Merry Christmas!!

3 Days 'til Santa comes! December has been a busy month for us, with work, Christmas parties, and getting new lawn in our backyard amongst other things. We'll be doing the traditional family things over the next week so I thought I'd say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year now!!!!

Remembering Belle

My sweet little budgie, Belle, passed away yesterday morning at 7am. She was 3 ½ years old, which is fairly young for a bird, but had been sick throughout her whole life.
She was named after the princesses in two of my favourite Disney movies- Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin, and she was beautiful.
She was white with rather unusual black and blue markings, and I always thought she looked a bit like an abstract painting. She was tiny, even for a budgie, but what she lacked in size she made up for by being louder, braver, and crazier than either of my other birds. She was also the most naturally tame, I barely had to work to train her at all- she sat on my shoulder and climbed on my finger from pretty much the first day, after seeing Missy and Valentine do it.
She loved to sing as loud as possible, hang upside down for no apparent reason whatsoever, and explore- she was one of those creatures who would climb into anything, eat anything, love anyone. She got along well with all the other pets and was quite well behaved when she needed to be handled for all the diagnostic tests she underwent in her life.
For the first few years she saw a lot of Vets, in our attempts to figure out why she was always so sick. They gave her a bunch of treatments, some of which helped temporarily, some of which never did anything for her. They never figured out what was wrong. We changed her environment completely, changed her diet, tried everything.
Eventually we had to make the decision to ‘let go and let God’, as long as she was comfortable and happy. She had almost a year of good life after that, and every time we thought she was close to the end, she surprised us and bounced back. This time she didn’t. She died just after I woke up yesterday morning. She was singing and preening the night before, so we never got to the point of having to choose euthanasia. She looked peaceful and didn’t seem to suffer. We buried her under the Mulberry tree in our yard, a tree often filled with birds and purple flowers. Purple was her colour- mainly because Missy hates purple, and being the little sister, she got all the hand me downs that Mis didn’t want. I miss her very much and it will take a while to get used to seeing two cages instead of three, but I know we were blessed to have her and probably lucky she lived as long as she did, under the circumstances.
Hopefully she’s in heaven now, playing with Opi and all the other animals and people we loved and lost.

Christmas Photos..

Here are a couple of the Christmas photos I took for this years letter :) The first- Rabbits and Reindeer, featuring Ruby and Peter. The seconds, birds and a tree, with Missy, Valentine and Belle. :)

Happy St. Nicholas Day!

Happy St. Nicholas Day everyone! My Mum is part German, so we celebrate by putting treats in each others stockings, and I started doing stockings for the pets a few years ago too! (See pic.)

December

Happy first day of Advent, everyone! Here's a pic of Frankie checking out his doggy advent calendar! Of course he doesn't get the concept but he loves the treats! Mum and I put up the downstairs tree today, and then I had to take Frankie to the Vet on my day off since he has an itchy butt. Nice, right? I think it's probably an allergy to something, but anyway he has to wear one of those plastic cones on his head which he's really not impressed about. Peter's doing fine now though, and while Percy seemed a little off yesterday he seems ok today. Ahh, I need a break!

Happy Birthday Missy!!

My sweet cockatiel, Missy, turns 4 today! I made some cupcakes. She liked that, but not as much as the dog liked them! He swallowed half a cupcake without even chewing.

Notes on Peter..

I have a sick bunny! :(

On Saturday he seemed a little off so I kept an eye on him, but by that night it became apparent he was not eating or pooping- my fear was gastrointestinal stasis, the same thing Ruby had almost 3 years ago. Mum and I went to the Cesar Millan Dog Whisperer seminar which was good, but would have been more enjoyable had I not been worried out of my mind right through it!! We took him to ARH when we got home around midnight and they hospitalised him. They gave pain relief, fluids and started treating him for- yes- gastrointestinal stasis.
Sunday morning they sent him home, said he started pooping and was eating. By Sunday night, he was barely pooping and not eating- so we took him back, and decided I'd do home care overnight.
Monday morning, totally sleep deprived by now, we took him to a rabbit speciailist. By now his GI tract was working again, thanks to the medication and syringe feeding, but the question remained- why wouldn't he eat? Turned out one of his back teeth, the ones you can't see without a speculum, was slightly overgrown and was cutting into his tongue. They hospitalised him again.
Tuesday morning the Vet planned to send him home, said he was eating and pooping. It took them until now to figure out he was only eating when on pain meds- I could've told them that 2 days ago, but nevermind. So I got a call at work that they needed to do a dental surgery on him. They did, and we picked him up Tuesday night.
Wednesday (yesterday) and today he's a bit better- more mischeivous and annoying- one of the reasons I knew he was sick was because he's usually a cranky little bugger and he was being sweet and placid for the first time in his life! But he's still not eating as much as I'd like him to.

