Where is the Girl? (III)

Braun decided the food supply was in need of "security protection" (the kibbles are kept inside the containers). She could have gotten too comfortable for until she was caught red-handed, it looked like she slept on the job :)

Pet Food Label

Some useful links that I came across (added them to the sidebar):
1) Pet Food: The Lowdown on Labels"
2) What's Really in Pet Food
3) Selecting a Commercial Pet Food
4) Pet Food Recall (US Food and Drug Administration)

1,000 (Green) Origami Cranes (VI)

I last left off on Skoda's urinary condition that she needs to go on a precription diet. The rascal, you know who I'm referring to, ruled out Prescription Hill's; she would rather starve than eat the kibbles. The beans ruled out IAMS. That leaves us with Waltham Urinary S/O (LP34). The manufacturer is Royal Canin so hopefully Her Royal Highness would take to it. The ingredients list is not published on the Internet so we ordered the smallest packaging (1.5kg - S$26.75) for a trial.

The claim: A complete dietic food for cats. Its urine acidifying properties and its low level of magnesium make it suitable for dissolving struvite uroliths and reducing their recurrence. It is also formulated to combat lower urinary tract disorders.

• Dissolves all types of struvite uroliths;
• Lowers the concentration of ions contributing to crystal formulation;
• Urine dilution ensures a urinary environment unfavourable to the development of struvite and calcium oxalate uroliths; and
• Catarius glycosaminoglycans which are naturally present in the mucous membrane of a healthy bladder.

I'm not too impressed with the ingredients list:
Rice, Wheat gluten, Dehydrated poultry meat (min 27%), Maize flour, Animal fats, Maize gluten, Hydrated animal proteins, Minerals, Vegetable fibres, Beet pulp, Fructo-oligo-saccharides, Fish oil, Soya oil, Egg powder, DL-methionine, Hydralysed crustaceans (source of glucosamine), Taurine & Marigold extract (source of glucosamine).

Average analysis (%): Protein-34.5/ Fat-15/Ash-7.3/ Fibre-2.7/ Calcium-0.8/ Phosphorous-0.7/ Sodium-0.9/ Magnesium-0.05/ Potassium-1 / Chloride-1.9/ Sulphur-0.5

We started Skoda on the new diet food yesterday night (mixed with the existing Nutro Maintenance formula). Her "reaction" has been so-far-so-good, ie more receptive than when we tried Precription Hill's. Will gradually increase the Waltham portion. Fingers crossed...

To increase the girls' water intake, they are now given wet food on alternate days of the week (wet food comprises of 75% water content). Skoda is warming up to wet food so we might give them wet food for dinner daily. The other two love wet food!

Once the current pack of Nutro kibbles is finished, we'll be switching over to another mainstream brand of kibbles. The girls are shredding a lot more fur, their poo smell stronger and recurrence of hairballs while on Nutro (as compared to Royal Canin Indoor formula formerly). I don't think the Waltham formula presents a balanced diet - yes, I know I'm not a vet and ok, maybe it does help in managing urinary conditions. On the latter, we'll find out when Skoda is due for her review in two weeks' time (after starting her on the prescription diet).

"Oh, you're trying to put me on a new prescription diet food har! We shall see lor..."

花花世界 (The World Out There) (II)

We've been taking our time to prepare Skoda, with the hope of bringing her out for a walk someday. Or at least to be able to leave her outside the gate in a safe manner while she checks out the surroundings (on a jacket with a leash tied to the gate). Alas, we are aborting this "mission" after an incident earlier this week.

We had put on the jacket on Skoda as usual. Shortly after, she tried to get the jacket off and in the struggle, she got into a tangle (and let out a cry that sent chills down our spine). We got into a panic. Thank God she managed to squirm out of the jacket before the situation got out of hand. While trying to calm her down, we gave her our word that we won't press on with the training (don't have the heart to anymore). Well, her interests must come first.

This video was taken the day before her outburst. We should have known that her tail swishing from side to side and her meows were indications that she was irritated.

