Tabs' heart-attack-inducing midnight escapade

I don't know if it's full moon, but Bunny has gone a bit insane. He's been taking it out on everyone, especially poor Tiger. Tabs has been crying for help. By "crying for help", it means she wants to get out of Bunny's Place and join the PatioCats.

We have been letting her out and there had been no incident at all.

But tonight, Bunny yelled at poor Tiger and it was just a bit too much for everyone to bear. Even Indy wanted out (of the room).

So I let Tabs and Tiger out.

It was already quite late at night and while they were both playing in the house, I fell asleep on the sofa.

When I awoke, my husband noticed that the side door leading to the patio was open. I definitely saw it being closed when I let them out earlier, but now it was open.

Oh no!!

I know Timmy is strong enough and has often pushed open this door.

We immediately started looking for Tabs and Tiger.

I found Tiger at the patio, right outside the door, so I scooped him up and put him back into Bunny's room.

We started calling for Tabs.

But Tabs was nowhere to be found.

We searched everywhere. Normally, she likes a game of hide-and-seek, and would turn up, at most, after 10 minutes or so.

But this time, it was not to be so.

Tabs didn't appear.

We searched everywhere high and low, even out on the road, at the playground, using torchlights. Even Willy came out to help (that's when we realised Willy just lives inside the drain outside our house). All the PatioCats came out to help. Vincent was at the frontlines while Heidi was dashing everywhere (I don't know why, though). Daffodil, Rosie and Ginger showed concern too.

Everyone at Bunny's place stood at the grille, waiting. They were worried too.

Where is Tabs???

We must have searched for half an hour. Now, that is a mighty long time to be looking for your cat.

I was already on panic mode, thinking of what next to do. Send out an email alert to the neighbourhood mailing list (but from past experience, nobody responds)? Put flyers at the guardhouses and into everyone's mailbox?

I even thought maybe, someone had caught her and is giving her shelter.

Where could she be?

I went to the patio umpteen times too (as Tiger was found there and normally the two don't go far from each other), and looked everywhere. Tabs wasn't there. Only Daffodil and Ginger were there.

We shone the torchlight on the roof too. She wasn't there. We checked the roof three times, looking out from all the upstairs windows, looking up from the garden. We even checked the neighbours' roofs with the torchlight.

We searched in the storeroom (not that it is very big), inside cupboards; everywhere was checked at least three times.

Tabs was nowhere to be found.

Finally, finally, finally.....

My husband found her.

She was right there at the patio!

Timmy had cordoned her off inside a flower bed and disallowed her to come out!

Looks like she was at the patio all the while. But why couldn't I see her when I searched umpteen times over there?

It must be her colour. She's easily camouflaged. Or she thought it was a nice game, hiding from us (she always does that) until Timmy found her and decided he would not let her come out (to teach her a lesson?).

PHEW!!

Back in Bunny's Place now.

Cow swiped her when she came back.

That's for making us all worry, you naughty girl!!

She has decided she will sleep in the condo for the night.

Yes, stay right there (the door isn't closed, though).

Some photos taken a few days ago:

The Garden of Timmy.

Timmy claims this garden as his territory and nobody gets to go into it unless he gives permission.

Tabs has been exploring Pole's condo for the past few days.

I don't think I'm going to let her out to join the PatioCats for a few days now unless I am free to keep an eye on her at all times.

What a scare!!

Blanket No. 12 (Tutti Fruitti) - up for auction!

By far, I think this is the most "interesting" blanket I have hand-stitched so far. I call it "Tutti Fruitti"!

Auction Rules:

1. Please check the latest comment for the latest bid before putting in yours.

2. All bids are placed as comments on this blogpost. All comments will be published instantly in chronological order. 

3. The auction ends at 5pm, on Thursday, 28th November 2013 (please take note of the time, ie. 5pm). 

The highest bidder wins!
100% of the winning bid will be channeled to our Fund for the animals.

Do we hear RM150?

The bids as they come in:

27th November:
At 4.46pm, Chucky & Blackie bid RM800.
At 3.57pm, Belinda Wong bids RM608.
At 9.39pm, Chucky & Blackie bid RM600.
At 7.05am, Alida bids RM150.

It measures 4ft by 6 ft.

This is a two-layered patchwork blanket without padding in between. All cotton material.

Designed and supervised by the PatioCat Patchwork Co.

The PatioCat Patchwork's blueprint - to be followed to the letter by their staff.

The stitching begins...

Strict supervision at all times.

Three tabbies on duty!

It comprises four different types of cloth.

The finished patchwork. All hand-stitched.

The top-stitching and backing was done by my mum.

Will this be your blanket?

Happy Bidding!

Spider-Cat strikes again and other warring tales

He is made of solid muscle. Not a single ounce of fat.

The Spider-Cat patrols the perimeter and ensures there are no invaders.

Elsewhere, the Cow siblings play hide-and-seek, with Bunny hiding under the covers, but it turned awry and a fight ensued between Cow and Bunny. Very quickly, Bunny is scooped to safety as he is clearly outnumbered by the pair of his older siblings.

