Friday, December 31, 2010

Korean Red Ginseng

Daddy is Home! He bought this from Korea for Rossi gal.

"Korean Red Ginseng Extract"
in Large, Medium & Small Sizes.
(Guess which one is for Rossi gal...)
 
Tata! Rossi gal got the Large one!
Mummy got the Medium one & Daddy, the Small one. :>  

Korean Red Ginseng, also known as " Panax Ginseng", is a whole-body tonic that contributes to good heath. Benefits of consuming Korean Ginseng include boosting the immune system, increasing energy & vitality and enhancing the heart function.

Thank You Daddy!

Monday, December 27, 2010

Daddy is Overseas!

Last night, Daddy was doing last minute packing for his business trip to Korea. Rossi gal was blissfully unaware. She was busy sniffing through Daddy's clothing and stuff as he packed.

Daddy gave Rossi gal extra extra hugzz & kisses before we all went to bed. He told her that he will miss her alot alot, though the trip was a short one.

Luckily, it's a short trip, if not Mummy gonna suffer a serious case of panda eyes from prolonged lack of sleep, cos Rossi gal cannot sleep well without Daddy by her side. She will always wait up for Daddy at the corner of the bed facing the door, no matter how late daddy comes home everyday. Such pure love for her Daddy. ~_~  

Poor Mummy cannot bear to leave her alone and sleep herself. Mummy will end up waiting up with Rossi gal and we doze off together as we wait. On and off, doze off..wake up..doze off..wake up..leading to lack of sleep, thus Mummy's panda eyes.  @_@

Daddy is not gonna be home so soon this time. This morning, he was hauling his luggage to the door while Rossi gal watched on and wondered what he was doing with those big baggies. She kept beckoning Daddy over with her little paw paw and climbed right into his arms, kissing him repeatedly, like she knew Daddy was going to somewhere far away from home and not the usual routine of going to work. Guess she somehow sensed it.

Daddy told Mummy to take care of Rossi gal and myself when he's not around, then off he went.

[*Earlier, Mummy was kidding to Daddy that Mummy should ve been the one going to Korea, cos Mummy likes K-dramas (plus a few 'exceptional' actors) & has a keen appreciation for K-cuisine. Daddy actually wished he's flying to Japan instead. Hmm..maybe Daddy will bring some kimchi home for Mummy? Haha.]

Now Daddy is on the plane soaring among the clouds to Korea. 

Daddy! Mummy & Rossi gal will be waiting for you to come home soon! Take care of yourself for us too!

Tata Daddy!  *Muak Muak*

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Rossi gal's X'mas Breakfast - Taiwan Black Pig

Merry Merry X'mas to mummy's little darling, Rossi gal gal.

"Sukiyaki Black Pig Collar topped with a Sunny Egg Yolk & a Sprinkle of Spirulina"


Friday, December 24, 2010

Sakura Eggs

*Update (as of Year 2011): I do not get more Sakura Eggs after this one time purchase. I choose to get organic/free range eggs for her, which I feel is so much better for her.

I chanced upon this while doing some grocery shopping this afternoon and got one pack for Rossi gal to try.

The Sakura Eggs are laid by Sakura Chickens, which are raised without the use of growth hormones and antibiotics. From what I read, the chickens are given special feed made by the Japan Lactobacillus feed fermentation technology.

Perhaps it has been around for a while, but it's just that I have not gone to shop here for quite some time, so I didnt see it until today. ;p  I personally think the sakura eggs are worth a try.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Berkshire Pork & Turkey

Meats bought for Rossi gal today.

Berkshire Pork Loin & Chop

Turkey Breast

Friday, December 17, 2010

Mummy's Letter to Rossi gal

Dearest Rossi gal,

Mummy is terribly sorry for all the times I raise my voice at you or smack your little bottom or both, but you don't know what you have done wrong to get this. In fact, you don't deserve this from mummy at all. Mummy should be patient with you no matter what. It's just that mummy is so tired at times from work+lack of sleep, and coupled with my short temper, mummy flares up quite easily.

There are also times when mummy do this, because I'm very worried about you. Like for example, when you continuously scratch a part of your body and mummy trys to stop you, but you could'nt stop doing so, that's when I will start to scream at you to stop. When you still continue scratching, that's when I will smack your little bottom. It's all because mummy do not want you to keep scratching, which can cause an outbreak of rashes on your skin and in turn, excerbate your skin condition.