So we've had quite a week!! It's Thanksgiving in the US today, so Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! We're having pumpkin pie for dinner tonight. It's almost time to start the Christmas mail and decorating too!

New rabbit cage!

Here are a few pics of Ruby and Peter's new home!!! Far from a hutch, it's a custom designed shed x aviary that took Mum and I every spare minute of a week to put together. We are exhausted, desperately behind in everything else we need to do, and we have no fingernails left !! We anticipated that it'd take us a full day to put it up, but not 7! The instructions were terrible- that is, there were none! Just a badly labelled picture which meant we had to experiment and keep re-doing stuff, plus we had storms all week and got rained on about a million times!
The first picture is the side view, the second is the specially designed box we ordered as their bed, and the third is the bathroom area I set up. The cage also has a kitchen area complete with fridge magnets and a storage shelf and window!
I decided to do this for a few reasons; 1. Their wooden hutch was a pain to clean 2. I want them to have more floor space to run around- since we got the dog and moved house, they had less time to hop around outside and I felt bad about that. 3. I love them! I'd do anything for my pets. 4. They needed a better shade structure- it was getting too hot for them in Summer. 5. In a couple of years they would probably have been too old to climb up and down the hutch stairs.
I'm not sure if they like it yet. They seemed very curious when I put them in and promptly argued over who would use the litter tray first! Old married couple much? Peter bit me again, just for good measure I suppose, but what's new... Ruby is her usual sweet self.

Book Signing.

I went to a Nicholas Sparks book signing today. Firstly because I've been reading his books since I was about 14, second because I love writing and find it fascinating to hear of the inspiration behind the novels, the writing process etc. and third because I'd never been to a book signing before. It was good, entertaining and informative! I'm still trying to finish reading "The Best of Me", his latest novel.
In other news, the shops were crazy today! I don't know if it's holiday shopping already or just because it was Saturday but it makes me crazy- the people who walk along so slowly as if they have nothing else to do today... well some of us have a list of a million things and we are stuck behind you! I also hate (yet totally understand) that feeling of being stalked in the carpark when someone follows you wanting your park space! I hope to do all my Christmas shopping in November and mostly online!
I had a rough week with Frankie. His lead broke during a walk and he almost got hit by a car. I didn't walk him for a couple of days after that because it was raining, but I did tonight though it was really nerve wracking. I think I now know what people mean when they talk about "getting back in the saddle!"

Melbourne Cup Day- Sign the Pledge to Never Bet on Cruelty.

Sign the Pledge to Never Bet on Cruelty

This is sad. I don't know why so many otherwise smart people would rather stay in blissful ignorance than THINK about what supporting this industry does. It's not all glitz and glamour. It's money making and cruelty disguised as love for horses.

Happy Halloween!!!

Happy Halloween everyone!! It's 7.24pm and we've had 53 trick or treaters so far!! That's more than every other year COMBINED! I guess Halloween is becoming a bigger thing here. I put up some decorations and dressed up Frankie this year, first as a mummy made from toilet paper (see pic), but that wasn't too comfortable for him so then I just put him in his cow costume. He's been happy all night, answering the door to kids and smelling the food he's not allowed to eat!

Paws in the Park =)

I took Frankie to Paws in the Park today- it's a kind of Halloween Festival for dogs and their owners, with stalls, agility demonstrations (see pic) etc. It was fun.
Then tonight, I put blue foils in Frankie's tail. I joked a while back that if one more person called my dog a girl, I'd dye him blue so the world would know he's a boy. Well, I didn't quite go that far, but I did what you can see in the pic. I don't care what the world thinks, I think it's cute, and honestly, he enjoyed being fussed over. The dye I used was purchased from the RSPCA and is totally made for dogs, safe and non toxic, btw.

