Brownie and Midnite's Blog

Its Good Friday

2011-04-22T21:09:00.001+08:00

And as Catholic doggies, we just want to say a prayer for all the animals in the world who are living in pain, fear and terror.

We found our forever family (to torture) and we do hope all other doggies find their forever families too.

Amen.

Prayers out to Japan

2011-03-19T06:42:00.002+08:00

Not only to the humans but also the animals - dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, horsies, chickens and all. Our hearts go out to them.

This video was taken by a Japanese TV crew. We do not take credit for this video. Bless the crew who cared enough to notice the dogs.

PS: No dog dies in this video.

Happy Chinese New Year

2011-02-03T22:31:00.002+08:00

Hi everyone,

Happy Chinese New Year from us to you. May this new year of the rabbit be filled with prosperity, joy, good health and love. We hope all doggies get lotsa love too.

PS: We love rabbits too.

2010

2011-01-19T17:22:00.003+08:00

What a year it has been for all of us.

I went to the Vet late Nov 2010 worried about a growth on my shoulder. Thank God it turned out to be an ingrown fur follicle!!! Goodness...who would have thought?

During that visit, I took the escalator for the first time! Jules was laughing at me cos he said I looked like an accordion doggy. My front paws went up and up and I didn't know my back paws had to follow. Would have helped if Jules was not laughing his head off.

Jules and Sharon also realised that it was getting harder for me to jump on and off their bed. So they kinda changed beds for me.

Midnite is getting fatter! Hahaha. That is his news.

Love
Brownie

ME FAT????

2010-11-05T10:12:00.004+08:00

Well, maybe a tad chubby. I like my rolls of fat. They keep me warm.

Centre of Attention

2010-11-05T10:09:00.002+08:00

I know sometimes I can be selfish but you blame me for wanting to be in the centre of attention all the time? I really love being wanted and loved. I didn't have that when I was growing up, so now I can't get enough of it! Sometimes I forget that I have to share my humans and just want them (and their camera) to focus on only me! Sorry I spoilt your photo shoot Midnite.

CHEAP humans!

2010-11-05T10:04:00.003+08:00

My Humans are too cheap to spring for a BIGGER bed. And when they have no space on the bed, they move me while I am sleeping.

PS: They know they can't move me when I am wide awake!

Hello all!

2010-11-01T19:55:00.003+08:00

I miss you all so much!!!! Midnite misses you guys too. But I miss you all more!! Please don't get mad at me, get mad at my humans. They have been so busy. I have been busy too. I just recovered from food poisoning. Oh dear, I didn't even want to eat fried chicken and I let Midnite eat my leftovers. That was how they knew I was really sick and not faking (as if I would ever fake!).

Here is a photo of Midnite. I don't know why they like to dress him up. He just sits still and lets them do whatever they want with him! Well, I guess he does look kinda nice.

Midnite's Corner

2010-07-01T20:36:00.002+08:00

This is where Midnite sleeps. It is right by the door next to the shoe cabinet (the brown door) and kitchen (the other door). Don't worry, he has the bean bag, his sofa, the study room bed and the lounge chair!

Sweet Dreams

2010-07-01T20:33:00.002+08:00

Sleeping on your human's lap is a gillion times better than sleeping on the most luxurious bed ever.

Yikes! Do I look scary??

2010-07-01T20:27:00.001+08:00

Busy and a Break equals no posts

2010-07-01T20:25:00.001+08:00

Hi all, sorry again for not updating. My humans just want to stay away from the laptop when they get back from work. I have so many things to tell you! But my paws can't really type! Grrrrr....

So many things have been happening

2010-07-01T20:23:00.001+08:00

We bought some flowers at the plant sale. Not too yummy!

We have been busy!

2010-05-09T13:52:00.002+08:00

I thought we were going to the park. I was happy as happy can be. And then I realised, hey, this car ride is is taking way too long. And Aunt Wei is driving! Not Jules!

Horrors of horrors, we arrived at the gasp...vets!

Poor Midnite...has his Ahem cut off!

Poor boy never knew what hit him.

We left him at the Vet. And no matter how hard I tried to distract Sharon, she remembered to pick him up. Oh well, I guess I would have missed him, if he stayed at the Vet.

Horrors!

2010-03-27T08:07:00.001+08:00

We went to the Vet. Midnite is too traumatised to talk about it. You will see why soon.

Patch

2010-03-27T08:03:00.001+08:00

This is Sharon's BFF's parents dog. He has a Koala on his back! Yikes!

