Nikki the Brave

Good Life

2020-03-30T20:47:00.001+08:00

It's a good time to look back on my life. As with all superheroes I have an origin story, but mine's not a myth though. I didn't get bestowed special powers but I was gifted a new family and home, a safe place to rest, play, eat, poop, and retire. My main job is to look cute and follow people around, especially Godpa, who calls me 跟屁虫.

My previous life and identity is a blur (sounds like the start of a good story) with the earliest records found here. I had the most feminine of names: "Ger Ger" (girl girl) perhaps because I was underweight and looked petite. Godpa recalls I could even be stashed away under a shirt. That'll be impossible today with my hefty weight.

The first few years was both exciting and challenging as we had to adapt to each other. I was given a proper "education" as with all young ones in Singapore. We all attended obedience classes where Godpa and Uncle Leon learnt how to treat dogs properly. I think we were all over-aged students as I was probably 3 years old then in 2008.

Memories of my past are vague but Godpa guessed I may have had Adverse Puppyhood Experiences (for humans they call it ACE) that inhibit my socialization with other doggies. When meeting dogs I either go into fight mode, barking away new friends, or flight mode, turning my back to them. When I got frantic I even nipped at Godpa.

Fortunately their patience paid off and I'm much more confident now. I've made new friends in the estate and we often do the doggy routine of sniffing each other out (but not too long). Godpa thinks I've a boyfriend, a very stable beagle who is very chill and whom I love to approach on my own and offer nose-nose intimacy.

I think I'm too old for puppy-love now coz I'm probably 15 years old, an old dame. My health is good but with aging, eyesight isn't as good (cataract) and I'm getting wrinkles and pimples. I know Godpa will look after me, seeing how he did his best for his father, whom I miss too as he used to puppy-sit me when Godpa goes to work.

Wishing all a beautiful life.
May you feel at home whereever you are.

Woof! MWe need help

2016-10-28T23:40:00.001+08:00

Godpa asked me to help out so I took extra effort to make this appearance after staying 3 years off the blog. And I'm probably getting too old for this (11 human years).

So why do mwe need help?

Well, godpa's been volunteering since 2007 at this place with a cool name: Oogachaga. I hear the people there are very kind to both pets and humans. They help take care of humans who feel lost, confused, depressed, or conflicted. They also help reconcile loving relationships that have turned bitter and help bridge better understanding between family members.

For me, a hug a day solves all problems. But for humans it's really complicated and takes lots of professional counselling to get them going again. I guess Oogachaga is providing hugs in its own way so that humans can feel loved and generate love. With more capacity to love and be loved, there can be more joyful and peaceful homes (for pets as well).

Now here's the problem, this cool place is facing a possible shutdown after running for 17 years. Godpa says they've been facing this problem for years because regular funding is hard to get. It's not easy to get donations because human society does not like the people they are helping. I guess it's a little like how some humans just go for purebred puppies and ignore older non-purebred dogs like me. It makes me sad that humans make comparisons among themselves.

So help MWe please : bit.ly/donatetooc2016

Gratitude

2013-03-30T15:45:00.000+08:00

It has been 5 years since joining the family, that makes me about 8 years old. The skin's a bit wrinkled but I still look great.

There's so much to be grateful for, the nice daily meals, clean water, cozy bed, and lots of freedom to roam the house. I get walks four times a day, and occasional outings in the car. I get to bark as much as I want when strangers walk near the door, and I get to lick the floor clean (that's my favourite pastime besides sleeping).

Godpa enjoys my company, stroking me, giving me tummy rubs, playing fetch with me, and receiving my kisses. He feels content seeing me curled up in bed each night.

I think godpa is getting playful these days. He just bought this pressure cooker thingy and hopes to cook his own nutritious meals. It's good to remain playful, just don't feed me any failed cooking projects.

Silver bullet

2012-10-05T19:33:00.002+08:00

Yep, I've been groomed today. It's back to the sleek silver bullet look. Actually the tone of my coat looks like Godpa's car colours so maybe I should say it's the storm grey look.

The groomer found a dead tick at the back of my neck, wonder how it got there. To avoid tick problems, perhaps Godpa should just let me stay indoors so I can sleep, I mean meditate more.

New treats

2012-08-20T11:05:00.000+08:00

Hurray, Godpa bought some new treats for me. As you can see that grabbed my attention.

The treats come from a new shop, or rather a new location that Godpa discovered while reading the newspaper one day. It's housed in a warehouse that's conveniently located near to Uncle Leon's place. They also bought me a new shampoo from Nootie's, which coincidentally also makes the chicken treats they got for me. The other pack of treats was a free gift, a fish and rice based treat. It doesn't stink at all like the Fish4Dogs brand which I find not to my taste. I think they had a nice experience shopping there and I hope they go back for more treats next time.

