Still looking for homes

After the high of last week with the adoption of both Whitie (now known as Dodger) and Friendie (now known as Isabella), the situation has remained status quo for the Ebony pups. The two remaining pups, Indy and Lil Sis have become used to being alone without their active sisters. Initially they were shy and cautious when we approached them during feeding. They probably understood that we had taken their sisters away and thought we would do the same to them. But now, they come to us with their waggy little tails and expressions of love when we visit them.

The last two standing.
I love you sister.

These two pups are really cute. In the original litter of five, white tip, Friendie and Whitie were the more gregarious and always stole the attention as they were bolder and faster. With the disappearance of white tip and adoption of the remaining two, we are beginning to see that Indy and Sissy are developing their own character and personality.

The other day when one of our feeders brought food, Sissy stole the huge packet of bread and ran away as fast as her little legs could carry. And on another occassion, another feeder reported that Indy nosed her bag and found a can of dog food and ran off with it. The feeder spent time chasing after Indy trying to retrieve the can, afraid she will get hurt with the edges. Yes, they are so cute and we adore them.

Sissy is always the first to greet us nowadays. She is no longer the shy Lil Sis but has blossomed into her own, with her wide open mouth and friendly whimpers. Indy on the hand, remains cool and calm and has her own mind. She is still independent in her ways which is very unusual for a pack of dogs and one so young. She is so human-like, much a teenage kid. Indy is sometimes not around when we visit, probably snoozing or pretending not to hear us. There were several times she came running out much later than the rest and we weren’t sure if what we suspect is true but now we know for a fact. Just a couple of days ago, when Blackie and Lil Sis came running out after we called them, Indy was not there. While we were preparing food, Blackie left and ran in again, after some time, she came out with Indy hot at her heels. We could see another dog behind but it hid behind the bushes. It was probably Shadow (you can read more about Shadow in the latter part of this blog). We speculate that Indy was probably snoozing or just didn’t want to come out and mummy went to call her and tell her ‘Get moving or else..., dinner is ready!”. Isn’t this just a typical scene at home? When dinner is ready but one of the kids wasn’t seated at the table. Yes we are reliving family life with Blackie and her pups and enjoying it!

Share and share alike

Blackie remains indifferent over the adoption of two of her babies. We wonder if she knows or realise two are missing. But Blackie is the ultimate survivor and to survive the jungle we call this world, one must look forward and spend no time over past regrets or yesterday. She is the epitome of that. Yes, if we can learn this philosophy from Blackie, we should not lose tears and time over regrets and past events yet plough on and look towards the future, the tomorrow, for there is much to be done and much to look forward to. Blackie is wise.

This is the best picture we have of Blackie. (zooming in)
This is the nearest she has stood from us so far.
She has no wag but she does appear to be smiling at us.
After all these months, it is a huge achievement.

There is another dog we have failed to mention before because of the urgency of the pups rehoming, we did not want to distract. As some of you may know, Horlicks the yellow / light brown stray who disappeared some months ago, appeared suddenly during Christmas with a bloody wound at the back of his spine. We have been feeding Horlicks since and he became very friendly with us and and some of the guards stationed there. Horlicks played the surrogate dad to Blackie's pups by bringing them food as well as visiting them when they were in their nest. A couple of weeks ago, we took Horlicks to a kennel to stay for the time being while undergoing treatment as his wound looked pretty bad but our plans for him at the kennel is not permanent and we will release him back to his haunt when he recovers. The guards are looking forward to his return and he does not appear to adjust well to life in the kennel. He looks very miserable and probably yearns for life of the past unlike the other rescued dogs we have brought in.

Horlicks loves a pat and our love.What a truly wonderful dog.
Such a thoughtful compassion filled dog.

In his absence, there appeared another dog. The first time we saw Shadow with the pups, we thought it was Blackie but then one black adult dog became two. Two black adult dog playing with four pups from a distance. It was then that we realise that Blackie has a nanny for the pups. It has been 3 weeks since Shadow appeared and we do not know if is a male or female as it runs off when we approach. We had thought that Blackie was fearful of people, Shadow is many times worse. That is why we have called this dog Shadow. Most of the times we have seen this dog is a shadowy form, behind the bushes or an outline of its tail far away. Shadow always stay with the pups, never venturing out to eat our food even when we move away and drive off in the distance to watch. When it actually eats we don't know but we always make it a point to leave more food for Shadow.

