ABCD Corner

Fast and Curious ... drift drift drift drift

2011-06-26T19:14:00.000+08:00

Daddy has given me a new nickname based from the movie Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift.

He says I am fast and curious and I drift too.

He is being funny but somewhat true as well.

I am super fast and I am bloody curious ... even more curious than a cat. I have to smell each and everything that is in the house and when I go for my walks.

And with the laminated floors in the house, I sometimes drift when I am running around chasing my toys.

So, I am Fast and Curious .... drift drift drift.

I wonder if you know

How I live in Bangsar
If you see me then you mean it
Then you know I have to go
Fast and curious (Drift, Drift, Drift)
Fast and curious (Drift, Drift, Drift)

(Malay)
Rasa I, oh macam itu sama
kena dari mak so kena main lama lama

Fast and curious, drift drift drift

(Japanese)
tamama ichii do itsu eoi de
sikayju miryu suruhudoni ko kana

Fast and curious, drift drift drift

Jump around saw my ball in front
Al E Boyz is the place to be
I said I'm tired like a VIP
Many many diamonds danglin
Bag full of money we stranglin
Love me, kiss me, tickle me, play with me
All the above cuz you can get in
I don't want no squirrel problems
Because I'm professional
Make you, shake you, ketsu (Thank you!)
Lovers take it personal

Fast and curious, drift drift drift

Fast and curious, drift drift drift

Packing Bags

2011-06-12T12:52:00.001+08:00

I saw daddy packing his bags today. Sigh, where is he off too this time? Why is he leaving me? Can he take me along?

Daddy said he is going to Miri, where I came from. So, I told him to send regards to everyone there that I miss like the people in Angel Vet,.

Also some of daddy and mommy's friends whom I have not seen for a while like Auntie Joanna, Uncle Andy.

And if daddy got time, go say hello to that crazy Gaju as well as say hello to Coco. I hope Coco is doing well and still in the house.

Of course daddy will not be staying in our home before as now this is our home. That home was only temporary.

I wonder if daddy will bring me back some presents? Oh well, he buys me a lot of presents here too, so no big deal if he does not bring something back.

I wish I could go but Mommy is staying in KL to take care of me, so I should be fine.

I'll see you back in KL soon daddy, you have a safe trip and think of me when you can. I will talk to you if I am not busy at that time.

And I promise to be a good boy .... finger's crossed ;-P

Spot the difference

2011-06-10T12:11:00.000+08:00

Can you spot the difference between these two pictures?

One of it was taken before Mommy sent me for grooming and the other is taken after grooming. Which is which?

To me, both actually look the same in the pictures but at closer inspection, there is some grooming done.

After all, I am already a perfect English gentleman, not much grooming is required, I always keep myself well groomed.

I keep telling mommy I am perfect as it is and no amount of grooming will make me better groomed but to tell you the truth, that is not true.

You see, I like Bob Marley, deep inside, I am a Rastafarian, I like dreadlocks.

So what do I do?

As soon as my hair starts to grow out, I lick and lick it to make them into dreadlocks.

But of course this is not good and it eventually hurts, but wouldn't if be cool to have dreadlocks?

Ciao for now.

What are dog years anyways?

2011-06-02T17:55:00.002+08:00

Hello everyone.

I recently turned 3 years old in doggy years and these humans around me keep telling me that it is like 21 human years.

I do not understand all these fuss about dog years and human years, from what I see, I have 2 and all the humans I have met also have 2.

So what is all these about 3 ears or 21 ears ... humans sometimes think they are too smart ... can't they all just be happy with 2 ears.

My ears are of course long and they go for a swim in the water bowl as well as the food bowl.

And I love to play in the grass.

So these leads to my next human peeve.

After all, if humans have pet peeves (which means a minor annoyance that an individual identifies as particularly annoying to him or her, to a greater degree than others may find it), I can have a human peeve.

It just does not make sense for a pet like me to have a pet peeve, sounds a little oxymoronic. Thus I have a few human peeves (which means a major annoyance that a pet identifies as particularly annoying to me).

My most recent human peeve is that mommy found a 2 or 3 of "m-f..ing" ticks on me and all hell broke loose.

Of course, that is not my human peeve. My human peeve is this bloody blood sucking ticks themselves. Because of this, I will now no longer be able to enjoy the great outdoors of the backyard garden and mommy will be overly careful to allow me near any strand of grass at all.

So yes, I had a few ticks which have been taken care off and I have been sprayed. These ticks are so resistant, I wear a tick collar and still they come.

And thus, I am going to sing this song that daddy always seems to sing but modifying it a little.

Nobody likes ticks.
Everybody hates ticks.
I'm going to eat some ticks.
Big fat juicy ticks, small thin skinny ticks,
Itsy bitsy tiny little ticks.

First you bite their head out,
Then you suck their guts out,
See how they wiggle and squirm,
Nobody likes ticks,
Everybody hates ticks ....
Especially dear old Al E belly.

Anyways, I recently had a birthday and daddy made me a burger. We also had a party during mommy's birthday and I enjoyed meeting all the guests.

Daddy also mentioned that he will take me to a nearby beach sometime but nearby in KL is at least an hour and half away compared to 30 seconds away when we were in Miri.

Nevertheless, it will be nice to see the beach and play with the sand and sniff out those crabs on the beach again - sure beats sniffing out the one crabby ole man in the house ..... hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.

Anyway, hugs and loves to you all.

Wassup with me & Denver, the guilty dog

2011-03-25T18:19:00.001+08:00

Hi, it is me, I am not blogging actively because daddy and mummy sometimes do not let me use the computer.

But I have been having a lot of fun. My food diet has changed since mummy and daddy went for a animal communication course.

Now they are cooking for me food with chicken, vegetable and mixing it with some dry kibbles and blending it into this tasty wonderful meal for me.

I still am getting my treats and vitamins and still proudly the handsomest dog in the whole neighbourhood. Everybody says I got a nice shiny coat, which I do because mummy always feeds me this yucky fish oil tablets. But after I take the fish oil tablets, I get to eat some tasty vitamins.

Lately, mummy and daddy have been talking to me more and allowing me to chase the squirrels more. I do not like the squirrels because they are shitting in my back yard. Nobody, not even me shits in my own backyard.

Maybe that opposition leader does so, but not me.

Anyway, I am also getting to listen to this relaxing music when I am some days left alone at home for a few hours. I do not like to be left alone. I am not scared but I do not want to be alone.

But this music is helping me to stay relaxed and go to sleep.

Also, mummy and daddy have found this nice place for me to go for day care, baths and grooming. It is this wonderful place with wonderful people in Taman Tun.

I get to run around freely with all these little dogs. There are these two regular noisy little dogs there that daddy calls the Louis Vuitton dogs because their mommy brings them in this Louis Vuitton bag. I am happy I am too big to fit in any bags, that will just be so odd.

I like this place better than the other place where there was this noisy lady owner. The last time I was there for grooming, they cut me too rough and I had some nicks and injuries all around my neck and body and even now the hair is not growing properly.

Also, they cut one of my nice long eyelashes. Imagine, one eyelashes cut and the other not cut!!!! Lucky they have grown back and I now have my long eyelashes.

They other day, I met my 1st Godmother, Auntie Renata. Auntie took care of me when I was barely three months old for a few days when mummy and daddy had to go away. She is always so nice to me and very pretty like mummy.

Anyway, that is all for now. I just want to share this picture of a dog named Denver which daddy showed to me. It is so funny how guilty the dog is feeling for stealing some kitty kat treats. She does not have a poker face at all. Maybe I need to teach her how to get a poker face, or she can ask Lady Gaga.

Take care everyone out there and enjoy my blog.

Gong Xi Fa Cai Kong Hee Fatt Choy

2011-01-06T06:06:00.000+08:00

Hello hello everyone. Hope you all had a wonderful new year and will have a great year.

After Christmas, mummy and daddy left me with Dada for a week or so but then they are all back and we are one big happy family.

Lately, Dada has been a little bit crappy and sometimes treats me quite roughly but I hear he is going away for 3 months to go to India.

Daddy has also been quite busy working after he came back and he keeps talking about doing things with more passion.

Mommy has also been busy in and out of the house.

I have not been able to go for 2 walks daily because of the rain. Everyday it rains and when it rains, daddy and mommy will not take me for a walk or let me play in the garden.

Those damn mortal enemies of mine, the squirrel have been coming to the garden more often too and I bark my head off when they do come.

I heard that day in the Christmas party that some people eat dogs. In fact the nice bald doctor friend of mommy and daddy also jokingly threatened to eat me if I did not keep quiet!!!!

I wonder why people want to eat dogs? I guess maybe if they are very hungry than they do not have any food to eat. But some people just eat because they like to eat.

I wonder if a really hungry dog will eat humans too? But I guess this is the cycle of life.

Anyway, I am happy to be in a loving home. But because of the rain, I am bored and I sleep a lot and I lick my paws a lot which both daddy and mommy will scold me if they caught me doing it.

Sometimes daddy gets me to exercise by running up the stairs and down the stairs many times.

Sometimes, I dream how it would be to be human. How would it be if I was really mommy and daddy's little boy. But in this lifetime, I am a dog, and by golly, I am going to be the best dog anyone can ever have.

Hopefully mommy and daddy will guide me when required.

I am also hoping for more pictures to be uploaded. Until then, Gong Xi Fa Cai and give me more ang pow this year.

'Twas the night before Christmas, well two nights

2010-12-24T14:50:00.000+08:00

Hello everyone, I have been quite quiet since my trip from Miri to Kay El.

