Being competitive

 I have always wanted to upgrade my grooming skill like attend courses oversea. Recently I have gone to the dog show and there were grooming, dog obedient, agility competition and etc.

I was there grooming for Elmo many years back when I was still a dog grooming student.

Being competitive is good as it bring you to the next level. We should not be staying in our comfort zone for too long.

I have been freelancing dog grooming during weekend to keep my skill active so that I don’t loose it. Many friends ask why I chose to go into this career. I wanted to learn an surviving skill and I have chosen dog grooming to human Mani Pedicure. 7 years back it was a niche market. In case I loose my full time job, I can still have a skill to work as a dog groomer.

Now its getting popular for dog Mani Pedi; maybe I can explore into this trend getting it as one of the service for my customers

Working full time and free lancing is quite tiring as weekends will be burnt. Seriously, I have been wandering if I could chose one career that I enjoy .

In life there are always  many options. Every decision will lead you to difference direction.

If my business bloom, I might go into full time. I got all support from my hubby and he wanted to be my assistant.

” Opportunity comes with responsibility and reliability!”

When an opportunity comes just grab it then adjust yourself to suit the situation as not everyone is lucky to have that opportunity.

Who's responsibility?

I always believe how the kids behave depends on how they are being brought up.

Recently there are a lot of unhappy disagreement from the dog lovers on the notice that HDB put up on the dog

barking nuisance in the middle of the night at Ang Mo Kio.

It mention: If you are unable to control your dog barking, you can

1)Take your dog for obedience training

2)Use training collars to control your dog and modify its behavior

3)Debarking your dog through surgery.

I believe people are unhappy with the third suggestion that HDB throws in.

Being an responsible owner. I will be curious why is my dog barking in the middle of the night.

Why are they giving you such attention? Are we giving them enough space to sleep, Is your neighbor making noise that alert them? Are they starving?

Miko is quite an alert fur kid. When she heard some noise outside our house she will alert us with her bark.

Doesn’t dog suppose to protect us and alert us when there are unusual activity outside your house? There is a reason for their good sense of hearing isn’t it? When they are young, we should be responsible to cultivate the right mind set to them. I have a friend that train the dog bark with a electric collar. The collar will give a vibrate and electric shock to the dog when they bark. This is one way to remind them of the unnecessary barking.

It’s the same as baby when they cry mummy will stuff the pacifier to them to stop them from crying.

Choke chain is another obedience training that people use to train their dog. Of course it must be medium to big dog. It will be too harsh to apply on small dogs.

Dogs That Bite

I notice small dogs does not enjoy children’s company. Unlike big dog like golden retriever or Labrador. They love kids and enjoy their company. Miko tends to get jealous when the adult give attention to the kids and does not bother about her. When my sibling is back home, she will take every opportunity to get their attention such as jumping, making noise to make sure they notice her.They just need to give her a rub on her head or body then she will let that person off. If they does not bother her, she will take advantage of the kids such as chase after them or even bite them. Before we have kids at home, she has the full attention. Everyone who comes home will carry and play to her.

Now everything has changed. We have 5 kids at home and nobody have time for her.

Miko has strange mood sometimes. She tend to be more protective when the children make fun of her and at times she can be very aggressively. She will be emo and keep quiet for the whole night then attack those who try to be friendly to her. There was once she bite her playmate till it leave marks and blue black.

Don’t underestimate a small dog like her. Hokkien got a say “ diam kao ka si lang” which

mean a quiet dog will kill a person. Miko also hate vacuum cleaner. I think its because of the noise. She will be hiding herself away either at the balcony or under the table. When the vacuum cleaner was near her; she will show her teeth and try to attack the object.

Does your dog reaction the same way as Miko? I hope they are more gentle.

Start giving them your attention. Share the love you give to the kid to furry pup as well.

Miss Groomer is getting married

 

In two weeks times, Miss Groomer is going to be Mrs Groomer.

Very exciting moment. We have got most of the preparation done except for the stuffs for "Gou Da Li". We have the usual lunch reception in one of the club. What are unusual; we do not have any gate crush, march in, brothers and sisters.

instead his whole family will be there to pick me up from my mum's place.

I am those kind that make goal every year. This is one of goal checked for 2014.

