mellomouse* » Pets

Hachiko: A Dog’s Story.

mellomouse — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 16:31:44 +0000

My Verdict:

If you haven’t watched this movie (2009), then you simply Must! I believe that even if you are a stone, you Will be moved to tears by the beauty of God’s creations between Man and his Best Friend. And this is based on a true story *sniff*

You might want to know: Hachiko is an Akita Inu, a Japanese large breed dog and is one of the oldest ancient dog breeds *wahh* They are well known for their loyalty and intelligence.

The last 2 dog related movies I watched were 10 Promises to my Dog (2008) and Marley & Me (2009), but I would have to give Hachi more thumbs up than the critics deemed worthy.

You must, must watch this!

I can’t help but wonder should I die before Scubby, will he wait for me by the door everyday?

Gotta put Greenies! *sweats*

Edited 9/2/2011, 11.49pm
I just received this photo from my sister, taken by her friend who recently visited Japan. Touching…

Hachi now stands (since 1948) timeless at the Shibuya Station in Tokyo, where he continues to wait for his master to return *sniff*

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Pedigree Dogs Exposed, 2008 – Documentary by BBC.

mellomouse — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 04:32:08 +0000

If you are a Dog Lover, you Must watch this!
It will break your heart and makes you wonder, How could we do this?

I was ignorant. If I didn’t watch this video yesterday, I would still be today. It is a sad awakening that majority of us are conditioned to believe that our dogs — whichever pedigree it is — has to be a carbon copy of a picture depicted by The Kennel Club. I know I was!

If the tail was longer by an inch, Failed. If the ear was slightly more apart than it should, Failed. Did you know that in the UK, they kill perfectly healthy puppies that failed these physical appearance? *horror*

Watch the video and open your eyes to the horrifying truth behind our beloved canine best friends.

In years to come, these loyal companions might just cease to exist. Because we are “breeding them to death” (01:09)!

In Malaysia itself, there are countless puppy mills — where do you think petshops get their supply from? — and home breeders (ie Irene Kang, Starhill Kennel Penang) doing the exact same selfish act.

Breeders claim to breed for the best. And maybe even for the “love” of the breed. But the Dollar $ign is never too far from its evil roots…

Please share this video with your friends and family. Let’s be informed and do the right thing for our Best Friends.

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Dogs 101, West Highland White Terrier.

mellomouse — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 08:13:20 +0000

Here’s what I found out about our West Highland White Terrier ♥

Scubby is a Little Napoleon with Type A Personality, and has a tail so strong that I can lift him up from the ground without hurting him *wowee*

I know I am bias, but don’t you agree that Westies are the cutest of all Terriers?

Watch the rest of the doggy breeds from Animal Planet’s Dogs 101 here.

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Cesar Millan, The Dog Whisperer.

mellomouse — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 03:17:48 +0000

My Verdict:

I’ve learned a lot by watching the Dog Whisperer. Cesar has taught me everything from the very basic to the potential problems.

I knew nothing about Dog Psychology, or that dogs had one *duh* How by being the Pack Leader can help create a balance and happy dog. And that Affection is the last on the list after Exercise and Discipline — not first!

We must set Rules, Boundaries and Limitation to nurture a dog’s healthy state of mind.

Did you know?

Can’t remember all his wisdom?
Here are 2 books to help with the memory.

No dog is too much for me to handle.
I rehabilitate dogs, I train people.

Cesar Millan

Mello’s Westie 101 Trilogy
Westie 101, pt 1 – The Journey
Westie 101, pt 2 – FAQ
Westie 101, pt 3 – Learn More
Dog Food 101
Cesar Millan’s Tips

*Beware of Irene Kang, Starhill Kennel Penang*

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Secret Diary of a Call Girl.

Westie 101, pt 3 – Learn More.

mellomouse — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:00:44 +0000

Care & Maintenance
Bathing your Westie
Ear Care
Foot care
Grooming (stripping)
Keeping your Westie neat between his visits to the groomer
Pet groomers
Pet grooming your Westie
Teeth
Trimming your Westie’s toenails

Westie Health
Atopic dermatitis
Caring for a sick Westie at home
Choosing a veterinarian
Cleft palate
Copper toxicosis
Craniomandibular osteopathy
Emergency kit
Euthanasia
Hip dysplasia
Hydrotherapy
Inguinal hernia
Introduction to genetic problems
Legg Calve Perthes
Patellar luxation
Products that work for skin problems
Pulmonary fibrosis (Westie lung disease)
Tips and ideas for keeping your Westie healthy Westies and thyroid dysfunction

Mello’s Westie 101 Trilogy
Westie 101, pt 1 – The Journey
Westie 101, pt 2 – FAQ
Westie 101, pt 3 – Learn More (You Are Here!)
Dog Food 101

*Beware of Irene Kang, Starhill Kennel Penang*

You Might Also Be Interested:
23 days to go, and so much more to learn.
Westie 101, pt 2 – FAQ.
Westie 101, pt 1 – The Journey.
Scubby’s Grooming Journey, pt 1 – Westie Lion Cut or Not?