I have been in Kay El for about 10 months now and finally know what all this Christmas thing is that mommy and daddy keep celebrating.

The last 2 years while I was in Miri, they will send me to Angel Clinic where my godmothers and Dr Hii would take care of me while mommy and daddy disappeared for a few weeks.

Now, I am in Kay El with them and not in the kennels. While I do miss all the wonderful friends in Angel Clinic, I am truly happy to be here together with family.

The festiveness always seems to start with some boxes coming out, boxes being wrapped.

The tree was put up by mommy and daddy a few weeks ago. The unfortunately daddy got a little sick which he is still recovering.

But the tree is really pretty. It is much bigger than the one daddy had in Miri and so many nice sparkling decorations. I smelled everyone to make sure the were safe and I also licked a few of them which mommy did not like.

Here is a picture of me sleeping under the tree. There are already some presents under it from the party mommy and daddy had for a few friends yesterday.

After the tree was up, mommy and daddy have had some visitors coming to visit.

Cabot, Wati and lil Aris came by for a visit and then Auntie Yean Mei who was also in Miri came for a visit.

Here's a picture taken by Uncle Cabot.

Then Uncle Kelvin also came for a visit. Unfortunately Auntie Angie has been busy and also because mommy and daddy were busy, Auntie Angie and Auntie Debra could not meet but I am sure we will meet soon. I also wish all my doctor friends from Angel Clinic will also visit sometime.

Then I met so many new people yesterday. So many friends came and I meet this 2 cutest little angels which I fell in love with, the were Kenny and Joanne's daughters. But alas, I am a dog and they are angels, sigh!

Yesterday's party was so fun for me, so many people I know and so many new people. I was barking my head of in excitement but I think I was scarring some guests because mommy and daddy keep asking me to be quiet.

But I was so happy and excited I could not control myself from the excitement. It was so much fun and I was totally exhausted after the party. Now I know what daddy feels like cause I may have accidentally licked some spilled beer and now feeling woozy.

That was yesterday night and tonight I hear we going to Pati's house for another party. I will meet auntie Stella and Sophia but Pati is scarred of me, I do not know why, but it is okay, I still love them all, they are family.

I learned from my first Christmas how much fun Christmas is, it is about friends, family and celebrations.

I will cherish this Christmas and many more to come with mommy and daddy. This whole year, I have not been in a kennel. Even when mommy and daddy are away, dadda or auntie Lyne is always there to take care of me within the home.

Now I am hoping this Santa Claus fella will bring me some presents for Christmas but as Daddy always tells me that being together as a family and having friends who care is a present enough, so I am happy that I got my present early this year. Being with mommy and daddy has been a wonderful present.

Love all of you and God Bless You. May you all have as wonderful a Christmas as I have so far.

Happy ending for most of Vick’s dogs

2010-09-22T05:55:00.000+08:00

I have blindly copied this article from Yahoo sports writer Dan Wetzel who normally writes about American Football, NBA etc.

But today, he wrote a very nice article about dogs. It is a little bit serious article but I enjoyed how my fellow mates have received re-hab and are doing much better in their lives.

A few years ago, a top quarterback in NFL, Michael Vick was caught running a dog fighting organization. He paid his punishment but not much was written about the 51 dogs that were "rescued". Normally dogs in this situation are put to sleep but because of the publicity this case got in the media, these dogs were the few lucky ones to be re-hab.

And here is what Dan Wetzel has wrote about them:

The resurrection of Michael Vick(notes) took another swift step forward Sunday when he led the Philadelphia Eagles to victory in his first start in more than three NFL seasons. Now he’s in the middle of a debate about who should be the team’s regular starter. It’s a welcomed type of argument for a man who spent 21 months in federal prison, lost a $100 million contract and became a national pariah for his role in a vicious interstate dogfighting ring.

Jim Gorant was less concerned about Vick’s future than that of Vick’s victims – the 51 dogs authorities recovered on Vick’s property in rural Virginia, 22 of which went to Best Friends animal sanctuary in Utah. If Vick paid his debt to society (as he did, even becoming a Humane Society lecturer), he’d no doubt get a second chance (as he should).

More From Dan WetzelIf Moss wants deal he must leave Revis Island Sep 17, 2010 Lions refuse to take 'coward's way out' Sep 16, 2010 AdChoices

One of the rescued dogs hides in its shelter at Best Friends animal sanctuary, north of Kanab, Utah.

But what of Michael Vick’s dogs? It turns out there’s a redemption story there as well, one that Gorant, a writer for Sports Illustrated, details in the just-released book “The Lost Dogs”.

It starts with the decision by authorities to raid Vick’s property in April 2007 and carries through the rescue of the animals, the Vick legal proceedings, the groundbreaking decision to not destroy the mostly pit bulls and eventually a series of success stories for many of the dogs.

It’s a book that’s equal parts horrifying and hopeful. And while every person and dog involved would’ve been better served if Bad Newz Kennels never existed, there are plenty of positives coming out of a story that at first seemed to contain only misery.

Forty-seven of the 51 dogs survived. While not all have fully rehabbed, a good number of them live with families. Their new owners view the dogs’ scarred bodies as loveable and marvel at the ability to put years of aggressive training and systematic torture behind them. Four even work in therapy roles – including one in California which is so gentle and peaceful he’s used as a “listener” for self-conscious children trying to work on their reading skills.

Perhaps most remarkably, if it wasn’t for the high-profile nature of the Vick case and the quarterback’s ability to pay for their postrescue care (Vick reportedly spent a court-mandated $1 million on it), each of the dogs would’ve been destroyed. Dogs which came from fighting busts had previously been considered so far gone that trying to retrain them would take a disproportionate amount of already limited resources.

“Ninety percent of the time, they would’ve been put down,” Gorant said. “Even PETA and the Humane Society recommended it. [The theory was] there are already good dogs out there who need care. Why invest time, effort and money to save these few when so many dogs are out there that need help?”

The public outcry over the Vick dogs helped change that. An attempt was made to retrain them, and the success rate was so high that “the Humane Society changed its official policy,” Gorant said.

The major change, according to Gorant, is to evaluate each dog as an individual case rather than make a sweeping ruling on all animals which come from a fighting ring.

“It’s definitely a positive,” he said.

There’s more. The Vick case drew so much public outrage that police across the country have reportedly stepped up efforts to break fighting rings. Where the crime was considered a lower priority in the past, now resources are offered – if only because it often leads to the discovery of other criminal behavior. It’s not cub scouts who operate these things.

“Law enforcement realized that this is something worth their time,” Gorant said.

The book also delves deeply into a look at the pit bull breed, making the case that it is inherently a calm, friendly dog. It was originally bred as a family farm dog. It’s the fighting rings which have ruined the pit bulls’ rep – something that surprised even Gorant.

“All I knew about pit bulls was from the headlines,” he said.

Vick missed all of the ‘2007 and ’08 NFL seasons.

The book has its greatest impact in going past the headlines and detailing the recovery process of the individual dogs. The odds for success remained long, but the dogs took to the training at various levels. Seventeen have been deemed adequately adjusted. Seventeen are still in training facilities. The rest are in various spots in between.

The success stories will prove a winner for any dog lover. Consider Hector, a big, brown pit bull whose scarred chest and legs told of a veteran (and thereby successful and vicious) fighter. If there was ever a dog that at first glance would be considered too far gone to save, he was it.

Instead, the shelter found a pleasant demeanor and even a mischievous side (he loves hide-and-seek and is a klutz). He quickly passed his Canine Good Citizen tests and wound up in the Minnesota home of Roo Yori, who is known for training police dogs and flying-disc champions.

Hector now visits schools and nursing homes, offering comfort and entertainment and using his celebrity status as one of “Michael Vick’s dogs” to pound home an anti-fighting message.

Hector didn’t score any touchdowns Sunday. Yet, like Michael Vick, his life has moved forward in ways which few could’ve envisioned three and a half-year ago. Vick is back to being a football player, Hector a normal dog.

Scheming

2010-07-26T14:38:00.002+08:00

My ultimate fantasy of all my fantasies -- nothing sexual -- I want to catch a squirrel.

I want to catch a squirrel so bad it hurts my heart.

The kind of pain where I want to sit down on a rainy Sunday afternoon with John Mayer and just write a song about it.

Yes, I have not written for a while - namely because my mommy and daddy have been to busy to write on my behalf - my paws just cannot get used to the QWERTY keyboard.

They should invent a dogpawserty keyboard for canine blogger like me.

But since coming to Kay El, apart from my walks, I love running around the back yard smelling and chasing after squirrels.

When it rains as it so often does, I like to watch the backyard through the grill and see the squirrels shivering in the cold and hiding under the cabana.

I am now scheming, one day I'll catch a squirrel and present it to mommy.

They will not know what hit them. Now I have their scent and observing their movements and scheming to catch one of them.

From my smells, I have figured there are 2 regulars ones that come to the backyard and 1 irregular one.

It will just be a matter of time. these squirrels are cunning but they are following a pattern and once the pattern is predictable, I will have them.

Until then, I will enjoy my walks, running around the backyard, playing coconut footsie with daddy and chasing after Dada who is back from India.

Until then, I will keep singing this modified John Mayer song Waiting for the world to change which I have rewritten to Waiting on the squirrel to catch.

