Make those resolutions stick in 2011

How is that all those best-laid plans and good intentions fall to the wayside approximately after a couple of days after the new year? To help us kick-start the new year and put some of those resolutions into action, allow The Bark-ery to come out with some suggestions to help you through:

Resolution #1: Spend more quality time with King (aside from the usual rushed walks)

This goal needs to be more specific: what will happen? Tricks? Visiting other dogs? Just hanging out? When will this happen? How often? A goal is more easily achieved if there is a concrete plan for achieving it. (King spends his time squirrel watching in the garden. Doesn't eat them of course but loves chasing them. In the afternoon, he gets visits from the monkeys where he loses his marbles by barking mad. I swear, there are times I can see a 'smile' on the monkey's face!)

Resolution #2: Get more exercise – both of us

It can often be pretty hard to start a new exercise habit. Making a “mini-plan” can often help. What kind of exercise? How long and how often? If you tell yourself something like, “When I get home from work, I will put on my shorts and t-shirt,” you will find it much easier to get going. Simple but extremely effective. (King gets his exercise twice a day: 7am and 6pm)

Resolution #3: Bone up on training

Be sure to pick times when you aren’t too mentally tired. Will-power is a limited resource and a good training session requires a good amount of self-control. So, don’t try a training session after a tough day at work. Make sure that you – and your dog – are fresh. (King watches his papa exercise by lying on his side and enjoying the air-con!)

Resolution #4: Drop a few pounds

Again, specificity is key. Realism is also key. People’s health goals (I can’t say for dogs) are often rather ambitious. Perhaps consult with the family doctor (and vet) about reasonable goals and how they can be achieved. (King:"Excuse me, I've no problems in that sector.")

Resolution #5: Give back

What a great idea! No sophisticated suggestions for this one. Just the obvious: Pick something close to your heart. (King:"My 2-legged girlfriend bakes weekly for us and in turn, she contributes to the animal shelters. I lub her with all my heart.")

Lastly, The Bark-ery wishes all her 4-legged customers a Har-py Christmas & a Har-py New Year! Its been a good year!

Lend a Paw to those in Need

Pass on the latte and instead, give a couple of dollars to the animal shelters of your choice. Or, in lieu of a material gift, donate in the name of a friend who has everything. A few bucks can go a long way!

Give the gift of an orphan pet

Help the animal shelters achieve their laudable goal of No More Homeless Pets with a one-time sponsorship of an animal. Scroll through tons (and tons) of dog photos and bios to choose whom you’d like to sponsor.

Ensure the golden years, are, well, golden

Sadly, after a lifetime of devotion, many critically ill, special needs and senior pets are abandoned at overburdened shelters where, proving largely unadoptable, they await euthanasia. Fortunately, there a few kind souls laboring to aid this sad situation. Financial support is always needed; you may designate your donation for specific needs, animals or projects should you wish to support a particular facet of their work.

Save lives

Most animal shelters in Malaysia as in the strong and stable ones for instance: Furry Friends Farm, Independent Pet Rescuers and SPCA specialize in mass pet evacuations and rescues necessitated by natural disasters. Donate or become a member to support their good work.

Get down with the spay/neuter effort

It’s desperate out there. 5,000,000 (yes, five million) animals are euthanized annually in the United States. In Malaysia, besides being euthanized, they’re either strangled or drowned! Help sponsor the animal shelters with a spay/neuter program and this would save the animal and unwanted population.

Tie Up with Art Accent Gallery

August 2009 embarked my first tie-up with June, a close friend and owner of Art Accent Gallery @ BV2. It was a solo exhibition with an entirely new collection of horse art paintings by Lim Ah Cheng where a certain amount of part proceeds would go towards Furry Friends Farm (FFF). This tie-up was a pre-WAD (World Animal Day 2009) of fundraising and creating awareness of animal welfare towards the Pulau Ketam incident. Dato’ Bridget Lai, CEO of Alliance Bank Group and an animal lover, officiated the event. Many turned guests turned up for the exhibition including media and close friends. It was a day to remember….