Fly, Fly, Fly! (II)

The bird fly has got to be Braun's favourite toy. She doesn't seem to get tire of it. Everyday without fail, she would pester me to bring it out of the cupboard. She gets a kick from bringing the "bird" down and then chewing it up. One of the feathers had fallen off. Looks like we'll have to get a refill soon.

How Cats See Their Home

Grimlock showed me a cartoon in Reader's Digest (March 2008 edition):

Sweetie, Happy 2nd Anniversary!

This month, Braun takes centre-stage on the masthead. Today marks her second anniversary at the Cove. Last year, I forgot to write an anniversary post in her honour :p - this is "not the norm" considering my memory for special dates (and my habit of journaling them) and the extend I so love her (goose pimples? hahaha…).

Braun almost didn’t make it to the Cove. To be honest, when ST sent over her photo (prior to the adoption trial), Grimlock wasn’t too keen (he and his 'X' factor). As for me, a match in temperament between Skoda and her to-be companion would be the main consideration. I contemplated asking V (Skoda’s former foster) for Suede’s “hand”. Suede and Skoda are sisters and I’d love to have a ginger. Grimlock said Suede seemed to have settled down well in the animal family and so we shouldn’t break up the bond. V might not agree anyway. (So, here are two confessions I’ve made ;p )

Our first glimpse of Braun

I recounted our first meeting with Braun when I started this blog and how her relationship with Skoda progressed. Shortly after her arrival, I went on a break so I could spend time assimilating her into the Cove and also got to know her better.

I’m just so glad to have Braun with us. She is even-tempered and can be stroked for an extended duration. By the latter attribute, I’ve had kneaded away many-a-nerves with the “therapy sessions” – she allowing it and seeing how much she enjoys the contact. The gratification is beyond words. I’m certain it is the same for Grimlock. Braun is unbeatable when it comes to nail-clipping and taking baths – except for a few mild “protests”, we’ve had her full cooperation. Her nick is Braun Braun Sweetie Pie, not for no apparent reasons.

Braun knows she has her way with me. She just needs to look up at me and “yowl” and her human slave shall do her bidding. And she is so persistent (dispenses her ‘killer’ head bumps and “yowls” some more). She does this when she needs an escort to the food bowl (I’ve asked her time and again what happens I’m not around but I’ve yet to get an answer); when she wants her treats (she knows where it is kept); and when she wants the fly toy (yup, she has got the cupboard marked down too). She only does the summoning to me (100% hit rate!) Ok, ok…I “asked for it” ;)

Braun used to be paranoid about being carried and towards certain acts of affection. Over time, we’ve earned her trust so now we can cuddle her for a while (there is a technique). I also now may kiss her on her forehead and when the mood is right, she’ll exchange a kiss on the lips with me – note: at most one kiss hor! When she needs a manicure, she would only do it on the scratching boxes/mat/pole. Braun is an avid climber (swift, accurate and goes by “the sky is the limit”) and has a penchant for the most unlikely hide-outs/"parking spaces". She gets jittery at sudden, loud noises (visitors included) and is very afraid of thunders (would go into hiding mode upon a change of weather – beats me how she picks up the “vibes”).

There’s also her chewing track record. To date, she has chewed through the wires of four mobile phone chargers and four headsets (all Grimlock's) and one computer mouse. We’ve stopped leaving such “temptations” around.

I forgot to add this earlier: Braun's chest fur is white (very white in fact, if there is such a description), smooth and thick. At times when she is completely at ease, she'll lie on her back and I'll gently run my fingers through her chest. "Shiok", solid!

Braun and Skoda have cruised into a comfortable relationship. While they may not be lovey-dovey, they give and respect each other’s space. From time to time, I see Braun licking Skoda’s forehead (aaawww…) and Skoda accepts this act of affiliation. The opposite is not true – Braun doesn’t want to be licked on her forehead (a very cautious girl?). Mikki can forget about attempting such close proximity on Skoda. Braun keeps Mikki at an arm’s distance (Mikki thinks she has better luck in intimidating Braun). Both of them can drift into snooze mode in an upright position. While Braun is generally peace-loving, should Skoda or Mikki push their luck too far, Braun has no qualms in putting her feet down.