Me and all my friends
We're all misunderstood
They say we stand for nothing and
There's no way we ever could
Now I see everything that's going wrong
With the backyard and the squirrels who lead it
I just feel like we don't have the means
To rise above and beat them
So I keep waiting
Waiting on the squirrel to catch
I keep on waiting
Waiting on the squirrel to catch
It's hard to beat their system
When I'm standing at a distance
So I keep waiting
Waiting on the squirrel to catch
Now if I had the power
To bring our neighbors dogs for help
The squirrels would have never had a Christmas
No more nuts on their nest
And when you trust your vision
What you get is what you got
Cause when they own the information, oh
They can bend it all they want
That's why I'm waiting
Waiting on the squirrel to catch
I keep on waiting
Waiting on the squirrel to catch
It's not that I don't care,
I just know that the fight ain't fair
So I keep on waiting
Waiting on the squirrel to catch
And I'm still waiting
But one day, squirrel I will catch.

Blue Cheese

2010-04-22T15:38:00.002+08:00

My sweet little AL-E is sometimes referred to as Blue Cheese......

One of his favorite habit (amongst others) is to follow me like a shadow especially when his human daddy is away at work...When daddy dearest comes back, mommy dearest takes a back seat .......

Sometimes I wonder, instead, if I am the stinky 'Blue Cheese' that he tends to follow. AL-E loves cheese (any kind, I think) but we have since long time ago stopped giving him any due to medical reasons...

Blue cheese, blue cheese, blue cheese....................................

My last day in Miri

2010-01-29T08:44:00.000+08:00

Dear everyone who has known me in Miri,

Today is my last full day in Miri. I have been told by mommy and daddy that I will be flying to Kay El tomorrow early morning.

This morning, I got up early and kissed mommy and daddy all over their faces.

I think mommy is going back because she is packing her bags.

Then, daddy lifted me and talked with me while we looked at the calm morning sea with a nice light breeze.

He asked me to say good-bye to all my friends in Miri that I will visit today including Cherry, Coco, Connie and Gaju.

We looked around the sea and then I licked mommy and daddy some more.

As mommy took me out for a walk, I said my ta ta's to auntie Joanna who came to pick daddy up to go to work.

Auntie Joanna is so nice to me, I will surely miss her.

After that, mommy took me for a walk on the beach as well as visit my friends Coco and Cherry.

Later, I will be sent to Angel where I will meet all my other friends, have a nice bath and go for a government medical check-up.

Unfortunately, mommy said no food after 3pm. I guess I have to fast to go to Kay El.

Tomorrow will be a big new experience for me. In this large carrier that daddy has bought for me and going into a aeroplane.

But after that, I will be in my new home in Kay El where dada will be waiting.

My new adventures in Kay El will begin tomorrow.

The Black Rajah of North Borneo Al E Baba is leaving Miri and heading to Kay El.

Good bye North Borneo, hello West Malaysia.

Me with Mommy

2010-01-17T11:16:00.004+08:00

Here are some pictures with Mommy. You see Mommy got a lil jealous when I uploaded Daddy's pictures although I was going to do Mommy's later.

Here, as usual, me kissing Mommy. Nowadays it is a routine every morning, afternoon, evening and night. Mommy is nice to kiss because she has all nice smelling stuff on her face compared to Daddy's rough stubbles.

Mommy duly kisses me back but she has me in this grip that I cannot escape.

Here Mommy is in the background as I pretend to sleep.

Yummy, that was paw licking good. See the pink blanket in the background? I still have it but it is now full of holes.

This is my "What you looking at" cheeky pose.

An now Mommy trying to show me the sea but again all I was interested to watch was daddy.

Me with Daddy

2010-01-17T10:56:00.004+08:00

A long time ago it seems now that I came to live with Mommy and Daddy. But it has been one and a half years, seems like more than a decade to me (in doggy years, it is more than a decade).

Now, I am all grown up and moving to Kay El.

I like to stretch, since I was just a wee lil pup.

Of course licking mommy and daddy is always compulsory. Who else can you lick but your loved ones.

I also liked playing with all types of balls. I still have this green soccer ball but now like to play coconut football with daddy. But Mommy will not play coconut football with me. Oh well.

Daddy was trying to point out the ocean to me but all I was interested to look at was Mommy who was holding this funny black device they call a camera.

My Teddy Bear

2010-01-16T17:49:00.004+08:00

This is my little prince when he was probably between 8 to 9 weeks old...So cute

Soccer & Coconut

2010-01-15T12:00:00.003+08:00

Lately both mommy and daddy have been taking me for frequent walks and run on the beach...I suppose it is because we all be moving back to Kay-el soon.

Most of the time, daddy forget to bring toys like my soccer ball to the beach. So instead he uses coconuts as balls. It is interesting - not easy but nevertheless fun playing soccer using coconuts found on the beach.

However, mommy do not seem amused. Apparently I consume too much sand and coconut husk while playing on the beach - according to mom.

15 more days

2010-01-15T00:04:00.000+08:00

Mommy and Daddy are bringing me to Kay El.

They say in 15 more days.

They say we going to be in a new home.

I hope I like my new home.

I will miss the wonderful runs on the beach with daddy, the nice long walks with mommy, the coconut football with daddy.

I will miss Coco, Cherry and Connie - all my 3 girlfriends with names starting with a C.

I will also miss my crazy neighbour Gaju, although we never became friends, I have always admired him as an elder statesman.

I will miss auntie Joanna, uncle Kupps and many other friends.

But I will be with mommy, daddy and dada and I hear Auntie Angie is also in Kay El and will visit occasionally.

I hear I also have a patti (gran-ma) which may not like me - but I am sure I can soften her heart.

I also have Auntie Sophie to play with.

I hear there is a big garden and a lot of other friends I will make like Max and Sparky.

I have mixed feelings, but I will be fine.

Only thing I dread is that big crate daddy has brought and keeps telling me that I will be in it for 4-5 hours.

Kay El, here comes Prince Al E Baba of North Borneo - be ready for a good time out.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Mommy and Daddy

2009-12-31T14:05:00.003+08:00

Dear Mommy and Daddy,

I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Last year daddy put up a tree in the home here and left me in the kennel, so I did not spent Christmas and New Year with you. Although there was only Dr Hii in the clinic, he took care of me well. Auntie Joanna visited me too.

This year, daddy did not even put up a Christmas tree. Mommy left a few days earlier and then on 17th, daddy left as well.

Again, I am in the kennel.

I miss you a lot. This time Nale, Dr Hii, Dr Sharon and Dr Sylmie have been taking care of me. Auntie Joanna has not visited at all.

I have been told that we are moving and I will be in a plane and going to Kay El. I do not know what is a plane or Kay El.

I only have a wish to spend as much time with my mommy and daddy and I hope that I bring both of you joy and happiness because you bring me a lot of joy and happiness.

I could not have wished for better parents from God and very grateful for God to have given me wonderful parents as yourself.

Because of this, I miss you tremendously when you go away. And I hope you miss me too.

I hope next year, we will be spending Christmas together for the 1st time in my life. I assume it will be in my new home in this placed called Kay El.

That would be the greatest Christmas present for me. Until then, wishing you a Happy New Year.

My love and slobby kisses and hope to see you soon.

Your boy,
Al E.

Mommy and me

2009-12-06T20:02:00.003+08:00

Dear daddy,
I was suppose to post this write-up and video when you were away on holiday with dada. Mommy and I have been walking lots, both in morning and evenings - stroll by the beach of course. Sometimes when the weather is good, we also head to the beach. Mommy claims, the beach is her free membership gym (lifetime membership). Well, am not too sure about 'lifetime membership', you see, a big hotel and club house is going to be built right in front of our beach pad. Oh well, it does not matter now, we will be moving soon.
Cheers, AL-E Baba

Surprise

2009-10-05T21:27:00.002+08:00

Hi, this is Al E.

Daddy has not been well, today's surprise was he did not send me to the kennel and worked from home.

I wish he could work from home all the time and not send me to the kennel but I do enjoy meeting my friends in the kennel too.

Daddy has not been well, so, he has been quietly doing his work from home.

I have been his shadow all day, except in the morning where he left me at home alone. He said he was going to see a doctor.

He was back quite fast and I created no damage at home.

Today, it has been quite hot, so I slept for a while under daddy's wet clothes on the clothes line.

We went for a walk in the evening as we always do but I want to go for walks all the time. Today my girlfriend Cherry was chasing me all over, she smells nice and allows me to smell her. She does not bark like the crazy Gaju next door.

That Gaju fella, always barking at me, dunno what is wrong with him. He just does not like me. Once he even attacked me. I have not even done anything to him. Bugger.

But my friend Fifi and Coco were not there today. I visit them everyday too. They like me but I act cool, don't want to show their excitement. They are just puppies and I love the attention they give me. Daddy is nice to them too. But today, I missed them, they were no where to be seen.

Now I am sleeping on my basket, which daddy has put outside while he watches television and works.

I miss mommy, and hear her on the phone.

Anyway, I hear mommy and dada coming soon for Dewali, festival of lights. Why don;t they have a festival of darkness as well ... hmmmmm ..... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Door Bell

2009-09-27T09:05:00.006+08:00

Ever wished for an amazing alarm cum door bell...the one that do not need to be fixed, logged-in, keyed-in, programmed and etc.....

Well, we have one and it is not a gadget but AL-E. Plus, he comes without any battery that needs fixing or charging...

You see, we do not have a door bell (for our home in Borneo). AL-E does the job pretty well. His bark announces whether it is a cat/dog, guest or ghost/spirit. By the way, AL-E's bark varies between a human, animal and things from other dimension (if any - though I have yet to meet one and have no plans or wish whatsoever to bump into one).

