A week ago, I had an enjoyable adventure because Coolboy took us on an afternoon trip to the beach at Port Dickson where I played in the sea for the very first time. There were lots of people taking a break on the beach too since that day was Wesak Day, a public holiday. We drove along the seafront and luckily, we managed to find a secluded part of the seaside for our 'afternoon picnic' and had a nice beach all to ourselves. The weather was cloudy and not hot .... just nice for me and my Hoomans too.
Me posing pwetty for the camera
Strolling along the beach
Coolboy said that I was a brave girl cos I was not afraid of the waves coming up from the sea ! Instead, I went deeper and deeper into the waters but Coolboy pulled me back because he was afraid the waves would wash me away. However, the waves were not strong or big so no worries. It was exciting.
I had so much fun running up and down the sandy beach.
A picturesque moment
Getting all wet in the salty sea water. I had sand on my whiskers, see.
Actually, the water was not dark as it looked since it was close to sunset, the lighting was not bright enough, hence all our photos turned out blacker than usual. I was a dirty litle pug with sand stuck on my face, body and paws after all the playing in the sand and I was given a clean bath straight away once we reached home ! Overall, the trip was a good but tiring for all of us. For me running off leash on the beach feels so good, FREE like a bird .... oooh I wanna go to the beach again.
WOW, I can't do this not in a million years ! It was unbelievable watching Gin performing tricks backwards and the 'moonwalk' is pawsome. Here's Gin showing her moves in Britain's Got Talent 2008.
During weekends when Coolboy and Nicejellybean are not busy working, they would bring me along in their car for a leisurely ride. Usually I sit in the passenger seat at first, then I want to climb over into the driver's seat so that I can sit on Coolboy's lap. Most dogs love to ride and, if given the opportunity they would gladly take the drivers seat! When I was a little pug, I was put in the space below the passenger seat for Driver's safety reasons. Of course, now that I am bigger I always manage to easily climb back up on to the seat.
Nowadays when I'm in the car with Coolboy and Nicejellybean together, one of them would drive and the other act as a chaperone ie make sure I stay in place on-leash. The leash is an important percaution so that in the event that I should accidently jump off through the windows someone can actually pull me back in !
I love to stand in the passenger seat with my front paws on the center arm rest so I can look out the glass window. When the windows are down, I like to stick my head far out and feel the wind blowing at my puggy face.
This is where we ended up having Dim Sum in a coffee shop. As usual, I was only allowed to watch my Hoomans eat.
A typical Dim Sum breakfast for my Hoomans consist of fishball, porridge, steamed prawn rolls (cheong fan), baby pork ribs and steamed siew mai
Enjoying the view from the window
For me, I like to window-watch especially when there's so much to see, hear and smell, it can get kinda overwelming .... ooooh. However, Nicejellybean disagree she says the best way for me to travel in the car is actually in my crate/carrier. At least this way, it does guarantee that we all reach our destination alive and ... sane !
I look bored. And moody. So Coolboy and Nicejellybean suspect I may be on heat again or not? Anyway, my pet holiday was a nice break away from my usual environment. Amber's Mommy really took good care of me eventhough I gave her some mess to clean up twice a day. Well, I can never pee and poo in the same spot, you see.
Then, after I returned home with Coolboy and Nicejellybean strange things happened to me. My pee had blood and was brownish in colour . The next day, I started to pee irregularly in small tiny drops everywhere which was quite abnormal for me and sometimes we found blood in it too. Quickly I was taken to the Vet on the very same day. The Doctor confirmed I was not on heat and the symptoms is similar to UTI. Anyways, I am on antibiotic medication now (still am) and I am getting better soon. At the same time, I also had my first encounter with creepy crawlies - 3 oval shaped ticks/fleas which Coolboy picked out from my fur ! Horrors again ! We all suspect that I may be having some stress due to anxiety separation which is why my Hoomans have been extra attentive towards me these few days. Yay!
On a cheerier note here's a summary of my Hoomans' travels when they backpacked to Indochina for almost one week:
Coolboy and Nicejellybean travelled to Cambodia to see Angkor Wat, one of the seven wonders of the world ! Yes, it is truly an ancient architectural wonder and it took them 3 days to see the main temples in Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei, Preah Khan and Banteay Samre. Back in the old days around (1113 - 1220), the Kings build these grand monuments as a place to worship Buddha and Hindu Gods.
