It's Quiet Here But It's Not So Quiet In The Homefront

While this blog has been quiet for about a week and a half,  the situation at home is the exact opposite. I don't know what's happening, but our dogs seem to have turned into beasts in a short span of time.

One, they quarrel with each other a lot.  Two, they're greedy with food. Three, if left downstairs late at night, they would bark outside our window so loudly that they could disturb the neighbors (horrifying!).

Running around the house is normal routine for them. But they seem to have also grown bigger the last couple of weeks. Because as they run around furniture this time, they also bump their bodies onto chairs and table corners, displacing everything in sight. I can't count how many times I've to arrange and re-arrange or fix and clean the house in a day. It really is draining following after our pack of seven. It's a full body workout, especially since our Jack Russells don't seem to run out of steam.

My son wondered over dinner earlier when the dogs are going to mellow and start, uh, "behaving". He, too, must be physically tired of looking after them.

Most days, it does get crazy.

Photo Credit

But there have been a couple of nice changes, too.

For instance, Bob, whom I've described as the most standoff-ish of the pack, is learning how to kiss and cuddle. We don't know what ate him. It's like, one day, he just decided maybe he'd get more things his way if he started acting cute. It's a nice change for Bob and for us. Because cuddling him gives me warm feelings all over, particularly since he's big and fat...just so very huggable.

Roz has been sleeping a lot lately, which is nice because there's one less dog to look after when she's snoozing off. She sleeps like a log, this girl. I know nothing's the matter with her because when she's awake, she's a ball of energy. Me thinks she sleeps a lot because she's recharging. (Growing girl!)

Niles is beginning to show he's got balls. I mean that literally and figuratively. I noticed one time that Niles' balls have grown a lot bigger than his other brothers. Which is ironic, because we think he's gay (heh!). Also, he's starting to become a lot more assertive and won't allow himself to be bullied anymore. (Good for him!)

I still have not noticed any changes with the rest of the pack, though.  But I'm hoping they all start behaving better.

The dogs turned exactly nine months yesterday. In human years, they're about the same age as kids graduating from Kindergarten.

I guess that explains why all this is happening to our dog-kids, huh?

Dogs With ADHD or Autism

Have you heard of this? Are you aware that dogs can also develop human behavioral disorders like ADHD and Autism?

I was following this discussion in one of the pages that I've "liked" on Facebook:

It didn't go anywhere after the last post, but it did spark my curiosity and I tried finding more information online. Unfortunately, I didn't find enough. Most literature that ended up in my search pointed to kids having ADHD or Autism and how having dogs can help them cope. I couldn't find a good source that speaks about dogs specifically.

How can you tell autism or an ADHD disorder with dogs? Especially with one type of breed where "hyperactivity", a common symptom of ADHD in humans, is the one characteristic that's often used to describe Jack Russells?

Here's one article I thought would be helpful:

Does your dog jump on you so vigorously that it takes at least a few minutes before you are able to settle in when you arrive home? Is your dog so restless and active that it starts barking every time it hears the slightest noise behind the door? Is it difficult for you to take your dog for a walk, because it pulls on the leash, jumps and barks the moment you want to play?

YES. YES. YES. YES. And YES. Those are behaviors I notice with our JRT's all the time.

The article goes on to say...

If you answered “yes” to at least one of the above-mentioned questions, it means that your dog may suffer from ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Unfortunately, it’s no use trying to convince yourself that the dog will grow out of such behavior. Hyperactivity is not normal for any of the dog breeds and the animal diagnosed with ADHD should be taken care of as soon as possible.  [SOURCE]

Huh??? Serious??

Should I believe what I'm reading? I said YES to all of the "symptoms"... so, are all our dogs afflicted with ADHD then? Is it the same with humans, as in it's hereditary? Did the pups get this from their papa (Eddie)?

Is there even such a thing with dogs?

I'm still not convinced.

