Huskee & Hershey

2012-01-03T20:55:00.007+08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all our dearest friends from near and far!!

We have been terribly remiss in our (lack of) blogging activities and we point our perfectly manicured paws at the culprit below:

Huh?! Who? Me??!

Yup, that's him. Our little human brother, fondly known as Little Bun, had created chaos in our previously peaceful life. Mom is up at weird times at night feeding him (I don't recall being fed so many times when I was a pup.. NOT FAIR!!). Little Bun also disrupts all our sleep with his cries... and now he takes up the space between dad and mom on the big bed. That space used to belong to US.

However, all these little inconveniences are worth it cos Little Bun had brought so much joy to our parents. We haven't seen them smile for a long time ever since they lost Angel Lucas in 2008. Finally our home is filled with a baby's cries and happy gurgles. The spare room that was meant to be a baby nursery is finally serving its purpose. With Little Bun's arrival, our 'house' is now a 'home'... Mom doesn't have the time (and energy) to keep our home spick and span like it was before, but we couldn't be happier with the mess.

Little Bun is now two-and-a-half months old and he looks very different from the time when mom first brought him home. We hope that in no time, he'd be able to play with us (and drop us food).

This photo was taken during Little Bun's very first trip out (to a shopping mall, no less.. that's what happens when your mom is a shopaholic) when he was slightly over one month old.

The below photos were taken during Christmas this year. 2011 Christmas is especially meaningful to our family cos we finally have a new little member.. one whom we have been waiting for!

2011-10-26T20:23:00.003+08:00

After a very, very long wait, our little human brother is finally here!! Our mom had kept a very low profile throughout the pregnancy because we weren't sure if this story would end up with a happy or sad ending. With the losses of Angels Lucas and Chloe, we were all walking on egg-shells for the past 9 months. With a lot of medical care and a healthy dose of faith, we are very proud to introduce our human brother (whom we all had affectionately nicknamed 'Little Bun' throughout mom's pregnancy because dad and mom chose not to find out the baby's gender until very late. The reason for the nickname is because mom's tummy is the oven that's 'baking' a 'little bun').

Little Bun was scheduled to arrive on 21st Oct, which was dad and mom's 8th wedding anniversary, but our little brother decided to take things in his own hands and arrived 3 days earlier on 18th Oct. He weighed a healthy 3.2kg (slightly over 7lbs) which delighted and surprised mom because she only managed to gain very little weight - 6.4kg (around 3lbs) during the pregnancy and was expecting the baby to be small. Moreover, Little Bun barely made it to what the doctors refer to as 'full term', i.e. 37 weeks, when he arrived at 37 weeks and 2 days.

We feel so blessed to finally be able to welcome our little brother into our lives, and we can finally stop licking away the tears from our mom's face. We can finally hear laughter in our house again... it is something that had been missing for the past 4 years. Our family had been waiting for the stork to bring us this baby for a long time.. and after a lot of heartache and tears, he is finally here!

2011-10-10T17:45:00.003+08:00

The destroyer is at work (again)... The poor froggie was disfigured in under 10 minutes!! Evidence below...

2011-09-08T17:56:00.003+08:00

I am begining to grow out of my last haircut and the humans really digging my new look. I am really liking it too cos it makes me look like the cute little pup that I was many years ago... Can you guess from the photo that I am already 12 years old?

Since the humans find me so irresistably adorable, I get away with a lot of 'crimes' (read: peeing inside the house... I know it is baaaaad but I don't know why I do it. Perhaps it is just for the heck of it and it drives the humans absolutely bonkers). At the same time, I am also getting a lot of extra belly rubs, treats, ear scratches!! Heehee... Life IS good!! I think I shall maintain this haircut in future even though it'd mean frequent trips to the groomers (this part I am not so keen).

2011-08-23T14:16:00.006+08:00

When I woke up this morning, mom told me that today is a very super special day because on this very day 12 years ago, a little pup was born in a farm somewhere in Victoria, Australia. This little pup subsequently left his birth mother and litter-mates when he was only 8 weeks old to join his human mom and dad. The pup quickly became the love of his human mom's life right from the start. When he was slightly over one year old, he bravely took a long and lonely 7 hour flight from Melbourne to Singapore after his human mom completed her studies and had to return home.

Fast forward 12 years... that little dog is no longer the active, playful puppy anymore. His eyes are clouded by the onset of cataract, he is resting and napping a lot more, he prefers to cuddle on a human lap over his favourite childhood game of 'bitey hands', his hearing is not the same like before... The one thing that hasn't changed is that he is still the love of his human mom's life, plus a whole entourage of other family member who shower him with love, affection, toys and treats and spoil him utterly rotten.

Yes!! I am that 'pup' and I turn 12 years old today. Many things have happened in my life and my human parent's lives in these 12 years... good ones, not so good ones and terrible ones too. But I know there is this one thing that hasn't changed. Whenever mom and I have 'alone time' where it's just the two of us, she never fails to whisper in my ear how much she loves me and how much I mean to her. This is something special between us which she had been doing ever since that very first night she brought me home 12 years ago.

(Mom: Happy 12th Birthday to my precious sweet grouchy little Huskee Boy. I love you soooo very much.. your grouchiness, crooked teefies, itchy scratchy skin, fussy appetite and all. I am thankful for the day you were born, and the day you picked us to be your family.)

2011-08-08T20:32:00.007+08:00

Mom ordered this cappucino set via The Aminal Rescue Site about 2 weeks ago and it finally arrived!! Our mom goes absolutely craaaazy over anything with pawprints so although she does not drink coffee at all, she told Dad that she simply had to get this cappucino set. Ummm... ok... whatever.

In addition to the cappucino set, Mom also bought a whole lot of other stuff (shhh.. don't let dad know). One of them is the paw print ice cube tray that she's been looking for a while.. plus paw print stirrers, paw print memo pads, paw print muffin trays, paw print etc etc... Mom's excuse is that the more stuff she buys, the more she is contributing to giving food to animals in shelters.Ok, can't fault her for that... at least this time her shopping is for a good cause.

Another package arrived shortly after and this time it is for us!! Thanks Dad... It is a supply of our favourite Gecko (so far it is the ONLY toy that is Hershey-proof but mom usually had to dispose them when they start smelling reaaaaally bad, or when you smell it even before you see it).

Ok time to go and make friends with the Geckos!!

2011-07-25T16:58:00.003+08:00

Last weekend our dad celebrated his birthday and mom decided to 'surprise' him with some pretty helium ballons. It did surprise him alright.. when she presented them to him just before they went to the dinner that mon arranged, he was stunned.. and shocked. He refused to hold onto the ballons(citing 'embarassment' as a reason) and poor mom had to hold onto them. I guess dad finds it a rather 'unmanly' thing to do.. LOL!!

When they got home late that night, they discovered that there is finally one thing that daredevil Hershey is afraid of - the helium balloons!!! She steered far away from the balloons and watched them warily from her 'safety spot' under the dining table. It took some cajoling from mom to make Hershey pose next to those balloons and although Hershey was a reluctant model, her favourite chicken jerky treats eventually did the magic.

2011-07-11T14:08:00.002+08:00

Recently I have taken up a new hobby. According to my humans, it is known as 'pole dancing'. This involves dancing with a vertical pole and is an increasingly popular form of fitness and dance. I may be turning 12 in August, but I certainly keep up with the young and trendy!

Let me know what you think of my 'pole dancing' efforts below... heehee..

I am all worn out from my 'workout'... so what do you think?

2011-06-16T13:33:00.001+08:00

The weather had been soooooooo scorchingly hot and horribly humid lately that the humans decided I definitely need to have my very thick and poofy fur cut before my skin allergies come back to haunt all of us. As it is, I am already starting to get hot spots on my body and the humans all agree that it is a nightmare trying to apply medication for me.

Here we are at the groomers... This little friendly Schnauzer came out to greet us at the reception area when we arrived. He is such a cute and friendly pup.

Below is a picture of me on the grooming table waiting for my turn to be 'tortured'. I had to wait a little while for my turn because there were many doggies there being groomed as well... I guess the hot weather is the reason behind. The groomer recommended a very short, cropped cut for me mainly because of my skin allergies, and she said I'd be much happier with my shorter do cos it'd be much cooler and comfortable for me. It'd also make the application of medication much easier and more effective since more of it would go directly on my skin instead of on my fur.

And 4 long hours later, I can finally go home... My poofy fur is all gone, ears have been cleaned, nails have been trimmed and paws have been soaked (in medicated solution). I look really naked now, but must admit it feels a whole lot cooler. I love lying on the floor in my grandparents' house because the cool marble tiles feels great on my naked tummy.

Mom noticed a strange 'phenomenon', after every grooming session, on top of snoozing for hours on end once I reach home, I also end up being super grumpy for the following few days. The strangest part is that I will stick to Grandma like her little shadow and follow her all around the house... basically, I won't let her out of my sight and will only go to sleep if Grandma is within my sight. Grandma finds it so sweet, but then this makes doing housework a real challenge for her... oh and Grandma and I are so close now that my mom is so jealous that I'd rather be with Grandma than be with her!!

(Marathon snoozing post-grooming... I am using the dreaded e-collar to prevent me from licking/ biting my hot spots.)

2011-05-30T15:01:00.002+08:00

Last week, Dad wanted to cheer mom up and decided to surprise her with a pretty, pink bouquet of flowers. Dad was still at work when the bouquet arrived, so mom tried to take a photo of the flowers and send a 'thank you' note along with it to dad.

Hershey was surprisingly crazily excited when the delivery man delivered it (her behaviour is usually rather 'normal' when it is the postman). From the looks of the photos, it seems like Hershey thinks that the bouquet is for her!!

Mom, the flowers are for me, right?

Hmmm.. they sure smell nice. Wonder if they taste as good?

Am I, oops... I mean, aren't the flowers pretty??

2011-05-18T16:05:00.009+08:00

Hershey celebrated her 3rd birthday, which happened to fall on Easter Sunday. Mom and dad invited one of Hershey's friend to join the small celebration which they held for her. The last time Hershey met Bongo the Beagle was when she was only a wee pup. Bongo's mom is an interior designer who designed the house that we are lnow iving in, and our hoomans got on so well that they remained as friends long after the house was done.

Anyway, mom was rather disappointed that Hershey didn't get along with Bongo as well as she did during the previous meeting. The last time they met, those two played so well together and they took turns chasing each other for almost 2 hours straight. This time round, Hershey wasn't very interested in playing with him at all.. most of the time she just pretended he wasn't there and she actually she even snapped at Bongo when he sniffed her bum (Hershey's got an issue with male dogs sniffing here 'there'... her defense mechanism will set in and she will plonk her bum to the ground and snap at the offending perpetrator. It had already happened a few times with another male Samoyed who lives in our complex, so mom is always on the alert if there are male dogs around). Hershey is ok if Bongo sniffs at any other part of her body... anywhere except 'there'. Dad joked that he'd get her a chastity belt for her next birthday.

The Birthday Girl

Hershey and her (only) guest, Bongo

The Birthday Girl and her birthday cake...

Looking pleased after she devoured the cake

2011-03-02T11:22:00.002+08:00

Hershey almost gave us all (especially mom) a big scare on one morning a couple of weeks back. Mom fed her breakfast like on any other day and she ate her food with gusto because mom added in some of Hershey's favourite boiled carrots. After that Hershey started behaving oddly, sticking very close to mom and kept up looking up at her. Mom thought that it was rather strange and she knew something was amiss when Hershey rejected her favourite chicken jerky treats. She merely gave them a few sniffs and continued to mope.

In less than 10 minutes after finishing her breakfast, Hershey threw it all back up. She was so weak that she just laid down listlessly next to her vomit. Mom checked her gums and saw that they were deathly pale. That's when she knew something was seriously wrong with her. She even had to carry her into the bathroom with her as she took a quick shower before taking her to the vet because Hershey simply refused to budge from her spot.