The final result as of early October 2009, Art Accent Gallery donates RM18k towards FFF.

World Animal Day (WAD)

WORLD ANIMAL DAY 2009 - MALAYSIA

World Animal Day (WAD) started in 1931 at a convention of ecologists in Florence as a way of highlighting the plight of endangered species. Since then it has grown to encompass all kinds of animal life and is widely celebrated in countries throughout the world. October 4 was chosen as World Animal Day as it is the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.
It is intended as a day of celebration for anyone in the world who cares about animals. It is not restricted to any one nationality, creed, religion, political belief or ideology.

Launched in the United Kingdom on 4 October 2003, organizations, groups, animal shelters, places of worship, schools, clubs and individuals who participated in what was to become an annual event, quite simply, helped make history.

Since the official World Animal Day website was launched in 2003, the number of World Animal Day events taking place throughout the world has increased year upon year and with your help we can ensure the trend continues.

MISSION STATEMENT - WORLD ANIMAL DAY:

To celebrate animal life in all its forms
To celebrate humankind’s relationship with the animal kingdom
To acknowledge the diverse roles that animals play in our lives – from being our companions, supporting and helping us, to bringing a sense of wonder into our lives
To acknowledge and be thankful for the way in which animals enrich our lives

Proceeds from fundraising would be channeled towards:

1. Furry Friends Farm who took the lead in the Pulau Ketam dog rescue mission and headed by Sabrina Yeap.
2. Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary located in Johore Bahru and headed by Raymund Wee and Lynda Goh from Singapore.
3. Independent Pet Rescuers who is one of the pioneers in animal rescuing headed by Sherina Renshaw.


These companion animal charities have a NO-KILL POLICY and each rescued animal is given rehabilitation before adoption takes place. New pet parents are heavily interviewed and visited before the rescued animal is released which is crucial in my principles before proceeding with this fundraising.

World Animal Day 2009 would be different this year as I would like to highlight and draw out the benefits of ‘Animal Communication’ for both pet owners and pets. Many would ask ‘What is Animal Communication?” It is simply a form of communication with animals using our innate intuitive abilities. An animal communicator is trained in the development of his/her ability to communicate with animals. Any pet owner would have a certain level of understanding with his/her pet but sometimes a pet owner may wonder if he/she is getting the right message from or regarding the pet. The following is a common issue: Why does your dog bark incessantly in the middle of the night? It usually is to draw your attention, but you don’t understand what the cause or reason is. You have to stop him/her barking but he/she doesn’t understand why you are ignoring his/her important message. An animal communicator is able to communicate your question to your dog and communicate the message your dog is trying to get across to you. Once you understand what your dog’s message is and he/she knows you have received the message, he doesn’t have to bark for that reason anymore.

On World Animal Day this year, this communication with your beloved pets is made available for you by Animal Communicators who are offering their services @ Lightworks, a new-age haven store filled with spiritualistic (non-religion based) healing and heavenly scented oils that help clear away negativity, or that uplifts your spirit and helps bring up your energy.

In this day and age, more pet owners are recognizing the need to connect with all living beings especially their ‘loved ones’ of the 4-legged variety as they are now treated as a member of the family or a faithful companion. I approached Simone of Lightworks who ‘communicated’ with my feline family members, Arwin, Hermoine & Precious. She even informed me of digestive problems that Ewoyn had and my vet confirmed it! What I have learnt from ‘Animal Communication’ personally is that I understand my cats even more now and that helps. Cats in nature are mystical and difficult to comprehend and that is the challenging role here.

