STREET PUPPY UPDATE

Sad news. One of the three puppies we shared with you on Lady's birthday got deaded by a car in the night. It was actually the one drinking milk with the mom. This is a common occurrence as the drivers can't see the little guys, especially at night. Well-meaning neighbors penned up the remaining two puppies in a small area of an empty house on the corner. Problem is, they penned the mom out.

 Lady has been getting them out to play. Erin and Brooke (one of my timeshare families) came home from church with Lady to hang with me and see the pups. Lady calls the light one Duke and the brindle one Bo. They love to be held.

 Mom dog didn't mind. Other folks are afraid to pick them up when she is around.

 Remember the biter? He tries to bite tires as cars go by. He doesn't seem to mind either. See his tumor on his side? It's getting larger.

 I took the girls to the play on the playground. I used to slide by myself but those days are history. I'd rather go with Brooke.

Erin and I went to read the latest pee mail. She gave them a couple of my gently used toys and something soft to sleep on. We feed them puppy chow in milk. The neighbors just give them milk.
The neighbors finally decided to just pen the pups at night when the humans in cars coming home to park couldn't see them. We think that is a better plan. When they see Lady, they come running. She had to out-run them to get to the store to buy milk.
We love puppies.

BACK FROM TIMESHARE

I'm back home with Lady. This month has been crazy. First, she was in Nepal and I was with Aunty Gail. After only four days home she took off again for Bangladesh. She came straight from the airport to pick me up from Aunty Gail's. While she was in Bangladesh, I stayed with a new timeshare family, my buddies Drew and Nate. Drew let me lie on his blanket! That was pretty nice of him. 
Here's what Lady brought me from Bangladesh:

I likes it! Thanks, Lady!

It's a little panda holding a soccer ball.

Lady had no time between her trip to Bangladesh and her trip to Thailand to get me. She was home less than eight hours before she had to head to the airport again. She had no internet access so she's just now catching up. But this month she is staying in India -not home, but at least in India. We've been sad reading about all the pups crossing the Rainbow Bridge lately. Sorry we haven't been able to express our condolences. Lady said she'd help me write some more posts. It's good to be home!

 

Not Feelin' So Good

Lady is worried abut me. She's been praying over me all morning, ever since I took her out to take care of business and she spotted fresh blood in my poop. She scooped it up in a tub and called my vet. He said to send it with Jerry and he'd send it to the lab before 12::00, and get the results back this evening. He's also going to give me a worm pill and my rabies injection this evening. Lady took me yesterday but they were out of the vaccine. We had waited an hour for the taxi, and spent RS 300, and came away with nothing. The vet felt bad so he said he'd pick up the vaccine and give it to me at home. He lives down the mountain from us. Now this. Yesterday, I was tender. I cried when Lady picked me up and put me down. She couldn't figure out what was wrong. She didn't see my evening business yesterday because Jerry took me out. Lady had a meeting with visiting Americans. We had another storm last night. It was raining heavily this morning, so we had to wait for awhile to go out. I don't like to go out in the rain, even with my raincoat on.

If your the types who prays to God, please pray for me and for Lady. Waiting is tough. We looked up causes online and have posted the link from the I Love India site, and one other. Fresh blood is indicative of a problem in the lower intestines, usually the colon or rectum. Could be worms. Could be because of something I ate. Lady read Psalm 112 to me and we feel much better. We have to just trust the Lord. He knows best. After all, I am a gift to Lady from Him.

I'm just chillin' with my baby and Lady.

It's My Special Day!

Seven years ago today, Lady adopted me. I was living in the capital city of Yunnan province in southwest China. My family left me with the house helper for six months before my human dad came back only to sell the furniture...and me. He asked the  humans who bought the furniture if they wanted me. They said no because the Man has allergies. They called Lady because they knew she loved animals. What that has to do with me, I don't know. What they didn't know, is that Lady had asked God for me less than two weeks earlier. She was in a new city and a new flat. She didn't know anyone in the neighborhood, and they were afraid to speak to her. She was lonely in her new big flat. So, she told God about it. She wanted a black and tan doberman pinscher, but she lived on the fourth floor. So, she asked God for a black and tan dachshund. She didn't know little dogs like me were hard to find in Yunnan. But God is big, and He heard her cry. He blessed her with me.

The first time she saw me, the house helper was just about to take me out to take care of business. She said to me, "You must be Marley," and she stuck out the back of her hand so I could sniff her. She smelled good, so I set my happy meter in motion and I kissed her hand. I didn't quite know what to think when all my stuff was put in a paper sack, and we got in a taxi. I let her pick me up and hold me in her lap. Chinese is my first language, but I understood some English as well. Mainly, I understand kindness and love. 

