Things to Consider in Getting a pet: COSTS

One day, out of nowhere, you decided that you wanted a pet. You wanted company, something you'd care for within your means. Let's just say that you're just generally fond of their cuteness, playfulness and loyalty. Some of your friends may have great stories to tell about their pets and you, without really knowing it, became encouraged. The thought and desire are planted until one day you wake up and you wanted to get a dog, a fish, a cat, a bird or a hamster for that matter. In some cases, you never really wanted one, until your child begs and you find the thought cute and harmless, you find yourself giving in.

Getting pets is maybe cute and essentially not a life and death situation. But caring for pets more than anything is a responsibility of the owner. Pets are not toys. You cannot just leave them to fend for themselves and only take notice of them when you're in the mood. They are living creatures that feel pain, have intelligence and have feelings. They depend on a well-balanced and dedicated owner to rear them and to give them at least the basic things they need to live. If getting pets is something that you just fancy without a certain amount of commitment, it's going to be hard to pull through especially if you encounter challenges. Also if you buy a pet unprepared which means you didn't do research or planning, it might end up being a nightmare and you'd regret the day you decided to get one. So before you actually take a living a creature into your home, ask these questions:

1. Do I have the resources to buy the pet whatever he needs to live?
2. Given my lifestyle, will I have the capacity in a day to play, bathe and teach the pet?
3. Can I clean the pet's wastes wherever, whenever? (Really basic question that deserves a thought)
4. Am I emotionally stable to rear a pet? 
5. If I'm gone who will take care of the pet?

Basic questions that deserve basic answers. Do not second guess yourself. If you're uncomfortable answering positively to any of the questions, there's a core reason behind it. Do not force it if you're not ready because getting a pet is more than an emotional commitment. It's WORK and COST.

Here are the top things you need to consider if you're getting a pet. Let's say, a dog. The section is divided into 2, the COST section and the WORK section.

COST

So you decided to get a pet, but you don't have a job. Excellent, DO NOT GET ONE, PLEASE. Getting pets are like taking care of a cheaper child. You still have to pay for certain expenses. If you're just going to get a pet and subject it to inhumane conditions, you have classified yourself as a house-brand criminal. Here are the BASIC costs you should consider. 

1. Veterinary Expenses

REAL DEAL:  Like most us who prefer to take on baby pets or puppies early on would need to face veterinary expenses. Puppies especially 2-3 months old from a breeder still needs a series of vaccination that could amount to 1,500 - 2,000 PHP per visit. For puppies, the frequency is much so, every 2 weeks for 1.5 months. Certain vaccinations like series of boosters, leptospirosis vaccine, Anti-Rabies, anti-cough and other additional medicine that your veterinarian might recommend. There are even some skin creams and pills for some pets suffering from skin irritation. There might be nutritional pills for under-nourished pets. The list could go on and on. Of course, you only need to get the basic vaccines, but the point is if your pet needs additional medicinal care, it's your responsibility to give it to them. 

Of course, aside from the actual veterinary services and medicine, you have to think of the cost of going to your vet. If you have a car, you'd consider gas. If you're for home-service, you should consider the additional professional service fee.

SKIP IT:  Oh well, dogs, cats, hamsters and fish are naturally strong creatures that could fend for themselves anyways. You decided to just feed your dog magnificently, clean their areas regularly and protect them from all things dirty and harmful. Sure, you could do that. But for youngsters or puppies, their immune system are not that strong yet. If you don't give them the appropriate medical attention, you will just be exposing themselves to harmful bacteria that you most probably will not be aware of. These vaccines are additional and preventive care for your pets to avoid any fatalities or bigger medical expenses in the future. 

2. Food and Access to Clean Water

REAL DEAL: There is a reason why pet foods are created. Certain makers have already gone through extensive research on proper sustenance and nutrition of your desired pets. They did their study on what is best for your companions so do not ignore the presence of proper pet food. Not all foods humans could eat are acceptable for our pets. They do have their own ways to digest food. Pet foods are also balanced and would address all your pet's nutritional needs. You just don't feed the dog for the sake of feeding, they need to have certain vitamins and proteins to be physically and mentally nourished. Depends on your breed and how your pets eat, this should be included in your monthly expense budget. This is by far the basic need of your pet, so do not screw this up. 

As far as water is concerned, always get it from a clear source. It doesn't have to be mineral water. Tap water can do for some but make sure that the faucet is clean and not rusty. The dog bowls are constantly cleaned and inspected for any wandering insects. Water is the fastest element that could be absorbed by your pet's system, so ensure that it's clean. Also some pets and breeds require more water  due to the tropical weather. It's always important to give them access to clean water. 

SKIP IT: Give scraps and human leftovers. It's still food. They'll survive. With this mentality, you're gearing your pets to be malnourished, obese or a constant risk to dietary attacks that might lead to death. Human leftovers that include fat, bones and extensive oil, salt and condiments may have a bad effect on your pets. Human food have various ingredients that may are harmful to animals. They don't have the same human enzymes or stomachs. We cannot assume what we eat is appropriate for them. Pet food is the safest, most nutritional way. Do not compromise this basic need. 

3. Pet Accessories and Shelter

REAL DEAL: This is for comfort and security. Unless you have a highly trained pet that follows your every order, you can skip buying a leash and a collar. If your pet shares your bed, you may also skip the shelter part. But in general, pets need a place to stay, sleep and hang around. You'd need to buy a place to get this certain amount of comfort and security for your pet. A place that could withstand heat and rain would have to do.