Times really flies, its going to be the last quarter of the year.What have you done so far?

1. 30 days bikram challenge in April

2. Relax trip with BFF to Borcay in May

3. Keeping up with good health- pick up a new sport (Biking)

4. Quality time with family members

5. Create bonding sections with friends and family

These are some of the goals I would check for 2014.

 

Photo taken in Hort Park

Photo taken at Fort Canning

Photo taken at Sentosa

Back in action

I have not been actively posting for the past 1.5years.

Many things have changed

1. Bought a house in Jan 13

2. Moved in the My Home in May13. Got two of the rooms rented out.

3. My eldest sister whole family came back to Singapore for half a year.

(That bond the whole family)

4. Found my Mr Right. 

5. Milo and I Moved in with him

What's next?

We are getting married soon. 

Got our pre-wedding photos taken.

What's important is not the wedding. It's the challenges after that.

We will be having a private event. That makes our life even simpler. We plan to go for a trip to complete the wedding.

What about grooming?

I have reduced my grooming sections as my mum's place is always crowded with children.

Cutting down the grooming to 2 Sundays of a month. Hopefully I will be able to take in more sections soon.

I am planning for some promotion for summer. Knowing it's extremely hot in the coming months, I am adding on spa treatment for the dogs. 50% off spa treatment for every full groom done.

The spa treatment will help to improve skin condition of the dog and making the coat smooth and shiny after that.

Hows the ending?

It’s the last quarter of the year. How many of your objectives met so far?
It was a fantastic year for me. Few weeks back I was in the States with my mum. Visiting my sister and her family. She was there for 6 years and no one from Singapore had visited her.

My mum was there to fulfill her mother’s role. To help with her confinement for her 2nd baby; Wei. We had a great time with the family.

I have taken some pictures during my day tour at the eastern of United States. It was quite a fruitful trip. Get to experience things that New Yorkers do. They really dress up. Hope everything is fine after the Sandy Attack.

 

  Some nice buildings

GROUND ZERO

               THIS IS WHERE OBAMA CONTINUE TO STAY FOR THE NEXT 4 YRS

NIGARA FALL (BEST OF THE BEST)

How lucky are those who are able to travel with the furry kids. I believe you have seen in the TV drama showing the furry kids travelling with the family.

Unlike Singapore, we can probably bring them to Sentosa or Pula Ubin. Unless you pay the air ticket and have to store them in the cabin. For some countries you have to put them to quarantine for a month when you return to Singapore. In the states you can see those owner walking the dog to park, restaurants and even shopping center. I was in a domestic flight from Chicago to Nashville and this was what I saw..

He is really a nice pup. Not a single bark from him. Siting quietly in the baggage.

I have just changed my full time job after 5 years. I have started to get used to taking bus and train to town. In the past jobs, I just need to board the company transport and sleep all the way. I like my current office. See the wonderful views that I have in my new office. The office is new (5 weeks old), my colleagues are new. What I like most; I can attend yoga class early in the morning before going to work. Which mean I have to wake up as early as 5.15am and attend the 1st yoga class.

 The reception area. My office is located in the 19th floor.

 This is taken from one of the meeting rooms

My seat can see Garden by the Bay

There are so many changes in 2012 and I am enjoying it.

Hopefully I can make one more big fulfillment before the year end. Lets see!! Will keep you update again.
Btw have you stopped sending your furry kid for grooming? Don’t forget ya.. they need to be pamper too. Oh ya. If you have Starhub cable, there is one channel; showing- dog whisperer every Saturday. Very informative. Must Watch! Enjoy the balance 2012.

Father's Day

We have a difference father's day this year. Instead of dinning at crowded and expensive restaurant, we have pot luck and we cook specially for our father. Can sense he is quite happy gathering with all the kids and grandchildren. Everyone making an effort to cook and have dinner together.
Hope you have a great Father's day. Happy Daddy's Day to You!

Frustration at work

What do you do when you feel frustrated?

I will mediate. All thanks to yoga.

When I get upset at work, I will "nam" (complain) all day long. Complaining to my colleague and friend. I think that's women. But I will get over after I knock after from work. That's something good about me I don't bring my work home and tomorrow everything will be erased.

