This is so sickening.
It is so unbelievable that killing is considered an achievement. Same goes for fishing and hunting as "sports" or "hobbies". How can killing "for fun" be enjoyable? We are no longer living in the caveman era.
Child matador kills six bulls in Mexico
Yucks!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
The Most Difficult Call...
The following blog post of an overseas friend had me in tears for a while... As a pet owner myself, I can understand the pain of having to make this difficult and heart-wrenching decision - which is kinder (in this situation) - to hang on or let him go. It is very painful to watch a loved one suffering and wasting away.
For someone who has never experienced the companionship & unconditional love of a faithful pet, I suppose he/she will never truly understand the loss and sorrow... I know for those who have had their special canine/feline family member(s), you'll feel what I felt.
They say all dogs go to heaven... that's where Java is now. RIP.
* * * * *
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The Most Difficult Call...
I just made what is possibly the most difficult call of my adult life: the call to schedule an appointment for Java to be euthanized. I'm sitting here with Java at my feet, crying while I type.
Java in the past year has has a number of medical issues: A huge mass in his abdomen, the baby-wipe swallowing incident(s), some type of gastrointestinal issues which caused a large case of the "vapors" emanating from either end and now, diabetes. The diabetes came on suddenly just before the end of the year. One day Java started looking thin, then we noticed he wasn't eating as much, then he wasn't eating at all. He was drinking excessively, and urinating excessively too. He was up at all hours of the night wanting to go outside, probably to drink and pee. We tried feeding him different food, more food, more different food, but he wouldn't eat enough to sustain himself.
One trip to the vet told us he had severe diabetes and was acid ketodotic. His glucose numbers were off the chart. Java has been on insulin since the 2nd, with his doses steadily increasing. We've tried twice now to get a glucose curve to check his response to the increasing insulin doses. These have been to no avail, his numbers are still off the chart. Java is now below 60 pounds, a shell of his former self, all skin and bones. He's now nicknamed "Kate Moss" for his lithe figure. Its easier to laugh about the situation than it is to cry over what we know is coming.
Java can no longer run around, walk up and down more than a handful of stairs and often has trouble getting up off the floor by himself. He spends most of each day in his bed, which has been moved downstairs since he can no longer go up to the bedroom. When he does get up to go outside, its a slow process as he carefully makes his way down the front steps and, sometimes, back up them. The past few nights I have carried him upstairs so he could sleep with us in the bedroom as he has always done. I have also been awaken by him each night to carry him downstairs and outside so he can "do his stuff."
When I picked him up at the vet yesterday we spoke about Java, this treatment and possible outcomes. He's never going to be the same dog again. We can continue to treat him and try to get his diabetes under control, but what else is wrong? What caused this sudden onset of diabetes? At 12 and 1/2 years old, he's a very senior dog. The average lifespan for a lab mix is 10 years.
Last night I knew what the next step should be. Steph and I discussed it ad nauseum, but it wasn't until this evening that we finally were able to make the decision.
The past twelve years have been great. Java has been my companion, my friend, my chick magnet (when he was a puppy!) and a part of my family. He's given me unconditional love, something we all need to learn a little more about. He's been with me as I was a struggling graduate student, trying to find my way in the world. As a grad school dropout, falling into computers and programming. He's been there through many (ex-) girlfriends, a wife, a new dog (Lucy) and the birth of Maya. He was Maya's protector when she was a newborn. I had hoped he'd be around as she grew older, since he is so well behaved with children...
I know I am doing what is best for Java, even though it feels like I am betraying him by failing to take care of him when he is most in need. He was always there for me when I needed him, I feel like I can't do the same right now... This would be so much easier if nature would take its own course, rather than forcing me to make this choice.
We've had a tradition for many years now. On every birthday Java gets an ice cream cone. First it was from McDonald's, later we found that Brewster's Ice Cream does a "dog bowl" which includes a small dog treat. Later this evening I'll be headed to Brewster's to buy Java one last cone. A big vanilla waffle cone, just for him. One last treat for my friend.
May peace be with you Java. You'll always be with me in my memories.
For someone who has never experienced the companionship & unconditional love of a faithful pet, I suppose he/she will never truly understand the loss and sorrow... I know for those who have had their special canine/feline family member(s), you'll feel what I felt.
They say all dogs go to heaven... that's where Java is now. RIP.
* * * * *
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The Most Difficult Call...
I just made what is possibly the most difficult call of my adult life: the call to schedule an appointment for Java to be euthanized. I'm sitting here with Java at my feet, crying while I type.