New camera..

I recently got a new camera so I can take better photos of the pets. I figure we have them for such a brief amount of time compared to our own lives, the least we can do is take a million photos!! This one has a pet mode which is good for animals who won't sit still! I spent the entire day figuring out how to use it, but all 8 pets were willing and happy to pose and have the lens stuck in their faces!
I also spent some time playing a Halloween inspired game with Frankie. I put peanut butter in his Kong ball and tied it to the clothes line. It both amused and irritated him! (Obviously I'd never leave him unattended with something like this, by the way.)

A day at the beach with Frankie!

We took a family trip to the beach today, with Frankie. First, I have to say it is so HARD to find a dog friendly beach in Sydney. We really only had the one option, so thankfully it turned out to be pretty nice. The morning started with a battle- me vs. dog sunscreen. Frankie did not want to sit still, then he rolled and smeared the stuff all over my bedspread, I couldn't get it off my hands with any amount of soap and water, and while I was doing this, Frank was trying to lick the human sunscreen off my legs!! Then I had to fight to get my stuff into my beach bag because there was so much doggy stuff in there I had no room left. But we eventually got underway. The trip took about an hour and a half, we arrived, went for a beach walk, and had a picnic lunch/ morning tea. Then the guys went for another walk and Frankie and I went swimming while Mum played around with her new camera (see Facebook for full results of this!!) He wasn't sure about the water at first but did some doggy paddling and he liked the taste of the salt water. He seemed pretty happy to see other doggies and experience all the smells the beach had to offer! So it was a good day! I love the beach and wish it were practical to go more often, but right now I'm so tired I just want to sleep!!

I survived...

My Birthday. Spent part of the day with my pets and the camera. First we have Ruby and Frankie. These two are very placid and natural posers. Then we have Peter. He's a little trickier because he never stops moving and wants to eat any props you try to use with him! I want to get a better camera soon and take more pictures of the birds- they're really hard to photograph because they don't pose at all and often they move or fly and all you get is a blur! Lastly we have the Finding Nemo birthday cake with the fish, Percy (who shares my birthday) and Henry, in the background :)

Birthday Week.

Yesterday we celebrated my Grandfather's 90th Birthday. That makes him pretty much the oldest person I know, but despite this he managed to stay awake right through his party, while my Dad and Uncle fell asleep on the couch.
Today is his actual Birthday, and my brother, Matt's 22nd Birthday. We had a Birthday dinner for him last night (after Granddad's thing) since he's working today. My Mum bought him bathroom scales as a gift. I was officially horrified, though he didn't seem too offended, and I'm now scared to even find out what she got me for my Birthday, which is tomorrow. She assured me she did not get me scales (thank God) but she has in previous years bought me a leather bag (that's dead cow, people) and tickets to a concert I couldn't even go to. So I actually wouldn't mind if she got me no gift at all, that might be best! So I don't want to turn 25! Mid twenties just sounds scary anyway, like an age where you're meant to have figured more things out than this. But instead of getting philosophical, I'm going to get offline and do a million things now.

My laptop died...

I'm not too upset, I felt like killing it enough times myself. But while I'm waiting for the new one to be ready my only sources of internet are my phone and Mum's computer. So. That is all.

Workplace Assessment. Sigh.

I had a workplace assessment at the Vet Clinic today. I had a grand total of one hour's notice- I'm not sure if that's a good thing, less time to worry about it? Or just scary.. but I think it went ok. I still have a year and a half until I graduate and I'll have to have more assessments before then, but I guess it's good that the first one is over. I don't blog about either of my jobs much, mainly for the sake of the patient's and staff's privacy, but I thought a small update would be ok. :)
In other notes..
I've finished 10 books and Veterinary publications since term started 9 weeks ago. When I was a teenager all I did was read, and I loved it. I sort of ran out of time and patience for reading after high school, but I'm pushing myself to get back into it, and it's great. :)
It's Friday- and football night... go Tigers!!!
I've started a Classical Counter Conditioning program with Frank, for his fear of men. We've done 4 sessions so far and he has made some good progress. Still a long way to go and several frustrating setbacks, but he's worth it!!

High Tea.

