More Visitors on Diwali

I survived another day and night of frightening noises and bright lights. The tradition is for people to visit friends and family and bring gifts. Here are some of our visitors.

They brought us a gift!

This baby lives downstairs. I make her laugh, so her daddy brought her up for a visit. I was very good and didn't take her biscuit...but I wanted to.

More kids from the children's home came to sing, and make crafts, and have an English lesson. They don't understand as much English as I do! I was good and walked them almost all the way back. Somebody lit a cracker, so that was that! Time to go home.

Lay went to her friends house four streets up the mountain. From their terrace they could see fireworks all over the place! Jerry and i stayed home and tried to ignore the bombs and whistles and screamers.

Yeah, it's pretty. Many houses had lights twinkling.

You would not believe the mess this morning! Of course I had to check it out. Our whole street is littered like this. We still heard some bombs and crackers this morning but tonight it is finally quiet. 

This is one of the little humans who came yesterday. He just loves me and always wants to play with my toys. The kids from the home love coming here to see me. Lady says I have to be sweet to them and tolerant. They are very poor. If I am good, she gives me a treat and lots and lots of scratching!

Survived First Night of Diwali

Well, I survived the first night. Lady gave me lots of treats when the bombs went off, but I threw up this morning. On her new silk rug. She didn't even scold me. At least I didn't flood the hallway as I did yesterday morning. I was so embarrassed! I told Lady I had to go, but she took too long getting some clothes on. She didn't scold me. That injection makes me really thirsty so I drink a lot. It has to go somewhere! That's why we were out late last night, but I didn't last long in all that noise. Here are some shots of our street last night.

Diwali is the most popular of all the festivals in South Asia. It is also celebrated by Jains and Sikhs. Because of the lights, fireworks and sweets involved, children love it. It's as big as Christmas is to the Christians. The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, although the actual legends that go with the festival are different in different parts of India. For many Indians the festival honors Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. People start the new business year at Diwali, and some Hindus will say prayers to the goddess for a successful year.Some people build a small altar to the goddess and decorate it with money and with pictures of the rewards of wealth, such as cars and houses.Hindus will leave the windows and doors of their houses open so that Lakshmi can come in. Diwali lamps are regarded as making it easy for Lakshmi to find her way to the houses. 

I guess these neighbors really want Lakshi to find them. 

Many of the houses on our street are adorned with fresh flower garlands or fake ones.

View from our balcony.

This is me headed home after kids lit some crackers in front of us! Despite my wobbly legs, I turn on a dime and high-tail it home! I am currently curled up in my yellow blankie on the sofa in front of the heater. I took Lady out early this morning!

Visitors!

Because it is Dewali or Festival of Lights, most of the kids were out of school. Lady brought six more kids from the children's home to visit me. I was on my best behavior. I have to be, or I'll get scolded. Lady says I must be patient with the human kids and play with them. When I don't want to play, I just go under the table, or go lie on my blankie. Lady is teaching the kids Christmas songs, so they entertained me. And I entertained them by playing tug-o-war with my blankie! This bunch of kids is from ages 8 to 12.

They made crafts with Lady.

They did a great job! After a fruit snack, and some candy, it was time to head back to the home.

I even let the little guy walk me! Lady was so proud of me!

When we got a little further, some kids lit a cherry bomb and some crackers. I turned right around and headed home, so Jerry had to walk the kids back, and I walked Lady home as fast as my wobbly legs would carry me! Tonight is Little Diwali, and tomorrow night is the big night. Hopefully, it won't be TOO bad! I'll let you know!