Lady's friend had called the bus station and they said as long as I was in a box I could ride. So, the taxi driver got us a box. Lady put me in it with my toy, water,  and a towel. We tried to get on the bus but the driver stopped us with a firm, "Bu!" No. I'd heard that before. He said I had to ride with the bags. Lady cried and begged but the answered was still, "BU!" Lady crawled in the baggage compartment. I thought she was going to ride with me, but she was just making sure I had air and it wasn't hot. It wasn't. Lady says it was the longest two and a half hours of her life. She prayed for me the whole way, and worried about me. After two hours, I got tired of being down there and started calling her to come get me. My cries broker her heart. As soon as the bus stopped she flew off and ran to open the door of the baggage compartment. I was no longer in the box, but was sitting atop one of the softer bags. I turned on my happy meter to let her know I was fine. Everybody laughed. I leaped into her welcoming arms, and we got in another taxi to go to my new home. 

Lady had invited the family that told her about me. They have three short humans. They came over for my welcoming party. And now, every year Lady and I celebrate my "gotcha day," and my birthday. The vet told her my birthday was around this time, so we celebrate both. That makes me ten years old today! And guess what???? I am doing SOOOOO much better! I am not aching. I am not dragging my legs. I am not crying. My left hip is still weak, and I wobble a bit, but I feel good! Lady is so relieved! 

It is the tradition in India that on your birthday, you give out sweets. So, today Lady and I will hand out dog treats to the street dogs. And tonight, the poor children from the Home are coming over. I will share with them, too! 

We'll post more photos of my party when we get them from our friend, but here's some of me opening gifts.

 Baby Wyatt came to my party. He and his mommy made me some dee-licious bacon flavored biscuits! They are so yummy. He even made me a card. He signs his name the way I do, with a paw print!

 

 Christy gave me some of my favorite cookies, and some cheese! I don't have any trouble opening my own gifts.

  Jerry gave me a new baby. It didn't take long for me to chew the leg off. I love it! I also got a squeaky purple football, chew bones, and more doggie treats.

My Cake

1 cup Atta (wheat flour)
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup oil
1 cup shredded carrots
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup honey
1 egg

Mix the dry ingredients, then add the wet ones. Pour into a round greased and floured bread pan (or nonstick). Bake for 40 minutes at 180 degrees C.
After the cake cools, put on a rectangular platter. Cut an arc out of each side of the cake, and a V section out of each end to make it look like a bone. Frost with the icing below.

Frosting
Mix 1 cup of soft cream cheese with 1/4 cup honey and a tsp. of vanilla.Mix well and spread over the bone cake.
Lady decorated mine with home made dog treats.

Things I like

I like having guests. I am a very good host. I announce the arrival of my guest, greet them at the door, and run to show them my baby, or my blankie, or another toy. I invite them to play with me -such as my favorite game, tug-of-war. I kiss my favorites, and lick bare toes.
I like raw carrots with ranch dip. If I smell dip and you give me a plain carrot, I will refuse it until you put dip on it.
I like Beggin' Bacon Strips from the US.
I like stuffed toys.
I like blankets that I can chew a hole in and not get in trouble.
I like chapatti's (like a wheat flour tortilla, popular in India)
I like rice and gravy-preferably meat
I like body massages.
I like my anywhere scratched or rubbed.
I like milk, eggs, and cheese- love cheese.
I like chicken.
I like beef.
I like bone-shaped chews.
I like squeaky toys.
I like digging on my carpet, and digging in the dirt.
I like sniffing EVERYTHING outside.
I like watering bushes, trees, and car tires.
I like puppies and human babies.
I like men.
I like female dogs -especially fat pugs.
I like bacon-flavored treats.
Just in case you were wondering.
Oh, by the way, Friday is my Adoption Day, but my party is tomorrow (Tuesday) so that Christy can come. She's at boarding school but will be home Tuesday. She does not like boarding school, and would cry if she missed my party. She took good care of me in Jan. and Feb. So, Lady changed my Adoption Day/Birthday Celebration to tomorrow. We've been busy getting ready. She made some dog treats today. We cant decorate until tomorrow because we have house church tonight and Lady's serving dinner. We will be celebrating 7 years together, and my 10th birthday!!! Wanna come join us? We live up in the mountains in India. If you can't make it, I'll tell you all about it after! I always enjoy my parties!

The Moms and Friends came over Thursday. The twins came, too. Lady had to tell them I bite so they wouldn't hit me. They are trying to pet me, but it's more like a hit on my back. Ouch. She let them play with some toys. I entertained the ladies.

