To Crop or Not to Crop

By Nathaniel Rhine

I finally have made up my mind to do it. Do what? I’ve decided to crop the ears of Soldier. Actually, the decision was made the moment he was presented to me as a birthday present from my wife, but it was only yesterday that I’ve moved from a thought to an action.

Last week I made several phone calls to local veterinarians who perform ear cropping, the act of operating on dogs ears to make them look more beautiful. There are several breeds of dogs that are easily recognizable due to their ear cropping. For example you have the Doberman Pinchers, the Great Danes, the German Sheppards and the Boxers to name a few of the most common and most recognizable breeds. And of course one can not forget the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Today, I will post a few photographs of Soldier a few hours before the surgery and a photograph of him shortly after the surgery.

Tomorrow, God willing, I intend to write about the actual procedure of ear cropping. Dr Helpful (I will not use his real name for I have yet to seek his permission to use his name in my post) the doctor who performed the ear cropping allowed me to eyewitness the surgery! However, no photographs were allowed to be taken during the surgery. More tomorrow, God willing.

The following day I intend to write about all the noise some people have about ear cropping and tail cropping. Please make careful note that tail cropping is not performed on the American Pit Bull Terriers; ears only.

I thank you very much for the time you have taken out of your busy schedules to read this post. I’d appreciate it if you would so kindly make comments and send them to me. In addition, please “follow” this blog in order to be updated of all interesting future postings.

Another Walk in the Park

By Nathaniel Rhine

Sunday afternoon was another walk in the park with Soldier. I arrived a little earlier than usual, due to the cloudy skies above. Soldier and I had the opportunity to bond while walking and taking in the views of the surroundings. Along our journey we met a few other dogs, however, due to their small size, I dared not allow Soldier to get too close. The good thing is that the other dog owners kept their dogs on their leash. As always, Soldier was on his leash. As a responsible dog owner, especially, an American Pit Bull owner, I must help give the breed a good name. Unfortunately, the American Pit Bull has received very bad reviews due to irresponsible owners.

Moreover, I had the opportunity of meet Mr Ang, his wife Mrs Pauline Puah and their son, Marcus Ang, an up and coming martial artist in the Korean martial art of Taekwondo at the dog park, Central Park. We had an enjoyable and interesting conversation about dogs and the relations of dogs and the general Malaysian population. Perhaps in future postings, I will share with you such conversations.

For now, please enjoy the photographs taken by Mr Ang, which were sent to me via Facebook by Mrs Pauline Puah.

Soldier's First Social Gathering With Other Dogs - Central Park, Selangor - May 30, 2010

By Nathaniel Rhine

Today marked the beginning of a new phase in Soldier’s life. He had the opportunity for the very first time in his life to meet other dogs, close up. I decided that I wanted to see how he would mingle with other dogs, since he has never had the opportunity to do so. To my amazement, he was wonderful. I was afraid that he would want to be rough with other dogs, but he wasn’t. He was just taking it all in. Perhaps, he was overwhelmed with so many dogs around him at one time; the very first time.

“What should I do? Should I play with them or should I show them whose boss.” Perhaps that was what was going through Soldier's mind if he could speak. However, there was one incident in where a much smaller dog then Soldier wanted to show who was the boss. After getting the feel of each other, the smaller dog took a bite at Soldier! Soldier was cool about it. He just allowed the dog to flex his muscles a bit, but deep down in Soldier’s heart, he knew that he’s the boss of all dogs. Am I being bias? Maybe a bit.

Visiting Central Park Without Soldier

By Nathaniel Rhine

This afternoon, my wife and I had the opportunity of visiting Central Park, a dog park in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, without our American Pit Bull, Soldier. The reason being we were having our lunch at the nearby shopping mall. As we were walking towards our car to go home, my wife saw a dog that looked like a Bulldog. We got closer, and sure enough, it was a puppy Bulldog who was only five months old.

Perhaps, due to it being late in the afternoon when we visited the park, there were many dogs there. When I usually bring Soldier for a walk in the mornings, Soldier and I are usually the only ones in the park. There were approximately six to eight dogs playing together, which I thought was exciting. Unfortunately, what wasn’t exciting was the fact that the owners of the dogs allowed their dogs to run freely off of their leashes!

As a responsible dog owner, we should take every precaution to make sure that our dogs do not harm anyone. Yes, we may know our dog very well, or so we claim, but there may be times when our dog will do as it pleases, which may include bitting someone. The very last thing any dog owner want to be faced with is having to appear in a courtroom, trying to defend one’s dog for bitting someone.

Malaysia is a very anti-dog society. The vast majority of the population are Muslim and unfortunately, many of them are anti-dog. Having said that, dog owners, whether locals or foreigners, we must respect the culture of the country, even at times if one feels that it is very closed and backwards.

One of the best ways to respect the culture and those who do not like dogs is for the dog owner to keep their dogs on their leash, especially in public places. The State of Selangor, Malaysia has provided a public park in which dog owners may freely walk their dogs. However, many have failed to be appreciative of the dog park by allowing their dogs to running freely off of their leashes.