What do you have on your bed when you sleep?

2010-02-26T21:37:00.000+08:00

I will hold your hand in my paw till you sleep...

2010-02-26T21:34:00.002+08:00

So you will have no more bad dreams. That is how much I love you.

Day in the Life of a Brown Dog

2010-02-23T20:56:00.002+08:00

Click to make it bigger.

My day starts out with warm cuddles, is filled with wet licks, lazy naps, fun playtime, investigative adventures, doggy daydreams, some worries (of being left alone in the dark), lots of waiting time and ends with me being enveloped in a hug of infinite love. That is what doggy dreams are made of.

Although I am afraid of the dark, I also welcome darkness with anticipation, as I know it won't be long before the people I love return home.

P.S. Photos taken before Midnite's arrival.

I have many chores

2010-02-23T20:52:00.001+08:00

Giving the floral arrangement my personal touch.

First Bath

2010-02-23T20:50:00.002+08:00

s
This is Midnite after he found out that although living with humans has its perks, there are some cons attached to the living arrangements as well.

Photo of Midnite

2010-02-23T20:48:00.001+08:00

That is his "please love me" look. Some dogs!

My Very Own Art Piece

2010-02-23T20:46:00.004+08:00

Can you guess what it is and who it is for? I had wonderful doggy dreams and when I lifted my sleepy head up to see who entered the room, Jules saw this! Poor sleepy me was whisked off the bed immediately. This I think is proof that doggies ooze love all the time.

HELLLLLLLOOOOOOO EVERY ONE!!

2010-02-23T20:31:00.003+08:00

We apologise for the breakdown in service, our humans cannot handle life at times. Thank you for the sweet emails. It makes us feel good that other doggies care. We care about you too and are very sorry we have been tardy with updates.

We have been away for more than four months and many things have happened. Grandma had a fall, she is fine now but has to use a walking stick. Midnite has put on a few pounds (just like the rest of us) and Sharon has gotten a new job!

We really miss being online but our paws cannot type so again, it is our humans' fault. They said something about being overwhelmed. Overwhelmed by doggy love maybe? Humans should learn to be like us dogs. Take one day at a time, shower lots of love to the people you care about, work things out with a wag and a lick, always be up for some playtime and love with all your heart. It works for us!

I am getting used to Midnite, although I tried to eat his head. According to Jules, I looked like an Anaconda dog, with his whole snout in my mouth. He tried to seperate us and got bitten by me. Pics up later. Poor Jules. Thank God, no one blamed me. It was because of a dratted piece of biscuit. I go nuts when I have to share my treats :( I am trying to be sharing though.

I have been busy springcleaning the house, or rather inspecting the place. My humans tend to miss cleaning at the corners. It is a tough job but someone has got to do it.

More updates coming up!

What? Our butts?

2009-10-15T15:58:00.001+08:00

The Indignities we go through.

Yes?

2009-10-15T15:55:00.001+08:00

Cold Day

2009-10-15T15:49:00.001+08:00

More, more!

2009-09-07T12:42:00.001+08:00

That was Yummilicious!

Just Beautiful - God and Dog

2009-08-17T18:40:00.001+08:00

Sharon cried when she watched this.

Hi there

2009-08-13T20:48:00.002+08:00

Hello friends, my name is Midnight Shadoe and well, I just wanted to show you a picture of me. Now, Brownie pretty much shares most things with me, so here I am on my chaise lounge. I nap there some afternoons. I used to sleep in a dirty smelly drain but now I am King of my own chair...I am a happy doggy!

I am not a mean doggy

2009-07-27T11:29:00.001+08:00

Hi all, someone called me a mean and jealous doggy. But I am not. It is not easy waking up and finding another dog in the house. I was just so worried. And I never met him before. He just came!

We are getting along a lot better now. I know that he won't take my place. So I guess he can stay.

To all those who wrote us emails and comments, please don't worry, I kinda like him in some ways.

Blackie Midnight Shadoe Ninja

2009-07-23T11:08:00.002+08:00

Here he is...on MY bed, using MY harness, with MY bone and a STOLEN Winnie the Pooh slipper, wagging his tail, all innocent like.

Don't they love me anymore?

Midnight Shadoe BIT ME!!!

2009-07-18T16:51:00.004+08:00

Good thing I bit him first...hahahahah. How come all you other doggies like having siblings?

TONIGHT IS MY LAST NIGHT AS AN ONLY CHILD

2009-07-10T11:27:00.000+08:00

Er I mean dog. Oh my, I am taking over the bed!