The family and I went into the city for High Tea this afternoon. It's my Aunt's 50th Birthday and she wanted to go. As I suspected, not really my thing- being a non-tea drinker and a vegetarian it was pretty much a $40 scone. They put your napkin on your lap for you, and when you say you'll just drink water they ask if you want sparkling, distilled or bottle... ummm, tap? I don't know! It just all served to remind me how NOT posh and fancy I am. I was a little irritated (as I always am) that they did not allow dogs, so poor Spud had to stay home alone. We visited a pet merchandise store though and Dad bought me some Shih Tzu socks as an early Birthday gift.
All in all it was ok- slightly boring but when it comes to our family that's usually a good thing! And yes, that is a photo of the ceiling.
I have a day off tomorrow and I'm SO glad- I'm still sick and was off work most of last week unfortunately.

My Canine and my Shoes- a diary entry.

I've noticed that my dog, Frankie's life revolves around shoes. He doesn't chew them or steal them like some dogs do- he uses them in place of a clock and a calendar.
His day starts with waking up, diving on me (Dad lets him out of the laundry where he sleeps), peeing, having breakfast- and then sitting on my bed, waiting for me to put on my shoes.

Between studying, working, doing work experience at the Vet, errands and other social activities, no two days in my week are structured the same- so Frank has learned to use my feet to judge what day it is.
If I put on my walking shoes he goes crazy- his tail spins like a helicopter and he races for the door where we keep his lead.
If I put on my work shoes he lowers his tail and walks to the top of the stairs, where he sits with his head on his paws and sighs, making me feel like the worst mother on earth for leaving him. Sometimes, (to make me feel even more guilty?), he heads straight for his bed in the laundry while I lock the house up.
If I put on the shoes I wear to class and to and the Vet, he gets excited- he knows these shoes mean he might get to go on a car trip and come someplace with me. If I don't take him, he heads back to the top of the stairs and gives me that look that makes me want to cry.
And if I put on high heels, or boots, or even some kind of sandals- he just looks confused. It's interesting that he figured this stuff out, since he's not a particularly reactive dog to clothing in other ways- he doesn't care what outfit I'm wearing, which pants, or whether I have a hat or sunglasses on. Just the shoes. Probably because he's small and they're around his face height.

I was reading in a book the other day, about how a person's life changes when they get their first dog, including wardrobe and shoes, the impracticality of high heels. (The book was "Pack of Two" by Caroline Knapp- read it if you love your dog!!) I've never been a crazy shoe obsessed woman, but years ago when I was studying Event Management I practically lived in skirts and any shoes that weren't completely flat. Looking back it was not a particularly happy time in my life- I was heading in totally the wrong career direction, surrounded by people who had that kind of "socialite" personality I just do not have.
When I started Vet Nursing 2 years ago, it was just like entering a whole other world- you can't shovel hay in heels and a skirt! You need comfortable shoes to chase animals around all day. And forget dressing fancy at all because you're probably going to get peed on, pooped on or thrown up on. And yet I prefer life this way- animals don't ask you to be someone you're not. They're fascinating and honest, and in most cases sweet and loving. The people who love them are often that much nicer too.
So I'll never be one of those girls who spends $700 on shoes and freaks out if anyone touches them. But I do spend that much and more on Vet bills, and I will freak out if you touch my fish tank. :)
They say dog is a man's best friend, and diamonds are a girls best friend- but Frankie is definitely mine.
And if and when the time comes, I think I'd be quite happy to be proposed to with an engagement puppy instead of a ring!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Fathers Day to all the Dads (and single Mums!) out there!
Well, I am officially sick- thanks to my Dad and his insistence on hugging me all last week while he was sick. I told him to go away, but he would not... now instead of waiting on him on Fathers Day, I gave him and gift and made him a fruit slice and that is all he is getting.
We went to the cemetery on Friday to visit Opi's grave and I called my paternal Grandfather this morning to say sorry we couldn't visit but we'll see him next week- he was like "ohhh that's not good that you're sick.... but are the pets ok?" Haha easy to see where my love of animals comes from!
So now I should be resting only I feel horrible and guilty if I sit down for more than 5 seconds since I haven't walked the dog or answered e-mails and I have no idea how I'm going to manage work and classes this week if I don't stop coughing my respiratory tract out (at least that's what it feels like!)

Canine Art.