As for the accessories, this could vary from one owner to another. If you're buying a hamster, definitely you'd need cedar or wood sheds as cleaning agents as well as comfort. You'd need to consider their recreation by buying a wheel to play with. For fishes, you'd need a stable and durable aquarium situated in a cool place. You'd need some oxygen source, electricity, corals if need be and some filters. For dogs and cats, of course you'd need feeding bowls, collars, leash, beddings, doggie bags and grooming accessories. This area is more flexible depending on the owner. Some owners are particular and meticulous to the accessories. Some are only for the basic ones while others go overboard. The important thing is give them the comfort and security they need.

SKIP IT: If your pet doesn't have any place of his own, prepare to share your place with him and all the wonderful things that come with it. If you're not prepared to share your space and just decided to leave your pet outdoors without any protection from the weather, you'd subject him to heat stroke, dirt and other illnesses.

4. Travel costs

REAL DEAL: In Manila where extended families and household help are generally present, you would be confident to at least have them look after your pet when you're gone to travel. But for some who are living on their own, travel costs is something to consider. If you're taking your pet with you on a road trip, prepare additional security and comfort for your companion. If you're taking them to a pet hotel, costs vary from 300 - 500 PHP pesos a day. If you hire someone to check up on your pet at a certain time, cost may be minimal but the security is compromised. While airfare and airport fees are the worst.

SKIP IT: If you have a super intelligent chimp as a pet that can communicate, operate a coffee maker and feed himself, then you're fine. You end up having a built in security without the additional fuss. But dogs, cats, hamsters and birds have limited capabilities. Unless they are in the wild, they can not feed themselves. They'd end up eating grass, dirt or your couch.

5. Training Costs

REAL DEAL: This greatly applies to dogs, cats or even birds. We train certain pets to have them well behaved in a controlled environment. More than the showmanship and need to feed our ego, a trained pet can follow certain house rules that would relieve unnecessary stress on your part. This is an additional cost and not a necessity, but good to have.

SKIP IT: This is a cost that varies from one pet to another. Generally you can skip this unless your pet has exhibited distressed and aggressive signs of behavior that you cannot control. This is for pet owners who'd like to achieve a certain level of control over pets that are unruly and aggressive.


6. Grooming Costs

REAL DEAL: This also varies from pet to pet. Dogs and cats are the usual customers of grooming centers that range from 300 PHP to 500 PHP depending on the level of work and complexity. Grooming is also an important part of your pet's life. If you can't do it alone, you'd need to pay for someone who would do it for you. Especially for cats and dogs that need constant tending, this could be an additional monthly cost. Certain skin irritations are nuisance and always stems from an unhygienic pet. Certain sickness stems also from dirt especially if it reaches the more salient parts like ears, eyes and mouth. Not only will they smell and look nice, this is also a preventive measure to protect your pets from unwanted illnesses.

SKIP IT: Like what was mentioned, you don't want a smelly moving dirt lounging around your house. Dirt can lead to skin irritations and illnesses. If the nails are unclean and the pet accidentally scratches someone, the wound may get infected. Certain health problems develop over time because of an unhygienic living. Ignoring this part may be additional costs in the future.

--

These top six costs are basic to must-have items for your pet. If you're going to compromise on some areas, certain adjustments would do, but some areas should be non-negotiable. You can adjust the brand of the pet food, but not to the extent of feeding human food. You can have the basic vaccinations, but it's not advised to leave your pet's medical care to chance. Training is relative, but if your pet is unruly and you do not know what to do, training is inevitable. 

Caring for a living being whether or not you go overboard, entails cost. As a pet owner, one has to be prepared to shell out to provide at least the basic needs of your pet for security, health and nutritional purposes. If you're not ready to pay and you find these costs wasteful, then having a pet is not for you. Save up and wait until you accept the fact that with pets, there is always money involved.

Happy Thoughts Post #2

Happy Thoughts Post #2: The Month End.
Oct. 31, 2012.


It's already October 31st, the last hold of the Beer-fest Month. One more day and we'll see the light of November. For most of the processes and projects I've been to, month end days are the worst. This is when reports are consolidated, accounting books are closed and the overtime cycle continues. At work, no one even really likes the month-end.

But I'm liking it for a different reason this time. No matter the circumstances, I've always been grateful when I end a month. It's a reminder that there's another slate to start again and if the previous month was so bad, it's the perfect time to just shove it to the past.

Ending the month is always a pleasure because of the excitement that the new month brings. The end is a strong reminder that there's a new beginning.

J.Co Experience

The J.Co Experience (Nightmare)
Oct. 30 (Tuesday)


Possibly this is the worst experience I had endured just to get desserts, doughnuts specifically.

Doughnuts are okay. They're not my favorite and I could live without it, but I have to admit that a good doughnut does uplift me once in a while.  I thought Krispy Kreme had ended all the major doughnut wars, but apparently there's a new player, a rising player located in Greenbelt Makati called J.Co Donuts. And Manila always treats the new international craze like there's no tomorrow. It's always like the whole community's life depended on getting a slice of what they offer. So lines go crazy until the hype dies down.

I've seen the long lines before, but I didn't really pay much attention until I had every reason to. My relatives from Cebu are flying back home tomorrow and one of their pasalubong requests was to get a box of of J.Co doughnuts. They had it on their trip to Singapore and and they said it's better than Krispy Kreme. Curious about the seriousness of the request,  I wanted to see for myself what the fuss was about.

After watching Argo, my sister and I immediately went to the doughnut place and saw the dreaded sight. The long line was definitely discouraging. A few more steps and the last person will hit the entrance door.

