Ebony Pups – Two went home, and now there are TWO

Our Ebony Pups are doing well. They are eating well, drinking lots and playing happily with each other. They are not like mummy Blackie as they have become used to us feeding them every day and associate us as their friends. Three of the pups, their face look like their father, a yellow lab, with their broad Lab face while one has more pointed, sharp feature of their mom. They also inherit their mother’s black coloring but all of them are good natured and friendly.

We are so happy to inform that Whitie has been adopted yesterday, January 23, by a family living in a landed property with another dog sister and 3 young children to play with. The kind lady Ms. J corresponded with us and arranged to pick Whitie up almost immediately as the family loves black dog with white markings.

When Ms. J came to see the pups, all four ran out to greet her and she exclaimed how cute they are. She also saw Blackie sitting a distance away. According to Mrs. J, Labs are prized for their good nature and temperament as well as their ‘soft’ touch. In fact, in UK, they accompany pheasant hunters to retrieve the birds and with their ‘soft touch’, the birds are not ravaged nor bloodied when these dogs carry the birds in their mouth. Blackie on the other hand has always been timid and docile. She has always been bullied by the other dogs and would never retaliate against them when they steal her food, she does not even chase away the birds. With both sides of the pups’ family and their good temperament, we do know that these pups are non-biters and non aggressive.

It was demonstrated so when Ms. J picked up Whitie. There was no aggression nor barks but a peaceful happy serenity that one was going to a good home. Whitie seemed to enjoy the attention. In fact two of her sisters followed along and we had to lure them back with food so they wouldn’t get into the car as well. Ms. J will keep in touch with us and let us know how Whitie is progressing as well as her new name. According to her SMS today, Whitie has been called with several different names as no one could decide which is better, but she has reported that everything is fine and Whitie is doing well and their other dog has taken to the new addition well.

Just this afternoon, January 24, Friendie has been adopted by a family living in a house with a garden, with a 12 year old daughter, dogs and cats. They had seen our poster and contacted us immediately. Upon seeing the pups, they couldn't decide which as all of them were cute and friendly. In the end, they took Friendie, who just like Whitie, was quiet while being carried by her new best friend, the little girl. Friendie basked in the attention and our last looks of Friendie is of her sitting happily in car, with her head on the little girl's lap. Yes it was a beautiful sight. The family fell in in love with all of them but could only take one. They were concerned for the remaining two and will ask around for homes for them. They too will keep us in the loop of how Friendie is doing.

Keep a look out for our blog on more pictures and stories of Whitie and Friendie and their new homes.

We are very glad to meet such nice people like Ms. J and believe it or Friendie's new mommy is also Ms. J... And the best part of these two families is that they were interested in the these pups not for the breed they carry. In our earlier posters which we had circulated, we had only put them as Ebony Pups. We did not let people know their father was a Lab, although we had seen him with Blackie when she was on heat, because the first few people we had approached for the pups were apprehensive in adopting a pup from a big sized dog. When these two ladies contacted us, all they wanted was a little black female pup they could adopt to fit into their household, they did not ask, neither did they care the breed of the Ebony Pups. They just wanted a local cross dog who would fit into their family. This truly exemplify their love for dogs as breed had no bearing on their adoption interest. The rehoming was done quickly, with no hesitation as the families were prepared having discussed thoroughly about a new addition.

Thank you, Ms. J (Whitie's mum) and Ms. J (Friendie's mum) and your families for extending your love to Blackie's pups. Both of you had asked us what we will do for Blackie after her pups are rehomed and we are very touched that you not only cared for her pups but for her as well. The best you can do for Blackie has already been done as you have welcomed the pups into your homes. What you can give them now is all your love and a home for as long as they live. If Blackie could talk, this is what she would have said. She never had what they have, love, a family and a home and she would not want them to travel the same journey she took. On behalf of Blackie, thank you for giving her precious pups a chance at love.

These two adoptions are a big boost for us as we have been very worried for them as there had been a lot of queries but no confirmed takers. Whitie and Friendie going to good homes is a huge, happy and special Chinese New Year Ang Pow (Red Packet) for all of us.

We have also received several calls for fostering these pups and we are grateful for the kind families who have offered. For now we think it best the last two sisters stay together as fostering will mean splitting them up with no definite plans. We are still looking for on-site adoptions first and these fosterers will be activated should we come to the crunch. Should the third pup be adopted, we may take the last pup and put her in a foster home as we don't want her to be alone. That is the time we will need the foster home.

Cara’s family – togetherness
Cara met all her babies, for the first time since they were adopted. As some of you who have been following her story may know, Cara has been an extremely devoted mother. When we first rescued her from the site where she was found and decided to relocate her family to the Kennels, she had allowed us to pick up her pups but very anxiously followed us as we gathered them up. She had followed our footsteps as we took each pup and into a box in the car. The last small pup was wedged tightly in between heavy planks and Cara had nosed us anxiously when the pup had yelped in anger while we pulled it out.