For the entire months of September, October until year end of 2009, Simone and Irene will be offering their animal communication services to pet owners who would like to have more information about or from their pet dogs or cats so that they can live more harmoniously together in the household. The cost per communication is RM50/=. 50% of the fee will be donated to the WAD Pool. The remaining amount is the fee to the communicators. All you need to do is e-mail a photo of your pet with a clear view of and the eyes and two questions you would like to ask and e-mail these to contact@lightworks.com and come by to Lightworks on 4th October, Sunday to find out what your pet wishes to communicate to you. The consultations at which the communicators will reveal the results of their communication and discuss briefly how you and your pet may develop a better relationship, will be available between 2.30pm to 5:00pm on that day. Duration of each consultation is 15 minutes. Consultation bookings must be made by 27th Sept. After 4th October, appointments can be arranged anytime with Simone and Irene @ Lightworks to your convenience.


For those who do not have a pet or have no questions related to their pets, yes we understand that there are lucky ones who live very harmoniously with their beloved pets, you may like to be adventurous and try out a mini tarot card reading or power animal reading on the same day between 5pm-8pm. Each session is limited to 15 minutes of either tarot card or power animal reading. Cost per session is RM 30 for which 50% of this fee will go to the WAD pool and will continue until year end of 2009.

This intuitive card reading of either the mystical power of Tarot cards or the ancient wisdom of the animal kingdom, can help you in many ways, and among others are the following:
Find out what are the Power Animals that are working in and empowering your life. Honour them… for these qualities are actually you.

The Tarot lays out situations you are in so that you are able to see the important details, which your logical mind might have missed out. You are an active party in every reading voicing your feelings, thoughts and opinions.

You are better guided at making choices and decisions that are for your highest good.
The Reader holds the space while doing a reading, for you to comfortably reconcile the issues you are facing. This is extremely therapeutic.
To restore and develop the importance of self-love, creativity, passion and fun!

Just come with an open mind and let the reader show you some insight into any issues or concerns you may wish to look into that is affecting your life at this moment or just find out where you are right now.

As a treat on 4th October, ‘The Bark-ery’ would be giving away free samples of ‘Magic Mutt Balls’ to dogs.

Looking forward to seeing you.

For the animals,
Meem
WAD Ambassador - Malaysia

House Scratching Post

Precious (in white) in the 'house' and Hermoine observing the floor....

My mommy spent RM250.00 on a tall scratching post with 2 levels and a house on top for 6 of us! It is very stimulating as it has coarse ropes wound on a pedestal and I can dig my claws anytime of the day or night. The house is warm and quiet. A hideout from the world and I love every minute of it.

But there is a bigger scratching post in the living room. It cost RM2,500.00 and it has 2 big cloth post on both ends and a huge bench seat where I can sprawl all over the place and it fits all 6 of us including mom! Okay...its the couch! Mom does a soprano each time I scratch it. But if I don't she wouldn't pay so much attention to me. So I get in a little mischief now and then, simply to know that I am loved.

My Favourite Menu

Ewoyn loves her wet food especially ADDICTION Venison & Apple! Thrives on it.

For my breakfast and dinner, it must be meat and I mean pure meat. As a cat and protein lover, I do not need to eat a single ounce of fruit or vegetable and never have been in my entire life. And, I am pleased.

The exact selection of meat is immaterial to me but freshness is important. Fins are fun to crunch on but so are the wings. I prefer my meat rare but cooking doesn't ruin it completely.

But, the answer has come...canned food that comes in a complete meal with all the nutrients and vitamins and when it is microwaved for a quick 5 to 10 seconds, this warm chilled food to fresh mouse temperature and the gravy is terrific!

However, there is one type of food I rarely get fed: dessert. Ice cream, cheesecake, bread pudding...of course, I shouldn't indulge but its good for me once in a blue moon as it is motor oil for my purr engines. Have to remind my humans!!

Dogs (Domestic)

Pepper and Mimi approaching seven (7) months old was rescued and currently fostered in Setiawangsa. Both sisters are close. Loving and so affectionate. Potty trained. Alert when strangers approach the gate or walk anywhere near the house. I had the privilege of meeting them both and they're awesome. If you are interested to adopt both of them or one of them, please call the fosterer named Juliette @ 012 238 8274.