Westie 101, pt 2 – FAQ.

mellomouse — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:00:20 +0000

Westie Behavior
Do Westies bark a lot?
Are they good guardians?
Are Westies intelligent?
Are they hard to train and obstinate?
Are Westies sport dogs or lap dogs?
Are they easy to housebreak?
Is it true Westies dig in gardens and will destroy and make holes everywhere?
Can they be kept with other dogs and pets, such as a cat, mice, birds etc.?
Can we keep more than one Westie in the house?
Does a male make a better pet than a female?

Westie Physical Characteristics
Do Westies shed a lot?
Are Westie any other color than white?

Westie Care
Do you bathe Westies often?
How do you keep a Westie white?
How do you keep them neat?
Do you HAVE to strip Westies or can you keep them well groomed by some other means?
How often do you trim a Westie?
Do they need a lot of exercise?
Can they be kept in a small apartment?
Can Westies be left alone during daytime while I work?

Westies and People
Are Westies good with children?
Are they good with older persons?
If a person is allergic to dogs, is a Westie a good dog to have?

Mello’s Westie 101 Trilogy
Westie 101, pt 1 – The Journey
Westie 101, pt 2 – FAQ (You Are Here!)
Westie 101, pt 3 – Learn More
Dog Food 101

*Beware of Irene Kang, Starhill Kennel Penang*

You Might Also Be Interested:
Westie 101, pt 3 – Learn More.
Westie 101, pt 1 – The Journey.

Westie 101, pt 1 – The Journey.

mellomouse — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 06:28:33 +0000

♥ How they literally Stole my Heart 3x ♥

I’ve only discovered about this beautiful White Terrier less than a year ago. It was an immediate Love At First Sight, and a daydream come true after 2 months of obsessive research!

I never understood this when I was younger, but owning a dog is a Lifetime Commitment. It is not just about enjoying the puppy cuteness and then forgotten. Today I am not free, so the dog can wait. Or I am not in the mood, so get lost *fumes at the thought*

Do think carefully:
Can a dog fit into my life now?
Or does this Breed fits into my lifestyle?
Can I fulfill his Basic Needs, as much as I expect him to fulfill mine?

Our excitements could not be contained when we finally found Scubby. Upon the first meeting, my heart was stolen for the 2nd time. So it was no surprise that we paid a RM500 deposit without much hesitation.

What You Should Know?

If you are buying directly from a breeder, you are at the upperhand!

Always request for at least 3 generations of Medical Report to avoid any hereditary illnesses — available in Westie 101, pt 3.

Genetic disorientation can jump a generation — just like human’s — without detection. If diagnosed positive, it is a painful and emotionally stressful life ahead for you, your family and the Dog.

If abandonment is the option then, please do not Buy in the First place!

My heart was stolen for the 3rd time when we collected Scubby 35 days later. Every day for that whole month seemed like forever. I cannot imagine waiting 9 months for my very own

We’ve come a long way and it wasn’t always a cherry ride — there were a lots of ups and downs along this journey. I hope you will enjoy yours too, once the decision has been made to add a Westie to your life

To understand more about this amazing breed, here are some research aid you might find useful. Enjoy!

Mello’s Westie 101 Trilogy
Westie 101, pt 1 – The Journey (You Are Here!)
Westie 101, pt 2 – FAQ
Westie 101, pt 3 – Learn More
Dog Food 101

*Beware of Irene Kang, Starhill Kennel Penang*

You Might Also Be Interested:
Scubby’s Grooming Journey, pt 1 – Westie Lion Cut or Not?
Westie 101, pt 2 – FAQ.
Westie 101, pt 3 – Learn More.

Furminator, pt 2 – The Result.

mellomouse — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:32:01 +0000

This was the alleged result.

I supposed it varies depending on the breed?

Because I didn’t manage to get THAT much!

But would I really want to?

*imagine fur less Scubby* *faints*

It has been a month and a week since we began using the Furminator. I was over excited, I had high expectation, and when it didn’t deliver — did I use it wrongly? — ironically, I am not surprised either. The husband is right once again! I’m sorry, Dear *pouts*

I know I promised my own video testimony. But since there’s nothing to shout about, I decided otherwise. I did collect all the fur that I furminated off Scubby in a ziplock bag though. Does that count?

