Weather whether

It was my birthday yesterday, and it marked 1 year 1 month under godpa's care. He nearly didn't blog this event which earned a frown from me.

Our last jaunt to the dogrun was great as I ran in after the gates were opened to greet a Jack Russell. I'm not sure what came over me but I certainly wasn't as fearful as before. A kid tried playing fetch with me using his dog's ball and frisbee, it didn't work out so he asked godpa to give it a try. So nice of him. Unfortunately I'm not into the fetching game thing and just gave a chase after the flung toys, sniffed at them and left.

The weather has gone from cool to scorching hot, peppered with flash rains that leave the air hot and humid. The weather in the human political sphere isn't great either. Godpa says a storm is brewing, not necessarily a bad thing I think as big storms renew the landscape. I support equality for all, including dogs of course.

Philosopher's dog

Godpa wanted to share something that was circulating in his email. Since it's somewhat related to Snoopy, why not. There are claims this came from Charles Schulz, but it might not be true. Whatever it is, it's still rather meaningful.

You don't actually have to take the quiz. Just read this straight through and you'll get the point. It is trying to make an awesome point!

Here's the first quiz:

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The facts are, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.

"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today ...... It's already tomorrow in Australia." ----- Charles Schulz-----

Juicy insanity

Maybe it's the weather, it seems I'm rather barkish around some strangers. While out for an afternoon walk with godpa in the estate, we came across an old lady strolling past. I got excited and barked at her while godpa kept me a safe distance from her.

As she wobbled away we heard her call me "siao gao" (mad dog). That's an insult to me! I felt hurt. Thankfully, something good happened too. A pleasant woman who witnessed the incident asked godpa what happened to me because I'm usually such a nice doggy.

Godpa was initially surprised by the question from a stranger who seemed to know me so well. He told her I'm a suspicious dog who can read body language. That's a good one from godpa, we dogs can distinguish good humans from the nasty ones.

Godpa is probably better at distinguishing good food from normal fare. He had some kind of celebration and shared a big platter of New Zealand lamb chop, striploin steak, and king prawns with his significant other. He did give a thought about bringing home some of the medium rare juicy meat for me, so nice of him.

Food is good?

It was raining cats and dogs (of course) yesterday afternoon. Unfortunately godpa wasn't home to keep me company. He sent Uncle Leon and relatives to the columbarium as it was the Qing Ming festival. Godpa saw lots of people there, some were lugging huge stacks of joss paper, and some put up buffets of food. I wonder who gets to eat the stuff ...

Godpa came home and we went for a walk downstairs, but soon they went off for food without me! They had some tasty and colourful stuff. Undoubtedly godpa and Uncle Leon felt a bit guilty so I was given a raw chicken wing when everyone returned home.

I love my food but sometimes food isn't always good as godpa tells me. Someone actually died from eating Indian rojak. Thankfully godpa doesn't give me junkfood though he seems to be eating more of it himself!

Who's the fool

Today's April Fools' Day, thankfully no one pulled a prank on me though godpa was trying to capture my expressions. Don't I look equally beautiful each time?

I'm mostly an introverted dog, usually I'm solemn with nary a smile.

Godpa and most humans like to see me smile so I try my best :) Sometimes pictured at a certain angle my dark side seems to show up.

Some humans act foolishly, and others just do what's best for another living being. During such a severe global economic downturn in the human world, it's heartening to hear that a taxi uncle brought an abandoned injured dog for treatment and willingly paid for his expenses. Tripod, a 3 month old rottie cross, survived the ordeal of losing his front right leg and now awaits to find the right home. He should be called Tripod the Tough! Details on homing Tripod and repaying taxi uncle's kindness can be found on Bear's blog.