co-owning a dog

For Sunday's outing, me and Mr A. went to the 'puppies-for-sale' place again. Actually, we went to Seletar Fish Farm, then Pasir Ris Farmway, then dinner and a nice long walk at Changi Beach Boardwalk. Sometimes at these god-forsaken places, it seems like there are only two of us in the world and time just stops and we can just sit and stare at the waves crashing on the rocky islets.

The Changi beach boardwalk is quite a nice built-up walk that traverses the shores of the beach and at the 'Fairy point', mimics a kelong. I love that Mr A. and I always like to explore these off-the-beaten track places, hopefully we won't morph into those shopping mall-and-a-movie people.

And I'm glad that in those oft-secluded places, I can really trust Mr A. Truly, for him, action speaks louder than words. In this case, I can tell he's a decent guy by the space he places between us - I'm fine with being closer, but I respect him even more when he doesn't intrude into my personal space. He doesn't have to say he's decent, gentlemanly, etc... he proves it by the way he acts. *clap clap clap* So Nice!

I'm thankful that he's such a decent guy.

And Mr A. is brave, too. He's extremely scared of reptiles. Even small ones like lizards. I think it's the slimy scaly feeling that puts him off. Once I wanted to tap a lizard off a glass pane and fling it at him, he just shuddered and hugged his oolong tea bottle tightly in one corner. (Okay, I am not so bad to fling it at him.) And he doesn't know what is a salamander...nor a newt. So when I told him that I had filmed newts and actually held one in my hand.. he kinda freaked out. (Actually my camerawoman and soundman also kinda freaked out when I held it out to them.)

There were still some newts left at the fish farm so Aunt scooped them out. At first, Mr A. just looked at us with trepidation, but after knowing we won't be so bad to fling it at him, he gingerly opened his palm and I let it wriggle on his palm. Although could sense that his skin was crawling at the fact a little black newt was there... he just held it and remained calm. I'm so proud of him. Next time I shall catch him salamanders.

==

It seems that I can never tire of looking at small cute dogs and that... would be a most wonderful way to spend a weekend. The last time we went to Pet Movers, we were observing a litter of Golden Retriever pups - 6 of them from the same parents. Now, they are really much bigger, and 2 of them were already sold, leaving 4. Mr A. likes a small one who always seems to be resting on its wee paws and looking out sombrely, unlike its' more rambunctious siblings. There was one who was constantly wrestling with whichever he could get to play with him. We ran out of energy just by watching him jump on his siblings and walloping them... ... On the way back, in the car, we already happily imagined we were owning one dog, and started thinking of names.

"Prata?"

"Chappati...come 'ere Chappati"

"No Chappati!"

"I know... let's call him 'Danga!' "

"-_-"

"You know what Ms Cheerful said?"

"What? How she knows we are going to co-own a dog?"

"*snigger* Heh... she said... we should call it a mix of our names. How about... R... Rex??"

"Rex is too common. 'Thosai'?"

"Noooo....Larry?"

"Larry is my pastor's name."
"Larry! Nice name for dog. Larry... larry..."

"-_-"

...

And so on. Hmmm, I miss him already.

This actress kinda looks like me. Or I look like her? Maybe in the future we will have a Golden Retriever. Hee...

A dog, which dog?

Last night, on msn...

Me: Thank you for being a co-owner (of my future dog) with me. You make a good co-owner!

Mr A: I make an even better father.

Me: I'd like my eggs unfertilized for now, thanks...

Mr A: ... ... ...

=

Haha. Couldn't resist.

It was Mom's remark that she didn't mind a small dog that actually got me thinking about having one. Most of my friends have dogs/had dogs but I could never afford (feeding one) or the time to take it on a daily walk. But now, I think I'm at the right age and the right...frame of mind to actually own a dog. 

Although I will still take about 1-2 months to finalize my decision, and do some research. 

It's kinda of a big commitment for me, as most of my previous pets were all short-living ones.

Mr A is sweet, he actually volunteered to 'co-own' the dog and keep it at his place on weekends. So I take care of it on weekdays. 

He said it's like I have more custody, haha... ...And he was really serious about it. He kept dogs before, so he understands the 'commitment'. And it was after he really said that that got me thinking, seriously. Since I also like dogs (I like all animals). 

We went to Pasir Ris Farmway 3 to take a look at the dogs for sale - the first one was more of a posh, sterile environment with really nice looking dogs, the other one was more homely, hdb-suited dogs. I think we stared at the puppies for hours - there were lots of Golden Retrievers, two different families of them, and they were mostly sleeping. I know that the 'first one out' tends to be...the healthiest, usually being bigger and stronger than the rest, but the downside is that it also has a more dominant personality, so it may be a role reversal, ie you become the dog and he the master, if you should choose such a puppy. We saw 3 little huskies - huskies actually look weird when they are pups, like little dunno-what animals. One with black rings around his eyes, I wanted to call him Bandit, and Mr A said if he had that dog, he would call him 'Zorro'. I don't like yappy dogs that are too small, in fact if not for the fact that HDB had such rules, I'd want a bigger dog. But there are limits to our imagination being here in Sg. 

