A Girl’s Notebook :)

Tika’s kitten are getting bigger each day. They now eat solid food. Oh they love sardines and ginanga. I love to feed them! They seem to be always hungry. Hehehe! Before I sleep in the morning when I arrived from work, I free them from their cage and let them play on the grounds.

How I love looking at them. Their mother Tika even plays with them as if she’s a kitten, too! I noticed that when they play they love climbing on a little chair then jumping from it. They also love pulling strings when they found one. That gave an idean of making a miniature pull up bars. They love hanging on the little bars and swinging from one left to right.

These kittens may not be the prettiest kittens in town, but they sure do give us a lot of joy!

Ciao!

While preparing the food for our pet cats this morning, my cousin Joy asked me a very interesting question that I really gave time to research and find an answer to it. As I ponder about that question, I tend to ask more questions revolving that matter. Do animals have souls? Do they have spirits? If they do have spirits, do all animals go to heaven when they die? What about snakes? Do snakes get to enter the gates of heaven, too?

When I did my research, different websites offers different answers. One website says that Theologians say that animals do not have any souls. They point out that man was created superior to animals and that animals can’t be equal with him.

Another site suggested that animals do have spirits.

There are millions of websites that offer answer to that question.  Many would say that since man has been created in the likeness of God and is superior above all creations, therefore animals cannot be on the same level as man is. Since man has spirit and soul, animals do not possess it.

I put faith and love above this. There can be a lot of biblical arguments as to whether or not an animal has a spirit or a soul. What I believe in is that when our dear pets die, they cross a rainbow bridge where they meet their other friend animals. And at that side of the rainbow bridge, our dear pets will no longer be hungry and sad. That they will stay there happy and gay and playing with other animals. I believe that it is the place that God made for them. I believe that our beloved departed pets are now enjoying and playing with God as well.

It is quite painful to remember a death of a dear pet but knowing and believing that God has created a special place for them makes me feel okay. I believe that somewhere in that place our little Ro and Tom, Chi-Chi, my dear cat Sheng-Sheng; our beloved dogs Haiti, Tico and Chin-Chin are enjoying each other’s company and playfully licking God’s hand as He tickle them.

Such lucky animals!

Ciao!

Tika’s kittens are now a month old. Oh, how time flies so fast. The kittens interact already when we call their names. My favorite among the three is Miyette, she’s the youngest. Why? Well, she’s not as beautiful as the other 2 kittens! And my sisters always call her “panget” (ugly). Even my mother thought so. She’s my favorite because she was the first among the three who responded when called out by name. She became my favorite not because I pity her but I really like her. Nevertheless, I love all of them and we will keep them all!

Tika loss weight after giving birth and she’s always hungry! Who will not get hungry most of the time if you are feeding three kittens. Tika eat atleast 4 times a day. I tried to feed the kittens with formula milk but they didn’t like it much.  Well, I always see to it that Tika and Chaka have their favorite “ginanga” on stock.

I love our cats. We miss Chichi though and we just look at his old pictures and thought of the happy days he spent with us. Our family loves dogs as well. We have had three dogs that we loved so much. We cannot get a new dog because our landlady will not allow us to. I really don’t understand why there are people who doesn’t care about animals.

I hope you have a heart for animals. They may be depended on people for food and shelter but believe me; the love that they will give you in return is immeasurable. They would even give up their lives for their masters.

Ciao!

It’s been a while since I tell you stories about life and family. Sorry about that. I got sick last week and I really find it difficult to work then. Well, to start with, I have good news for those kitten-lovers out there. Our baby Tika is now a mother of 3 beautiful kittens. :) I knew that Tika went through a difficult labor. She first gave birth to an orange kitten which we named Chi-chi junior. I have witnessed her pain and stress while in labor. We thought that we would bring her to the vet, but then I realized that God will help her go through the whole process of giving birth. I thought of those cats and dog on the street which were able to give birth without human intervention. I prayed during her labor pains and I also massage her tummy. I witnessed when she gave birth to her second kitten, which we named Tiki.