Java in the past year has has a number of medical issues: A huge mass in his abdomen, the baby-wipe swallowing incident(s), some type of gastrointestinal issues which caused a large case of the "vapors" emanating from either end and now, diabetes. The diabetes came on suddenly just before the end of the year. One day Java started looking thin, then we noticed he wasn't eating as much, then he wasn't eating at all. He was drinking excessively, and urinating excessively too. He was up at all hours of the night wanting to go outside, probably to drink and pee. We tried feeding him different food, more food, more different food, but he wouldn't eat enough to sustain himself.
One trip to the vet told us he had severe diabetes and was acid ketodotic. His glucose numbers were off the chart. Java has been on insulin since the 2nd, with his doses steadily increasing. We've tried twice now to get a glucose curve to check his response to the increasing insulin doses. These have been to no avail, his numbers are still off the chart. Java is now below 60 pounds, a shell of his former self, all skin and bones. He's now nicknamed "Kate Moss" for his lithe figure. Its easier to laugh about the situation than it is to cry over what we know is coming.
Java can no longer run around, walk up and down more than a handful of stairs and often has trouble getting up off the floor by himself. He spends most of each day in his bed, which has been moved downstairs since he can no longer go up to the bedroom. When he does get up to go outside, its a slow process as he carefully makes his way down the front steps and, sometimes, back up them. The past few nights I have carried him upstairs so he could sleep with us in the bedroom as he has always done. I have also been awaken by him each night to carry him downstairs and outside so he can "do his stuff."
When I picked him up at the vet yesterday we spoke about Java, this treatment and possible outcomes. He's never going to be the same dog again. We can continue to treat him and try to get his diabetes under control, but what else is wrong? What caused this sudden onset of diabetes? At 12 and 1/2 years old, he's a very senior dog. The average lifespan for a lab mix is 10 years.
Last night I knew what the next step should be. Steph and I discussed it ad nauseum, but it wasn't until this evening that we finally were able to make the decision.
The past twelve years have been great. Java has been my companion, my friend, my chick magnet (when he was a puppy!) and a part of my family. He's given me unconditional love, something we all need to learn a little more about. He's been with me as I was a struggling graduate student, trying to find my way in the world. As a grad school dropout, falling into computers and programming. He's been there through many (ex-) girlfriends, a wife, a new dog (Lucy) and the birth of Maya. He was Maya's protector when she was a newborn. I had hoped he'd be around as she grew older, since he is so well behaved with children...
I know I am doing what is best for Java, even though it feels like I am betraying him by failing to take care of him when he is most in need. He was always there for me when I needed him, I feel like I can't do the same right now... This would be so much easier if nature would take its own course, rather than forcing me to make this choice.
We've had a tradition for many years now. On every birthday Java gets an ice cream cone. First it was from McDonald's, later we found that Brewster's Ice Cream does a "dog bowl" which includes a small dog treat. Later this evening I'll be headed to Brewster's to buy Java one last cone. A big vanilla waffle cone, just for him. One last treat for my friend.
May peace be with you Java. You'll always be with me in my memories.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Goodbye Molly... Goodbye.
收到G的简讯：Molly passed away peacefully awhile ago.. I was beside her.
... ...
我好难过。不用三秒，我哭了。稀里哗啦。
虽然，我们都知道Molly的时日不多。。。
也许，这反而是对她的一种解脱。不用再被病痛折磨。
然而。
心情非常低落。
安息吧，勇敢的你。
哭过的我，会永远记得你。
xoxo
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Love knows no limit.
This vid.. made me.. u know.. yeah, CRY. A love so powerful and beautiful.
The sobbing (roll eyes) continues... even harder.
Some human think that animals are just creatures incapable of emotions - that's utterly naive. All lives are capable of emotions and feelings, even the ants. What you don't see doesn't mean they don't exist. I wish humans will learn to respect all life forms, as well as the environment. The planet does not belong to us only.
The interview with Christian's owners 35 years later.
Part 1
Part 2
The sobbing (roll eyes) continues... even harder.
Some human think that animals are just creatures incapable of emotions - that's utterly naive. All lives are capable of emotions and feelings, even the ants. What you don't see doesn't mean they don't exist. I wish humans will learn to respect all life forms, as well as the environment. The planet does not belong to us only.
The interview with Christian's owners 35 years later.
Part 1
Part 2
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
One Eye, Ugly & Skinny
Maybe he has never felt the human touch but he has always wanted one. Every cat deserves love. From never knowing love to being loved... all lives recognise love when being loved. :)
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Max & Moo Moo
I was pretty ill over the past few days and finally found the chance to bring Max to Dr. H last evening. He has been warded tonight so that his two decayed molars can be extracted today or tomorrow. On top of that, he is infested with fur mites. Poor boy. He must be in alot of discomfort and pain. Dr. H gave him a jab to reduce his pain and also applied revolution to tackle his fur mites. He would have to stay for a couple of days until he is well enough to be released.