Back to the Vet Hospital

I had to go back for another injection. I like the riding in the car part, but not the shot in the butt part. The vet has been coming near my home to give me the shot. Lady or Jerry holds me in the front seat and the doctor shoots me. Last time, he told Aunty Jerry to let him see me walk. I promptly walked over to his car tire and peed on it. Maybe that's why we had to hire a taxi to drive us to the hospital! He changed my meds. Now I will take an oral red pill (oh boy) for ten days. It's Methycobal. The injection is Depo-medrol. Lady waas not happy when she found out I shouldn't be taking Carprophen and the Depo-medrol. The vet knew I was taking the Carprophen, but said it was good for me. He didn't tell Lady to stop giving it to me while I was getting the Depo-medrol injections. Sophie's mom wrote Lady and told her about Dodger's List. It's all about IVDD, which the vet in Delhi thought I had. This vet says I don't have it but have something else wrong with my nerves-maybe a bulging disc. Lady was relieved because IVDD is really really bad. On that web page, Lady learned about the drugs used to treat it, and found out about the drug interactions. Lady watched the video that showed how she is supposed to lift me to protect my back. Neither one of us like that way AT ALL. She is supposed to reach between my hind legs with her right hand and then reach across me with her left to support my front legs. Her right hand gets a handful of boy-ness. Probably works fine for the girls, but for us real boys, it is unpleasant. For Lady it is unpleasant. She doesn't want to hold onto my privates. So, we went back to the old way. As long as she keeps me horizontal it should be just fine.

This is the guy! This is the one!
Pet Club India sent me a Happy Diwali e-mail. On their site, they tell about how to help us dogs through Diwali. Seems other little guys don't like it either. Lady did as recommended and asked the vet about a mild sedative. He pointed to an add on the wall and said, "you could try that but it is not available in India. Well, maybe you can get it in Delhi." Big help. It's a wall plug-in that lets out a certain vapor and is supposed to help me be calm. Anybody heard of it before or used it? She's trying something else recommended on the site. It said to give me a treat when the loud noises start. Now I like that idea!! Some have already started lighting crackers (firecrackers) and cherry bombs, and it will only get worse by Friday and Saturday. Any other ideas???

Oh No! It's That Time Again!

Lady took pictures at the bazaar yesterday of the signs of the coming festival...the one I dread since coming to India: Diwali-The Festival of Lights. It's a scary time for a little dog like me. Lots and lots of fireworks for days! It is a major festival celebrated by just about everybody.

Everybody's out buying new clothes, gifts, and decorations.

I love nuts, but I am not allowed to eat very many.

Here's Jerry shopping for stuff. She's got her suitcases on the floor. I wonder why? Her sister came to stay with us while Lady was gone to the beach, but she left today. I really like her a lot. I sure hope Jerry doesn't leave us. I will miss her. Her gives me chicken when Lady takes her out to eat. She makes me chappattis and fried paneer. If she goes away, I hope she comes back like Lady does when she leaves me. 

Lady bought colored lights and draped them on our balconies. We'll leave them up for Christmas after Diwali. We have candles everywhere. We don't celebrate The Festival of Lights -we just celebrate One Light -Jesus Christ -the Light who pierces the darkness. So, for us it is the Festival of Light- a change to share about our Light. I'll keep you posted.

Happy Halloween

Well, they don't celebrate Halloween in India. They have enough festivals! And some scary ones, too! My human grandma and grandpa already called me this morning to wish me a happy Halloween even though it isn't Halloween there yet. It is here! For some reason our day is their night. Weird. They thought of me when they went to the local Halloween Parade and there were dressed up wienie dogs like me! Lady dressed me in orange but praise the Lord she didn't make me wear a mask!
So here's my Halloween photo for this year:

I've just gotten back from taking Lady for a walk and I'm tired. My hind legs aren't working right. They wouldn't support me while I took care of business. I promise I haven't been drinking any funny stuff! It only looks that way. Guess it's time for the vet again.
Anyway, I hope you have a fun and safe holiday. Here are some photos from past embarrassments of dressing up:

BOO!

Lady's Home!