Cara and pups just before and after their rescue

Throughout the journey in the car, Cara insisted on climbing into the box which was only big enough for her 3 pups, yet she had squeezed herself into the box, half sitting, half standing, as if protecting her pups during the ride there. Her love and concern is amazing when we have seen other mother dogs react differently.

After the first pup, Zen, left first for her new home, Cara was very protective of the last two, Silver and Raven. Each time we took them out to bathe, she would be circling anxiously in her kennel while waiting for their return. Eventually Silver and Raven had to leave for their new homes too and each time we visited Cara after that, she clamored to get out of the kennel, scratching furiously at the gate. She would refused treats and avoided cuddles and instead howled at us as if asking us to let her out so she can look for her pups.

When we took her for her sterlisation, there was a little puppy at the vet who was whining away. Cara was very interested in that pup. She stood there unmoving for a long time, with her ears cocked and head to one side listening carefully. We figured she was wondering if it was her pup. Yes, it has been a long, difficult time for her and heart wrenching one for us. How do we tell a mother that by removing her babies, it is for their and her best. Which mother would understand, certainly it is hard enough reason for a human, much less a dog.

On December 31, Zen came to visit Cara. The first time these two met was very touching. Zen as you know is very active and frisky. Cara as well, is no better. But when they both met face to face, there was a pause, they were both stock still in the tracks. We were not sure at that time if Cara and Zen still recognised each other, but what they did next answered our question. Cara stood still looking and Zen approached silently half crouching, with her ears back and whimpered softly. Then Cara approached and as they neared each other, Zen looked up at her mom, half lying down on the floor in a submissive pose, her face full of anticipation and love while her tail wagged furiously. Cara with a tail waving slowly, licked her gently, all over and nosed her from face to her tail as if searching for wounds or bruises. It was strange to see Zen so quiet and submissive. She has never behaved like that with other dogs or even with her owners, being so Alpha in behaviour. That lasted for a short while before they both got up and started romping with each other, sentimentality all forgotten.

Cara and Zen, they look so alike, can you tell who is who?
Hint : Cara is in the blue collar

Then a week after that, we managed to arrange for a visit to Silver and Raven’s new home. Together with Zen, we took Cara to their place. Their first meeting was not as solemn as the one when Cara met Zen as two frisky pups running all over couldn’t recreate a quiet moment. But we did see Cara again nosing both these two while they crouched in front of mommy with their tails wagging furiously. When Zen later joined the gathering, ooh, what a ruckus it was. It became a little chaotic as Zen reminded her sisters who the big sister was. She chased both the smaller pups and Raven went to hide, reminiscent of the old days when she was always hiding in between the heavy planks.

Silver and Raven have each other for company and their owner have said they are good with visitors and children. Silver is the more docile and obedient pup and much treasured by the adults as she listens and behaves, while the kids love Raven as she is active and playful. Throughout the visit, we could see how much Silver and Raven would run to their owner to give him a kiss. He has given them much love and security and have renovated his patio to accommodate these two pups to give them a safe place to play. They are both good watch-dogs too and bark at strangers but it is Silver who is brave and fearless and stand guard (just like Cara) while Raven hides (haha) after barking.

Silver and Raven. Silver has pointed ears.

Yes all the three pups are doing well. They have adjusted well to their new families and paid back for their rescue with their love, loyalty and devotion to their new families. We cannot ask for more. Zen has grown big in size, much like when she was just a baby, the biggest and alpha and that has not changed much. Zen looks the most like Cara. Silver is fearless and brave like Cara and Raven is the active pup like Cara too. Yes, we can see her in all three of them, they truly are Cara’s beloved pups. They have inherited her traits and goodness and we are very happy for them. Although Cara can’t talk, we are sure she feels much like us. She had done a good job protecting and nursing them when they needed that and their new adopted families have carried on that love and protection and now they are on their way to adulthood, giving their hearts to those whom they love.

It remains for Cara to be finally adopted too but for now she is happy with her new Pack, her kennel friends and she is eating well. In fact she looks plumb and is always ready to greet visitors with her usual effervescent self. In fact since we ran the story of Cara in our blog and how much she had protected her babies, a kind lady (Ms. J) has been sponsoring for Cara's boarding and full medical. Cara is the first sterilised and most fully vaccinated dog in our Pack such was her sponsorer's kindness. Sweet Cara, Devoted Cara, Loyal Cara, Mia Cara. We sure are thankful we chanced upon her when she needed us most and very glad she chose the right path to take - follow us to safety. God had His eye upon her and led us to her.

Zen’s story (as told by Zen’s new family, L and J)
We love dogs, of all shapes and sizes, breed or no breed. Some people have "psychological doubts" about BLACK dogs, but we certainly LOVE them. By past encounters with them has told me that black dogs/cats are actually among the most intelligent and loyal group of animals.