Then I found this book with a Jack Russell on the cover:

I thought I hit the jackpot and would finally be able to get all my answers. But the product review says otherwise:

This cute book -- perfect for kids or dog lovers -- matches photos of puppies with descriptions of behavior that canines and children with ADHD share.

It's meant for kids. The book makes use of dogs to illustrate to kids how they're different but special...just like dogs.

Now, I'm a wee bit insulted they used a JRT for the cover.

The more I find information about dogs and ADHD or autism, the more I'm realizing that if our dogkids were actual human beings, society would have already labeled them and treated them differently.

I'm so, so glad they don't understand any of that. My kids are special, no matter what.

If A Dog Were Your Teacher

If a dog were your teacher
These are some of the lessons you might learn...

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face
to be pure ecstasy.

When it's in your best interest practice obedience.
Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
Take naps and stretch before rising.
Run, romp and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do.
On warm days stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.
When you're happy dance around and wag your entire body.

No matter how often you're scolded
don't buy into the guilt thing and pout
run right back and make friends.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
Stop when you have had enough.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not

If what you want lies buried dig until you find it
When someone is having a bad day
be silent .....
...sit close by.
...and nuzzle them gently.

(Author Unknown)

Waking Up Kuya

As soon as we're up and out of the bedroom, Niles does this every morning:

♬ Doors...why do there have to be....doors?♬ 

It's his first order of business. He waits and sits by door of Sean's bedroom, while the rest of his siblings scurry off downstairs to pee and survey the house.

But Niles? He would wait.

I've long observed him doing this. Sometimes, I don't open the door right away, just to see how long he'd wait, because I'm sure he's also waiting to go downstairs to pee. But he'd have none of that yet. He won't go down unless Sean is up.

At first I thought he was doing this because sometimes, Eddie sleeps with Sean and I thought, that's who he wants to see in the morning --- his papa. But last night (and some nights, too), Eddie slept with us. And Niles still sat by Sean's door the next morning.

As soon as the door opens, I don't exactly see what happens because I'm already heading down the kitchen to prepare Sean's breakfast or iron his uniform. But I would hear Sean scream (in that deep voice of his), "No, Niles! No!" and then I'd hear footsteps and pawsteps (?) chasing each other upstairs.

I swear, Niles is better than an alarm clock.

Dogs Grieve Too

This story is both sad and heartwarming. I got this off the Chien d'Or's web site. It's a story of loss, which makes it sad.  But it also shows a dog's great devotion for its master, ever after death.

Dogs are truly loyal, self-less creatures with you (the master) as their center of their universe.

Hug your dogs for me, please.

Pet Cremation and Burial In The Philippines

My apologies beforehand for picking a morbid topic to blog about on a Sunday morning. Discussing about death isn't "ideal conversation", I know.  I don't even discuss plans about how my family can dispose of my body when I die; nor listen to my parents or the husband when they broach the subject. No one likes this conversation.

Not to worry anyone, but I just got curious about pet cremation when I saw this article on the Philippine Star.

I secretly wanted something like that urn for all of our dogs when they pass and I want them displayed here in our house, too.

Unlike with actual human family members, dogs don't get meaningful burials.  And I've been through a number of dog deaths in the family to know that most of the time, their bodies are left buried in our backyard.

We don't have a big backyard where we now live. There's only a small garden we know isn't fit for burying. So where do we put the dogs when they eventually...rest in peace? I can't stomach throwing their bodies in the garbage bin and we can't just bury them in a vacant lot, where someone's house is going to sit there sooner or later.

So, I said to myself when I read the article, I'd like them cremated, in an urn, where they can be with us in the house even when they're not there anymore.

Then, I googled for information about pet cremation and found these links:

Day care centers, cremation services now offered for your pets

And since dogs’ life span is 10 to 15 years, the owners' attachment to their pets are understandable and inevitable. He said it is because of this that Animal House now offers cremation as one of its services.