Godpa's birthday coming

2012-08-04T13:31:00.001+08:00

Did godpa get me some new chew toys? They come in a cool navy blue colour and look delightful. Leather texture should be rather chewable.

Nah, I'm quite content with my good old worn out nylabone. Happy early birthday godpa. And thanks to Uncle Leon for the cool shoes.

May time freshness

2012-05-19T00:13:00.000+08:00

Yep, I've just been groomed and this time Uncle Leon brought me for the appointment. I came back looking like a silver bullet, sleek and closely shaved fur. Some say I've gone flabby but Godpa's parents believe being a little meaty is fine. I doubt it's a food issue and more likely its the lack of exercise. I wonder what Godpa is planning to do to help me trim the flab.

Enter the dragon girl?

2012-02-27T20:41:00.003+08:00

Godpa says maybe I should be called Nikki the Little Dragon Girl since I'm so ferocious. But Dog and Dragon zodiacs are highly incompatible so I guess that's a no no. But look at my latest photo, I'm sure I have great white teeth like the Dragon. Just give me a pair of horns and I'm all set.

I'm back for Christmas

2011-12-13T10:57:00.002+08:00

Yes, I've gone missing from my blog for months as godpa decided to get distracted, or rather focus on his own stuff. As you can see I've just gone for grooming. The sweet furry one next to me is not related to me and neither is she here to stay. She's a guest till Christmas.

Godpa borrowed her for a while as she will be wrapped up as a gift. But please don't give away living beings as gifts.

Refreshingly raw

2011-06-28T10:16:00.003+08:00

Godpa's tired, he's been waking up earlier to ensure I take my meals with medication. The good thing of course is that my meats are now served perfectly raw, unlike his dad who always overcooks them when thawing.

As you can see, it's lip smacking goodness with that bit of crunchiness that's so satisfying.

Take a break, ouch!

2011-06-26T23:08:00.002+08:00

Godpa noticed I was listless past few days and even shivered when friendly humans pat and hugged me. So off to the vet we went on Saturday and we came back with a bagful of medicine! Oh and I got an injection on my rump too.

Godpa was right, I was hiding a problem with my back. The vet felt around and sensed tension around my lower back. He guided godpa to feel it. I think godpa was pretending he could feel it and just gave a blur smile. Doc said I likely strained it from standing on my hind feet or jumping on and off heights. Looks like I'm aging quite a bit and have to watch myself. The good thing is godpa will have to cradle me like a baby if he wants me on the sofa with him. No new photos of me right now but godpa seems to be so into this PS3 game that he posed for a photo at a shop poster. Hope he doesn't play till he gets a backache.

June break

2011-06-12T22:45:00.002+08:00

Many human kids have their school break in June. And for me I finally got to go out again though the weather nearly spoiled our plans. As thunder growled in the distance and the sky darkened partially, we made our way to the Bishan Park dogrun. I think it's my second trip there since it reopened. I had a gruelling walk/jog at the park before I was allowed into the dogrun. Godpa and Uncle Leon thinks it will help release some anxiety. I guess it worked pretty well as I found myself running around much more and having fellow dogs coming round for a sniff or two. Had a nice massage bath and then a chunk of raw chicken breast for dinner right after. Right now I'm going off to another dogrun in dreamland as godpa writes today's blog for me.

Listen well

2011-05-24T22:45:00.003+08:00

Humans don't really listen well do they? Their recent election thing showed that there's a lesson to be learned by human leaders who ignored the barks of the pack. For me, I guess I'll just nibble on the new treats from godpa, chewy lamb ears from New Zealand. I guess he's making up for abandoning me while away in Taipei recently, nibbling on goodies himself.

Hot days ahead

2011-04-26T23:14:00.002+08:00

The weather's been hot and humid causing Godpa to catch another round of stomach flu. Fortunately he kept some of the old medicine and managed to get over it within a day.

Now the next hot thing would probably be the local human society's focus on electing their "top dogs". You see, these small group of fellow humans are elected as ministers to represent and work for the good of a larger group of humans. I guess the difference between an alpha dog and a minister is that when the alpha dog fails to lead, it's something very obvious and the pack quickly "demotes" the dog. For humans, things aren't so clear because they have to get past layers of information and mis-information. For some they lack courage to "bark" down the unworthy minister. For any "pack", its survival depends on the pack's ability to exercise its choice. Anyway Godpa says he is eager to exercise his "bark". Woof!

Healthy life style

2011-03-15T11:00:00.003+08:00

Godpa went to take another look at tha Marina Bay area last weekend, this time later in the evening. There is this food court called the Singapore Food Trail (路边摊) at the Singapore Flyer that serves all the delightful local dishes of Singapore. It was a bit unusual to see mostly locals patronizing the place but I guess it must be due to the school holidays.