This morning we both decided to sleep a little longer... Out of the blue AL-E (who also sleeps in our room jumped out of his basket and was really uneasy. He came to my side of the bed and gave me an early wake-up call (all slobbery with his wet kisses)...Wait a minute, that is not how it should be, normally he never forces or wakes me unless something is really amiss or someone is at the door. So I had to force myself up, go check the whole house including the balcony etc. etc. Well, nobody and nothing was out to greet me. Thus, I fixed AL-E's breakie and went back to sleep.

Guess what, loud on-going barks...now what...well, lo and behold my housekeeper was at the front door (Note: I was wide awake and did not hear the van dropping her off...).

Oh well, I had actually arranged for a housekeeper next Sunday and not today but I must say that our boy is the real hero and have my utmost respect. From now on, whenever he wakes me up out of the blue, I am sure to wake up, you may never know what or who is at the front door.

Al-E is constantly a loyal companion who provides unconditional love ... now to add to his abilities, he is also door bell and alarm - what more could we have asked for?

YB AL-E injured

2009-09-07T10:04:00.004+08:00

We left our boy for an hour yesterday morning and guess what happened when we got home?

AL-E injured a small spot on his paw. There were spots of blood all over the floor. All due to constant scratching of the wood divider...

After a frantic call to the vet and instructions given, AL-E's well and jumping like a monkey ...

I wonder where does he get all energy. It's like the bunny advertisement for Duracell battery (can go on for hours and days without any glitch!)..I wish I have at least half of AL-E's super-duper energy...

Unconditional love

2009-08-21T05:55:00.002+08:00

Al E is not different from this cartoon.

We can leave him in the kennel and would go collect him thinking he will be mad at us or upset with us, but he comes running like a maniac, just waiting to jump and slober all over you.

Such is the simple unconditional love you get from a dog, you are his world. Treat him well and rewards are aplenty.

Heroics

2009-08-14T02:26:00.000+08:00

Every other day, I read an article about some dog being a hero.

Here and there, everywhere, everyday there is a dog saving a person.

"Dog hailed as hero for guiding rescuers to owner's body" is among a recent headline.

"Dog pulls toddler out of burning building."

Some religions believe that dogs are evil, or the devil and if you have a dog, angels would not come into your house.

I believe somewhat the opposite. The dog is an angel that keeps the evil out.

Al E is not different. Numerous times he has warned me of something, or barked at a stranger lurking around the house.

Yes, he barks at nearly everyone, but I have learned to recognise the different barks.

And sometimes he just goes quiet, to warn you of something strange. He goes extremely quiet and listens attentively for any strange sounds.

No difference on Thursday night - but read Nils Musings for that story.

Al E has his heroics and he is a hero at the same time. A loyal, good, kind-hearted and loving pet.

He may whine and destroy a few papers here and there and create a bit of a mess when left alone for a few hours, but Al E will always be #1 pet.I can treat him like my son but he knows he is a dog and that I am his master, and we both love each other unconditionally.

Al E misses his human mommy. And daily cherishes time with his human daddy.

Such is life, and it's beautiful.

So sorry lah

2009-07-31T10:00:00.002+08:00

Dear mommy,

I am so sorry to have created a mess during your 2 hours Starbucks break...I miss you lah so I decided to chew some newspapers.....Sometimes nice to chew on newspaper (like you chew some gum)...

But I know you hate it but I can't help it lah...Forgive me ya. I love you so much.

Hugs,
AL-E Baba

AL-E Botak

2009-07-16T08:35:00.002+08:00

Can you imagine what my mommy did to me....

Recently, mommy acquired a new passion or shall I say a new hobby...that is being my personal hair-stylist. The only problem is that she only knows one style......Just look at the pictures!!!

My dear mommy got a wee bit too excited and cropped off all my lovely locks.

Initially mommy only intended to cut off the tangled hair/fur (those that is hard and unmanageable). However, something got over mom and she started chopping all my fur...

On top of that daddy calls me 'botak' or AL-E Botak.......Grrgh

Although it is a relief to be free of tangled hair/fur, I just can't wait for my fur to grow back. Sigh!

My training

2009-06-24T21:41:00.002+08:00

Dear Mommy and other friends,

Every Wednesday Daddy is taking me for obedience training with Robin.

Robin is quite a nice person and with Daddy has been training me quite well.

Today, I continued to learn how to walk properly. I also am doing well in the sit command. Every now and then Daddy and Robin would use the down command, which is different from sit.

In addition, I have learned the over command which means I have to jump over some obstacle. I sometimes like jumping over the obstacle and sometimes I am refusing.

Today I also learned the stay command. Daddy or Robin will first ask me to sit. Then they give me a treat and ask me to stay. And I am supposed to remain sitting.

I did quite well with stay and Robin and Daddy also let go of the leash and I still just stayed in the sitting position.

Due to this, I got a lot of sausage treats which I love. I did not even eat the food Daddy kept for me outside but I did drink a lot of water when I came back.

Now I am soooooooooo tired and knocked out by Daddy's feet under his table as he is working and in a call with some people that I do not understand.

Anyways, I am well and training is going well for me.

Tata, woof woof and bow wow for now.

You're welcome at my water bowl anytime

2009-06-22T06:06:00.000+08:00

Dear Mommy,

This was forwarded by a friend to daddy who read it to me:

A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead.

He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them.

After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight.

When he was standing before it he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother-of-pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side.

When he was close enough, he called out, 'Excuse me, where are we?'

'This is Heaven, sir,' the man answered.

'Wow! Would you happen to have some water?' the man asked.
'Of course, sir. Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought right up.' The man gestured, and the gate began to open.
'Can my friend,' gesturing toward his dog, 'come in, too?' the traveler asked.
'I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets.'

The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going with his dog. After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road leading through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence. As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book....

'Excuse me!' he called to the man. 'Do you have any water?'

'Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there, come on in.'

'How about my friend here?' the traveler gestured to the dog.

'There should be a bowl by the pump.'

They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it. The traveler filled the water bowl and took a long drink himself, then he gave some to the dog. When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree.

'What do you call this place?' the traveler asked.

'This is Heaven,' he answered.

'Well, that's confusing,' the traveler said. 'The man down the road said that was Heaven, too.'

'Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope.. That's hell.'

'Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?'

'No, we're just happy that they screen out the folks who would leave their best friends behind.'

You are welcome at my water bowl anytime Mommy (and Daddy)!!

Tata, wwof woof and bow wow.

Dearest Mommy

2009-06-21T13:07:00.002+08:00

Dearest Mommy,

Where have you disappeared? Every time you go into that building with your bags, you never come out. Daddy tells me you have gone to Kay El to take care of your mommy. And that I and your mommy or my pati have some similarities in terms of when we are sick.

I do not know what Kay El is or what an aeroplane is but maybe one day we all will go together and go into this aeroplane and go to Kay El.

I miss you very much and have been going to the room and your side of the bed and peeking into the bathroom to look for you but to no avail.

I have been taking care of daddy as much as I can and to be honest, he has been taking care of me as well.

He makes sure that I am hugged and kiss everyday, that he plays ball with me and takes me out for a walk everyday, we also do some obedience training and he gives me treats. Daddy has been quite obedient so far ;)

He also ensures that I get my vitamins everyday and that he too eats his vitamins. Apart from that he has been combing my hair every day and cleaning my ears as well.

I am still having some dry skin problems and some rashes and daddy has put some olive oil on me. The oil is soooooooooooooo tasty that I like up his hands clean.

Daddy's leg too has some bites and rashes from some insect, I hope he gets well.

Daddy sends me to Ani every weekday and collects me later. Ani and Nelly and Dr Sharon too have been taking care of me well.

Daddy is sometimes tired but he still does all the things and still vacuums and cleans up.

I miss you and I know you miss me too. But don;t worry too much, I am well here and daddy is taking care of me and vise-versa. I hope you are taking care of yourself.

Tata, woof woof and bow wow for now.

Love always,
Al E

Be happy Don't Worry

2009-06-18T17:11:00.002+08:00

Hi Al-E boy,

Heard from daddy that you have been a little 'sad' and looking for me...

Well, try not to sulk so much and I will be in no time...will be in KL for a short period only.

Love ya. Take care of daddy.

Love,

Mommy

My AL-E boy

2009-06-16T11:00:00.002+08:00

Dearest AL-E,

I will miss you dearly when I get back to KL...sniff, sniff, sniff.

Take care of daddy ya...be good and eat your vitamins okay. Do well in your class...don't give Robin & daddy a hard time (I know you will do well).

Love you sooooooooooo much and will be missing you sooooooooooooooo much.

Bisous,
Mommy

Shades

2009-06-12T09:20:00.010+08:00

My future's soooooooooo bright that I got wear shades.

Look at my daddy trying to fix sun-glasses on me (see pictures). I was feeling rather uncomfortable but as usual daddy has to have his way. Apparently it is for my own good. Daddy purchased this specially designed sun-glasses for dogs from Belgium.

Anyhow, I let both mommy and daddy take my picture(s) of me wearing it for awhile (5 minutes). After that I wriggled so much with it that they both had to remove the glasses. Cool.

Obedience Training

2009-06-04T10:52:00.003+08:00

Today Daddy and I started obedience training classes.

I thought this class was for me to teach daddy and mommy to be more obedient to me, but I was so disappointed. In the end, it seems the classes are for me.

It is not very easy.... not because I am difficult but more because of the corrections daddy has to do.

Daddy will yank my collar if I do not follow a command.

Most of the time I follow his commands to sit or come here and he praises me when I do it.

But there are times I do not do it and he has to yank my chain until I choke a little.

Yesterday after the training, I was a little upset and angry with daddy. But I guess that is how it is going to be for a while.

