned canfood.
Hence, the quiet on the blog while in actual fact, I'd been somewhat caught up with a little black kitten, barely a few weeks old when found. My neighbourhood caregiver rang me up urgently and said that the new GP who moved in had managed to capture it and intended to bring it to SPCA, if all else failed. Apparently, someone who works in the area had his friend abandon it there!
So I took the brave step of taking black kit in, much to my family's chagrin. Set up the cage where the newborn resided for a week or so, before I was tied up (thanks to L) to an experienced cat lover, TL, who took it in, not as a foster, but a permanent adopter. Hallelujah!
So black kit was ascertained as female by the vet and finally deflea-ed and cleaned up, thanks to TL's trained eye. In a matter of a day, she was let out of the cage and teasing and playing with TL's adult cats, claiming territories all over the house. Really, a worry off my shoulder and divine blessing manifested. To have an experienced cat lover who affords premium cat food take in black kit unconditionally, it was beyond my expectations. Schnorkz, she is now named by TL and I'd mentally call her.
Now: Schnorkz, extremely playful, jubilant, spars with her adult mentors, tears plastic bags and chases others. Boundless energy.
Now: Schnorkz, alert and oh-so-mischievous!
This is Rei Zi, what I assume is Schnorkz's new brotherly mentor. Upon bringing her into TL's living room, he was one of the first to suss her out and now, he willingly allows her to pounce on him, whack him and chase his tail.
A month ago: Schnorkz in my house, loves to spar with my finger and play with her litter. Was still lapping milk mixed with wet, deboned canfood.
When found, our girl had some 10 over fleas crawling on her tiny body. She was malnourished, slightly dehydrated and disoriented. But she adapted just fine to the dark portions of the carrier placed in the huger cage and snuggled for the first few nights to the surrogate warmth of warm water in a container I placed in the carrier.
March 29, 2009
Western Australia RSPCA's
Five Freedoms for Animals
The RSPCA believes that all animals have the right to five basic freedoms:
* Freedom from hunger and thirst: by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour
* Freedom from discomfort: by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
* Freedom from pain injury and disease: by prevention by rapid diagnosis and treatment
* Freedom to express normal behaviour: by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind
* Freedom from fear and distress: by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.
I believe we have room for great improvements in this call for freedom.
The RSPCA believes that all animals have the right to five basic freedoms:
* Freedom from hunger and thirst: by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour
* Freedom from discomfort: by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
* Freedom from pain injury and disease: by prevention by rapid diagnosis and treatment
* Freedom to express normal behaviour: by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind
* Freedom from fear and distress: by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.
I believe we have room for great improvements in this call for freedom.
March 23, 2009
On behalf of a rescuer
"Dear all,
My friend and I found this maltese in beach road, near the army market, tied outside a police post. Was told by the police that he was left there since morning and under the rain for the entire day until we passed by at about 5pm.
He fur was all matted and he had a stong stench coming from him. We brought him straight to the groomer to have all his fur shaven off and afterwards to see the vet.
Vet said he is about 8 years and is healthy except for a heart murmur which is not clinical as yet. He is very active for his age and loves going out. He is very intelligent and behaves like a 3 year old. From our observation, he seems to like other dogs. He got quite attached to my friend and I after that few hours together but we are unable to keep him. I'm sure he will be able to adapt fast to his new home.
Thinking back about how he was abondoned under the rain really pains me alot. I couldn't hold back my tears in front of the SPCA guy as I knew that if I let him go, his life will end already.
Every dog, whether young or old, deserves an equal right to live. He has many more good years to come as long as his heart remains as it is. Please give this boy a second chance to live life to the fullest. Do consider adopting him and giving him a nice loving home?
Best regards,
Denise 91811125"
My friend and I found this maltese in beach road, near the army market, tied outside a police post. Was told by the police that he was left there since morning and under the rain for the entire day until we passed by at about 5pm.
He fur was all matted and he had a stong stench coming from him. We brought him straight to the groomer to have all his fur shaven off and afterwards to see the vet.
Vet said he is about 8 years and is healthy except for a heart murmur which is not clinical as yet. He is very active for his age and loves going out. He is very intelligent and behaves like a 3 year old. From our observation, he seems to like other dogs. He got quite attached to my friend and I after that few hours together but we are unable to keep him. I'm sure he will be able to adapt fast to his new home.
Thinking back about how he was abondoned under the rain really pains me alot. I couldn't hold back my tears in front of the SPCA guy as I knew that if I let him go, his life will end already.
Every dog, whether young or old, deserves an equal right to live. He has many more good years to come as long as his heart remains as it is. Please give this boy a second chance to live life to the fullest. Do consider adopting him and giving him a nice loving home?
Best regards,
Denise 91811125"
March 15, 2009
We are not animal police
officers and our telephone numbers are not animal rescue hotlines.
We are but a small clique of animal activists doing our bit to better the animal welfare scene here.
We are but a small clique of animal activists doing our bit to better the animal welfare scene here.
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