When they arrived at the vet, Hershey's color seem to have returned and she was somewhat back to her usual prissy self. For the first time ever, mom didn't tell her off when Hershey growled at another dog (a cute, large English Bulldog was trying to sniff her). The vet checked Hershey's gums and while they were still slightly pale, it was a big improvement from earlier. We spent some anxious moments waiting for the blood test results to be out and fortunately her blood test turned out fine, though we still have no inkling what caused the earlier episode. Since it is the first time this has happened, we were told to monitor her for the next fortnight and to bring her in immediately if it recurs. If it happens again, they'll do an ECG to ensure that her heart function is normal.

After she returned home, she was still a wee bit lethargic, but by that evening, the Miss 'She-Devil on Four Paws' that we know (and fear) was back.

The pics taken in the afternoon when she was still 'off'

Thankfully whatever that plagued her hasn't returned and she's been her usual annoying, hyper, gluttony self though mom is still keeping a close eye on her.

2011-02-08T12:40:00.002+08:00

Mom says that it is about time she made an appointment with the groomer because 'someone needs a groom badly' and that 'his fur is too long and in a mess'. I don't think she's referring to me... and I am sure what she really meant was 'Hershey needs a groom badly because HER fur is too long and in a mess'.

"Mom, this is what I think about going to the groomer.. Blehhh!!"

2011-01-13T15:56:00.004+08:00

My first post for 2011 and on behalf of my family, I'd like to wish all my dear blogging pals and their families a most wonderful brand new year ahead... May this year be better than the last, and may more friendships be formed!

One of the Christmas presents that mom received was a 2011 calendar... you'd think a calendar is no big deal right? It is a B.I.G deal to me because it is a calendar featuring Border Collies!! Mom has the Border Collie calendar prominently displayed in the house... and Hershey is behaving mighty proud and smug about it. I asked mom for a calendar featuring my breed, but she said - 1) We don't need 2 calendars at home 2) She has yet to come across any calendars featuring my breed, i.e. Maltese X Shih Tzu.

N.O.T F.A.I.R!!!

2010-12-23T20:29:00.002+08:00

2010-12-17T21:01:00.007+08:00

I have just been released from doggie prison and although I have been released, I am still in deep doggie poop. I don't think my mom is going to forgive me or forget what I tried to do anytime soon. My crime? I almost bit my mom.

The story goes like this: One day mom caught me chewing at my paw and my track records show that I can gnaw at it until it is all sore and bloodied. Hence mom tried to stop me and I gave her several low warning growls as she was approaching me... Let's just say that I am like a posessed dog when I am in the midst of my paw-chewing activity. As she smacked my bum to try and distract/ stop me, I, ummm... in mom's own words 'charged at her with all my crooked teefies bared'. Mom fell backward on her ample bum and at that moment was convinced that she'd get bitten.

As I was charging towards her, she then let out a very loud, blood curdling yell 'Huuuuuuuuskeeeeeeeeeeee' (I am sure people in our neighbouring countries could hear her) and amazingly, it snapped me out of my frenzy. After which I seemed to realize my mistake and I sidled up to her and gave her a few apologetic licks. She was so mad at me that she ignored me for a super looooong time.

Sorry mom... will you please forgive me?

*******************************************************************

Huskee's mom here... Actually I am not angry about what happened, he's only a small dog so even if he'd bitten me, the damage wouldn't be significant. I am more hurt by his intention, and it makes me want to cry. I feel so hurt and betrayed because Huskee has always been special to me... my 'little boy', and we have always had a special bond although he doesn't live with me now (he's staying with my parents and sister who live approximately 10 min away from me). He has always been very in tune with my emotions and he had accompanied me through many chapters of my life - university life, graduation, getting my first job, getting married, being pregnant with Lucas and Chloe, losing Lucas and Chloe, etc... To me, I have always regarded us as 'one team', so to see him wanting to bite me was like the ultimate 'betrayal'.

But then my heart almost broke when I saw that his little body was shaking very hard and he was panting very heavily for a long time after the incident... and the way he was trying to make it up to me was so heartwrenching too. However in order to let him know what he did was very wrong, I had to ignore him and all his efforts to try and make it up to me.

Sigh...

2010-12-02T15:10:00.003+08:00

Instead of changing in the bathroom, our Mom prefers changing behind the 2 open doors of the wardrobe (our wardrobes are facing each other). Mom claims that it's the closest she can get to having her very own walk-in wardrobe!

So why are we sharing this with you? Well, 'cos this is what Hershey always does when she finds herself on the other side of the doors when mom's changing. The humans seem to think it's pretty cute but I think Hershey's just being needy.

2010-11-23T15:59:00.006+08:00

It's been a rather odd time over at our house the past two weeks. A fortnight ago, our mom told us she won't be able to help us blog because of some happy news and she was just too caught up in it. Then late last week, again she told us she may not be able to help us blog, but this time it is because of some pretty bad news. I am puzzled... and even Hershey, who is Miss Know-It-All, is puzzled.

Anyway, mom decided to do something that'd cheer herself up, and she ended up blogging for us!! She says that the 'doggie world' is one that she can always escape into and make her temporarily forget about what's happening in the real world.

We'll be coming to visit your blogs soon!!

2010-11-11T09:00:00.003+08:00

Surprisingly, Hershey's cow is still intact after close to 2 weeks!! This is rather usual of because normally, all her stuffies last no more than 1 min before 'exploding' and causing 'snow' all around the house (other than with her favourite toy, Gecko)... The only thing different with the cow is that the 'body') is now brown instead of white, no thanks to Hershey's saliva!

And here's a pic of handsome, albeit somewhat scrawny me, when they brought me out for a walk on one (super) sunny day.

2010-11-08T10:28:00.002+08:00

One of mom's friends shared this photo on Facebook, and she liked it so much she wanted to share it on my bloggy... Apparently there is a REALLY good reason why we need to Stop Cutting Down Trees!!

I can't imagine having to wait in line to pee pee...

2010-11-01T11:17:00.002+08:00

Ok, if I think my 4 hour glooming (ooops, I meant 'grooming') session is bad, I think Hershey drew the shortest straw. Dad and mom finally had her spayed now that mom is at home full time and can watch over her. Hershey disappeared for an entire day and when they brought her home, I swear they brought back the wrong dog.

The 'new' Hershey is not hyper, does not bark and jump at the television, does not chase the mop and vacumn cleaner... basically all she does is lie there and look sorry for herself.

The night after the surgery

Feeling very sorry for herself...

Even the new toy couldn't cheer her up... she was just uninterested

Day 01 after surgery

Still listless and grumpy (and the cow is still intact!!)

Day 02

I gave her a 'get well soon' toy, but she didn't even sniff at it!!

Fortunately her interest in her favourite treat is still there.

Day 03

The old Hershey is back!!!

(guess the cow won't be around for much longer)

2010-10-27T16:41:00.006+08:00

We have not posted for a while because mom was busy travelling for work and then for the last couple of weeks, she was busy sorting out her 'issues'. We are certainly very happy that she's sorted those 'issues' of hers out, and from now on, we will be able to resume with more frequent blogging because MOM HAS QUIT HER JOB!! (Well, it does mean less treats and new toys for us, but for the sake of mom's happiness and sanity, we are glad she took the leap and did what is best for her).

Now that she has all the time in her hands, guess what she did... she decided that I needed to be groomed and promptly sent me over to the groomers!!! I can't believe she did that and I still have not forgiven her entirely.

Take a look at my face... do I look happy? Do I look like I needed to be groomed? (Ok, maybe I do look just a teeny weensy bit untidy.) Anyone noticed my crooked teefies?? Hehehe...

In 4 hours, I was transformed from my cute fluffy, floofy, puffy self...

Into this really nekkid looking, scrawny doggie (I hope this will finally convince them that they need to up my dinner portion)

And of course I now have pawfectly manicured nails and paw pads...

After a 4 hour torture session, the first thing I did upon reaching home is to curl up at my favourite corner and snooze the rest of the day away.

2010-09-27T14:27:00.002+08:00

Poor Hershey has been having the runs the whole weekend. Mom's lost count of the number of times Hershey's had to go to the bathroom, and poor dad didn't sleep at all on Saturday night as he was taking care of her (and ensuring that he opens the door for her to go to the bathroom).

They made her fast for one whole day and mom boiled some chicken porridge for her in the evening cos they felt very guilty when they see her begging for food at the dining table. Poor Hershey has been feeling rather sorry for herself, though I think it's more about the lack of food than the 'sploding butt...

2010-09-13T10:55:00.002+08:00

Mom went away for a business trip and came bag with pressies for all of us. Hershey's got a new lemon-looking ball has flashing lights when it is moved as well as the rubber duckie tug toy. I have got 2 plush squeakies.. a blue dolpin and a blue elephant!! Mom gave Hershey the rubber duckie first and lo and behold, Miss Evil Teefies destroyed the poor duckie in under 24 hours. Dad didn't fare too badly either cos mom got him a bunch of clothing cos she feels that his wardrobe needs updating.

Hershey: Destroying a toy is hard work... I need a snooze.

2010-08-30T13:53:00.003+08:00

Further to our previous post regarding the doggie murderer, we have been checking the news for updates on the case. Unfortunately. nothing has been reported thus far, and we certainly hope that this is not another case that'd 'die a natural death' after some time.

We found out that someone had started a petition and have already done our part and signed our name http://www.petitiononline.com/20082010/petition.html

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On a happier note, our mom finally had one of her 'wishes' fulfilled... She'd been wanting a decent photo of Hershey and I in the same photo. Ok we know it's not the best we can do cos I look like I am struggling to escape (in reality, I really was trying to wriggle out of mom's grasp) and the quality is grainy, but mom's not complaining.

2010-08-20T22:06:00.003+08:00

Our mom is SO mad now (it's the angry kind of mad, not the crazy type) because of what she's just read in today's newspapers. There was a photo of a dead Pomeranian lying in a pool of blood after it was reportedly flung onto the ground by a man. (You can read more about it here.) What kind of atrocity is this?? What sicken and upsetted mom more was that apparently there were a number of witnesses who saw the murder happening, but chose to do condone the act and nothing to stop perpetrator.

Perhaps they think that 'it's just a dog'; Perhaps they didn't want to be seen as nosey parkers; Perhaps they didn't want to get in trouble for interferring; Perhaps they just cannot be bothered cos it is not their dog... Perhaps if someone had done something, the poor dog may still be alive.

What could the dog have done to upset the man so much that he had to hurt (and kill) it?

How can those people who witnessed the crime and chose not to do anything go to sleep at night?

Our mom told us that Singapore has always prided herself as a 'developed country'. Sadly, this incident (plus the other recent reports on animal cruelty) proves that Singapore and Singaporeans have a long way more to go before we can truly call ourselves 'developed'.

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress

can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

- Mahatma Gandhi

2010-08-10T12:45:00.005+08:00

Oh man, oh man.... it's not even my barkday yet and I have already received my very first present and card from Mango (and his brothers Ximui and Chubs)!!! Hershey: Hmmm.. why is Huskee calling himself 'old man'?? We all know he is old (soon to be 11 years to be exact) but does he have to announce it to the world?? Huskee: I said 'OH man, not OLD man!!'

I have no clue how Mango made this watercolor barkday card for me, it is gorgeous and I love the Singapore city skyline in the bckground!

And look at the loot that Mango and his brothers sent us!!! They were so generous to include a gift for everyone in the family!! Mom got a book ('Pet Letters to God'), a gorgeous scarf with doggies printed all over and a blouse that is a bit baggy around the middle... Mango's mama said that she has a vision our mom will need it in future. (Psst Mango, our mom says she can't wait for 'that' time to come...). Dad's got a Texan magnet and a message that says 'hope he will lead his pack to visit Texas someday'!!