There was also one idiot who riled me up by trying to bully me and was being bad and condescending, so I barked and barked at him and would have bitten his hand off if Robin and daddy did not hold me back. I guess some people are just not that good, I pity the dog that is with that idiot.

In that sense, I am happy that I have mommy and daddy who love me to bits.

This morning, I was back to normal. All is forgiven and licks all over the face and following daddy like he is my GPS (global positioning system).

I have to do his commands on a leash at least 10 to 15 minutes daily.

And the classes will continue for about 6 weeks. Hopefully after that I can do more fun stuff like the agility stuff, it is like a playground out there.

My favorite things

2009-06-02T19:51:00.002+08:00

AL-E's favorite things:

1. Sleeping/Taking afternoon naps too.
2. Kissing mommy and daddy (more like slobbering wet kisses)
3. Licking itself like a 'cat'! (daily ritual).
4. Barking. Various versions. Differs between strangers, family and friends.
5. Treats (all kinds).
6. Love green apples (actually all kinds of apples).
7. Jumping on the balcony.
8. Running on the beach (Walking only applies when tired).
9. Eating sand.
10.Eating bugs.
11.Sniffing at each and every animated stuff in the house.
12.Sniffing mommy when she is all done-up with makeup.
13.Sniffing anyone with perfume on.
14.Bullying our friend Kupps...he he he kwakakakaka
15.Greeting all our friends (I think AL-E has the impression that all our friends are his pets/toys).

That's all for now.

B'day party for AL-E Baba

2009-05-16T14:16:00.003+08:00

Dear Mummy and Daddy

Thank you so much for a lovely party last night. I enjoyed the orangee pink cake.....Make sure you give me the other half tomorrow.

Love you both.

Sincerely,

AL-E.

p.s. Thank you dada for all care and entertainment. I will miss you when you go back to KL....How I wish that all of you can stay in one place.....Sigh!

Missing you

2009-04-19T21:57:00.003+08:00

Hi AL-E boy,

Missing you so much.........sob sob sob.... can't sleep well.

I wish I can take you with me as a passenger (on the plane).

Thinking of you.

You behave and take care of dada my dear.

We will both see you soon (just in time for your birthday)..

Cheers, lots of love,

Mommy

Easter Sunday

2009-04-13T09:21:00.004+08:00

Hi Daddy,

How are you? I heard you are having a splendid time with friends & their respective families in Wein (Vienna).

Yesterday, mommy had a party. All her friends, which are also my buddies drop by i.e. Anjali, Kupps, Ani & Dr. Sharon.

I had such a fantastic time jumping on everyone (including Kupps..he he hehe kwakwkakakakakakak). They all played with me too.

Ms. Ange brought her fancy new gadget (D90) and took some pictures. I hope you like them.

Append here some of the snapshots.

Love you sooooooooo much,

AL-E Baba

Minor Mayhem in Luak Bay

2009-04-09T21:31:00.004+08:00

AL-E still gets all worked up when I leave him at home for couple of hours to do errands or meet up with friends. Maximum hours he has been by himself so far has been about 3.5 hours.

However, there is a little price to pay...just look at the pictures. That's his shredded newspaper artwork. If I do not place any newspaper then I will have yellow stains and 'stinky sausages' on the floor. I have fixed lots of sellotape but nowadays our little monkey can rip them too. Sigh!!!

Any idea to fix this minor problem?

Note: Managed to fix the partition issue and now another problem has cropped up i.e. AL-E's all time fashion with ripping newpaper.

Happy Birthday daddy

2009-04-08T21:21:00.000+08:00

The only recent pose of mine with AL-E.

Taken by Dr. Sharon at Angel Clinic using my mobile.

Our boy moves so much ...it was quite a difficult task for Sharon but she managed to do it well.

This picture was taken on your birthday.

Harrod's stuff for Al E

2009-04-08T16:13:00.004+08:00

Bought a few things for Al E in Harrods Animal Kingdom. There is a bakery for pets in the Animal Kingdom in Harrods with a professional baker whom I met. He is trained as a chef and now baking for dogs and has even written a book with his wife.

Among which is a non-pull harness because Al E runs here and there and hopefully with this, he will not pull so much.

Also bough a DNA Pet ID to take his DNA and record it. Do not be surprised if the tests come back to say he is not a dog, he could be a human, a cat or a monkey - depending on the mood when we get the test done :P

What English dog (AL E being an English Cocker Spaniel) would not like Yorkshire Pudding or Shepard's Pie - well he can have biscuits flavored as such.

A woof cupcake especially made for dogs.

And Al E is turning 1 year old soon, so of course I had to get him a cake, Happy Barkday :)

Happy B'DAY Daddy Dearest

2009-04-06T21:49:00.002+08:00

Hi Daddy,

Here's wishing you all the very best that life has to offer.

Hope you have a splendid time in Motherland.

I miss you sooooooooooo much. Mommy miss you too.

By the way, mommy had a small luncheon with couple of her friends and she didn't let me join. On top of that, today is Monday and I have to go stay in 'A' day care for dogs.

Today has not been a good day for me. I didn't speak/talk/bark at other dogs and cats....Thinking of you and making plans on how we will spend time together - like playing rough ball & blanket time (Note: Mommy rarely play blanket. She hides them. Sigh!).

Nevertheless, mommy was extra nice. She took me for a long walk by the beach. She also remembered to fix me up with an adjustable long leash...So, I ran quite a bit. Also ate sand and said hi to the crabs...

Meanwhile, I heard from mommy that you are getting some dog pastries/cakes (specially made by a pet Chef in Harrods. Yummy. Can't wait.)

Oh, lately I am afraid of the thunder ...don't know why...I usually curl up by mommy's feet when it starts to rain heavily.

Okay daddy, got to go. You have a great time.

Lots of love and sloppy kisses,
AL-E Baba

A great dog

2009-03-23T16:55:00.002+08:00

Dear Al E,

I just want you to know that you are a great dog.

You are a little naughty at times, but no more than me when I was young.

You are destructive at time, but I was a little tyrant as well.

But you are loving, you are caring and you are forgiving.

This is where you are even better than me, you forgive easily, you love easily.

So, Al E, my boy, you are a great dog - remember that now and always. No matter the amount of times you get disciplined by mommy or me, you are a great dog, and better than that, you are a great boy.

I miss you. But I will be back to celebrate your birthday with you.

Love,
Daddy

Elvis Rooster

2009-03-17T20:15:00.002+08:00

Alvis in the house

2009-03-16T21:59:00.002+08:00

Dear Daddy,

Check out my hair now. It is long and wavy. So does my hairstyle looks a bit like the late Mr. Elvis Presley?

Hope you have a good day.

Love,

AL-E B.

Playing ball with an E.Collar

2009-03-16T00:30:00.003+08:00

This video makes one wonder how innovative and creative some dogs can be. Well, this is our Mr. AL-E Zabeth playing with gusto even with the cumbersome Elizabeth Collar. All you have to do now is say 'Ball' and AL-E will go sniffing and looking for the ball. Next is play time. Watch and enjoy the show.

Al E's new toys from Europe

2009-03-09T06:00:00.003+08:00

Of course I cannot resist getting things for my boy and nearly bought him a special Doggy Beer but knew mommy would not approve, so bought you things that you will enjoy and make Al E the coolest dog in the neighbourhood.

Al E Baba new bling bling personalised collar; who am I? I am Al E B.

A dog ain't cool with just bling bling. So Al E is also getting cool sunglasses.

Al E will also get this nice big bright green ball where I can fill some treats in and when it rolls around, some treats will come out.

A cool dog does not poo poo anywhere without getting things cleaned up; so a bling bling for me to carry bags around my neck as well.

And this is for me and daddy to play some wrestling. At the same time, it strengthens and clean Al E's teeth as well.

Al E is also getting some harness for the car where he can be following the law and have a seat belt on when he rides with us.

I am sure Al E can't wait to get this new stuff.

Drinking and Jolly run

2009-03-08T05:00:00.002+08:00

Hi daddy,

Today is the 3rd day after my surgery. I can runabout and it feels good. However, mommy won't take me out for a walk. Apparently, I am grounded for 2 weeks. Sigh!

Love and sloppy kisses,
AL-E

Meal Time

2009-03-07T05:00:00.000+08:00

Hi Daddy,

You probably have seen this video in mommy's blog. I thought it would be nice to upload here as well.

The darn E.Collar gets in the way whenever I attempt to eat. So for now mommy feeds me. It is kinda nice to eat from mom's palm, soft & yummy.

Love,
AL-E

Potty on the second day-Post Surgery

2009-03-06T12:39:00.004+08:00

Dear Daddy,

It was so very so painful and difficult to pass motion for the first time after surgery. Finally, I did it and mommy was so happy.

Prior to this, mommy was so concerned and she was talking to Dr. S on what to do with my condition/situation. They were talking for so long and I have never seen mommy frowned so much...Then I just did it and everything is well.

Daddy, please tell mommy not to frown so much, otherwise she may need BOTOX treatment soon...Ha ha aha akwakakakakakkaka.

Love, hugs and lots of kisses,
AL-E

Post Surgery

2009-03-04T00:42:00.005+08:00

Dear daddy,

I hope you are well and thank you for all your call, concern and prayers.

I am so very tired and drowsy (and still feeling hurt...).

Mommy has been taking of me every other hour. I have no appetite, so mommy is hand feeding me (she feeds me water by using a spoon and my meals by hand too...so nice of mommy).

I have been fixed with an Elizabeth collar which is darn bulky and cumbersome. I wish mommy would take it off.

Ms. J dropped by which was nice. Unfortunately all my plea to get Ms. J to undo my E. Collar was in vain...