Try deep breathing in and out and keep yourself out from meetings, phone calls, visitors and most importantly your BOSS.

Peace

School Holiday

How was the school holiday so far? If you are a parent you must be headache what can your kids do during the school break? Beside travelling oversea for the break, you can explore some of the places in Singapore. Not forgetting our furry kids, they will be happy to join you too.
1. Science Center, I have seen my friends posting some of her photos taken at Science Center. Its really cool now (Plus Its Free Parking). With the new shopping Center (JCube) around the corner you can check out the new skating ring and movie theater.
2. Universal Studio (USS), if you are really a fan of those rides and world. Get an annual pass. Kids love rides and cartoon characters. You can spend the whole day having Fun, Fun and Fun. Else get down to the nearby beach and cafe at Sentosa. Go for a swim with the dogs and get some vitamin E. But remember to put enough sun block. The sun is killing nowadays.
3. Go Fly Kite, at the Marina Barrage or West Coast Park. Its getting into trend again.
4. Night Safari, Hate the heat and sun during the day time? Then spend some time with the animals under the star.
5. GSS - Great Singapore Sale is here again. Mango, Zara, Gap... getting new bags, shoes or clothing. Go grab it now.
6. Go for the Green - Hort park is a nice place for a walk and if you really feel its too distance for you, try Labrador park. Its a quiet and nice place to walk your pets with the family. Bring some food and drink for a picnic. Nobody is stopping you.
7. Movie - Madagascar III is here. What are you waiting for? Too kiddy? How about Snow White and the huntsman?
8. Painting - By the Number. I have just finished a 40 x 50cm painting. I felt fulfilled and enjoyed the painting process. My friend bought for her kids and they do like it too.

I have brought my niece out for a movie and lunch. I think she is still too young to enjoyed the show. This is the first movie and I want her to remember its yi yi that bring her to her first movie.

My niece Jia Xin and Me

The sisters day out

You have another week to go. Hurry get out and have FUN!!!

Bathing Tools

01 Rubber Palm Pad for body brush during shower ~ 02 Brush for long coat after bath ~ 03 Slicker brush for short and long coat (remove Matt) ~ 04 Comb  ~ 05 Blower for medium to big dog ~ 06 Microfiber towel ~ 07 Tooth brush and paste ~ 08 Medicated Shampoo

They are the basic needs during bath. Do you have them? If not you can get them from any of the pet shop or online shop.

Sterilising your Dog?

Miko was sterilised last month. Spaying eliminates uterine infection and reduces the risk of mammary cancer and for male; neutering prevents testicular and prostate cancer. Knowing that I doesnt want her to go thru those pregrancy pain, I decided that she will go for the spay.

She was admitted at 12pm and was only discharged around 8pm. She had her tooth cleaned and extracted at the same time.

The first day was very tiring for her. She had to fast 12hrs before the surgery and put on drip for the day. She regained her active self on the second day. Managed to eat quite a fair bit. I guess must be the tooth extraction that made her lose interest in her food.

The three day was perfectly fine for her except the cone that she has to put on for the next 12 days. She was extremely uncomfortable as she had difficulty scratching her ear and face.I don't really notice any changes to her after her surgery. I hope she feel good after the surgery and dental (at least her mouth's smell nice).

Difference between a male and female De-Sexing:

A Female de-sexing operation is called a “Spey” or “Ovariohysterectomy”. This means that both ovaries and her uterus are removed surgically. Sterilising your female prevents her from coming into season (every 6 months in dogs), unwanted pregnancies and there is a reduced chance of mammary tumours forming. She will no longer run the risk of false pregnancies or a life threatening uterine infection (called pyometra).
Ideally, Sterilisation should be performed when your pet is between 5– 6 months of age, before she has her first season or heat, but can be done at any life stage.
Spey is usually done in a day surgery. She is given pain relief medication before surgery and on recovery. Your female will have a small amount of stitches on her belly.