Here is the busybody sniffing out MY package. I was not involved in the photo session that took place because I was (thankfully) at Grandma's Day Care.

Hershey: This package is Mine, Mine, Mine... All MINE!! I have got my paw on it!

Hershey: Am I the prettiest bloom you have seen or what??

Huskee: **gagging in progress**

Hershey: Hello Mr Pink Flamingo... wanna play with my teefies??

Hershey: Ummm.. Mom?!! Why is Mr Pink Flamingo sitting on me??

Thank you boys (and your wonderful mom too)!! We love love love all our pressies... **muackssss**.

2010-08-04T11:12:00.002+08:00

Today, our mom turns 2,517 years old. When we asked her a few weeks back what she'd like for her birthday present, she said 'Lucas and Chloe'. This was rather tough because Lucas and Chloe are in heaven. Hershey and I put our heads together to try and come up with the next best alternative, and here's what we got for mom (with some help from dad of course.. we had to use the numbers on his little plastic card).

We thought mom will love the gift and be real happy when she sees it, but she cried instead (???). However she claims that those are not tears of sadness, but tears of joy because she is very glad that Lucas and Chloe are part of her birthday celebrations.

Since today is her day, I have made up my mind that I'll (try) and be a good boy. Hershey did better than me this time... she gave mom a 'present' first thing in the morning by almost barfing on the bed. Good thing mom was alerted enough and scooped her off the bed before any of the projectile hit the sheets. Don't think mom would like to spend her special day changing the recently changed sheets and doing laundry!!

2010-07-22T17:43:00.005+08:00

I am pleased to anounce that my ear infection has cleared, and I no longer have a stinky, red and infected ear!! Best of all, I don't have to go back to the V.E.T for any more reviews!

Hershey claims that I recovered so quickly because she's been crossing her paws for me. I am not sure if I should believe her words... What do you think?

2010-07-06T15:00:00.004+08:00

An Urgent Bark for Help

Dear Friends,

We received a bark for help from a friend, who is in dire need for some help/ information/ knowledge. Bond, the Golden Retriever, seems to have suffered a stroke on the right side of his face, but otherwise, he is still active and is eating and playing like normal. At this stage, we have no idea what the prognosis is because unfortunately, we don’t seem to have vets that are specialized in this field in Singapore. Hence, we’d really appreciate any information/ advice from anyone.

Bond’s blog is: http://goldenbond.blogspot.com/

If you have any information to share, please drop let us know. His poor mom is worried sick.

Barking with Thanks,

Huskee & Hershey

2010-07-05T10:22:00.004+08:00

The mom aka secretary has been slack... very slack in fact cos we have not had a new post for a few weeks!! My poor long-neglected blog... Mom's very poor attempt of an excuse is that she's been very busy with work and travelling a lot, and when she's not travelling, she is usually sick. Awww-righhhhht... whatever... We cannot complain cos we still need to depend on her.

Then last week, when she brought out my leash, I thought that she finally had time to take me out for a walkie... Guess what, we went into the car and ended up at the V.E.T!! According to the humans, I have been trying to scratch my right ear, and looks all red and sore. The vet said that I have an infection and gave me some antibiotics and cream to apply. Well, at least this time they didn't shove anything up my you-know-where, steal my blood or give me any nasty injection!!

After that, they took me to the shop next door and let me pick out a new toy! This made things a whole lot better... For the record, I wanted that pink cow featured below, but stingy mom wouldn't let me have it because she said it's too expensive a toy that wouldn't last more than 3 minutes.

I've got to go back to the vet 2 more times this week to let them monitor the condition of my poor ouchie right ear. I am hoping that mom will buy me a new toy after each visit... and maybe she will get me that pink cow...

2010-06-15T11:50:00.006+08:00

My Dad & I (by Hershey)

My dad and I have a set of matching orange jerseys that we both wore to show our support for the Dutch team in their match with Denmark earlier this week. (For the record, our mom thinks we both have gone off the deep end..)

Wanna play??

2010-06-11T15:13:00.002+08:00

The World Cup is just a couple more hours away and we have to ensure that we have everything we need before the first match between South Africa and Mexico...

Beer: Check!

Tidbits: Check!!

Jersey: Check!!

2010-06-08T17:08:00.003+08:00

Our parents went to Hong Kong for a short vacation last Thursday and came back last night. Mom's sister went over to stay and look after Miss Hershey while I had the devoted attention and undying love of my 2 greatest fans, aka my grandparents.

They bought us some gifts from Hong Kong... I have 2 brand new squeaky toys, whom I have named Goldie (the Goldfish) and Monique (the Monkey). I can't wait to destuff them and destroy their squeakers!!

Mom says that no soft toy will last more than 30 seconds with Hershey, so she bought her something that is more 'indestructible'. It's a frog called 'Darwin' (so says the packaging) that's from the same family as Hershey's favourite Cuz toys.

And the highlight is this football jershey that Dad insisted he wanted to get for Hershey. The World Cup is just a few more days away, and our dad is getting all excited and hyped up. As you can probably tell, he is rooting for the Dutch to win (although we think the chances of this happening is minimal). I guess poor Hershey will have to play dress up during all the matches where The Netherlands are playing!

2010-05-31T11:23:00.003+08:00

Mom took Hershey out for a walk last evening and while waiting for Hershey to finish doing her #2, Mom looked up and the pretty hue of the sky... Isn't it beautiful?

Hershey when she was still searching for the perfect spot....

2010-05-20T15:15:00.005+08:00

Mom found these 2 old photos in one of the folders and had a good chuckle looked at them... she was actually trying to force me to kiss her. She said that the song 'Desperado' came to her mind almost immediately... heeheehee...

2010-05-17T10:36:00.002+08:00

My Mom and I

Today we decided to share a photo of each of us with our mom. (In case there's any eagle-eyed pups, the 2 tops that our mom wore in the photos below are exactly the same except for the colors... she LOVES to buy the same thing in different colors.. shoes, clothing, bags, etc).

This is another photo of me (almost) looking at the camera.. well at least I was facing the right direction!!

And yet (another) photo of Hershey where you can't see her eyes!! Ok at least she too, was facing the right direction...

2010-05-13T14:40:00.002+08:00

The humans took me out for a walk the other evening and they managed to get some rare photos of me looking at the camera instead of turning away or looking at anywhere except at the photographer! It definitely made mom quite please and she got trigger-happy... (I didn't know that doing something so simple can have such a profound effect on them... LOL!!)

The next thing that would make our mom REALLY over the moom will be a nice, decent photo of me and Hershey TOGETHER and looking at the camera. The truth is it could be easier for mom to strike the lottery than to have her 'dream photo'... I think she should let it remain as a 'dream'.

Our mom also says THANK YOU to each and everyone of you who left the kind comments on our previous post. She is immensely grateful for all your friendships and unwavering support through her low periods and mood swings.

2010-05-09T21:23:00.007+08:00

Today is Mother's Day, and our mom's been feeling rather emotional because she cannot stop thinking of Lucas and Chloe, and what she is missing today (and every day). She wonders if she even qualifies as a 'Mother' because she does not have any children that people can see. On this very same day last year, mom was missing Lucas, but at the same time, she was eagerly anticipating the arrival of Chloe in a few month's time. One year on, she has lost both of them.

She did receive a pleasant surprise from her sister, who gave her 4 Mother's Day cards - One from Lucas, one from Chloe, one from Hershey and one from me!!

Wishing all Moms (human kids and furkids alike) a very HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY...

2010-05-04T16:53:00.003+08:00

This is what dad got for Hershey as a birthday gift behind mom's back. Mom thinks he's gone off the deep end and has totally lost his marbles because the costs an obscene amount of money, but well, as long as it's his money, what can she say??

It's pretty obvious that Hershey has got dad wrapped around her little paw and he totally adores her, and it's clear that the feeling is mutual. She's always been a 'Daddy's girl' while I have always been a 'Momma's boy'. I guess it's fair then...

** Dad, please start saving up for my birthday ok? You have 4 more months... **

2010-04-28T10:57:00.002+08:00

Here are the photos of the birthday girl taken last weekend... ended up Mom didn't make any goodies for Hershey (other than getting her the birthday cake) because poor Hershey had diarrhea and mom didn't want to feed her anything apart from her usual diet. Hershey and I did get to sample the cake and it was yummy! Just wish they weren't so stingy with the portion!!

2010-04-24T09:19:00.004+08:00

Today is a very important day in our house, it is the day where my little sister turns 2!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my little sister...

Dad and mom are popping out to the mall to get Hershey's birthday cake, followed by the supermarket to get some stuff for mom to whip up something special for us! Mom got a bit weepy walking down memory lane looking at the puppy photos of Hershey when she first came to live with us. I kinda miss little Hershey too cos we are similar in size then and I could boss her around... now that she's twice my height and weight, I don't stand a chance anymore!!

This 2nd set of photos were taken exactly a year ago on Hershey's 1st birthday. The first photo is one of mom's favourite because at this time last year, mom was expecting Chloe and life then was happy and nearly perfect.

Here she is, another year on, all grown up (but still as crazy and full of energy as an Energizer bunny)... We will post photos of the food later!!

2010-04-14T16:25:00.002+08:00

I took part in a contest held by Life with Dogs and managed to win something!! It is one of the few times in my life (and my mom's) that I win anything, so I was really happy and excited when I received the package from them. It is this GREAT book called: Dog Lover's Daily Companion: 365 Days of Tips, Tricks, and Techniques for Living a Rich Life with Your Dog and mom has been addicted to it ever since we received it.

THANK YOU for sending us this book... Now I will share with you some interesting topics from this great book.

Exciting receipes that mom vowed she'd try out 'one day'. I am particularly interested in the 'Original Lip Smacker Cookie'... sounds yummy-licious...

A topic that is VERY close to mom's heart because shedding season has officially started (again) in our house. Mom walks around the house with a lint roller and uses it on anything/ everything in sight. Pretty funny to see...

Haa... hereh's a topic that we are all so familiar with, Dog Blogging!!

Ohhh and here's another wonderful thing... Spa Day!! Isn't this wonderful?? This is something that Hershey and I can so totally get used to.

Ok, this is NOT my favorite chapter in the book, for very obvious reasons... **flips the pages quickly**

And then there is this... something that mom wistfully wishes that she can put to good use soon, well, hopefully...

2010-04-09T13:03:00.003+08:00

I made an emeregency dash to the vet yesterday because the humans noticed that I was limping and walking around with 3 legs. When the humans first noticed my limp, paranoia set in and calls were made to the regular vetinary that I go to. They were worried that I had injured my 11 year old bones while leaping off the bed. Other than the limping, I was behaving normally and eating ok.

After giving the whole family a scare, the vet announced that I was limping because my paw was sore... Ummmm.. and it was sore because **ahem**I had been licking and chewing on it**ahem**. When the humans found out, they were giving me the evil eye and dagger stares, which I tried my best to ignore. Anyway, since we were already there, the vet gave me a body check and said that I am doing well for an old man. In fact I had even put on weight, 1kg in fact. The vet also dispensed some tips on what they should feed a senior doggie like me, and I think I like what I heard!

Ok now I need to go and make it up to the humans for giving them the scare...

2010-03-29T17:04:00.003+08:00

The weather has been stinking hot for the past couple of days, and I am pretty glad that my new (much) shorter hair cut is keeping me cool. In fact the heat had been so bad that it's given mom a migraine (again).

Ok I am marking the lamp post... The humans claim that I have no more pee left in my tiny bladder to squirt out anymore, but hey, I still try.

And then of course we have to end the walkie with the obligatory photoshoot...

Oh and last but not least, here's the crazy pup trying to act all innocent and sweet for the camera.

