DAY 25 : SPAY DAY!!!!

On way home following spay surgery at "Animal Clinic" in Clementi

Monday, 29 June 09

1830 hrs: Sleepy but walking, Lilly -wearing a bright pink bandage around her waist - is led out by the vet nurse and I'm handed a list of post-surgical instructions to ensure I know how to take proper care of her - no food or water til next day, keep her quiet, no exercise for 10 days. Sob, no walks along the beach!

Outside, Lilly headed straight to the grass for a tinkle, then settled in the car and dozed next to Jolfha all the way home. I made up her bed, two rather than one doggy mattresses, and left her alone. She didn't stir much the rest of the evening.

Can't thank ASD enough (Action for Singapore Dogs) for supporting spay & vaccination costs.


Tuesday: 30 June
Breakfast in bed

Next morning Lilly was looking much better, had more of a wag about her. First thought on my mind was to remove her bandage (which I did, no problems underneath) and give her a tasty breakfast of biscuits covered in chicken stock and big chunks of chicken. She devoured the chicken, licked her lips, and went back to sleep.


She stayed pretty quiet all day, choosing the cool white sitting room floor as a resting place.


The wound is very small and neat, with just a few visible stitches that will dissolve by themselves over coming days. Lilly has had a quick look herself but thankfully doesn't seem interested in chewing them. She was given Rimadyl for pain relief at the surgery, and is now taking two anti-biotic tabs a day (250 mg Celexin) to aid recovery.

Lilly's journey : Day 21

Thurs, 25 June: Day 21 in foster care

Yes, 3 weeks have passed since becoming Lilly's foster mum - the best job in the world! Lilly has adjusted well, easing quickly into life as a family pet, becoming more playful and confident as each day goes by. Out on a leash in the familiar surroundings of East Coast Park, Lilly's tail wags high and she's no longer troubled by runners, bikers, roller bladers or the gardeners in large hats wielding brooms. Having a confident pack to walk with (Stilts and Maffy, me & Jolfha too) has undoubtedly helped. She likes to be striding up front, walking more quickly to overtake if Stilts or Maffy dare to take the lead. She's a jaunty walker, there's a hop and a skip in her stride, and she clearly loves the big outdoors.

After bathing all 4 dogs the other day, small Stiltsy acted crazily - screeching loudly, yapping madly, racing around, snapping at the grass and plants, rolling on mats to dry herself. She always does after a dousing and I've never stopped this bit of poco loco as frankly it makes me laugh. But Lilly thought it was abnormal behaviour, too hyper and out of control. In a second her body language changed, she stiffened, then made a fleeting dash at Stilts, a skilful pounce, snap (no contact). Stiltsy calmed instantly and Lilly returned to her mat and lay down. That was a telling off if ever I saw one! I think, given time, Lilly would emerge as leader of my girl clan - she seems a natural kind leader and has all the skills to stay out of trouble. She meets all dogs on leash in a courteous manner, circling, sniffing, enjoying.

It's early days but certain fears remain that make her want to flee, such as loud machinery, sudden noises, crowded streets with noisy traffic, things rushing headlong at her (who wouldn't be scared!), strangers, walking through a door into a small room full of dogs or people (big rooms are fine). Perhaps she'll never overcome these, no matter. Although she walks happily into her crate for food, I've noticed that she no longer wanders in alone to lie down. At nights, now, I have to lift her in gently; she's not stressed by this and settles quickly to sleep, but she obviously prefers being loose with the rest of the pack.

As the 2 week "honeymoon period" lapsed, I noticed Lilly became protective over her chew bone. She always lets me take it, remove it, hide it, chew it... but she has started giving out a warning growl if the dogs come too close. Something to watch at feeding times around other dogs - and a reminder to tell children to stay away from dogs with bones.