Pet Cremation, Manila, Philippines

Rainbow Bridge Pet Memorial Services can alleviate many of the problems involved with pet deaths and burials. We provide twenty four hour cellphone service, which allows you to reach us in your time of need. We will pick up the pet from the home or veterinary clinic. Please find this information useful:

Package includes: 1) Pick-up and drop-off of remains from and to the clinic or your home, 2) marble urn and name engraving, 2) memorial card with pictures, 3) custom acrylic paperweight. The service may take 4-14 days, depending on the availability and/or delivery of marble urns, engraver and customization of paperweight.

As life-long pet lovers ourselves, you can be assured that your loved ones will be treated with utmost respect and decency as they rightfully deserved. Afterall, this service was made possible because of our interest in providing a graceful goodbye to our pets who we also consider family members, and who deserves nothing less. We will also provide documentation photos of the whole process upon request.

Package Prices
P 9,000.00 for Small dogs (10kg below) and all Cat sizes
P 10,000.00 for Medium dogs (20kg below)
P 12,000.00 for Large dogs (21kg up)

24-HOURS HOTLINE

Give us a call or an SMS through this cellphone number: +63 915 607.6080 or you can email us at: angelicum@gmail.com

All dogs (and cats) can go to heaven in style

In Katipunan Valley, Loyola Heights in Quezon City, part of a 5,000-sq m lot owned by the Manila Electric Co. has been turned into a burial ground for pets. The compound also houses the animal rehabilitation center of the organization.

Anna Cabrera, PAWS’ program director, said she prefers the term “pet memorial” to pet cemetery.

“We never thought of this place as a burial ground,” Cabrera told the Inquirer. “Initially, we just wanted to accommodate pet owners who live in condominium units or apartment buildings who have no lots of their own to bury their dead pets.

I'm putting it here on this blog for my reference.

And maybe yours, too.

The Most Expensive Dogs in The World

Gorgeous, gorgeous furry dog, this Tibetan Mastiff.

Some woman in China paid $582,000 for a pedigreed Tibetan Mastiff, allegedly. Regularly, they are valued between 3,000 and $7,000.

Now, this...I thought are Japanese Spitzes. We used to have two spitzes growing up, Hennessy and Nichols. My grandma named them after whisky. =)

But these dogs are known as Samoyed. I admit, it's the first time I've heard of this breed. Originally from Siberia they can sell as high as $11,000.

Once in a while, I'd spot a Chow-Chow in Tiendesitas. Our neighbor has two of these, in fact:

But I don't know if he's aware this baby can value up to $8,000.

Check for some of the most expensive dogs in the world here.

Vegan Dog Recipe

Going vegetarian with the dogs is sounding a lot like a good idea. Eddie & Marty, and to some extent, Bob, all have problems with their ears and I suspect this is because they're the ones who eat so much food, they've become allergic to some.

I forgot to note down the site where I clipped this from but I'm going to explore vegan recipes for dogs when I'm off work later.

Welcome Dad!

The dogs are always excited when someone's at the door. Their human dad arriving after being gone for three weeks triggered something else, some sort of excitement overdrive. The dogs even jumped to his luggage.

First it was Eddie, but I wasn't able to take a photo of him.

Then it was Daphne, who also tried to speak to their Dad by howling. She always does that, by the way. She raises her neck/head and howls at her human dad.

I was only able to take a photo of this one:

That's Niles, who tried to follow what Eddie & Daphne did and also jumped on the luggage.

They were just too pleased, I guess.

And that night, when we were to retire to the bed, the dogs were in their best behavior. They were all cuddled next to their human dad --- beside him, on his legs, under his armpit, at his head...they were all over him.

When Philip said they have to get off the bed and sleep on the floor, they obeyed. Philip has a way of saying, "DOWN!" that the dogs follow. Maybe I should get a recording of that command and play it when they make a playground of the bed again and their dad's not home, no?