Judging from the number of teeth left, Max may be older than we thought.
I took the chance to say hello to dear Snowy but she was already soundly and sweetly asleep. I decided I shan't disturb her. :)
I also met Moo Moo, a 6-months old little boy who suffered multiple injuries (maybe fractures included) from being dragged by a car - how awful! I gasped (literally) in horror when I saw how he was injured - why can't some drivers be more vigilant?! Depsite the bandages and stitches, Moo Moo was still spirited and gave a few feeble meows when he saw me. Soon after, he drifted off to dreamland, twitching once in a while - I assumed from the pain/discomfort. The sight of him broke my heart. I hope he gets well very soon. Whoever rescued him (maybe the driver??) deserved commendation.
(I'm trying to get his pic uploaded here. Gimme some time to figure out how my mobile bluetooth works).
Someone brought in a small sparrow with broken wing. So kind of the person. I hope little sparrow will be able to spread its wings and fly again and rejoin his family.
Judging from the number of teeth left, Max may be older than we thought.
I took the chance to say hello to dear Snowy but she was already soundly and sweetly asleep. I decided I shan't disturb her. :)
I also met Moo Moo, a 6-months old little boy who suffered multiple injuries (maybe fractures included) from being dragged by a car - how awful! I gasped (literally) in horror when I saw how he was injured - why can't some drivers be more vigilant?! Depsite the bandages and stitches, Moo Moo was still spirited and gave a few feeble meows when he saw me. Soon after, he drifted off to dreamland, twitching once in a while - I assumed from the pain/discomfort. The sight of him broke my heart. I hope he gets well very soon. Whoever rescued him (maybe the driver??) deserved commendation.
(I'm trying to get his pic uploaded here. Gimme some time to figure out how my mobile bluetooth works).
Someone brought in a small sparrow with broken wing. So kind of the person. I hope little sparrow will be able to spread its wings and fly again and rejoin his family.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
10 Promises To My Dog
10 Promises To My Dog:
1. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
2. Place your trust in me. It’s crucial to my well-being.
3. Be aware that however you treat me I’ll never forget it.
4. Before you scold me for being lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me.
5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when it’s speaking to me.
6. Remember before you hit me, I have teeth that could hurt you, but that I choose not to bite you.
7. Take care of me when I get old.
8. You have your work, your entertainment and your friends. I have only you.
9. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful for me.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember I love you…
Sunday, May 18, 2008
It's a miracle - cat giving birth
If you haven’t seen a cat give birth - you have to watch this video. It is long - but even if you watch the first two minutes - it is well done. Cats are naturally shy and hide and this was well videoed. Check out a live cat birth. It is a miracle.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Progress or Regress?
As I read through the comments to my letter, I couldn't help but wonder - as we progress as a country, are we, as human, regressing? Whatever happened to compassion, humanity (the word 'human' is in it) and kindness? Has progression made us unfeeling and intolerant?
Some would rather the cats be culled and killed than for their cars to be rested on. The cats bleed like we do, the cars are just metal. For the sake of the metal, some chose to be cruel. In case some of us don't know, cats culled are sent to be killed. The nicer term some people used is "removed". The culled cats are not sent to some shelters FYI. Maybe using a nicer term makes the complainants feel a lot less guilty about indirectly murdering.
As a caregiver myself, I try my best to sterilise, feed and care for these homeless - many whom were abandoned by ourselves, and we're debating the 'root' of the problem. Occasionally, I get rude stares but mostly, my neighbours have been nice and supportive.
Those who hate cats want them off the streets because they think cats are nothing but nuisance and, they scratch their cars. Those who love all lives wish the cats do not need to live outside, suffer and be unnecessarily devoided their rights to live, and instead have loving homes. The cat haters and the cat lovers - we have the same ultimate goal - not to have so many strays but our methods of achieving the goal are different. Culling is not going to work and is inhumane. Sterilisation, applied cooperatively and long term, will. Like it or not, there are no quick fixes to a long standing issue. If we truly want the goal to realise, we have to work together, in a humane manner.
It's ok not to like cats, honestly. But it's not ok to hurt them just because you don't like them. You can just leave them alone and I'm sure the cats will appreciate.
As with any situations, there always will be black sheep. Some charitable organisations have failed us but does that stop us from being charitable? The answer for most - no.