Thursday seems to have become something of a 'creative day' for Frank and I lately (when I'm not working, that is.)
Three weeks ago we tried out a doggy paint kit which modern people would describe as an "epic fail." Last week I cut his hair for only the second time ever, which was surprisingly successful, and today we did plaster. It was in my hair, on the floor, on the door, in the sink, on the bench, in the grass and of course on the dog by the time we finished. It was a bit tricky because you have to mix it just right- if you stick his paws in it too soon you get a gluggy mess, and if you wait too long the plaster just cracks- but we got one masterpiece out of it. Sort of. I will treasure it like mothers of four year old humans treasure finger paintings :)
I know I'm an obsessed dog owner here, but if I didn't love my dog as much as any human, how could I devote my life to studying and working with them? It took me 23 years to get my first dog, and I always said that when I did, I'd do EVERYTHING with him- so I do. :) And that's today's mess. :)
On a happy note, it's finally Spring. On a less happy one, I think I might be getting the flu that's been making its way through my family for several weeks. I had avoided it this long and was hoping to stay clear of it, but we'll see- I'm determined not to get sick!

Happy 1st Birthday Izzy! :D

My neighbour's human child turned 1, and we spent today at her Birthday party. :) (But instead of posting a picture of the world's cutest baby, I have posted yet another picture of her dogs!) :) Even though she is the sweetest, smiley-est, happiest baby on earth, and I do like her very much- the whole thing sort of felt like stepping on to another planet, full of mothers and children and people asking me if I have or want kids!! I'm quite happy not knowing yet, thanks! While I feel very maternal with my pets, this tends not to stretch to children- I'm far too impatient, busy, obsessively neat with the house, and I enjoy things like sleep and silence! I like babies but I feel like the novelty would wear off pretty quickly. I tend to find them annoying once they're old enough to throw tantrums. Of course there's every chance this would change if I fell in love and married someone who wanted kids. But if that never happens, I think I could be quite happy with dogs- that would be enough for me :)

Funny label...

On a cleaning product. :D And after 15 minutes of trying to figure out whether it's spelled lable or label in Australian spelling, I've concluded that I don't care because you know what I mean anyway.
Note- you may need to click on the pic and enlarge it to read it better.

Cupcakes continued..

Here are some I made.

Vegetarian Pigs Ears...

Awesome invention. So much less gross than real ones, lower in salt and therefore healthier, and he likes them better than the real ones anyway!
The dog paint kit we ordered didn't work out so well, but it was worth a try lol!
I've been keeping busy doing my 15 assignments, studying, working, and reading dog books every chance I get. I finished reading "Pack of Two" which was really interesting and one I related to a lot, and I'm now reading "For the Love of a Dog." Next up will be "The Cautious Canine." About fear and anxiety issues. (The first is by Caroline Knapp, the other 2 by Patricia B McConnell.)
Anyone have any other recommendations?

RSPCA Cupcake Day

Is tomorrow.

http://www.rspcacupcakeday.com.au/

We're not participating this year since we just did the Million Paws Walk, but I plan to do the whole Cupcake Party thing next year!! :)

Anyway, buy cupcakes from branches and volunteers who are selling them, donate, support fur balls in need!!

Dog in Boots..

Frankie, learning to walk in doggy shoes. :) So cute!

One year...

Today is Frankie's 1st Adoption Anniversary. Yep, I survived my first year as a dog owner, and he is wonderful <3 :) The cake that looks like him is for the humans, and the cupcakes are for dogs!

The Other End of the Leash..

I just finished this book. I think just about every dog owner needs to read it! Whether you're just thinking about getting a puppy, or you've had a dog for years, it makes you think. It focuses on human psychology and dog psychology- the similarities and differences, and how it causes us to interact. It makes a lot of really good points! :)

Back to studying..

Semester 2 has begun. The subjects I'm doing now are Office Procedures, Admission and Discharge, and Specific Animal Care Advice. I already have 15 assignments!! I have no time!!!

We have a canine house guest...

Her name is Chloe, and she's a Shih Tzu cross Chihuahua. We're taking care of her for a few days while her owners are away. She's a cutie pie, and Frankie seems to like her (most the time!!) but boy is she loud!! :)

Ice...

This is not Sydney weather! I hate the cold.. yep, it was 0 degrees this morning, and that is ice on the windscreen!!