It doesn’t matter if one’s dog is a puppy or a toy dog or a German Shepard, all dogs should be on their leashes. It is for the safety of people and other dogs. My dog is an American Pit Bull Terrier, which historically, has been bred to fight other dogs. In their nature, they are dog aggressive. They will attack other dogs. Having said that, I am very worried to bring him to Central Park while there are many other dogs present, especially, when they are off their leashes. I will give it great thought as to whether to bring him or not next weekend to meet other dogs. For sure, Soldier will be on his leash at all times, as he always is, except for when he is at home, guarding it.

So again, as responsible dog owners, especially in a country like Malaysia where dogs are looked down upon as well as their owners, I encourage you all to set a good example to other dog owners and those who despise dogs, that you are a responsible dog owner and that you respect other people and their cultures.

Chilli' at Central Park - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Central Park at Bandar Utama, near Taman Tun Dr. Ismail is the only "legal" park in which dog are allowed to be walked, to my knowledge, in the state of Selangor (Malaysia). Most public parks that I have tried to walk Soldier, had signs posted stating that dogs were not allowed.

To all dog owners who walk your dogs at Central Park, please be mindful to keep your dog on the leash at all times. Yes, the Malaysian government have provided a place in which dog owners may walk their dogs, however, be thankful and grateful by keeping your dog on the leash at all times.

Better Safe Than Sorry

By Nathaniel Rhine

I spent about two hours early this morning adding more security to the front gate of my home. The existing gate is approximately 4’-6” high, perhaps high enough to prevent Soldier, my American Pit Bull Terrier, from jumping over. However, so far there has been no incident where he has bitten anyone. I am not looking forward to that day, therefore, I must take the necessary precautions to prevent such an incident.

For the past 13 months since I’ve had Soldier, there have been no children in my neighbourhood who play in the streets in the evening, a very typical thing children do in the evenings here in Malaysia. Just recently, a new family moved in my neighbourhood directly across the street from me. I welcome them with open arms. However, that family also have four children who not only play in the middle of the street, but they also love to climb other neighbours’ gates!

Thus far, the four children have not mustered up enough courage to climb my gate due to Soldier always being present. However, as a responsible Pit Bull owner, I am compelled to make certain that absolutely no incident will ever occur between my Pit Bull and other neighbors’ children.

So this morning around 7:30am, I added two layers of plastic coated wire mesh to the existing gate of my house, with the intention of preventing children’s little hands from reaching into the gate to pet Soldier. That would be the very first and last time that they will ever do such a thing for Soldier will attack anything and anyone who enters my yard without my permission and invitation. He is only doing his duty; guarding his Master’s property.

Yes, my front gate is not the most beautiful gate on the block, but it is for sure the most child-proof gate on the block. I encourage all dog owners, especially those who have a vicious guard dog like mine, to go the extra mile and apply extra security and safety features to your gates. It may not have to look like a jail or a chicken coop, however, make it child-proof, a gate that prevents tiny hands and feet from entering the gate of your home.

The very last thing any dog owner wants is to be faced with a law suit from the parents of children who were bitten, mauled or worse, killed by your dog. Any dog owners worst night mare indeed. So spend a few extra dollars and time to child-proof your premises of wondering hands and feet of neighbors’ children. It’s always better to be safe than to be sorry. Enjoy your day and keep it movin’.

Ain't Nothin' Like a Good Ole Bone

Useful Tips on Walking Your American Pit Bull

By Nathaniel Rhine

Every dog love to go for a walk, especially an American Pit Bull Terrier. They require a lot of exercise. Before you even think about get a Pit Bull, please make sure you will have or make the time to walk him daily, if not, you will not be a responsible Pit Bull owner.

I walk Soldier at least twice a day, Monday through Friday, and on the weekends I may walk him at least three times a day, since I have more time to spend to be with him. One must make time to walk your dog. There is no if, and or but about it.

When you and I go for a walk 9 times out of 10, we are wearing some kind of foot wear, be it sneakers (tennis shoes), boots or sandals. However, when was the last time you saw a dog wearing shoes? And if you have, I can guarantee you that it was not an American Pit Bull Terrier, either. Having said that, it is advisable to walk your dog either in the early morning and/or late evening/night when the atmosphere is cooler and so are the street’s surface area.

Most of us do not have the luxury of having a large enclosed yard or field to allow our dogs to run in. Like most people, I have to walk Soldier in or on the streets. Therefore, the streets are very hot due to the sun shining down on them all day long. Our dog’s paws are in direct contact with the street’s surface area. Just imagine you walking barefoot down the sidewalk or in the streets at 2:30pm? Crazy! Yet, many dog owners do just that, without giving it a second thought.

As responsible dog owners we want to be considerate of our dog’s needs and wants. Our dogs need to walk and want to walk as much as possible, so why torture them by having them walk on scorching hot concrete/pavement?