Well, I cannot help it that this anniversary post of Braun’s is sooooo long :) I started writing this out over the weekend so that no stone is left unturned, hee hee. This time round, I'm exceptionally early in uploading Braun's anniversary post, just five minutes into 18 March. When I get back home from work later today, the girls will get a special treat.

FINALLY...

bbSp, thank you for putting into perspective what a relationship with a cat might be (and for letting us have it good!). May you be happy and healthy always!

Saturday Nite Fever

"Nope, we didn't paint the town red.

We didn't boogie all nite long.

We were at our favourite past-time. That was good enough for us!"

花花世界 (The World Out There)

We've been taking it slow and steady in our leash "training" mission of Skoda. We left the walking jacket lying around for the last couple of days so as to familiarise her with it. Earlier today we thought Skoda might be ready to go on to the next step so we put her on the dining table and went on to secure the jacket straps under her girth and around her neck. Then, we held our breath.

Skoda didn't exhibit any of the possible abnormal behaviours mentioned on the website. She didn't howl/whine and took the "progress" in good stead. We left the jacket on her for five minues and then took it off. Will be repeating "this several times a day for a week to 10 days". She tried to bite the collar piece though - will have to tighten the collar fasteners a little.



Skoda, 好样叻！ (We're so proud of you!)

That & More!

This article (The Straits Times, 12 March) might come as a old read for some of you; nonetheless, it provides interesting information for all:

"A lower risk of dying from heart attacks" - that and more other ways our cats so enrich our lives! :)

btw, the cat in the article resembles Mikki...

1,000 (Green) Origami Cranes (V)

Skoda's urine culture test result is out! Guess what...there isn't any bacteria in her urine!! This is most puzzling because her earlier Urinalysis, three in total (done on 15 Dec 07, 12 Jan 08 and 1 Mar 08), indicated there is bacteria in her urine. Two of these were done on self-collect samples. I asked Dr K how it could be so and he said the urine for the culture test was extracted in a sterile manner (direct from her bladder with a syringe).

On one hand, I felt huge relief there isn't bacteria in her urine (which means she doesn't have to go on antibiotics) BUT on the other hand, the results are inconsistent (the urine for her first Urinalysis was also extracted from her bladder). Dr K said a prescription diet is the way to go to manage her urinary tract infection (there are still blood and crystals in her urine). Besides Prescription Hill's C/D formula, there is the W/D formula (this is second line diet for urinary conditions and for weight control), IAMS (definitely out!) and one other brand (same manufacturer as RC). Will do some research on this other brand. Giving a mix of dry and wet food could also help to increase her fluid intake.

I'm seriously considering to bring Skoda to another clinic and repeat the Urinalysis to confirm there is no bacteria in her urine. To think she "suffered" an allergic reaction to Clavamox for nothing, and twice! I wouldn't want to see blood again in the litter tray, then to realise things have gotten serious. She is young so if she requires treatment, I believe her recovery chances are good.

Should I, Should I Not...

1,000 (Green) Origami Cranes (IV)

Brought Skoda to the vet clinic for her urine culture test on Fri, 7 March. The results will be known in 3-5 days. Dr K also performed an Urinalysis - this time, there was a slight dip in the indicators; less blood in her urine and back to the alkaline side again. This is most puzzling because the same test was only done last Sat, 2 Mar. Could there be some contamination in the self-collect sample? Skoda also had her annual vaccination shots done. She was completely unfazed at the vet's. We didn't have to coax her out of the pet carrier and once out of it, she ventured all over his desk and didn't want to go back into the carrier when Dr K was done with her. Dr K and the vet technician, R commented she had put on weight :o (and we hadn't noticed it ourselves).

(7 Mar 08)

Fly, Fly, Fly!

The girls are having great fun with their new fly toy. We're especially surprised to see Braun taking a keen interest in it because she has a phobia of whip/rod-looking toys. We keep the toy away in a cupboard and Braun has got that marked down. She kept rubbing her head and body against the cupboard door and howled away and when the door was slightly ajar, we saw her trying to get her paw in.