#BanLiveExport

Cast your vote to #BanLiveExport - For Bill's sake,

If you haven't already, WATCH THIS. I know it's easier (or more pleasant) to ignore it, but these creatures are once again going to suffer because our government has lifted the ban on live export, without being able to guarantee this kind of cruelty won't continue. Pretty obvious they only ever banned it temporarily to shut up the protest groups. Really disappointed that the people running our country have no respect or concern for living beings.

I was told to make cupcakes...

Nobody said they had to be boring! :D
I also love the quote from the RSPCA July calendar page- "Time spent with dogs is never wasted."

Happy Birthday, Belle!

It's my youngest (Or is that second youngest? I don't know how old Henry is!) fur baby's 3rd Birthday today! We made it through another year, yayyyy! And no, I did not make this cake. My boss made it.. it's for the humans, I just chose the Disney Princess design because she's named after Disney Princesses (Belle Jasmine :) ) and I thought it'd be cute!

Family photo..

Our first and probably only.. :)

It's been raining all week...

Eventually we had to go for a walk in the rain and use our cute little raincoat :)

Thanks for having a Birthday, Queen...

I don't know why we're part of the Commonwealth, and I don't know if you really do anything for our country at all, but I appreciate the day off!! I got a lot of cleaning out done this weekend.

Things..

Things that don't make sense-

1.Tea. It's leafy water.
2. Ornamental bird cages. Put something in there!
3. Those hats at the Royal Wedding. How were they staying on?
4. Lady Gaga
5. Self serve checkouts.
6. Why my Maltese Shih Tzu's doggy clothes size is "extra large." He's not large! And what the hell do great Danes wear?

Things that are wonderful-

1. Dogs. Those cave people who decided to make wolves domestic had an awesome idea!!
2. Heaters. It's coooold.
3. Autumn leaves- I love how they all change colour before they fall :)
4. Coffee. Especially when it's with chocolate.

Conversation with my Dad at 6am..

Him: What are you doing?
Me: Cutting celery
Him: Why?
Me: For breakfast
Him: What? You've got to be kidding!
Me: For the rabbits breakfast
Him: But they can't eat lettuce!
Me: It's celery
Him: Celery is the same as lettuce
Me: No it's not
Him: Then why are they both green?

Three weeks with Samoyeds..

Things I have learned:

1. I CAN handle big dogs.
2. Big dogs can be lovely
3. I don't have the right personality or lifestyle to own a utility breed.
4. I definitely want a second dog in the future
5. I couldn't handle a second dog (and 9th pet) now

Moscow and Mikesha's family came back from their trip today- Although Frankie and I LOVE them and we will miss them, we know we'll probably see them again very soon!!

I also have new appreciation for Frankie-

I love how quiet he is.
I love how he does not drag me down the street.
I love that he does not shed fur.
I love that he does not dig.
I love that he's short and cannot reach things I put up on the bench.
I love that he does not try to hump me.
I love that his poo doesn't weigh like 5kgs when I have to carry it to the nearest bin on a walk

Sleeeppp...

Last week was crazy. I had prac assessments, worked at both jobs, plus I'm still pet-sitting the Samoyeds. So yesterday, I spent the entire day in bed. I don't think I've ever done that before, but I wasn't feeling well and really needed sleep- also very thankful I have the day off today!! Hoping to get some reading done, and wash Frank because he kind of stinks!! :P

Million Paws Walk!!!

The 2011 Million Paws Walk was held yesterday across Australia. I attended the Sydney event with my Mum, Frankie, and my neighbours Samoyeds, Moscow and Mikesha. According to the RSPCA it was their most successful year yet- great news, since it's their biggest annual fundraiser!
The dogs behaved well and had a lot of fun sniffing things, eating things, and sleeping in the car on the way home! We even made it onto the channel 10 news at 6pm!! Thankyou again to everyone who supported and sponsored us.
Much love from Jacqui and Frankie! oxoxo

Leaves...

And Peter. :)

Happy Birthday Opi...