Great food, great scenery but too bad dogs are not welcomed. So godpa compensated by spending quality time with me as he did some stretching and gentle exercises this morning. As you can see I look good on an exercise mat.

Make hay while the sun shines

2011-03-13T12:30:00.002+08:00

Napping in the sun is rather enjoyable and I do it with style.

Some prefer to "pray" like this little mantis that godpa found on his table today. Maybe he's asking for rain?

Falling sick is a crime

2011-03-06T22:53:00.003+08:00

Not to worry, I'm not sick but godpa has been. He had a leaky nose last Friday which stopped by Saturday but still his head was heavy. He continued doing his volunteer work and kept going till a dinner gathering celebrating some friends' birthdays, including uncle Leon's.

On Sunday, his head was still heavy and he just wanted to rest and recover. Obviously he couldn't bring me out. So what can I do for him. Well, just keep him company, land some licks on his face, and be my natural cute self. It's not a crime to be sick, who would want to be sick anyway. I treat godpa the same regardless whether he's healthy or sick, happy or moody.

Just cut

2011-03-04T20:58:00.003+08:00

First of all, happy birthday to Uncle Leon! I think godpa hid a surprise for you somewhere. I took a peek as he wrapped it and it looks like something I'd like. Maybe you can pass to me if you tire of it.

I've gone for grooming today and godpa was glad to hear I was well behaved at the groomer's though I had gone in shivering from fear. Godpa went to his own "groomer" too so we both look neat and fresh now.

Great Daynes

2011-02-28T22:11:00.002+08:00

It was a great Sunday as godpa finally brought me out to the re-located Bishan Park Dog Run. Along with the great bright and windy weather, we met a Great Dane! As usual I stayed away from most dogs and just did a quick nose to nose greeting with the big guy. Which reminds me, I'm weighing in at 5.3kg right now, a great weight though looking a bit unkempt.

The dog run has shrunk in size but there are now more benches for humans and trees for us dogs to take cover. The better latch gates and water point are certainly great. There's now no gate to link the two fenced up dog runs, which is kind of inconvenient if some dogs want to cross over after warming up their moods. Let's have more great days!

For everything there is a season

2011-02-22T23:07:00.002+08:00

The weather has become sunny and windy and obviously I'm benefitting from getting walks with godpa beyond just the estate where we live. Maybe it's time to visit the rebuilt dog run at Bishan Park.

Godpa's feeling a bit bored these days with no particular project on his schedule. Isn't it just like my life? Live each day looking forward to a good meal, and maybe some treats, catching afternoon naps, and snuggling into bed for the night. No particular purpose, no worries. He's been reading Zen stuff and philosophy but hey I'm living proof.

Happy New Bunny Year

2011-02-02T19:38:00.002+08:00

Seven more years to go before it's my year (Dog year)! By then I'll be an old maid. Well, make hay while the sun shines, so godpa brought me out to Woodlands Waterfront to enjoy the breeze (more like gusts of wind) when the rains stopped. As you can see I was pretty excited and distracted by the scenery.

After returning, I had my share of the reunion dinner as part of the Chinese New Year celebrations: roast chicken, boiled pork, and rice. This is my third year celebrating this human custom. I wonder if rabbits are served next?

Where is my sunshine

2011-01-19T21:13:00.002+08:00

It's been rather cold recently. Godpa noticed I've been going to my old house in the morning after breakfast to stay warm.

I'm also more frequently napping on the sofa next to godpa in the evenings. Did someone turn on the air-conditioning in Singapore? I want a dog tan.

Post Christmas cut

2010-12-28T10:52:00.003+08:00

Oh, it's grooming time again. How I hate going there. Godpa was busy at work so uncle Leon sent me instead. I clung onto uncle Leon as he removed the collar, worrying each time that they might forget to bring me home. As you can see, I'm mentally exhausted after four hours away from familiar faces.

I'm not entirely unhappy of course. A new cut perks me up quite a bit.

Merry Christmas 2010

2010-12-25T13:54:00.004+08:00

Where are you bound

2010-12-15T16:31:00.003+08:00

Godpa's been spying on me at home with a new human toy. It's an Internet surveillance camera that he can use to check out what I'm doing. One thing he's confirmed for himself is that I'm a very loyal dog who waits by the main door for the family when they're not home. They've long suspected it but just couldn't verify.

In the human world, cremation is also used to send off the departed just like how Benji was transformed. Godpa sent off his uncle today. Eulogies are not common in Singapore but godpa actually had a pleasant memory in mind even though he was not familiar with his uncle. Back when he was a fresh army recruit he had some tough times in camp for the first three months, somehow this uncle got to hear of it and actually made a call to feedback to the staff. You see, his uncle was a career soldier. There must be lots more about his uncle that he doesn't know about. I think it's really a privilege when someone gets to know you well, just like how godpa knows me so well.