Daddy, I wish you were here, at least you would be on my side and undo the E. Collar (I really do not like this fashionable collar around my neck. Whoever invented it...so ugly and bulky....looks more like a lamp shade to me).

Mommy looks tired and a little crappy but she has not raised her voice like usual. In fact, mommy has been very kind, gentle and nice (except that she would not undo the E. Collar).

Okay, I wanna go sleep now daddy. I love you too.

Love and hugs,

AL-E

p.s. Picture of me without the E. Collar was taken in the morning prior to the surgery. Do I look cool daddy?

Evening walk-Feb 24th

2009-02-26T09:42:00.003+08:00

Hi daddy,

Watch me walking with mommy by the beach. Mommy won't let me set foot in the sea water though. Sigh!

Enjoy the show.

Cheers,
AL-E Baba

Evening run on the beach

2009-02-24T22:15:00.003+08:00

Hi daddy,

How are you? How is winter? I wish I could visit you and experience winter weather (snow, rain and all). Do dogs in Netherlands wear jackets in winter time? Have you seen any English Cocker Spaniels?

Mommy took me for a long, long walk today. I 'penatlah' today...but happy.

I saw so many joggers (old and young). Most of the male joggers smiled at mommy and I barked at each and everyone of them. But mommy kept saying 'no' to me. Mommy also asked me to 'shut-up' or 'stop' and 'sit-down' when I barked at people. What's wrong with mommy? I am just trying to protect mommy. Sigh!

After the long walk by the beach, mommy wiped all my legs, face and mouth with a towel. Mommy said I got too much sand in my mouth. Of course I get sand all over my face and mouth because I got to sniff at every other item on my way which includes the sand, small crab, dirt, grass etc. etc. etc. I am gundog after all !!! Then, mommy blow dry my wet ears and legs (so noisy!). Sigh!

Oh, by the way, mommy let me sniff your 'unwashed' shorts (All your other unwashed clothes were washed by dada earlier. Dada said it not good 'feng shui' to keep dirty clothes. So all was washed and pressed.) I wanted to chew and sleep on your shorts but mommy took it away. Sigh!

Mommy takes me for a walk daily (sometimes twice, in the morning and evening). I love going for a walk...Mommy walks and I try to run as much as possible. That is why I am so lean and strong. You want to know something, mommy is so crappy about being overweight and complains to me every other day. I pretend not to hear her whenever she talks about her weight issue. Normally, I go to sleep when mommy talks because she talk non-stop. Sigh!)

I miss you daddy. I love too.

Cheers, hugs and sloppy kisses,
AL-E

p.s. Now you know why I 'SIGH' so much in my sleep. Take care daddy. You are always in my thoughts and dream(s).

Feb. 20th- All about Pretty

2009-02-22T11:00:00.005+08:00

Dear Daddy,

Today I am so happy. I got a new friend.

I met a new girl next door and she is so gorgeous and nice too unlike C at the kennel. Her name is Pretty. She is also a lot bigger than me although much, much younger you know. Pretty is only 4 months old and she is so sweet.

Pretty let me sniff her all over and did not push or run away. Then, Pretty sniff me a bit. But that G so jealous one, barking away at Pretty, mommy, Mr. & Mrs. TS and the world wide world in general.

I also met Pretty's real mommy and daddy. They are so nice. They love my coat and complimented on it. Thank you for taking care of me so well mom and dad (also dada)....I am so grateful to all of you.

Daddy, you take of yourself ya. Eat and sleep well. I miss you soooooo much. But then I have mommy here to play with. We always take an evening walk and sometimes play on the beach. I also love playing catch ball with mommy. Sometimes mommy is crappy and so strict with me (don't know what got into her) but overall mommy is the best mother in the world. Every morning I give her sloppy kisses so that she wakes up early (otherwise she does not wake up ...even when her alarm rings. Her alarm rings at many intervals one....Headache lah! She keeps her mobile alarm so out of reach...Sigh!).

Oh, before I forget, I weigh about 12.5 kgs now. Yeah. Mommy feeds me Science Diet now. It is so yummy (for now). Mommy also gives me other stuff like oven baked dog biscuit, oven baked lamb biscuit, dog pizza with cheese (so far ONLY one piece...I love it but mommy is so stingy...), barbecued bones, regular bones and dog milk & carrot bar (mommy is careful to give the milk & carrot bar - she gives a little at a time and only if I manage to get the ball that she purposely hide...sometimes mommy can trick me one...).

But mommy don't like to play blanket like you do daddy. Dada too. They both don't let me play with blanket. All dada's fault. He told mommy that there won't be any blanket left if they let me play with it. Not nice lah....You come back and play blanket with me ya...Then if torn, you get me new one (green colour, my favorite)...

By the way, both mommy and I can't wait to see you.

Bye for now.

Love, kisses (lots of sloppy ones) and hugs,
AL-E Baba

Another letter to my boy

2009-02-17T10:30:00.002+08:00

Hi Al E Boy,

It has been exactly 4 weeks since I left you in Miri with your Dada.

Now Mummy is there to care for you.

I miss you every day, a lot.

I see that you have become a little hairy as well as big compared to when I left you.

I hope that you enjoyed my postcard that I sent to you.

I wish that one day, we can all be together as a family and you can frolic freely everywhere like I see dogs over here.

I know that in your heart and in your mind, you miss me too and wondering where I have gone for so long.

I look at your pictures and our family pictures everyday to remind me of what I have left behind.

I yearn to be close to all of you again soon.

I am sad to be here alone but happy to have the opportunity.

Somehow, although you do not speak English, I ave a feeling you have an understanding of how we feel .... and I hope we have an understanding of how you feel.

Take care of yourself and take care of Mummy and Dada while I am away the next few months.

Love always,
Your daddy.

The Boss

2009-02-01T22:00:00.001+08:00

Well, today dada had gone out for a little longer (maybe a couple of hours) and left AL-E at home in a smaller confined area (Note: The L shape area).

Guess what, AL-E has had managed to jump over the divider... It is so mind boggling...How the heck dd he manage to do that.....I am gob-smacked for words.

When dada got home, AL-E was waiting for him at the door. The alarm didn't go off....???

AL-E the BOSS. I need to get a permanent divider done (with fixed doors)...

Dear Al E

2009-01-28T00:09:00.003+08:00

Dear Al E,

This is your daddy. I am not sure if you have fully understood, but I am going to be away at least until middle to end of May. I am working in Netherlands.

I will unfortunately be missing your 1st birthday and really hoped that I could be there. At the same time, everyone will be missing my 40th birthday.

I have been reading about your antics and giving Dada a big headache. I do hope that you will behave yourself a little more and take it easy on Dada. He is the only person taking care of you for another 2 weeks or so.

Mommy will be back on February 11 and take care of you after that.

However, we are hoping that Dada will come and take care of you again during your birthday so that Mommy can visit me.

I really miss you a lot.

I wish I could bring you here in Netherlands. You will really love it here because dogs are allowed pretty much everywhere, in the hotels, in the shopping areas, in the trains, trams and busses, in some restaurants and shopping areas.

There are many types of dogs here but most are very well behaved. As such, you have to behave yourself as well.

I promise to bring you some nice toys from this country, maybe some clogs and windmills for you to play with.

Until I see you in a few months, please always remember that I love you so much and you will always be in my heart always, next to Mommy and Dada.

Take care and be well.

Yours always with a million hugs and kisses,
Daddy

Gained Weight

2009-01-27T22:04:00.000+08:00

Spoke with one of AL-E's young and pretty godmother today i.e. Ms. Jo Udang. According to Ms. Jo, our boy, AL-E has gained weight (a lot) and is really heavy to carry.

Ms. Jo went over to see/play with AL-E.

Oh well...I guess Dada has done his part in making AL-E into a Guju puppy...wonder if he fed AL-E any tepla or rotli or bakhri....

Dada's tired

2009-01-27T18:06:00.000+08:00

Spoke to dada this afternoon. Poor thing, his crown dropped and an appointment is scheduled with the dentist tomorrow.

AL-E has been monkeying around and keeping dada too active. Apparently, all these small adventures and AL-E's antics has taken a toll on dada (Note: On the phone dada complained of palpitation and mentioned that he somewhat is not able to play with AL-E all the time. AL-E is too darn active for dada....Oh well, managed to assure him it is alright, as long as he gives some attention to AL-E.)

The Culprit

2009-01-26T22:08:00.001+08:00

According to Dada's findings & report, all evidence points to our little imp, AL-E Baba.

Well, AL-E is getting really smart, cheeky and naughty at the same time. I suppose he is also a little restless because mommy and daddy is away (and wondering when will they both be back).

New antic

2009-01-26T20:57:00.002+08:00

Dada decides to go downstairs but guess what? The house key is no where to be found.

Poor dada...He was getting really anxious looking for the house keys (otherwise cannot get out of the house. Not only the front door & grill needs key but the alarm must be turned off too). So, dada was really sad and thought that he was really getting old, being forgetful, loosing his mind etc. etc.

Nevertheless, dada searched the whole house and after an hour of so found the keys hidden behind the curtains (in-between the railings in the living room. It was right at the back behind the side table).

So, guess who's the culprit? (Clue: There are only two persons living in the house, dada & AL-E). Go figure.

Dada and Al E

2009-01-21T13:28:00.002+08:00

I left Miri for KL yesterday. Already missing Al E for the past few days and very glad that Pappa or Al E's Dada (grand father) is there taking care of him.

Sarah will be back to Miri in mid February but I will only see him in May/June time frame.

So, what antics has my boy been up to while with Dada.