What Lilly hasn't mastered (yet) is SIT, not even for a tasty morsel - and not even when her favourite human, Christina, comes to visit and requests her nicely to SIT! Obviously my fault, I must be a slow teacher as Lilly has proved herself a quick learner in so many other respects. With my 3 others around me, all sitting on request for a treat, Lilly just stands, wags and smiles at me. I almost give in to those beautiful eyes. But no... I push lightly on the back of her legs (behind her knee caps so to speak!), down she plops, and there she stays not moving... even if the position looks uncomfortable. As I wiggle the morsel just out of her reach in an effort to get her to stand so we can try it all again, well, she just cranes her neck forward, not lifting her butt off the ground. She's at least learnt that butt on floor means treats... I just haven't found the correct way yet to get her to do the motion herself. Am working on it... but what didn't work was pressing down on her rear end above her tail, or waggling treat over her head and backwards.

She has so many other talents though, that my failure in getting Lilly to understand my mad gestures and human-babble about such a natural act as sitting... well, it's hardly worth mentioning.

More coming, after I pick up Lilly from Animal Clinic where she is being spayed on Monday.

Wishing for Wings

Graphics courtesy of SCAD volunteer, K. Mameaw

If you are travelling from Singapore to Amsterdam or Boston, can you be the wings that two rescued dogs need?

Four month old Daisy and 3 year old Lilly were strays in Kallang, an industrial suburb of Singapore. Up until 6 weeks ago, they knew nothing but hunger and the fear of running for their lives from dog catchers or those who viewed them strictly as lunch.

Today Lilly is in temporary fostercare in a private home and young Daisy is being cared for in a shelter (Action for Singapore Dogs, ASD). Both are being assessed and prepped for a long journey by air, that will take them to new lives, far better lives, with people who truly understand the responsibilities of dog guardianship, will understand their "special needs" as rescued strays, and will offer them a kind word and a pat before they turn in each night.

They need two wings and a prayer! Can you help?

This is a rewarding, no cost, almost hassle-free experience. We handle all the import and export paperwork, pay excess baggage fees, and meet you at the check in desk on day of departure to handle the process. At the destination airport, you collect Daisy (or Lilly) at the same time you collect your luggage and hand her over in the Arrivals Hall to our representative. References are available from others who have kindly been "wings" for stray dogs before.

Lilly : Singapore to Boston (preferably on KLM through Amsterdam). She has a new family waiting for her, if we can get her there (cost effectively) as accompanied baggage with a Boston-bound passenger. Is that you?

Daisy: Singapore to Amsterdam (preferably KLM direct). Daisy will live in private fosterare with the kind folk at SCAD.NL (http://www.scadbangkok.nl/ ) until her forever family is identified. Can you take her?

To register your interest, or to find out more, email Sherry : sheridan@loxinfo.co.th

With grateful thanks and hugs

Sherry Conisbee : Founder & Past President (retired), >> SCAD Bangkok

Jacqueline Peterson-Jarvis : Volunteer & Fundraiser, >> Action for Singapore Dogs

Christina's visit and Lilly's life before...

Lilly, sneaking on the bed for a chew of her bone. How at home she seems.

Sunday 14 June - Day 10 in foster care : When Christina arrives at my gate, Lilly goes beserk - yapping, tail wagging, whole body wiggling side to side in sheer joy at seeing her.

Hardly surprising when you learn of Lilly's history. Christina first discovered Lilly 2 years ago living under a rank of stores and huts on a constructon site near Kallang Leisure Centre. She was taking care of a litter of pups, perhaps her first. On closer investigation, Christina was upset to find around 20 stray dogs there; 5 or 6 were adults and the rest puppies. Christina decided to help them all as best she could, taking them food in her lunch break and talking with the men living close by to encourage their involvement in the dogs' safe keeping. With local dog catchers who are paid 'per dog caught' - regardless of whether the dog is loosely 'owned', collared or licensed - the chances of these friendly dogs and puppies being removed and culled was high.

Christina fed and cared for the Kallang dogs for 2 years, and as Lilly casts adoring eyes at Christina in my sitting room, you know she recognises Christina as her saviour and trusted friend. Christina says Lilly is smart, really smart. When the dog catchers came, Lilly knew to run and hide and those instincts kept her safe over the years in an area that was regularly patrolled by the catchers. It is those same base instincts that today manifest themselves in flight everytime she meets 'danger' in the form of strangers or cars coming towards her. In the safety of her new family, Lilly will learn over time to be more trusting.

