The Ugly Duckling

My father has been talking about having a dog for the past 3 months. He wanted a pedigree, with MKA certificate, microchip and the commercial works.
It became a family project and in April, my brother, dad, mum and I went to a pet shop to check out 3 beagle puppies. My brother played with a puppy on his lap. After leaving the pet shop, his hands broke out with rashes. So we decided it's better that he did not have a dog. But Pa was keen in having one and did his research on several breeds, beagle and jack russell.
My partner and I were against his buying and encouraged him to adopt from the SPCA. We almost adopted a pure breed black English Labrador from a pet rescuer. But she gave the dog to a man while we were on vacation. We were so disappointed. Then we went to the SPCA and PAWS. I adopted a terrier/jack russell about 10 days ago and named him Milo. He was attacked by our first dog Buffy last Sunday. Both dogs wanted my attention and when Milo came too close, Buffy pounced on him. Since then, he has taken second place in the household and avoids being in the same room with Buffy. I think I made a mistake in not explaining to Buffy about Milo's presence, thus it invaded her space. It was like sibling rivalry between Buffy and Milo.


He had a traumatic first week in his new home. I overlooked and was not told by PAWS that he was recently castrated. Upon collecting him on the first day, I took him to a pet groomer. The pet groomer injured his right eye. When he came home, our dog Buffy confronted him. I subjected him to daily long walks and climbs on stairs. He must have been in so much pain. Poor lil' fellow. He has recovered and I am experiencing this lovely dog emerging.

Milo has beautiful, almond shape eyes, like a doe. He looks like a cross between a mogwai/teddy bear. He has very large, pointed ears, which are like antennas, popping up when he hears the familiar sounds of food and my voice. He likes to run in wide fields. He behaves like a feline and likes to rub against me. He follows me like a duckling around the house. He sits with his back and butt toward Buffy. I bathed him for the first time today. He furiously rubbed off the shampoo against the wall. When I towel dried him, he rolled against the towel and became a doggy springroll. He is a delight to have around and I hope he will give my father much pleasure.
Pa, a dog for you on Fathers Day

I am enjoying our new house. The location is more conducive to living, within the suburds, cleaner and quiet. There are a row of shoplots opposite our house but luckily no kopitiam. (hawkers center). The only activity is a gas tank distributer, where you'll hear the daily loading of gas tanks onto the lorry.

My partner and I hosted a housewarming party for close friends. I made some local dishes, Penang style and the recipe borrowed from my mom. I made nasi lemak, sambal ikan bilis (anchovies chilli curry), sambal telur (hard boiled egg with chilli sauce), sayur paku salad. My brother bought a roast duck. We bought kurma chicken and fried vermicelli.

The dress code for everyone was to come in a sarong and some friends did. I realized how westernize we have become with friends bringing bottles of wine as gifts. Since when did Malaysians do that?
I think what makes a home are the people, especially having it filled with the laughter of friends and family!