Believe me, Mummy is full of guilt and regrets every time I raise my voice at you or smack your little bottom. Mummy have tried to hold back on my temper, at times, I managed to do so. But at times, Mummy failed to do so.

Mummy knows you are never angry with me. You will always show me your sad little face everytime I flare up. You will always shower me with many many kisses, so that mummy will not be angry with you anymore. This makes mummy even more guilty and regrets my actions even more. Daddy has also lectured mummy on my flaring up at you and on controlling my temper. Mummy quietly accept Daddy's lecture, cos I know I'm wrong.

Rossi gal, Sorry..Sorry..Sorry..for all the times mummy flared up at you. Mummy is not a good mummy during these times. You might even think that mummy do not love you during these times.

But mummy want to tell Rossi gal, mummy really love Rossi gal alot alot. Mummy is very very afraid of losing Rossi gal. Mummy worry about Rossi gal more than I worry about myself and daddy and anyone else. In Mummy's heart, my number 1 is Rossi gal.

Mummy will do my very best to be patient towards you. Mummy will do my very best to change.

Mummy is willing to spend on good food, good supplements and anything that will benefit your health. Mummy don't spend on myself like this, but for you, mummy will spend whatever $ I could on anything that can enhance your  well-being.  

Mummy rather stay home with you than go out, unless it's absolutely necessary, like going to work and buying your stuff.

Mummy chooses not to go on holidays, cos I will miss you so so much when I do not get to see you and I also do not want to leave you in the care of someone else, even if I know this someone will definitely help me take good care of you. To mummy, I am the best person taking care of you.

Some people around me (except frens who understand me) thinks I'm crazy not to go holidays cos of you, but mummy don't care. I have told them straight in the face that this is my choice, so it's none of their business. Mummy will not leave you alone here and go enjoy myself. Mummy won't enjoy myself too, knowing I left you alone here.

Anyone who mocks at you or makes any idiotic remarks towards you, Mummy will declare my stand to this person and end off any existing relations with this person. Mummy  have done so and will not hesitate to do it again.

Rossi gal..my love, my pride, my life, my world.

With lots and lots of love, hugs and kisses
from Mummy to my precious Baby, Rossi gal

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

New Playroom

Daddy has spent a few days thoroughly cleaning, tidying and arranging the Play Room for Rossi gal. (*Though Daddy refuses to say it, Mummy knows very well that in his heart, he loves Rossi gal to bits. ;p)

This is the room where Rossi gal will rest & relax when mummy and daddy are not at home. This will also be her private sanctuary when she wants time alone (or hideout when she has done something naughty).

But when it's bed-time, Rossi gal will be in bed together with mummy and daddy as usual.  :)

New Play Room

New Tent

New Pee Tray

Rossi gal in her play room

Monday, December 13, 2010

Where is the Effort?

There is something that has been on my mind. Right or wrong, this is how I truly feel. Any negative comments are best left unsaid, for I do not welcome any negative stuff on my space. I see nothing wrong in expressing my own opinions in my own space too.

I believe that one should make an effort to obtain the answer that one wants. If one has made an effort, but still could not get the answer, then  it's reasonable for one to seek another for help on the answer.

But if one never bothers to make an effort and simply leeches on another to get the answer, I find this attitude totally abhorrent. 

Also, there are some answers that are quite easily obtainable with a click of a finger.

There are times when answers have been sought for directly without any visible effort to seek them in the first place. I have experienced this with some individuals. I personally detest this sort of attitude and do not see a point in giving any answers. In the first place, I'm not obliged to do so anyway.

The only question in my mind is, "Where is the effort?"

Sunday, December 12, 2010

More Meat Shopping


The meats we got for Rossi gal today.

 A closer look at each of the meats..
                         

Mutton Sukiyaki


Taiwan Black Pig Sukiyaki Collar


Emu Meat


Saturday, December 11, 2010

Cornish Game Hen

The Cornish Game Hen ' Uncovered'. It's a cute little hen. :>

The hen segregated by Mummy into respective parts - Drummies, Wings, Meat and Carcass, for Rossi gal's consumption over the weekend.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Rabbit Saddle

This is Rossi gal's second rabbit experience. On the first time, she ate it cooked and only the deboned meat. This time, she will eat both the rabbit meat and bones raw.

