Missing my Dogs

I miss my dogs. All of them even if it's just for a few days. Before I leave to travel, I make sure that I spend time with them do the usual goodbye routines. I take a picture with them, talk to them as if they fully understand me and I want them to see me off at the gate.

Harvey and Chivas know the routine. Buddy, being the old guard at the other lot couldn't care less if I leave. Harvey knows very well if I'm leaving for a few days. He would see me off the gate and he lets me hold and talk to him for long minutes. I'm not sure with Bruce.

Bruce is our youngest, our 4 month old Bullmastiff puppy. We can say that he is still in the process of discovering himself and the world. As you would expect from a puppy, he is extremely affectionate and he likes to play even for a generally low energy dog. With Bruce, he is very special as he is considered extremely shy and fearful. He is well adjusted with the family members, but he seems stressed when there are strangers. He goes to a distance and observes. We are trying to work this out and we will provide sufficient training for him. His breed is after all a formidable guard dog.

But everyday, me, my aunt and my siblings would always go to him and play with him. Somehow he gets the routine. So this would be a first couple of days that we won't be there to say hello. Would he figure it out? Would he notice? Would he be sad? Harvey and Chivas could keep him company, but would he miss us?

Before I left, after I talked to Harvey and Chivas, I called for Bruce. Bruce, with his weight and the sweltering heat, would just wag his tail and wait for you to come over. But with so much effort, he got up from his cool spot and went to me at the front door. For some reason he showered me with hugs. Call me crazy, but I think he knew that I was leaving for a couple of days. Looking at his naturally sad face, I hug him back and told him to be good while the two other dogs were mature about the whole thing. Harvey and Bruce saw me off at the gate, naturally Bruce being more eager to follow.

I'm having fun in Cebu and I know I wouldn't skip this flight for anything, but my love and thoughts are with them. I know I'm being melodramatic about this whole thing, but there's no point in denying that I miss my dogs. I saw a small puppy who looked like Harvey at the church yesterday. Then I called home afterwards to check up on them.

Happy Thoughts #6 - 8

It's been three busy days of happiness that made me forget about logging in and staying connected. Except for the scheduled phone calls I make, checking up on the dogs in Manila, talking to Mitch and occasional calls from my dad, my cellphone is pretty much non-existent while I'm in Cebu.

Three happy thoughts for Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Happy Thought # 6: Landing 

I've been accustomed to flying ever since I was a baby. I don't know about the rest of you, but I've always anticipated the landing part wherever the destination. It's the excitement of anticipating when the wheels would actually touch the surface. I would always look at the window and brace myself for the wheels to make contact. Then the much awaited full breaks kick in. Imagine traveling at 200 miles/hour then you have to move heaven and earth to make it slow down at such at a calculated phase due to the short distance given to you. This is a cool mixture of technology and human efficiency. I sometimes judge the efficiency of the crew on providing graceful landings.

The softest landing I could remember was on my trip to Singapore on my way to Bali last 2004. We were riding Singapore Airlines. Aside from the gracious flight and superb meals, I could remember how muffled the landing was. It was as if we landed on foam and we had to second guess if we were actually on the ground.

The hardest, most exciting (nerve wracking) was on one of the Cebu Pacific Flights to Caticlan. I understand the crew had to make use of a short runway. But it was intense and the breaks had to be at a maximum that I had to place my hand on the seat in front of me to minimize impact. These things are fun. For others it may be nerve wracking.

For my Cebu Flight this weekend, landing was smooth, not the best out there but efficient enough. And our pilot was a female Guevarra. Cool.

Happy Thought # 7: Traveling Light

I hate...hate traveling with lots of bags to carry on. That's why I make it a point that I don't travel with my aunts and mom. They like to bring stuff that they don't check in. If I travel with them, it's automatically two additional arms to carry their stuff. Sometimes my arms get numb by carrying two to three bags of knick knacks and pasalubongs that weigh like a ton. I'd always wonder what they put in these things! Come to think of it, they've already checked in boxes! I hate carry ons because you'd get stressed putting them in and pulling them out from the compartments. That's why I vowed to myself to always travel light and avoid being on the same flight with the carry on ladies. 