We also found out we had the same taste in dogs - I can never understand why people like to keep chihuahuas or ...pomeranians. I don't really like poodles or malteses or schnauzers (too common nowadays), or shih tzus ... jack russells are too hyper for me. Something calming and sweet would be nice. I prefer hound-type or beagle, spaniel type dogs to toy-dog types... hee. So we have narrowed down to either a beagle or an italian grayhound - which Mr A can then feed spaghetti and leftover meatballs. 

I had the best Sunday ever!!! And we saw a nice sunset and sat through a dog obedience training course, as onlookers...am still in some happy bubble where I feel all warm and fuzzy and blissful and cheery... is this the way it's supposed to feel like? Whee!

It feels amazingly good, and because I am now much older and wiser after the last two years of ups and downs, I think I'm not going to over-analyze anything - which is what I'm prone to do, and just live in the moment and treasure every word, every time spent. Because to me, in life, what matters most is catching those moments and making them real.

All about dogs

Ms Cheerful and I have been talking about dogs lately. I've seen and sang to her lovely spaniadors (cocker spaniel + labrador mix) and we realized that the old saying about how your pet will turn out to look like you is true, mostly because you will tend to choose the kind of dog which looks somewhat like you.

(Which lends me to hilarious laughter knowing which dog Mr A once had)

I've always wanted a whippet (if I lived in a meadow) - a pert, dog with woebegone eyes and spindly long legs with short fur. Hee. 

Maybe it's only me who sees a correlation, but here are some characteristics of the men I've known and dated. I shan't name names... ...

Anyways, do take it with a pinch of salt...

Afterall, it may impact the next breed you decide to bring home.

Introducing: 

1. Benjy the Bull Terrier

The Bull Terrier is a good dog that has developed a bad reputation. This dog was created to fight and when a Bull Terrier is mistreated, it can be made into a dog that is quite aggressive, even vicious. With proper care and training, a Bull Terrier puppy can grow up to be a sweet and loving dog. In fact, at times this breed is even slightly silly. However, an older dog who has been mistreated may never be truly trustworthy and should not be placed in a home where it has access to children.

The Bull Terrier loves family life and often is quite good with children. These dogs love to play and will spend hours playing frisbee. However, if you do not have children of your own, and your Bull Terrier isn't used to small children, never leave your Bull Terrier with visiting children unattended, as infants and toddlers are sometimes mistaken for other animals instead of people. 

If you've never owned a dog before, then the Bull Terrier is definitely not for you. These dogs are not a good match with inexperienced dog owners. In addition, if you are a shrinking violet instead of an assertive person, your Bull Terrier will sense this. He will quickly dominate you and rule your household.

Since Bull Terriers are such powerful animals, you will need to be sure your dog is thoroughly trained before he gets too big for you to control easily.

Your Bull Terrier needs very little grooming.

2. Pete the Pug

Pugs have a reputation for being so good natured that people can literally walk on them. However, don't let this breed's laid back attitude fool you. This dog will turn from a lover to a fighter in an instant if an intruder threatens his human. Pugs are wonderful with children and other pets. In fact, Pugs have been known to perform feats such as gently carrying an escaped parakeet to his owner without disturbing even a feather. However, Pugs are more likely to cause allergies than some other breeds. 

Pugs are perfectly content to live in apartments or town homes. Although the Pug doesn't require a lot of exercise, you should be sure he stays in shape to keep him healthy. A daily walk around the block should be enough exercise, but he will be happy to walk much further, as well. 

While Pugs can learn obedience, these little guys aren't the fastest learners. Your Pug may not learn to sit or heel as fast as other breeds. However, once he learns he will be extremely proud of himself. You may want to try attending puppy obedience classes with your Pug. If he just can't grasp the commands, try again when he is a few months older. 

Pugs love food. They are happy to eat whatever you give them and will learn undignified tricks if you reward them with treats. You should make every effort to limit your Pug's food intake, since these dogs can suffer from knee problems, which grow worse if the dog is overweight. 

If you want a dog breed that does not need much grooming, a Pug is ideal.  

If you want a dog breed that is all heart and you don't mind him snoring and snorting in your ear all night, then a Pug may be the perfect choice for you.

3. Googoo the Golden Retriever

These dogs are high energy animals and need plenty of exercise, especially while they are less than three years of age. This desire to stay busy is one reason that Golden Retrievers make good rescue, Seeing Eye, or drug sniffing dogs. If you do not keep them occupied, they will find ways to amuse themselves, such as eating your entire shoe collection. 