Adoption has been closed.

Meem's Bark-ery Mayhem

From left: Teh C, Kopi, Nyki, Mae Mei, The Goldens (Jodie, Jackie, Jassie, Hugo), Poodley aka Poods, Marcy, King (my 1st mutt customer) and Bobby (a geriatric that doesn't look like one)

If you are a dog lover...

If you are a dog lover, a true dog lover and not just one who sees them as pets or animals, but are instead one who sees them as one's dear companions and more than companions - sees them as perhaps being but a step or two down the species ladder from humankind, not sharing human exceptionalism but not an abyss below, either - you watch them differently from the way other people watch them, with a respect for their born dignity, with a recognition of their capacity to know joy and to suffer melancholy with the certainty that they suspect the tyranny of time even if they don't fully understand the cruelty of it, that they are not, as self-blinded experts contend, unaware of their own mortality.

If you watch them with this heightened perception, from this more generous perspective, as I have long watched them, you see a remarkable complexity in each dog's personality, an individualism uncannily human in its refinement, though with none of the worst of human faults. You see an intelligence and a fundamental ability to reason that sometimes can take your breath away.

And on occasion, when you're not being in the least sentimental, when you're in too skeptical a mood to ascribe to dogs any human qualities they do not possess, you will nevertheless perceive in them that singular yearning that is common to every human heart, even to those who claim to live a faithless existence. For dogs see mystery in the world, in us and in themselves and in all things and are at key moments particularly alert to it and more than usually curious.

Dog rescuing is joy but yet it is grim.

*The above picture is 'Girl Girl' who resides @ the SPCA Bungalow. (My favorite girl)

Bark-ery Companions

Frodo: "Is it done yet? What's coming out of the oven door this time, Mommy? Can I try some? Please? Please?"



















Precious: "Resistance is futile, Mommy... you will let me lick the spoon... you will let me lick the spoon..."



















Hermione: "I'm doing a good job of watching the kitchen rug for you, aren't I, Mommy?"



















Arwin: "I'm hungry. When's dinner, Mom?"



















Baby: "This is a good place to watch Mommy work. Mmmm... smells good, Mom!"

Arwin's Tails: Keeping Our Hair Lush!

We like to show off our fur coats. No other domestic creature has such a natural, soft pelt that everyone wants to touch. It is our pride and joy. Each coat is different. It sets us apart, attracts admirers, keeps us warm and cool, soft and fuzzy. I once saw a cat with no hair and I have to tell you, he or she did not look like a cat at all! I cannot imagine that poor fellow has any of the same feline experiences I do. He or she looked kind of like a rat. In fact, I kind of wanted to eat it!! It is not his or her fault, I know. I never realized that aside from its natural beauty, fur covers up a war zone of warts, wrinkles, scars and birthmarks. No one needs to see such imperfections, no matter how slight. Even in one self. Today I am even more thankful that god blessed me with this coat.

My mom uses ‘Earthbath Cat Shampoo’. It keeps my coat clean, soft and supple. She loves running her fingers through my fur. ‘Earthbath’ uses ingredients that are 100% natural and biodegradable. Everything that would not harm your pet or the environment and it contains no DEA, phosphates, enzymes or synthetic dyes. Additionally, it is animal cruelty free. The sudsy runoff is completely safe and will not harm kids, lawns or other living things. I highly recommend it and most importantly, it does not dry my skin.

Thank you for reading my page….and visit www.earthbath.com for more information.

Bark-ery Mutt Loaf Cup Cakes

Product Code: TB07
Product Name: Bark-ery Mutt Loaf Cup Cakes (with topping)
Price & Size: RM30.00 for 12 cup cakes

Ingredients: Mince beef or mince chicken, garlic, dried oregano, whole wheat bread, milk, ketchup, fresh parsley leaves, eggs, egg shells, olive oil, vegetable oil.