5:30

At 5:30 pm sharp, the line was anything but encouraging. There were no places to dine in anymore. and the line had already snake. The worse part is it takes a long time for any progress. I knew it was going to be a pain, but not for 3 whole hours. I was still feeling sheepish and optimistic at this time. Normally I know I wouldn't think twice of skipping this joint, but I had promised my autos that they'll get their J.Co donuts today. So I took out my book and began to read.

7:30

As soon as I'd finished a wonderful book, I realized I was already cranky. Negative vibes started to hound me. I've never waited for a dessert for 2 hours. My mood was so bad that it came to a point that I wanted to pull someone's hair for contributing to the delay. People change flavors countless of times as I watched grumpily.

8:25 

By this time, I've been standing and falling in line for almost 3 hours. You will not believe how many rabid thoughts were floating in my mind. I wanted to throw the doughnuts away as a form of vengeance for letting me stay this long. Also, the closer and crankier I got, the more aggressive I became. I saw their faulty operations on a magnifying glass, which generally contributed to the overall discouragement. Doughnuts were released at a slower pace. The cashier was the same bagger. And office gossip thrives on the production floor.

By the time I took my turn, I just instructed the attendant to get an assorted set. I didn't care. I had no inclination nor desire to pinpoint and plan flavors.

A whopping 3 hours waiting time for doughnuts seemed pretty stupid. I knew the long wait wasn't about the doughnut anymore, it became a personal challenge. There were moments that I wanted to give up, but  I wanted to prove to myself that I have strong restraint, immense patience and sensible upbringing. But waiting for 3 hours in a doughnut shop was not sensible. By 8:30, I saw the light.

Though I learned so much about myself and became proud for the display of patience, I would never ever do this again, not for doughnuts, not for chocolates not for any food I think I could survive living without. 

Sandy Storm

I got a call from a colleague last night about a certain conundrum that happened towards their end of day. She even, grudgingly, went back to the office to answer to some clarifications from the clueless but rather panicked management. Since I'm in the business of trades, certain closure of major markets where our funds are being dealt, should be published on our part to reflect proper settlement dates and trade information. I wouldn't bore you with the details, but an emergency inactivity of a major stock house spells a bit of a downstream change on our part. As the issue occurred, I double checked and verified there are known holidays that I know of yesterday, but as per news, the stock exchange in New York was on an emergency shut down.

We were not prepared for the Sandy storm that would hit the greater parts of the US. And surely I don't think the citizens there were expecting something huge as this and during Halloween at that. According to reports, it's one of the biggest storms to date, a once-in-a-lifetime kind of storm. New York became a ghost town some reported. It's kind of scary because come to think of it, almost all armageddon plots in movies usually happen in New York.

Living in the Philippines where the citizens are used to countless storms throughout the year with  immense flooding, it's kind of discomforting to see other more modern and developed countries suffer almost the same effects that we endure when it comes to storms. For sure, Philippines had always topped the natural calamity headlines when it comes to storms and flooding because thanks to our irrigation system, poor infrastructures, pollution and with our geographical location, we somehow have an idea why we get the worse and as expert survivors our shock level has gone a bit higher. But whenever I see developed countries emerged in floods, I get shudders because it really must be that bad.

Here are sample pictures taken from TIME.COM and NYTIMES. It's a part of New York and Brooklyn.

Seeing those pictures and hearing the news makes me shiver. Bottom line, even if I'm from the Philippines, I would never get used to really nasty natural calamities such as this. Natural calamities that make the world stop make me realize how powerless and puny humans are when nature goes amok. 

I have an aunt who lives in New York and I just found out that they are being evacuated. Evacuation in New York? That's really something. 

It's unfortunate but in calamities like this, we could only prepare so much and end up waiting for the worse to end. Time to pray for those out there, that's the best we could do at this point. 

Thoughts on Publishing

I don't work in a publishing company nor I could claim that I'm thoroughly knowledgeable about the industry. I just know that ever since I was a kid together with the thought of being an archaeologist, librarian and a forensic scientist (yes working with dead people), I'd always dream of working in a publishing house. It's funny that even though I love books so much, I've never really pictured myself as the writer. Writing is something that I just would like to do but not as a full time career. I also like to own a bookstore and a library, but for a more corporate hunter and for a person who likes structure and schedules, working in an industry is more appealing to me.

For years of collecting and reading books I've become familiar with Random House, Penguin, Harper Collins, Simon Shuster just to name a few. I always see their imprints before I start on Chapter 1 and I could just imagine the power they bring to terrorize and snob the new writers. Selling good books are their business and these well known publishers only get the best. You have to rely on them for meticulous research, study and reviews on the books they print out. Of course there are smaller, independent publishing houses out there that hit remarkable wonders, but for these big publishing houses, it's where every career-writer's wish to be published.

Publishing now has to take on a new phase even for these global companies. E-Books now are harder to ignore. Even for a traditional book collector like myself who will never tire of reading and buying books, I've already succumbed to the e-book phenomena. Why not? It took me years to realize that I should at least try a new medium. Ultimately there's nothing wrong with it. I previously felt I was being a traitor to books but I figured I'm more for the stories anyway however they are presented. It may be in print or electronic, but I am a reader because I love stories and information. I would always love to go in a bookstore, smell and buy books and actually put a physical copy in my shelf. It won't change, but at the same time I should recognize other media as a more practical and modern move that would benefit me as a reader. I strike that collector and reader balance. But for more tech-savvy netizens out there, I know they wouldn't pay so much for a printed copy.