...He would've been 77 today. I hope he's having an awesome party up there in heaven with God, Omi, Grandma, and my childhood pets. I'm sure he'd be taking good care of them for me. <3
We went to the cemetery this afternoon ( once I was able to get out of bed again- I've been sick all week! :( ) to put flowers where his ashes are buried. We took Frankie with us, but wrapped him in a blanket like a baby, in the hope it wouldn't offend anyone that I brought a dog if he acted human enough!?? There were other dogs there anyway, which was nice to see. Pets are part of the family, and I'm sure they miss the loved ones they lose too.
Like I told Opi I would, I named Frankie after him- Gus being his middle name. And I put pictures around the house, like I promised. We didn't forget. I hope he knows that.
I would have liked to do even more in honor of his Birthday, but I wasn't even well enough to go to the Vet this morning. I have extra dogs to take care of and assessments in the next few weeks too, so I'm hoping my energy will be back quickly!!

Congratulations Crystal and Jerry!!!!

The wedding was beautiful!!! Very appropriate for such a sweet couple! :) Unfortunately, most my photos didn't turn out because I didn't bring a camera and my phone didn't like the dim lighting, but not to worry- a million other people were taking (much better) pics...
It is so strange to think the girl I caught the bus with when I was 12 is now somebody's wife, but there's honestly nobody I'd be happier for, and Jerry's a great guy too!! :)

Weddings, weddings...

As the entire world knows, today is the day of the Royal Wedding. As everybody I know knows, tomorrow is my friend Crystal's wedding.. which is a lot more exciting and happy to me!!!
I might watch some of the royal one tonight, just to see the dress.. and because it'll probably be the only thing on all 100 channels that I have.. but that's it. I'm not really sure why we're part of the Commonwealth or what the Queen actually does, so it's harder to care..
And apparently Celine is going to some wedding in Vegas this weekend too, so hopefully we'll get pics!
I used to be wedding obsessed, so much so that I studied Event Management and wanted to do wedding planning... only to realise I'm more of a simple kind of girl. I don't care about all the fuss, I wouldn't want to endlessly debate "if we invite this person then we HAVE to invite that person" and end up with a guest list of people I barely even know. And the whole industry is so expensive. And I think I'd be uncomfortable with 200 people staring at me.
So if I ever do get married, I just want to elope with a few close family members, and as many pets as we can take with us!! Frankie would make an excellent ring bearer :P

Happy Easter!!!

Happy Easter, everyone!! Frankie is in a cow costume because I couldn't find a rabbit or chicken one, by the way. We had a family day, with my Grandfather, Aunt, Uncle and the 4 of us. Fairly traditional stuff. And chocolate fondue tonight. Why do they call it a sugar high when it makes you feel sick and have a headache? Hmm.

Good Friday..

Is today. I tried to sleep in for the first time in like... ever.. but by 8.30am I had 4 of my 8 pets protesting at the lack of attention and breakfast, so I had to get up.
I also made Easter cookies- bunny and chicken shaped, as is tradition. Unfortunately there were no Jesus movies on Tv to watch while I was baking.. I think this country has forgotten what Easter actually IS. That's sad. But, my family's tradition of whinging all day about 24 hours of vegetarianism went on as usual! I haven't had meat in 10 1/2 years... it's not that hard, people!!

Easter Show 2011 :)

I know it's one of those love it or hate it things, but I still love the Easter Show! I went today, mainly to watch the show dog judging and agility, as I'd never seen that before, and to see what dog products they had available- since it's my first Easter as a dog owner!
We got a Purina showbag, some free samples, dog shoes, and even a cow costume! (They were about the only things we didn't already have lol!!) One of the breeds being judged was Maltese- lucky coincidence! They were so beautiful, but I must say I'm glad Frankie doesn't have that life. I don't want to fuss about how he holds his head or how his legs stand, and then get mad when he fails to behave like a stuffed toy- I'd rather let him be a dog :) The agility dogs looked like they were having a lot of fun, though.
I also went to some stalls, saw the farm animals etc. The weather was pretty good, not too hot and not too cold. I skipped the rides completely, I'm over them... and I'm also over people with strollers blocking aisles and being totally unaware of it, by the way. And people who walk sooo slowly and then just stop. Right in front of you. Blocking the whole line of human traffic behind them. Ahhhhh!!!
Well as long as it's fun, I'll keep going. But it was great to come home to my sweet mutt this afternoon and discover that out of all I bought, the only thing he cares about is the free sample of treats!!

It's fun being a kid...

