The crime: An innocent victim was mauled and torn to pieces. Survived the attack but badly mauled beyond recovery even with cosmetic surgery.
The victim: A book
The crime scene: Luak Bay
The perpetrator: Al E Baba
The punishment: A scolding, taking away toys and some sulking
Pictures paint a thousand words...
I love you, but who is going to take responsibility for this?
Caught red handed, or is it red mouthed?
Who, me? It wasn't me Daddy, I swear, I am innocent.
Ok, Ok, it was me, I am sorry :-(
I am sorry Mommy for tearing your book, I miss you and daddy.
I love you Mommy, I love you Daddy, please forgive me, please don't be too angry with me. The evidence, bagged up.
So, another day, in the life of Al E the Ripper. A dog who suffers from separation anxiety and loves to tear things to pieces when he is anxiously waiting home alone.
The perpetrator escapes any major punishment and he apologizes for his behaviour by apologetic looks, hiding his face under his paws, licking me all over my face and giving me this "I am so sorry" look.
Al E: Daddy, take some pictures of me and put it in my Facebook as well as Mommy's blog.
Me: Ok Al E. But come and kiss me 1st and tell me how your day went in the kennel.
Al E: Oh Daddy, when will you stop wanting me to kiss you. It is getting embarrassing.
Me: You will never stop kissing me cause you love me so.
Al E: You're absolutely right and I'll never stop jumping around and play with you as well. But I do miss Mommy.
Me: But you never want to speak to her on Skype or the phone?
Al E: I hear her, but I don't see her. Take my pictures lah Daddy. I want to pose for Mommy and also all the uncles and aunties that I miss so much.
Me: Who else do you miss apart from Mommy?
AL E: I miss Aunty Mack, Gandut, Joanne, Shirley and Yani. I also miss Uncles Muniandy, Kuppu, Chandran, Jo and Roehan. It's so funny because Uncle Kupps is still scared of lil me.
Me: Yah, Kupps is funny in that way, but you got to stop biting people boy.
I am really sleepy, tired and worn-out (after only having slept for one hour and half). The flight back was alright except for landing. Very bumpy dumpy landing!! On top of that I have to deal with two luggages, take a train ride (had a good 28 minutes siesta) and very lucky to get a cab at KL Sentral (within 5 minutes). I was back home by 10.00 am.
It was nice to see my housekeeper. The house smells fresh, clean and nice. Made a pot of coffee, read the papers, watched some TV (the on-going US Presidential Election) and at the same time nice to be in my backyard (garden) - the flowers blooming, some vegetable plants are starting to bear fruit, squirrels jumping about and the neighbours cat(s) doing their acrobatic movements on garden wall/corner.........
Sure nice to be back BUT missing my loved ones terribly especially hubby and little AL-E. I know from previous experience, the next few days (or a week or so) is going to be tough.....
Well, I will be back and the music starts, again and AL-E gets to do his belly dance (although that is an on-going activity with our AL-E). Life will be good. Until then, this is my somewhat nostalgic post!!!!!!!
Here I go again. Shopping. Shopping. Shopping .........
I got a little carried away on my last trip back in KL (at Pet Safari). Got AL-E some dog collars, little cute colourful bells, big-bells, oven-baked biscuits,munchy bone treats, food containers, turquoise colour wool blanket (with paw prints), a huge red pillow and etc. etc. etc.
So far, AL-E enjoys eating the nutritious oven-baked biscuits. But am not so sure about the munchy bone treats (vegetarian bone) although he used to enjoy it when he was about 2 months old.
My next mission to KL will be to get a good pair of harness and dog seat-belt.
Alternatively (if not available in KL), hubby need to source out for a doggy car seat-belt during his trip overseas.
Sarah just started a Cocker Spaniel fan club in Facebook and I decided that it would be cool if Al-E was part of the club. So I had to create a Gmail account for Al-E in order to create a Facebook account.
So, now Al-E is on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1625554377&ref=name.
Of course, I could not resist an email from Al-E to us, so, here it is with my reply.
Subject: Hi Mom and Dad ------------------------
From: Al-E Baba Date: Fri, Oct 31, 2008 at 11:39 PM To: niltimbadia@gmail.com, nilsar88@gmail.com
Hi Mummy and Daddy,
This is Al-E, I am doing fine here. Had some food poisoning with all the rattan that I have been eating and had a big throw up yesterday but I am in good spirits nevertheless.