2010-03-19T13:03:00.003+08:00

I overheard a conversation between the humans one evening... it started off by someone saying that my fur looks long and messy, and my nails are too long. It was followed by a chorus of various other people agreeing. Before I know it, that someone picked up the phone and booked me in for a grooming session tomorrow. **HORRORS** Spending 3 hours in the torture chamber is NOT a good way to spend the weekend!!

It'd be nice to have some company but Hershey is spared from it because her fur does not require much maintanence, other than the usual brushing. This isn't fair, I tell you... Look at me, do I look 'messy' at all??? **sigh**

2010-03-15T13:04:00.006+08:00

Mom is back from the faraway place called London, and due to jet lag, she hasn't been much fun to be around with yesterday cos she is always sleeping/ feeling sleepy, or when she isn't sleeping, she is grumpy and grouchy. We found some photos in her camera and London seems like a very lovely place. She hopes to go back there with dad one day for a vacation (and hope they take us with them!!)

Since she isn't up for a trip to the park, we spent Sunday lazing around and doing a lot of snoozing. Hopefully we can go to the park next week...

2010-03-08T13:33:00.004+08:00

After barely a week of returning home from Japan, the big suitcase is out again and Mom started throwing in many winter coats, woolen scarves, and leggings. She says that she is going someplace far and cold. This will be a much longer trip than the last (14 hours in the plane each way) and she won't be back till the weekend. Well at least she got to spend her anniversary with Dad yesterday.

Our Dad and Mom thanks everyone for your lovely wishes for their anniversary!! Dad gave mom a pair of earrings from Tiffany. Mom loves the 4 little silver hearts as they each represent Dad, Mom, Lucas and Chloe.

Mom being ever so practical, bought dad a laptop bag while she was in Tokyo. Can't exactly say that it was a romantic gift, can you?

07 Mar is a very special day for Dad and Mom. On this day 12 years ago, they 'officially' became a couple after Dad held Mom's hands for the first time on the pretext of leading her across a road. They were on the way back to their hostel after a group date with a bunch of friends to the Moomba Festival in Melbourne. The interesting thing to note is that there are no cars on that stretch of road because that road was closed to all traffic for the festival!! It was pretty funny but Mom allowed Dad to contiue to hold her hand anyway. This day in 1998 marked the start of their future together.

On this very same day 2 years ago, Mom returned home from a business trip from Tokyo realized that she had forgotten to buy an anniversary present for Dad. He had bought her a matching set of Tiffany necklace and bracelet for their 10th year anniversary, and the necklace has 10 silver hearts, each one representing the number of years they had been together. Mom was mortified, totally guilty and 100% embarassed for not getting him anything, and promised that she would make it up to him. Little did she expect that on that day, she would give him a son, their firstborn, their little Lucas.

Sadly as you all know, mom miscarried Lucas after a short 14 weeks.

I wish their story has a 'and they lived happily ever after' kind of ending but unfortunately, that's how it really is.

Mom gave Hershey and I each a new toy that she'd bought for us from Tokyo over the weekend and I am very pleased with my blue ball 'cos it sure can squeak REAL loudly!! I am going to try squeezing it at 3am tonight.... the humans will be so thrilled!!

2010-03-04T15:23:00.006+08:00

Mom just arrived home from a work trip to Tokyo and bought some things for us!! She didn't have much free time, so could only make a quick dash to a pet shop in the city to get us some pressies.

I (Huskee) have got 5 toys and 2 bags of treats while Hershey only got 1 bag of treats and 1 pink Elephant kong (it is written on the tag that the name of the elephant is 'Dexter'... wonder if it is in anyway related to Mango's little brother Dexter??). I am no Math genius, but I think it is clear who is Mom's favouritest pup.

Our poor dad fared even worse, he only got 1 pressie from Mom. This coming Sunday, the 07 March, marks the 12th year since they first dated/ became a couple, so that's Mom's anniversary present to him.

Here are some random photos that mom took during the trip... She had sushi and sashimi for dinner 3 nights in a row and I think she's still not tired of it yet!

2010-02-25T16:24:00.003+08:00

Hershey has this really sweet habit since the day she came into our family. Everytime dad goes into the bathroom without her, she will loiter outside and look forlonly at the closed door until dad emerges... she will stay there regardless how long dad takes inside, and the humans find it so sweet everytime they see her doing it.

Interestingly enough, she only behaves this way towards dad... she doesn't really bother if it was mom. This had made mom quite mad (jealous???).

We are quite curious if any of you do the same thing too?

2010-02-17T17:27:00.003+08:00

During the Lunar New Year, as a tradition most Chinese families will paste a sticker with the Chinese characters '常满' on the containers which they use to store their rice. '常满' means 'abundance' or the literal translation is 'always full'. Since rice is a staple part of the diet for Chinese, it is important that the rice container is never empty.

Borrowing this concept, I thought it is very important to ensure that the container used to store my kibbles is also kept filled to the brim, so I borrowed one of those stickers from mom and pasted it on my all-important food source. Hopefully my Year of Tiger is off to a roaring good start!

2010-02-11T10:59:00.001+08:00

This photo of Hershey posing next to the pussy willows was taken during the Chinese New Year period last year. The oriental vase was a gift from dad's parents when we moved into our apartment in 2008, and both Hershey and I were warned not to break (referring to Hershey) or pee (ummm.. I think this one is referring to me) on it because it is 'expensive'.

This vase only 'sees the light of day' during Chinese New Year, and spends the rest of the time in the storeroom where mom uses it as an umbrella stand and to hold the vacuum cleaner noozle when it is not in use. LOL!! (Just wait till dad's parents find out!!)

Anyway, here we are, one year later with Chinese New Year just 3 days away. The vase had found its way back into the centerspot of the living room. Below are the photos taken this year... you can see that nothing much has changed (yes, my pesky black and white sister is still the same).

2010-02-08T11:04:00.003+08:00

This is the sight that mom woke up to one morning... (sorry that it's blurry cos the room was dark and the only camera mom had was the one on her handphone). Mom was trying to decide between 'Awwwwwwww.. so sweet!!' or 'Ewwww.... so gross!!' while fumbling with the camera. When the photo was being taken, dad was still in slumberland while Hershey was trying to wake him by giving him a very thorough 'face massage'.

It took a while for dad to be roused from his sleep (you think he was dreaming of drowning in saliva??) but Hershey persisted. Her 'hardwork' paid off when dad woke up and took her out for a long walk!

(Shane: I have a strong inkling that this will soon be a 'regular sighting' on weekends... Poor hubby will have to forget about sleeping in on the weekends from now on!!)

2010-02-02T14:22:00.002+08:00

The reason why there hasn't been any photos of me lately is because I have those dreaded itchy-scratchies, and thus the dreaded e-collar is back!! We aren't too sure what the 'trigger' is, but it seems 'seasonal' and comes and goes by itself, so rather than taking me to the vet and feeding me with steriods, the humans decided to bathe me with medicated shampoo and adopt the 'wait and see' approach. They have also eliminated chicken from my diet.

I totally dislike the e-collar because it gets in the way and keeps knocking into things. It's hard for me to hide under any furniture now without a few knocks and bumps.

I am NOT a happy pup...

2010-01-29T11:34:00.005+08:00

Our mom and Chow Chow's mom (Aunty A) arranged for a playdate for Hershey and Chow Chow at the park last Sunday.

The humans tried to take a few nice photos of the 2 of them so that we can blog about it, but it was more difficult than anyone could imagine cos neither of them was interested!! Trying to get a decent photo of ONE dog is hard enough... trying to get a decent photo of TWO dogs is almost mission impossible!!

Looking Right...

Looking Left...

Looking Right (again)...

And finally one decent photo!!

After all modelling is hard work, so Chow Chow and Hershey took a much deserved rest... (Chow Chow's brand new little sister was at the park too!!)

Actually Chow Chow did better than just lie down to rest. He took a mud bath in a hole that some other doggie had kindly dug and left behind earlier. (See evidence of a muddy Chow Chow below)... His poor daddy had the unenviable task of bathing him when they get home!!

*** Aunty A, we are hoping for good weather from now till Sunday (so that 'THAT' hole stays dry) and hopefully Hershey and Chow Chow can have another play date this Sunday!!

2010-01-25T10:33:00.004+08:00

One morning, Mom was jolted awake feeling breathless and felt like there was something pressing on her body and she couldn't breathe properly. The picture below explains the source of her discomfort...

Clearly, some doggie was searching for a soft and cushy place to lie on and she found the best one in the house! LOL...

2010-01-18T13:58:00.005+08:00

We are overwhelmed by all the sweet, encouraging messages that we received for Aunty Jo and Max in our previous post... Yet again, we are overcome with gratitude by the outpour of love and compassion from all around the world. A number of the messages were left by kitty friends whom we have never 'met' before and we are so touchedQ THANK YOU to our friends, both old friends and new friends!! We will compile all your messages and bind it in a book for Aunty Jo as a keepsake of Max.

Thank you again, to all pups, kitties, hamsterriers, birdies and your humans too!

**********************************************************

I know that Christmas was some 3 weeks back, but good things still keep happening to us! We received a surprise parcel from Addie, Lucie and Hailey, with a lovely card from the girls. Our mom cannot get enough of Hailey's cute, tiny paw print! THANKS girls!!

Lucie's mom found out recently about Lucie's health issues. Unfortunately it seems like surgery isn't an option... We know that Lucie's mom must be so worried about Lucie because these 3 girls are all so dear to her. We really don't know what we can do except to cross our paws and hope for the best. Lucie is still very young and totally deserves to spend a long life with her family because that is where she truly belongs.

(Shane here) Don't know why, but all the things that have happened around me recently made me re-evaluate my love for Huskee and Hershey and how I have been treating them. Life is just so fragile and unpredictable... you can be here today and gone tomorrow. I think I have not been very fair to Huskee & Hershey ever since I lost Chloe in late June 09. Maybe it's because I have been too wrapped up in my own grief and too focused on my own pain, which is why I ended up neglecting them and not showing them as much love and attention as I used to. It's not a 'valid' excuse and I don't condone my actions. Don't get me wrong, I still love them as much as ever, perhaps even more, but I just have not shown it to them.

I feel very bad about it because it is not their fault and they are the innocent ones who have been patiently kissing away all my tears, trying to comfort me by cuddling close to me and not asking for a single thing in return. I think Hershey bore the brunt of the lack of attention and sometimes, even my foul mood because she livess with me whereas Huskee lives with my sister and parents, who dote on him and 'worship' him 120%. And to make matters worse, it is Hershey who has been spending the most time with me over the past 6 months, even more than my husband because she is at home with me all day... I guess I have taken her for granted.

Although Hershey is still very young, I hate to think that I have 'wasted' the last 6 months of her young life by not showering enough attention on her... Everytime I call her name, she'll happily prance to whichever room that I am in with typical puppy enthusiasm. So did I take her out as often as I should have? Did I give her enough belly rubs? Did I praise her often enough? I honestly don't think so.

As I am typing this on the bed, she cuddled closely next to me with her paw on my arm and head under my chin, waiting for me to look at her and into her lovely chocolate brown eyes that is oozing with so much love and devotion.

Give your pups/ kitties/ hammies/ birdies a hug and a kiss today, ok?

2010-01-15T11:47:00.002+08:00

We found out this morning that mom's friend, Aunty Jo's doggie, Max, passed away last evening. Max was 13 years old and he hasn't been well for a while due to kidney failure. Aunty Jo had been doing everything she possibly can to try and make him well. Despite all that was being done, sadly Max's condition took a turn for the worse on Monday and he lost his battle last evening. He was brave throughout and fought hard battle, with his best friend alongside him every single step of the way.