"Rabbit Saddle"

Deboned Rabbit Pieces & Kidneys for Rossi gal's dinner tonite.
 
Remaining Rabbit rib was Rossi gal's breakfast.

Rossi gal chomping away at the Rabbit Rib.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

New Meats

Overall View of the New Meats

"Rougie" (French Duck Breast) 


"US Cornish Game Hen"


New Meaty Bone,"French Duck Leg"


Tuesday, November 23, 2010

New Herbal Essentials

Recently, I bought two new herbal essentials for Rossi gal, a ear wash and a travel sickness remedy.

Rossi gal has been on Earrific as her ear wash since young. It is recommended by her very first groomer. Though it worked fine for her, I still wanted to source for a more natural ear wash for her. Then I came across this herbal ear wash.  I have not started using it on her yet, but I hope it works well for her.

 contains: Purified Water, distilled Vinegar, Aloe Vera juice, Vegetable Glycerin, Witch Hazel extract, organic Goldenseal root extract, Calendula extract and Olive leaf extract.

When Rossi was younger, she didnt have much of a problem with car rides. However, as she grew up, she began to show signs of car sickness and eventually, started vomitting during car rides. I have tried giving her EasiTravel (PetAlive) for some time, but it did'nt seem to work for her. Hence, I started sourcing for another natural "car sickness remedy" and stumbled upon the "Ginger-Mint". Ginger has anti-nausea properties, which aids in relieving motion sickness and preventing vomitting. I will give her the Ginger-Mint in her upcoming car ride. Hopefully, it helps her.

Contains: Certified organic ginger root, peppermint, fennel seed, chamomile, vegetable glycerin USP and distilled water. Alcohol free

Monday, November 22, 2010

Meat & Bones

When Rossi gal first started raw, I put her on Barf raw, which included raw blended veggies. I believe veggies are a good source of vitamins. During her homecooked days, I included veggies too, but in the cooked form.

I understand that the addition of veggies in a raw diet is a controversial issue and I will not venture into it. My blog entry relates to my Rossi gal only.

Yes, Rossi gal does well on raw, but somehow, I just feel that she does better on meat and bones. On some days, when I omit the raw veggies, I find that she seems to do better. Therefore, I decided to try omitting raw veggies for some time and see if it really works better for her.

For the past 1 month, I gave her meat and bones, the usual supplements and occasional bits of fruits. The only thing that changed was the omission of veggies. Based on my observation, she does better on meat and bones (Prey Model). Daddy feels the same way too.

I have come across an article by a holistic vet with regards to natural management of Demodectic Mange, without the use of drugs. The article recommends that for furkids with Demodectic Mange, they need a raw meat and bones based diet. The veggies and fruits would be best omitted, but if they are to be included in the diet, it would be preferable to include them in moderate amounts and to use only low glycemic veggies and fruits (as low glycemic foods do not turn to sugar in the system easily.) It is also recommended that grains and yeasts of all kinds should be avoided in the diet. Why? Quoting directly from the article, "mites feed on the yeast living in the body, and systemic yeast feed on nutritional yeast and sugars (carbohydrates)".

Other than the article on Demodectic Mange, this holistic vet has also written other articles on various conditions, which I personally find very insightful.

I still believe in the goodness of raw veggies. But for Rossi gal, meat and bones work better for her, so I will continue her on a diet of meat and bones. My stand is, whatever works best for Rossi gal, I will do it just for her.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Duck Fillet

Mummy has diced up some duck fillet for Rossi gal to munch on over the weekend. This is her first taste of raw duck. As usual, she loves all her raw meats. Yummy! Mummy will be introducing more new meats in time to come.  :)

Friday, November 19, 2010

Day Out with Mummy & Daddy

Daddy, why are you hiding behind me?


Daddy, what are you doing behind me?

I see food. I want my food..On the mark..Get Set...Go?


*Sniff Sniff* Wat's tat smell? smells kinda salty..

Rossi gal, at Marina Barrage, admiring the sea in the cushion of Mummy's laps

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Rossi gal's Review & Wellness Check

Last weekend, Daddy and I brought Rossi gal for a review and health check at ARVC. Since the last visit months back when Dr. Ly recommended us to switch to raw, we had not been back to see him, until now.