Furthermore, this things that keep popping out of my mouth, bloody white hard stuff... what do you call them? Teeth I think. I am in great pain because of this. So, my sincere apologies if I hurt you sometimes by ending up in chewing your arm, please forgive me.
Apart from that, life here is great, the beach is nice but it has been bloody hot and raining cats lately, only thing I can't catch these cats.
I've had some skin problems due to the heat and humidity.
On top of that, do you remember this girl I like, that bitch gave me ticks. She is a no good arrogant bitch.
I am dreaming that you are here and I am writing to you this amazing letter, it is like daddy is in my head and typing out this email ... or is it a dream.
Oh well, I hope you are both well. I love you so much but I am going back to my nice slumber sleep and will dream of you.
Our boy has a new diet which he sourced himself - rattan pieces.
Yes, our rattan sofa's are being chewed and swallowed bit by bit daily. Normally, it will end up appearing on his rear end. However, our little fella got too carried away last night. He ate way too much rattan...
So this morning, just as I was drifting off in my dreamland, heard hubby's loud yell (calling out to me), more like an urgent SOS. I jumped out of my bed and was presented with part of living room with AL-E's 'dhall curry' - all dried-up with lots of rattan pieces. Sigh! The boy must have had a tough night, vomiting and all.
Clutching my disinfectant solution, rubber gloves, paper towels, I got to work (Me, the clean-up crew). Then, fed AL-E. We both took him for a walk (more like a morning run). Now, he is sleeping soundly - while this blog is being written.
Nevertheless, the most AMAZING part is that we were not disturbed or woken at all last night/wee hours of the morning. AL-E is so considerate of our well-being too. I suppose he understands that we need our sleep since we slept so late..........The boy can be an idiot but yet intelligent at the same time.
We need to desperately find a way to stop AL-E from chewing and eating up our rattan furniture. I have sprayed the 'bitter bite' spray on all our rattan furniture. See if this works!
On top of that, AL-E still gave us the usual standard facials this morning!
Sometimes, I wonder where AL-E gets the energy to greet us good morning with gusto despite probably having a tough time last night with all that purging.....
Sometime last week, I got him a brand new red pillow - to be a cushion for his sleeping basket.
The reason being, some parts of the basket is really being chewed-up by our little monkey. AL-E has lots of soft toys, bones, munchy stuff etc. etc.
However our little fellow here, really looks forward in biting up (or to pieces) rattan chairs, rattan sofa, rattan basket, my study table (the legs) and my favorite chair (the legs as well). Must be really yummy and soothing for a teething dog!
I wonder how long this red pillow will last (especially since he loves to chew on the corners of the pillow as well - from time to time). Sigh!!
AL-E reminds us of someone very close and dear to us, my mother.
Why? My mom gets ill every now and then.
Boy! my mom can be quite a 'drama queen' when she is sick (does not matter if it is just food-poisoning due to eating a piece of fruit at 5 pm or a mild-fever due to heat/climate). For some reason, quite a number of anitibiotic pills does not agree with her (I will not make a list here - too long!).
So, why am I talking about mom. Well, our little AL-E is no better. The antibiotic that the doc/vet gave AL-E for his skin issues got him really sick. The side-effects range from rapid breathing, loss of appetite, tired, lethargic and plain non-active.
Gosh! I feel really bad for getting him to take the antibiotic. AL-E was just laying on the floor motionless with heavy breathing - even his favorite games, toys seem not to amuse him. He won't even acknowledge when his name is called. That's it, we decided he's off taking 'Cephalexin'. That's the name of the antibiotic.
We observed him all night. I barely had 4 hours of sleep.
Well, there is a happy ending to this story. Forty hours later, AL-E is his usual 'MONKEY' self. Busying himself with his daily antics. Driving both of us nuts but we are not complaining.
I left the house for about an hour and half , for my hair appointment. When I got back, guess what's awaiting at home?
AL-E's art work, torn pieces of hubby's favorite calendar (purchased via Amazon.com). Not much remaining pieces left now......The knee pad too went through some ripping process (still in good shape though).
I stayed with the little fella the whole day yesterday (played games with him too).
So, this is AL-E's little payback for being bored and lonely. Sigh!
AL-E has been scratching and biting some parts of his body quite a bit. So, as usual, we being worried parents, dashed our little AL-E to the vet.