Aunty Jo is devastated because she's lost her best friend of 13 years. Max doesn't have a blog, but if you can each take some time leave some words here for Aunty Jo, we will pass it on to her and we know for sure that she will appreciate it lots. Thanks guys!

Aunty Jo, we will never be able to replace Max's place in your heart, but if you ever want a dose of doggie kisses or if your fingers are itching to give a ear/ head rub, you know where to find us... Hershey, the Energizer Bunny, will always be ready for you!! She is still waiting to complete the scrawling the rest of her name on Aunty F's arm.

*** Tribute To A Best Friend ***

Bright sunlight streams through window pane
unto a spot on the floor....
then I remember,
it's where you used to lie,
but now you are no more.

Our feet walk down a hall of carpet,
and muted echoes sound....
then I remember,
it's where your paws would joyously bound.

A voice is heard along the road,
and up beyond the hill,
then I remember it can't be yours....
your golden voice is still.

But I'll take that vacant spot of floor
and empty muted hall
and lay them with the absent voice
and unused dish along the wall.
I'll wrap these treasured memorials
in a blanket of my love
and keep them for my best friend
until we meet above.

Author Unknown

2010-01-13T11:20:00.006+08:00

Just before New Year, mom was shopping in one of the malls when she came across a shop selling infant/ kid's clothing called 'Baby Chloe'. It made her very very sad and leaky because she is missing Lucas and Chloe so much, and it is even more acute especially during special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays, Christmas and New Year. Not a single day goes by without us thinking of our Angels.

We can only imagine how perfect it'd be if they are here with us.

We can only dream of how wonderful it'd be to hold them close and never let go.

We can only put a smile on our faces and pretend that our hearts are not broken and everything is okay.

We can only hope that somewhere in Heaven, our 2 little Angels know how much they are being loved, and are missing us as much as we miss them

We can only pray that one day, we will all be reunited and our family will finally be complete.

2010-01-11T12:28:00.005+08:00

Now that the holidays are over, it seems like things are getting back to 'normal' i.e. chaotic. Mom's work email is begining to get swamped with emails and she is muttering more HBO words under her breath every time a new email comes in (I have a pretty rich HBO vocab now).

But the good thing is that it seems like she will be able to work from home indefinitely (**jumps for joy**) although she still needs to make some infrequent trips back to the office to collect her mail and for the occasional meeting or two. So this is pretty good news to us for the new year. Hopefully this is an indication of more good things to come.

With mom spending more time at home, it'd also mean that she'd have no excuse not to take us out for more walks and to make yummy food for us.

Just after Christmas and before the New Year, a package (below) arrived in the mail addressed to 'Huskee Boy's Mom'...

The package came all the way from Mexico, from a sweet dachshund who owns all the prettiest dresses... Miss Lorenza!!

In the package was a 'Fortune Lamb'. You can read all about the story of the Fortune Lamb from Lorenza's blog here. Lorenza and her mom are so kind to send our mom a Fortune Lamb (cos according to the tradition, you cannot buy the lamb yourself and someone has to give it to you as a gift). They hung this lamb on their Christmas tree to charge it up with positive energy before sending it out to us, and we have also abided by the rules of the tradition and have hung the lamb on our door since New Year's day. Hopefully, we will have an abundance of good luck and everything nice in 2010.

Muchas Gracias, dear Lorenza and mom!! We appreciate your kind thoughts behind this gift (and we promise that we will keep the lamb safe from Hershey.. When she first saw it, she thought it was a toy for her and she sat at the door eyeing the lamb for the longest time!!)

2010-01-05T11:38:00.002+08:00

This is our very first entry for 2010!! We'd like to wish all our dear friends a Happy New Year ... May the year ahead bring you and your family lots of good health, love, and happiness. Hopefully this will be a better year for everyone; humans, pups, kitties and hamsters alike! As for us, we only have one wish - For our mom to get pregnant soon and for a healthy baby at the end of 40 weeks. It may seem like a simple wish, but it is really filled with trepidation and uncertainties. **crosses paws**

*****************************************************************

Following the previous post on mom's 'Cinderella' heels, MANY of you kindly cautioned us about keeping them safe from Hershey's evil teefies. We are thankful for your reminders because this is what mom caught Hershey doing right after the initial photo was taken... (Note: No shoes were harmed in the process). The heels are now kept on the highest shelf, waaaaay out of the reach of those evil teefies.

And last but not least, here's a long overdue THANK YOU to our friends. Just before Christmas, we received a package in the mail from our good friends - Kaos, Sasha, Gunnar and their lovely mom! We weren't expecting anything from anyone at all, so it came as a big surprise when the postman knocked on our door (actually he rang the doorbell). The beautiful rose artwork on the bag was specially stitched for our mom by their mom... beneath the rose are their mom's initials 'HW' and the year. This is a gift that our mom will always treasure. Kaos's mom also sent a bag of Hershey's 'Hugs' chocolates with a note to our mom that each time she ate one of those chocolates, it represents a hug from them! Awwww.... that's really sweet beyond words. They also included treats for Hershey and I!! Thank you guys... you are so so thoughtful and we love you sooooo much!

2009-12-30T10:58:00.005+08:00

I hope every human and pup had a wonderful Christmas!!

This is Hershey's 2nd Christmas and it is the first time she had turkey, so mom took some pics of her gulping down her Christmas turkey dinner... I had to stick to my usual diet of mutton because my itchies are back and the vet recommended putting me on a lambies diet.

Dad gave this pair of heels to mom for Christmas because he ran out of ideas on what to get for her and he recalled that she tried them on weeks back and claimed that they made her feel like 'Cinderella'... Ok, we have got the 'Prince' (aka dad) and the Cinderella shoes... now all we need is a pumpkin for the carriage and a Fairy Godmother to make mom's dreams come true.

2009-12-21T15:07:00.001+08:00

2009-12-14T12:19:00.003+08:00

How many more sleeps till Christmas?

2009-12-10T12:46:00.002+08:00

Mom was hanging out the laundry yesterday and she heard a commotion on the street right across from our yard. She ignored it at first but after 15 mins, the little crowd was still there, so out of curosity, she popped her head out further and saw that there was a Husky lying by the side of the road. The poor doggie was lying there under the scorching midday sun, and mom was pissed that no one had enough sense to give the poor dog some reprieve from the heat, considering the fact that he's got a full coat. Some of the humans gathered there had enough sense to seek shelter under an umbrella or in the shade of a tree but no one thought of the dog!!! It must've been a good 32 ºC (90 ºF) on that day.

Mom grabbed some cold water from the fridge and the biggest umbrella she could find and went across to the 'crime scene'. The owner of the doggie was there and mom passed her the umbrella after telling her that it was meant for her dog. The poor doggie was involved in a hit and run and was bleeding from his hind legs. The sh*thead driver who knocked him down did not even stop to help and a passing motorist took gave chase. Unfortunately the culprit refused to stop and the kind motorist who gave chase came all the way back to the scene and gave the license plate number to the Husky's owner.

The doggie's condition didn't look good and mom thinks he suffered a bad hit to his hind quarters. He was conscious throughout and mom said he even gave her a few feeble licks when she stroked his head. Mom stayed with the distraught owner until the pet taxi arrived to take him to the Animal Hospital...

We hope that his injuries are not serious and he'd be back on his paws soon...

2009-12-01T17:58:00.007+08:00

This is Hershey's old bed that mom made for her, but as you can tell from the pic, our mom has a terrible sense of judgement she made the bed way too small for Hershey. Mom assured us that she is not planning to quit her day job anytime soon so that's good news for us that we can still expect a constant supply of treats. Normally Hershey can only sleep with only front half of her body on the bed and mom felt guilty about it, so she asked Grandmama to make something bigger.

Below is the new bed that Grandmama made for her... it is definitely much bigger and looks more comfy than the old one. From the looks on her face, seems like Hershey likes her new bed a lot, what do you think?

2009-11-26T10:28:00.006+08:00

Hershey had a a play date over at Scuba's place last Saturday while the humans went for a 'Wine and Cheese' session. Here are some of the pictures mom took using her phone. Mom actually took a lot more photos, but as there was just too much doggie action going on and majority of the photos ended up very blurry or with only part of the dog/s in it...

The 'Host' - Scuba

Slowly warming up

Good friends

Hershey and Helios

'Headless' Hershey and Helios... LOL!!

And this is the Wine and Cheese that the humans enjoyed while the doggies played. Poor Scuba had to be locked away because he attempted to steal the cheese!!

2009-11-19T13:33:00.002+08:00

Hershey's putting new meaning to 'Crossing Paws'... She's had this paw crossing habit ever since she was a pup, and mom and dad were pretty amused by it whenever she does that because it makes her seem more 'lady-like' than the tomboy she really is!! Moreover, I never did this ever before, so it was definitely something new and unsual.

In case you have noticed, she usually crosses her right paw on top of the left one!! (Does this mean she is a right-pawed doggie??)

I guess Hershey is crossing her paws because she is hoping for the speedy recovery of Snickers, who isn't doing exactly well now. Hopefully she will get well soon knowing that the power of the paws is behind her from all over the world!!

2009-11-16T10:49:00.004+08:00

Aunty G recently made her annual bulk purchase from Petedge for Jack and Joey and she kindly asked mom if there's anything that she'd like to buy for us so that she can add it on to her order. THANK YOU for not forgetting us, Aunty G!! **kisses**

Mom recently threw away Hershey's favourite toy, a purple Gecko from Zanies, because although it was still intact, the smell was horrific. Mom claims that she can smell it before she sees it.. LOL!! To make up for throwing it away, Mom bought it in all 4 available colors for Hershey... They look pretty cute all lined up below.

Hershey was really happy with her new friend and immediately started her favourite game of tug...

Here's what mom got for me.... The little lambie is so cute she almost wanted to keep it for herself. What would a human do with a dog toy??!

I noticed that mom had some more toys inside the big red bag that she brought home and she hid them in the storeroom claiming that they are meant for Christmas. So is Christmas coming yet???

2009-11-13T11:15:00.005+08:00

I have something funny to share with you (although my mom may not find it very amusing since it's at her expense)!! Mom hadn't been sleeping very well lately and this morning was the same. She woke up at 5am and couldn't go back to sleep. As she was lying there and letting her thoughts wander, she stumbled upon what she thought was a 'great' idea. She was suddenly very inspired to make a bed for Hershey when she saw her lying on the bare parquet floor and felt sorry for her. Hershey's been banished from the big bed because it is shedding season again and mom hates to have fur all over the bed/ quilt (more accurately, I think she hates having fur everywhere and anywhere...LOL).

Hershey had been sharing the bed with us and has her own favourite spot. No one assigned her there... she picked that spot herself cos that's exactly where the air-conditioner is blowing!! However, she's not exactly my petite size, so sharing the bed with her means mom always have to contort herself or position herself like a shrimp in order to accommodate Hershey at the foot of the bed. Hence, mom decided that letting her have her own bed is the best solution for all parties concerned.

Fully convinced by no one else other than herself, mom jumped out of bed at an unearthly hour and went to the storeroom to rummage for a piece of shiny pink cloth that she knew she had stashed away in a box. Found the cloth, ironed it (there were 3 years worth of creases), measured it, cut it to the right size and she sat down to work in earnest at 6am.

She started by trimming off the edges and the funny, dangly bits and started to sew. We don't have a sewing machine at home cos mom had never expected that she'd ever need to sew anything except the occasional loose button or hem. So it was down to manual stitching and there was quite a bit to sew cos Hershey's not exactly a midget and mom wanted her to have a comfy bed (mom: so that she'd leave mine alone!!). We lost count of the number of 'ouches' (it was actually a HBO word, but you know, we are a family blog...) we heard each time mom got pricked by the needle but she was still gung-ho about it.