At the same time, I also wanted to do a blood test and heartworm test for Rossi gal. I had wanted to do these two tests during May this year when she did her first (& last) annual vacc at another vet clinic. But this particular vet was very reluctant to do both tests on her.

For the heartworm test, he said that as long as Rossi gal was on the heartworm meds, it was not necessary to do it. Then for the blood test, he said that it was not recommended unless the furkid exhibited symptons of illness and also, most of the time his clients did not request for the blood tests if the physical examination was fine. He said blood tests were "uncommon" and very costly. Well, I did not insist on the two tests, cos the only reason I went to this clinic for the vaccination was because it offered the 5-in-1 vaccine.

What makes him so sure the heartworm meds will definitely work? Whether or not Rossi gal is on heartworm meds, the test should still be done to ensure the meds are working right? That's why there is this heartworm test available at the clinics for furkids to be tested.

For the blood test, expensive, yes, but this is not a factor to me . "Uncommon"? I don't really think so. I believe there are people out there who request blood tests for their furkids. Blood test to be done ONLY when the furkid show symptoms of illness? Oh dear, would'nt this be too late for furkid? Would'nt it be so much better to just do the test and catch signs of illness in advance? Chances of healing are also higher when illness is detected earlier. Well, there is not a single doubt that this will be the First and the Last time I step into this place.

The Review & Wellness Check
The appointment with Dr. Ly was on Saturday, 4.30PM. We waited more than an hour after the appointment time before we saw him. As Dr. Ly was still caught up with a patient, one of his assistants started us off by asking us for our purpose of consultation and some general questions on Rossi gal's health.

When we told her we wanted to do the heartworm test, the first question she asked was, if Rossi was on any heartworm meds. I answered 'Yes' almost immediately. When she enquired about the specific heartworm meds Rossi gal was taking, I answered 'Revolution' in a heartbeat. Yes, I totally Lied. Rossi gal have not been on any heartworm meds for a long time. As I didnt want to give her the chance to educate me on the dangers in not giving her the meds, I have decided not to tell the truth.

Then she went on  to advise that actually the heartworm test did not need to be done, since she was on the meds. But I insisted on doing it and she said nothing more.

The moment Dr. Ly stepped into the room, she updated him on the purpose of our visit and highlighted the heartworm test+the monthly revolution Rossi gal was on. I held my breath. In my heart, I was thinking, not again..don't tell me Dr. Ly was going to say the heartworm test is not needed..But to my great relief, Dr. Ly did not say this. Instead, without a question, he told his assistant to that he will do the Wellness Check (which consists of general health check, blood test and heartworm test) for Rossi gal. Finally, Rossi gal got to do the tests!

Dr. Ly looked at Rossi gal's bald patch where it used to be and was pleased that hair had grown back. I told him this was the result of 4 months on raw. He smiled and commented, "Raw is good, right?" Daddy and I nodded in full agreement. He emphasized for us to stick to raw diet for Rossi gal, as she's clearly doing well on raw.

The only thing that baffled us about her re-grown hair was that the hair was mostly white in colour. Yes, her colours are a mixture of black and white with a touch of tan. But the hair on her back is mainly black, but the re-grown hair is white..hmm...Dr. Ly joked that we needed to get some black dye to make the hairs black. However, the white hairs are not an issue to us. For us, the most important thing is, her bald patch is gone. :)

He did an overall physical check on her and said she's doing very well. Then he proceeded to draw some blood from her right hind leg for the tests. We were advised the results would be ready in about 15 minutes. But we gathered that we would have to wait longer than this, as he was also attending to another patient in the next room. It was fine for us.

I was pacing up and down the room, while Daddy tried to calm me down. Yes, no doubt Rossi gal is doing fine, but a blood test would reveal more specific aspects that could not be detected physically.

Half an hour later, Dr. Ly came in with the results. The first thing he said, was her blood test results were good and heartworm test was negative, except that based on the results, her immune system was a little bit on the low, but he said that this was not an issue. We just needed to work on boosting it up with supplements like Sang Hwang Lingzhi.

I believe her immune system can be boosted up in time to come. Actually, she is just a 0.1 short of the acceptable range. I know her immune system has improved from before, as evidenced by the re-growth of her hair. Demodectic Mange is immune system related, if her immune system is still very poor, her bald patch will still remain. Dr. Ly had also told us in one of our visits that  no hair re-growth for her case, was a sign of a very poor immune system.