Tika with second kitten, Tiki

Maybe, she already learned how to breath and pushed her kitten away from her tummy after the second kitten. For few minutes later, the third and the last kitten was born. We named her Miyette.

I needed to touch and carry the newly born kittens in a safe place, because their mummy Tika tends to lay on them. It’s a good thing we put the box near the sinks where I was able to wash my hands right away.

Tika feeding her kittens. (L-R) Chichi Junior, Miyette and Tiki

We gave Tika a pat on her back for a job well done. The kittens are 4 days now and Tika is a very protective mother. Tika didn’t grow up with her mother. We adopted her when she was about 2 weeks old. I am really amazed on how God created and designed each and everyone of us.

Ciao!

I adopted Chaka in April 2003. I rescued him from the bad children who tried to beat him up. He was just a kitten then. Though I was able to rescue him, he already suffered physical damages that made his back feet crippled. I thouht he will not be able to walk anymore but God seen the love I gave him and he was able to walk straight again.

I remember before Nonet came in the picture, Chaka used to sleep beside me. He was my baby until I got pregnant in 2005. Chaka is around 49 Cat years old already. One of veterinarian at PAWS that Chaka’s age is already old.

Chaka

I believe that this is the first time I post something about him. When I was pregnant with Antoinette, Chaka was lost. I was told that it was cat’s mating season then. I waited for days that turned into weeks but he didn’t come home. I decided to find him myself. My mother accompanied me when we go from street to another. We used to go in at night because cats are usually asleep during the day. I was about to lose hope already.

One day, while I was browing the net, I came across with a website called, Overcomeproblems. I browsed the website, and found St. Anthony of Padua’s prayer. It has been said that St. Anthony is a patron of missing articles. I uttered the prayer hoping that St. Anthony will guide Chaka home.

After 3 days, while I was at the mall buying baby stuff, I received a text message from my sister that Chaka is finally home.

I was overwhelmed with what happened and offered thanksgiving and praised to God. I got my daughter’s first name from St. Anthony.

My daughter Antoinette and my elder baby Chaka

I love Chaka very much and as long as he is still with me, I would see to it that he would feel loved and important.

I hope you guys will learn to love animals, too. It doesn’t matter whether the animal baby you have is a pure breed or not. Because both animals would still give you the same level of love and affection.

Ciao!

I wonder if Ro will be a mommy to be too if she didn’t leave that soon. Well, her sister Tika was able to make it this far and hopefully she will be with us for many more years. Tika was adopted sometime in October, 2009. She was a cute kitten. I know she felt sad when Ro passed away. She is a lucky kitten because even my mother loves her.

Days passed so fast and we just realized that she’s ready to be a mom. Our friend Ate Ness, told her to bring to the vet for spaying. We thought that Tika is too young for that. And, getting “in heat” is part of animals nature. My sisters and I decided Tika to be free and let her explore “her world”.

Days later we noticed that her tummy has grown unusually big. Hehehe!!! Then we knew that our baby is soon to be a mom..

This morning we let her inside the house and we noticed that she went to the different corners of the house. She went under the tables and cabinets. We know that her natal day will be sooner than we have anticipated. We have had cats before which tried to hide to their kittens for us not to touch them.

I arranged a good stack of old clothes and mats in her cage and let her in. Hopefully, Tika will have a good delivery. We are very excited about the beautiful kittens..

Ciao!

It took me a while to find the video of this song from Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper. Almost all the videos I found in you tube has been disabled for embedding, except for this one. Never mind the hungarian lyrics, just read through the English lyrics I have posted as well. I just love this song so much which I dedicate to my beloved cat, Chaka.

I wish I can sing it for you..