With the other two hot on the heels of the "fly", it was hard for Skoda to get her share of playtime so we had to keep the other two away in the room. Anyway, this girl kept the work-out to her upper body with her butt "glued" to the floor.



Forgot to add: We wonder if the Da Bird toy is similar. We saw it while in Hokkaido and almost bought it if not for we weren't sure whether the price was comparative (vs buying online from US) and the fear it might not fit into our luggage (the rod's length). The Da Bird toy seems to be well-received too.

Finally Arrived!

After a one-month wait, our order finally arrived at the Cove! Chief Inspector aka Skoda exercised her due dlligence and administered strict customs clearance of the parcel before she'd let it through:

(Viola! I just figured out how to make a photo collage - thanks to Picasa web album. This would come in very useful because I often take consecutive shots. Picasa doesn't seem stable though.)

For some time, Grimlock and I have entertained the thoughts of bringing Skoda out for walks. She is "kaypo" (ie curious) enough to want to, at times, venture out of the gate to "look see, look see" (and bolt right back at any sound or sight over at our neighbour's). Such attempts of hers never fail to get our adrenalin pumping. When we've visitors, she doesn't go into hiding and will check them out at a safe distance (she used to more forthcoming when she was younger). Of the three, she is the most "gung-ho" and she could do with more exercise. Our apartment is a corner unit and there is a park near our block.

Those collars and harnesses sold at the local pet supplies shop are unsuitable and unsafe for cats so the sourcing would have to be done overseas. We recently got a supplier contact through San (an experienced "cat walking" trainer :) ) and aunty P and pooled our order of cat walking jackets with the latter.

"Oh, is this for me? What's this? What can I do with it?"

Some years back, I saw a man with a cat on leash below my block - the cat stayed put despite of the man's coaxing (the cat was very calm). It was quite a comical sight and I was amused that he actually tried to walk a cat (I then thought only dogs would go on walks).

We've now placed the jacket next to Pinky so as to let Skoda get used to it. And we'd also familiarise ourselves with the leash training tips posted on the supplier's website. Will need to get an identification tag and a leash. Watch this space for updates on how our leash "training" mission of Skoda goes (it is too preliminary to speculate on whether roles might be switched?) :)

Skoda snoozing away with the cat jacket on her.

(9 March 2008)

Besides the cat jacket, we also bought a fly toy from the same supplier. The girls are having great fun with it, one of our "better" acquisitions to date.

Gender Equality

Came across this article in Lianhe Zaobao late last year. Today is International Women's Day so guess this sharing is opportune?

The four nothern Europe countries once again topped a report by the World Economic Forum on "equal opportunities between men and women". New Zealand came in 5th position, while the US dropped to no. 31st position.

A gender gap index, released by this think-tank organisation revealed that though gender equality has not been fully established in the four countries, namely, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland, these countries scored highly in the areas of salary, educational opportunities, level of political representation and health standards.

The index showed that these four countries, which were ranked the top four in 2006, achieved better results in the economic indicators. This was due to employment and salary for men and women being more on par.

New Zealand moved up two notches to its 5th position, while the Philippines retained 6th position for two consecutive years. Women's political representation went up in both countries. Germany dropped from 5th to 7th position.

In this ranking involving 128 countries, the US dropped from 23rd to 31st position, mainly because of less employment opportunities for women arising from the poor economy performance. The gender gap index used the score of '1' to indicate men-women equality. The US scored 0.70. The total population of the 128 countries is about 93 percent of the world population.

Besides Sri Lanka which was placed at 15th position, most of the Asian countries had low scores, at below 0.67. Singapore's score increased from 0.65 to 0.66 (pathetic!) and its position dropped from 65th to 77th position. The other two Asian countries, China and India were ranked 73rd and 114th position respectively.

A spokesperson said that the scores for women's health and education indicators went up in most of the countries. On the contrary, changes in economic and political representation were varied. She also said that only 25 out of last year's 115 countries slipped from their original ranking, which goes to show women's status has generally improved.