Before we left, he also said that Rossi gal will continue to do well, as long as we keep up with what we are doing for her now. This further confirms I'm on the right track in what I'm doing for Rossi gal.

I will continue her in the "chemical-free" (no heartworm/deworm+tick & flea meds, no annual vacc & no processed food+treats) route.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Pictures of Rossi gal - Before & After Raw

As mentioned in my earlier blog entry entitled Hope, I will be posting up pictures of Rossi gal's bald patch Before and After she went on the Raw Diet.

Just to recap (as "Hope" is a lengthy post), Rossi gal's hair fell out due to Demodectic Mange, leaving a big, glaring bald patch on her body. The bald patch had been there for over a year. Despite visits to different vets, change of diet from Kibbles to Homecooked and many supplements, nothing helped her hair regrow. These vets did not diagnose her condition accurately too, until I brought her to Dr Ly of ARVC. Finally, Dr Ly made the right diagnosis of Demodectic Mange. But he was not optimistic about her hair regrowing. In fact, he told me that he did not think any hair was going to grow back as her hair follicles were dead. However, he recommended that I change Rossi gal to a raw diet and see if it can help her.

I have read up about Raw even before he made the recommedation, but just couldnt bring myself to start her on Raw due to the usual fears of bacteria, choking on bones etc etc. But after Dr Ly said to go Raw, I knew in my heart, for Rossi gal's sake, I must overcome all my fears and go ahead to do it. So I did it, I switched Rossi gal to Raw.

She was deemed a "Hopeless Case". Daddy and I were mentally accepting 'the fact' that her bald patch was here to stay. The turning point came after she was switched to Raw. We started to witness hair regrowing and covering up her bald patch gradually. Raw turned out to be the best thing I have done for my precious Rossi gal.

Now, here goes the pictures:

The Close-Up Views
The Bald Patch Before Raw
(*This bald patch became bigger than what is shown in the above picture later on, due to more hair that fell out, but I didnt manage to take any close-up pics of this. Thus, the above pic is the only close-up pic I have of her bald patch before raw.)

1 Month After Raw

2 Months After Raw

3 Months After Raw

4 Months After Raw
(Picture taken yesterday)

The Overall Views 
Rossi gal Before Raw

Rossi gal After Raw

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Other Essentials

These are essentials that Rossi gal has been taking for quite a while. Just thought to post them here.

I have been giving Rossi gal Pet Sun Chlorella since her puppy days. Chlorella is another vitamins & minerals-rich food that is beneficial to health. It contributes to better skin and helps to cleanse toxins from the body. It also contains Sun Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng), which boosts energy levels and immune system function. After I start giving Rossi gal chlorella, I do notice that she is more energetic than before. It is also easy to adminster. I give it to her as a treat once weekly and she chomps it up happily.

Manuka Honey is another essential that I have started giving Rossi gal since puppy time. It has antibacterial+other therapeutic properties and also contains trace vitamins+minerals vital for health (*referring to Manuka Honey with UMF). Whenever Rossi gal has soft stools or indigestion, I just pop a spoon into her mouth, it works well for her. I also give it to her as a treat sometimes and she loves it.


For Parasite Dr, I didnt start her on it as early as the chlorella and manuka honey. I also use it on a 'as-needed' basis. Parasite Dr is a natural herbal supplement. Some of its benefits include cleansing the digestive system, promoting digestive health+balance, supporting correct balance of intestinal flora and cleansing+detoxifying the blood. During the time when Rossi gal was switching from homecooked to raw, it  really helped in easing her more smoothly into the raw diet.


Saturday, November 6, 2010

Day Out at the Park

Rossi gal had a Day Out at the Park with Daddy and Mummy. :)

Rossi gal checking out her surroundings

Rossi gal enjoying her walk under the shady trees

"Arghh..I want to Break Free!"

Dozing off in her favorite corner after her Day Out

Friday, November 5, 2010

Shopping Time!

It's a holiday today. Mummy has decided to take this time to replenish Rossi gal's meats and bones for the coming weeks. Of course, Daddy have to come along to carry the stuff home, while Mummy is in charge of planning what meats and bones to get. :)


All the stuff we got for Rossi gal today
 

Chicken Wings, Drums & Pork Fillet
   
 
Lamb Meat, Liver & Frenched Racks