Even when you're 24. I read a quote last week; "People don't grow up. They just learn how to act in public." Kind of true!
I went to the movies this morning with my Mama... we saw "Hop." I love kids movies and I love bunnies. :) Then we went shopping. I figured since it's Autumn break, I might as well do something a little fun in between everything I HAVE to do :)

Happy Birthday, Frankie!!

I think the cake says it all. :) It's a paw print, by the way. My Dad thought it was an upside down Australia with 4 Tasmanias. I chose the design to make because it was perfect for putting 4 candles on the toe pads- it's his 4th Birthday and my Parents' 34th Wedding Anniversary.
Frank had a dental yesterday, and is a little sooky today, so he's getting lots of extra cuddles! It was hard watching him under anaesthetic.. though I like Vet Nursing, I'll always be first and foremost his Mama.

Lessons...I seem to still be learning...

You can never please everyone.
It's better to be hated for who you are than loved for who you're not.

Vegetarian Dog Food..

I found this recipe in one of the many animal magazines I've been reading :) It's basically brown rice, pumpkin, carrot, and tofu. It would've had soy sauce in it, but the soy sauce we had expired in 2005 and I didn't realize until the last minute... apparently nobody ever uses soy sauce around here!!! Frank liked it, but it was a bit bland for me, probably due to the missing ingredient lol!! For the record, my dog is not a vegetarian. Though I would like him to be, and it took me a while to come to terms with him eating meat, I don't want to compromise his health for my morals. :( I've been a vegetarian for 10 1/2 years now though, and there aint no changing my mind!!!!

First day of holidays...

I made the mistake of going to the supermarket today. Thanks to school holidays, I had the day off...and so did many, many children. Everywhere. Off-leash. Like a plague.
This is a pet hate of mine.. I feel I shouldn't have to spend my entire shopping trip dodging other people's kids, while their Mothers chat or browse 3 aisles away. And you can bet they'd be the first to scream if their child got hurt or stolen! I'm just saying that kids need to be taught to behave, and if they can't, there's nothing wrong with one of those cute leashes attached to a backpack! For their own safety as much as to keep them out of people's way.
If I had run wild pulling things off shelves and tripping strangers when I was a child, believe me, there would have been consequences- and I don't think it should be any different for them! I'm telling you, my dog is better behaved than they are, and he's not even allowed in the supermarket.

This brings me to my next point- kids throwing tantrums. I know it happens. The problem is how the parents deal with it. I cannot believe how many Mothers I see buying their kids a toy or icecream to stop their kid from being a screaming brat- and it doesn't take a genius to know that THE KID JUST WON.. all they learned is that being a little sh*thead gets them what they want. And so they do it again next time, and then you wonder why... for heaven's sake, people!!

Last point re: supermarkets- NOT a fan of those self serve checkouts. If I wanted to bag groceries, I'd apply for a job there. The unemployment rate is bad enough, without canceling out more customer service jobs in favor of machines.. so I stand in line for ages, on principle, while only three people work through queues of customers.

On a Happier note, I put up the Easter decorations today :) I was worried Valentine and Belle would be annoyed by the Easter Egg Tree but they actually seem to like the fake leaves and bright colours! :)

Bunspace.com

I updated Ruby and Peter's profiles on there. :) Thought it'd be a nice thing to do for her Birthday yesterday. If you're a member, my username is Jacqui and the rabbits are under their names, Ruby April and Peter Cottonatil. :)

Ruby...

My oldest fur-daughter/ Netherland Dwarf rabbit turns 4 tomorrow! :) We had the cake today because I have classes all day tomorrow- last day before Easter break, which probably won't be much of a break, looking at my schedule. For the record, the cake is in her honor for the humans who help me take care of her. The pets get species appropriate treats and gifts on their Birthdays though. :) Although I love all my pets equally, Ruby's Birthday is my favourite- mainly because I have so many more boys than girls, this is my chance to really go crazy with pink stuff- and also because Autumn is such a beautiful season and so close to Easter! Kind of appropriate for a bunny celebration! If you've met her, you'll know Ruby is one of the sweetest creatures ever- she loves all people and animals, never bites, and is as soft and cuddly as a stuffed toy (that moves and breathes and poops of course!) She is also the pet that inspired me to study Veterinary Nursing. So Happy 4th Birthday to my sweet beautiful Ruby April!!!