Blackie Midnight Shadoe

2009-07-06T09:40:00.005+08:00

Hey everyone, I may be getting a new brother! Well, am not sure if I should be upset or happy? I certainly don't think there is enough space in the bed. Maybe if Jules slept on the floor. Keep your paws crossed. As long as he knows I am the Queen of this household, he will be very welcomed here indeed.

Here is the Story. Jule's colleage (a stray dog rescuer) caught hold of the dog as she saw the pound people coming. She and her family and friends have been feeding him for about 3 years. So he is rather chummy with them. So far he is the only survivor of his pack, the rest have been caught and put to sleep. So she zipped into action when she saw the pound people. With the help of a few friends, they slipped a leash on him when he was being fed.

Anyway, Jules went to her home and saw Blackie. He also saw a beagle. He was picking. And the clincher came when his friend told him that she would not have any problems finding the beagle a new home. The mongrel though had almost zero chances of rehoming as well most Singaporeans find mongrels ugly. (Pftttt to them I say). So Jules decided that Blackie would come home with us.

He is not here now. These few days Sharon and Jules won't be home much and they think that I may bite his ears off or something. So he is being homed in E's home.

Remember how Jules has been trying to catch a stray forever? Blackie is not a puppy and well I heard he is not as cute as I am. But still I do hope he comes to stay with me. So, do say a prayer that Blackie will become part of our family.

VERY UPSETTING STORY

2009-07-02T07:42:00.001+08:00

Remember ASD? Well, their volunteers have been feeding strays and they found that a stray dog had not been coming for meals for a week. When it finally appeared, its right hind leg was almost all torn off, the bottom part was gone and the top showed bare stripped bone. What happened? Illegal boar trap happened. I am not a vicious doggy but I do hope Karma comes quick for the person who set the trap. I hope he gets stuck in one that he set himself.

I know I am not usually such a mean dog but if you take a look at the picture of Kiwi here, you will definitely not be a nice doggy either.

Sugar Cane

2009-06-25T09:25:00.002+08:00

The good thing about living in the tropics are Sugar canes! I love them, they taste sweet and crunchy and are a good alternative to processed doggy treats. (Do I sound like a Sugar Cane advertisement?)

It is hard to buy Sugar Cane here. Most people drink the juice. My human had to beg the Sugar Cane Juice lady to sell him some.

Tropical heat

2009-06-25T09:11:00.002+08:00

It is really uncomfortable sometimes to be a doggy in this tropical climate. Its always hot, hot, hot. So hot, there have been bush fires. I do feel like shaving off all my fur at times. So occasionally I get an ice cream treat. Mmmmmmm...

Conversations in the Brown Abode

2009-05-30T17:29:00.004+08:00

When humans talk about their doggies, they talk about how cute they are, what they ate and so on...does it happen here?

Nooooo, I am subjected to the indignity of listening to stories about my...ahem...most private act. (Ok ok, granted I do it in front of the entire neighbourhood, but still, a brown doggy needs her space)

Sharon: She pooped quite a bit today...saw some little bits in her poop. They looked yellow.

Jules : Oh yeah, that must have been the corn she ate last night.

Jules: Man she had a long poop today.

Sharon: You mean she took a long time before she finally pooped? Or she pooped for a long time?

Jules: No, I meant her poop was long, so long she had to raise her butt up for it all to come out and not touch her.

Sharon: She is really naughty.

Jules: How so?

Sharon: She held her poop cos she knows after she poops, she has to come home.

Jules: How do you know?

Sharon: Cos part of her poop came out and she made it go back in again!

Jules: GENIUS Doggy!!!

Poor Doggy

2009-05-24T18:39:00.002+08:00

I hope he is happy. I think he is because he has his human and he (the dog) looks clean and healthy.

When will they be back?

2009-04-18T18:34:00.000+08:00

Did they forget me already? I am a very lonely doggy when they are at work. Do they think about me at all?

New Blankie Smell. Sniff Sniff

2009-04-17T18:35:00.001+08:00

Check out my smile

2009-04-16T18:31:00.000+08:00

Rufus The London Underground Commuter

2009-03-13T20:20:00.003+08:00

A canine commuter has become a minor celebrity on the London Underground thanks to his giant frame (He's a whopping 55kgs!).

Rufus the Pyrenean mountain dog travels on the capital's transport network with his owner Michael Stavrides and has won the hearts of fellow commuters. Stavrides, 50, takes the tube journey from Pinner to Baker Street daily with his oversized pal and says that the reaction to the five-year-old dog has been overwhelmingly positive.