The Cat’s Meow

Whats Wrong Wofie, are ya sick
Something in your Throat?
Wait A Minute are you trying to meow?
Ah Fella
I can see it when you’re feeling low
You can’t hide that from me
You’re no status quo calico
So why keep trying to be?
‘Cause you’re more than that
You’re my doggish cat
I wish you could see the you I see
I say
If you bark
Celebrate it
Make your mark
Serenade it
Noah’s ark
Shoulda had a cat like you
And if
What you are
Is a strange you
Doesn’t mean
You should change you
Only means
You should change your point of view

Hey, feline
You fetch just fine
To thine ownself be true
Your bow wow’s
The cat’s meow
It’s how I know you’re you

You don’t need the bows
Or tiara
Bid your woes
Sayonara
Trust your nose
‘Cause it knows the way to go
When you
Chase your tail
You’re enchanting
Spirits sail
When you’re panting
When you wail
You’re a rover, Romeo

There is not
One hair of you
That I would rearrange
I love you the way you are
And that will never change
That will never change

Talking about cats, I found a magazine from our shelf about cats. I scanned through it’s pages and read fascinating facts about cats. I only hope I have a scanner so I can share those lovely cats. Well, hope you enjoy these bits and pieces about our beloved felines.

• Evidence suggests that cats were companions to human as early as 4500 years ago. The Egyptian people were the first humans to realize the exceptional value of cats.
• As far as your cat is concerned, history has demanded that the feline be the most pampered of all species.
• Gone are the days when women were often persecuted for having pet cats.
• Not so in the 14th century, when the cats are busy killing the rats that spread the dreaded Black Death (bubonic plague).
• The cats has emerged from the hunted to the hunter since the Middle Ages.
• One thing that absolutely crucial for your cat’s health is the availability of fresh, cool water at all times. Every cat needs a clean bowl with fresh water at all times.
• The history books tell us that cats were domesticated mainly for the ability to hunt granary-ravaging rats.
• Greenery is good for a cat’s digestion. Just make sure that the grass you cat nibbles on has not been treated with lawn chemicals.
• When you take the cat into the shower, make sure that the shampoo you will use on your cat is veterinarian-approved. Be very careful not to get it in your cat’s eyes, nose, ears, or mouth. The cat’s head should be kept dry during the bath.
• Cats scratch for a variety of reasons, including scent marking, shedding their outer claws, and for exercise.
• Cats and kittens love colorful toys shaped like mice.
• Cats can’t resist stringy toys they can leap for and chase.
• Taking time to play with your cat every day will relieve tension in both you and your feline. (This is very true to me. :)) (Source: CATS Quarterly YB127)

I also noticed that a witch is always associated with a cat (Well, I know for sure that I am not one. :))

Ciao!

I have asked to look after a sick cat at Adscapes. My ate’s are out of town and they asked me a little favor. I saw Batik yesterday and he was so weak. I helped ate Heidi to feed Batik because he is not eating. She told me to bring Batik to PARC today but it was too late. On my way to De Castro, I received a text message from ate Ness that Batik is gone. It was so sad. Nevertheless, I still went to their office and made sure that Kuya Ariel, their errand man, will bury Batik properly in their yard. We are still thankful to God still because Batik had a happy death. Manang told me that after he ate a little food and drink a little water, he just find a comfortable place to sleep and then, they just found him dead.

Though I only had a few hours with Batik, I got attached to him. Well, like what ate Gwen told me, at least Batik didn’t die on the road but instead he was loved and had been taken cared off.

Batik has crossed the rainbow bridge as well. For sure he was met by his siblings, which I forgot the names. I will ask ate Ness if they have Batik’s picture that I can post here.

Thank you Batik for the joy you brought to me and to your mommies.

Ciao!

I mentioned in my previous post that I signed up as PAWS volunteer. I filed a vacation leave last Monday and spent the rest of my afternoon in PAWS. I decided to go there after lunch because there is no nearby cafeteria where I can eat lunch. I arrived in PAWS at around 2PM. It was not as busy as Saturday, but there were visitors and other volunteers, too.

First, I joined Cha in touring the guests around the PARC. She asked me to join her so next time I will be able to accompany visitors around the shelter. After the tour, I left my bag in the office and arrange some office furniture then I started working.  Most of the volunteers that are present last Monday attended the Dog Runs and gave some of the dogs a bath. Since they were attending the canine, I decided to spend the day with the cats. I was able to meet some of the adorable cats for adoptions. Some of them have name tags but others just lost theirs.

