Wednesday, October 31, 2012

When we practice loving kindness and compassion we are the first ones to profit.


When we practice loving kindness and
compassion we are the first ones to profit.
Rumi ♥

Don't grieve. Anything you lose comes round in another form.


Don't grieve.
Anything you lose comes round in another form.

A homeless cat no more



Monday, October 29, 2012

Life With A Pet

http://s1gen.wordpress.com/literally-a-new-page/


This is definitely a new page in the life.
After much pondering, weighing the pros and cons, of introducing a pet into my life, I went ahead and adopted a cat on November 17, 2006.  Of course, there were many things to think about and no idea what to expect. 
Some of the issues:
1. How is my significant half going to adapt to it? She has asthma when she was young-is it going to trigger her asthma attacks?  Cleanliness of course, goes way off the standards she is used to.  Is she alright with it?
2. Home is our solace from the outside world, we will not let anything disturb the peace we have at home, period.
3. Is the pet going to destroy my beloved furniture? My furniture are hard to replace, even if the style is the same, the design on the piece is unique.
4. Can we take care of the pet?  We work 12 hours day-too long, definitely.  We have a helper at home who takes care of the tasks that we cannot.  Is my helper able to cope with more chores?
5. Can we spare reasonable amount of time with the pet?
6. Is our home pet safe?  We live in a high rise apartment.  If we make it safe for ourselves, surely we must make it safe for every living thing at home?  Typically what we take for granted is now, easy prey for the pet.  We have to do some inspection to ensure that it does not get poison what we take for granted.
7. Ongoing care, how much effort would it be?  What to do, when to do, how to do, who to go to, etc, you get the picture.
8. Some other things which I did not think about or know about.  I will cope with them, with the best of my abilities and time.
 I wrote this blog to help others who are taking the same steps, move from totally lost to hopefully, better informed.
I had the help from more experienced cat owners, who, invaluably add to the vast knowledge base, which now I am trying to learn more.  I am sure that my cat will teach me something that I do not know, or did not care to pay attention to.  I promise to try to learn.  Hopefully, I will learn fast enough.
 For the next few posts, I am going to write down some notes about what I did.  Hopefully, it would be useful to some other comtemplating to do the same.  I will admit, I am still learning and finding out.  But so far, the experience, has been interesting and enjoyable.
There are definitely some give-ups and some gains.  You be the guide.  Like they say, nothing ventured, nothing gained.  Do you want to wonder or are you the venturer?

Please save an OLD dog dumped by his owners! For being healthy but old, he would be put to sleep permanently!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=166192340188297&set=a.113160148824850.15033.100003925974132&type=1&theater


Pls somebody adopt this senior dog from SPCA ASAP. Owner gave up!! This dog supposed to be happy retiring but now its life at stake. Pls save him and keep till the end. 


His name is BINGO. He's still at SPCA. They're holding him till tomorrow. They said he is a healthy 12-year-old - is relaxed, gets along with humans and other dogs, minds his own business, low-maintenance and undemanding. We're looking for fosterers.

A kitten and a GENTLE-man

Most people have a "tidak apa" attitude towards the cats in our midst unless they are annoyed by them such as "pang sai" outside their flats but then again, most do not want the cats killed, they just want the problem resolved. The number of people who vehemently loath cats is small but all it takes is ONE vocal one and the cats' lives are in imminent danger! The number of people who love cats like Sam is probably not less than the people who hate cats, perhaps even more but unfortunately not many "cat lovers' are VOCAL enough to prevent unnecessary loss of these homeless cats. Sam recalled his mother telling him and his siblings when they were small that if they kicked an animal, they would be kicked back in return. So from his mother he learnt to be kind to animals. How children mould their attitude towards animals is very much dependent on their parents.

Happy Tara


From being a victim of abandonment to being a "tutor" in a wonderful good home

Molly and her brother, both about 2 months' old, were dumped with their mother into the streets. Both kittens have severe eye infection that could have led to blindness if left untreated. Molly and Ethan were both adopted. The mother, Cathy, is in a foster-home, awaiting a good safe home.