For topping: sweet potatoes, parmesan cheese, olive oil. Garnishing: blueberries or cherries.

90% organic

Meat loaf is traditionally baked in a loaf pan and served with mash potatoes on the side but why not do in a cupcake form? They look just like chocolate cupcakes with cream cheese icing!
Cover and refrigerate for 3 days to a week. Do take note that this can also be lined as a bark-day cake on a cake board as illustrated above.

Luv Thy Pet Supports Animal Charities!

In the months of February and March, Luv Thy Pet contributed RM100.00 to the Independent Pet Rescuers. Visit them at http://rescue2rehome.blogspot.com!

A similar cash contribution from the proceeds of sale of Luv Thy Pet products for April and May will be made to Noah's Ark Natural Animal Sanctuary (NANAS). Please visit them at http://www.noahsarklodge.com/!

As for the upcoming months of June and July, the donation made will be in favour of Furry Friends Farm. Come and find out more about them here: http://www.furryfriendsfarm2006.blogspot.com/

Luv Thy Pet ~ In support of No-Kill movements and good animal welfare practices!

Magic Mutt Balls (my signature and best seller!)

These mutt balls really are magic. Watch your dog perform the perfect command for one of these tasty balls of goodness!

Product Code: TB01
Product Name: Magic Mutt Balls (my top seller!)
Price & Size: RM25.00 for 25 pieces (Chicken, Bacon & Cheese)

Ingredients: Mince chicken, egg, bread crumbs, dried oregano
100% organic

Once received, store in the refrigerator or alternatively, place in resealable freezer bags for up to 6 weeks until required. It is fine for your dog to consume the mutt balls frozen!

Free delivery within the Klang Valley!

Liver Bait Mutt Fudge

Liver Bait is the perfect reward for the perfectly behaved pooch and weekend bonding treat with your ‘loved one’. Use these nutritious liver and turkey bacon or unsmoked low sodium bacon bites as a treat when training or just because…..

Product Code: TB05
Product Name: Liver Bait Mutt Fudge
Price & Size: RM20.00 for 25 pieces

Ingredients: Liver, turkey bacon or unsmoked low sodium bacon, cold water, wheat and gluten-free flour, chopped garlic, egg and olive oil
90% organic

Once received, you have the choice of keeping the ‘fudge’ in resealable freezer bags and freeze them. Defrost a bag in the refrigerator as and when pooch would like to eat. ‘Fudge’ should be consumed on the day of defrosting. It will keep in the freezer for up to 1 month. Do not refreeze once defrosted.

Free delivery within the Klang Valley!

Bark-ery Mutt Loaf

This wholesome mutt loaf is full of delicious flavors. Your companion won’t paws for thought over this unusual mutt loaf! Carrots are a great source of vitamin C, benefiting your dog’s vision, his heart, skin and lungs. They are also rich in beta-carotene, which helps protect against cancer.

Product Code: TB02
Product Name: Bark-ery Mutt Loaf
Price & Size: RM25.00 for a 1.5kg loaf

Ingredients: Mince beef or mince chicken, eggs, tomato puree, carrots, peas, breadcrumbs, low fat parmesan cheese

90% organic

Store any leftover mutt loaf in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Free delivery within the Klang Valley!

Bark-ery Bark-Day Cake

This moist, tasty, liver and turkey bacon cake is bound to get the paw-ty started. Serve up slices to your canine guests and don't forget to put a piece in the doggie bag to take home...if any! (Don't mind the top picture of cheese spread..went off the base!!)

Product Code: TB09
Product Name: Bark-ery Bark-day Cake with Low Fat Cream Cheese Frosting

Price: RM30.00/- for approx. 2kg (double tier)

Ingredients: Chicken liver, semi-skimmed milk, wheat and gluten free flour, olive oil, eggs, dried parsley. Frosting: Low-fat cream cheese, olive oil, honey, turkey bacon rashers that are grilled and chopped.