The shelter currently houses aroun 256 cats and kittens, and around 55 dogs. I spent an hour in the Kittenery first. Actually that room is for kittens, but since cats number have grown, the kittens there have grown into cats and were not transferred to Catery anymore. I checked the cats eyes and hold each one of them. Each cats has their own unique personalities. There are very sweet. There are some who will just ignore you. Some will also leave scents on you. I swept the floor in the kittenery then went to catery which is just in beside it. I checked on each of the cats. Swept the floor and map the room. I was finished already at around 4PM. Then while taking a break in the office, Cha asked if I can attend the Sick Bay.

There were like 20 cats and kittens in the Sick Bay. I gave each of them the necessary medicine and made sure that they’re okay.

I left PAWS at around 8PM. It was very tiring though but I was very happy. It was fulfilling. I’ll be coming back there, soon..

Ciao!

Chichi’s death made me appreciates more my own cat Chaka. When I got home about 2 Friday’s ago, I carried Chaka in my arms and I whispered to him that his kuya will not come home anymore. Chaka has been with me for almost 7 years now. In cat years, he is about 49 years old already. Doc Marifi of PAWS to be watchful of Chaka. She said that Chaka is old and I should be more sensitive of his health. Well, chaka has been through a lot of physical pain, and I am making up to him now, so he won’t forget that he is loved by me.

Losing Chichi made me and my sister Patty decide to share our time for those abandoned pets. Those cats and dogs which are housed in PAWS, maybe abandoned by heartless people; but they are loved.

In spite of being tired and sleepy, I went directly to PAWS last February 6 to attend the seminar-training to become PAWS volunteer. Patty and Ate Ness were already there when I arrived. Actually, I was late. The seminar lasted for like 2 hours. Then, we were grouped according to the task we would want to be part with. Patty chose counseling and clinic assistance; while I chose direct animal care. I love both cats and dogs. I can be with and take care both of them.

I spent some time in the cattery where the cats for adoption stay. I cuddled them and removed of those eyes’ dirt. Then, I went inside the dogs area with Ate Gwen. The dogs there have gone through rehabilitations already. They also have complete vaccinations. As we got inside, the dogs started waggling their tales. They are all so sweet and you will really love them easily. Those cats and dogs are waiting for a family who will take care and will love them. Those pets in PAWS are not those “pure-breed” cats and dogs that you will find in different pet shops. But, they will be able to give you the same kind of happiness and love that a pure breed animal can give.

I once told my ate’s at PAWS that if only we have space for those pets, maybe I have rescued many abandoned cats and dogs as well. Ate Heidi told me that it should me goal; to have a house with a large yard for my pets.

I know that being a volunteer is a responsibility that I need to fulfill. It’s not just a by the word nor through registration. What is important is that I need to do my duty as a volunteer. Tomorrow I will be there to spend sometime with the rescued animals. I also encourage those people who have compassion with animals to be volunteers and to adopt a homeless cat and dog.

Ciao!

It has been a 3 days now since our beloved cat Chi-Chi passed away. Some may say that it’s only a cat, why do you need to grieve on it. To us, especially to my sister Patty, Chi-Chi was not just a cat. He was a family.

Our family is an animal lover ever since. There were some instances though that we needed to give up our pets and brought them to the province. We just rent an apartment and there is not much space for pets. Added to it are the “non-animal-lover” land lords/ladies. It was about 9 nine years ago when my sister rescued a kitten along Ortigas Avenue Extension in Taytay, Rizal. We used to live in one of the subdivisions there. She brought home this helpless kitten. My mother disapproved her taking home the kitten because the house we’re living then isn’t ours. Well, Patty didn’t give up on the said kitten. She fed it and named him Chichiriko, Chi-Chi for short. Chi-chi was a very playful kitten. He actually grew up in the companion of our dog, Tico, which we gave up because of my not so kind Ninong Jonas (Grrrrr!). When Chi-Chi was about few months old, he was catnapped by one of the caretakers in the subdivisions. Patty cried so hard then. We even post a “missing” notice in the guard house of the subdivision. We eventually found him as we went from one house to another. I remember how Chi-Chi loved eating dog food! Oh, he loved it!