Story of Cleo (renamed Molly), her mother, Cathy and her brother, Ethan

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Pet shops, farms still not up to standard: SPCA

http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC121022-0000090/Pet-shops,-farms-still-not-up-to-standard--SPCA


Pet shops, farms still not up to standard: SPCA
SINGAPORE - While the general hygiene and conditions of the animals have improved, other prevalent issues such as mandatory licensing and providing correct and proper pet care advice are still seriously lacking in pet shops and farms, according to a survey by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

The SPCA recently completed another undercover survey in a follow-up to the "Stop the Cruelty in Puppy Mills" campaign that was launched in October 2010.

The two-month survey was conducted sometime between August and October, with the SPCA visiting 49 pet shops and farms which sold dogs.

The survey also found that there has been no improvement in the application of dog licenses since the second undercover survey in November last year.

Seventy-seven per cent (14 out of 20 pet shops and 13 out of 15 pet farms) of the establishments would not help with licensing, breaching the Pet Shop Licence Conditions that states "when a dog is sold, the shop must apply for the dog licence for the buyer and lodge the microchip number of the dog with AVA", said the SPCA.

Nine out of 10 farms selling large breeds or non-approved HDB breeds also misinformed consumers to buy the animal without informing the authorities.

They also told customers that they could license the animal under another address, or keep the animal at home without attracting attention from the neighbours.

In addition, the SPCA said no pet advice was volunteered by the majority of pet farms and pet shops to prospective buyers. Most of the pet shops did not display any pet care information or give out any pet care leaflets, even when questioned extensively about pet care.

"There was also no emphasis on responsible ownership as buyers were widely recommended and encouraged to cage the animals for toilet training or confine them in small spaces for long periods - from half a day to 22 hours for three weeks to three months duration," said the SPCA.

Other improper suggestions included "minimise taking the puppy out", "try not to take the puppy out of the cage as it is too young", "let it stay in the cage till you are back from work", and "the puppy must be caged until its vaccination".

Almost all (98 per cent) would not provide details or allow the viewing of puppies' parents while only 34 per cent of shops and farms displayed their grading.

Ms Corinne Fong, Executive Director of the SPCA, said: "Two years on and the extent of improvements and progress is dismal. Compliance of the law such as mandatory licensing at point of purchase remains a nagging issue and requires immediate addressing."

"It is disheartening to hear the misinformation offered to potential buyers by the pet shop attendants despite structured training in pet animal management and welfare made compulsory for the pet retail industry."

"There is great urgency for better enforcement from the authorities and greater effectiveness from the pet shop association in upholding ethics and standards in its industry," said Cat Welfare Society president Veron Lau. CHANNEL NEWSASIA

LOVE CATS "Extraordinary Cat Owners"

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151067869911065&set=a.10151056650461065.421609.99555921064&type=1&theater




LOVE CATS "Extraordinary Cat Owners"

Amina was not an easy decision to make for Mona and her family. Born without eyelids because of a condition known as agenesis of eyelids, Amina’s eyes are cloudy because her tears do not spread normally and the fur on her “eyebrows” constantly rubs onto her eyeballs.

Amina is a fighter, and her playful and affectionate nature won over even Mona’s husband who 
was initially not passionate about cats. Amina has undergone three surgeries to date but will constantly have frequent thick eye discharge and daily cleaning to avoid infection. Amina’s surgeries are a family affair and even the kids keep vigil by her side as she recuperates.

Mona and Amina are just one of the owner/pet cat that regulating cat ownership helps. Amina is sterilised and kept indoors in an HDB flat. With cat ownership regulation, we ensure that cat owners like Mona are not penalised by the actions of other cat owners who perpetuate the misconception that cats are not good pets.