Earlier, we discovered AL-E has some 17 spots of dry-flaky stuff on his belly and some parts of his upper body. At the clinic, bought a medicated shampoo and brush for his bathing needs (prescribed by vet).
Plus, doc's order, to bathe AL-E every 3 days till all spots disappear. Doc also gave some antibiotic. The doc started course immediately - more like chuck/pushed one piece into his throat (which of course our AL-E spit out and had to be trusted into his throat). Poor AL-E.
All this abrasive medicated shampoo may take a toll on his shiny black coat. So, we have started AL-E on Coatex (special fish oil for dogs and cats)-recommeded by the doc/vet. It does not smell nice and reminds me of those times when my mom and dad used feed me with 'Scots Emulsion Fish Oil' (yucks). I was on it till maybe 11 or 12 years old.
I bet Coatex fish oil sucks but nevertheless it is going to help AL-E maintain a healthy coat. So be it. How do I do it? How do I persuade a four-legged-fury animal to consume this stuff? Apparently, it will take 2 to 3 months of daily consumption of Coatex, in order to see results. Oh, blimey! Definitely need hubby's help, need to force feed AL-E Coatex (just like the way the doc demonstrated). Not easy with our little monkey.
One day, about 4 months ago, wifey and I were talking on what name I would give to a pet i.e. dog or cat if we had one.
Somehow, I always thought that a pet of mine would have a fun name, not the normal names like Rusty or Bob or Max etc. Wifey even suggested Maximillium or Augutus.
I came up with Al E Baba, Alladin, Goofy and if female Cinderella, Princess Jasmine, Esmeralda or some other cartoon sort of character if it was a dog.
And of course if for a cat it had to be Liono, Jaga, Tygra, Panthro, Cheetara - Thundercats Ho!
We were not seriously thinking of getting a pet and were talking more in future i.e. when we moved to Australia.
The next day, we went to Imperial for some regular shopping and lo and behold, they had a pet exhibition in the concourse area.
Before our shopping, we saw these 3 dogs in a cage, 2 German Shepherds and 1 little black dog which I had no idea what it was but it was sure as heck cute and charming.
We also saw some lazy Siamese cats laying about in their cage. (I am sure you can guess that I am not a cat person)
Dexter, the person selling the pets (and not the boy with mad scientist instincts with a hidden lab in his house), let these little dog out and straight away he came for me to sniff out and bite my shoes.
I was sold.
After our shopping, I very instintively, irrationally and compuslively decided to buy the little black dog.
And in the same manner, decided to name it Al E Baba - I thought it was unique, cute and a fun name.
Of course, wifey was not happy at all at that time mainly because of my irrationality and compulsiveness.
We have had Al E for slightly over four months now but the joy that he has brought to our lives is truly priceless. Wifey and I love Al E to heck.
Unconditional love and when we are playing with Al E, no thoughts or turbulance in our mind.
Life is beautiful and has been a blessing with Al E Baba in our lives.
Counting the days till I get to hug our little fella.
For now, have to be happy with latest picture sent by hubby. My God, little AL-E has grown (all in about 3 weeks).
Pretty soon, AL-E a.k.a. 'The Ripper' (specifically in matters concerning paper, towel, toilet-roll, tissue paper, paper napkin etc. ) will be trying to fly and jump over the balcony (Hope not!)
A roll of toilet paper and a box of tissues can be the best plaything for our little AL-E.
He will rip it apart, then sherd the contents, half of which will be swallowed and ejected from his rear end.
AL-E has also ripped some books, magazine and newspaper. By the time, he had chewed a whole box of tissues, newspaper, books and magazines, he is usually so exhausted that he falls asleep and we always find him with his head cradled on piles of sodden newsprint.
Nevertheless, these misfits of his do not go unnoticed. AL-E gets punished which is to being locked up in the big crate for at least 10 minutes. AL-E will sulk and give a solemn face but the chap knows that he has gone too far... However, everytime when he gets this sort of punishment, he looks so sorry that we forgave him almost immediately.
We don't mind clearing up AL-E's mess because we are so darn devoted to him. For this, hubby gave a new nickname to our little fella a.k.a 'The Don'. He may not know any tricks but he makes our heart melt every time we looked at him or cuddled him.
AL-E loves everybody, us (his owners), friends which he sometimes considers his toys, strangers and I suspect some would-be robber (although I hope this does not materialise).
