Coming Soon – Happy’s Hairy Tale – The Corona Cut

I am delighted to share a little about my upcoming children’s ebook – Happy’s Hairy Tale – The Corona Cut.

This funny dog book encourages children to accept change and find good things in new situations. The book will help kids connect to the current world scenario and help them realize – change brings opportunity! It is an inspiring and funny bedtime read for kids between 5 – 10 years old.

Blurb – Happy, the dog, loves his fancy hairstyle and hates any kind of change in life. But then, Coronavirus happens, and life changes in many ways. Happy’s favorite dog parlor closes due to the pandemic lockdown, making him anxious about his locks.

Worse still, Dad suddenly decides to cut his hair at home! Happy thinks the experiment will fail and he resists the change. What will happen to Happy’s amazing hair? Will his friends laugh at his Corona Cut? This delightful tale is all about adapting to the ‘new normal’.

I am sure it will inspire and entertain the little readers. My kids are excited about the book since it is based on Happy, our dog. I hope to release it soon on my Amazon Author Central Page. I will need your support and best wishes.

Paw Things#5 – A dog’s thoughts amidst Coronavirus spread!

Bow wow from Happy! Well guys, can someone tell me what’s going on? What kind of emergency situation is this? There is a big question mark on my face.

The dad is getting more stuff than usual. What is the need of a cart full of grocery? The mom is forcing brothers to wash hands frequently.

She is constantly giving directions – wash your hands, don’t touch this, go change your clothes…! She is even rationing food items. Imagine!

I have never seen them like this. Is this normal for humans to panic or something else is going on? I am just seven months old so still learning, you see!

The brothers are clueless too as the changes are being made around us. They are feeling restricted and not going out at all. Kids sitting at home, how boring is that! The weather is nice today but not many people are socializing. Hmmm…

I heard the mom talking on phone that schools and colleges are closing. The stores are running out of supplies. President Trump might announce something today. I feel like asking them – hope you guys have stored dog food, ahem!

Are they under reacting or over reacting? I don’t know! All I hear is corona… corona…something virus is spreading.

Nine people have got it in Minnesota. Well, good that everyone is taking precautions but I would like to tell them that the panic part is unnecessary.

There might be something positive in this emergency situation after all since the world is coming together to fight it.

Also, it is making people grateful for what they already have and aware of things that they might have been taking for granted – health, food, family, society etc…

Well, guys, I am taking a break from this Corona something virus and going to play with my ball. Care to join, huh? Stay safe and healthy. Bow wow!

Paw Things#4 – A blog by a Dog (cute pics included)

 

Hi, there! I am Happy. It has been long since someone wrote something about me. Hmmm…so, I took the liberty to post my own Paw Things with many selfies and pics.

I am all grown up now, but still have that cute puppy face. Don’t you think so?

In January, I was unwell for about a week and there seemed to be a major health issue. It scared my family. But all turned out well in the end.

I am all hale and hearty now. I love to run in the snow and sniff around. I probably scare off the hibernating rabbits and squirrels. But what the heck, Spring is coming…they should gear up!

No, snow does not bother me at all. I love to eat a mouthful every now and then, when no one is watching.

There is something about the lake. I love to meditate near it.

This is my favorite spot. And my favorite thing in the world? Sleep Yoga!

I always wait for the boys to come from school. It is super exciting when they get down from the bus and run towards home.

I had fun sledding with the boys!

Yesterday, the boys enjoyed adding effects to my pic. Hmmm…do I look grumpy? Grumpy-Happy Dog!

Hope you enjoyed my pictures. I think Spring is around the corner and we will have more outdoor activities. I will share more pics soon. Till then, bye from Happy! Love Bark!

Paw Things#3 – Do Shollie pups grow this fast?

It’s more than 4 months since our impulsive adoption of the Shepherd-Collie mix puppy – Happy Singh and what an enormous learning experience it has been for a dog-agnostic person like me! I have become good at intuitively taking care of all his needs when the dog-father and dog-brothers are away.