Lady's home! Oh happy day! I was quite vocal in my enthusiasm, and lavished her with licks! Of course I have had fun with Aunty Jerry and her twin sister Sheila, but I missed my Lady. She went to the beach for a few days to be with a bunch of other American human ladies. I wonder if they left their little dogs. I sniffed through her suitcase to see if she brought me something. I found some fishy selling shells that I unwrapped for her. I also dug out all her dirty undies onto the floor so she could find them easier. I try to help out as much as I can.
My back is much better, much to Lady's relief. She has been calling home to check on me. I am afraid of the cell phone, but she tried to talk to me. The vet has come twice to shoot me in the butt. He says I am doing better. Lady picked up some more of the imported anti-inflamatory as she came through the capital city on her way home. It took her two days of travel to get to the beach. She had a really good time, but was glad to get back to the beautiful mountains and her little boy! She missed me lots!
The days are getting colder. The high today is only 58 F and it got down to 34 last night. It is already snowing n some parts of our state! It usually doesn't snow much here. I remember snow. It didn't snow that much in our last city in China, but it was deep for me!! Lady could find me because of my bright yellow Pooh coat!
I'm dragging my yellow blankie around to lie on because the floors are so cold.
Oh, and Lady is feeling much better. She didn't cough last night! Of course, I was there to keep her warm and snug.

Lady took this of me while I was snoozing on my blankie.

This little guy reminded Lady of me and he made her miss me more. But he wasn't friendly.

This is a view on the beach at Goa. I would have had fun!

Lady saw all kinds of wildlife on the beach!

This guy might pinch my nose!

Water buffalo on the beach???

I would have liked to get get into this basket!

Sunset on the beach.

Better!

The vet came after 7:00 pm last night and watched me walk. I am doing much better. Lady and I got in the front seat and she held me tight. Uh oh. I know what's coming, and it isn't a car ride! He shot me in the butt and it HURT! I cried and tried to get lose. Then, he had me walk again and watched me in the car lights. I have to have another shot on Saturday, then again on Monday.
I'm not the one in need of a doctor in our house right now. Lady's sick. She's miserable. SHe has a bad throat, and coughed all night again. I slept through it though, but she woke me up this morning. Gerry had to take me out because Lady is still in her pjs. The other human ladies are supposed to come today for a Story and learn how to make banana pudding, but Lady had to cancel. Her teeth hurt. She sounds terrible -not like my Lady at all. So, I'll be taking care of her today. She's staying in. Sure hope she feels better before her trip on Saturday!

House Call

The vet is coming to my house, can ya believe it? He had an emergency so he is late. Maybe I will get a reprieve. I'm not any worse, but Lady says I still walk like a drunk. Being hurt has its perks. Lady feels so bad for me that she gives me pretty much whatever I want-except for chocolate of course. Hey, I know I am not supposed to eat chocolate- I don't even try, especially since Lady guards her dark chocolate as I guard my chew bones! Don't mess with my chew bones, and don't mess with Lady's dark chocolate! The momo man came today to bring me chicken momos. Those are steamed Chinese dumplings. I am Chinese, you know. She also ordered veg chow mein for me. I've already eaten half my momos. Lady also bought a new rug by our balcony door because the marble floor is so cold for me. Two guys walk up and down the street yelling about selling rugs. You'll see it in the next photos. I wasn't sure if it would be staying or not, as so many were on the floor today, so I avoided it. Temperatures are dropping these days, so I am happy to have that rug. After dark, I figured it was ours, and tried it out.
Lady packed a bag today, but didn't pack mine. I'm no dummy. I know what that means. She's going somewhere and I'm not. Maybe that's why I am getting all my favorites, and extra attention. When Lady goes away, I can count on a guilt gift when she returns. She's trying to find me a new squeaky baby, as I managed to disembowel my stuffed sheep and kill the squeaker. I still have blue baby though. Sheep has no ears or legs, and is getting pretty nasty. I've lost interest since it has no squeak. I wait until it is quiet around here, then I squeak away! Lady can't find any suitable replacement anywhere near here or in the capital.
Hey some really cute little humans came over to play yesterday. They live at the children's home around the corner. They weren't afraid of me. Should be. I didn't like it when they patted me (too hard) on my sore back, and took Sheep or Blue Baby. I was good, though. I just hid under the table when I was tired of them. They LOVED jumping on our soft sofa, and they loved looking at Lady's children's books. They made wooden bead necklaces and a fall leaf decoration to hang on their beds. Lady was going to have them back today but she coughed all night. Two of the little ones have really bad snotty noses. She thinks she picked up the cold when she taught there last week. But, Lady isn't mad. She loves the little ones. They all have sad stories. They're okay-they shared their Tiger Biscuits with me. I'd post photos, but the system is down for maintenance.
It may be awhile before I can post again, as I am not allowed on the computer when Lady is gone. But, maybe before she leaves she'll help me post. I'll let you know how the vet visit goes.
Hey all you hot dogs out there -take a lesson from me and don't jump up on the furniture, and get your humans to help you on the stairs. While it builds a nice-looking chest, it deteriorates the vertebrae. That means it hurts your back, and you will need many injections -or worse! I don't consider myself old, but I am over nine.
If you have any advice for me, please write me! I love hearing from you. Ha! Sometimes I get mail and Lady doesn't! She doesn't like that!

