My Dogs, My Lifetime Commitment

I really don't know how to start this random blog post...

But I have to say... I LOVE MY DOGS! (I think that's an understatement >.< )

Our first Christmas photoshoot and I look so washed out here >.<

As of the moment, I have deux chiennes adorables! Both are of the same breed, Dixie & Leigh. I can say that Dixie is the typical Pomeranian with the tiniest bark and ever changing temperament. She can't stay on a spot for long for she HAS to move her cheeky butt. You have to put her on a leash for walks. HAHA And Leigh is the total opposite! I am confused if she's really a dog or a cat furrreals. I mean it! She has the personality of a cat and I'm not exaggerating the least. She loves to lounge and follow me wherever I go. Whenever I bring her out, I don't need to put her on a leash because she literally follows me wherever I go. I didn't train her for that though!

Leigh

Dixie

Dogs are the cutest creatures during their puppy stages but the real deal kicks in when they get older. They are a lifetime commitment. You have to be prepared emotionally and financially to be able to give them what they deserve. Such as...

FOOD. Selecting the best dog food is something we should do for our dogs since they can't read the labels themselves. I go to Bow & Wow Eastwood to buy their dog food. I prefer giving them organic, grain-free and high-quality protein kibbles. They shouldn't contain preservatives, artificial coloring, by-products and bulk fillers. I alternate Merrick, Halo and Science Diet. By the way, Merrick and Halo can be bought at Bow&Wow but Science Diet in any dog supplies store.

BATH. My dogs bathe twice a week. I prefer the brand Bearing both for their shampoo and conditioner plus some pet cologne. They also get their professional grooming every 2-3months to avoid their fur tangling. 

My favorite brand of pet Pawfume! 

HELP!  - Dixie

BED. At night after feeding and poop time, they get a 'sponge bath'. Snouts are wiped, bodies cleaned with a towel and paws are washed. They sleep inside my bedroom so to avoid developing 'dogs in the house' kind of  smell, we have to make sure they're always clean. 

This is one of my dog's crib that I custom designed for her.

This chubby one sleeps with me on my bed while I design her future crib.

CLOTHES. Of course this is optional, but how can you resist those doggy OOTD's. I occasionally  check Arf Arf Love on Instagram for some cute outfits. And you can find cute ones from the counters of Dogs And The City and Pet Express. Check out this collage of my dogs' OOTDs. 

Leigh doesn't mind being dressed up but tomboyish Dixie hates putting on clothes

PLAYTIME. I give them toys and treats during playtime. I use a particular 'Treat Time' chime to get there attention and oh boy do they jump for joy. On some days, we play inside my room or inside the house. But on nicer days, we play by our front yard. When I've got free time, I bring them to doggie parks. Eastwood Libis is the nearest pet-friendly place I bring them to. They even got personal ID's so they can enter the mall. All you need is to present your dog's Vaccination Record with valid Anti-Rabies shot to date.

Last year just when Eastwood started their Pet Pass Policy

Renewed Pet Passes for this year. 

I use EZY Dog Harness and a Flexi Retractable Leash on Dixie because she tends to stray when distracted. While for Leigh, I don't find any need to use one. She just follows me wherever I go! haha I also let them wear shoes but I just get the generic ones from pet stores because its very difficult to find a trusty one here in the Philippines.

EZYDOG Harness and Flexi Retractable

When giving them toys, beware of the kinds that easily break. It may present a hazard to your dogs when ingested. I prefer rubber toys that also serves as teeth cleaners. I tried giving one of them a stuffed toy dog but it was 'murdered' in months. I still keep it as a memorabilia though. 

And when giving treats, give sparingly. Try to alternate different doggie treats. I use Beggin' Strips (there are variants for small and big breeds), Royal Canin Energy Treats and Jerhigh Dog Chews. Never buy from an unknown brand especially those generic ones repacked and mostly imported from China. 

HEALTH. I personally recommend Vets In Practice Animal Hospital. As of now, they have six branches and one soon to open in Pampanga. I can't stress enough how particular I am with my dogs' health. I bring them in every vaccination appointment and some untoward incidents. And with VIP Katipunan & Mandaluyong, you will have nothing to worry about. They have complete laboratory equipments so they can do an on-the-spot examination of your beloved pets. Although Katipunan branch is only open Mondays-Sundays 9AM to 7PM, Mandaluyong branch accepts emergency cases 10PM onwards (but of course they will charge you accordingly). 

I remembered bringing my 4year old Pomeranian past 11PM because she jumped out of my sister's arms and fell head first on the floor. I didn't see what exactly happened but based from my sister's story, she had a mild seizure (common with head trauma). Leigh, my dog was walking fine and nothing's really unusual after the fall but I rushed her to VIP Mandaluyong for thorough checking. I was afraid that there might be some brain swelling or something. She was given steroids for the inflammation. All's fine and back to normal now.

Two doctors who frequently attends to my dogs are Doc Dexter and Doc Siday.  