I usually carry on a tote bag with me where I put my wallet and essential stuff. Sometimes, I also bring a backpack for things that could not fit in my check in bags. But I always keep my hands free because I would usually carry on a book or a cup of coffee. I want to be in and out of the airplane as fast and hassle-free as possible. I'm the type who'd rather pay for excess baggage then carry all the stuff with me. I'm also the type who would rather patiently wait in the bag carousel. I got this thing from my dad. My dad is a light packer. He hates to check in as well as he hates to carry stuff. He would just usually have a personal body bag and a small carry on bag for his clothes and nothing more. 

I love hanging on airports and traveling, but I hate having to carry too much. Checking in bags is the way to go for me. 

Happy thought # 8: Unpacking

Everyone who knows me well knows that I hate packing. I get ultimately stressed. I don't like putting stuff in a limited space. I hate to plan which clothes to bring. I dread this part in traveling. Sometimes I would pull out clothes three days or even a week in advance just to minimize the dreadful impact. I buy new toiletries, new underwear and I don't carry old ones. I know it's weird but I hate putting old clothes in a bag. It's like they don't belong there. 

The pressure in packing is you tend to forget things and I don't like forgetting things. Down from sunblock to my book. I realize that packing is an art and my hands are not made for art. I don't have the surgeon and artistic hands. I hate geometry either, I guess those are things you'd need to be good at in packing.

But if you like traveling, I understand you have to endure this part. During my long travels, I am independent enough to do it but my mom, dad and ate Ne couldn't help themselves but inspect and re-pack it for me. They have this logistical efficiency that I don't have. Minutes before I leave, they peek at my luggage and repack it with so much speed and efficiency. It's like they are ashamed to let me out and check in this luggage of chaos. I always deserve a scolding of course. I would end up sitting there like a kid receiving all the words of disappointment, but so as long they repack it, I'm good. 

Packing is stressful, while unpacking is a different story for me. I love to unpack. I like to put my luggage in my room, open it, take out my clothes, put it in the closet, get my toiletries out and put it in the bathroom. Settling down for me is emptying my luggage as much as possible. Unpacking is a way of reorganizing my life in this unfamiliar territory. I want everything to be in its proper place before I enjoy my vacation. I think that's just the way I work. 

Happy Thought #5

Happy Thought #5: Completing stickers for a Starbucks Planner
Nov. 3, 2012

Today is the start when Starbucks would give away stickers for you to complete so you could get the popular Starbucks planner. I think the yearly planner has garnered a huge following for a Starbucks crazed country. Every year they change designs. Previous years they had this huge leather bound planners, last year they went eco-friendly with wood cover designs, which I think was pretty cool, my favorite so far.

Last year, I got three planners before Christmas. As I've computed, every planner would cost me 2000 PHP ++ worth of coffee. My dad and boyfriend say I'm insane. And I know I'm the type who never uses a planner.

I'm always for the coffee anyways, which has always been a part of my day, but now that every drink order comes with a sticker that would eventually get me a planner, hell I'm not complaining. Even though I don't like planners because it's really not effective for me, I just like the thought of completing and redeeming one. There's a sense of success and accomplishment when you hand over the completed batch of stickers. And it's always fun to start again. I'm happy to get something extra from my coffee consumption and I would always be happy to give it away.

Going to Cebu anxious

I'm finally going on an officially vacation,  I should be happy. I'm leaving for Cebu today with my sister, which easily means that I'll be leaving my pack under the care of our two household helpers. I'm confident in the fact that they are knowledgeable. They know what to do, they are familiar of my pack's temperament and I have faith that they would do the right things at the right time. Because just two days ago, we had a showdown.