Visit to the Vet Hospital

Uncle took Lady and me to the government veterinary hospital today. The vet watched me walk and felt my spine. He sent me to another room downstairs where I had to lie ON MY BACK on something very hard. Lady and another uncle had to hole me. Lady said I was  very good boy -I didn't wiggle or cry while a machine took a picture of my back. I had to lie on my side for another picture, but that wasn't as hard as being on my back. I didn't cry and I didn't move. I had to wait in Lady's lap for the pictures to dry. The vet looked at what the vet in Delhi said was my problem -something with my disks. But the pictures showed that I didn't have that condition the other vet thought I did. I need an MRI, whatever that is, to correctly diagnose my problem. Guess what? No doggie MRI's in India. This vet said he thinks I have a bulging disk that is causing the nerve problems I am having. He watched me walk like a drunk, and lose control of my hind legs -especially the right one. He gave me two shots. I didn't bite and I didn't cry. I was a very good boy. I have to have more shots every other day. The vet lives near us so he said he'd come by and give it to me. That's nice.
I don't know anything about America, but Lady said it would have cost tons more there. It cost $0.45 to see the vet, and $1.81 for my injections and the syringes. The pictures didn't cost us anything. We had to pay lots and lots more in Delhi, but that was a private doctor. This is a government hospital. And, thanks to Uncle, we had a free ride. I do like to go for a ride. The medicine I take, Carophren, that helps me the most is imported, and not available here. Lady has to get me some more in New Delhi. She gives me half at bedtime, so I am not so sore when I wake up, and i get half when I wake up before I take Lady for a walk.
We watched a funny movie tonight, but I fell asleep. It was called The Ugly Dachshund. Lady laughed. The doxies in that movie were very naughty! Lady feels so sorry for me that she brought me some chicken chow mein last night. I am Chinese, you know. Well, time to get back under the heating pad for a bit.

Bad Back Days

My back is killing me! I'm even peeing like a girl! Lady gave me a doggie ibuprophen, and put the heating pad on me. I am also wearing my Pooh coat because it's chilly for a short-haired wiennie like me. I'm walking real slow. Night before last, I told Lady I didn't even want to go out. That was a first! She was shocked, but she took me anyway, because she didn't want my bladder to explode. Once outside I took care of business in short order, and just wanted to go home. I like lying in the sunbeam that comes through our living room window. Lady put my mat outside on the balcony so I wouldn't have to lie on the cold tiles. I'm whining a lot. I can't help it. But I DON"T want more injections like in Delhi. Ouch. Hopefully, I will feel better tomorrow. I still love it when people come over. The ladies came yesterday to hear a story from Lady. My happy meter went full speed. Lady was happy to see that, as I had been mopey up to that point. I'm eating good. I haven't lost my appetite -especially for Jerry's home-made tortilla chips, or pita pockets.
The kids lit fire crackers again last night. So, bad back, AND firecrackers! What's a little black dog to do?