Canine commuter: Rufus the Pyrenean mountain dog on the tube with his owner Michael Stavrides

'It's amazing the reaction of people as I take Rufus on the train.

'Although he does tend to slump across the carriage floor people absolutely love him,' says Michael, who owns the Fine Art Gallery in Marylebone.

'People actually tell me they get on the train that isn't their train just to go to the next stop with him.

'They tell me it makes their day, particularly as we're going through a credit crunch.'

Michael also says famous fans including Matt Lucas, Barbara Windsor and Dale Winton have all stopped to pat Rufus.

'I've even had people park their cars just to get out to say hello and take a picture with him.'

But some grumpy travellers aren't so happy to share carriage space with the friendly pooch.

A lively debate started in a London paper when someone calling themselves NOTDOGLOVER texted in to ask if anyone had seen "pony-like" Rufus and stated that they objected to his poochy presence on the rush hour commute.

Dog Who Can Say "Mama"

2009-03-13T20:12:00.003+08:00

Armani is a 2 year old minature bull terrier who lives in Berlin with his owner, Zouleykha Kogan. He must love Frau Kogan so much cos' he can actually say the words "Mama"! Check out the link below and if it does not work, go to the second link as it includes the full story besides the video!

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1488655367/bctid13718301001

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/4732918/Dog-who-says-Mama-takes-Germany-by-storm.html

What a smart doggie!!!

Family dog saves toddler from deadly snake

2009-03-06T19:38:00.001+08:00

Its an old story from 2007. I forgot to post it up!

A doberman saved a toddler from a deadly snake by throwing her out of harm's way as it attacked.The pet hauled the 17-month-old girl up by her nappy and flung her over his shoulder like a rag doll.As he did so, the snake struck, biting him on the leg. Charlotte Svillicic's family firmly believe the dog, called Khan, acted deliberately.

They said yesterday he may have been repaying their kindness for rescuing him from an animal shelter.

"He saved her life by risking his own," said Charlotte's mother, Catherine.

"From now on, he's Khan the Wonder Dog."

The drama happened as 17-month-old Charlotte played in the garden of her home near the Australian city of Cairns when Khan began to bristle.

He had spotted the king brown snake - the world's third most venomous - about to strike from its hiding place beneath their house.

Mrs Svillicic said yesterday: "Khan was really concentrating and was acting aggressively towards Charlotte-and kept trying to nudge her but it wasn't working."So he grabbed her by the back of the nappy and threw her over his shoulder more than a metre, like she was a rag doll."

At that point the snake leapt out, Mrs Svillicic added. "Charlotte looked pretty shocked and Khan screamed, like he'd been stabbed."I realised he had been trying to get in between her and the snake before he threw her."

The dog received a shot of anti-venom from a vet and made a full recovery.

Important things to guard

2009-02-24T18:28:00.000+08:00

Hiya Everyone!!!

2009-02-19T07:15:00.003+08:00

Sharon has got to start blogging more. I miss telling my stories to all my friends. Anyway a long over due update. Here are some photos of me after the operation. I HATE wearing that darn plastic collar so I got to wear a Doors Tee shirt. Aren't I the cool doggie?

And a gross pic coming up. So be warned. Its not gross to me, Sharon or Jules of course.

SICK SICK UPSETTING STORY BELOW

2008-12-01T08:59:00.002+08:00

A BEAGLE is unveiled to the world — with a quarter of its face transplanted from ANOTHER dog. The mutt, seen just before the op with the donor hound on the right, got new skin, an ear and eyelids. Sadly it meant his pal had to die.

The pet called Wing Wen was said to be doing well in Fuzhou, China — helping human face graft research. The op produced the world's first ever patchwork dog and was carried out two years ago. Zhen Shengwu, chief plastic surgeon at the Fujian Provincial Hospital in Fuzhou, is now hoping to attract rich westerners for face change surgery.

Zhen said: "Wing is mentally and physically healthy after the surgery which was a great success." He added: "Wing Wen recovered quickly and most observers would think the dog was born with a mixed-coloured face. But you can see the difference from the ears.

"Wen’s original ear on the right side hangs down, while the new ear on the other side stands up."
Zhen said Wing Wen’s eyes resumed full function six months after surgery. "At the time if you put your finger close to his left eye, he would blink or close it.