We were at ALL visiting during a regular weekend when our friends, i.e. the rescuers' car arrived with a mother dog and her 3 pups. We set eyes on a black pup, the one that actively looked up to explore the human faces and touches. She was always the first to explore and come forth. Her siblings would then follow. We decided to adopt her, and begun to prepare the house for her arrival.

First visit to the vet at 4 weeks old, everyone at the clinic said "oh how cute this black labrador pup look-alike is, so tiny, so sleepy". We told the humans that they could adopt such lovely pups at ALL too! :-) She yelped very loudly when the vet touched her, inspected her and did the checks and jabs on her. The other animals waiting at the clinic must have waited in agony.

We took her home from the shelter when she was 6 weeks old. She had to leave her mum and siblings for a brand new home for the first time, without any dogs around, and she was the first brave puppy to leave the family. I remember that during the journey home, she climbed out from her tall Ikea box and stood in the middle of the car, looking on, curious nose sniffing around, standing boldly trying to balance like on a surfboard in the moving world beneath her.

The first night at home was long - for us humans. She cried the whole night long, as if crying for her mother and the warm company of her siblings. It was "cruel" to hear her cries, but we had no choice but to let her get used to it. On inspection, she was sitting and crying beside her food bowl. What a sight! Awww hungry pup must be longing for her mother's milk! Among the siblings, she was the biggest and the great mum has done the best job in bringing up her pups well.

Zen is coming to 5 months old now, she is looking a lot like her mum CARA. About half Cara’s size, and she is still growing. Being the Alpha pup in Cara’s litter, she is super active (just like her mum). She has been with us for 3 months now and boy, she has grown - tremendously. We are happy that she is eating very well, and has the most lovely coat of black, soft satin hair now.

Zen is all BLACK, with soft brown eyes, and she is among the most intelligent dogs that we have ever encountered. Basic commands like SIT was mastered in 2 days, SHAKE HAND in 4 days, walk up & down the stairs on first sight. Very amazing. She is highly-alert, active and loves to play. People that do not understand may think she is very rough and being a big bully to their dogs. But hey she's only a little puppy! We know she is definitely not a bully, but rather just being herself, alpha and playful. Humble Zen would not mind if you barricade her in an area, so long she has a toy to play with.

Smart and beautiful Zen.
She looks like seal with four legs such is the beauty of her fur

The area where she lives looks like a mini war zone everyday and our common view. Well, we guess that this is the little compromise we accept until she becomes a mature adult. We realise her natural house-guarding instinct recently. Woofing at the Bangladesh workers, barking at earthworms on the floor, pouncing on the birds that steal her food. She knows when we are almost home and waits eagerly at the gate, when the owner's bicycle reaches the roundabout without sight or sound, when the owner is near the door step. No matter how quietly we creep towards her, she can always smell us out. Wagging her tail or should i say, whole body in excitement and happiness.

Our message to all out there is - PLEASE ADOPT, DO NOT BUY. Do not support the breeders' activities! Mongrels or cross-breed dogs are easy to maintain, they are non-fussy eaters and do not require much grooming. Give the animals a second chance in life, and in return they will give you their devoted love for the rest of their lives.

Story by proud parents, L and J on January 7, 2009

Adoption or Fostering – Litter of TWO EBONY PUPS
A litter of TWO beautiful glossy shiny fur of jet black puppies. One is full black and the one with beautiful white markings but both look alike - beautiful and fat. They are healthy as we feed them every day and we also know the mother is still nursing them.

This video was taken first week of January 2009, when there were still five pups.
Our beautiful Ebony pups
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yu1_4-Fv9c&feature=channel_page

Individual pups based on our observation :
Lil’ Sis – Full black. The smallest and quietest. The homebody. This is probably the one who would make the least noise and the most docile and obedient.

Indy - Has a slight tinge of white on the tips of her right back and front toe. Indy is the independent sister. She is smart and brave and has her own mind.

Can you help them beat the odds -
Prove the world wrong

Black is Beautful, Black is Elegant,
Black is Cool,

Black can be LOVE and Black is Ebony

The Ebony Pups

To help save them, we need adopters - 9838 3820 or anaterry@singnet.com.sg

HORLICKS for adoption
Horlicks is Urgently looking for a home.
Name : Horlicks
Age : Approximately 1 year plus
Breed : Cross
Temperament : Gentle and Mild, Very friendly with people and children. Loves to play.Macho dog with a soft heart. Excellent family dog.

Unfortunately, the current licensing ruling restricts ownership of mid-sized dogs in public housing, and as much as we would love for these pups to go to homes who will love them, regardless of the type, regretfully, we need to inform that mid size dogs are not on the HDB approved list . This does not apply to fostering.

For the EBONY PUPS and HORLICKS

Please email us at anaterry@singnet.com.sg or call 9838-3820.