Afternote: Can there ever be equality between the two sexes? For me, it is a 'No'. Well, more opportunities are within my reach then as compared to my mother's time (and the generations before) BUT the scales remain tipped on one side. It's too demanding to be a woman - so many hats to wear; first, as herself, then having to juggle motherhood, as well as earn her own keep (the cost of living has gone up too much to be depending on a single household income). Some of my girlfriends have had their career being put on the back-burner almost as soon as they attain 'mummy-hood'. And to side-track a little: there are women employers who make the worst "discriminators", ie they are not necessarily more supportive of the need of work-family balance.

1,000 (Green) Origami Cranes (III)

I brought Skoda's urine sample to the vet clinic yesterday for a review. All the indicators went up. There is blood in her urine. The only improvement: her urine is now on the acidic side (ph6.2 as compared to ph7.10 previously).

Yesterday's review:

The last review:

For the past 3-4 weeks, Skoda has been taking a combination of RC Indoor and Nutro Adult Maintenance formula kibbles. We're drawn by the latter's claim that it is formulated to help manage Feline Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). She is not keen with Prescription Hill's C/D kibbles (we aren't neither).

After going through the Urinalysis report with Dr K, I understand there are two options, namely, do a urine culture and sensitivity test or/and an ultrasound investigation. There is bacteria present in her urine so the culture and sensitivity test will show what type of bacteria is present and allow the vet to treat it with specific antibiotics. An ultrasound will present the condition of the cat's kidneys (whether normal or shrunken) and whether there is any cysts in the kidneys. To perform the procedure, shaving will be done to Skoda's belly fur and if she is uncooperative, she may need to be sedated. The vet clinic is not equipped to do ultrasound testing so we'll have to bring her to another facility (and "by default", this would be Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital because Dr K is with its subsidiary clinic).

Dr K recommended that we go for the culture test first and then take it from there whether an ultrasound scan is needed. Will have to bring Skoda in to the clinic on one of the mornings and have to ensure she has a full bladder (meaning keep the litter trays away from her the night before). Sourcing a suitable antibiotic to treat the infection would be tricky because there are limited choices. And if the number and size of the cysts are significant, she'll require surgery.

While looking at the Urinalysis report printout, I was reminded that Skoda is just 2.5 years old. Hopefully her young age puts her in good stead for a complete and speedy recovery. This girl should be drinking more water but she isn't (I keep seeing though the other two lapping away at the drinking fountain). She seems to be more 'noisy' nowadays (is she trying to tell us something?). Skoda, Skoda...

Roving Eye@mcc: Purr-Fect Indulgence

Grimlock and I were at the Liang Court Shopping Centre yesterday night. We saw this on one of the shop front, Pink Parlour:

Love the description on the brochure, meoooowww:

And there is a Kitten Club, a VIP members' club. I think even if you're not a cat lover, the marketing pitch still calls for two thumbs up!

Mixed Signals

Mikki is quite fond of dropping down on the floor and do the following in this sequence: do a good stretch, rock from side to side, stare into space and then spring up on her fours. Cute right? Grimlock and I have become smarter, ie we fully register her stroke-me-at-your-own-risk message. Yup, watch-no-touch, thank you very much!

Spider Girl Spotted!

One evening this week, I heard a commotion outside (I was inside the study). I rushed out and saw a box on the floor in the storage room. I looked up and caught Spider Girl aka Braun in action!

Amazing how she made her way up there in the first place. Panic was written all over her face. Before I could get a ladder to bring her down, she decided to leap down (my heart was at my mouth!). Once she touched the floor, she ran off and didn't want me to touch her. I rounded her up in the room and checked on her. Seeing how frightened she was, I didn't have the heart to scold nor smack her (light smacks on the butt lah :p) and ended up giving her therapy instead (her heart was beating very fast). Let's see when she will strike again...

Three Kittens & An Adventure

Grimlock came across this Japanese video clip on three kittens (Shimachibi, Katsuo and Wakame) who went on an adventure. Kawaii (cute)! I especially like the part when Shimachibi confronted the garden cat - so protective of his younger sibling and fearless!! Enjoy!