"That means the nerves on the transplanted face are working well." Zhen said his surgery was the first surgery of its kind on a dog. "Since a dog’s face is close to a human’s, it’s a good reference for future human face transplants." He added: "To some patients whose faces were greatly damaged because of burning, car accidents, animal attacks or tumours, face-changing surgery can greatly improve their quality of life. So it’s worthwhile to advertise it with examples like this."

Hi all

2008-11-13T09:09:00.003+08:00

Sorry I have been busy. I have been so pampered since the operation and I put on the 1.5 kg I lost because of it. What am I supposed to do? Now I am on a strict no SNACKS diet! I am so hungry! All I can think of is food, food, food. I was so hungry I attacked the dustbin!

But I didn't get a scolding at all cos Jules said I suffered enough because of the operation. And he said that if Mommy and Daddy could not resist chocolates than how could we blame their daughter...;)

The Princess is Doing well

2008-09-16T09:27:00.001+08:00

Thanks everyone for your kind thoughts and prayers. Brownie is fine. The lumps on her mammary glands are just FATS. Will take a picture of them and post it up. Its not cancerous at all. Phew. But she is still whining in pain. Poor brave doggy.

Operation Tomm

2008-09-13T20:56:00.002+08:00

Hi Everyone,

Brownie's operation is tomm. Will keep you all updated.

Love
All of us.

Please say a Prayer for Brownie

2008-08-29T10:23:00.002+08:00

Dear friends,

We noticed a lump on her tummy sometime back and brought her to the vet who said not to worry. Then recently (past 2 weeks), we noticed it became bigger. Plus recently (also in the past 2 weeks), we noticed a lump on her hip. Our brave doggy is at the vet right now and they are scheduling for an emergency ultrasound/ultrascan at another location. Thank goodness Jules and his dad are with her.

The stomach lump could be hernia, could be cancer.

Since I am already on the Internet, I thought I would ask for the most powerful healing medication of all - your prayers and positive thoughts.

Thank you
Sharon and Jules

Vrrrrooooom Vrrrooooom

2008-08-28T10:17:00.001+08:00

PS: Don't you think I deserve an Award for PATIENCE?

Big Wendy the muscular whippet

2008-08-27T09:38:00.001+08:00

People mistake her for a pitbull with a pinhead, but Wendy the whippet is one rare breed.

So rare that the Central Saanich dog recently graced the New York Times. She also had several of her photos shown on The Today Show, all because of a rare genetic mutation that has led to her being the Incredible Hulk of dogs.

Wendy is a 27-kilogram rippling mass of muscle. Forget the so-called six-pack stomach: Wendy has a 24-pack. And the muscles around her neck are so thick, they look like a lion's ruff.

"People have referred to her as Arnold Schwarzenegger," says doting owner Ingrid Hansen, stroking Wendy's sleek black coat and white chest.

Wendy was recently part of a genetics study done in the U.S. on mutation in the myostatin gene in whippets, which resemble greyhounds in appearance.

Hansen has had Wendy, now four, since she bought the dog from a Shawnigan Lake breeder when she was eight months old.

Wendy landed in clover. She lives on an acreage, runs around with other dogs and horses, sleeps on Hansen's bed and pretty much anywhere else she wants to.

People are often afraid when the muscle-bound dog runs up to them on her dainty whippet-thin legs, but they soon realize she's friendly, Hansen said.

Dog who walks on 2 legs

2008-08-01T10:52:00.004+08:00

Isn't this doggie brave? Its cute to look at but let me tell you, its really tiring to walk on your back legs. It is ok for you hoomans but for us doggies, it takes a lot of energy. Imagine hopping on one foot all the time. Thankfully, he has a great hooman who loves him just as he is.

My Favourite Spot

2008-07-09T08:58:00.002+08:00

Nope its not on some cushy bean bag...its on....

Jule's Butt???!! That just sounds so not right.

But Seriously, its pretty comfy, Sharon's would be more comfy, cos she has more...you know...ahem...but she won't let me sleep on her butt.

Brownie is going to the moon

2008-06-26T13:18:00.004+08:00

Quick, go here and put your name in

http://lro.jhuapl.edu/NameToMoon/index.php

The Certificate is in Adobe Photoshop so I can't show it to you all.

Hurry ends June 27th!

Love
Brownie Roo

Hmmmmmm

2008-05-20T18:26:00.000+08:00

Wonder whats for Dinner?

Can't Believe my Hoomans!

2008-05-20T17:36:00.000+08:00

Sharon fell off the staircase when she was wearing her worn out pair of crocs. My hoomans must learn to be more careful.