So Blackie, in our mind is an unusual dog. While she remains socially inadequate and does not make any friends as she is always alone, her pups have attracted dogs like Horlicks and Shadow. Who would have thought it possible to learn anything from a pack of dogs? But we are learning a lot more than we started out, and a lot more than from reading books. Yes it is possible that dogs do take care of each other and their young. Not necessary from their own mum or dads but from uncles and aunties.

We remember Horlicks when he was given an extra bun to eat, he ran off with that bun in his mouth to give to Blackie's pups. Who taught him that? He was not their father nor even related. In fact he hardly knew Blackie but he would sacrifice his food for them. In another instance, we remember him taking the box of kibbles to the pups. He ate half and saved the other. No, these are not fiction but real stories as witnessed by people who recount them with much amazement and wide eyed surprise. We are humbled, very humbled, that we are in the presence of thoughtful kind animals that most people would not think twice even they died right in front of their very eyes. These are stories of the dogs we feed, the half starved, skeletal ones we try to restore back to life with our food and sometimes with our medicine. We are proud to have known them and see them in their natural element and this cruel world, they paint a beautiful picture of love that transcends time.

Horlicks as some of you may remember has a scar, a thin line that runs at the back of his spine. The vet has confirmed that it is either a burnt or scald and the wound has gone very deep and destroyed the pigments, the fur will never grow back. Poor Horlicks. He will carry that scar for the rest of his life. He must have sufferered horribly at the hands of these cruel people but he has not lost his human-ness, if we can call it that. Perhaps we shouldn't as it is the humans who have given him that. Let's just say he has not lost his compassion and love for those in need and he chose to remain kind and good. He is so sweet and friendly to us who feed him and his fans and friends, the guards love him and wish they can keep him forever but we know it is an impossibility. We are trying desparately to get him adopted onsite.

We took Horlicks to the vet for some shots and vaccination and even when the vet took his blood and gave him an injection as well as a nasal drip, something which most dogs dread, Horlicks needed no muzzle. He did not even flinch or grumble. He took it like a man and sat with his muzzle on our hands. The vet remarked that this dog is certainly worth keeping and we must try to find a good home for him. Coming from the wilds and unknown and enduring so much mistreatment and torture, yet Horlicks has shown remarkable calm and docility. What a wonderful dog.

Shadow, sex unknown plays nursemaid to the pups. Yes, Blackie still roams. We do not see her around sometimes so we know she still runs around, but we know that Shadow is with them. Having Shadow around is safe for the pups so they are not alone and do not follow her when she wanders. This was what happened to White tip. It followed Blackie out during her roams and never came back. Now that Shadow is around to keep an eye on the pups, the pups do not leave the nest. It also gives Blackie some respite so she can de-stress and have some of her own mummy time. Never think it possible in the animal world? Well. you can tell people you've learnt something new from our experience with Blackie's family.

The other day, one of our feeders was startled during feeding. While he was filling the food and water and Blackie was sitting at a short distance watching him, suddenly she got up, ears cocked and looked in another direction. It was in the direction of her nest. There was a rustling of leaves and suddenly Blackie jumped up and ran towards the sound. The next split second saw her running back, chasing a HUGE iguana. The iguana ran so fast out of the bushes with Blackie hot at its heels. When she got near it, she did not bite but just stood there sniffed and prodded it as if to chase it away. It did finally go away in the opposite direction away from Blackie's nest. What a brave dog. She was watching over her pups yet again, although with an indifferent attitude but she was still in charge, protecting them. She was also sweet that she did not bite it while most dogs would have.

