Praises of him are all I heard each time I called home. It would be Xiao Ai this and Xiao Ai that. Praises that none I take credit for. I keep this incident very dearly to my heart. On a usual routine day at home, around noon Popo would have her tea time which consist of decaf coffee and a loaf of bread. She would share her bread with Xiao Ai despite I said no. I was very particularly worried about the amount preservatives bakers put into the bread and also how Xiao Ai was getting very choosy about his meal. I am afraid that he was getting too used to eating bread that he does not want his kibbles anymore.
One day, when I called home, talking to Grandma, I was asking about Xiao Ai, as usual. Grandma, in a amazed tone, telling me that she was feeding Xiao Ai with bread as per routine. She noticed that Xiao Ai on that particular day was not eating his given bread. He took one of the two piece of bread given, bite off and bring it outside of the house. He laid the bread on the floor, went in to get another piece for himself. What amazed Grandma was that he was sharing his piece of bread with our Labrador, Jacky who is old and weak.
I am so proud of him upon hearing this. The love he has for others is amazing. In a house with 5 dogs, it is a shamed thing to say that Xiao Ai is receiving more love and attention. Being a poodle means his fur does not shed as easily as others and this means that he can be around us without causing asthma attack to my sister. And because of that also, he is allowed to roam freely inside the house. This means that we actually spend 18-20 hours daily with him.
I posted videos and photos of him frequently on my Instagram. I would have friends that asked why Xiao Ai is so discipline and well-manner. Or how do we trained him to not eat off food on the table. Discipline with Xiao Ai is very strict. He is taught from young to know that certain behaviors are not acceptable. Such behaviors include eating food from the table, digging the trash can for leftovers or eating scrapes of rubbish on the road. Breaking the rules would be a serious offence. As in all Asian houses, the fastest way to discipline is through beating. I strictly condemn abusing. We are not abusing him. It would be a hand beating at his butt or mouth just to remind him of what he had done wrong.
This video was circulating thru my Facebook feed for a few days. Despite a few couple of giggles because I find the dog standing was too cute, I find it terrifying that the dog was so afraid that it started to cower away. I do not watched till the end. I cannot bare it. I have my fair experience with dog owners who abuse their dog. I heard and seen enough. I just do not understand their mentally. They decided to adopt a dog of fierce breeds like Doberman, Rottweiler or German Shepard to guard house but at the same time they are worried that the dog would be a threat to their younger kids. So much that the beating and abusing start.
I also wanted to raise another issue. Dogs like Poodles that do not shed as often as other dog would require frequent grooming. Till Xiao Ai was at the age of 3, we groomed him ourself with scissors. Believe me when I say that it takes a lot of hard work to maintain a dog. I was introduced to this female groomer two years back and I only send Xiao Ai for grooming during the New Year. I do not particularly fond of this groomer because one, she was not on time for our first meeting. We waited for her at the car park of her apartment with an overly anxious dog in the car for almost an hour. When we met, she took Xiao Ai with her and said she was leaving my dog to buy breakfast. Mind you, it was about 12 and we set the appointment at 10 in the morning. I insisted to be there the whole grooming session. After chatting up, she was just a student, learning grooming at that time. Doing grooming part-time to practice her skills. No proper blower or shaver. We need to go twice for the grooming sessions as one session she can only manage to do the blowing. It was harsh on Xiao Ai as he needs to be on feet almost 6 hours.
Groomed him the other day when I went back for my study break.
Took me 2 hours with three bags full of fur
I actually avoid groomer as much as I can. I would rather spend an hour or two of my day to groom him myself. I feel rest-assured that way. I have seen to much cases of groomer abusing dogs. It actually terrifies me. After each grooming sessions, I would observe his behavior and eating habit once at home. It is also important to check for cuts and trauma signs. A responsible groomer would inform pet owners on the accidental cuts that happen during grooming sessions so owners can be on look out for possible inflammation.
This is just one of the many videos caught on act of groomer abusing pets under their care. I do not know where this take place nor do I want to know. I feel so bad for that dog. I hope with this video circulating around, it would reach the dog's owner.
Dear Xiao Ai,
Today marks your 5th birthday. The past five years with you in it is amazing. You taught me to take life as it is and be strong for whatever that comes on my way. You are there when I am sad, crying my tears out. Licking away all my sadness. You are there when I am happy. Ready to share my joy. I love you as you are and wish nothing but for your health.
Nothing beats seeing you waiting for me at the door each time I reach home. I miss our late night talks thru my bedroom window when everyone else is sleeping. When there is only you and me. I know I have lots of broken promises to you. Still, on my words, I promise to take you more on evening walks and trips to beaches where you enjoy exploring. I promise you no more dips in the water if you are not fond of it. But, the sea water really helps with your skin. I'll see what I can do on that.
I try not to think of life without you in it. I will take what I have and cherish the moments that we are together. I hope to celebrate another 5 years, 10 years and dare I hope 15 years with you on this day. You are the candy to my cane. I love you! Happy Birthday!
Love,
Your Mimi