Sun Worshipper

We moved Pinky onto the dining table which is just next to the windows. Cats have this thing about basking in the sun (and they can keep at it for a LONG time). Skoda being the Alpha, was the first as always, to check out the new spot. It is not hard to tell the "move" is very well appreciated and has Her Royal Highness' stamp of approval!

Give that Girl a Sock!

Last Sunday, I was getting ready to leave the house. I sat down on the floor to put on my socks. Mikki decided she could have some fun with the sock so she grabbed it by her teeth and embarked on an intensive wrestling match with it. This video clip was just part of the action:


Some times, Skoda does the same too. When I get back the sock and put it on, she would even give the sock, or rather my toes, a good bite or two :o

珍惜眼前人

Late last month, I saw the Swatch watch design for Chinese New Year titled "Cute Rats" in a festive feature in the newspaper. The rat is the "mascot" for the year of my birth :) I used to collect Swatches in my younger years. It has been quite some time since I bought a Swatch - viola, the 'perfect' reason for me to get this special edition! And better still, I asked Grimlock to get it as my Valentine's Day present (hee hee, smart right?). That would save him the pain too for having to 'crack' his head over what to get for me (ha!).

So, after making my "wish" known to Grimlock, I was happily and patiently waiting for this present to "make its way" to me - on Valentine's Day. Lo and behold, I got the watch ahead of Valentine's Day, as a surprise :)

Inspector Mikki springs into action!

Back to the post heading....
That would be my take on love, whether it is Valentine's Day or not. In English, it means to cherish those around you. It is a perspective I've to constantly remind myself of, especially when the pace of life can get so fast and to steer myself away from taking people and privileges for granted. The application is broader than romantic relationships.

This pair of mugs was what I bought with a shopping voucher that I received as my wedding gift. Mine is the pink one while the blue one is Grimlock's (there were only these two colours). I think these are our only His-and-Hers stuff :)

Afternote: For the first time in our relationship (13.5 years of it), we bought the same Valentine's Day card for each other! Can you believe it?!?!

Cat Hospital in Singapore?

Some time back I was searching the Internet for information on cat urinalysis indicators (or was it blood test indicators?) and came across a Cat Hospital of Austin located in Texas, US. Check out the feline staff line-up, namely, office manager Taz, assistant office manager Gizmo, administrative assistant Nutmeg and hospital mascot Taxi. Except for Taxi, they each have a work email address. Maybe my girls could get in touch with them and find out what it is like to hold down a proper job (and start earning their own keep? hahaha...). From the narration in A Day in the Life of Gizmo, it looks like the work environment is well-paced.

You can also browse through the Informative Library section for information and useful links on major feline ailments.

Quite envious that the people residing in or near Texas, ie those who keep cats, can look to this hospital that specialises in feline medical care. When will there be a cat hospital in Singapore - ever?

'Yours Truly' in the News

'Yours truly' aka Mighty Mouse made it to the national Chinese newspapers, Lianhe Zaobao fukan on 6 Feb! :)

2008 is the year of the Rat. Most people do not have a good impression of the rat. In the world of cartoons and animation, the rat takes on a completely different image. Though it lacks in size and strength as compared with other animals, it often turn the odds around and tide over dangers with its quick mindedness and nimble limbs. Hence there are many famous "rats" in the history of cartoons.

Mighty Mouse was created for 20th Century Fox by the Terrytoons company. It made its debut screen appearance in 1942 in a cartoon titled The Mouse of Tomorrow. Its creation was inspired by Superman - it initially donned a tight blue costume with a red cloak (this was later changed to a yellow costume with a red cloak).

Mighty Mouse could fly and travel undergrounds, and possessed special abilities such as X-ray sights, super hynoptic skills and turn time around. He also had one skill which Superman didn't - when flying, he would eject a red, tidal trail which could be transformed into a weapon!

(Wow, power to Mighty Mouse!!!)

A less known fact was that the script writer, Izzy Klein orginally wanted to create a super fly but the boss of the animation company, Paul Terry changed it into a rat. Mighty Mouse enjoyed great fame from the 1950s right up to the 1980s.