The Cat and Dog Diary

Funny stuff from one of those Tumblogs I hopped into last night (wasn't able to get the link, sorry!)

The Cat’s Diary:

Day 983 of my captivity.
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a “good little hunter” I am. Jerks! There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of “allergies.” I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage. Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now.

---

The Dog’s Diary:

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Dinner! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Most days, I definitely sound like that dog.

Photo from Google Images.

2 Random Cute Puppy Photos from A Place To Love Dogs

I was looking at some puppy photos last night and fell in love with these!

Follow APlaceToLoveDogs on Facebook and make your day a lot better.

Eddie Smells A Rat

The leader of the pack, at work:

We've got an extra guest (pest?) in the house and he's no Remy (from Ratatouille). Eddie has been tracking the rat down for over three days now and he almost caught it this morning. But because the rat was too fast, or maybe because Eddie's still a bit heavy in spite slimming down a little, the chase wasn't a success.

We still have a rat in the house and it's driving Eddie crazy.

I don't know if I'm supposed to allow him, since he kisses us on the lips all the time. But Jack Russells are rat hunters by nature. I don't wanna take that away from the dogs.

Thoughts?

Oh My lord, This Dog is HUMONGOUS!

I think his legs are as big as mine!!!!

Got this off Snopes.com and they confirm that it is not true.

When Did You Grow Old?

We had an early lunch of Sinigang today. Since it's a Sunday, the dogs also had their helping of "people food".  It was filling and satisfying.

After that kind of meal, the next best thing to do is to go sleep, right?

So, we all retired to the bedroom afterwards. I was supposed to be watching something and the dogs were supposed to rest, too.

But I had to do something else for a few minutes and left my furkids with their human brother upstairs. When I got back, this is what Sean showed me, as taken from my phone cam:

Eddie was sleeping comfortably in the pups' really old whelping box.

He was snoring, rather loudly. He couldn't be disturbed. Sean tried moving this box all over the place, and Eddie just slept. Nothing could really wake him up.

He was dead tired and relishing siesta time.

Even as his kids were biting through the box (It's the reason why I still keep the box, to keep them from biting other stuff in the bedroom), nothing could wake Eddie up from his deep slumber.

It's like he knows he deserves this after a tiring and stressful week tending to 5 puppies. He doesn't really do that. But I'd like to imagine that it's what he's thinking!

When did Eddie grow so old?

Bob's Penis Won't Retract and I Panicked!

Got your attention, didn't I? (see title)

Now sit down and let me tell you what happened. *breathe in, breathe out*.

Although, I have to say that I was frantic not a few minutes back, when I saw that Bob's penis was all the way out. He was trying to hump one of his brothers. It seems the dog is in heat.

It was long. That...thing! About 3-4 inches longer than it should be. And what's weirder? The balls were also out!

So, there it was....hanging. I would've taken a picture. For posterity. Haha. But it's a good thing I didn't because then I'd have to switch this blog and report it for "sexually explicit content". And also, it would gross you out.

Anyways...

I panicked when I saw it.  Bob couldn't sit nor stand straight. I tried massaging him behind his ears to calm him, because I wasn't sure what he was feeling. It must have hurt. That thing was...abnormal! So it should be hurting.

But for all I know, he may be enjoying it.

Yeow.....I don't know!

So, I googled it up. I wasn't even sure what I'd Google. I didn't know what words to use. I tried: dog penis all the way out. Then dog penis won't go back. Then dog penis won't retract. (Oh boy, all this use of "penis" on this blog entry is going to attract perverts to this blog!!!) 

Whatever Google returned from my search, nothing registered when I was trying to read it. I was worried sick about Bob and feared that thing stays stuck and we'd have to go to the vet for an operation.

One of my searches gave me this:

Did it say "PUSH IT BACK"?? I'd have to hold that thing myself???