He is a calm, nice dog and growing up so fast that it surprises everyone around. I think the credit exclusively goes to the dog-father and his endless efforts for Happy’s well being.

I often wonder what his full-growth size would be? Do Shollie pups grow this fast? Although, he looks big almost like an adult-dog but actually, he is still a puppy (He will mature into an adult in about 18 months, says Google).

Even Happy’s doctor remarked about his size. My first experience at the veterinary clinic was kind of great. I felt it was just like going to pediatrics. A cheerful place for dogs, the clinic had dog posters, rules for good behavior, dog songs and treats. Happy was scared in the beginning but his anxiety left after sniffing around the place.

And the nurses and doctor were very nice to him. Immunization shots hardly hurt him as he was busy licking treats fed by the nurse. We were told to feed him less, if we wanted his potty training to go smooth. He was declared a good healthy dog after the check-up.

I am also observing my kids’ relationship with Happy. The older kid had always been fearless about the dog and deeply caring like his father. And now, the same feelings are developing in the little one and he makes sure that Happy is happy. Dogs are really good for kids! As for me, I like to see Happy around and occasionally pet him. And he is a big fan of my chapatis (the shape doesn’t matter to him…lol)!

Happy is now well adjusted in the household and the challenges are fewer for me. Winters have arrived and thankfully Happy Singh loves the snow, so he readily goes out for doing business. Yay!

That’s the update for now. Will keep you posted about more #Happy things. Warm wishes for the Holiday Season!

Paw Things#2 – Happy and Me!

It is the beginning of second month after our impulsive adoption of the Shollie Pup – Happy Singh! And while my hubby and boys are enjoying the challenges, I am honestly, still struggling. Hubby has nicely fit into the role of pup-dad, and my sons are happy to be pup-bros, but I am finding it hard to be a pup-mom!

As, I mentioned in an earlier post I am dog agnostic and I am okay with them from a distance. But petting, feeding, potty training… it is all new and may I say, hard work.

I know it is not tedious for those who love the furry creatures. I envy the ability of dog lovers to cuddle, care and pet the creatures as their own child. I have seen how my hubby embraces the puppy and plays with him. But it makes me nervous when Happy jumps and barks to make me play. I just dash for the safest haven or escape from the room. It also makes me dejected to see my art studio taken over by an exploring dog that nibbles at my brushes.

The excitement, enthusiasm and joy of owning a pet is yet to come. But I quite like observing the bonding of my sons and Happy. They happily chuck the devices and forego tv time for running chores for Happy. It is a meaningful relationship for them. And whenever, my hubby jokes about rehoming the pup, he is staunchly opposed by the pup-brothers.

As for me, I am doing okay with his potty outings and feeds on weekdays. Although when the house work increases, I crib. Sorry! Whenever, hubby is around, Happy is entirely his duty. My eight year old does his bit too rather enthusiastically. And the little one just enjoys being around Happy.

I sometimes chide myself for not being very inclusive and joyous about our pet. But I guess, it is because I am just seeing one part of this ‘Happy’ accident – just the ‘compromises and hard work’ part. The feeling of companionship might come later as I get more comfortable around his licking, jumping and playing.

To tell you the truth, Happy is a good puppy. He is inquisitive and tries to obey. He has grown quite big in one month. He is learning fast and we don’t have daytime messes anymore. But night time is still hard in the cold, freezing weather of Minnesota.

The worst weather is about to come, when venturing outside would be a momentous task. And picking after the dog in a snow shower would not be poetic, to say the least. And what if Happy refuses to go out for potty in the snow? I guess, that will be a new challenge.

I really need tips from my dog loving readers and neighbors to gear up for the winters. There is a lot to know about keeping and training a dog. I try to read and educate myself but first hand information is always better.

Now, Happy has become a part of the family – an important member. I am not only observing changes in other family members but also in myself as I have become more adaptable and flexible. I am slowly getting used to all the ‘Happy’ changes. And my only prayer this winter – please god, less snow showers🙏🏻.