Two nights ago I stayed late in the office and evidently woke up late the next morning. Usually my aunt and I would check up on the dogs early morning especially Bruce, our 4 month old puppy, to take him out from his customized cage, feed him and bond with him. Harvey and the rest of the dogs are less destructive now that they are older. They do not need to be supervised. However Bruce is of a different case. He is big for his size and he is at the stage of finding joys in destruction. During the day, we let him out to roam around freely, but at least everyone's up and about to check up on him periodically. But during at night, we fear that we might wake up to chaos and that involves my dad's cars, my helpers' household stuff and my mother's garden. One night when we tried to let him be in the other lot,  we woke up to 5 dilapidated hangers, a fallen old cabinet without the covers, three pots of plants destroyed and chairs toppled. That was only for one night.

Bruce, our little giant, is still restless. He acts like a puppy and even for a low-energy dog, he tends to destroy things a lot. So for the benefit of all those involved, until he gets properly trained, we would have to put him in his customized home for the night.

When I woke up late that day and was about to go to the office at 9:40 am, I did not see Bruce around. Sheepishly my helpers told me that he was still in the cage. I went ballistic. I immediately went to him and saw him slightly inactive. He had wastes in his cage, which was an alarming sight for me because he never does his business where he sleeps. He would always have this spot in the garden to pee and do other stuff in the morning whenever we let him out. I also saw his water dish was almost empty and he hadn't eaten yet. I brought him out and finally gave everyone at the house a piece of my mind.

It's true that my household helpers may know the drill. I'd like to think they love my dogs, but sometimes, they do have other priorities. They didn't buy these dogs in the first place, I did. They can have that decision to ignore my pack especially if they want to slack off now that everyone's out of the house for a vacation. Slacking off is understandable. We want to relax once in a while when no one is looking, but I do expect the basic things to be done. Apart from the very basic household oversight, these dogs will always depend on them to survive the day. I don't expect to them to spend time with them. I just want them to consider their basic needs. I'd be more confident if at least I have one of my siblings around or even my aunt who cares for my pack deeply. But they won't be here when I leave.

That's why I'm anxious. I'm more anxious for Bruce than the rest because he's young and he tends to demand more attention. I'm slightly annoyed at leaving them behind, but my dogs are smart and I still have faith on those that are concerned. I guess I would just have to live through it and endure long distance phone calls every now and then.

I'm going to Cebu. I'm happy, I'm excited but I'm slightly anxious. I'll miss my dogs for sure. I always have.

Happy Thoughts #4

Happy Thoughts #4: FRIDAY
Nov. 2

Don't you just love Fridays? I don't think I would have to explain. It's the end of the work week for most as weekend is within reach. No point in getting too competitive and stressed today. It's time to relax and get excited. 

Things to consider in getting a pet: WORK

Of all things said in my previous post about considerations in getting a pet, I have written about the basic costs, while the other half may be the harder part. Getting a pet is all about WORK.

Sure you have the interest and disposable money, but unless you have a someone devoted to physically rear your pet, you would have to do the nasty legwork yourself. If money is not really a limitation, here are the things you still need to consider.


1. BONDING TIME

Why did you get a pet in the first place? For fishes, hamsters and birds, the bonding sessions might be limited by aquariums and cages, but for four legged creatures that you usually take along with you, bonding is an essential key for a happy companionship. I've witnessed how these domestic animals depend on whatever you act and say. They need you form them to live in exchange for their lives and unending loyalty. Pets need affection and attention. They need to know that they could trust in you and that they could follow you. Bonding deepens friendship and trust. You need your pet to acknowledge and trust you, so the relationship should be healthy and deep. Spending an hour a day is enough for the bonding process to achieve desired effects.

2. EXERCISE

I'm not the physical person. To put it bluntly I hate exercise. But caring for three dogs, made me move around. Just like any human, you don't want them to be obese and weak. Exercise strengthens their immune system, makes them more attuned with nature and be more physically fit and agile.  Without exercise, your pets may get bored and tend to be restless. Exercise will not only calm your pet and make them healthy, but it will also help the human, lazy humans in particular, to at least move around. Join marathons and club meets to vary physical activities.

