Shaggy has gone home for good. When we rescued him from the road three months ago, little did we know that he would be with us for such a short time. What would you do if you see a tiny little dog shivering in the middle of a road, usually busy with big vehicles. Your first thought would be to pick him up and comfort him, as he looked scared and sad. Which is what we did.
http://homelessinseletar.blogspot.com/2009/06/left-to-die.htmlShaggy was fortunate to have been fostered by two lovely girls, the first E and then the second E, coincidentally both with the same names. Circumstances prevented them from being able to provide him a permanent home but they showered him with as much love as they could in the short span of time with him, comfort, protection and shelter. He was given several names from Oldie to Boy-Boy to Cloud.
On July 1, a kind lady C, and her daughter, S, read about Cloud and immediately offered him a home. At that time we already knew Cloud was old, we were told by the first vet he was around 10 years old but the family didn't mind. They said that Cloud reminded them very much of their old dog and cried when they first saw him. They called him Shaggy after their old dog. And so Shaggy had finally, a permanent home, a family who loved him and pampered him knowing he never had much. They took him to a vet for a boil on his toe and this vet did a thorough test. Shaggy was not 10 years old as estimated but more likely nearly 14. He had a heart murmur and so should not be excited or stressed. It was a sombering to discover that Shaggy's time with them would not be long and all the more whatever time they had with Shaggy became even more precious, if not already.
On September 24, the inevitable happened. We were called at 8.15 pm that Shaggy was breathless. We met C at the vet's clinic and the vet said Shaggy suffered a mild stroke. We decided to put Shaggy on oxygen to aid his breathing as well as medication to make him comfortable. He would be on the ventilator the whole night and the vet said if he pulled through that night, it would be a good sign.
Knowing that we just didn’t have the heart to put him down, we left it to God to decide as long as Shaggy was not in pain, which the vet assured us he wasn't. Just as we were preparing to leave having said our goodbyes to Shaggy, when we were at the exit, there was a bark, followed by 3 more. We looked at each other and the same thought occurred, Was Shaggy calling out his goodbyes too? Would this be his last say. Emotionally, we all ran back to him and kissed him. We whispered into his ears, “If it gets too hard to stay Shaggy, then go, go in peace for you are tired and have fought a good fight. But if you can stay, then wait another day for us to visit you again.”
The next morning at 8 plus, the vet called that Shaggy left us. He must have tried to hold on the whole night and almost made it but his little heart couldn’t carry on. Though his spirit was strong, his little body was just too weak and tired. Young S who never did get a chance to say goodbye visited his body, planted a kiss on his head and whispered her farewell bravely. Dear S, what a sweet girl at only 10 knew the meaning of love.
Shaggy did not die a homeless, nameless dog. He left with a name, Shaggy, he left with a collar, a leash, his water and food bowl, his little toys scattered where he used to carry them around, his little treasure of bones he would steal from the bigger dogs, his little soft bed that still carries his smell.
Shaggy did not die a homeless, nameless dog. He left with a name, Shaggy, he left with a collar, a leash, his water and food bowl, his little toys scattered where he used to carry them around, his little treasure of bones he would steal from the bigger dogs, his little soft bed that still carries his smell.
Shaggy loved this treat. He took this packet from his big sized brother, when they weren't looking.
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Shaggy rolls around in glee, he is so playful at heart
Teddy has been relocated. Hurray.
Praise God.
Yes, Shaggy left much much loved by those who have met him and cared for him. He left behind a household full of people to shed tears for this brave little soldier, this valiant little dog heartlessly abandoned along a big tarred road, shivering with nowhere to go. He left with dignity and pride just as any loved dog did. The best part is that Shaggy knew that. Yes, Shaggy knew he left behind a family, both humans, canine and feline brothers and sisters and many many friends and that makes us happy.
Dearest little Shaggy
June 8 to September 24, 2009
Forever Remembered
Much Loved
Always Missed
Good bye Shaggy, our brave fighter, little old dog.
Thank you for the precious memories.
Teddy has been relocated. Hurray. Praise God.
A few days ago, our plans for Teddy was realised as we managed to rescue Teddy and her gorgeous puppies. Unfortunately there are only three left. One black, One rocky and One sandy but they are fat, chubby and healthy. They are very young, not even a month old and still need mommy's milk but they tumble around, in play and fun as they can't see well nor hear well yet. They only know mommy is around and all is well for them. Thank God they know no better.
Their rescue is much more dramatic and traumatic than what is written on this blog but we will not go further. There is no point for we believe in moving forward. All we can say is we almost lost the pups. Yes they were literally rescued from the brink of death. If we had tarried just a few hours, we would have lost them for good so we want to praise God for His protection on our dear dogs. We also wish to say a huge Thank You for those who helped in the rescue efforts with their time, funding, support and encouragement.
Teddy has a bad skin and some bleeding but these can be rectified in time. She eats very well and is allowing her fosterer to bathe her with special medicated shampoo for her skin condition. She even allows us to carry and cuddle her pups.