Dada left him upstairs while he went down to do some laundry. Maybe it took max 45 minutes or so. When he returned upstairs, there was torn paper everywhere, torn paper from Al E's toilet, torn paper from the table and money flying everywhere, thankfully not eaten.

Al E gets very very anxious when left alone, and I guess he saw mummy leaving with big bag and daddy packing big bags and he just went berserk.

Last night, after arrival and settling in the KL home, I called my dad around 9:15 to see what they (Al E and dada) were up to.

Apparently Al E was sleeping and Dada was also going to sleep.

This morning I found out Al E was just pretending to sleep. He did not let Dada sleep until past 1am and wanted to play. I guess Al E also wanted to watch Obama's inauguration - after all Al E being black would be a staunch Obama supporter.

So, they stayed up till past 1am watching history unfold.

This morning, Dada was smart enough to take Al E downstairs with him.

Oh well, another day in the chronicles of Al E and Dada. I wonder who is the master and who is the servant.

Think about it?

Melancholic

2009-01-20T11:09:00.002+08:00

Sigh, sigh .....more sigh............missing my AL-E so much.....

I wish I could speak to him over the phone. Oh well, at least he is with dada.

Such is life...

Missing our boy

2009-01-19T12:35:00.001+08:00

Being back in the city has its perk(s). However, missing my little AL-E does not gather me any perks. The house feels cold and empty. I am feeling rather miserable, lost and melancholic.

Nevertheless, I know our boy is in good hands. AL-E will have all the love, care and activities with his dada (granpa Kishor is in Miri, taking care of AL-E and enjoying the sea-breeze-hopefully.)

I also hope some of our regular friends will find time (in their ever busy schedule) to pay a visit to our humble home in Miri. I am sure both AL-E and dada will be thrilled.

Oh well...

My favorite chewables

2009-01-14T00:00:00.000+08:00

Our little boy, AL-E Baba is very fond of taking his vitamins. Upon recommendation from his vet, we feed AL-E the following items on daily basis:

1. Vi-Sorbits by pfizer (The label says chewable meat flavored tasty vitamin-iron tablets for dogs.)
2. Coatex capsule (This capsule mainly contain fish oil, borage seed oil, vitamin A & D3.)

Item 1 is his utmost favorite and item 2 being his least favorite. Initially, we had to push item 2 down his throat. However (good news), my dear hubby managed to teach this little fella to download item 2 without being forced. How he did, makes me wonder.....even when I was a little girl, I used to hate taking fish oil (Scott's Emulsion) - both my parents had a hard time getting me to even like fish oil with orange flavor (Harlyborange-I am not too sure of the spelling here!).

Apparently, the trick is to ONLY give AL-E item 1 (Vi-Sorbits), if and when he finishes up his Coatex Capsule. And this, AL-E does with lighting speed. Within split seconds he swallows his Coatex Fish Oil Capsule and will be begging for his Vi-Sorbits.

Well done to both of you (Note: To both AL-E and hubby).

CSI: Luak Bay

2008-11-29T12:48:00.006+08:00

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 Baba and his 40 antics.

Posing for Mommy

2008-11-10T19:06:00.005+08:00

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.

Al E: Ok Daddy, now quick, take pics of me.

Missing AL-E Belly & Kittie Cat

2008-11-05T11:47:00.003+08:00

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!!!!!!!

Shopping for AL-E

2008-11-04T16:15:00.000+08:00

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.

Conversations with THE Dog

2008-11-01T12:51:00.004+08:00

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.

Love,
Al-E

Woof Woof.

AL-E's new diet and the aftermath

2008-10-31T09:09:00.002+08:00

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.....

Red Pillow

2008-10-31T07:00:00.000+08:00

AL-E gets a new gift every now and then.

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!!

Drama Queen

2008-10-30T00:10:00.002+08:00

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.

Boy, we are happy to have our AL-E back.

More Works of Art

2008-10-29T17:04:00.003+08:00

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!

Frequent bath time and Fish Oil

2008-10-29T07:00:00.000+08:00

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.

It's a doggy dog world

2008-10-18T11:42:00.000+08:00

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.

It's a doggy dog world.

Grown

2008-10-09T16:08:00.000+08:00

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!)

The best gift

2008-09-12T21:53:00.000+08:00

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).

Bath Time

2008-09-11T22:31:00.000+08:00

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!

Monkey Business at Home

2008-09-11T00:25:00.000+08:00

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.

AL-E's Toys - Some of it

2008-09-10T09:13:00.000+08:00

Somebody said that my blog can be a tart too long...readers may lose interest to read all of it. Thus, may just skim through. That somebody lives with me (for better or worse, in sickness & health... till the almighty decides so...hopefully we live till 100)

Anyways, today I have not much to say except to upload some of AL-E's toys...

I am sure those of you who has have verbally requested would be pleased to see it (as well as those who requested via email).

I only managed to locate some of AL-E's toys at this point of time. The others may be under the couch, at some corners of the house or wherever that little fella decides to hide......I think he is bored, so he has started this game of hiding stuff (well, I wouldn't go that far, AL-E has a knack for hiding his toys and it all started since we got him...)

Just to highlight some interesting points...his favorite(s) are the green soccer ball, the orange with bits of colours porcupine, the rooster (all these item has some squeaky sound....). The funniest squeak comes from the rooster because it sounds like duck. Fancy that!

Some of the smaller balls (like the purple and blue ones) are in the 'dying' stages due to constant chewing by the Angel called 'AL-E'...

Oh well, all in a puppy's day.

AL-E's Work of Art - Tuesday Morning

2008-09-09T15:54:00.000+08:00

AL-E bounced into our lives without any announcements or planning from our end.

AL-E is healthy, charming, fun, gorgeous like an A-List film star from Hollywood or Bollywood (take a pick) and has a sense of humour. Sounds like a great pet right? ...Err think again..

Living with AL-E has its drawbacks. AL-E can be all time-consuming as a full time job and can be somewhat expensive.

AL-E can be impossible, stubborn, has a penchant for chewing up paper/tissues/books/newspaper, loves to be driven around, clumsy, gets excited when he sees any paper material at sight and will try his best to pull them out regardless of his safety...

The minute I walked out of my bedroom today, I was presented with more work than I need...The floor of the living, dining and some parts of both of our study area were flooded with papers, broken pieces of vase and marbles...My little 'monkey' has been tip-toeing to get the brochure which was on the side table near my study area...He managed to pull out the brochure but in the process broke the vase and a bowl which is filled up with marbles to the brim. Sigh!

The morning's excitement is far from over. Just when I had finished sweeping, vacuuming and mopping the floor, I realised that more broken glass pieces were flown all over the kitchen floor plus more marbles to be picked up...

Clutching the bucket, mop, broom, vacuum, gloves, cloth, hot water laced with floor-cleaner, I went to the kitchen for clean-up.

Took me more than an hour to clear up the whole darn mess by AL-E the impossible.

There goes my scheduled morning trip to do my long OVERDUE manicure and pedicure...urggh...urrggh...gerrrr...Animal taking over my home....

AL-E was punished was 45 minutes inside the crate. He kept quiet, peed and did his potty during this time.

The minute he was released from his dungeon, tails wagging, he sniffed me all over, gave me a sad look (with his long ears flopping, makes the scene really surreal), stared at me for awhile and eventually jumped on me to give me lots facial...

Oh brother...what can I say....I was beaten. There was no point being mad at little 'monkey'. That look melt my heart. He is forgiven. We made up, played games for an hour and now he is soundly asleep.

AL-E's Essentials

2008-09-08T14:57:00.000+08:00

Every other dog require some level of essential items at home for it’s training purpose, medication, toys for chewing / fun time etc.

Here’s AL-E’s list of essentials for his upkeep. Items listed below are already purchased and the list is on-going:

1. Two training crates ( A big and small crate which is used as his potty & pee

section).
2. Dog leash (We have got several for AL-E)
3. Dog Collar (Several types)
4. Several bowls (for food and water) – all the containers red in colour.
5. Chewable Vitamin (AL-E’s ALL TIME favourite item – He practically looks

forward to his vitamin time everyday. It is a meat flavoured tablets which contains

calcium, iron, magnesium,folic asid, vitamin A, D, E etc. It is called ‘vi-sorbits’ which

is manufactured by Pfizer.)

Note: His mommy i.e. dog-owner looks forward eating her list of vitamins too, on a

daily basis, of course.

6. Duvet covers for his basket cum bed.
7. Blanket

(Fleece blanket-to keep AL-E warm on cold nights. Especially, when the air-con is

on).
8. Towels.
9. Disposable wet towels.
10. Paper towels.
11. Several brush & comb.
12. Several type of shampoo

(Currently we use an Oatmeal base shampoo for his bath).
13. Toothbrush.
14. Toothpaste.
15. Ear drops.
16. Eye drops.
17. Cotton bud.
18. Cotton.
19. Nail Clippers

(Note: So far, the vet has been clipping AL-E’s nails. The nail clipper is still in its

cover.)
20. Chew bones.
21. Treat – Pisa Pizza Dog Treats (Bil.Jac brand). Others include Milky sticks.
22. Dental Stick (To remove bad breath. AL-E’s does not have bad breath because he only eats what’s given i.e. dry food which is also Bil.Jac brand. So, the dental stick is only used occasionally, especially when guests are expected at our home.)
23. Breath Treats.
24. Vegetarian bone for chewing (Note: AL-E loves this.)
25. Stool Deodorizer Plus (It is a chewable tablet for dogs to eliminate foul stool & urine odour). Since AL-E is still a puppy, we only use this item occasionally.
26. Toilet training Formula (A spray to help/assist in getting puppy toilet trained) – Really works with AL-E.
27. Cologne Spray.
28. Bitter Bite Spray (A non-toxic spray to discourage dogs from chewing furniture, upholstery, plants etc.)
29. Instant Odor Eliminator (A Biodegradable & bio-enzymatic cleaner & deodorizer to eliminate urine and faeces odour from kennels and bedding's.)
30. Body cologne (Non-toxic perfume for puppy).
31. Tick medication – We get the vet to administer this liquid base tick medication.
32. A selection of soft toys (in many shapes and sizes) – the purchase is still on

going.

