Holidays n vacations - d Beach

'D beach! d beach!'

8 July 2005 - Port Dickson beach

1st time at d beach n wat a blast! Couldnt stop running along d sandy beach, down 2 d water’s edge 2 greet d waves n scampered off again b4 dey could get me. Learnt some doggy paddle moves in d process of retrieving my ball from d sea. Drank too much salt water n stomach felt quesy ... 4 awhile.

Sea was pretty calm n it was low tide soon after. So lotsa wet space 2 run in n just luv d splish-splash. Caught some frisbees. Tried 2 bury my ball in d sand n found out dat it was more fun burying my face in it instead. Owners hd a tough time getting all d sand off me. Excellent. Hv 2 start saving 4 dat home by d sea.

Wanna c a really happy mutt at d beach ... try Beach bums n Doggie paddle clips.

'Wat, time 2 go ... u gotta b kidding rite.'

10–13 Nov 2005 - Bon Ton Resort, Langkawi Island

'Not bad ... no doggie bowl tho'

'Time 2 tan my ass ... I'm all 4 nude sunbathing.'

Maiden trip 2 an island resort. Hd 2 fly via Msian Airlines cargo n d fare was pretty cheap, cheaper den being left alone at a boarding home. Only downside was being cooped up in my crate for > 3 hrs …well, no pain, no gain. Resort had a peaceful Balinese setting n v stayed in a well equipped Malay attap house with cool décor n bold colours.

'Cats here, there n everywhere...boss, u sure v r in d rite resort??!'

Dey also maintained a shelter 4 felines n K9s. There were cats lounging all over d resort n I hd 2 b on leash so as not 2 cause a riot. Took a lot of will power 2 hold back my hunt n chase instincts but got fairly used 2 d cats by d 4th day. But dis was only after an early morning incident ven I cldnt resist d lure n gave chase. 2 cut a long story short … cat climbed up a tree n I ended up in d pool n my owner hd 2 fish me out. How embarrassing, cats always seem 2 hv d upper hand. Thankfully, there werent any other guests around at d time.

'Bring on d waves, dude!'

'Oh errr, take it easy ... nice wave, nice wave.'

Beach was bout 15 min walk away n I hd a splendid time in d clear waters n sand. Played with other vacationers as well. Rained every now n den, n d waves were bit strong so I needed 2 time my ball retrieve just rite, otherwise there’ll b salt n sand in my pants. All dat playing gave me a good appetite.

Holidays n vacations r absolutely fun, looking forward 2 d next trip.

Pet visitations n Community service

'Woaah! Guess dats as long as he gets...'

15 Oct 2005 - Yayasan Sunbeams Homes - Waggie Tails, Taman Mawar, Cheras
1st visit 2 an orphanage with > 50 kids. Organised by Waggie Tails, a group of selfless n generous dogs lovers who appear 2 hv got d act together 2 perhaps, b d only people in town taking d initiative in introducing dogs into community service n welfare work.

Really appreciated d opportunity 2 do so coz wldnt qualify as a therapy dog in normal circumstances … me being a feisty terrier n all dat. Actually prefer playing with children coz dun really hv 2 perform any tricks 2 get d ball n dey can keep up with my antics. Even got 2 sneak inside deir home on d pretence of looking 4 my ball.

Plenty of willing kids on hand 2 walk d dogs on d day. Very well behaved in agreeable kids dey were too n d visiting dogs mirrored deir behaviour … nice. Russell with his usual impeccable manners, fitted right in.

Tho’ d kids dun really ask 4 much, dey certainly deserve more den wat dey hv at present.

3 Dec 2005- Agathians Shelter & Ti-Ratana Orphanage - Waggie Tails, Section 8, PJ

Combined picnic in d playground with 2 orphanages. Russell n I gv a short agility demo. Also performed a dance n tricks routine n d kids lapped it up. Kids were very easy going and quite satisfied just being able 2 walk d dogs around d park. Dey also hd d opportunity 2 lead d dogs thru a mini agility course using d playground slides n tunnel … neat.

Engaged some of d children 2 play fetch with my ball. Ground was wet after d rain n I pampered myself with d customary mudbath in between play sessions. Unlike my owners, d kids didnt mind me being soaked in mud n water.

'Sharing some mud n dirt with my pals...'

22 Jan 2006 - Ti-Ratana Community Centre - Waggie Tails, Pekan Ampang
Friends of Waggie Tails performed a dog parade, tricks n mini-agility demo b4 an audience of > 300 needy senior citizens as part of the Chinese New Year celebrations. Tag line: ‘K9 acrobatic performance to usher in d Year of d Dog’ … quite a billing 2 live up 2, hope v didnt disappoint.

Some of my pals even dressed up in deir New Year best 4 d dog parade...'Gong Xi Fa Cai'!

'Think its bout time I got myself a bigger hat.'

Quite a noisy affair with music blaring from d speakers n drums pounding at d entrance 2 accompany d lion dance troupe. Stage was very small n did my best 2 fit in d jumps, rolls n spins … hope dat d old folks can figure out wat I was trying 2 do on stage n not just witness a blur of frantic moves.