I then called my son to the rescue.  I couldn't say it in words, so I pointed IT at him. My son only saw that Bob was licking his thing and had a partial view of the, uh... exposure. But he got it right away and nonchalantly said, "Ahhhh, Mom. That's normal."

Come again?

"He has done it before."

He what?! When? Why? What?!

"You and Dad were out and Daphne was in heat and they were going crazy. It happened to the other dogs, too."

Ha?!!!!  So this is normal? Did you see how long that thing is???

"It's normal. Google it up, Mom."

"Can you google it up and find the answers? I tried but I don't understand what I read. Ang haba kasi parang abnormal. It was this long, nak!" *motioned with my fingers to emphasize IT WAS THIS LONG* 

My son said, as any teenager would apparently say when he can't say the right words --- "Weh?"

Anyway, while Sean and I were still talking about what happened, Bob's penis miraculously went back to normal. I was relieved beyond anything!

"Mom, he looks tired..." noticed Sean. I didn't know what to say. I think we just witnessed a masturbating dog or something.

See pecker...gone.

All better now.

I've got something to ask the Vet next time we see him.

My Version of Tough Love? LAME!!!!!

Quite concerned that I've spoiled the dogs rotten the last two weeks, I thought I should exercise a bit of tough love on them and remind them who's the boss. I've got a few days to straighten them up before their dad gets home.

Unfortunately, the boss? NOT ME.

I tried introducing them to the Great Slippers this morning. No luck. They thought it was a game. And clearly, I'm so lame at this.

Last weekend, I asked my mother to dogsit. She said that the only time the dogs truly misbehave? IS WHEN I AM WITH THEM. Which means that when I leave the house to do errands or meet people, and leave the dogs with someone else for a few hours, they're in their best behavior.

"All they do is sleep," my mom would say.

It's the same thing my son would say or the helper would say when I entrust the dogs to them.

It's the same thing the husband said when I went on vacation and visited my girlfriends.

ALL THEY DO IS SLEEP.

Then, why have the dogs been up since 7 this morning and hardly slept at all?!? It's lunch time. They've been up all hours running around the house, playing with each other, going up and down, messing chairs and sofa, barking at the window, and sometimes, scratching my legs asking they be let out the door for a while.

I don't need this when I'm running deadlines (like today). Unfortunately, there's no one else I can cry to or seek help from, for now. The house pretty much feels like a daycare center and I'm the only adult present.

Apparently, the dogs only act out when I'm home with them. Is that the same with your dogkids or is something wrong with me?

Exhibit DDD: Blanket, Pillow, Pillow Case

The dogs have been chewing on these. They bite into the pillow, pillow cases and blanket while sleeping. They make these into their pacifiers.

When I catch them, I save it from being ruined. But sometimes, I wake up in the morning and it's already like this.

We have long resigned to the fact that the house will never be perfect as long as we have the dogs. I'm fine with that, but it also means we cannot have pretty things or expensive things.

Or if we do have those, they must not be left out in the open. The dogs are sure going to get to it.

It's a lesson in being responsible, especially for our teenager, who has to learn to take care of his stuff.

Fun, Fun Dog Music Video from OkGo, Featuring 12 dogs and A Goat

Found this video while following a few dog blogs.

I don't know who OkGo is and maybe I should. They enlisted an animal trainer because they had this concept of featuring dogs on their video.

So, they found a trainer and rehearsed for weeks with the dogs and some props. Then it was time to shoot and this is what supposedly happened:

It wasn't until take 49 when things clicked, dogs, band, and music all in perfect synchronization. It was on take 60 when new problem appeared: The dogs were doing it perfectly and enjoying it. But they were enjoying it so much that they started to do it faster than than the music.

I can imagine. I checked the video and yes, if I were a dog, I'd totally have fun starring in it, too!

Take a look ---

5 Random Cute Puppy Photos

I know it's crazy but looking at these photos make me want to have more dogs.