Lovelies, as I've said dogs are a lifetime commitment. Before you get one, make sure you'll have time for them. Not only being able to provide their basic needs but giving them the tender loving care they deserve. I lost two Labrador Retrievers (Sandy and Sander) to Heartworm Disease and Pyometra. I learned to care for my dogs the hard way. And let me tell you, it was never easy to let go of them.

See I got them their 'forever' places in the my room as there is a place for them in the Rainbow Bridge. I dedicate this post to them!

Sander & Sandy, we miss you SOOOO much! Gone but never forgotten. 

LOVE,

Anna

PS Here are some useful links to all you lovely dog owners...

Bow & Wow The All Natural Pet Store

http://www.bowandwow.com.ph/index

Vets In Practice Animal Hospital

http://site.vetsinpractice.com.ph/main/3165/index.asp?pageid=127154&t=branches

Nail Extensions + RANT

I have been a nail biter since I was a kid. I never had long feminine nails just by growing them out on their own. So whenever I feel like so, I go to a salon for some nail extensions. Having tried both Acrylic and Gel Nail Extensions, I personally prefer the Gel ones. They look very shiny and sleek but the con about it is that if you have very short nails to put them on, they can chip easily. So if you want longer lasting ones, go for the Acrylics. Top off with gel polishes and no one's gonna notice the difference. Just make sure to have them removed after a month to give your nails a rest. Leaving them on for longer periods may cause something as bad as a nail rot in some cases (gross I know).

I have tried different nail salons and a few only offer nail extensions. From what I can remember, my first ever extensions were done in Tips n' Toes Greenbelt way, way back. I have also tried Beauty Bar's Dashing Diva. But recently I had my nails done in newlocation for me. These are my newly placed extensions...

Just this week, I had a horrible time finding a salon that would cater to my very short nails. I went to SM Megamall but apparently, my nail tech in Tips n' Toes was absent for the day. And I was refused extensions at Nail Spa Lounge within the same mall. I transferred to Mich Mich & Myl Nail Salon Ortigas, same thing happened. The nail techs there told me my nails were "too short" for the procedure. Imagine I had to get out of Megamall after being refused at Nail Spa Lounge just to go to Mich & Myl Ortigas branch (which isn't that far but...)! It was raining that night and I had a hard time finding a parking slot nearby only to be refused again. Story of my life!!!

I even told them that I have had them done in different salons so why the refusal. I was too tired to argue so I walked away. To cut the long story short, I was so PO-ed and I got back to my car, drove home and slept the night. 

The next day, I was able to book a session at Extraordinail Greenhills. Talking on the phone, I made sure they can do my nails and the receptionist told me, "there will be no problem with that because we use a nail form". I booked Acrylic Nail Extensions and XO Footspa with Gel Pedi for me. Then XO Footspa for my boyfriend.

We arrived and the nail tech checked my nails, "Ay oo nga maikli pero bakit daw di nila kayang gawin?" She was skeptical as to why I was refused because yes my nails are very short but its not the shortest she have encountered. They use a nail form which is a sticker they place at your nail tips to lay the building material on so my short nails are welcome. Baka daw tinatamad kasi gabi na ko pumunta! WHAT A REASON! Because she couldn't think of any other reason there should be other than 'tinatamad' and late booking. I mean they could've told me right away if I was too late! For sure in Nail Spa Lounge I am not late. I peeked inside and there were a few customers they're attending to.  The employees were even chatting at the reception area for customers. And at Mich & Myl, I arrived 8PM. They close at 10PM. I even called before going there. Just the look on their faces when I entered and told them I want some extensions. Its as if I blew their chance of an early out. HAHA Enough of the rants. This is a long shot, but if ever the owners of those salons can read this please check on your employees. You may be losing customers because of those 'reasons'.

You know Lovelies, I rarely complain and post such customer service. Most of the time, I know how to keep my mouth shut if I don't have nice things to say. But I want to commend Extraordinail. Their place is tiny but cozy. Great customer service too! I got to watch a move, The Age of Adaline while they do my mani and pedi. Here's a snap of my faux nails and feet.

Acryilic Extensions topped with Gelique Nail Color Coat and
my regular accessories, Goody Hair Tie and Watch

Gelique Nail Color Coat for my toes and
I'm wearing my Stuart Weitman Teezer Jelly Sandals

Vist them at Swire Elan Sites LG02 Annapolis Greenhills, San Juan. Or call (02)621-5249 to book. Please also check their Instagram Account, @extraordinail. IG spot some celebrities who loves Extraordinail too!

Snapping a photo while waiting in line for my coffee >.<

That's it Lovelies! I'm sorry for the long rant but I felt that I needed to post them. Customer Service should be given emphasis on!

Lovelies, have you had a bad experience at a nail salon? 

LOVE,

Anna

PS  I can only speak for the Nail Extensions service that Nail Spa Lounge and Mich & Myl Salon offer.