Fall Fell

Finally! Monsoons are over! We've decorated for fall. I'm sporting my nice coat because there's a chill in the air! No complaints here, I haven't forgotten the awful heat of New Delhi. I just find a sunbeam and lie in it. Lady takes me up on the terrace so I can bask while she reads. Our days are 63-65 and our nights are 43 down to 38 forecast for next Friday!
So, the weather is super nice, but fall means it's festival season. I hate festival season because of all the firecrackers and fireworks. Just down the hill they have a big colorful tent set up. It's for Dussehra which celebrates the victory of good over evil. Lord Ram and his brother Laxman gathered an army to defeat Ravan and get his wife Sita back. Soon it will be Diwali, or "festival of light." For days they shoot off firecrackers and fireworks! For days I shake and don't want to go out.
Tonight I took Lady out for her evening walk and I heard the fire crackers. I turned around and wanted to go home, but the kids were right in front of my house! They threw crackers towards us! Lady scolded them and they said sorry, and went back down the hill. Still, I high-tailed it in the other direction. Finally Lady coaxed me to go home. I stick close to Lady or Jerry. I don't sleep well. They celebrate all night it seems. The loud music upsets me. No, I don't like festival season, and India has so many of them. Plus, tomorrow is 10-10-'10, and auspicious day to get married so lots of pre-wedding celebrations tonight. My aunty Allison is marrying Kelby tomorrow in the US. She used to live with us when we lived in the south. She tried not to love me but failed.

Our fall sunset.

Look at the size of this guy! Lady saw him on the mall. He makes me look small! Bet he eats a lot of chapatis! She keeps meeting males! I am all for arranged marriages  -find me a girl!

Catching Up

Lady's back from a trip to a rural area, visiting another school to train their teachers. I stayed home with Gerry. 

Isn't the human baby cute? She lives downstairs. She is 5 months old. She's pretty quiet for a baby. Her mom comes on Thursdays to Lady's Moms and Friends Club.

The weather is cooler these days, and still wet.

Ten big girls came to see me yesterday. Lady told them a true story  about Deborah, Lady's  favorite.  The girls made games boards and answered questions about the story, and their lives. They come to see me every Saturday.

Bedroom After

I think I told you Lady and Gerry were repainting our bedroom walls. Now they are a lovely sky blue. They painted the old brown desk she inherited a glossy white. I still have white paint on my tail. Gerry is painting the bathroom blue today. It is still French's Mustard color. This is the before:This is after:
Notice our new cocoa brown curtains!

Same quilt for now. Lady will look for a comforter and pillow shams in the capital city when she goes.

I've been busy taking care of Lady. She fell and broke her hand in a couple of places, but she's okay. I have to be careful not to pull her when I walk her. I mostly hang out on my balcony and let everybody know what's happening. If I am too noisy, the balcony doors get shut and I am in time out. I guess I will go help Gerry paint the bathroom. Lady is going off to a village to visit.

Cousin News

We Skyped with my new cousin, Casey, in Atlanta and found out he is taking his first road trip this weekend. They're headed to FL to see the grandparents I only see on Skype. I know they love me though, because they send me treats and gifts. It's a very long trip for such a young guy. I hope he has a wonderful visit and doesn't throw up on the way. I don't get motion sick myself. I am a good traveler.

I forgot to advise Casey not to bite the hands that feed him! He has bitten his human dad twice. He doesn't know how to "drop." Biting is not cool, Casey. Better not bite Grandpa! Also, don't pee in the house-also not cool.

He might get to go to Dog Beach. I hope they take lots of photos.

It's rainy as usual, then it is very pleasant, balcony weather. Lady told me not to pee on the lettuce she is growing. I think she is through painting now. We slept in our own bed last night after camping out in the living room for three nights due to the smell. I was so glad to get back in our big bed, but I will sleep with Lady wherever she is.

New Cousin!

I met my new cousin via Skype today. He was just adopted by Lady's brother and sister-in-law. He lives in the US, in a place called Georgia. I guess he is American. He's only six months old. He has a lot to learn. He just got fixed, so he isn't quite himself yet. His name is Casey. He is a rescue dog but my goodness, his adoption fee was STEEP! And he didn't come with any stuff. I did: food, a leash, collars, bowls, clothes, and toys. My aunt and uncle have already invested a small fortune in him. And, he has a vet visit coming up that he doesn't know about. Vets are more expensive in the states than here. My visits cost about $6 each, but I had a lot of them when my back was hurting.

He's white, but I won't hold it against him, as I am colorblind! Theirs is a mixed family anyway -his step brothers are both Persian -cats!! Poor guy.