Ingredients at least 90% organic, right down to chicken. No preservatives, artificial colouring or chemicals. Re-heating not allowed.

Please give 1 week’s notice for orders. Mode of payment: Cash.

Free delivery within the Klang Valley!

Arwin's Tails: Addiction Dry Cat Food

"Hello, I am Arwin, the eldest of the cat clan and I am 6 and a 1/2 years old. I have FIP (Feline Infectious Perionitis) but am doing well. I consume ADDICTION cat dry food, mainly Salmon. I do not like wet food and treats. No more allergies and eczema! Mom hit jackpot with this brand of food and we're both no longer STRESSED!"

About Meem's Bark-ery

‘Meem's Bark-ery’

Wouldn’t you want your mom or dad to treat you with home-baked goodies for a change? If you are bored swallowing the current ones, pretty simple…stop by the latest home-baked gourmet called ‘Meem's Bark-ery’.

‘MEEM'S BARK-ERY’ TASTE STYLE

When looking for a treat, finding out which is the right one for you is the first step. Identify what is your favorite fruit, think about the benefit to you then allow your saliva glands and belly do the talking! This is called ‘Meem's Bark-ery Taste Style’.

‘MEEM'S BARK-ERY’ CHECK

All ingredients are carefully selected and researched. For instance: chocolate and raisins are toxic to dogs. All baking is done at my home kitchen and trials are done with my ‘Taste Team’ before it is sold. This is called ‘Meem's Bark-ery Check’.

‘MEEM'S BARK-ERY’ CARES

No preservatives, coloring, chemicals, flavors or additives. Ingredients are freshly used and freshly baked and not overly done so the vitamins and minerals are still intact. Leftovers are disposed. This is called ‘Meem's Bark-ery Cares’.

‘MEEM'S BARK-ERY’ PROMISE

@ ‘Meem's Bark-ery’, I am proud of my products. My promise to you is to provide a wide range of high quality produce that is affordable with belly satisfaction! I guarantee you will have a good night’s sleep with ‘Meem's Bark-ery’ treat of your choice!

About Me

For over ten years, I depended on pet food companies and others for my pay check. I saw myself as an entrepreneur because, as a pet advisor, I was responsible for developing my own customer base and educate pet owners with their pets. In retrospect, I realize that my employer was my safety net. Although I took risks, I never made the leap of faith that all true entrepreneurs make.

I took a job working in a pet store after coming back from New Zealand after a course of Veterinary Nursing. With every ounce of trust and belief in their principles and with such reputation overseas, I knew I had found my ultimate ‘retirement’ job and banished the goal of working elsewhere. Four years later, everything I believed came crashing and I was finished and lost; that is what I thought at the time anyway.

Out of a job in 2009 for 5 ½ months and anxious to do something different but relating to animals and being able to help any animal shelter or rescuing pets, close friends came to my aid and suggested I do a web site on education for pet owners, introduce non animal tested products for pets and bake for dogs. Good or bad times, we still need to feed our pets. Realizing my capability, I accepted the challenge to go full fletch and reach my potential. I became an entrepreneur by accident. Hence, ‘LuvThyPet’ & ‘The Bark-ery’ was born and 2 years later, I decided to facelift ‘The Bark-ery’ and call it ‘Meem’s Bark-ery’.

My 3 cats & 1 dog, Arwin, Precious, Hermoine & King-sun (who lives with his Pet Parents in PJ) are my closest companions as I work alone. They are my inspiration and of course not forgetting my 2-legged close friends through their affection and ideas, I have decided to dedicate this web site to them and in mentioning on the human side, they are: Stanley & Cass from ADDICTION and Sherrina of Independent Pet Rescuers (IPR) who were my constant supporters and advisors. This web site would not come alive if it wasn’t for them.

My gratitude to all of you….

For the animals,
Meem

P.S. I am also the World Animal Day (WAD) Ambassador for Malaysia. Log onto http://www.worldanimalday.org/ for further information.