Trip to the Vet

We thought you might be interested in what a trip to the vet involves for us. We think it might be quite different than where you are. 
I had a bath first, because I am getting my annual shots and won't be able to have one right after. Besides, I am very dirty. We have a lot of mud due to the big storm I told you about. Lady has a shower head  with a handle, so it is fairly easy to bathe me. The power was on so I had hot water. Then I do the after-bath dance to dry myself. Lady calls for a taxi. He doesn't answer. So, we walk down the mountain to find one. Lady doesn't have a car here, and I am not allowed on the bus. It costs $3.40 one way. Jerry goes with us.
The driver drops us off after a 20 minute ride. We climb down some stair at the Government Veterinary Hospital. We must pay 5 cents to see the doctor. Nobody is there, so they don't get our five cents. Lots of dogs already. A guy in a white coat comes and gets us. We go into one of the large treatment rooms. There are two steel tables. One has a cocker puppy on it, and the other has a big yellow lab who has chewed all the hair off his tail. Lady tells the vet what we need and gives him my records. I am getting my distemper combo inoculation today. He writes on a piece of paper the vaccine to get, and sends Jerry up the mountain to the chemist (pharmacy) to go get it. We already have our syringes. Lady and I wait and chat with one of the many vets and vet helpers here today. My vet finally comes, and asks about my back. I am doing much better. The vet gives me a sample of Paws Up to help me with my arthritis. 
After 40 minutes, Jerry returns empty handed. She went to two chemists -both closed. They tell her where another chemist is in the other direction. Another customer offers to show her where it is, as they are going there to get their dog's medicine. She comes back 10 minutes later with my vaccine. It cost $6.75. They tell Lady to put me on the cold steel table. She told them to please clean the table first. A Llasa Apso with a very itchy problem had been on that table, and the old lady didn't clean it yet. Lady puts me up on the table and holds my head with her body. I have a tendency to snap at the vet when getting injections. I didn't even cry or try to snap!! We're done and I am out of here. He says to come back in 15 days for my Rabies vaccination. We walk down the busy road to the taxi stand and a driver we know waves at us. Jerry and I head on home, and Lady goes up the mountain to shop. I get a treat.
 

Baby Comes to Play

I was a very good boy when the baby came to play.

 Just checking. He smells interesting. 

 I think he needs a bath. I'll just take care of that.

We have a basket of baby toys. I am not allowed to touch them. I am a good boy. I don't. After all, I have my own toys.

Gabi, Elijah, and Hope gave me this baby for my 5th birthday. You can check out photos in my archives. This must be a record for how long I have kept a baby without shredding it. This things is like carpet!

 

Things I Don't Like

Thunder and lightning. And we had plenty last night. I normally sleep at the end of our king sized bed at Lady's feet, although she tries to get me to sleep on the other side. She started putting my blanket on that side, now that I don't need the heater. It's the side closest to the window -the huge window with a clear view of the lightning. We had several windows open. The winds were so strong, Lady had to get up and close them all. She had a hard time, but I couldn't help her. I was keeping the sheets warm. When she came back to bed I was in her spot. She scooted me over. A thunderous boom sent me barreling over her to the far side and under the covers. We hid under the covers together and finally, the storm passed. This morning the streets were not as messy as we thought, but there was debris.
I don't like cherry bombs and fire crackers. Tonight, we're sitting in the living room watching TV when BOOM! Ka-Boom! I quickly crawled into Lady's lap. She said I was shaking like a leaf. I was just cold. I dread the holidays that call for crackers or cherry bombs -Divali, New Year's, Chinese New Year,weddings, and a few more.
I don't like helium balloons. They're creepy, drifting around and making shadows. I don't like them. I don't like balloons period, but especially not helium balloons.
I don't like kids getting in my face when I retreat under the table, clearly indicating I don't want to play.
I don't like people who come into MY house and ask Lady to put me behind closed doors.
I don't like Lady behind ANY closed doors.
I don't like fruit.
I don't like other real dogs, only puppies, eunuchs, and ladies (I am not allowed to use the "b" word in print, although it is the proper term.
I don't like my sunglasses.
I don't like my wheels.
That's about it. What about you?