One more advice I’d like to share with you and that is, before taking your dog out for a walk, massage his legs and shoulder muscles. It will help stimulate the blood flow and get the dog prepared for a good workout. Like humans, before we engage ourselves in a physical activity, we are encouraged to stretch, to warm up. Our companions deserve the same attention. It only requires 2 or 3 minutes. It is also a great way to bond with your companion.

Last but not least, after the walk, give your dog a cool down as well. Simply, massage the legs, shoulders and thighs for a few minutes. Again, like humans, after a strenuous workout, we cool down so that we may avoid cramps and stiff muscles.

These are some very simple tips that I hope you will find helpful when it comes to walking your dog. Your dog will love you more for the little extra attention that you give him. Happy walking.

To Chain or Not to Chain

By Nathaniel Rhine

A bright and shiny Wednesday morning, in my home office working as usual, when I heard, Soldier barking. Yes, it was the trash collectors coming to cart away trash. Soldier has a keen sense of smell and hearing. He picked up on the trash truck blocks away. So for a few moments, both my neighbors and I had to hear his barking. That's normal.

The trash truck is now in front of my house collecting the trash and Soldier just went crazy. That too is normal. As I was looking out of the window of my home office, one of the trash collectors, gestured that I should put a leash on my dog. I gestured back, which meant no. He walked away to the next house to collect trash.

Should I put a leash on Soldier? I thought to myself. I began to reason aloud. One, I should not put a leash on him since is he surrounded by a 5 feet and a half brick wall and a five foot gate. Two, he is a guard dog, meaning he is to protect my house, my car and everything within my gated property. Three, if someone were to enter my gated property, how would Soldier be able to protect my valuable property if he is chained, and not able to get at the intruder?

Immediately, I said, "To hell with the trash collector who suggested that I chain Soldier, my guard dog."

So, that's my answer. Soldier will remain as he is, free to roam freely within the protected compound of my property. He has a valid license, he is well guarded from neighbors and others and there is a beware of dog sign on my gate.

I am confident that I have taken all the measures of being a responsible dog owner. All I can humbly say to anyone who wish to come into my gated property without my consent, and Soldier does what he is supposed to do, which is to protect my property, then that is their ass! Soldier will get a big piece of it as well.

Soldier Gettin' His Grub On...

All photographs and their captions are supplied by my beloved wife. I thank you very much for your efforts.



Yuummmy...

This is mine. Mine and all mine...

Soldier in Action

It U can't reach the gate in 1.4 seconds, don't even try gettin' in.

Don't even think about it...

Stray Pit Bull Saves Woman and Child from Attacker

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- The wandering 65-pound Pit Bull mix might have seemed menacing to some passerby, but one woman will always remember him as her "guardian angel."

The dog, which authorities think is lost and not a stray, successfully thwarted a robbery attack on a mother and her 2-year-old son, who were held at knife point Monday afternoon.

The Florida woman, who has been identified by authorities simply as "Angela," was leaving a playground with her toddler son in Port Charlotte when a man approached her in the parking lot with a knife and told her not to make any noise or sudden movements.

Angela didn't have to do either to protect herself and her child -- a dog mysteriously ran to the scene and charged the man, who quickly fled.

"I don't think the dog physically attacked the man, but he went at him and was showing signs of aggression, just baring his teeth and growling and barking. It was clear he was trying to defend this woman," Animal Control Lt. Brian Jones told Pet Pulse.

"I don't know what this man's intentions were, but it is very possible this dog saved her life."

The exceptional part of the story, Jones said, is that the dog had never met or even seen the people it quickly jumped to defend.

"You hear about family dogs protecting their owners, but this dog had nothing to do with this woman or her kid," Jones said. "He was like her guardian angel."
After the alleged thief ran away, Angela quickly placed her son, Jordan, in the car and tried to drive off. Before she could, though, the dog jumped into her backseat, waiting with her for the police and animal control officers to arrive at the scene.

The dog was transported to a local shelter and if his owners don't step forward within five days, Jones said, Angela and her family plan to adopt the savior she named "Angel."

Animal control officers and shelter workers believe Angel is lost, and not a stray, because of his good health, sturdy weight and mild temperament.

"It's funny, that someone's irresponsibility could have saved someone's life," Jones said of Angel's possible owners.

For Angela, it doesn't matter where the dog came from, just that he was there when she needed him most.

"I don't know what his [the thief's] intentions were -- I don't know why he did it, but I'm glad that -- we call him Angel -- I'm glad that Angel showed up because I don't know what would have happened," Angela told NBC2 News.

For a small town with a population of 46,452, animal control officers were kept busy Monday afternoon. Jones says they department also responded to a report about a boa constrictor in a church parking lot.

The snake found its way into a car engine and was able to be removed without being harmed. It took three people to move the massive, seemingly random placed snake.

"It's funny, because we aren't a big place," he said of the Gulf Coast town. "And we can go for four or five months without the media contacting us about a story. It's been a busy week."

Officers from the responding county sheriff's office canvased the area and were unable to locate the suspect described as being in his 20s, tall and dark haired.

Lookin' Out for the Trash Collectors

Soldier smells the trash comin'

He's correct... the trash is here.