3. CLEAN UP

Pets live in the moment. They don't really care if they can't hold their shit...literally. They'd go anywhere more appropriate for them to do their business. Owners should be responsible to look after their pet's wastes. I was guilty of ignoring this basic rule at first. I found it disgusting to take care of their wastes especially if you're not prepared with 'materials.' But maturity sinks in. We have to be grateful for public establishments to accommodate our pets, but we have to maintain that goodwill by cleaning up after them. I think it's also high time to thank my household companion, Ate Ne, who has been in our family for years. Not only did she raise us siblings, but she also accommodate my dogs as well. She treats them as her own. Naturally, I shouldn't be depending on her to give them their baths, but I'm lucky she's there to take over especially if I ran out of time.

4. TRAIN

The owners are the first and foremost trainer of their pets. Not every dog or cat actually needs formal training. You just have to tell them what not do and what to do by your actions and the tone of your voice. Dogs do not understand language, they listen to familiar tone and speech. Most importantly, you have to be consistent.

Harvey is a master at patterns. He knows that after dinner, Ate Ne would open the door and he has to go to the garden, do his business before he comes back to the kitchen to sleep. Chivas also learned the trick as well Bruce. It was hard at first. You'd have to reprimand them as if reprimanding a child. You have to show them what to do, lead them to where you want them to go everyday of this particular hour until they get it. You also have to reprimand them if they are showing unruly behavior. Owners not only should be financially and physically capable, they have to exercise extreme patience. Dogs in particular like patterns and learn fast if the owner is consistent and patient. If you don't want additional stress of teaching, then don't get a pet. Assume all pets have their own animal instincts and they can be stubborn if they want to.


5. PLAN AND RESEARCH

Before any major work, planning and research are the activities you'd have to do before getting the pet. Assume that you are highly interested, has the means and has the drive to exert efforts in rearing a pet, you'd still have to research. You can't just get the next cute dog that you see. You have to study if the dog's temperament matches yours. You have to verify if you'll like the dog's characteristics from the physical to the behavioral. As an example, I'm not fond of long haired furry dogs that's why I researched and considered breeds that are less maintenance as far as dog hair is concerned. I also don't like a huge overly physical dog that demands physical stimulation constantly. I'm not an athlete and I don't really like exercise that much so why will I get a dog that requires constant exercise? I like Jack Russell Terriers because they're small, less maintenance and intelligent. I wanted Bruce because he doesn't like exercise that much and we needed a good family guard dog. I don't like dogs that are snobbish. Research will ensure success of a good choice.

___

The EFFORT you have to render in taking care of a pet is more time consuming and physical. This is where pet owners always falter in my opinion. This is where I had a hard time. I admit there are times, given all the things in life, I may not be there for my dogs. I am mostly at work and when I come home at night I just want to be in my bed, but I trained myself to always check up on each and everyone of them before I sleep no matter how tired I am. Just for 15 minutes at least to bond with them. I admit I don't give them their baths all the time. I do it on a weekend. I walk with them on a weekend. I would've done it better, but at least I make sure even on short free times I have I give it to them. And just like any pet that you own, they give back love and fun unconditionally.

Happy Thoughts #3

I still have a few minutes before November 1 ends and get my happy thoughts for today published.
As some may have noticed, I'm strict in plucking out happy thoughts for the day.

Halloween costumes.

I saw pictures in Facebook of friends dressed up as someone else together with their kids and family. They dressed up for a village trick or treat, office affair or simply they just want to have fun.

Dressing up, especially for Halloween is a cool and fun experience. It's the only legitimate time of the year to dress up silly without people thinking you're a lunatic. It's even highly applaudable if they see you go in full detailed production.

The thought of a fun halloween Trick or Treating with complete all out costume and good vibes make up a very happy thought. I hope for next year, I could organize some Halloween shindig. Listing it down for 2013.