Just as she was begining to feel quite proud of her masterpiece, disaster struck. That stupid cloth, which is made from 'I-don't-know-what stupid material' (mom's own words) F.R.A.Y.S big time!! Her masterpiece was literally disintegrating in her hands and all her hard work was unraveling right before our eyes.

At 8.30am, I solemly declare that her project had FAILED **stifling laughter**.

2009-11-11T10:03:00.003+08:00

With the support of you, my dearest friends, we share the honour of the Awesom Blog Award, October 2009 with Max, our new friend from South Africa! Yes, it was a tie!! It is such a honour to win the award, and better yet to share it with a friend... I will display the badge with pride on my banner... **puffs up chest**

THANK YOU to everypup who voted for us.. **muacks muacks muacks...**

Look, I was so so ecstatic about the win I even chewed up a brand new magazine before the humans had the chance to read it!! (The worst thing is I got caught red handed while I was trying to escape... can you see that blurry figure at the top left corner? Do you think it can pass off as Hershey??).

2009-11-05T12:33:00.003+08:00

My nutty little sister has been behaving strange lately. She's suddenly become very 'needy'... Initially, mom thought that it was so sweet, but she's kinda getting sick of Hershey's 'neediness' now because it affecting her work!! Our mom had been working from home for the past 2 months, and she usually sits on the bed with her laptop on her lap (DUH!! It is not called a 'LAP'top for nothing..).

Recently, Hershey has the habit of sneaking up to mom and resting her head on the laptop, thereby making it impossible for mom to type! As a result, the sneaky one ends up getting extra ear scratches and tummy rubs...

Other than that, Hershey had also been interrupting mom's sleep by lying on top of her every morning. Mom is not a morning person, and moverover, she hadn't really been sleeping well for the past 2 weeks because she kept waking up in the wee hours and can't go back to sleep, so she's not the least amused by Hershey's latest antics!

This picture was taken yesterday morning... this is the (scary) sight that greets mom every morning when she opens her eyes... **shudder**

2009-10-29T10:30:00.000+08:00

Mom took this pic while she was out for a walk with Hershey on a beautiful morning... She thought that it was quite 'artistic'. Initially she only wanted to take the shadows of Hershey and herself, but silly Hershey was too eager to proceed with the walk and kept pulling ahead.

They came across some pretty flowers and mom wanted Hershey to pose nicely next to the flowers. Unfortunately, the 'model' was not in a co-operative mood at all. ('Pssst Hershey, I think mom wants you to pose next to the flowers, not INSIDE the bushes!!') After like a dozen or so failed attempts and getting numerous pitying looks from some people who were out for their morning stroll, mom surrendered. All the pics were of a 'headless' Hershey with half her body inside the bushes...

*****************************************

We are here to shamelessly solicit for votes again. If you haven't already voted for October's Awesome Blog Award, you can vote for me (or the very handsome Max from South Africa) over at The Bone Zone.

The polls will end on this Saturday, 31 Oct (only 2 days left!!). Your vote will mean a lot to us, so please go over there now! **muacks**

2009-10-26T16:15:00.004+08:00

Hershey and I had to shake mom out of her misery into typing out this post for us. We are still going through a rough patch here and mom is still pretty leaky on most days. She's spending a lot of her time swimming, reading and basically just trying to keep herself and her mind occupied.

It was all getting pretty bleak UNTIL we received a message from sweet Opy!! We almost couldn't believe it when we got the message from Opy that we have been nominated for the October Awesome Blog Award!! Ok, yes, I know we have only been nominated and haven't won anything yet, but the honor of being nominated is a joy in itself!!

We are totally flattered that someone thinks so highly of our humble blog.. and I must add that this is one of the greatest achievements since we started blogging 3 years ago... (other than making all the new friends of course because nothing can beat that!). If you like our blog, please do go over to the The Bone Zone to cast your votes for us! We are up against Max, a handsome Golden Retriever in South Africa... We just visited him on his blog and it is totally awesome! You can visit Max here...

To those who have already voted for us, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts right to the tip of our little tails. THANK YOU... **muacks**

Before we go, I leave you with a (freaky) photo of Hershey... It's titled 'Look Ma, No Eyes'...

Ohhh ok.. and mom says we got to be 'play fair', so here's a humiliating photo the still very nekkid looking me. It LOOKS like I am sniffing my a$$, but I assure you that I wasn't. I just happen to be in the latest Doga position. Humans... what do they know right? (And I bet they can't do this pose...LOL).

2009-10-13T12:15:00.004+08:00

My spy told me that the little monster hijacked my blog last week and was pretty shamelessly telling the world the nice things that she did for mom, so I told myself I have to regain control of my blog before she wrecks even more havoc.

Oh and Mango Major commented on the last post by Hershey that I should 'come out of the closet and get over myself already.' Hmmm.. do you think this is what he means?? And how did he know that I was hiding in the closet at the first place?? Eeekkkkkkss... he's a psychic doggie!!

Ok I am outta the cupboard now but sad to say, my fur still hasn't gotten any much longer.

****** Notice ******

We'd be taking a hiatus and not be blogging for a short while because the assistant/ typist/ the one with the opposable thumbs aka Mom, had applied for 'annual leave'. Tomorrow is supposed to Chloe's due date and mom is having a hard time coping with the fact that there's no baby coming home. She's not in denial, but just having a hard time dealing with 'what should have been'. It is a very difficult time and we want mom to do whatever that she feels comfortable with.

Before we go, here's a tribute to our dear, sweet Chloe. Always missed, forever loved.

Shane here: Initially when we found out that I was pregnant, Mark downloaded an application onto his iPhone which contains a list of baby lullabies. We'd sometimes play it to Chloe in the quiet peacefulness of the night before turning in. I had always thought that this application will be handy when Chloe's born so that we can play those lullabies to her no matter where we are. Little did I know that although it served the same purpose (i.e. lullaby for Chloe), it was under a very different circumstance.

On that faithful afternoon on 26 June 09 when I was lying in the hospital bed holding Chloe close and trying my utmost to memorize her tiny, perfect features, Mark whipped out his iPhone and played 'Brahm's Lullaby' because he wanted Chloe to listen to the song that she had been listening to when she was still in her mummy's tummy. He wanted her to depart this strange, new world with something familiar so that she would not feel so alone or afraid... and she'd know that her parents are right there beside as she takes her tiny, wobbly, baby steps to join her big brother Lucas.

The doctor and all the nurses had left us alone in the room so that we could spend some personal time as a family with Chloe. The eerie silence in the delivery suite was broken by the sweet melody of that song and my sobs... It was a near 'perfect' family moment for us, it's only 'near' perfect because Lucas was missing from it and Chloe would soon be leaving us to join her brother, leaving behind her heartbroken parents.

Yes, I did want that lullaby to lull my precious baby to sleep one day, and she'd wake up contentedly from that sleep, look into my eyes and give me a sweet, toothless smile. However, in real life, although my darling baby did go to sleep listening to that song, she'd never wake up from it.

Chloe sweetie, sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite... (please tell Lucas that we haven't forgotten him and that we love and miss him so much too).

2009-10-08T13:41:00.006+08:00

Hi friends... It's me, Hershey!! Huskee is still too preoccupied with trying to milk all the attention he can from the humans with his bad hairdo, and he is trying even harder to grow his fur back in the shortest possible time. (If he finds the secret to accelerate hair growth, he should share his secret formula with our dad too.. LOL!! Oooops... I've said too much!)

Since I hardly get any blogging time as Huskee is the 'Master Blogger' of this site, I am glad I have this chance to correct everyone's misguided conception of me. I am NOT the destructive, hyper-stimulated pup that Huskee had made all of you believe. I am really a sweet, docile and very well-behaved pup. Well, most of the time anyway...

Mom's been feeling moody and a bit low this week because next week would have been Chloe's supposed due date. As a family, we had been counting down to 14 Oct since early Feb when mom told us that she's expecting a little playmate for us. There's no baby to bring home and there's no playmate for us. Things have changed and there's nothing happy to look forward to next week. I have been learning some tips from Huskee on how to cheer mom up (since he's too concerned about his own nekkid-ness to be of any help now).

Now it's Hershey-les to the Rescue!! Mom gave me this nickname... cos dad and her ALMOST got me a little brother and wanted to name him 'Hercules'... fortunately, sanity and common sense took over so there's no little brother for me, but I am now stuck with the nickname 'Hershey-les'.

So far I have taken mom done all the below (and more):

1) Take her out for walkies

2) Watched out for her while she swam

3) Give her my kisses (mom calls me a 'Kiss on Demand' Machine.. anytime, everytime!!)

4) Keep a CLOSE watch on her... and I mean C.L.O.S.E

2009-10-05T10:59:00.003+08:00

Mom walked into the kitchen last night to get a drink of water and saw that someone did this to her bananas (and Hershey's toy). She looked suspiciously at dad and he swore it wasn't him to did it.

So, who did this?? (It's noooot me!!)

It's been 3 whole days since I last posted my (almost) nekkid pic and unfortunately, it does NOT seem to me like my fur has grown at all over the weekend. Take a look and let me know what you think...

The one thing that hasn't changed is that I am still moping and feeling sorry for myself. I might as well milk it for all it's worth... and I got to say that I am getting pretty good at it cos I have been getting more new toys and treats because when I put on my sad puppy face, the humans just go 'Awwwww.... poor Huskee', followed by one or more of the below actions:

Pats me on the head
Gives me tummy rubs
Gives me a kiss (or two... sometimes maybe even three)
Dispense treats
Gives me a new toy

2009-10-02T14:37:00.003+08:00

Ok, you can all start laughing now... Yes, it's me, your friend Huskee Boy.. with a funny hair cut done by a over zealous groomer (actually the mom was the one who asked for a shorter 'do for me cos the weather now is really humid and they want to prevent my itchy-scratchy hotspots from coming back).

I was really against mom posting a pic of me with my current strange, disastrous hairdo, but well, seems like a lot of you wanted to see how I look like now, so I guess I'll have to oblige. While I am not exactly (**clears throat**) nekkid, I am as close to being nekkid as you can possibly imagine.

From the pic, it's clear that I am not exactly happy with the new look... not one bit. And the pic makes it look as if my ears have been chopped off (I assure you they are still very much intact!)!!

I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend... Excuse me now while I try to grow some fur.

2009-09-30T11:18:00.002+08:00

Dad went on (another) business trip again and after Hershey's previous failed attempt to help mom pack his bags, she's not giving up and is offering her 'help' once again. As Dad is bringing lesser stuff this time round, there's more empty space in the bag, meaning that Hershey was able to add in more of her toys this time! LOL!!

Look at the proud and happy smile on her face... she seems pretty pleased with herself.

*** In case any one is wondering why there hasn't been any pics of me post grooming, I/ mom have decided not to show you how I look like now cos we think the groomer was over-zealous and ummm... got carried away. So now my fur is REAL short and I/ she thinks I look **cough** 'strange'.

2009-09-28T11:16:00.004+08:00

It's a true catastrophe... we have not only missed one of our dear friend's birthday, we have missed TWO birthdays!! **slaps forehead and hangs head in shame**

The first birthday we missed was little Mango's and the second was sweet Asta's!! Sorry guys.. we have no excuse for this except that the secretary we hired is not very efficient indeed. Once we realized the big boo boo, we have given the above-mentioned secretary a stern talking-to and warning. Your pressies will be on their way to you when the secretary stops Facebooking for long enough to leave the house to go to the post office tomorrow.

2009-09-23T13:46:00.003+08:00

I received the below email from a nice 'David Howell'... he claims that I have a parcel that contained a cheque worth US$450,000 waiting to be delieverd to my doorstep. Wow.. I don't have enough fingers and toes to figure out how much 450,000 is... so it MUST be quite a lot.