If you are an avid gardener, you will need to be sure you have a separate area where you can contain your dog, since most Golden Retrievers love to dig. While they are going through their puppy stage, they are also prone to chewing up shrubs. 

Since Golden Retrievers are large dogs, you may want to consider the cost of food before buying your puppy. These dogs eat a lot. 

3. Chris the Collie

The Collie is strong and graceful and has plenty of endurance. This dog's almond shaped eyes seem to sparkle with intelligence, whether they are brown or blue in color. The Collie's prick ears give it an alert appearance.

The Collie enjoys living in the midst of an active family. This breed is not a good choice for apartment living, since it loves to spend time outside. A home with a large yard is ideal for the Collie breed. 

Although the Collie is friendly and outgoing, this dog is protective of its family and takes its duties as a watchdog seriously. Your Collie will bark at intruders, whether they are people, cats, squirrels, or pieces of trash blowing around the yard. 

The Collie can be quite headstrong and can get into quite a lot of mischief as a puppy. You should consider attending puppy obedience classes with your Collie, since it is easier to train a small puppy who hasn't developed bad habits than a sixty pound dog that has. Also, be sure to be firm with your puppy about staying on the floor if you do not want Collie hair on all of your furniture. Once you allow your dog on the furniture, he will feel that he has a right to be there any time you leave the room.

The Collie breed has very few health problems. 

Collies are quite happy to pack away plenty of food. These dogs have a tendency to overeat, so it is best to give them three small meals a day. If your Collie develops a bulge around his middle, talk to your veterinarian about switching to a food that promotes weight loss. 

Although a rough coated Collie has long hair, the Collie does not need extensive grooming. . 

The Collie is an intelligent family dog. If you want a dog who will protect your family and will play with the kids, the Collie may just be the perfect pet for you.

-

Well, I'm still doing some research on the type I wanna bring home.

Maybe I've already found him although he doesn't know it yet. *wails*

When a man likes a woman, it's easy. He just needs to go 'wow!' at the way she walks into his gaze, and basically, give or take a few things, like, is she single... do I like her... that's it. 

When a woman likes a man, it is much more complicated. Men will never understand a woman's psyche/mind.

She thinks:

Why would I like this guy?

I must list down all the things I like about this guy and see if it's a legit liking.

I must ask my trusted friends for their opinion about this guy, and if they don't like him, I will... trust their opinions (yeah right)

Why am I asking my friends about this guy, do I truly like him?

Gasp! Do I love him?

Do I want his babies?

Is he single?

Is he single and not liking anyone?

Is he single, not liking anyone, and has no emotional baggage?

Is he single, not liking anyone, has no emotional baggage and only want to settle down when his career is stable?

Can I envision a future with him?

Can I envision a relationship with him?

Can I envision a date with him?

Can I envision a chat with him???

Who is that girl sitting next to him?

What if we have no chemistry?

What if he finds me boring?

What if I find him boring?

Does he like kids?

Does he like to exercise?

Does he like to eat at hawker centres?

Does he like to watch movies?...

etc.

Well, of course, somehow, the intended will seemingly fit into those questions like the way a pet fits into your life... ... but the endless questioning is something which only (lovesick) women can fathom to do, and that, is why we are not men.

One of my favorite dogs...

Hee hee. I like this dog! It's wagging its tail at meee.

Was pleasantly surprised to see it because just yesterday, while walking to obscure Teochew porridge place for dinner with Huntley, I saw a dog like this...and I called out to it but it ignored me. 

So today at Seletar (I seem to be filming the area a lot), there was this dog!

The staff at the farm was quite surprised it did not bark at me, claiming that it barks at all newcomers... perhaps, I smell like rabbit that's why?!

I want a chow-chow. This kind of dog is one of my favorite dog, the other being whippet - a deer-like dog with long, spindly legs. Hee... Here it is posing for me:

I wore my Onitsukas to HortPark - another pre-production meeting. It's really nice to visit all these places to do pre-production meetings, but it does get tiring. Still, with the nice environs, it's easy to forget that you are working and just spend a leisurely day learning about different things. I love this part the best. Next week, I'd be doing Peranakan research, filming a rock-climbing place, and hopefully the fishfarm at Seletar. It's all going to be gone by end of this year, so sad... like the place I went to today, a plant nursery - they are going to build a wafer factory on that land. 

It just seems a waste that the government does not preserve the rustic simplicity of Seletar farmways and make it into bangladeshi dorms'; and now JTC factories.

So, going to these places, I feel blessed that I am given a chance to see all these before it is gone. 

And I am not a dog person. 

But I like this chow-chow!