Evidence!

2008-05-19T18:31:00.000+08:00

Sad

2008-04-23T21:32:00.001+08:00

Last year, Sharon read me a story about a emancipated stray dog that was captured and heartlessly tied and cruelly starved to death by an "artist" called Guillermo Habacuc Vargas. She didn't want to post it up as it was just too upsetting. What she did was to fast and pray for that doggie for a week. But now she realized that she was so wrong to just do ONLY that. It was not be enough - she has to tell the world, so here it is...I cried big doggy tears for days when I saw this.

Not only did he tie the weak dog up, he also put food just out of reach of it. So it could smell food but could not eat it. Also he 'wrote' out a message on the wall made out of Dog Food.

Sign here and please if you want a dog, adopt one. Also the murderer has come up with excuses and said that he actually released the dog. He said so AFTER the whole incident exploded. Sign the petition to stop him from participating in future shows.

Why are humans so cruel? What have we dogs ever done to you?

http://www.petitiononline.com/13031953/petition.html

Should I go out and play today?

2008-04-21T13:05:00.000+08:00

Poor me, here are secret photos of me taken when I was asleep!!!

2008-04-17T14:13:00.003+08:00

I am not afraid of the dark...I am not afraid of the dark

2008-04-16T16:16:00.002+08:00

Guess what my favourite position is?

2008-04-16T14:37:00.002+08:00

HELLLOOOO EVERYONE...I AM BACK

2008-04-16T14:16:00.003+08:00

Was so busy looking after Jules. For the past 9 months or so, since June, Jules has been growing something in his tummy...no, no, he is not going to be the first pregnant man. It was gall stones and the worst part was that the doctors kept on telling him it was gastric and even though a scan was done last December and they SAW the gall stones, they still told him it was gastric.

We kept calling the hospital and trying to get them to see him quickly but they kept asking him to wait till his scheduled date AND that it was just gastric.

By the time the scheduled date came about, his tummy was so bloated he could not button his pants. So in he went the next day for an operation. And we even had to fight for that operation.

I hate that hospital although the surgeon was very good and nice. Why were we so stupid as to take their word that it was gastric? We were busy and just too trusting I guess. So if you are reading this, remember, always get a second opinion.

Anyway, I am soooo happy to be back. Jules has a new lease of life, no more pain killers and no more pain!

Caught in Action!

2008-03-04T15:47:00.000+08:00

What? What? So Early?

2008-03-04T15:46:00.002+08:00

I need to sleep at least 18 hours a day...its tiring looking after 2 humans you know...

What? No more? Are you sure?

2008-03-03T15:49:00.000+08:00

Let me check!

YES, I was skinny! Once

2008-01-25T22:39:00.000+08:00

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T10:14:00.000+08:00

We hope all your dreams come true. And that all the stray doggies in the world find someone who will love and care for them. And that no doggy will ever live in fear or pain.

May you be blessed with the true spirit of Christmas.

Love Brownie Roo and Family.

Attention all doggies in Canada and America

2007-12-03T12:33:00.001+08:00

Nov 30, 2007

Tainted pet food killed 200 dogs and cats: study WASHINGTON -

UNITED States health officials received thousands ofcomplaints earlier this year about pets killed by contaminated petfood, but veterinarians said they had been able to confirm just 224deaths.

A major recall was begun last March after ingredients imported fromChina were found to have contaminated some pet food.

Canadian manufacturer Menu Foods Income Fund was hardest hit, recalling 60million packages of pet food.

The US Food and Drug Administration said it received 17,000 complaintsof related pet deaths, although it had confirmed just 16. A survey posted on the Internet, and widely publicised by the AmericanVeterinary Medical Association, attracted just 500 responses and ofthose, only 348 cases of pet sickness met the criteria for kidneyfailure caused by the contamination, the team at Michigan StateUniversity found.

'It is easy to think that every death or every sickness is occurringbecause of the pet food problem,' Mr Wilson Rumbeiha, who worked on the study, said in a telephone interview on Thursday.

But when strict criteria were applied, it appears that far fewer deaths could be blamed on the pet food. The deaths from contaminated pet food may have been caused by mixing two compounds - melamine and cyanuric acid, Mr Rumbeiha said. 'Separately, those two compounds are pretty harmless,' Mr Rumbeihasaid. 'But when combined, they form crystals which can block the kidneys.And, unfortunately, these crystals don't dissolve easily. They go away slowly, if at all, so there is the potential for chronic toxicity.'