Some would rather the cats be culled and killed than for their cars to be rested on. The cats bleed like we do, the cars are just metal. For the sake of the metal, some chose to be cruel. In case some of us don't know, cats culled are sent to be killed. The nicer term some people used is "removed". The culled cats are not sent to some shelters FYI. Maybe using a nicer term makes the complainants feel a lot less guilty about indirectly murdering.
As a caregiver myself, I try my best to sterilise, feed and care for these homeless - many whom were abandoned by ourselves, and we're debating the 'root' of the problem. Occasionally, I get rude stares but mostly, my neighbours have been nice and supportive.
Those who hate cats want them off the streets because they think cats are nothing but nuisance and, they scratch their cars. Those who love all lives wish the cats do not need to live outside, suffer and be unnecessarily devoided their rights to live, and instead have loving homes. The cat haters and the cat lovers - we have the same ultimate goal - not to have so many strays but our methods of achieving the goal are different. Culling is not going to work and is inhumane. Sterilisation, applied cooperatively and long term, will. Like it or not, there are no quick fixes to a long standing issue. If we truly want the goal to realise, we have to work together, in a humane manner.
It's ok not to like cats, honestly. But it's not ok to hurt them just because you don't like them. You can just leave them alone and I'm sure the cats will appreciate.
As with any situations, there always will be black sheep. Some charitable organisations have failed us but does that stop us from being charitable? The answer for most - no.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
ST: 4 cats found dead - 3 with stab wounds
Another 4 cats have been found dead in Pasir Ris, bringing the death toll to 7 felines since May 2nd.
Of the 4, 3 were found in Pasir Ris Town Park yesterday, within 50m of one another and with abdominal puncture wounds.
The 4th cat was found nearby, in an open field near Blk 536. It had a fractured jaw.
It had no other observable wounds, and it is not known whether its death was related to that of the other 3.
The SPCA, alerted to the deaths, said the wounds on the 3 in the park were stab wounds, not the result of dog bites.
On May 2nd, 3 cats were found in Pasir Ris Street 21, doused with what is believed to be thinner. Two died and the 3rd was eventually put down as a result of its injuries.
The SPCA is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person or persons involved in this spate of cat deaths.
The SPCA may be contacted on 6287-5355, Extension 9.
- The Straits Times - Tuesday, May 13 2008
Of the 4, 3 were found in Pasir Ris Town Park yesterday, within 50m of one another and with abdominal puncture wounds.
The 4th cat was found nearby, in an open field near Blk 536. It had a fractured jaw.
It had no other observable wounds, and it is not known whether its death was related to that of the other 3.
The SPCA, alerted to the deaths, said the wounds on the 3 in the park were stab wounds, not the result of dog bites.
On May 2nd, 3 cats were found in Pasir Ris Street 21, doused with what is believed to be thinner. Two died and the 3rd was eventually put down as a result of its injuries.
The SPCA is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person or persons involved in this spate of cat deaths.
The SPCA may be contacted on 6287-5355, Extension 9.
- The Straits Times - Tuesday, May 13 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
A responsible act of kindness should be fine, not fined.
Here's what I think on Radio DJs made tasteless remark on cats:
One does not joke about the sufferings of the others, whether humans or animals. I do not find the DJs' comments at all funny. In fact, I think the "jokes" were distasteful, uneducated and reflects the lack of empathy and basic respect for other lives. Very appalled, very disgusted.
What is wrong with kindness for the homeless animals? Kindness and benevolence are open to all, not just human beings. Is there such thing as "selective kindness"?
If I were to give money to a homeless human begger so he could buy food to fill his empty stomach, should I be fined and ridiculed? I cannot possibly be giving money to a cat, can I? If cats know how to use the money to buy food, then perhaps, we run the risk of being sent to Peru instead.
A responsible act of kindness should be fine, not fined.
One does not joke about the sufferings of the others, whether humans or animals. I do not find the DJs' comments at all funny. In fact, I think the "jokes" were distasteful, uneducated and reflects the lack of empathy and basic respect for other lives. Very appalled, very disgusted.
What is wrong with kindness for the homeless animals? Kindness and benevolence are open to all, not just human beings. Is there such thing as "selective kindness"?
If I were to give money to a homeless human begger so he could buy food to fill his empty stomach, should I be fined and ridiculed? I cannot possibly be giving money to a cat, can I? If cats know how to use the money to buy food, then perhaps, we run the risk of being sent to Peru instead.
A responsible act of kindness should be fine, not fined.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
The pest control strikes again
The pest control strikes again.
This morning, I received this disheartening message. Areas first hit was Sunplaza and 400+. Apparently, a feeder stop them somewhat and they moved on. TC denied activating from what I understand.
