The Hills Are Alive...

Hurray! Mum took me to the hill yesterday for my birthday treat. My persuasive powers worked. Of course, it helped that the electricty went off at that time so mum couldn't use the computer. Thanks TNB! We went in the early evening to avoid the crowd. The beauty of going at 3.45 pm is we literally have the place to ourselves. It was so peaceful. Without the crowds, we could hear the hills come alive with the chirping of the birds, the sounds of the crickets and the rustling of the trees as the gentle breeze brushed against its leaves. My favourite part - I could roam off-leash at certain parts of the walk when we were alone. So I sniffed and smelled to my heart's content.

Sometimes I would run ahead of mum coz I was so excited. But, I always slowed down when she called (thanks to obedience training!).

We stopped by a bubbling stream for water break and took some time to appreciate the peaceful surroundings.

Towards the end of the walk, my hunting instincts kicked in full force as I picked up the scents of a group of monkeys. I was like a mad dog, barking and pulling as I tried to get at the monkeys, who were taunting me from the top of the trees. Score- Monkeys-1; Kess-0. I was exhausted after my chasing spree and had to take a long break to recover.

Did I have fun? You bet! If only everyday was my birthday... My next task is to persuade dad to take me into the jungle trails tomorrow since it'a public holiday. Will keep you posted :-)

Great Friends + Great Food = Great Time

Someone once made this observation "Friends in your life are like pillars on your porch. Sometimes they hold you up. And sometimes they lean on you. Sometimes it's just enough to know they're standing by"

Last Saturday, my humans invited their friends over for a pot bless dinner at our home. I think that it's really great that my humans make the effort to catch up. Despite the physical distance (my humans were away in Bangkok for 1.5 years and just returned this year and Tracy & David are currently located in China), they manage to keep in touch with Doris & Alex, as well as the Kims. Technology is an excellent bridge and my humans kept in touch with their friends for free on Skype.

Back to the dinner, I was glad that my humans decided to host the dinner at home. Reason - I get to participate in all the fun! When they go out, I have to stay home (whine, whine)... Sure, it means a lil' more work for my humans (mum was super busy last week, grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning the house and me - so that I would smell nice for our friends), but I think that the advantages far outweighs the extra effort. Apart from the fact that I get included in the party (which is a big plus from a doggie point of view), a party at home has a more comfortable setting. From the human male perspective, having the TV on Sat nite is the way to go so they can watch the match between Chelsea and ManU. From the little human angle, little C can happily roam around (yeah - no need to be trapped (err... strapped) in the stroller, whilst for mum, Doris and dad, Alex, no need to worry about little C getting lost. As for the human females, any place where they can chat will do.

Last but not least, it gives everyone a chance to practice their culinary skills. Since my humans recently bought a Teka oven, they decided to grill baby-back pork ribs and pizza. They also prepared a mango salsa dip and roasted pumpkin soup. On top of that, our friends also brought rojak, potato salad, caesar salad and lovely durian pastry. All the food were delicious! There was definitely no risk of not having enough food! Everyone had a great time and more than enough to fill their stomachs! My humans didn't forget me, and I got some rib bones too. Yay!

The formula works every time: Great Friends + Great Food = Great Time!

Birthday wish - Dog parks

There are not many parks in Malaysia that welcomes dogs. This may be attributed to the multi-racial society we live in. A quick search on the internet reveal two dog-friendly parks - Sentul Park and Bandar Utama Central Park. Unfortunately, the park in my suburb is off-limits to dogs. If anyone out there knows of any others, please drop a note on my comment box. As a result, for most dogs, myself included, daily walks are normally just around the housing estate. My humans also have to be creative to find places for doggie outings. More often than not, this would be at places where there are not many other humans.

Since my birthday is coming up soon(I turn 6 this Tuesday), my wish is for Malaysia to have dog parks. My humans have come across dog parks in their travels. Dog parks are more popular in the western nations, e.g, Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada. Dog parks are more than just a place where dogs are allowed. It is purpose built for dogs and their humans - it is a place where we can run off-leash and play fetch with our humans; a place where our humans don't have to put up with dirty looks or get told off for bringing us; a place where we can socialise with our friends in a secure environment. Ok, realistically my wish probably won't be fulfilled by next Tuesday, but maybe some day. I know that some dog lovers in Subang are trying to work out a proposal for a dog park in their suburb. Good on them! I wish them success.

Meanwhile, I think I'll persuade my humans to take me hiking in the hills for my birthday treat...

Beware of Dog

You know the typical story about how dogs chase postmen? Well, it's typical for a reason. Dogs are instinctively protective. So, when postmen and other delivery persons come-a-calling, we have to defend our homes and our humans (it is in our wolf genes).

Most times, the gate to our house is closed. So, I warn off these "delivery intruders" by barking real loud at them. Mum usually tells me off, but hey, I'm only doing my job. However, yesterday, mum was pruning the plants in the flower box in front of our house and left the gate open. We had just returned from our evening walk so she figured that I would be too tired to do any mischief. Little did she know...

Mum was so engrossed in gardening that she didn't realise that a dodgy-looking chap (he was unshaven and had longish hair) had come to our door to deliver junk mail. Naturally, I had to protect mum since dad was still at work (which makes me man (err...dog) of the house in his absence). So before you could say "geronimo", I had sprinted out of the gate and was running circles (literally) around the intruder. I barked and growled (grr...) and snarled at the man to warn him to leave my territory. I don't know who was more surprised, mum or the man. The man tried to flap me off with a towel...(yeah, right, like that's going to stop me.) Then mum had to spoil the fun and called me off. She made me go back into the house and closed the gate. Hmm...I wonder if it was to protect me or the guy???

Anyway, I bet the inruder will think twice before coming back again. To all you intruders out there - Beware of dog

...grrrr..., Kess, The Guard

Dogs & Kids - Picture Perfect

A friend emailed this series of pics to me yesterday. The photographer matched the dogs and kids perfectly. Enjoy!


A friend is someone we turn to when our spirits need a lift

A friend is someone we treasure for our friendship is a gift

A friend is someone who fills our lives with beauty, joy, and grace.

And makes the world we live in a better and happier place.

There is a miracle called friendship, that dwells in the heart.
You do not know how it happens or when it gets it's start.

But you know the special lift it always brings.
You realize that friendship is the world's most precious gift!


Here's to friendship - both dogs & humans!

Heroic Dog Rescues Owner

Dogs form a very strong bond with their humans and will go to great lengths to protect them. The Star published an article yesterday about how a dog saved its elderly owner from drowning during the flash floods that struck Kampung Ulu Temiang the day before. This loyal dog refused to leave the elderly lady who was stuck in her wooden home. Finally, the dog's frantic barking drew the attention of a team of fire and rescue personnel, who managed to rescue the woman in the nick of time - she could barely keep her head above water. Only then did the dog swim to safety.

What an inspiring story!

Dogs on Travels

My humans are travel crazy and dog mad. So, during their travels they would take photographs of dogs - street dogs, other people's dogs, performing dogs, friend's dogs, etc, etc. I would like to think that they miss me, hence, their dog photography. Anyway, I would like to share some of these photographs with you. Enjoy!

What a view! Santorini, Greece

Dalmatian shopkeeper- Santorini, Greece

Doggie golfer - Glenorchy, New Zealand

Please feed me... Akaroa, New Zealand

Hey buddy, want to go for a car ride? Akaroa, New Zealand

Check out the biscuit on the dog's nose - Incredible self control (I would have eaten it!) - Christchurch, New Zealand

Chow time - Portabello Market, London

2 gorgeous Alsatians on a lunch-time walk - St James Park, London