The Canadian-based Menu Foods makes pet foods sold under labels such as Iams, Eukanuba, President's Choice as well as store brands sold at Wal-Mart, major grocery chains and pet stores. Mr Rumbeiha and colleagues designed a questionnaire to determine how many animals had become ill or died from eating bad food.

They found 348 cases that met the criteria for what he called kidney disease caused by the compounds - 236 cats and 112 dogs. 'Two-thirds of the animals affected were cats, but proportionally,more dogs died from it than cats,' Mr Rumbeiha said in a statement.

Almost all the cases were in the United States, with the other 2 percent from Canada. -- REUTERS

Why me?

2007-11-22T14:52:00.000+08:00

Is this remotely funny? The things I do to make them happy.

Is that Chocolate?

2007-11-22T14:50:00.000+08:00

I like to live dangerously.

Yes I drool....

2007-11-22T14:37:00.000+08:00

Yes I drool...

But its My bolster!

Man in India Marries Dog to Atone for Stoning to Death Mating Canines

2007-11-17T08:48:00.000+08:00

Sharon says she does not want to think about what this sick and disgusting groom would do to his "doggie bride" if he does not get cured.

Here is the full story:

Selva Kumar had been hounded for 15 years by the memory of a horrible act he'd committed as a teenager.

As an 18-year-old he had stoned and clubbed to death two dogs he found engaged in mating. He then hung their carcasses from a tree. That's when his personal suffering began.

"After that my legs and hands got paralyzed and I lost hearing in one ear," Kumar told the Hindustan Times newspaper. Kumar, now 33 and living in the southern Indian district of Sivaganga, could no longer take the physical pain of the "dog curse," so he sought the advice of an astrologer.

Her cure for his maladies? "Marry a dog." Which is just what Kumar did on Sunday.

In a ceremony befitting a beautiful Indian bride, the bitch, a former 10-year-old stray named "Selvi," was bathed and dressed in a ceremonial orange sari with a garland of flowers adorning her neck. She was then brought to the temple in Tamil Nadu to be presented to Kumar by members of his family.

Kumar, sitting beside his bride, recited his marriage vows, declaring, "I will take care of it until its death." Then, the "couple" was declared married.

Deeply superstitious people in rural India sometimes organize weddings to dogs and other animals, believing it can ward off certain curses.

The Hindustan Times reported Kumar's family hosted a feast — while Selvi dined on a bun.

I have been a busy doggie!

2007-11-09T16:51:00.000+08:00

Looking after Sharon and Jules while they studied. I wish they would stop studying and just spend more time with me, quality time, not just any kind of time. Soon I hope...

I have also been a sad doggie. Been surfing the Internet and read some horrible stories about doggies.

One day I will post it up here, as well, we should all be aware. One day when I get over what I read, I will do it.

Poh Piah Brown

2007-11-09T14:55:00.000+08:00

*A Poh Piah is an egg skin roll stuffed with vegetables.

SMSes from Jules to Sharon

2007-10-13T23:41:00.000+08:00

I spied these SMSes on Sharon's Phone.

"She squealed while scratching her ear again. Such a nice sound but hope she doesn't go deaf!" 4 Oct 2007 (This was because Karen cleaned out my ears pretty well. She may have hit a sore spot. I still love her lots.)

"Babee, I am amazed at the amount of shit and pee that small canine stomach can contain. It seems that there are no other ogans in there! Amazing!" 10 Oct 2007

"Babee, she shat three times, she has a mutant stomach." 12 Oct 2007

Help! I hate brushing my teeth!

2007-10-05T14:36:00.000+08:00

Sometimes I am too tired to even stand

2007-10-04T14:58:00.000+08:00

Thats how much work I have got to do...

Blast from the Past

2007-09-21T02:17:00.000+08:00

Sharon found this photo of me...pregnant and with my left paw still in pain.

SO BUSY!

2007-09-20T14:29:00.000+08:00

Sorry all, I have been a very busy doggy...busy taking care of the house and Sharon and Jules. They have been very tired with work and school.

They even forgot to bathe me for 5 weeks! Hahahaha, Whoppeeeeeee!

Sharon always tells me she is working hard so that she can give me a better life. But I like my life the way it is now...a much loved brown doggy doesn't need much money. I am happiest when I am sleeping on the bed with them.

She also tells me that she can probably never give me my very own garden, but what the heck, I have the whole world out there to pee and poop in, who needs her own garden?