Waking up early to catch the sunrise over Angkor at 5am
This monumental site was neglected for many, many years and ever since the accidental discovery of the temple ruins, massive excavation began to errect back huge stones which had fallen down back into its original places, just like a large jigsaw puzzle. Archaeologists took a long time to successfully piece it all together, not surprisingly the restoration work is still ongoing. Angkor became a World Heritage Site in 1992.
Countless views of Buddha found in Bayon temple located within city walls of Angkor Thom. And apparently there is only one smiling Buddha face.
The pic above shows Ta Phrom Temple where the movie 'Tomb Raider' was shot. It had very old trees rooted over the temple ruin. Most tree branches grew so high they looked like steps leading upwards to the heavens.
Faces which has been crudely hacked off for sale. The authorities have since imposed stricter laws to prevent further thefts
Carvings on the gallery walls showing stories of daily life and mystical beliefs.
In the outskirts away from town, poverty can be seen almost everywhere. The Villagers lived in shacks made from' palm leaves' and cute little kids would ask for money (USD 1) when they see foreigners. Children as young as 10 years old were selling handmade items for at least USD1. However, Nicejellybean gave them sweets and foodstuff which they were quite happy to receive.
And guess what, Coolboy and Nicejellybean came across red and yellow route markers at the Tonle Sap Lake boat pier which means Cambodia is next leg on the " .... race " around the world and only 6 flags left. So now we know !
Counting one, two, three, four, five and six flags
Update: Mimi the Pug is much better now. Her pee and apetite for food has returned to normal.
Yep, my Hoomans are going for their holiday break again. Whilst Coolboy and Nicejellybean travel to Indochina, I will be home boarding at Amber-Mae's for few days ! I hear the place where my Hoomans are going is freaking hot ... whew ! I don't like humid and hot weather so it's good thing they decided to leave me behind. Ooooh, I am so looking forward to my own little pet holiday and will continue with my posts when I return from boarding.
Here's ME sleeping in my new pwincess bed which my Hoomans bought from Ikea Store. I think my Hoomans kinda regret buying it for me cos I have been chewing on the fabric when they are not looking. Hee! Hee!
The metal doggie bowl which I have been eating my meals from for past couple months could not be used anymore. After its rubber band loosened and came off around the sides, the bowl would skid everywhere which annoys me. Anyways, I am eating from a new bowl and the old bowl has been modified into a water hole. This new one is practical and has anti slide stopper. There are different dog pictures all over I get the feeling that I am eating my meals with my imaginary friends, sort of.
I look like I am under arrest and sent into a jail house. In fact I am all hyped up and excited whenever my Hoomans says ' inside Mimi'. It means we are going out somewhere fun. That's when I'll run into the pet carrier and wait for my Hoomans patiently for them to take me out. Usually, it's a trip to the Groomers, a leisurely car ride, going for doggie events or to weekend dim sum breakfast with Coolboy and Nicejellybean. At places where I am not allowed outside, I will stay-in my pet carrier and peek through my peep hole ! In this photo I was waiting in a corner whilst the Hoomans was having their lunch at a Cafe.
Being dunk into 'dirty' mud doesn't sound so glamorous and I was not really looking forward to a mud treatment at De Fairy Pet Spa. Boy, was I wrong. We were told this special sea mud also promotes long-lasting beneficial effects for dry and flaky skin. Unlike what people think the sea mud treatment is actually holistic and cleansing. And it was no ordinary mud and certainly not the kinda stuff that little piggies rolled around in (eeew!)
First I was given a wash and bubble bath
I had a nice scrub from the head to toe and all the way to my last wrinkle on my face.
After rinsing off the shampoo, the Groomer applied sea mud into the fur while still wet.
The sea mud was applied thoroughly all over my whole body
Next I was wrapped into a plastic wrap and blanket. Also given another round of massage to enhance circulation. Oooh I am so lurving it !
Hee ! Hee ! the poking tickled a bit. Didn't quite understand what is going on though ...