Boy I am one lucky pup... I have been thinking how I should use this money... but one thing worries me. What do you think Mr Howell will say or how do you think he'd react if he found out that I am underaged? I am only 10 years old, you know... shouldn't I be at least 18 to qualify? Oh and on top of that, I am a dog, I don't have US$80 to pay him for the delivery charges and taxes... you think he'd mind if I paid him in salmon treats and raw hides? He can also take the Border Collie if he wants.. I am sure mom won't kick up any fuss if I give her half my winnings to 'compensate' for the Border Collie.

Once I lay my paws on those money, I will fly around the world to visit all my lovely friends...

*********************************************************

On Wed, Sep 16, 2009 at 2:33 PM, davidhowell wrote:

FedEx Nigeria Head Office 70 International Airport Road Mafoluku, Lagos. Tel +2347035527547

Attention: Dear Valued Beneficiary,

CLAIM NOTIFICATION. This is to notify you that your parcel is still in our possession, this parcel contained an International Cashier Bank Draft/Cheque worth the sum of $450,000.00(Four Hundred $ Fifthy Thousand USA dollars)only and it is ready for delivery to your door step.

Meanwhile, before the delivery or shipment will take place, you are advice to send to us the following data’s mention below:

1. Your Name

2.Address

3.Telephone

The above requested information’s will enable us deliver your parcel correctly without any mistake or delivering your parcel to a wrong person. Further more, you might be asking yourself how comes this email, cheque or draft, Anyway, your cheque was brought to this office by a Lottery Fiduciary Agent Or Claim Agent, signifying that you are a rightful winner to their Lottery Award selected randomly from 10 lucky email addresses which your email address is one of the lucky email address.

FedEx courier service company mailing you as per your parcel that was brought to this company to be delivered to you by lottery groups, along the delivery process that brought a misunderstanding between you and the lottery claim agent and in regards of their request as per their insurance certificate cost, tax fee and lots of other universal cops and drug searches which happened to be the course of your parcel being pending for the past months/one year.

Meanwhile we are hereby happy to inform you that the FedEx Company has finalized and resolved the whole issued with the legal offices like the International Monetary of Funds(IMF),and the Internal Revenue Service(IRS) office, the company organization has also listed 24 valuable parcel’s to be intact in their office after the released of the parcel’s from universal cops and drug searches.

We are happy to inform you once again that your parcel that contains the sum of $450,000.00 is among the 24 parcel’s listed which is now in our office and also with your name as the receiver despise that we lost your private residential address’s, which is an indication that you can now re-send your residential address, telephone as stated above back to the FedEx company where your parcel can be delivered to you without hesitation.

Meanwhile remember that the sender of this parcel to you that’s the fiduciary agent still owes this company the sum of $80 before the incident occurs, Note that this fee is not just for delivery but with the immigration and customs stamp duty, this company has spend out of their incomes in the process by the recovering back your parcel? so dear customer we once again appreciate your patronage in our favor.

Without hesitations you are to pay for just the balance left by your sender since we have lost his contact. this payment have to be via western union money transfer with the below payment information so that your parcel can be delivered to your residential address before it accumulate a demurrage after one week only,as you know your parcel is not just an ordinary parcel but with a huge amount and I think you understand what I mean by accumulating a demurrage? Which you will not allow that to happen to your recovery parcel that almost gone if not for the love that the good God have for you by favoring you with his favor because it was God who did it not by your power but by the spirit say the lord. We assure you that your parcel will arrive at your country in two days time and it will get to your door step the third day as soon as this company receive the balance left by your sender and the tracking number of your parcel will be sent to you via e-mail immediately so that you can track it yourself to see your parcel coming on the way and you will also know when it will arrive at your country because we operate in trust and loyalty in your favor. And also the FedEx Courier Service Company hereby inform all their customers through this media by eradicating all their communication with the scam mails that are going all-over the world be careful with their e-mails so that your parcel will not be in danger with their evil planes. FedEx provides access to a growing global market place through a network of supply chain, transportation, business and related information services.

PAYMENT INFORMATION FOR THE IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS STAMP DUTY CHARGES BEFORE DELIVERY EFFECT, FIND BELOW: Receivers Name: Mr Patrick EzeSenders Name: ------------?Text Question: BEST COLOURAnswer: WHITELocation; Maitama Abuja Nigeria.MTCN Number... ??? Amount to be sent: $80 us dollars.Please you have to send the full payment information including the MTCN Number for we to fully proceed on your delivery FedEx is one of the world's great success stories, the start-up that revolutionized the delivery of packages and information. In the past 30 years, we've grown up and grown into a diverse family of companies as FedEx that's bigger, stronger, better than ever. Call me now: Tel +234-7035527547Update Us With The Payment Of $80 dollars for the Customs and Immigration Clearance and Stampt Duty So That We Can Proceed With The Delivery Today.

WAITING TO READ YOUR E-MAIL. YOURS AFFECTIONATLY. FEDEX COURIER REMITTANCE DIRECTOR..MR.DAVID HOWELL Tel +234-7035527547

Reply to: mr.dvidhowell@live.com

2009-09-22T13:34:00.006+08:00

Look at the pics and make a guess what happened over the weekend... I laughed at Hershey when she was being FURminated.. now she has the last laugh. **eyes brimming with tears** Tell me, why is it that she gets her grooming done at home while I have to go to the torture chambers every few months??

Mom can still clearly remember the previous time I went for my grooming session was in early May and she still had Chloe then. She remembers it because while waiting for me to be done, they walked around the shopping mall for hours and she had to sit down a lot cos her legs were aching. Now 4 months later, things have changed. Techinically she should still have Chloe in her tummy and we should all be eagerly awaiting to meet this new family member next month. Sadly, sweet Chloe has gone to join her brother Lucas in heaven.

2009-09-18T10:17:00.004+08:00

Dad had to go on a business trip and while mom was helping him to pack his bag, some annoying and pesky pup (**points to Hershey**) wanted to help out. If you take a look at the picture below, you'll see what she'd so 'helpfully' added into the luggage.

Dad is coming home tonight so I hope he bought some things for us!! (For the record, dad removed the toy from his bag... what a bummer!!)

2009-09-14T20:48:00.006+08:00

Does anyone recognise this torture equipment??

Lucky the poor 'victim' is NOT me!! Poor Hershey was 'FURminated' by the FURminator... LOL!! Dad LOVES this tool because it got rid of soooo much fluff from Ms Evil Teefies. I think the evil one liked it too cos she'll feel cooler (and perhaps lighter) in this sweltering heat.

Initially dad was skeptical when mom told him about it after it was recommended by friends, but now FURminator has got a loyal fan!! Dad is addicted to combing Hershey... you can see from the pics below on the 'results' of his hard work, and his model posing happily... silly girl!!

2009-09-10T09:12:00.004+08:00

Our good friend, the ever so cute, pretty and charming Miss Africa tagged us to list 6 things that make us happy. Gee, that should be easy and pretty fun!!

If you have not played it yet, c'mon and join in the fun...

Huskee

- Blogging... Need I say more? It always makes me happy reading about the adventures of my friends

- Sleeping (with my best fluffy friend)

- Playing with my toys (especially if they are new)

HERSHEY

- Eating... **burp***

- Playing my favourite Tug game...

- Going to the park

2009-09-06T12:37:00.004+08:00

I received a pressie from Maggie and Mitch for my 10th barkday!! Thank you very much guys... you are the best!

Here I am giving the human the 'evil eye' since I was made to pose for the obligatory photo shot.

I promise I will share some of the treats with Hershey... but one thing is for sure... I am most definitely keeping the blue lambie.. it's MINE, MINE, MINE... heehee...

And here's Hershey pouting and acting sorry for herself since I let her have her the blue lambie... Nope.. it ain't working at all!! (Hershey: Drats!!! I thought I had mastered 'THE' puppy dog look.. apparently it works on humans only...)

2009-09-01T16:32:00.004+08:00

Hershey and her daddy were bonding over a soccer game on Sunday night.. Man U (her daddy's favourite team) was playing against Arsenal. Looking at them made me wonder wouldn't this picture be perfect if there is a little child (or two) sitting on his left and he's got his left arm wrapped over the child?

(It also makes me wonder when Hershey will start needing spectacles since she's sitting so close to the TV... Hmmm, can/ do dogs get short-sighted??)

2009-08-30T20:30:00.003+08:00

Did you see how long Hershey's tongue is??? Even mom is stunned...

2009-08-27T10:06:00.003+08:00

Mom didn't chicken out on her quest to get a tattoo and had it done 2 weeks ago. She started to source for a design online and when she first saw the pic, it just felt 'right' hence she ended up choosing the pic of 2 cherubs to represent Lucas and Chloe. It's on her lower back near the hip area and surprisingly, she claimed that it wasn't painful at all, just a little 'ticklish' and for next 2-3 days after that, there was a bruised feeling.

Dad was so inspired after mom had it done and he liked the design so much that he too went to do it the following week!! His tattoo is on his shoulder/ back area... now dad's got 2 angels on his shoulder! He also added the words 'Budded on Earth to Bloom in Heaven' beneath the cherubs (which mom also added eventually).

This pic on the right was taken right after the tatto was done, so it looks a little red and puffy.

Now dad and mom have matching tattoos and they are loving it totally. Although Lucas and Chloe will always be in their hearts and on their minds, now they have something 'tangible' to look at whenever they think of them or miss them.

2009-08-21T13:44:00.002+08:00

Happy 10th Birthday to my darling Huskee boy... may you have many more happy years with us.

2009-08-19T09:01:00.005+08:00

*** URGENT ANNOUNCEMENT ***

It's truly tragic and embarassing, but I have just realised that Huskee should have been celebrating his 10th Barkday on Sunday, not 11!! I don't know why I had the idea that he'd be 11.. Must've got my years wrong.. anyway no excuses for this especially when I'm supposed to be his mom **hangs head in shame**. Then again, I am kinda glad that he's only 10 and not 11 cos it'd mean that we have more time together right?

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = == = = = =

Everyone can recognise that handsome face on the right? Apparently, the owner of that handsome (albeit a little grumpy) face is turning 11 years old this Sunday... they say it translates to 77 years in human years, and this makes me the most senior member in our family. **ahem** Yes, I am even older than grandpapa... WTF??!

Ok someone get me a senior citizen's concession card, dentures and a walking stick already...

*********************************

(Shane) I find it so hard to believe the tiny little 2 month old pup that I brought home 10 years and 8 months ago is now a 11 year old 'senior'. He'll always be a puppy in my eyes and even though we now have a new addition, i.e. Hershey, I still love Huskee as much as I did, iin fact even more than the first laid eyes on him. He taught me how to love unconditionally... he doesn't judge me by my failures in life... he does not expect anything from me, other than the occassional tummy rub.

He will always be my very first doggie.. my very special, funny, grumpy little boy with crooked teefies.

2009-08-17T08:38:00.004+08:00

If Chloe was still with us/ inside me, this would be her 32nd week and even if I went into premature labour now, Chloe would have had a great chance of survival without any of those dreaded complications. Why couldn't I have these few extra weeks, 8 to be exact, which would have made such a huge difference between her life and death? These few extra weeks would have saved me from all the heartache and shedding so so much tears. These few extra weeks would have made me a 'real' mummy. These few extra weeks would have changed our family unit and made it complete. These few extra weeks would have changed my life forever.

I have been toying with the thought of getting a tattoo in the past but never did it because I was afraid of the pain. Now seems like the 'right' time to do it because I don't think any physical pain can surpass the pain that my heart went through when I had to go through labour twice with the full knowledge that I won't have a baby to bring home at the end of it. The tattoo which I thought of getting will defintely be somehow related to Lucas and Chloe. It's not that I need something to remind me of them.. this won't ever be necessary cos they will always be in my heart and on my mind, but I really wanted something 'tangible' that I can look at, feel, etc.

Sorry, just wanted to vent and let off a bit of steam cos I am having a bad day... I miss them more than I dare admit.