Our "Most Beautiful Domestic Cat" contest in June highlighted many responsible owners and their amazing stories. This time round, we want to feature extraordinary owners who have been through thick and thin with their cats. Their cats may be old, blind, disabled, they have done their absolute best to keep their cats unconditionally and responsibly.

Submit your stories to info@catwelfare.org. Winning entries will have their portraits taken by a professional photographer.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Simple things make a cat happy and content. Can we humans learn that too? :-)


Cats and Compassion

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/cats-and-compassion


cats and compassion


Long Range Effects

What are the implications of cats helping to make cat owners more compassionate toward humans? Well hopefully, this will change the view of those who don't believe cats have any beneficial effects upon society, and more importantly, cats may help make us more compassionate toward our fellow humans which can only lead to the creation of a better world.

Tara, a senior cat


Animal welfare lobby group's wish list for a kinder S'pore

http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-letters/story/animal-welfare-lobby-groups-wish-list-kinder-spore-20121027

Published on Oct 27, 2012


WE ARE pleased that Professor Tommy Koh spoke for the defenceless and voiceless animals at the second National Conference On Kindness ("Are Singaporeans kind or unkind? Prof Koh's checklist"; Sunday).
In his speech, he said that he was appalled by reports of cruelty towards animals.
In our group's journey with the Singapore Kindness Movement, we appeal to the following sectors:
- The Government, for policies to reflect kindness to animals. For instance, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was not well-supported by police investigations when a Sengkang resident allegedly beat a pomeranian to death in public in 2010. Singapore has seen evidence of animal neglect and abuse during the 2010 Pasir Ris puppy mill rescue.
Animal welfare groups have been waiting since last year to partner the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) to co-inspect all local puppy mills to ensure kinder treatment of breeding dogs, and will continue to press the issue.
- Pet shops: Do not buy puppies below the age of 12 weeks without the necessary vaccinations and without seeing the condition of the puppy's parents. If the parents are unhealthy and kept in unkempt pens, do not buy from the breeder as the puppy may be a carrier of congenital diseases.
- Singaporeans without pets: Be kind to animals and pet-keepers. If there are issues with a pet-keeping neighbour, find a humane solution by pressing for pet-keepers to be educated on responsible pet-keeping rather than seek to evict the animal.
- Pet-keepers: Be responsible and pick up after pets. Re-use small plastic bags and learn the fun technique of bagging poo. Just as it is the parents' responsibility to bring up their children to be good citizens, we need to lead our pets towards good pet citizenship through kind guidance too.
Eunice Amanda Wilbertine Nah (Ms)
Chief Advocate
Animal Welfare Global
Agency for Animal Welfare

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151062763316065&set=a.10150229629331065.312192.99555921064&type=1&theater


Straits Times 21 Oct 2012
"In search of a gentler Singapore"

Animal Cruelty
"As an animal lover, I am appalled by the reports I read of cruelty towards animals."
1

Friday, October 26, 2012

Resident puts up $1,000 reward to find cat killer

http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/singapore/story/resident-puts-1000-reward-find-cat-killer-20121026\\


Madam Tan See Dee (right) has offered a $1,000 reward to anyone who can find the person responsible for throwing the cat, Cheeky, from Block 716 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6. -- PHOTO: LIANHE WANBAO

An Exceptionally Beautiful Community Cat








Thursday, October 25, 2012

Abandoned puppy and kitten handed into rescue centre at the same time now think that they are SISTERS

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2215653/Kitty-Cat-Buttons-Jack-Russell-think-SISTERS-rescue-centre.html

Dog that lost snout saving girls arrives in US for surgery

http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest+News/World/Story/A1Story20121013-377459.html