As a consumer, together with technology and connectivity, e-books are admittedly cheaper. I have 1000 ebooks in my laptop and 40 stored in my IPAD for less than 100 dollars shared and bought from different sources. The gadgets and together with the e-copies are available to take advantage of. Imagine having 1000 titles at your disposal at minimal cost.

Also, E-books are very practical. If you love to read and have no inclinations to collect because of minimal space, E-Books are perfect. While I was in Hong Kong, I witnessed how their bookstores are not that sophisticated and grand compared to Manila. They love to shop, but I got a feeling that bookstores are not as patronized and accessible as in the Philippines. It's not that Hong Kong folks do not love to read, but Hong Kong is a small country with a high-tech society. Everyone there has the most recent gadgets but with limited living space like in a condo. So why would they buy books when they could read it in their units?   E-books are also easier to share which gives more reason for people to read. It may not nourish my desires in the area of book collecting, but it would definitely give me more access to books. It took me a while to get used to reading in IPAD, but I now I think I'm well adjusted.

In general as a consumer, e-books give us another option to read wonderful stories and get our hands on information. It's cheaper, lighter and accessible. As a consumer, e-books gave birth to gadgets or it's the other way around, either way we both enjoy the benefits. The only party that I see who would get down to the boardroom and strategize would be the publishing industry.

With technology and the industries that go with it, the search engines, the gadget makers and the e-commerce businesses, publishing industry has to accept the fact that they have to answer to the changing times and they would need to answer fast. According to Wallstreet Online, the market of E-Books are growing based on consumer-book revenue of 14.8% last year from 6% in 2010. Obviously with book publishing, they need to buy warehouses, raw materials and other physical costs as a business prerequisite. But with e-books, they could cut down costs. With limited copies to print, warehouse and distribution costs will definitely get trimmed down.

With Publishers, bookstores would also have to follow the tide. If there is a good market of e-book readers out there and with a good sense of transformation from the publishers, bookstores would have to take advantage of the online businesses to cut down cost in shelves space and take advantage of the rising market. They could now have the option to downsize to smaller and more effective stores that still cater to print and e-book lovers. Barnes and Noble, an American book retail company had already efficiently followed the trend.

Generally the publishing changes are good for consumers. Certain electronic moves by publishers give more accessible, effective and cheaper options. But there's a more precarious side to the business holders. something we consumers do not really see. Until revenues start to pick up and grand best sellers are hit, some publishing houses that are being eaten up by online book sellers like Amazon, would have to merge to survive and at some extent would have to throw in the towel and close shop. Publishers are at the bridge of strategizing and changing how they do business so it's in a really sensitive position based on my personal opinion.

Here is what merging sets in. I don't claim to know the core benefits of certain mergers of big publishers, but just like any mergers and acquisitions, I suppose it's a survival move. Merging will bring more funds, reach and centralized operations. Plain and simple, they consolidate to create a stronger force in the industry. As a consumer, it's not entirely an alarming move for me so as long as they keep on producing good books. But as a writer, would it matter?

According to various news websites, taking cue on one of the biggest merges in the history of publishing with Random House and Penguin's, writers would essentially be more affected by this move than the consumers. Surely being top players, their consolidation would allow them to be so huge in terms of funding, presence and investments that they could take on the digital projects. With the merge, they will definitely cut costs by making operations centralized plus with their names and reach they will have stronger market share. With a stronger pool, they can at least fight back Amazon and make competition more interesting especially if they can have the leverage to negotiate for better options. That's good for us consumers. But if I were a writer or an agent, what gives?

With the rise rise of technology, writers often have more avenues to self-publish. Technology disregards geography and distance so they could easily be picked up. Since going digital staves off extra costs, they could expand their reach. But writing for huge returns and being picked up by the big publishing companies, their options would be more stringent. For every 4 books, Random House-Penguin would account for 1 according to PBS.org. Imagine, if you're a writer with no recognizable market and name, your options just became a bit limited.

In the recent mergers and acquisitions of publishing houses to answer to the rising times of the digital phase, there would always be areas that are left in the dark, needing to be studied and mastered. Literary authors, agents and editors might taste the downside of merging. Generally, they would have to face extra challenging negotiations to claim their ultimate returns from limited players. But they must also recognize that rising times that led to that move by their beloved publishers. Authors are maybe there to share their creations to the world, but publishers aside from the noble task of distribution of good works, would have some revenues to think of. Literary authors might feel the backlash of the new publication landscape, but with the same digital phase, they could think of having more reach and more avenues for publishing due cheaper costs.

But from a reader's perspective, it's a more win-win situation. I love books regardless of how it's published and regardless of the publisher. Trusted publishers who have the bandwidth to publish diverse books are welcome, publishing it in cheaper costs is even better. Not only do the publishers get to be extra competitive with each other by giving more effective materials but at the same time they would develop more practical and modified medium to get the works across. The world of publishing and books are still in the transition phase, but the changes are already happening. It's about time that the reader, the author, the agents, the bookstores and the publishers recognize that fact.

As a reader, I really have this noble thought of books being shared. Excuse the best selling authors, but if I were to write a book, I couldn't care less if it sells or not. It would hurt my ego for sure, but the purpose of writing a book is probably more personal and artistic on my end. And I think it should always be always the case. It's one of the oldest form of art that  should be shared across the whatever the circumstances. That's just me.  Regardless, the times are changing, the market is changing and the business that cater to the market should answer to the times. In the end, they all have to move heaven and earth to give the modern consumer what he wants.  And the consumer of this age wants more access to materials at cheaper costs at a multiple mediums.

Sources: PBS.org, WSJ Online, India times. 