Due 2 d limited space, agility was performed partly on n off stage. Executed a new move involving leaping from pause table onto stage bout 1 feet away. Den some Chinese opera singers began singing in a high pitched, shrilled voice, cldnt appreciate it n v sneaked out 2 next door 2 hv Ampang yong tau foo 4 brunch.

At d end, an elderly gentleman gave me d thumbs up 4 my dance routine … groovy.

2006 Hits, Misses + other bits n pieces

8 Jan - Malaysia K9 Day - Puppycom, BU Central Park
Close heats, a rerun n finally regained d elusive Fastest Recall title at BU park.

Jojo d carpenter, Russell d Red Indian n Paco d Devil looked a real treat in deir creative costumes 4 d Beauty Pageant contest. Tried my luck in a K9 athlete outfit but didnt make any impact with d judges. Jojo was amongst d finalists n earned some nice prizes.

Tried d OB-Agi Dash, n made my owner look like a clown by not staying where I’m told n sneakily running close behind him without him knowing, till it was too late … provided some comic relief 4 d crowd.

Caught some frisbees n balls at d field on d side n performed some tricks 4 dose who drifted away from d main event proceedings. Got some applause 4 my efforts ... nice.

19 Feb, Dog Gala – Pets n You, Summit Mall, USJ
1st ever formal dog event 2 b held in a shopping mall … sweet. Held in conjunction with 2006 Chinese New Year 2 usher in d Year of d Dog, mayb dats why d mall was more accommodating. Dey even hd a catwalk 4 d dogs as well! Hope 2 c more of dis in d future. PetnU hd a dog parade with a lotsa mutts taking part n some pretty rare breeds n show quality K9s on display. Went up stage with Benni n Jack 2 represent d JRT squad.

'Poodles always look a real treat on d catwalk.'

'CKCS looking good as well...'

Tricks demo were held in between d parade n beauty pageant 2 keep d audience entertained. Champ did his repertoire of neat OB moves n d ‘Break Champ’s stay’ demo … nobody cld budge him. Junior gv his 1st decent demo with some nifty roll-turn-twist move n his ‘Kong Hee Fatt Choy’ gesture. Hana also managed 2 fit in her nose balancing treat move n fetching d dinner bowl antics.

Did my usual freestyle dance routine but wasnt quite up 2 mark, got bit excited n decided 2 hop around like a kangaroo mainly … hope d audience didnt notice too much. Mayb it was d catwalk n lights which got 2 me. 2nd time was a little better n also performed jumps over hurdles n scooting round cones 4 variety.

D mall did a good job with a very nice mural 4 d background n d cool catwalk stage.

'Am better at dis ... playing with kids n playing d fool.'

2005 Hits, Misses + other bits n pieces

9 Jan - Malaysia K9 Day - Puppycom, BU Central Park
Lotsa dogs gathered at dis really neat park 4 K9 day. D crowd enjoyed my moves n d Best Trick title was in d bag. My jungle trekking buddies, Hana d Beagle n Lucky d GR, made it a clean sweep of d trickster titles by taking 2nd n 3rd places … cool.

Bungled d Fastest Recall tho’ n rushed in2 d wrong owner’s arms as she appeared 2 b holding a more enticing hand bag filled with toys. Dragged along 4 other dogs in d process n v were all disqualified. Bummer.

31 July - Agility Test - Puppycom, Taman Desa

'Weave poles...helluva weird n difficult obstacle.'

Final session of basic agility class n instructors conducted a surprise test. 12 obstacles including all contacts, tunnels n pause table. Was tricky coz held on cement surface instead of grass. Hard surfaces r tougher on d pads, hs poor grip n not conducive 4 executing sharp turns. 1st run was rather hopeless n accumulated 4 faults. 2nd run was smoother with 1 fault. Topped class with a time of 42.8 secs … fairly tame effort.

Was d only trainee who ran d entire course off leash. Wld luv 2 c more K9s attempting off leash runs coz dats ven d fun really starts. Humans shld hv more faith in us.

'In d midst of all d sprinting, u r supposed 2 come 2 a screeching halt here...d pause table'

7 Aug - Dogathon, Universiti Putra Msia, Serdang

2nd outing at dis memorable fair n certainly older n wiser. Brilliant harvest with prizes in Best Trick, Dogathon race n Master Hunt categories n dey even gv out medals 4 d race. Crowd relished d tricky weaves, spins n jump on d back move.

RTM2 interviewed us thereafter but dis was 4 a Mandarin program n my boss couldnt speak d dialect … shld hv let me do d talking instead. Tried 2 impress d female interviewer with some nifty moves at d side whilst my boss struggled with simple questions pertaining 2 JRTs. Dis bloke was cramping my style.

'Hey dude, put in some good words 4 me yah.'

My sporting pals, Russell d ECS n Jojo d mongrel, were equally industrious n took home deir fair share of prizes in d Best Dressed, Fastest Eating Duo n Best Trick categories as well. It was a great day 4 winning indeed.

'Fastest Eating Duo competition... only serious eaters need apply.'