Happy Mother's Day

I don't really understand this day. For me, every day should Mother's Day or Father's Day, or Kid's Day. I love on my mommy, Lady, every day. I greet her every morning with a kiss or two and a wag of my happy meter.I stay with her when she's sick, I stick by her when she's sad, I rejoice with her and do the happy dance when she's joyous, I hide under the table if she's mad. I wait for her when she leaves and I great her enthusiastically when she returns, whether it's been 2 hours, 2 days, or 6 months. I let her know if someone I don't like is walking by outside, or if someone is at the door. I'm quiet when she prays and still when she cries. I'm a good co-host. I great our guests and make sure everyone is happy. I help clean up and I don't pee in the house. I know which toys are mine and I don't chew them up.
Mother's Day, Christmas, Easter, Tuesday, Wednesday, doesn't matter to me. I love my Lady every day. I am her good boy, I am her sweetheart, I am her baby (even though I am ten).
So, love your Mommy and Daddy every day -not just on one day a year, but it is okay to make today special -maybe an extra kiss, or give her your favorite toy (to borrow for the day). Jerry and Jing gave Lady flowers and gifts.
I gave her me.

Not Even for Chicken

I just am not comfortable in my wheels -bu shufu, in my native tongue. I keep trying to tell Lady. I am aching today because it is rainy and chilly. She gave me a feel better pill. I finally convinced her to let me out. She hates to hear me cry. I don't know how to tell her what's wrong. She keeps trying to adjust it to make sure it is comfortable for me. I just don't like them. Yes, I still drag my hind legs, or I walk like a drunk. My left hip doesn't work right. Makes taking care of business difficult. I don't hurt though. Only on days like this when it it is cold or damp. They don't do the kind of surgery I might need here. And even in Delhi my vet didn't suggest it. That would be an extremely hard and very long trip for me. Going down the mountain is very painful if I am hurting. It's at least a nine hour trip. Only one airlines flies out of here and they don't take little black dogs. I can tell Lady feels bad for me. It's running off her face. Other than walking funny, I am happy and wag my happy meter a lot- just not when I am in my wheels.
I am so glad Jerry is back. I get lots of attention, and Jerry made me chapattis last night. For those of you who don't know, a chapatti is a round flat bread like a tortilla. It is made with atta (brown wheat flour). I love them. I like the dal and rice she makes. And Lady gave me some chicken bits.
Don't like the lightning and rain today. I'm sticking like glue to Lady.
I talked to my grandparents this morning. Grandma got the Mother's Day flowers we sent. But we weren't first -my Uncle Roger's flowers arrived first. My grandma is loved so much! She is blessed with three granddogs. I've only seen my grandma on Skype as I have never been to the US. But she sends me gifts. She's a good grandma. We love her. We'll Skype her again on Mother's Day. I've got to stick real close to my Lady on Mother's Day so she won't be sad.
Any suggestions for us?

Happy Birthday Uncle Roger

Satiya

Out on my balcony

Today is my human Uncle Roger's birthday. He's even older than I am, and I'm pretty old. Lady doesn't know exactly when my birthday is, so we celebrate on my Adoption Day, May 20. I usually have a pretty big party, unless I get bit in the butt and have to postpone, like in 2009! Anyway, I've chatted with my uncle over Skye, and met my cousins. They are adopted, too. One is a white designer rescue dog, and the other is a fancy shmancy Havanese named Pepper. He's black like me. Casey is white with fluffy ears. Casey had biting issues, so he could relate to my recent problems.
I drove Lady nuts this morning, whining in my wheels. She gave me chicken when I got myself unstuck. I like a little chicken with my whine.
Satiya came over for some tutoring in English. He had the day off from school. He is a naughty little boy, but Lady loves him and wants to try to keep him out of trouble. He loves me. He's not the one I bit. I tolerate him pretty well. He gets into everything.
Guess what? Jerry's back! She used to live with us before. I gave her a hearty welcome. She's not vegetarian either! Yippee!

For Chicken, I will

Still not feelin' the wheels, but for chicken, I will walk in them. The front part of the harness slips and then I won't move. I get my wheels caught on a corner and stubbornly, won't budge unless there is chicken in the deal. And it is so embarrassing, but I had 2 number 2 accidents in the house in the last 2 days. I NEVER do that! The first time, I used the bathroom, but today, Deborah's rug was too appealing -like pink grass. I peed, too. What's up with me? This is a first for me -like biting.
Well, I tried to post photos but found out I have exceeded my Google limit, so I have to buy more space.
Hey, did you watch the royal wedding? We did -all day! I wanted to chew up some of those hats!

Beautiful Warm Day

I love basking in the sun. It makes my back feel better. Our temperatures continue to climb! We have a high of 75 today! It's really nice. It is still chilly at night, but getting up to the 50's finally. It's just right now. I love to be outside in the sunbeams. I finished off my Easter chicken, devoured a new chew, and pulled the stuffing out of my new baby, but not all of it.
Lady keeps trying with the wheels, but unless she bribes me with chicken, I won't budge. Any more ideas?

Easter Blessings!