2009-08-14T11:47:00.008+08:00

Mom's finally back from her short vacation with Aunty F!! We are proud (and relieved) to add that Hershey is still in one piece and looks exactly like how mom left her before she went away, so I guess dad did a fairly good job at taking care of her.

We almost could not recognise mom when she came home although she was gone for only 4 days because now she resembles a character out of Little Mermaid. I think it's called Sebastian.. LOL!!Mom and Aunty F spent a little too much time by the pool (like 5-6 hours every day) and both ended up being sunburnt despite all the sun screen that they applied.

Some nice pics taken at the beach...

Status updates on the pups:

This one is Alive and Playing

And this one is Alive and ummm.. ahh... Sleeping.. no no.. I mean Meditating..

2009-08-09T12:18:00.003+08:00

Mom spent over 2 hours at the bookshop checking out on books about miscarriage, recurrent miscarriages, dealing with grief, death, guardian angels... and dogs. She ended up getting a few books, including this one. I think it spells bad news for Hershey and I... (more so for Hershey than me though).

Mom will be going for a short holiday to some seaside resort this coming week with her best friend (aka Aunty F). Mom and Aunty F have known each other for 17 years and have been each other's pillar of strength through the ups and downs of their lives. Aunty F had been there for mom and dad when they lost Lucas, and now she's also here for them as they are grieve for Chloe AND Lucas.

Dad will be alone with Hershey for the next 4 days while I will still be spending my time at GrandParent's Day Care.. I can tell that mom is a little worried about leaving Hershey completely in dad's care because while he loves Hershey heaps, he can sometimes get too carried away with his work... like forget to take her out to pee/ poo at the appointed time, (over)feeding her, refilling her water bowl, giving her a treat/ bully stick before he goes to work in the morning...

I think mom is worrying too much but well, being the fillial son, I have suggested that she can use my blog to put down the list of 'To Do' things for dad in case he forgets (Shane: I do admit that I think too much and worry too much at times... is it just me or is there anyone out there who does NOT think I am looney??)

1) Please let Hershey out for her last pee pee before you go to bed

2) Please DO NOT overfeed her while I am away in your attempt to 'beef her up'.. The (burgeoning) size of her **cough** bum **cough** is begining to concern me

3) Please don't forget to refill her water bowl every morning

4) Do try and leave her some treats and bully sticks before you leave the house

Oooh and since I am at it, can I also include just one more thing:-

5) Water my (dying) plants --- Since they aren't officially dead yet, they still need water

6) Please don't forget we have a dinner appointment on Thursday eveing

7) And don't forget that I love you heaps and will be missing you like crazy!!

2009-08-06T16:25:00.008+08:00

A bright green package arrived at our doorstep a few days ago. Mom gave a little shriek and hid it away in the drawer saying something like she only wanted to open it on her birthday. WTF.. she did not even let me sniff it.. I think she forgot that I am the boss in this house and I need to know (and sniff) everything that enters into this house.

I found out that the package came from the very faraway Gooberstan, from Stanley, Stella and their Girl. Mom opened the package on her birthday and she started leaking B.I.G time when she saw what was inside. It puzzled me a lot because normally when I receive presents, I am usually ecstatic, overjoyed, jubliant, delighted (ok you get the idea right?)... you won't normally cry when you get a present right??

(Shane) The name of this necklace is 'Love Inside and Out'... It's a beautiful name for a beautiful necklace.... something that I'll always always treasure and wear with pride so that my 2 angels know that they are always close to their mummy's heart.

THANK YOU Stanley, Stella and dear dear Lisa..

2009-08-03T09:43:00.006+08:00

Joey sent our mom this link of a video from YouTube of a super duper talented Border Collie named Gin. If you have not seen it before, I'd recommend you to watch the video here.. Gin is so talented!! It seems like Gin's got a sense of rythmn and can dance real well. Hmmmm... so how come the Border Collie that I have at home is sooooooo different from Gin??

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3rd August - It marked the first year anniversary that my (not so) little sister, Hershey, came home to us. Dad saved Hershey from a pet store and Hershey was his birthday present to mom to cheer her up and keep her busy after they lost little Lucas. Dad also thought that I may like a sibling to play with, so that was how we ended up with Hershey.

The past 1 year really went by too quickly, but I'm proud that we survived the first 365 days... Now Hershey is an integral part of our family and despite all the headaches, destructions and nightmares that she'd caused, we cannot imagine not having her in our family.

We love you so much and feel blessed to have you in our family, Hershey Girl!

4th August - Yesterday was mom's 32nd birthday. Sadly for the 2nd consecutive year, there isn't any 'celebration'. It just did not feel right to be celebrating anything so soon after losing little Chloe. The night before, mom went to my Godma's (Scuba's mom) house for dinner and sweet Aunty S (Helios' mom) surprised mom with a lovely and yummy birthday cake.

Somehow mom leaked a lot yesterday... she said something about how she 'lost' more than she 'gained' during the past 2 years... **pause**.. Correction, although she did lose 2 babies, there's something she did gain... a lot of weight!! (Better run and hide before mom finds out)...

2009-08-03T09:03:00.005+08:00

Farewell Charlie... You will be missed.

Greg, Brooke and Opy - May all the wonderful memories that you have shared with Charlie help you through this sad time.

2009-07-29T08:52:00.006+08:00

We came across these photos of Hershey in mom's mobile phone when she was trying to download the photos that they took of Chloe onto her laptop (Shane: Yup, we managed to get a few precious photos of my little princess during her too short stay on Earth.. Just that instead of these photos, I wish I was she was still inside me.)

Regrettably, mom did not have many photos taken during the period when she was pregnant, and now she's kicking herself (and dad) hard. The photos below were taken around 1-2 weeks before we lost Chloe, so it'd be when Chloe was around 22-23weeks. These photos will be printed and kept in the 'Chloe Box' (Mom kept all of Lucas's things in a 'Lucas Box', they include things like his scans, mom's medical reports, cards that she'd received after they lost him, receipts from the hospital stay, etc, and so it's only right that Chloe gets her own box too).

In the photos below (taken on 2 separate occasions (you can tell from the color of mom's top.. the Pink vs the Green.. heeheee...), Hershey was kissing up to mom with her best 'I am such a sweet pup, aren't I' look on her face. She was actually resting her head on mom's belly when mom was lying in the bed watching tv. (Shane: She NEVER used to do it prior to me getting pregnant and I was really surprised when she first did that cos Hershey has always been more attached to Mark than to me, and this rare display of affection was kinda unexpected, I was so amazed that I took even photos of it. (I am pathetic huh....) She then started doing it quite frequently after that.. i.e resting her head on my belly and drifting off to sleep. Sadly, she's stopped doing it ever since I lost Chloe... Well she does come and lie BESIDE me, but never on my belly anymore.. Previously, Mark and I always used to say to Hershey that she is now a 'big sister' to Chloe and is Chloe's guardian angel, so she needs to protect and take care of her 'little sister', therefore I always found it so sweet when Hershey did that. Do you think Hershey knows/ can sense that Chloe is no longer with us and that's why she's stopped 'protecting'??)

2009-07-27T10:28:00.011+08:00

(Shane here) Yesterday marked the 1st month since we lost Baby Chloe. Last night while we were lying in bed watching E! News and trying to go to sleep, Mark quietly told me that he missed her. I know that he loved and missed her as much as I did all these while, but I guess he'd always been trying to be strong for the both of us, so he

rarely said it out aloud. He'd usually only say it as a response to me telling him that I missed her... Hearing him say it without my prompting last night broke my heart all over again. I really, really hope that although Lucas and Chloe have left us, they take away with them all the love we have.

Those same unanswered questions raced through my mind after that... Why did this have to happen to us again?!! What went wrong during the 2 pregnancies?? What did we do to deserve this??! Are Lucas and Chloe together now?? Where are our babies?? Are they happy?! Do they miss us / think of us??!

Eventually, I drifted off to sleep with a pillow soaked with tears and those questions going through my mind like an unbroken mantra. (Sadly, I woke up this morning with my questions left unanswered.)

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The pawrents went on a short vacation on a cruise cos they just wanted go away and laze and not have to do anything, so a cruise seemed like the pawfect option. They spent a lot of time in each other's company and in a way, it's been a pretty long time since they've spent quality time with each other (mom always harped that 'quantity time is not the same as quality time'..).

For those few days, dad can't check his office email and there were no calls from the office... so all he could do is relax and chill out. In a way, little Chloe has made this possible because mom and dad have not really gone on a real 'vacation' for a while. They used to be so caught up in the rat race with something called 'work'... endless emails, late night conference calls, etc... that sometimes they lose focus on what really matters.

Mom said that going through such major setbacks make her re-evaluate her life and realise what's really important. More importantly, it made her realise how fragile life is. (Although she and dad still need their jobs to keep the roof over our heads and to ensure that we are all fed - not forgetting our vitamins, toys and treats too!! If they have any extra money left, it can then go towards replacing all

the things in the house that Hershey had destroyed.. LOL!!))

Anyway, their so-called vacation costed too much and was too short (although they have already booked the longest one available.)

Here's a pic of the cabin... mom had 'no choice' but to book a cabin with a balcony although it costs (a lot) more because dad gets motion sickness easily and is quite claustophobic, so having a cabin with a balcony will hopefully be better for him.

Unfortunately, it didn't really work cos around lunchtime on the second day, the sea got a bit choppy and poor dad started to feel sick and woozy. He skipped lunch and took some motion sickness pill before mom brought him back to the room to rest. Evil mom took the below pics while dad was totally knocked out... **snigger**

Luckily dad recovered after a short rest and by dinner time, he was back to normal and was looking forward to the dinner. From the looks of it, they had Japanese food for dinner... **wiping drool away**.

Actually mom confessed to me that they both ate A LOT during the trip.. like 5 meals a day, and looking at the number of food pics in the camera, I believe her totally. Little wonder why dad complained that his jeans feel a little snug after the trip!! Heehee...

Other than gorging themselves silly, they also did other things like playing board games, something that neither have done in a REALLY long time...

As you can see, dad put on his (yellow) thinking cap to play Scrabble and he made mom laugh out loud by coming up with the below... those words are not bad, but unfortunately there aren't enough boxes on the board to fit them all in!! My dad's quite a joker, isn't he?!!

Oh, and I think the 2 of them missed the both of us so much that they vandalised the ship.... I found the proof in the camera. But well, being the typical shy Asian pawrents who are not good at expressing their feelings, they didn't want to admit it and mom even said something about it being a 'Helipad'... Hey, we know better right??! That giant 'H' really stands for 'Huskee' and 'Hershey'..

2009-07-17T09:45:00.006+08:00

Normally birthdays are supposed to be a happy time filled with laughter, fun, friends coming over to eat and drink, etc... It's our dad's 30th birthday tomorrow but sadly, for the 2nd consecutive year now, no one is in the mood to 'celebrate'. Last year, it was because of Lucas and this year Chloe... hopefully there will be a cause for celebration next year **paws crossed**.

Message from mom to dad:

Darling, sorry that we won't be able to celebrate your big 30th in the way that I'd initially planned with the BBQ party with all our friends and family. And I am sorry that for the 2nd year running, your birthday is filled with grief and sadness rather than with joy and laughter. And I am even sorrier that I lost both the 'presents' that were meant for you last year and this year.

Thank you for standing by me, for doing so much for me & for our angels and for loving me. I can't ask for anyone better or anything more... While we may not be blessed (yet) with a happy and healthy baby, I hope this is something that we can have in the very near future. My babies are very lucky to have you as their daddy, and I am very lucky to have you as my hubby.

Happy Birthday and we love you always... from your wife and 2 furkids, Huskee & Hershey, and Angel Kisses from your babies, Lucas and Chloe.