The tabbies only watch...from high ground.

Blanket No. 11 (Florals in Orange) - the auction begins!

Our patchwork blanket continues with Blanket No. 11 - Florals in Orange!

Auction Rules:

1. Please check the latest comment for the latest bid before putting in yours.

2. All bids are placed as comments on this blogpost. All comments will be published instantly in chronological order. 

3. The auction ends at 5pm, on Monday, 25th November 2013 (please take note of the time, ie. 5pm). 

The highest bidder wins!
100% of the winning bid will be channeled to our Fund for the animals.

Do we hear RM150?

The bids as they come in:

25th Nov 2013:

At 4.59pm, Nahrof Border Collie bids RM600!

At 9.51am, Belinda Wong bids RM500.  

24th Nov 2013:
At 1.31pm, Liew Wy bids RM333.

23rd Nov 2013:
At 6.03am, Melle bids RM288.

 

It measures 4ft by 6ft.

This is a two-layered patchwork without padding in between. All cotton material.

Designed by Ginger the Cat. Hand-stitched by a human (me!) under strict supervision.

Yes, strict quality supervision, especially when it's the supervisor's colour too.

Finishing touches by my mum.

Will you give Florals in Orange a loving home?

Happy Bidding!

Of taiqi grandmasters, UFOs and other feline encounters

Willy has officially taken over Heidi's place at the basketball court while taiqi lessons are in session.

Unknown to all of us, he has always been the grandmaster of taiqi.

And looks like the grandmaster is taking over the teaching and Heidi is no longer allowed to teach now.

But wait...to us mere mortals who don't know any better, the "grandmaster" is just an orange cat named Willy.

So, let's keep the grandmaster's secret intact, shall we?

Nowadays, Willy comes for two meals daily.

He is much more confident than before and even allows me to carry him.

But Vincent does not take kindly to any show of affection to another cat.

So he confronts Willy and a fight ensued.

The Lion King lost to the Stormtrooper...in this battle.

Luckily no one was injured...phew!

Meanwhile, I think this is Udi's sibling.

What's he watching?

My son is playing with his remote-control copters.

Oh no! An alien copter has crash-landed!

All cats on full alert!!

The bravest cat approaches with caution to investigate...

...while Dame Heidi looks on.

These young 'uns, what do they know? I've seen 'em all - spaceships, UFOs, you name it, I've seen them land at the pavilion when the humans aren't looking. These silly humans call it the "pavilion". And they keep asking each other, "Eh, why is there no roof?"

It's our landing pad, you silly humans. That is why there is no roof!

The "Pavilion"?

Catnip pillows are available again!

This time we are sewing them ourselves as we had an order of 20 pillows!

We wish to thank Hooi Bin for contributing the silvervine leaves and powder as well as the catnip powder. Each product has a different cat attractant so we are using all as fillers inside the pillows for maximum attraction! Thank you, Joy, for posting the consignment to us.

The silvervine and catnip from Hooi Bin. My mum sewed the pillows.

Ginger  and Vincent took turns to play and went absolutely gaga over it.

At least they took turns in an orderly fashion...

Inside, a fight broke out between Cleo and Cow over the pillow, with Bunny finally monopolising it. Indy went crazy over it, as usual.

 If you'd like to order, please write to me at chankahyein@gmail.com

The pillows are priced at RM15 each (by donation) and the cloth may differ from batch to batch.

Poslaju charges is RM6 per delivery. If your order is bigger, please write in to enquire about the postal charges as we may have to use a box to pack it and Poslaju charges by volumetric weight.

All donations go entirely to our Fund for the animals.

It's Indy....again! (to be the opening "act" in a video for Singapore school children)

Somehow, whenever any of my work is featured anywhere, Indy gets the spotlight!

This time, Indy's book will be featured in a documentary produced by the Singapore Ministry of Education. A page from Indy's book will be read in the opening of this video which will be used to inculcate kindness to animals in Singapore schools.

Isn't this exciting?

The emails below should be self-explanatory (all produced with the permission of MOE's officer, Ms Asnida Daud).

I thank Ms Asnida very much...for featuring Indy (!) and of course, for her initiative in doing this for the benefit of street animals and the children of Singapore (hopefully, their parents, too).

From: Asnida DAUD (MOE)
Date: Thu, Nov 7, 2013 at 4:53 PM
Subject: SEEK PERMISSION_MOE ETD
To: "chankahyein@gmail.com" <chankahyein@gmail.com>

Dear Dr Chan

We, at the Educational Technology Division (ETD) of the Ministry of Education (MOE), among other things produce audio and video resources to support the school curriculum.

We are in the midst of producing an educational video programme on Responsible Pet Ownership with a title, ‘ Suara Si Comel’ under a Curriculum Unit Bernaluri Tetapi Tidak Bersuara to support the teaching and learning of the Malay Language, targeted at secondary level. This short documentary will include suggestions on responsible pet ownership and advocating volunteerism in animal welfare.