Actually it isn't surprising that Teddy is so amicable because in the wild when we first started feeding her, she was very friendly and would come to us for pats and food. But when she gave birth, her motherly instinct overcame and she didn't allow anyone near her nest not because she was fierce but she was protecting her babies, especially when they were just born. Now that her pups are safe and growing well, she has become her old friendly and sweet self again. Her furless state shows her to be more fierce than she is and unfortunately poor Teddy has no tail to wag so when one sees a dog with teeth and no tail, our first assumption would be a fierce dog but she is not. She is actually a sweetheart and she is young. Much younger than she looks. We estimate Teddy to be 2 or 2.5 years old. Stress, worry and the environment has made her look so much older. Having no fur doesn't help either. Given time we are sure that Teddy will be an exceptionally handsome dog for she has a breed in her, her stance and snout has proven her not an ordinary local dog but one with a background of a pedigree.
Actually it isn't surprising that Teddy is so amicable because in the wild when we first started feeding her, she was very friendly and would come to us for pats and food. But when she gave birth, her motherly instinct overcame and she didn't allow anyone near her nest not because she was fierce but she was protecting her babies, especially when they were just born. Now that her pups are safe and growing well, she has become her old friendly and sweet self again. Her furless state shows her to be more fierce than she is and unfortunately poor Teddy has no tail to wag so when one sees a dog with teeth and no tail, our first assumption would be a fierce dog but she is not. She is actually a sweetheart and she is young. Much younger than she looks. We estimate Teddy to be 2 or 2.5 years old. Stress, worry and the environment has made her look so much older. Having no fur doesn't help either. Given time we are sure that Teddy will be an exceptionally handsome dog for she has a breed in her, her stance and snout has proven her not an ordinary local dog but one with a background of a pedigree.
Teddy is very happy at the fosterer’s home. In a short span of 2 days, she behaves just like any other dog, running, happy, smiling and herds her three pups into their make shift nest of comfortable blanket and towels. Her pups are absolutely heavenly. They play one minute and fall asleep the next, even while they are sitting or standing and at any spot. We found out yesterday that Teddy loves bread, when you sit and eat a piece of bread or snack, she will come quietly and sit beside you and if she sees a last piece in your fingers, she assumes it is hers, and gently tries to pry it off your fingers. She is such a darling, very calm, docile and mild dog.
As we said goodbye last night, we gave a kiss to all the dogs, the current ones who are living there now, the Teddy pups and Teddy herself. As we plonked a kiss on her snout, she had an bemused expression on her face. She gazed into ours with awe, pleasant surprise and a little awkwardness. It was as if to say “That was nice, A kiss? What is a kiss? For me? You mean you love me? Can anyone love me?” With that, we had to kiss her one more time, cuddle her and stroke her gently.
Yes for you Teddy, all for you. You deserve love and kisses just like any other dog for you are special to us too. No more should you question why you are not wanted or unloved, no more would you wonder at other dogs on leash for one day you will have your own too. Yes we promise you Teddy that one day a family will come and ask for you because they want you for what you are, no matter how you look. You may not look as nice now with no fur but a higher love sees beyond looks, true love looks deep into the heart and one day, your true love will come. Yes Teddy, God has a plan for you just as He had overseen the entire rescue efforts. It was a miraculous intervention on His part for it was humanly not possible to have rescued your pups doomed for death. He will ensure your future, for that we know and await with eager hearts.
The photos below show a very happy Teddy and her beautiful pups. The fosterer has decided to adopt the black pup and so Sandy and Rocky are up for adoption. They are not ready to leave their mother yet but we are opening up the adoption now to private residences for they will grow to be mid size dogs. Regretfully these are not suitable for HDB dwelling due to the licencing restrictions. If you feel you can offer a home to Sandy or Rocky, please contact us at anaterry@singnet.com.sg
Teddy sits happily in her makeshift nest. She prefers this cage than anywhere else. The cage door is never close for her to go in and out. We think she may be self-crate trained. Can you see her happy smile? Her infected eye already looks so much better without medication. Happiness can heal much more than meds.
This is Sandy (female). Sandy has a black stripe on her tail.
This is Rocky (male). So named as he is darker than his sandy sister.
Happiness is sleeping in peace, safe and secure
Little Teddy look-alike, already promised to the fosterer.
May she grow big and strong, faithful and loyal, protective and brave like her mommy.
Please visit http://animalloversleague-onlineshop.blogspot.com/
or ALL's web site under Merchandise for prices and more information on these products and how to order.
ANIMAL LOVERS LEAGUE ONLINE SHOP
Animal Lovers League has many beautiful pet products for your precious pets. Cute tee-shirts, uniquely hand crafted pet collars, comfortable beds and doggy carrier bags, among many other items are on sale at affordable prices. These items are not only nice to look at but they are of good quality, easy to maintain and washable.
We have added new collars with beautiful designs. Do check them out. They make great gifts. On top of that, by purchasing one of our beautiful products you not only get a good quality item but you are also supporting us in our cause. Revenue from their sales are donated to the ALL kennel dogs and cats.
Please visit http://animalloversleague-onlineshop.blogspot.com/
or ALL's web site under Merchandise for prices and more information on these products and how to order.
If you are considering a pet,
think of ADOPTING first,
Support petshops that do not sell pets
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