Afterwards, I was placed under this steamer machine for another 15 minutes. The steamer had a funny sound like this .... hsssssst. Here's Me all wrapped up and steamed.
Can you tell ? I was already in a meditative state of pure relaxation and deep inner peace. Yawn.
After the steaming session, the Groomer took off my mud wrap and rinsed the mud off my body
I don't like this part though and wanted to escape from the super loud blow dryer but I liked that I was dry and clean in the end.
It was a good day for me at the spa. The mud wrap and bubble bath was effective because afterwards my sensitive skin felt smooth and fabulous. What a blissful day it was !
Oooh, what can I say ... the yellow pumpkin is my favourite now. Nicejellybean introduced pumpkin (steamed) as a substitute when she found out that it was the baked sweet potatoes that caused me Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Pumpkin tastes sweeter, its texture softer and yummier than whatever 'potatoes' I had eaten before.
In addition to a healthy diet of boiled broccolis mixed with kibbles, I am eating this combination rotated on alternate days for my dinner: pumpkin (steamed or boiled)+cooked salmon+ kibbles OR pumpkin (steamed or boiled)+cooked beef+kibbles. However, when my Hoomans are lazy I am served broccolis + kibbles only or just boring kibbles. Actually, Nicejellybean noticed that I always want more but I am not allowed to have 2nd helpings. Hee! Hee! She's afraid I might suddenly become a fat lady ( oh no ... we dun want that to happen)
Enjoying my meal and eating at full speed ... non stop
if I likey ... I'll lick my whole bowl until it's spanking clean.
Usually Nicejellyebean makes batches for 3 days when preparing my meals, portion the food out into small containers to freeze and defrost 1 day before when needed.
Update: I am enjoying all the nutritions I need for a healthy pug and I have no problems with the new diet plans, so far. There is also vast improvement to my skin eversince I stopped on treats and canned/hooman food. Hopefully, I am gradually looking pwettier and pwettier day by day.
Everybody thinks I am a sweet angel but I can be SCWARY too! Here's the other side of me which nobody has seen before. Don't get me wrong, I just like to act tough like a lioness, when I play tug-of-war with Hoomans. Grrrrrr.
Starting today, I am following a strict home-prepared diet which means no more treats or human food. I hope that my skin sensitivities (sometimes caused by the chemicals preservatives in the food, environment or allergies) can be resolved with a simple adjustment of diet. Nicejellybean says I have to eat healthy until I am pwetty again. Tonight, she prepared cooked lamb and boiled broccoli with kibbles, hmmmm strange but this combination sure is yummy. Raw broccoli was too hard for my tiny teeth, so Nicejellybean had to boil the vegetable to make them soft. Here's how to prepare this meal :
Cut into small cubes before cooking broccoli and lamb
Then mix the boiled broccoli and cooked lamb with kibbles.
When it was ready, I could not wait to dig in.
My Hoomans was really surprised that I finnished the whole bowl including all the broccolis too ! Slurp. Now, every time Nicejellybean goes to the fridge or microwave something, I will be right there, waiting expectantly for my meal. What's next on the menu , I wonder ?
I have sensitive skin ... that sounds much nicer, right? and if the rash becomes very ugly I have to eat medication tablets prescribed by my Vet. I really dread swallowing the yucky tablets. When Coolboy puts one tablet into my mouth I always spit it OUT (ptui!) as far as possible. I'll keep a distance or shut my mouth real tight. Or, I won't eat my pills until Coolboy feeds me together with creamy peanut butter , ... even then I can be stubborn and it's a good whole 5 minutes before I swallow my first pill! If Nicejellybean mixes my pill together with Dinner, I am able to sniff it out and throw the pill away. It's so bitter that's why I really dislike eating those tablets.
Coolboy, Nicejellybean and ME went for a back-to-nature weekend getaway to Adeline's Rest House near Perak town of Gopeng, a place that Nicejellybean had read about from another Blog. Coolboy was happy when he asked the Owner, Adeline Kuo, whether Pets are allowed and she actually enthusiastically said YES! (Note: Pets are allowed on non-peak days and be sure to confirm with her first via email/sms ) Anyways, we left Kuala Lumpur early in the morning and along the way stopped by the Sungai Buloh rest area on the North South highway. Kids who are enjoying their school holidays were so curious when they saw me in my carrier and wanted to play with me.