Happy thoughts post #1

Every day I thought I would try to post one happy, inexpensive, natural and comforting realization, feeling or occurrence that remind me that life is essentially good. It doesn't have to be grand, well at least not for me, but it's something at-the-moment and really amazing in my perspective. It could be like a stormy night with a cup of coffee and a good book. The feeling of enduring one more day before vacation as if you're about to burst with excitement. It may be getting an official notice that you have a clean bill of health. Simple things that life brings that we tend to ignore in this fast paced, materialistic world. I intended to do this at the start of the year, but what's the point of delaying but to lose the extra drama?

As much as possible, I won't try to lose that sense of gratitude and wonder for something so natural and simple because taking pleasures in the simplest things that life gives us is a constant and strong remedy to jadedness and hopelessness. I'd like to always think that I'm extremely lucky and that everything that I want in life is here or within my grasp. These thoughts, as they say, make life beautiful.


HAPPY THOUGHTS POST #1: Sunny Mornings 
Oct. 30, 2012 (Tuesday)


It's a brilliant sunny morning  today though I'm not really a fan of the heat and sun, I really don't mind. Generally I like the gloomy, stormy weather, but once in a while I take pleasure in acknowledging that the morning sun brings colors  to life with a mood of endless possibilities.

Morning sun rays are also supposed to be healthy. I remember my parents would try to bring us to CCP for a morning bike workout when we were kids. I was generally pale and hated the sun even then and they would share that I should at least try to sunbathe in the mornings, before 10 AM, as the sun rays are supposed to be giving us essential vitamins at this time. This is called in Manila as "pinapaarawan." They do that in newborn babies actually. They would bring the babies out for a morning walk and have them enjoy the early rays of the sun.

Healthy morning sun with a good cup of coffee, bacon and eggs and a good internet connection reminds me that life is good.

Play: The Lookout

One of my favorite past times especially after a walk in the park is to sit at the garden and observe these dogs.

This was taken last Oct. 21 after our morning walk. I call this The Lookout

Bagyong Ofel

Storms more than anything is a source of immobility here in this country. After what happened to Ondoy, we've become more scared of the downpour than the actual gusts that storm brings. Anyways, we don't really need a repeat of the heavy Ondoy downpour to actually prove a point. With an amateur storm named Ofel, which is currently leaving the country as I type, parts of C5 are already flooded.

After an hour of driving like a granny, I parked and thought of Bruce. This might be his first official storm in our house. I know this sounds a bit overreacting, but I wanted to check up on him. He might be cold. He might be scared. He might be wet.

Instead I found him happy but preoccupied with a bone near our dirty kitchen. He was so preoccupied that he allowed me to say goodnight without a fuss. Apparently, the household learned fast that to give Bruce anything he could destroy and munch would result to peace and happiness to those concerned. Bruce couldn't care less about the rain. He was on his 3rd bone I think as I've seen remnants, bits and pieces scattered in his area. If the 3rd bone gives, he only has my dad's car to munch on...unfortunately.

On this 3rd bone. Preoccupied on a rainy night. 

As for Harvey, he doesn't need anything. He usually sleeps it off comfortably. Ate Ne makes him wear a shirt to ward off the cold. I sometimes see he's still curled up so I envelop him in a towel or mini blanket. Then off to sleep he goes.

One of his favorites. His "Lacoste"orange shirt. 

Chivas is more demanding. He usually sleeps beside Ate Ne in her room on a rainy night. Something you'd really expect from a really preppy and snobbish dog. Buddy on the other hand, calmly and independently guards the other lot and like Harvey just sleeps the storm off. He's quite a veteran.

So upon checking up on my pack, I realized that everything's okay and there's nothing to worry about. Bruce is preoccupied with his bone until he tires out and he finally sleeps. Harvey and Chivas are comfortable where they are. Buddy is his normal self and couldn't care less about the storm.

Ofel isn't that bad anyways, well at least not in Manila. Just heavy rains for a short period of time without thunderstorms. And I heard that for some reason huge dogs are more scared with thunderstorms. I don't intend to find out anytime soon.

So, I initially planned to read after I blog and before I sleep, but I think posting this blog seems to be my last activity for the day. I'm tired and spent and I'm just happy that everyone's okay.

Good bye world for now! Good night! I hope everyone's safe, comfortable and cozy.

See you Green World tomorrow!

Good morning, fellows

Like us, dogs have routines.

Every morning they go to the other lot and play. They visit Buddy, our most loyal mutt who guards the second lot as if it's his own. I think we did something good in this life because they all get along pretty well. 

Chillin' this morning

Chivas of course plays with them in the early mornings, but that dog has its limits. He doesn't really want to be outdoors for that long with the dust and dirt. As for this three dogs, they love everything that Chivas practically hates. 

After their play at 5 am - 9 am it's siesta time from 9 - 12 pm. After lunch,  it's siesta again until 4 pm. Then playtime resumes until dinner and everyone in the family arrives to play and wish them good night. 

Life is good for these guys. 

Bruce at 4 months

There's a reason why I named him Bruce. Bruce Wayne is just for flair, but what I really had in mind was Bruce Banner also known as the Hulk.

Bruce, the youngest of the pack, is now 4 months old and turning 5 months this November 11. I remember when I bought Harvey home at 3 months old, he looked like a small cat or a big rat. But with Bruce, it's anything BUT small. That's expected. He's a Bullmastiff. Unfortunately not many people understand that fact cause I bought him in SM Bicutan once for a Pet Blessing. He was looking scared and fearful beside me when an old lady came up to me and asked the breed.