That is our sweet and docile Blackie

FOR ADOPTION

The Ebony Pups – Indy and Lil Sis

A litter of 5 black glossy fur pups we lovingly call the Ebony pups are looking for homes. Born in the wild where snakes, rats and human poachers lurk, their lives hang on a precipice of death and survival. One has disappeared, two have recently been adopted to good homes. Now there are TWO lookiing for homes at 9 weeks old.

Indy, the maverick, has a slight tinge of white on the tippy tips of her right and left back paws. Indy is independent and does not follow the rest when they venture out to play. She decides when to do and what to do. Indy looks like dad.

Little Sis or Sissy is the younger. Sissy is sweet, docile and loving. She is full black. She looks like momma. Sissy is quiet and stays close to mum. She is friendly and loves a cuddle and a pat.

Both of these pups are healthy as we feed them well and their mother is still nursing them. The two that have been adopted have been praised by their owners as excellent, smart dogs, non aggressive and well behaved. They were easy to train. We believe the pups have inherited good temperament of their father, a Lab Retriever and their mom, an extremely docile local cross.

Macho Horlicks for Adoption
Name: Horlicks
Gender : Male
Age : 1 year +
Size : Mid Size
Cross Breed
Good with people & children
Handsome Horlicks – Our Macho dog with a soft heart

Horlicks was found abandoned, left behind by his owners. He socialises well with people and children. He loves to play and is very intelligent.

Male, around 1 year odd – Quiet and well behaved. Horlicks will make an excellent family dog. The vet and kennel owners suspect that Horlicks may have some Golden Retriever blood in him due to his colouring and temperament.

These dogs are not suitable for public dwelling because of the licensing requirements.

Cute kitten for adoption

One of our volunteers have found a 2 month old kitten. They have called him Puccho. He is very cute and friendly and looking for a home. They have already trained him to use a litter box.

We know that this kitten with his beautiful colouring will grow up to be a very beautiful cat. If there is anyone out there who has a home for a cat, please consider cute Puccho.

To adopt Indy, Sissy, Horlicks or cute Puccho or any of our Rat Pack (see our earlier blog),
please contact 9838-3820 or anaterry@singnet.com.sg.

LOST DOG

PLEASE HELP TO KEEP A LOOK OUT - TIGGER
Local Cross Breed (Male)
Reward will be given
Colour : Brindle Male, 7 mths
Medium Sized

Answers to the name " Tigger"

He is extremely friendly and will not bite, although he may be very scared. If you see him, please hold on to him and call us immediately.

Last seen around 3.30pm January 30, 2009 at the intersection of Sembawang Road / Sembawang Walk with a red collar as shown in picture above, dragging an orange and yellow leash.

If you have seen this dog or know its whereabouts, please call :

Wesley: 81837225 / 64011162 / 82430943
Lynda - 91996247 / Fiona - 98391308
Thank you.

Appeal for Donation

We are helping to appeal for donations for Davee, a beautiful, golden female mongrel with a gentle and patient demeanor. Davee has recently been diagnosed to have cancerous tumours in her little body.

Davee is one of the 4 mongrels that the resucers have been trying to re-home since late last year. A few weeks back, a couple of lumps appeared. Very quickly these lumps aggressively developed into huge craters of open ugly wounds. The size has grown incredible and what is worse, there appears to be more lumps growing.

(Can you see a new lump appearing in the photo below. It starts off innocently looking as this and escalates into a huge open wound very very quickly.)

Davee will need lots of surgery and medication and this is the beginning of a long journey for her. To see a dog sick is hard but to see one so young, gentle and recently rescued for a better life and now succumb to this is harder. No dog likes to put on an e-collar. The extent of Davee’s wound is so serious she will probably wear an e-collar for a long time. It is heartbreaking to imagine the confusion and pain she must be going through.

Please help Davee if you can. If the photos here touch you the way it has us, please do something for a future that Davee, hopefully can look forward to. If there is a chance at life, we must not deny her that. Surely her rescue should lead to a bette future.

Please visit http://maovellous.wordpress.com/ for more of Davee. You can help by donating any amount to POSB Saving Account: 055-27043-0 and kindly drop a note to moavellous at strathmorecats@hotmail.com on the transfer details so they can note it down and keep proper records.

Thank you for your kindness.