For the past two weeks, our little AL-E has been smelling like 'something that a cat would have dragged from the dumpster in the middle of the night'.
AL-E's BO has been absolutely unbearable, rather pungent and somewhat unpleasantly toxicating. However, hubby is not of the same view. I tried to explain to him but alas, my darling dismisses my logic .... sometimes it feels like I am speaking an alien language with my other half.
I wish I could pour some of my Chanel No. 5 or Coco Mademoiselle. Alas, that is considered toxic for puppies and dogs in general!
The non-toxic bio-degradable Pet's Cologne Fragrance/Spray seems not to work this time around...Actually, the fragrance only lasts for an hour or so...
Finally, today, I had my day.....Yoohooo I was able to give our little AL-E the much needed bath.
I am sure too AL-E had a gala time not having a bath for the past two weeks.
Two reasons why AL-E could not have his bath. First due to monthly vaccination and second due to 'tick-pouring' procedure (which is poured into his neck - upper part) done back-to-back. Actually, tick-medication procedure was done the week after the vaccination. Normally, after vaccination, one have to wait for at least five days prior to bathing the dog. Having 'tick-medication' procedure done five days after the vaccination delayed further AL-E's bath time.
AL-E was given a good scrub all over his body especially on his long ears. His ears tend to get a little waxy after a week although we clean both his ears on a daily basis. It could also possible be due to his habit of getting his long ears into his food and water bowls. We sometimes tease AL-E by calling him 'Sloppy Joe' due to his sloppy mannerism in drinking water.
On top of that gave him a nice facial and massage throughout his body. I am sure he loved it ....nah... Just look at the pictures of little AL-E all wet and soapy... He looked like he is going through a post-traumatic stress disorder.
The minute the sliding door was opened, AL-E dashed out to the living. It was a 'cat & mouse' chase for awhile before I manage to imprison the little fella on my lap to pat dry him. Had to use two long bath towels. AL-E loves to chew towels for some reason-a new habit. So, in order to distract him, I had to place one on the floor and the other to really dry him off.....Oh that's not the end of it.....
Here comes the best part, blow-drying the little imp. AL-E hates to be soaked wet but blow-drying is not his favorite cup of tea either. Again, I had to imprison him on my lap to proceed with the drying...I am sure he thinks mommy is 'Cruella de Vil'...
Cruella or otherwise, I won this battle. Using my high speed, saloon use hair dryer, AL-E was looking gorgeous in no time..Now it is showtime....
Phew........I am so exhausted...All in a dog's day!
Had a good breakfast, played with AL-E for an hour or so, posted a new write-up for my blog, had a shower and left house to go to the hair-saloon.
Since, I will be gone for a good four hours or so, I decided to give AL-E a bigger space in the living area and block off the dining area with the new three panel 'divider'.
Currently the 'divider' is being used to separate the kitchen and dining area. The three panel 'divider' works as an armour to ward off AL-E & his constant and ever creative antics in the 'ripping' & 'chewing' activity (his favorite pastime, especially since he is in teething stage).
Anyhow, the trip to the hair saloon for colouring (touch-up), highlights and treatment has been long overdue and I really need to cover my hair roots. Everything turns out fine at the saloon. Having spent a good four hours at the hair saloon made me really sleepy and the idea having a 'siesta' seems much more appetising than lunch itself.
Guess what the monkey-dog did at home......That little fella managed to push the heavy three panel door (one section of it) and had a gala time in the kitchen. AL-E managed to rip off all the three pieces of soft door mat. See picture.....sigh.
In retrospect, this is a mild incident as compared to Tuesday's massive vase-breaking and brochure tearing session.
Attachments (Pictures - in no particular order):-
1.Panel door closed (1 picture);
2 Panel door opened(1 picture);
3.AL-E's excitement to see me back home [If, AL-E can speak, he'll probably say "Look mom, I managed to push open the panel door all by myself...just watch me do it again..."] (2 pictures);
4. AL-E's tired face due to all the manual labour of pushing the panel door (1 picture);
5. Some other regular antics of pulling towel/blanket....(3 pictures)
6. What's left of the three pieces of door mat (2 pictures)
Nevertheless, all's not lost. Both AL-E and myself had a nice siesta EXCEPT mine was cut short by hubby's call....now where was I in dreamland?...Never mind.
Here I go again. Shopping. Shopping. Shopping .........