"Bullmastiff po."
"Ilang taon na yan?"
"Three months going on four months"
"Three months only? Baka naman 3 years old."
"No, he's three months. He's a bullmastiff, he'll grow bigger."
"Yes, but 3 months? Sure ka? Bakit ang laki. Parang abnormal."
"He's not abnormal. He's a bullmastiff (and you're a moron)"



On the first time that we bought him to the vet, he weight 11 kilos. After two weeks, munching on Eukanuba Lamb recipe for large breeds on really measured portions, he gained 3 kilos. He's getting bigger every day and we want to monitor him. One of our fears is that he'd go super huge and super fat. It would be his liability and as well as ours. We want to make him lean, true to his size, but lean. The vet agrees and confirmed that his size is fine.

I remember one time on a dog marathon, there's a 5 month old bullmastiff, a bitch, on the premises. I was happy to see another bullmastiff although this one is a tad heavier and rounder. Comparing her size with Bruce's, Bruce will look like a lanky school boy. A kid approaches.

"Mommy, he's like our dog, but he's small!"
"He's still a puppy."
"How many months?"
"Three months."
"Ours is five, but he's small! Maybe ours has bigger bone structure and is a better dog." Then she left.

I realized that their dog is not entirely huge, but it's fat and droopy. And as for that kid, I hope I don't see her anywhere in the village while I'm walking Bruce because I might just have that urge to make her realize how big Bruce has grown and her dog, that bitch, will eventually surrender to mine. Ha-ha.

Excuse me. I'm generally not like this. I'm naturally competitive, but I'm not a war freak. It's just that I get very protective of my dogs.

I was chilling with them this morning and realized how big Bruce has grown. Everyone in the family noticed it earlier except for me since I'm always with him. He'll be turning 5 soon and I wonder what he'll look like when he reaches 6 months in December. I better enjoy him in this size whenever I can.

BRUCE AT 3 MONTHS

Sept. 8, 2012: Got him from Marikina on this day. He'll be turning 3 months on Sept. 11.

Break: It's along drive from Marikina to Paranaque

Bruce at 3 months.

Bruce at 3 months

 BRUCE AT 4 months going on 5

Taken this morning Oct. 24

So far so good. He's more active now and he tends to eat more. He is still consistent with his sleep and cuddling times which is a lot! Unlike Harvey who is more mature now and doesn't chase on mops and hoses, Bruce is still enjoying his puppy ventures even though it's hard to visualize because of his size. He likes to chew, break things and chase whatever's moving just like a normal puppy would though his disaster and damage levels are relatively higher than Harvey's. With this type of dog who always likes to hug, wrestle and be with his master, you have to have control to manage his weight or else you'll end up having bruises or even black eyes after play. 

That's why we're having him schooled soon,  but that's another story. 

Apple New IPAD

I bought the latest Retina Apple IPad Wi-Fi with a MacBook Air at the same time last April 2012. That really wasn't the plan. I only intended to buy a new laptop. Something lighter, upgraded and virus-free. I'm not into technology, so the best and the hassle free tag line always works. However, I was in Hong Kong when the 3rd Generation IPad was released. I was a witness to the long lines and the cheers of the techie-nation. 

I had a vague idea what an iPad was. For me, it's like an electronic book you take with you that could connect to the internet. You could play games, exhibit presentations, practically it's something a very mobile person should want. Knowing my lifestyle, I knew I really didn't need it. People would nudge me into get one just because of E-Books. It sparked an interest, but I never really gotten to the point of actually getting one. Until I had that competitive feeling of entering into a daily lottery in the Apple store of HK. It seemed everyone wanted one and what's the harm if I just submit my name every single morning. What are the chances I will be picked in an online lottery anyways? If ever I did, I could just sell the unit back in the Philippines. While I prepared to get my Macbook Air, I was submitting my name online in the Apple website every morning before I go to the office. It's like a routine without much desire or purpose.

Then I got it. 

Two weeks before my scheduled flight to Manila, I already had with me my white 16 GB 3rd Generation iPad and a Macbook Air packed. As for my Macbook Air, it can wait to be opened in Manila. I still had my old laptop with me. But for my IPAD, I wondered what the fuss was about. I figured I could still sell it in the Philippines even if I wanted to see for it myself first. So for two weeks, I read tutorials and explored the device. 

And I loved it. I could take it in a restaurant with me and read my favorite online sites. I could look at my email, scan at my social networking sites, compose emails and blog at a certain level of adjusted difficulty. Most importantly I can store e-books, a perfect opportunity for me to transition and enjoy both worlds of actual books and electronic ones. 

To cut the story short, I didn't sell my iPad. When I adjusted to home, the IPAD is always at my bedside table. It came to a point that it's the first thing I fumble with when I wake up and the last thing I play with before going to sleep. I read my news online. I read the 50 Shades of Grey series there. Before I go to sleep, I check on my sites. IPad become my initial and ending device for the day. As for my laptop? I only use it once a month. I felt guilty. My parents got their own iPad and my brother and sister use mine for online research and reference purposes. IPad had become so mobile and versatile that if you're just into information and connection and NOT into home business, blogging or downloading, you'd really forget the use of a laptop. 

But I noticed through time, it's kind of heavy. My dad and mom are addicted to their 2nd Generation IPAD, which is a bit lighter. If not for the Retina slogan and the weight, I wouldn't really know the difference. I would understand that some of my friends have targeted other tablet brands just for the mere functionality of being mobile on line, read ebooks, or being able to exhibit presentations just like what IPad does minus the weight. A 7.5 inch tablet out in the market still finds a niche to those concerned only with the functionality and not with the brand and the additional multimedia specs Apple brings. Reports even reflect in America that Kindle Fire and the Nexus tablet hold a huge market for the smaller version tablets. 