After 2 hours we reached the Gopeng interchange which is the exit before Ipoh. We drove by Malay villages and the tar road narrowed to only one lane, so cars have to stop at one side to give way to vehicles coming from the opposite direction.
Beyond the villages, the road will pass through a forested area and round a series of bends. From Gopeng town, there were very clear signboards to guide us all the way and after 20 minutes later, we saw our destination on the left.
In Malay language, 'Selamat Datang ke Rumah Rehat Adeline' means 'Welcome to Adeline's Rest House '
Across this bridge is the entrance into our lodgings and a 'pets' adventureland. See that tiny shadow ... it's a baby monkey !
0ops ... I was too short and needed some help getting up the steps there.
Our Hut from a distance
What we like is that it is a tranquil spot set amidst the lush forest. You can hear birds chirping, trees whispering and crickets 'singing' into the night. The accommodation here has several traditional aboriginal bamboo huts offering minimal amenities, no private bathrooms, no TV ... sort of homestay style but comfy enough. Toilets and showers are adjacent to the accommodation and camping ground.
Another bigger hut which can fit up to 20 people
There were plenty of space for me to runabout and sniff around. I wanted to explore the streams which flowed beside our hut and slipped down the steep slope trying to drink from the flowing stream. Then I could not climb back up. Yikes !
I did caused a panic moment when I was off leash. I became excited, ran off and hid behind some low bushes so nobody could see me.
Where is Mimi ???
The grounds is spacious surounded with trees and greenery. I guess because of the natural shade, the weather here was not very hot. In fact, it can get quite chilly at night and early morning.
I see durian trees, rubber trees and rambutan trees
Oooh ... sniff,sniff ... I smell a baby durian
Mimi breathing-in fresh air
Behind me are actually sections of a century-old 14.5km pipeline running from the Ulu Geroh water catchment area to Gopeng town. It is however disheartening to know that this historical longest and oldest pipeline in Malaysia is going to be dismantled soon.
I tried to make friends with resident baby monkey (below) and could see that the monkey was quite afraid cos it tried to keep a distance away from me. The monkey became hysterical and screeched alot.
After a long and tiring afternoon , I went to sleep in my Hut. Mattresses are provided with blankets for Hoomans, and everyone slept on the bamboo floor , including Me. At night time, there was a nice cool breeze which kept the mosquitoes away. (Surprisingly, we caught horrid mozzies in the daytime)
This place is also special not only for the authentic 'orang asli' (aboriginal) type of accommodation but for its home-cooked local food prepared by Owner, Adeline. And for all meals, the Hoomans were served different variety of dishes in buffet style. For late Supper, Auntie Adeline prepared yummy fried banana fritters and sweet potato dessert. You know what, the Hoomans have to wash up their own plates and cups after each meal.
Auntie Adeline, who owns and operates the resort also does the cooking and prepares all the meals too.
The dishes Auntie Adeline cooked for Hoomans was so tempting and looked delicious but due to my strict diet, all I got was tiny bits of BBQ chicken bones and lamb. Early next morning, I went for a morning walk before I was left behind in the Hut ... whilst Coolboy and Nicejellybean joined a group of people for white-water rafting activity.
Later, I went along a short trip to the waterfalls, which was just one of the many waterfalls in this area and it was a first time I saw huge gush of water coming down from high up. I was kinda overwhelmed but was not scared at all.
Some photos taken during our stay:
Overall, this is a charming place to escape the hustle and bustle of City life with plenty of empty spaces for pets like me to roam everywhere. It was quite an unique experience, I tell you.
Mimi and Donut are 2 cute pugs, living with Coolboy and Nicejellybean in MALAYSIA.
About Mimi
Black Pug Mimi was born on 13 March 2007. She's a lady, playful and quiet.
Meet Mimi
Click Me
About Donut (rip)
Here you can read stories about Donut our mischievious and naughty fawn pug. Born on 12 April 2005, Donut went to the Rainbow Bridge at age 2. He is dearly missed.
Me posing pwetty for the camera
Getting all wet in the salty sea water. I had sand on my whiskers, see.
