Kiko Update from Naga

Images of Kiko’s pups have arrived! All seven of them look very much like Kazuko and Koji did when they were that young. Jeff says they were whelped last 11 April 2008 (second image here). The image below must have been taken when they were about six weeks old.


Photos courtesy of Jeff

We may have to schedule a stud for Kazuko to have similar litter during the Christmas season.


Congratulations Jeff for a wonderful litter!

Kazuko at Thirteen

Time passes and Kazuko certainly grows to be larger than mom Kirin. Kazu is thirteen months old.

At this time (2008.05.12), Kirin started to shed a bit more than Kazuko does. Jimmu seems past that particular point, and Kazu does not shed as much. All consistent with the order in which they started shedding their coat.

Kazu’s tail curls at 3/2. Jimmu is behind. This photograph was taken on 2008.05.12.

They will be having their Heartgard Plus treat today (2008.05.18), about forty days since they last had it. It is good to maximize the effective duration of the preventive treatment. It saves a bit in cost. We do intervals of thirty to forty-five days as well. That depends mainly on our projected activities and their possible exposure to mosquitoes.

Kazuko still considers Pet Tabs and Kawu as treats and scrambles for them at times when they are administered to her parents, Kirin and Jimmu.


Kawu packaging changed twice last year.













The more symmetric container for Pet Tabs became available late in 2007.




At NBC’s Today program (Friday, 2008.05.16) was a feature that considered the amount of vaccines that pets are subjected to. It made clear that there is no tremendous agreement among veterinarians regarding the amount and frequency of vaccines that pets/dogs get. There was a contention that they actually help weaken the natural immune system of pets. Puppies, they say, benefit the most from vaccines, most of them needing the boost since their immune system is still underdeveloped. Of interest was their take on the application of booster shots (anti-rabies, canine distemper++). They reported that many veterinarians are of the opinion that a yearly booster is unnecessary and advocate having them every three years.

Kazu, along with her parents, are about to have their yearly booster shots. I guess I could ask our vets on their take on the matter.

Koji’s First Birthday Party! Kiko’s a Mom!

It was a Friday evening (2008.04.04) in Taguig when Koji celebrated his first birthday party. There were a good number of guests. Representatives from Teng’s officemates, relatives, and friends were in attendance.

Koji greeted us with enthusiasm – mouthing and moving limbs and body about with tail movement keeping his balance.

Soon after, other guests were taking photographs with Koji. They got more assurances that Koji really is a very friendly dog. It must be Koji’s silence that gives the scare. You know, when people who are neighbor to a serial killer get interviewed . . . “He just kept to himself . . . Didn’t bother anyone.”


We got a shirt for his birthday at Tin’s Pet Place in Antipolo, just off the border of Cainta and Marikina. He did get to wear it soon after most of the guests were done with dinner. The shirt had the marking “Lifeguard”, which is usually appropriate for most pet dogs. We were lucky to find just the right size for him.

The celebration for Kazuko’s birthday was a lot more peaceful. She did get to have all the treats on her special day: lactose‐free milk, biscuits, Cesar’s beef, ground beef with rice among others. Kirin and Jimmu were certainly not to be denied of the goodies of the day. The best treat for them was the company of everyone in their pack. The only break we had in company was lunch, dinner, and retirement for the day.

Kazu’s birthday just so happened to be the day when they were scheduled to take Heartgard Plus as well. They considered that a treat. Kazu would attempt to take her parent’s ration by scrambling to intercept it just after it leaves my hand. I would usually have to bring additional stuff to offer Kazu to avoid her getting supplements meant for her parents.

As we did with Kauzko, we tried to give as much time to Koji as was possible during the visit. He was happy; so were we.

A few weeks after, I got a text message from Jeff that Kiko gave birth to seven puppies! The weather in Naga must be nice.


Koji caught playing with a toy bone.