When is this vicious, unproductive cycle going to end?
I forwarded the info to my neighbours and fellow caregivers, hoping they'll keep an eye and count on their charges. Most of the cats at my area are collared and tagged with contact details. I hope the pest control - if they do come by - hesitates - about trapping them.
It really irates me that despite the voluntary efforts we put into sterilising and caring for the homeless four-leggeds, there are still human beings who are so unfeeling and unappreciative. Whatever happened to their hearts?
Monday, May 05, 2008
My heart cries ...
When will cruelty cease?
When can we learn to respect all lives?
When can we live and let live?
When can we have more love, less bitterness?
These sufferings...
These inhumane acts...
When will we stop channeling our anger or tedium on the homeless, defenceless and voiceless?
When can we be proud to truly call ourselves HUMAN?
My heart cries.
Farewell little one, I'm sorry I couldn't stop whoever did what was done to you.
I can only hope, and pray, that justice will prevail.
:( :( :( :(
http://www.spca.org.sg/SPCAAppeal.pdf
When can we learn to respect all lives?
When can we live and let live?
When can we have more love, less bitterness?
These sufferings...
These inhumane acts...
When will we stop channeling our anger or tedium on the homeless, defenceless and voiceless?
When can we be proud to truly call ourselves HUMAN?
My heart cries.
Farewell little one, I'm sorry I couldn't stop whoever did what was done to you.
I can only hope, and pray, that justice will prevail.
:( :( :( :(
http://www.spca.org.sg/SPCAAppeal.pdf
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
EXCUSE me, feeding is NOT illegal.
"EXCUSE me, I don't think I can agree with what you've just said cos No. 1, at least there are people who are kind enough to bother. I feed. I sterilise. I pay. My time. My money. My compassion. Being kind is not illegal. If the feeders do feed and not clean up, blame the human not the cats.
No. 2, it is so uneducated to think that just because we love cats, we want them around. On the contrary, because we love them, we want them off the harsh streets. You have two kids, I am assuming u love children somewhat. If u love them, do u want to see them suffer on the streets? I don't think so.
No. 3, the next time you try and argue, maybe you ought to do some research and get your facts right first. You forgot you are dealing with someone who is rather active in the matter of discussion and that this someone is reasonably educated, has a mind of her own, dare to speak out and not some auntie from the older generation (I almost said - your mother's generation) who gets bullied just because you speak English, work for the government and stay in landed property.
No. 4, if you would like, I would be more than happy to supply info on this so that you do not continue feeding wrong info to the others, especially your children. It'll be a shame."
- me to someone who had my blood boiled with "feeding the cats is illegal and encourage them to populate. Such a nuisance." He asked for it.
No. 2, it is so uneducated to think that just because we love cats, we want them around. On the contrary, because we love them, we want them off the harsh streets. You have two kids, I am assuming u love children somewhat. If u love them, do u want to see them suffer on the streets? I don't think so.
No. 3, the next time you try and argue, maybe you ought to do some research and get your facts right first. You forgot you are dealing with someone who is rather active in the matter of discussion and that this someone is reasonably educated, has a mind of her own, dare to speak out and not some auntie from the older generation (I almost said - your mother's generation) who gets bullied just because you speak English, work for the government and stay in landed property.
No. 4, if you would like, I would be more than happy to supply info on this so that you do not continue feeding wrong info to the others, especially your children. It'll be a shame."
- me to someone who had my blood boiled with "feeding the cats is illegal and encourage them to populate. Such a nuisance." He asked for it.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Have yourself a very Meowy Christmas! - Santa Paws
A very touching Christmas ballad for you & your loved ones. I was very touched listening to this song. As we celebrate this festive occasion, let us spread more love & warmth to those who need them. May there be love, peace & hope. HAPPY CHRISTMAS.
And So This is Christmas - Gloria Estefan, Celine Dion & Charlotte Church
From all of us.
Celeste, G, Snowy, Nana, Oren & clan.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Cats on cars
Cats resting on cars is one of the most common complaints received.
Anyone has any suggestion how to prevent the cats from resting on cars?
BBC NEWS: Cat's daily routine baffles owner
A cat is baffling his owner by wandering off at night before expecting to be collected by car every morning at exactly the same time and place.
Sgt Podge, a Norwegian Forest Cat, disappears from his owner's home in Talbot Woods, Bournemouth, every night.
The next morning, the 12-year-old cat can always be found in exactly the same place, on a pavement about one and a half miles (2.4km) away.
His owner, Liz Bullard, takes her son to school before collecting Sgt Podge.
She said the routine began earlier this year, when Sgt Podge disappeared one day.
Read more...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