It's Resurrection Day! I dressed up, but I didn't go to church this morning. They don't allow little dogs, but we had house church. The bunny came! I got chicken, a new baby (which I have already pulled stuffing out of), shoe chews, and treats. I hope you have an awesome Easter! Oh, Lady saw Abishek in church and he's fine. I hope he learned his lesson.

I'm in Trouble

The kids from the Children's Home came for an Easter celebration. Jing was sick and couldn't help us. But our friends C. & J. came to help us. Twenty kids came. Lady told them the Easter Story and it's importance for today. Evangeline helped translate for the new little ones. Speaking of the new little ones. They didn't listen to Aunty, or Christy, or Pearly, or Lady or anyone who told them not to mess with me. Abishek messed with me too much and I bit him. Don't get excited, I didn't break the skin, but I left a little mark. He cried for about 10 seconds. Lady took care of him. I got a time out. I tried to apologize. Very loudly from the bedroom. No go. I missed the rest of that party. Lady let me come out and say good-bye. Christy was so upset she wanted to take time-out with me. She told Abishek not to mess with me. Lady says I can't bite no matter what. I didn't even get in a really good bite - I just scared him. Lady is still upset about it.
So, as soon as they left, Lady had to get ready for the next bunch of neighborhood girls for their party. Twelve came. I got to stay. Three of the girls are afraid of me. I guess with reason.

Christy sprung me from time out so I could come out and watch the last of the egg hunt, and the gift giving.

These are a couple of the new little ones from the home.

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These are the big girls at the second party. I was let out and allowed to attend. I was on my best behavior -well, I didn't bite anyone.

I'm on clean-up duty at the second party. If they drop food, I clean it up. It's my job, unless it is chocolate. I'm not allowed to eat chocolate.

I loved the stuffing out of my teddy while Lady was telling the Easter story with plastic eggs!

Progress!

Lady took your advice! She brought home chicken after Good Friday services up on top of the ridge. ! That's a sacrifice for a vegetarian, and Lady knows I appreciate it. I am NOT a vegetarian though I tried. Anyway, she adjusted my wheels again and again, and rewarded my efforts with chicken. I knew if I held out long enough she'd fold. After success inside, she took me out to the street. I did great. Even the neighborhood guys were cheering me on, mimicking Lady. "Come on, Mah-lee, You can do it." They don't speak quite the way Lady does. I did great until the chicken was gone. Then I put on the brakes and stopped. I can do it. I am more comfortable now, but if the front of the harness slips I stop and won't budge. I am good at reverse and turning around, but I still get stuck.
I'm helping Lady prepare all the goodies for the kids from the Grace Home for Children. That's our first party. Then we have another right after that for the Big Girls. They are all excited. They love our parties. Lady has been working on the Resurrection Eggs to tell the story of this season. We always share our holidays.
Thanks for the encouraging words and advice. Lady wants to know if you have any ideas for stubborness. Now why would she want to know that?

Things I know

I know I'm a good boy. I know I'm smart. I know Lady loves me. I know Lady thanks God for me. How do I know all these things? Because Lady tells me every day.
I know if I look pathetically at my dry food, Lady will add some milk or gravy or dal.
I know if I nudge her hand, Lady will keep scratching me.
I know if I put on the brakes while I'm walking Lady, she'll back up and let me lead again.
I know if I keep sniffing, I'll find the right spot.
I know "meat" in four languages.
I know how to open any package all by myself.
I know if I bang on a door, it will eventually get opened for me.
I know how to make Lady feel better when she's sad or mad or having a pity-party. I lick her face.

Home Again Home Again

Yippee! Lady got back quick! And she brought Jing with her! I know her from Bangalore. She used to live with us and take care of me. She brought me chicken MacNuggets! Lady said Jing threw up all the way through the mountains. It takes about five hours to get here once your winding around. I've eaten at that MacDonald's. They had an interesting day. Jing was in a different train car than Lady and fell asleep. Lady searched and searched for her, but she not at their stop. Lady had to get the station master to find her -still on the train! So, they took care of her until Lady could take a taxi to the next town and get her. Remember she is a foreigner, too. She is Chinese, like me, only she is from Myanmar. She speaks my first language to me. I enjoyed the chicken she brought me! With her in the house, I will be getting some eggs and meat!
My wounds are healing on my feet. Lady was pleased. The kids at the Home took good care of me. Hopefully, my chair will come tomorrow. Lady didn't get a package slip yet. Lady says I am going on the next trip. She doesn't want to leave me. That place is even higher than here, and still cold, but we'll take my heater. They have lots of sun for me to lie in! And I get to go to school! And they eat meat there!
It's good to be back in my own bed.