A Male de-sexing operation is called a “Castration”, and involves removing both testicles from the scrotum. Sterilising your male dog prevents prostatic disease and tumours, and by removing the testosterone from the body, can help calm their personality from being dominant and boisterous.
Entire males tend to show behavioural problems such as aggression towards people and/or other dogs, fighting with other dogs, excessive barking, and sexual deviations (such as “humping” legs and “mounting“ children).
Ideally, Sterilisation should be performed when he is between 5 – 6 months of age, but can be done at any life stage. Your pet will have a small amount of stitches in his groin area

Easter Day

This Egg shell cushion bed from Pei Pod looks perfectly good for a Easter Day gift for your furry kid. Are Easter Day only meant for "Ang Mo"- Caucasian? Last few years I do celebrate this day with my colleagues in the office. (trying to act like one)
I planned to have a Easter Picnic with my family this weekend. Its a LOOOOoooog Weekend!! Enjoy :D

PMS

I wander does dog have PMS?

Today is Friday and yet I am feeling down down and down... What happen??

Although it rain early in the morning (I like rain) and I am going out party with my BFF (best friend forever) but I am feeling terrible.

I can hear my neighbour munching her breakfast and I am feeling sick. Quickly stack the earpiece and on my MP3 music to stop the ugly sound. Cut off the office messager and phone and put my mobile to silent.. I think I am so EMO..so so EMO....

To making myself feeling better.. I have arranged the best lunch mates (3000) for lunch today. Hopefully we can gossip all the way to 2pm.. back for a few meetings then pack and go.

Oh ya I mentioned I am into photography now... emmm beginner

share with you one of my best shot that I took last month.

Dogs Bark

Have you wonder why do dogs bark?

Just as there are many reasons humans speak, dog barking occurs for a number of reasons. Here are a few most common:

1. Distance decreasing: Its considered attention seeking barking. The dog is barking to communication with the owner - Pay attention to me

2. Boredom: Evaluate your dog's lifestyle. How much physical exercise is she getting? How much social stimulation through appropriate play with other dogs? How much play does she get with you? If your dog us barking because of boredom, consider more physical exercise, more positive training, and introduce new toys and games for environmental enrichment.

3. Separation anxiety: If you believe your dog has separation distress, consider how long she is left alone - if more than eight hours for an adult, find a dog walker or pet sitter to break the day up. Provide her with mental stimulation through puzzle toys, kibble hunts when she is alone. Greetings and exits should be low key. If separation distress worsens, consult with a behavioral professional.

4. Invitation to play: Some dogs bark to day. "Hey, I want to meet/play with you NOW NOW NOW!" These barks are generally high pitched, and are often accompanied by wagging their tail.

Can your dog stop barking?

The answer is no. Surgical debarking is never humane and rarely effective in totally eliminating vocalizations. Dogs bark! You can however, train your dog to stop excessive barking behavior if you listen to why she barks and respond appropriately with effective positive training.

New updates

Is your new year unusual this year? It seems like every year is the same. How can we make a difference to the year?
I only have one goal this year. To buy my own house.. Yes Finally I am 35. I am going to get my own house after my birthday. Have been planning for quite a while and hope this plan come true.
There is one trick that I shared with my friend. In order to push yourself to achieve your goal, you must announce it and when the time comes. People will start asking and that's where pressure comes.
I have something difference this year..
1. I don't hang out during new year eve for count down
2. I woke up early during the Chinese new year to the temple and pray for guidance
3. I lost in every game when I gamble during the CNY.. damn suay(unlucky)
4. I didn't buy any new year clothing except under garment.. (cos I want to have new cloth every day and not only CNY)

What's coming up..
1. I bought a new DSLR.. and really into it now. Hope to take really nice pictures and frame up in my living room one day.. Will post some of my work soon
2. I have made an appointment for MIKO.. will have her sterilise. :(
3. I am arranging a Love party on Valentine's day and a family trip soon.

Make a difference to your routine.. It will spark up your day!!
Stay cool and happy @@
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What's your party attire?

How was your Christmas celebration? Had a good party? If you have not enjoyed.. Don't worry there is one more coming up.
We had a wedding celebration on Christmas eve. The theme was blue and Miko was well dress for the event. I got couple of dresses for her when I was at Bangkok last weekend. It cost about S$13. The design and material is not bad. I don't think you can get this design in Singapore's pet shop.
Hope you have a good party this weekend.. Wishing you A Peaceful Year Ahead. Happy 2012!