Christina also explains to me Lilly's instant love of sitting in the sea. It was very hot on the construction site, and Lilly found a good way of keeping cool. She would lie down or dig a comfy spot in the drainage ditches that filled with water - it was cool, but also very dirty so Lilly often looked like a wallowing hippo covered in mud! But what a clever girl.

After some pups were taken to fill the plates of construction workers - a cheap and tasty food alternative - Christina and friends set out on a campaign to sterilise and rehome as many from that area as possible. Ten puppies have recently found loving homes thanks to the efforts of Christina and Jacqueline, one of them being Lilly's son, Billy. One little sibling named Daisy, amongst the last of the pups to be rounded up for rehoming, has yet to found a home... but her luck is about to change in a most thrilling way. >>read more.

Lilly's Journey : Day 8... at the vet

Off to the vet in Mr. Lim's taxi... Friday, 12th June - Day 8 in fostercare: Thankfully Lilly falls under the care umbrella of Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD), and thanks to their wonderful organisation, she received her booster vaccines, a blood test and a rabies vaccine today. Soon she will be spayed which paves the way for licencing and the export papers she needs to depart Singapore for her new life in USA.

Dr. Chan Li Jun at Namly Animal Clinic recognised Lilly's nervous disposition and took time to get to know her before attempting any examination or vaccines. I was so proud of Lilly; she submitted patiently to all administrations and showed no fear aggression - thanks of course to quick and professional handling by the veterinary team. I can't thank them enough. Within two weeks of Lilly's departure, she will be back visiting Dr. Chan for health screening and a certificate of health.

Why I am here?

In the Clinic reception, Lilly was clearly uncomfortable in these new surroundings with lots of people, dogs and cats around her. Her tail stayed between her legs but she remained calm (not frantic), was happy to have a lady bend down and stroke her face and head, and was clearly interested in meeting all the dogs, especially one young pup sitting nearby. The more I get to know her, the more I judge her problem to be speeding objects coming towards her... cars, doors, hands, bikes - but not people or dogs. She genuinely seems fond of both species!

That evening, her favourite people come to visit - Jacq & Tim. Without them and the financial support of many of their friends, Lilly wouldn't be facing such a bright future.

A wag for Jacq

With Jacq's help, we started Lilly's basic training this evening... SIT! Lilly couldn't fathom what we wanted of her when a tasty morsel was raised over her head and backwards - which often prompts pups into a sit. She also resisted light pressure on her tail end to move into a sit. So, we'll be focusing on another approach. Every time she sits or drops unasked, unprompted, we will use those words until she identifies those natural movements with the right words... and we'll take it from there, slowly slowly. Watch this space!

Grateful thanks, in no particular order, to...

Veronica at ASD for arranging today's vet trip.

Ricky Yeo, top dog at ASD - for all the animal programmes his team undertakes.

Christina - for caring so passionately for the likes of strays such as Lilly.

Derrick - for so kindly and generously providing a travel crate for our girl.

Carol, Sue, Carrie and Gail for dipping into their pockets so generously the minute they knew Lilly needed help.

Amy and the Ferber Family for adopting Lilly

My hubby Martin for supporting my desire to be hands-on with street dogs again

Tim & Jacq for inspiring others to help dogs, and for always providing the Champagne!

Letter from Lilly

My dear American family,

This is me and my new pals... Maffy, Nancy and Jolfha in pink (sad, she has only 2 legs that work, the other 2 flop around mid air).

I've pawsed, dozed, slept and eaten at this nice place for a week now. The yap on the muttvine is that it's preparing me for a life with you in Massachussetts. Hope I'm doing okay, as I sure want to sniff out those lakes and trails... and meet a bear. A small one.