In our research, your credentials surfaced for your advocacy in educating and create greater awareness , respect and compassion for rescued animals like cats and dogs. I have read and owned all your books . They are indeed ‘Gift of Love and Kindness ‘ as you stated.

ETD/MOE would like to request for your permission to give clearance to feature some of your content and suggestions in your video and books . We will also credit you in our programme .

MOE is a non-profit making organisation. The completed video programme will not be sold but put online at MOE resource portal, OPAL, a password protected online educational portal accessible to registered teachers in Singapore schools. The programme may also be broadcast on free-to-air TV when schools are closed during an emergency situation to facilitate learning from home.

I am looking forward to your favourable reply .

Thank you.

Asnida Bte Daud

Educational Technology Officer/Producer , Media Design & Technologies for Learning Branch, Educational Technology Division

Ministry of Education • 1 North Buona Vista Drive, Singapore 138675 • http://www.moe.gov.sg

Actually, it has come full circle, because I learnt all about TNRM from Dr Tan Chek Wee, a Singaporean geriatrician who is active in cat rescue. He introduced me to the Cat Welfare Society of Singapore. So, the credit of my work goes to Dr Tan and the CWS. I actually devoted an entire article in Indy's book to this.

From: Asnida DAUD (MOE)
Date: Fri, Nov 8, 2013 at 4:54 PM
Subject: RE: SEEK PERMISSION_MOE ETD
To: Chan Kah Yein <chankahyein@gmail.com>

Hi Dr Chan

Thank you for your replies. Yes I read Indy Jones and  I get to know about the  TNRM Programme in the book first before  finding out about it from the Cat Welfare Society of Singapore . There’s a newspaper coverage recently about  community cats management covered in Singapore amongst Malay community and they want are advocating this programme.

I am still in the midst of putting things together. Still getting approval from my supervisors. If at any point , we are going to use the books or anything pertaining to the books ,I will make it official first and keep you in the loop . it’s a short video resource for the students after all but we want to make it a meaningful one. We are extremely careful about copyrights and quotes too.

The final cut is in the hands of my executive producers.  I will update you of the progress nevertheless. I would like to thank you for all the efforts that you have done . Personally I think you are an angel . Now I feel like contributing something to animal welfare in Singapore. I hope this video will help eventually.

Thank you .

Asnida Bte Daud

And here it is:

From: Asnida DAUD (MOE)
Date: Wed, Nov 20, 2013 at 2:34 PM
Subject: RE: SEEK PERMISSION_MOE ETD
To: Chan Kah Yein <chankahyein@gmail.com>

Dear Dr Chan

How are you? We have in the process of editing our docu. We used your book in the opening sequence of our docu .(please refer to the jpg attachment)

As you can see, our talent here is reading a page of your book Indy Jones .  I chose ‘Working with Animals’ page . We pan the shot to the next page which shows 2 cute kittens being fed using syringe .

The dialogue accompanying  that scene is on how fragile the little kittens were and that kittens like them needed extreme tender loving care by the owner.

You can see from the photo , there’s a beautiful lovebird on the shoulder of the girl. The one delivering the line is supposedly from the POV of the bird .We use Voice Over for this scene. So that’s how the scene goes .

The rest of the docu will be interviews with the personnel who sat  on the board of Cat Welfare Society of Singapore .

Please advise me on how to include you in the credit roll.

IF you wish to blog on this now , you can do so because  I already include this in my docu.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for allowing us to use your material and personally give me some insights of the efforts you have done to save our furrfriends. That gave me some idea on my scripting too.

Thank you ,Dr Chan.

Best of regards;

Asnida Bte Daud

Maybe one day, our ministry will introduce lessons in kindness to animals in our schools.  Until then, let's keep going and let's work together to help the animals!

No time to lose, no time to lament, just look ahead and do it!

The vanquished

We're not imagining it, Willy has really become the king of the road now.

This morning, he sat on his throne again, and after breakfast, he chased Heidi from the basketball court back to our porch. Then, later, he chased Daffodil back from the road to the porch and made sure she stayed in the porch. He had been seen chasing Daffodil back some days ago too.

Two nights ago, Tabs escaped and went out of the gate for a night-romp. Little did we know Willy was around (don't know where!) and Willy blocked Tabs from advancing further. Then, Willy and Ginger both chased Tabs back to the house. Orange power?!!

It's almost unbelievable, but true.

Willy is now the new king of the road.

And he is VERY fierce. Even does the "sideways" aggression.

It is almost like this: Since I cannot come into your porch, you shall not come onto MY road. And this may not be a bad thing after all as I've been trying to find a way to stop the Patio Family from going out of the porch anyway.

Now, Willy will do the job for me, in exchange for a snack twice a day.

What a small price to pay!

Here are the vanquished:

What "vanquished"? I'm not vanquished. I'm the Food Arsenal Marshall. I never leave my sentry post. 

Tabs is usually out of the room because she is so afraid of the alphas. Tiger plays with her, so both of them are out of the room at certain times of the day.

After hours of playing, they will ask to be let back into the room!