When we moved to a new home in Pasig, we brought Chi-Chi along. We did not allow him to leave the house because he is not familiar with the place yet. There was a time when we had to bring Chi-Chi to the vet for he didn’t want to eat. Fortunately, he was able survive it.

We called Chi-Chi a tough guy because he was really “sungit”. He was not like other cats, which are cuddly and sweet. Well, Chi-Chi has grown older and he preferred to be alone. Of course, Patty didn’t mind being scratched by Chi-Chi. If she wanted to cuddle him, she will do so even though Chichi would resist.

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Our family has loved Chi-Chi over the years. He was the only cat that slept inside the house. Sometimes we would found him beside Patty. Often time he just slept on the sofa. About few moths ago, we noticed that Chi-Chi was drooling. We also noticed that whenever he eats, it’s as if he is choking. Patty had him take anti-biotic. That symptom continues up until last week. We noticed that Chi-Chi doesn’t eat anymore. We knew that he was starving. He tried to eat but he just blew it out.

We started forced feeding him, Monday last week. He got so week and our friends from PAWS advised us to bring him there before it’s too late. We brought Chi-Chi to PAWS last Wednesday and we we’re accompanied by one of the shelter’s directors. Chi-Chi was attended by Doc Marifi. She is the most compassionate vet I have met so far. She immediately put dextrose on Chi-chi because he is badly dehydrated. When we told her his age, she warned us already about the worst case that might happen. The thought made me cry so I decided to step out of the clinic. When I get back to the clinic, blood sample is being extracted from him. Ate Heidi wanted to have Chi-chi’s blood examined for possible kidney and liver problems.

We left PAWS then at around 4:30PM. I never had any sleep yet then. Before we leave, we told Chi-Chi to fight. That night, I received a phone call from Doc Marifi that Chi-Chi’s condition is on guard. The blood test showed that Chi-chi has a high values in the kidney. I didn’t really understand what that means. All I know is that Chi-chi has severe kidney problems. Patty and I decided to visit him the following day. Patty carried Chi-chi on her arms during our stay. She kept on kissing him and telling him to hold on. Before we leave, I carried Chi-Chi and told him to get well soon for his brother, Chaka and sister Tika are waiting for him. Patty placed him gently on the cage, then Chi-chi with all his effort raised his head and stared at my sister for like 15 seconds then he laid his head on the towel again. I was really surprised by that gesture. I told Chi-chi to keep fighting so we can go home. Although, at the back of my mind there was a thought that I do not want to entertain about Chi-Chi’s gesture. ?

Patty went to office last Friday. Since it was our payday as well, I decided to treat myself in one of the restaurants in Eastwood. As I eat with my colleague, I received a phone call from Patty. She was crying on the other end and I knew then that Chi-Chi is gone. ? She said that she called PAWS that morning and Cha (who is the secretary) told her about the bad news. She told her that when they do their rounds that morning, they found Chi-Chi’s lifeless body already. Patty said that she couldn’t afford to see her dead cat’s body. She asked me to go to PAWS and attend to Chi-Chi’s burial.

It was painful. I wasn’t able to finish my meal and I started crying. I decided to go home first before going to PAWS. When I arrived home, I carried my own cat Chaka and whispered that his kuya Chi-Chi is gone. I knew that Chaka can feel it, he answered a meow and there is loneliness in his eyes. Chi-chi’s death made me appreciate and love my own cat (who is 7 years old) more.

I went to PAWS that afternoon and saw Chi-chi’s body. I cried and cried again until the caretakers buried him.

I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to PAWS staff (Heidi, Gwen, Cha, Anna and caretakers) and to the vets(Doc Marifi and Doc Will) who attended to Chi-Chi. His death made Patty and I value our own pets and care for abandoned and helpless pets more. In fact, we signed up as PAWS volunteers already.

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I know that Chi-chi have crossed the Rainbow bridge. I know that he was welcomed by his fur siblings (Ro, Tico, Chinchin, Haiti, Tom and all our beloved pets). ChiChi will always be loved and missed.

Thank you Chi-Chi for the 9 happy years that you have spent with us. Until we meet again..

Ciao!