I just want them to spend more time with me. Don't they know that already?

On Sharon's Arm

2007-09-04T18:03:00.000+08:00

The best place to be :)

Whats Happening!?? Heeeeelp

2007-09-04T18:00:00.000+08:00

Now you know why Cats scare me!

2007-07-30T17:40:00.000+08:00

I love my Beanbag

2007-07-30T15:53:00.000+08:00

Sharon says it makes me look fat!

Our Pledge goes to ASD

2007-07-30T15:35:00.000+08:00

Ages ago, Fei started a pledge which we joined.

Finally Sharon found her cheque book, kept in such a safe place she didn't think of looking there. So we are going to donate to the Action for Singapore Dogs.

We are going to give a little something to Vina. She reminds me of me when I was a stray. Thank God I now have a home. I hope Vina and her pups find one too.

PS: Ricky from ASD helped me when I was a stray too. I don't think he remembers me. But I will always remember him in my doggie heart.

Rocking Girl Blogger!

2007-07-30T15:32:00.000+08:00

Wow! Thanks Jeannie and Jewel for giving me the award! You guys rock too!

Whoppeeeee!

I AM BAaaaaaaaak!

2007-07-30T14:55:00.000+08:00

Heellooo everyone, sorry I have disappeared.

I was on tour. See?

Heheh, just kidding.

Sharons been down with a horrible throat infection. It was really bad and she couldn't eat or talk. And her head hurt very badly. I have never seen her not eat before, poor Sharon, I can't imagine not eating. She had to take 2 courses of antibiotics and she wants me to tell everyone that if they have a throat infection that won't go away and their ears get all clogged up, they have to take enzymes in addition to cold medication whether or not they have a cold. It worked for her! She got 6 days off work but slept all day. I missed her voice.

And I went to the scary VET. I was terrified! They cut my nails and gave me a clean bill of health BUT said I need to lose 5 kg!!!!Oh me oh my. Jules said no more snacks for me. I am so sad. But I got a coool red bandage and when Sharon took it off, there was no blood at all. Aren't I brave?

So that's why I was such a busy doggie!

Brown Food Mission

2007-07-03T12:36:00.000+08:00

How do I get to the food? I can't go from the front as Sharon has big eyes that see everything. I shall swoop in from behind!

Its just right there!

Can I go under the chair?

Me - a Piece of Pop Art!

2007-07-03T12:31:00.000+08:00

The things I let them do to me

2007-06-26T15:15:00.000+08:00

Vampire Brown

2007-06-26T12:13:00.000+08:00

So not only do I NOT get enough space on my bed, I also have to humour my humans when they take photos of me. I didn't even realise this photo was taken till I saw Sharon downloading it on the laptop! Wonder what else is in store for lil ole me?

Waiting at the door...

2007-06-22T12:21:00.000+08:00

For my favourite ~~feeding/walking machines~~ humans to come home!
Do they miss me as much I miss them?

Should I get a nose job?

2007-06-22T10:59:00.000+08:00

What do you think?

Its getting squeezy in bed

2007-06-15T10:49:00.000+08:00

Time to get a BIGGER bed? Woof (hint).

Some days are just Lazy Days...YAWN

2007-06-11T12:18:00.000+08:00

Velveteen Rabbit

2007-06-11T11:42:00.000+08:00

"When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real."

Sharon and Jules have a game they play. They know I am real, but sometimes they (yes, overgrown teenagers) like to talk about how it would be if I were like a real human.

They always picture me as a dog but able to do human things, like go to school, drive (they said my paws have to be tied to the steering wheel as I don't have opposable digits) and go for buffets (there's no way they could replenish the food fast enough). I don't have to wear clothes though (Yay).

They always say I would be a very loving person. And pretty smart too (beams). And I wouldn't have to queue or ballot for a place in a popular primary school as Jules is from Nanyang Primary which would get me a place there automatically. So I would be off to a good start!

They insist I would't have very good table manners or social etiquette as I would still like to smell your butt or crotch and eat off the floor. But they say my big brown eyes would make up for it all (smiles).

They also said I probably will have little confidence but my friendliness will more than make up for that shortfall. I also may not have many friends because of the baggage (turned around and looked at my back and couldn't see any baggage) I carry but whatever friends I have, I will love love love!

I will probably have a weight problem (like Mommy) and a "must shave everyday" situation (like Daddy).

What they don't know is that I picture them as big huge doggies too! All the time. Then they would be home with me. Why would I want to be human?

Are your humans that strange too?