And what did Apple do? I bet you already know. And I bet it realized that there's a strong market out there who wants the function of the IPAD minus the size. To get into that market, they have joined the bandwagon by releasing the new IPAD Mini. It's slimmer, smaller and screams Apple. Definitely it's lighter and more mobile. It poses a huge threat to those small tablet makers who latched on a following and these makers should have seen this coming. Everyone knows that Apple will always innovate their products to get a taste of every market out there. Now with this move, Apple can sustain those who want the original sized IPad at the same time they can suck out all the market in the smaller type of IPAD. If the latter market didn't really make a difference, I doubt if Apple would even care. This sudden move by Apple just proves that there's is a huge market and it's getting a bite at it.

The question is, will I get one?

Nah. Two huge tech splurges in a year is already too much for me. If you're my type of user and you can bear with the weight, I don't think there's an immediate need for you to get one. I won't. I'm still pretty happy with my old one. And now that I'm blogging, I'm reconnecting with my Macbook Air more, I already have found the balance of using my iPad. I still use it for the same reasons and I won't go through the usual lottery and pre-order conundrum just to get a smaller version. iPad Mini is nice to have, but it's not a need at this point. In purchases like this, it's always a must to think of how you are as user and the level of dependency you have with an iPad. If your work always requires you to bring an iPad for mere presentation or research, probably the weight is your main concern and this IPad mini will address that. If you're just a simple user like me who only uses the iPad on targeted times and the weight is something you've adjusted to, I think it's best to wait and reassess if you really need one. But of course the Apple Fanatics and tech freaks are a different matter. 

Instant stress relievers

After a tiring and stressful day when nothing seems to go well, a quick and reliable remedy is all I'll ever need. A massive hug, a wag of the tail and a kiss on the cheek.

These guys accept you at your worse days even if things don't make any sense.

These guys are consistent. Rain or shine. Night or Day. Shitty or Fun. They will always love you and they would never fail to show you how much they've been waiting to be with you throughout the day.

Try dogs. Instant stress relievers.

Vacation, so near yet so far

Random Post about the Need for a Vacation
Oct. 23, 2012
11:54 AM


I'm tired. Seriously. I haven't been to the gym for months. I haven't shed a hard earned sweat. I find myself sitting in front of my computer with two air condition openings directly targeted at me. I wear a jacket in the office. So you know what I'm talking about is not physical.

My emotions and brain are tired from work. To put it to the extremes, I haven't even used any of my vacation leaves.  I have 20 unused vacation leaves and we're about to end October. Go figure. Apart from the allotted vacation leaves, I have complimentary time offs because of my dedicated attendance during Philippine Holidays since we service other Asian markets. I find myself easily irritated nowadays and frankly at this point, I don't care how many vacation leaves I have left. What I need now is an actual vacation to take place in the fear that maybe next stress level I will encounter may lead me to combust!

There's a reason why vacation leaves are created by companies. Take it or else you'll end up feeling where I am now. Mentally and emotionally tired from all the crappy decisions that define your work. Every industry and every position has its challenges that's why vacation leaves are there for you to take so you could recharge and regroup. Constantly facing crappy people and suffocating yourself with tiresome and unreasonable decisions made from outer space will tire you. Vacation leaves are there to take your time away from miserable, incompetent and sometimes unreasonable people or situations you work with, usually for. Enjoying a time off from the office make you value your work even more. You'd think at least with your work, you get to pay for the top service and luxury setting you could enjoy, but most importantly vacations make you think clearly and let's you strategize. They are supposed to keep employees sane. So I urge you to take it!

And I will take my first ever vacation this November 5 and 6. A Monday and a Tuesday. Oh-joy! I'm going to Cebu, the place of my birth, my ultimate place of relaxation and a city so close to my heart. Nothing new and nothing grand, but I'm drooling for it every single day. About two weeks left and I'm gone. Now my leave is down to 18. I've already planned out things for December.

So in moments of defeated feeling like this think of your next grand vacation and hold that thought until the crappy feeling subsides.

Sun Valley Dog Marathon

Sun Valley Dog Marathon
Sponsored by: Sun Valley Pet Club
Date: Sept. 29, 2012

Though I'm not a runner and I haven't technically joined any marathons as of this date, I love Marathons especially if it's for my dogs. I've transformed into a supportive sans stage parent when it comes to these things. I see dog marathons as opportunities to get my dogs socialized, have them (and the owner) exercised and have a  fun and healthy bonding experience outside the premises of my home. All I would have to do is to wake up early, find someone who actually likes to run with them and prepare my camera and a group of supporters.

For this Dog Marathon, it happened inside the village and organized by the village pet club.  There's a 3K race and a 1.5 K dog walkathon race.

Harvey naturally is our best bet for runs like these, and JD, being the only athletic member of our family is his formidable partner. They've done a dog race before in MOA sponsored by Pet Express in 2011 so this isn't a first. Unfortunately, he was late in reminding me that he will be competing in the UAAP table tennis in this date. I panicked. I don't even walk 1.5K by choice, so there's no way I would survive the 3K race! I doubt if they would have ambulance available and I would not dare imagine myself being carried in the village pick up truck either. My mom had agreed to walk Chivas and looking at my sister, I dare not ask. I needed to find a replacement or Harvey's potentials would be ruined.


Thanks to Ate Ne, Harvey's ultimate disciplinarian and boss, she volunteered. Ate Ne, ran the 3K wearing her favorite black sandals, short black shorts and hot pink shirt. According to the racegoers, Harvey and Ate Ne led the race on the first 2 kilometers, but on the 3rd, their hyped up energy in the first rounds took a toll on them.  They didn't place, but finished in the top 10 out of may be 25. Not bad.