Dog that lost snout saving girls arrives in US for surgery

DAVIS, California - The canine that was horribly disfigured after saving two girls in the Philippines has arrived in California, Davis, said the Associate Press.
Veterinarians at the University of California (UC) there will try to fix the injuries of Kabang, which became famous in the Philippines when it got in front of a speeding motorcycle to save its owner's young daughter and niece.
The crash took off its snout and upper jaw.
Veterinarians in the Philippines were unable to treat the injury and the dog has been living with its open wounds since.
The surgeons at UC say that Kabang will be undergoing stem cell treatment and will be requiring multiple surgeries, but they are confident they can improve its condition.
Last Sunday, almost 300 pet lovers attended a farewell party for Kabang in the Philippines as a send-off for the courageous two-year-old dog.
Kabang's trip to the US was organised by Animal Welfare Coalition US coordinator Karen Kenngott, who was also touched by the female aspin's (local mixed breed) story.
“The more time that goes by, the more Kabang is at risk of infection,” Kengott said.
“Fungal infections can be especially difficult to eradicate and any infection in the bone can be a lengthy process to treat at best. Her chances are better the sooner she can get those wounds closed,” she said.
It is estimated that the overall cost for Kabang's treatment is US$20,000, which was raise in an internet campaign.
The dog, which recently gave birth to six puppies, is expected to be in the US for a month.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

It's NOT their fault, DON'T abandon them!



https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3362427358074&set=a.1633965267602.66329.1790790001&type=1&theater

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hachik%C5%8D

The CRUELTY of ABANDONMENT!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=283696651747085&set=a.111820858934666.14766.100003202569382&type=1&theater



8 friendly pups was found abandoned near a farm. However life can never be easy as a stray, especially for these little one. They are only 5 months old. I suspected that they were been poisoned. The farm owner has found and buried 2 bodies earlier and it's heartbreaking for me to find another 2 highly decomposed bodies in the bushes tonight. The remaining is not seen. Accordingly to the farm owner, he still see 2 pups around but are very frightened now. SOSD has ready fosterer for the 2 pups and hope that we can get them ASAP. I'll visit again tomorrow in daytime.

Respect for Precious Lives

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=411045078958288&set=a.402649736464489.93838.402237833172346&type=1&theater

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Yuki - yet another victim of abandonment!





One normal day, while caregiver was making her rounds feeding the kitties, a man carried this precious little girl and abandoned her near the feeding spot. Despite immediate chasing, the owner cld not be found.

4 days later, Yuki is now recuperating from her sterilization. This sweet girl is quiet and friendly, she retreats to her temp home (the carrier) after food and call if nature, and does n
ot make a fuss to get out.

As the existing feline masters of the house are upset with her presence, and the caregiver is unable to take in another baby, Yuki will have to return to the void deck if she's not rehomed. if you are able to give this princess a forever home, please pm me for caregiver's details. Frens, pls help to spread the word!! Tx!!
 x!!

Spay Day 19-10-2012



A big thanks to the volunteers at the Spay Day collection points this morning!!
1

Serious Cat!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=483304021702543&set=a.291297100903237.74746.291294860903461&type=1&theater

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Lovely Tara


Cute!


Naughty deaf dog who couldn't be trained is finally brought to heel using SIGN LANGUAGE

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2217961/Naughty-deaf-dog-trained-finally-brought-heel-using-SIGN-LANGUAGE.html


A rescue dog was so badly behaved after being mistreated by drug addict owners that no one would keep him for more than a year.
But now Horus has become the star pupil at his obedience school after mastering 50 commands... in sign language.
The deaf mongrel was taken in by sign language enthusiast Rosie Gibbs, 30, who used Makaton - a basic form of sign language often used on children - to train him.
Scroll down for video
He's got it! Rosie Gibbs has transformed tearaway mongrel Horus into a canny canine after teaching him 50 sign language commands
He's got it! Rosie Gibbs has transformed tearaway mongrel Horus into a canny canine after teaching him 50 sign language commands
Sit! Ms Gibbs signs 'sit' and Horus obeys
Jumping through hoops: Horus performs another trick
Jumping through hoops: Ms Gibbs, who lives near Lockerbie, Scotland, signs 'sit' and Horus obeys, left, while right, she's even got him jumping through hoops for her