Well, I have some advice for him:

1. Never pee or poop in the house, but if you just can't hold it in, go on the tile, NOT the carpeting.

2. Always greet your Mom and Dad enthusiastically when they come home. Humans like that. You get more treats that way.

3. Don't eat the cat poop, or cat food. Both will make you sick, and your breath smell bad.

4. Keep your distance from the cats until they figure out who's boss., and DON'T mess with the cat toys.

5. Don't chew on anything but your own toys -that will get you scolded.

6. Don't cry at night. Humans need their sleep, and so do little white dogs.

7. Be a good neighbor and don't bark for no good reason during the day. If there is an intruder, bark your head off.

Maybe my readers have some other good advice for you.

It will take time to get adjusted to your new home, but just know you were chosen and you are loved. You are home now. You have a family. And, you have an extended family! Welcome, Casey, from your Chinese cousin who lives in India!

An Interesting Thing Happened on my Walk Today...

My Lady just returned from a ten day trip to a far away place very high in the Himalayas. She is a teacher you know, and she has often trained teachers over the years. She was invited to a small school near Tibet to train their teachers. She told me she had an awesome time but missed me terribly. The trip was too rough for a little black dog. The altitude would be too hard on me. She shared her photos with me, so I will share some with you.

This morning, I took Lady out for a walk. We passed a young bull. He walked towards us but we kept walking. Well, on the way back to our house, we passed him again. This time, he followed us all the way home! He was too interested in me! He sniffed my you- know-what. I didn't bark at him, but I tried to scurry away. Lady tried to distract him by scratching his head. He seemed to like that, but he liked me more. He poked his nose where it didn't belong one too many times and I bared my pearly whites! Lady and I hurried along because I was annoyed by now. He followed us all the way to our gate. After we went inside, he turned around and went home! Cows are sacred here, so I am not allowed to bite, but I thought about it.

The Bandh

Today it's really quiet around here. There's a nationwide strike, or bandh, and all schools, shops, and business are closed. They are protesting the steep increase of natural gas and oil prices. It was called by the ruling party, the BJP. Even the vegetable vendors are gone today. Makes for a rather boring walk. No taxis or buses on the roads -only emergency vehicles. We wouldn't have known about it except for our taxi driver friend, Mr. Sud, told us last night. Lady had plans to do somethings but they will have to wait until tomorrow. He told our friends to stay off the roads tomorrow so they wouldn't get hurt.

So I'm hanging out on the balcony, watching for action. Lots of street dogs came by, but other than that it is rather slow. The rain has eased up for now, but it is still overcast and a bit chilly. I wore my raincoat for my walk.

Lady's Back!

Lady went tent camping for the weekend and brought back some photos to show me. I thought you might like to see. I sure missed her. Jerry stayed with me, but I missed my Lady. I moped. Jerry slept with me in the living room on the floor because I wouldn't go to bed. Lady might come home. I was very vocal when she came home Sunday morning!

Lady celebrated Independence Day with human friends. She brought me back a piece of fried chicken! Yum. Lady's friends are carnivores like me, but she is vegetarian. They feel sorry for me so they give me an occasional piece of meat!

This is where they set up camp above the riverbank. They could look out their tents and see the river. Lady said those weeds are what they call, "weed!"

This is the river Lady camped by. They also went white water rafting on it. Looks very deep and fast to me. Lady said she played in the sand! That would have been fun!

Lady and her friends went trekking into a gorge to see a cave, but the cave was nowhere near as interesting as the gorge and the stream.





Lady said it was very beautiful. They even soaked in hot springs!

When it is not safe for little dogs, Lady leaves me with Jerry. I miss her, but that's just fine- especially when I get meat upon her return!

Well, it has been pouring down rain since yesterday. I don't want to go out -raincoat or not. I'm going back to bed!

Eating

So I'm eating again. I held out for the good stuff but got hungry. This morning I did not want to take Lady out in the rain. Even when it stopped, I didn't want to go. She tried to drag me, but despite having my raincoat on I just didn't want to go. She thinks I'll bust. I won't. I went but I am not telling where!

Lady's going camping this weekend so just Jerry and I will be here. We'll just hang and watch movies, chase flies, play tug-o war and eat. She makes me chappattis, rice and dahl! It's a gray day but not hot! As a matter of fact I am a bit chilly so Lady put my tee shirt on.