21 Aug - Pets n U Open Day, Sri Sedaya School, Subang Jaya
New training school in SJ invited us 2 join deir agility n tricks demo squad at d opening day. Attempted a short musical freestyle demo, with d dance anthem – Played A Live by Safri Duo thumping in d background. Got a bit excited n messed some moves but d audience still appreciated d tricks.

Also attempted a foolish stunt involving a long jump over 5 large K9s lying in a row. Miscalculated d run up, landed on a GSD at d other end n all hell broke loose 4 a few secs. Did much better with only 3 K9s on d line. Need 2 consider taking out an insurance policy if dis irrational daredevil behavior continues.

Champ d Malinos gave an impressive display of OB moves n heeling. D challenge 2 ‘Break Champ’s stay’ was novel n certainly showcased his solid stay.

'How's d view from up there?'

'CC, Jojo n Russell at d races.'

Fastest Recall was a treat held over a fair distance of 35-40 m. Now dats wat I call a real race n dogs hd 2 run 2 owners without any assistance. Hd 2 floor d pedal 2 overcome d stiff competition. Wat a rush 4 d speed demons!

Earlier on, attended Baskin n Hunter’s (GRs) birthday party n dey even hd a lovely cake specially made 2 order 4 K9s by MamaDog bakery. While my pals gobbled down d novelty treat, I wasnt quite sure wat 2 make of it n decided 2 gv it a miss.

'From 1 GR 2 another, 'Thank god I dun hv 2 wear dat funny hat.'

26 Aug - Purina pet food advert, Mutiara Damansara playground
My 1st paycheck. Photo shoot 4 poster advert in Giant hypermarket, Shah Alam. Dey needed an active dog so I got 2 tag along. Met a few nice looking n well groomed dogs. Lotsa waiting time n managed 2 sneak in my jogging bit b4 d rain cut short d proceedings. Hd 2 repeat d same action over n over again coz d photographer wasnt too familiar with shooting JRTs on d move.

'Spot me if u can...'

Ven d poster came out, was bit of an anti-climax as my owners got a bigger exposure den I. If u looked long n hard enuf at d poster, I’m d mutt bside d bloke in black pants … hardly noticeable rite. Dunno why dey needed a poster in dat particular suburb coz there just arent dat many dog fans in Shah Alam … n I thot I was gonna b famous.

27 Aug - Picnic in d Park, Terri’s place, Subang Jaya
Tinkerbell (Poodle), Leng Chai (JRT), Sgt Pepper (Husky) hd a party at deir place n lotsa of dogs turned up. Dey even threw in a surprise birthday bash 4 me n there was d customary cake 4 pooches. My pals enjoyed d treat.

'My very own bday cake...cool'

Sgt Pepper appeared 2 b d top dog n discipline master on d nite, so I kept my distance. Leng Chai was his usual self n kept harassing d girls n guys throughout d party.

Lovely park next door with a small stream running thru. Hd fun running about n checking out d surroundings. Was tempted 2 go 4 a swim but my owners werent as keen.

There were also a few games lined up so dat d owners dun feel left out. Was a memorable picnic in d park.

4 Sept - NTV 7 filming, Sri Sedaya School, Subang Jaya
NTV 7 was filming a documentary on d day n was asked 2 do an impromptu agility demo 4 d camera. Program was bout responsible dog ownership in our society. Got some decent air time. Me mates, Russell n Snowboy, appeared on d TV program as well … cool.

'Whilst Snowboy fooled around with d gals, Russell n I hd 2 do all d hard work.'

Didnt fancy d comments from some of d anti-K9 community tho’, pretty ignorant n primeval lot dey were. Best dat dey remain under deir coconut shells 2 vegetate.

11 Sept - Responsible Dog Ownership Day - Puppycom, BU Central Park

'Good thing bout agility...makes ur owner look really slow.'

'Get out of d way!'

Was a member of d agility demo team n d crowd loved it, particularly d off leash runs n pole weave bit. Not every day dat u get 2 c a nippy pole weave in dis region.

Dejavu … botched d Fastest Recall race at BU park again.

1&2 Oct - Eukanuba Pets Fair, Mines Exhibition Centre
'Who let d dogs out, who, who...'

Taxing event which straddled over a couple of days. Took part in agility n tricks demo, Dog Race, Superdog (mini-agility) n Overall Champion events. Got interviewed by NTV7 n some obscure video company.

Russell was in d squad as well n d OB n agility demos were well received, eventho’ space was at a premium in d exhibition hall. Gave a fairly decent performance in K9 freestyle grooving 2 tune of Michael Buble’s ‘Save d Last Dance 4 Me’ n d crowd was pleasantly surprised 2 c a mutt dishing out some dance steps. Finally got some timing n cues spot on.

'BC pup, Angel, waiting 2 run with d big boys...'

'D rest of d demo squad.'

Bagged d races n overall champion titles at d close of d fair. Russell also went home with many accolades in d same events including Best Photo. Wat a weekend n was totally knocked out at d end. It’s a tough life trying 2 b a K9 athlete.