AL-E's new diet and the aftermath

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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).