His mommy is shopaholic which is extended to her puppy’s needs as well....
33. Numerous books (Books for AL-E’s training purpose and general health etc.)

This list is yet to be conclusive and there are many more items that being purchased on regular basis such accessories (his bling bling dog collar -inclusive of some crystal), books on dogs etc. etc.

In the pipeline, a proper closet for AL-E (right now we keep all his towels, spare blanket, duvet covers, pillow-case, pillows in a big container with lid).

Late Night Entertainment, Supper & Play-Time

2008-09-06T11:59:00.000+08:00

I am officially having a mild hangover...had a large dose of 'Cha' (Note: Cha is referred to Indian boiled herb tea).

Still feeling uneasy....The reason being not enough sleep, not enough rest and lots of activity.

Why? Here's the story of what happened last night and wee hours of this morning....

Both hubby and I went out for dinner, drinks and had late supper. We came back home about 3.00 am or later. The house was so quiet, so nice (the air-con has been switched on since 6.45pm...within a split second AL-E jumped from his basket (which is his bed, filled with generous amount of toys, a pillow, a duvet cover and other cushions) to greet us.

We could clearly see that he is half-asleep or rather rudely woken but oh boy, I wonder, where does that fella gets his dose of energy. I need some now. AL-E, please don't be stingy with knowledge, share with mommy and daddy, please. We need your dose of energy..

Okay, back to story now...

On a second thought, perhaps we should have got a sitter and kept AL-E awake, because when it came to bedtime - our bedtime - our little fella was anything but sleepy. But then again, it is almost impossible to get a sitter for a pet in this town...maybe in KL or SA (we have list of sitters who has have volunteered...wow! Can you image that, we options and choices...wistful thinking for now here in this resort city that we live. Sigh).

Anyways, we got home, hubby had a quick shower and slept on the couch with only his bath towel covering him, AL-E leaped to his lap and started giving facials - I should have taken a video (record) of this moment. Alas, I was busy cleaning up AL-E's mess in the crate (as usual), the smell was a little too pungent for my liking.

Out of no where, AL-E turned into a different animal. Well, he is an animal but just different. Nose to the ground like the hunting dogs which his breed is descended (Cocker Spaniel are from the Gundog family)., he follows the scent of his human mommy like a 'shadow'..He tugged my blouse, pants, pulled my hair, licked my hair, gave me facials and some bites (due to excitement) - the bites can be quite painful especially when AL-E's in dancing mood (more like rock cum disco dancing). He chased after me, stopped chasing, continued chasing etc....etc....after awhile I just ignored him. I was so knocked off and all I need was shower and sleep ..zzzzzzz.

Guess what, the minute I came out of shower, there was a strong toxic fume coming from the living room (from AL-E's crate which I had just cleared, cleaned and sprayed some bio-degradable Instant Odor Eliminator)...Urggh... urggg... not again, I am so tired and it is 4.00 am!! Holding my breath to stop myself gagging, I cleaned the 'fresh' smelling droppings and cleaned up the crate again.

Sometimes, at these times, it is so hard to remember what the up-side of having a pet.

Well, as for AL-E, he's done his business now and can't seem to understand what's all this fuss that mommy's feeling crappy about. He seemed to be happy to play with his toys. Forget mommy who's darn tired and need to sleep. That selfish little imp!

Finally, I call him to wish him good night (perhaps good morning to AL-E), I whistle, I yell, I shout...AL-E remains immobile as the cute wax-figurine in Madame Tussaud's Museum..Oh well, I give up and head to our bedroom...

Ten minutes later...I can't do this, got out of the room, hugged AL-E Belly, gave him an explanation that mommy needs to sleep and feeling tired ...blah, blah, blah, bli-blah, bli-blah, etc. etc., gave a goodnight kiss on AL-E's adorable forehead and head to zzzzzzzz land. It was 4.45 am...oh well...

AL-E has taken over my home and in particular way taking over my life...

(Note: Hubby disagrees though...According to my wise ole hubby, I let AL-E dominate my life...So true, for now....AL-E Belly Smelly Belly is so so oh so adorable and I am sucker to his charming ways. Oh dear, what have I got myself into...)

AL-E 'The Ripper'

2008-09-05T14:23:00.000+08:00

Thinking of what to write today...read hubby's comments about our AL-E being 'The Ripper' or 'AL-E The Ripper'.

This 'Jack The Ripper' idea was first announced by our dear friend G (Note: G was joking of course ...not hubby...Hubby improvised and made it sound like the dog-ripper. Let me clarify and explain some truth behind all these rippings.)

Sounds cruel but when I think about, hmm... hmm....makes some sense. Why?,

AL-E can be difficult, stubborn and full of gusto in NOT obeying commands to 'tearing and ripping' paper base material. With him around, I don't really need a shredding machine.

When it comes to books, papers, toilet rolls, tissue paper, tissue box, newspaper, magazine or any material in the form of paper, he needs no command. He's very good in tearing them apart and munching them like a gum.

Mostly, he will spit them after chewing but some will find it's way through his rear end. That's when you hear him yelp and shriek when potty session is on-going....Boy never learns (yet). Hopefully it is just a 'teething' stage and it'll pass.

Besides papers, Al-E has in the past month ripped hubby's pants (Armani pants, no kidding...I feel like writing to Giorgio to place a 'caution' note on all his clothes especially to safe-guard pet owners). On top of that, he has also ripped my new Sonny San skirt (which I had yet to wear)... AL-E has EXPENSIVE taste for his victims!!! (No cheap stuff, no 'cap helang' T-Shirts, Padini pants/shirts, G2000, ...just to name a few.)

When it comes to clothes, I don't think AL-E did it on purpose but more so in the excitement of seeing us back home from work or dinner or wherever we come from for the day/hours.

So what do I do when I catch the 'monkey-dog' in action (for ripping clothes)? I normally put him in his crate and lock him up for 10 minutes as a form of punishment. Throughout the 10 minutes, I'll ignore this little monkey. He'll yelp for a bit and will be quiet.

The minute the crate door is opened, he'll jump (more like a fly-over) on me, sniff me up and 'kiss' all over my face as an apology gesture. This almost always melt my heart. Overcome with emotion, I give him a hug and kiss his adorable head saying 'Okay, you are forgiven, do remember to behave at all times baby.' Oh, also, I may add 'I love you too AL-E belly, smelly-belly-monkey cat-dog!'.

Boy, I am tired...it's almost 3.00 pm and I have yet to finish up eating my lunch! Sigh!

An English Cocker Spaniel's daily musing - Thursday

2008-09-04T22:35:00.000+08:00

My mobile alarm is suppose to ring at 6.30 a.m. Wait a minute, there's a scratching and yelping sound outside our bedroom....and it is only 6.00 a.m. I pull over the quilt cover and try to go back to sleep.

Fat chance, the scratching and yelping continues (faint sound of yep, yep, yep, yep, yep ..times 100 and the scratching continues). Then, it is all quiet for a faint two seconds and then the yelp and scratch continues...Sigh! No off button to this particular alarm...Sigh!

AL-E is consistent and persistent. Well, at least hubby is around to do the morning drill today (and every other day.....) Get AL-E to do potty, eat his breakie (his daily dose of dry food mix with some water-the only time AL-E gets the privilege of so called 'wet-food') and water of course...

Hang on a second....This is not how it works in the ST house. The first thing that AL-E requires is a small amount of dry food mixed with water. When it has it's fill plus water etc., then only AL-E goes to his crate for potty time. Then, it is his vitamin time which he loves. Then a short play time and hubby off to work. Then, it's mummy's time to look after this fella.

After all the scratch and yelp, can't go back to my dreamland...Sigh...Sigh... Off to shower...

The minute I get out of the bedroom (after shower), AL-E comes up running, jumps on me and gives me a daily dose of facial...sometimes additional dose of 'kisses' (licks) on my feet and hands. Then, the occasional (accidental bite due to all the excitement). This morning ritual goes on without fail daily.

Sometimes, AL-E may be bursting to go pee but he never fails to give me morning 'kisses' and facials.

Then, it is play time. Games involve AL-E’s blanket, numerous toys, balls etc. etc. It is only 10.00 a.m. and I am exhausted...AL-E has yet again dominated my morning and still going on strong...

Oh why? Oh why? I ask myself that I ever got talked or rather agreed with hubby into getting a dog.

Just when I started to dwell into these thoughts, AL-E appeared out of some corner of the house, threw himself at me, licked my hands, trampled on my feet and before I knew what was going to happen, he had clambered on to my lap, put his paws on my shoulders and aimed his tongue at my lips.

When it came to seducing, AL-E is super-smart and fast worker too. Oh well, the boy has charms. And me – well, I am sucker for this...You got me AL-E. I am deeply smitten. Love you back.

A special note to darling (I love you too, you know that...I love AL-E too). See, it's all fair.

And just like that, the thought of ‘asking’ myself ‘Why I got talked into getting a dog’ just PERISHED.

Cheers.