My Verdict:

I followed the instructions to a tee for best result — using it each time after bathing Scubby.

A 15 minute combing would get about a small handful. That’s a poor comparison to the Persian cat above. I’m afraid to go any longer, or else Scubby would be bald?

And it’s not really as easy to use as it looks. Scubby definitely doesn’t like the pulling effect

So I seriously wonder: How in the world did they managed to get that much fur out of those dogs?!?

Scubby’s been shedding quite a lot too. With my floor tiles being white, you don’t really notice. Not until you mop the floor — which I do every night — and find furballs stuck on the sponge. Or put on a black Tee and find yourself: You Got Furred!

Perhaps this is the time of the year that they shed a lot?

Yenni, if you are reading this, 1 more thing to add to the Do-Not-Trust-What-The-Breeder-Guarantees List. Btw, have you gotten your dog? I hope not from her

Furminator, pt 1 – The Purchase

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Furminator, pt 1 – The Purchase.
Dog Food 101.

Dog Food 101.

mellomouse — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:13:33 +0000

Often enough we hear people saying: We Are What We Eat. We scrutinize our food, we pick and choose the best, we even drive miles for that famous Penang Fried Kueh Teow *yums*

If we would go through so much trouble for our own gastronomical urges, would we do the same for our beloved furkid? Miles not included, just painstaking research

Before we brought Scubby home, I did a substantial amount of research for the suitable dog kibble. But before we could do any recommended switch, whatever the breeder was feeding him then, we have to continue for another month.

Let’s look at Scubby’s Kibble Journey.

Dog Food Analysis:
Read their verdict here

The breeder was feeding Scubby Eukanuba.

If you read the ingredient on the bag, you wouldn’t be surprised, if I told you that once the 3kg was done, we never looked back at this brand. Ever!

I’ve shared my discovery and discovery with the breeder, but sadly, this is still what she feeds all — more than a dozen: alleged Puppy Mill alert! — of her dogs.

I hope you are not (-___-)

Dog Food Analysis:
Read their verdict here

After learning all bout Meat Meal, I was very determined to keep it out of Scubby’s diet. If possible…

So when I was introduced to this brand, Scubby was eating it the very next day!

A 3kg bag cost RM72, and can last about a month or so. If not for the price, we might be able to do it every month

Dog Food Analysis:
Read their verdict here

Personally, I was quite happy with Avoderm. We were almost done with the bag and going for another, when I found out that Avocado is toxic to dogs! Run a Google search and you will find endless explanation on this.

I have no idea why they are still baking it?!? Or why Dog Food Analysis gave it a Four star?

Dog Food Analysis:
Read their verdict here

We have been feeding Scubby Natural Balance since March, and he is almost into his 3rd bag now. The ingredients are acceptable although not entirely perfect. Unless of course, I bake them myself. And then, we can all enjoy *ugh*

We should be sticking to this brand — until the day Scubby gets bored and the search will begin again…

If you already knew what greatness Apple Cider Vinegar can do for us. Then you wouldn’t be too surprise to know, it does absolute wonders to our furkid as well.

My Verdict:

Just add 1-2 teaspoon into your dogs’ water bottle/bowl and witness the benefits for both you and him in a long run.

Don’t believe me, read this

Scubby has been drinking ACV since he was 3 months

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PROS vs COMPS?
House of Groomers, Visit #2.
Philips Avent combined Steamer & Blender, pt 2 – I see, I want, I get!
Philips Avent combined Steamer & Blender, pt 3 – Review.
Leap Frog Tag Junior.

care for an earthbath?

mellomouse — Tue, 12 May 2009 08:31:13 +0000

The weather has been crazy lately. And I expect not only the electric bill to take a big leap this month, but also the water bill. I literally wanna be dunked into, and freeze.
Scubby, on the other hand has just enjoyed his earthbath earlier — which left me needing a bath myself! *drenched* He’s now looking all brilliant white and smelling so good, I want to breathe him in! ♥

Our Verdict:

We use their Orange Peel Oil Shampoo and finishes it off with a little body massage in Cream Rinse & Conditioner.

And No, I do not use it on myself

How does he look? *tempting*

And,
why is he still wearing the Elizabethan collar?

Scubby says: It wasn’t me! *paws crossed*

Guilty as charged! This cheeky looking boy has been nibbling on his recovered surgery wound, transforming it into an inflammation the size of a 5 sen coin *sobs* Hence, he is being protected-from-himself for the past week — after only tasting freedom for 3 days. That means he’s been wearing this collar since the 18th last month…

I’m getting used to seeing him all armored up now — except my poor furniture and wall that he’s been banging into — and ironically he seems to enjoy it too. Maybe we should make it permanent?

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