(Thanks heaps, Paul Terry! You got the eye for talent!!)

Besides Mighty Mouse, the other rats who made it to the wall of fame include: Mickey Mouse (the world's most famous rat), Speedy Gonzales, Remy (Ratatouille), Jerry (Tom & Jerry), Fievel (An American Tail), Maus (Maus: A Survivor's Tale) and Bao Bao (Spirited Away).

Look Who is Watching?

Came across this cute illustration on the front page of Lianhe Zaobao fukan (6 Feb). Look who is peeping from behind the sofa? Read some time back on why the cat is not one of the Chinese zodiac animals; can't remember the tale off-hand though...

恭贺新禧! (Happy Lunar New Year!)

Festive greetings from all @ the Cove:


Title of music piece: Tea Picking / Performed by: Firebird Youth Chinese Orchestra

Wishing you abundance, loads of laughter and good health!

人间传喜讯 共饮幸福酒
天地发光彩 齐绘吉祥图

(Fireworks display on eve of Chinese New Year, 5 Feb @ the strike of midnight, Marina Bay. It has become an annual "ritual" to have drinks with Grimlock and Bird at one of the nearby hotels in the area and then catch the fireworks display at Marina Square. There is now a lot of blockage from the ongoing construction so our view was affected. Looks like we'll have to re-position ourselves next year.)

All is Well

I took the day off today so I brought Braun for her annual review. Requested for a full blood test to be done on her. Results as follows:

In summary, Dr K said Braun is in good health - WHEW! One of the indicators for blood palates (PLT) is on the low side, probably because she was nervous. Yes, Braun was nervous indeed - she kept wanting to head back into the pet carrier (before Dr K was done with his examination) and she shredded quite a bit of hair while holding onto her for Dr K to administer the annual vaccination (FE/FC/FVR). And she was all quiet on the way to the vet clinic and the trip back home (too scared to make any noise, I guess, ha ha), taking cover under the foam cushion that was placed inside the carrier. Her weight is alright for her age as well. I also took a peep at her new claw; it is growing back - slowly but surely :) hee hee.

When we got home and I was unlocking the gate and main door, Braun kept butting her head against the carrier door (couldn't wait to be let out). Once she was released, she spent a good 20 minutes licking herself.

(3 Feb 08)

Got Room for Love?

I reckon I could have "quietly" added the link for this blog on the sidebars BUT I decided to do more, by giving it special mention here - a friend's blog titled Foster Cats for Adoption. If you've a permanent, loving home to offer, check out the sweeties.

￥3.5m "Pet's Budget" for Abandoned Cats & Dogs

Came across this article in Lianhe Zaobao on 27 Jan 08:

My shot at the translation:

In the new fiscal year, the Japan government would be forking out ￥3.5million (S$4,670,000) as a "Pets' Budget" to cover hospitalisation and upkeeping fees of abandoned pets. Lonely Japanese who keep pets for companionship has become a very common phenomenon. While keeping pets continue to grow in popularity, there have been numerous instances of animals abandonment.

In 2006, more than 300,000 abandoned cats and dogs ended up being killed. Many of these had owners who are elderly in age. The regulation at the government shelters for stray dogs and stray cats is that these animals will be put down if no claim is being made by their owners or fosters within three days. As the number of abandoned pets continue to escalate, the cost of feeding them during their stay has gradually become a burden.

The local hygiene and environment departments have recently passed a "No Killing" order. The animals' lives would be spared and the departments would try all means to rehome them instead. On 26 Jan 08, the Japan government announced that it would fork out a "Pets' Budget" of ￥3.5million in the new fiscal year, ie ￥2,300 per abandoned cat or dog. In addition, the government would pay an allowance (vaccination and feed) to locals who are willing to adopt the animals.

This new "Pets' Budget" is considered a major breakthrough in Japan parliament. The budget's successful passing is largely owed to an increasing number of dogs' lovers among the Cabinet. With the growing voice projected by these ministers, the government have had to accord "dogs/cats rights". The new measure targets to reduce the number of abandoned cats and dogs by 50% over the next 10 years.