Taken from Flickr and Alltop.

Princess Daphne, Super Mom

Daphne at 3 months.

The last of the dogs I have to introduce on this blog (and create a category for) is Daphne. She came from pedigree, unlike Eddie who is partly jologs. We'd like to think Daphne lived in this hacienda in Batangas, before she was transported to Manila to join our family.

Her pedigree showed in every way.
...In her manner of walking. Like a beauty queen who is used to wearing high heels, she would tip toe and move gracefully. Her body poised and with proper bearing.
...In her manner of eating. Daphne will never gobble her food, never beg for it, never take food from another dog. She would wait her turn, and if given food, would take only small bites from it.
...In her manner of jumping. She moved like a ballerina.

To us, she's like a princess. The contrast between her and Eddie is so striking.

And then she became a mother. And her mother instincts kicked in.

Daphne, watching over her pups. This was Day 2 or 3, after giving birth.

She is a very devoted young mother. She'd place her pups first. Really. When the puppies were much younger, there where days when she would let the pups eat ahead of her.

She would groom them, too. Very often. She would clean up after their pee. To this day, even as the pups are already bigger than her, she would groom them still. I sometimes still catch her drinking their pee (which is gross, but that to them it's instinct).

The vet is quite amazed because we learned that not all bitches are this way with their puppies. Some mothers quickly forget they have kids. But Daphne? The vet says she is special. And the bond she holds with her kids is remarkable. It's something you will see from the dogs instantly. Daphne adores her children. Even the bond she has with Eddie (her husband) is quite amazing, too.

I love what the vet said the last time he was here to check on our dog-kids. A family who loves each other, he said.

And he was just talking about all seven of our Jack Russells. It didn't include us.

Which is why, as much as it is a burden to handle seven dogs? We could not imagine parting with any of them.

Daphne would be heartbroken.

I Think He Wants To Learn The Song...

Was reading up on my Facebook newsfeed earlier and clicked on a video. It was from one of my friends whose child was singing.

Frasier was inches from me, and upon hearing it, this is what happened:

I really, really think Frasier is a reincarnation of someone who used to be a performer.  He was watching and listening intently the whole time. Even as one of his brothers got up the bed and tried to bite him (at this point, I couldn't video anymore), Frasier can't be bothered. He sat there watching everything.

Anyway, the child's video? It's actually of a 7-year old boy who wrote the song himself. Amazing! Watch the full video here.

Exhibit DDD: Newspaper/Magazine Rack

Remember this?

I posted this photo the other day.

It did not survive the attack this morning.

Please join me in a moment of silence.

MAGAZINE/NEWSPAPER RACK

Born: Some 3-4 years ago

Died: March 1, 2011

Cause of Death: Ripping and Sharp Bite Marks by over-eager dogs

When Daddy is Away, the Dogs Horse Around...

With their human-dad away for work for a few weeks, the dogs have been having a grand time making our bed their playground:

This drives me crazy, of course. It is a riot. This video I took of them tonight is quite tame, compared to the other nights when they behaved like monkeys.

But since I no longer have the energy to scold them when they do this late at night, (as I've been scolding and yelling after them during the day), I yield and let 'em play.

I figured, this rough-housing and horseplay will drain their energy and we all can sleep soundly afterwards. But sometimes? I forget they're Jack Russells with Energizer batteries in their system. :P They NEVER get tired.

This riot on the bed almost never happens when their Dad is home. Coz Philip as a Dad is typically a stickler for discipline and rules.  If caught misbehaving, some dog is bound to get spanked with newspaper on the butt, while the rest run off to hide under my bed's sidetable.

So, this is their free pass. And I'm the accomplice who has given them this pass.

They've gotten pretty much used to horsing around this past week, I'm afraid I undid how Philip has disciplined them. When he comes home some time next week, I think I will be hiding under my bed's sidetable next to my dogs. :P