Chilling at the back of the Car and meeting Mitch's mom

Bruce at 3.5 Months

Me and Bruce!

My original prince

See Ate ne with her Sandals and Harvey Speeding away

Mama and Chivas - the unexpected 3rd placers

Chivas and mom were the over competitive ones. My mom couldn't get over the fact that they won 3rd place and Chivas was as equally pliant and competitive as she was. We didn't hear the end of her bragging until the next day. They were our surprise champions. They wouldn't miss the awarding for the world.

3rd placers

Chilling

The pair

And this marathon is very important because it's the first opportunity for Bruce to get socialized. Now this is my department. When we got Bruce, he was so fearful and shy. We had a hard time making him explore the house. He would always stay in one corner and would not even step down on a short flight of stairs. We would nudge his food away just so he would be forced to get out of that shell. It worked a few days and he did improve, but I noticed how fearful he was in this marathon. He would only stay at the backseat. He would look around but never interact. Stress triggers sleep as he slept throughout the blessing part. We even had a hard time walking him from the car to the gym. But despite his fears and stress, I'd like to think he enjoyed by seeing new things and encountering a new territory. At least he was able to expose himself to dogs and strangers. I learned that he isn't aggressive. He's just shy.

This race was so fruitful as we learned so much from our dogs and celebrated the surprise successes of some. In these types of races, winning is just an extra. I don't really even care if we win or not. It's all about bonding and having fun.

Special thanks to Mitch Bautista for the photos!

Rules of Civility

Rules of Civility
Author: Amor Towles
Acquired: Best Sellers in Podium, Oct. 20, 2012

I'm loving this book.

I've always wanted to read this, but never got the chance of getting one. I always buy books at the right timing and gut feel. I was busy waiting for Mitch last Saturday at the Podium and this one single copy beckoned me. It was a CAPITAL choice.

I love plots set in the early 1900s. People then were so industrial, prim and proper with the risk of going fashionably experimental and wild. I love it how they struggle with ongoing societal issues, the secretarial jobs, the rise of bankers, the power struggles of the rich families since the time of Edith Wharton. And of course, who could ever forget the change of lifestyles during the first world war. It is a moment of shedding the classical views to welcome modern ones. It's the age when people start to play with money, play with society and play with perceptions.

I'm hooked following the story of Kate, her friend Eve and their new found friend, rich and handsome personified, Tinker. The endless possibilities made them meet in a downbeat bar one night and ever since their lives will never be the same again. It's a story of jealousy amidst the mask of friendship and in that one accident changed their lives forever. The book captures how they've grown as a person and how their relationships with each other changed amidst the societal pressures of 1930's. From rich to rags stories minus the epic quality. Their relationships are magnified through the readers' eyes and missed chances and strong private thoughts make these characters interesting. It's one of those books you'd read that makes sense but isn't a pain to understand. This is perfect on a stormy day or taking it with you on a solo flight. If you liked reading Never Let Me Go, The Rich are Different, Atonement or The Stranger's Child, this book belongs in that league.

I'm already halfway through. I want to finish it and at the same time I want to relish every page. It's one of those mixed emotions you find in a good book.

The Launch

Tuesday
8:32 AM


I'm at it again. The itch to blog never fails. I've always wanted to blog since I've discovered the joys in 2007. Due to excitement and racy hormones, I've come to a point of creating an angst ridden blog called opinionated banana.blogspot.com and after a long hiatus, a personal blog of iamkaye.com, which unfortunately never really hit home to me. Because of life's unexpected turn of events like changing of jobs, low creative energy and general adult responsibility, I've forgotten to strike the balance and left my blogging to be sucked at a vacuum of abandonment. It was just one of those phases that you find yourself in the middle of nowhere, lost and busy at the same time that you forget to do things that you love as time slowly slips away.

Nearing the crossroads and a milestone in my life, I've forced myself to look back and treasure the things I love doing. That's when I felt the need to blog again, but on a mature stand point this time. I've learned that this blog should have its core reason for being. It's not like an online diary that you flit from one mood to another. It has to have a mode of consistency, a core topic, an advocacy and expertise that you would always discuss and grow from.

Gone are the days of blogging of raw emotions and unadulterated hatred. There will be posts of disappointments for sure, but I will make sure it's constructive. This blog will not only share what I love in life, but hopefully it reaches out to people by sharing useful information. This blog aims to make people aware of certain animal and dog advocacies. And this is an avenue for me to share my thoughts on certain books that I've read or what I'm currently reading. Two things I'm willing to share to the world, my love of dogs and my love of books.

For shallow purposes this blog also has its reasons.

Well for one, I bought a laptop some four months ago and it has been ignored in so many ways. I need to use it for something that I love to do. I'm not a master downloader and I'm not into multimedia. Blogging seems to be the only perfect exercise for a non-techie like me.

Second, I want to document my dogs' growth particularly with that of Bruce. He is in his 4th month now and he has grown literally and figuratively. I want to document his progress, something that I was not able to do with Harvey and Chivas. From his transfer to his new territory, to his new tricks and to his new physique, I want to make them last.

Lastly, I want to reach out to people in the most comfortable way possible.

9:28 AM, I'm supposed to be getting ready for work. But deliverables have been submitted and my team is sufficient enough to carry on. They can lose me for half a day. Besides I ate a nasty pasta dish for dinner. I'm bedridden and near the bathroom until this fluke dies down. Until then, more posts to write for the day!