Every day the alpha in the house - she pricks her ears to the name 'Sherry' - has placed a rope around my neck, lifted me into a big kennel on wheels where shapes whizz past me quickly and takes me to places with lots of water or lots of people. I don't mind the rope now - it means we're gonna have some fun, new smells to sniff, new grass to mark. Not sure though about the quick-moving two-legged animals, who smell funny, approach me head on, don't circle slowly, don't give off any friendly signals and don't allow butt sniffing. Hopeless etiquette, can't imagine what kinda mother brought them into the world.

Do you have doors in your habitat? Cor, they're tricky. The one in the moving kennel is the worst... bang, and I'm trapped. Can't understand why my K9 pals take it so calmly but it's great once we're moving along. If I'm not on a rope, I like to perch high on the back seat, watching everything. I fall off a lot though. Three times I've jumped in by myself, and oh boy, each time I get a yapload of praise and pats from the she-boss. Anyway, you ain't gonna get me walking thru ANY door in the house that has some 2-legged or 4-legged standing guard. No siree. Not me, not even when they're crooning "c'mon Lilly, it'll be okay." Only gonna move through when they back off... yeh back right off. That's when it's safe.

I gotta a really nice place to sleep at night - it's small but I feel all snug, no-dogs to chase me, no 2-leggeds to kick or throw stones at me. I zizzzzzz all night, 10 hours or so. And best of all I get a bone to chew every night I go in. Two sometimes.

Got a special outing today; hope I like it. Booster jabs, rabies, tick fever test - and a manicure and pedicure if I smile nicely. Hope the Hairy Dogmother will be looking out for me.

Please write if you have time. Meanwhile, I want you all to know I'm studying hard. Next week I have to learn something called 'sit'.
Many licks,

Your Lilly xxx

Summary end Week 1
by Sherry
Fine on collar/leash providing there's no noisy/speeding traffic.
Crate training going very well.
Does not like quick/sudden movements towards her.
Comes to name, but will only approach if coast is clear: no doors, no people, no dogs to hamper her progress.
Loud and unfamiliar noises get an immediate down-tail and crouch - it's at these times she might flee.
She wags excitedly at other dogs, scenting the air after them (providing all is peaceful around).

Lilly's Journey : Days 4 & 5

Photos by Jacqueline Peterson-Jarvis & Sherry Conisbee

On the dog's end of the sofa, one eye on Animal Planet

Monday and Tuesday, 8 & 9 June:

Don't get me wrong, but Lilly is proving a bit of a disappointment.

Having swatted up on all the dog behaviour books, revised the best crate training methods, and spent money on buying netting to to make our garden escape proof, Lilly's transformation from a scaredy-cat industrial dog to companionable house dog has made all these preparations a wasted exercise!

Let's recap...

Last Thursday when I visited her at fabulous Mutts & Mittens, she was nervous, obviously wary of me and all new strangers, and did not enjoy my attempts at physical contact. I never saw her tail as it was tucked so far between her back legs. But she always had a wag for the M&M staff, so I knew there was hope.

A few days later...

By choice, Lilly sleeps in her crate (door open) for an uninterrupted 10 hours.

Rushes to the gate with the rest of our pack to "see off" the enemy (the dustbin men)
Enjoys walks on leash and wading in the sea.

Play bows to humans and dogs, gets real frisky on the beach.

NEVER tries to escape. On the contrary, moves so close to my heels that she keeps tripping me up. (Note: buy another dog training manual). That's indoors, haven't been brave enough to let her off leash outdoors, and I probably won't.

Recognises that I am a Super Hero, with powers to stop speeding bullets [cars]. Am slightly worried she also thinks I control the tides (Nother note: buy doggy life jacket).

Bows her head so I can put on her collar and leash

Plays with a tennis ball. In fact, she threw the darned ball back to me, honest truth, but I guess that was fluke. But hey, if she could repeat it, Amy could sign her up for American Idol.

Lilly doesn't want to escape. Martin can put on hold all escape-proofing of our garden.

Jumps in the car to go out (first time today!)

What a Lassie she's turning into.

Note for all: available on Amazon. "On talking terms with Dogs : calming signals" by Turid Rugaas is a good "kind" read for anyone fostering a nervous/shy dog like Lilly.