PS- Many of my dear, lovely readers wanted an update about Happy. So, I am happy to keep you updated. Please share if you have any tips about taking care of dogs in winters. Stay warm and healthy!

Paw Things#1 – Meet Happy the Puppy!

I am dog agnostic. I wish them well but I keep my distance. As a child, when a dog was around, I would sit on chair or bed with my feet up. So a fortnight back, when the lady in a pet store welcomed me with the line – ‘Here comes Mommy,’ and tried to hand me a pup, I was unnerved. Good lord, I, the mother of a pup???

Well, it was dear husband’s birthday and he and the kids really wanted a cute, cuddly, furry baby. They were all bustling with excitement, so, I couldn’t say no.

I felt I was making a mistake. Adopting a puppy was a huge, huge task! All my other plans were at risk to go awry but then I was up against three dog lovers in the family. And I didn’t want to look like some vampish, scornful lady….think Lalita Pawar!

Warning bells did ring when an unknown old lady came very close to me and whispered- Good luck with that! It was a well meaning warning since she had understood my hesitation. But I did not really pay heed to it and went with the flow.

We adopted the two-month old puppy, bought all puppy things, paid the fees. signed papers etc etc… And named him HAPPY SINGH since he was adopted on the occasion of ‘Happy Birthday’.

The real struggle started in the car. The pup wanted to wrestle out of my hand and explore around. And I was scared so I was holding him too tight. I thought he would bite me but he didn’t. Somehow, we reached home.

Happy is not potty trained. So, you can imagine the struggle again. Plus he was on deworming medicine. First two days, hubby kept cleaning huge messes as I struggled to get used to the new smell and resident.

My sisters and other family members were like – But you never cared for any dog!!! On my husband’s side, everyone loves dogs, so they were excited.

My kids were super happy and they kept goading me to be happy about Happy. I noticed, hubby looked tired but enjoyed being around the pup. Only, I felt differently.

When Monday came and the three Dog lovers left, the onus fell on me completely. Every hour I took him out to do his business. Thankfully, he complied. But it was all new to me and loads of extra work.

When the kids returned, they ran straight to Happy. They had accepted him with open hearts. And the puppy loved back. Only, I was the mean one.

Tuesday, I struggled again. By night, I felt completely exhausted. I counted days for weekend to come.

A thousand times, I thought of returning the pup. But something about Happy is so endearing that I couldn’t take the decision despite all the struggle.

By the end of the week, I and him felt little settled.

This week began with struggle again but Happy is a quick learner. And he is doing well. Only I have not gotten used to his playing with me. It is bit rough but husband is training him.

As I write this post, Happy is waiting for me to take him out. This new episode has been challenging but overall I believe that Happy has come to us for a good reason.

He is a sweet puppy and I am slowly accepting him as a part of our family.

Images – My phone

Small Things#16 – Little Known Dog Facts

Me – What’s the best thing about a dog?

Little One – He can eat by himself. The mom doesn’t feed him.

Me – Well, okay and not-so-good-thing?

Little One – He just stands on a treadmill, doesn’t run…and gets pushed out.

Me – That’s funny…tell me more…

Little One – They come in black, white and brown colors but if you are making art, you can paint them green, blue or red.

Me – How are you going to take care of dogs?

Little One – They only have legs. I’ll make robotic hands for them to grab things and do stuff…

Me – Okay, anything else…

Little One – (Thinks) Wait…it’s weird, sometimes they run after their own tails.

Me – Well, too much information to digest…thank you😀

(Image courtesy Google)

Milk that jumped out from the table

   
 Once upon a time, there was a little boy who hated drinking milk. The sight of a glass full of warm milk made him fussy. The moment he saw milk, he would throw tantrums and make excuses to run out of the room.

The glass full of milk would feel very sad and sorry for herself. She would come soaked in chocolate and strawberries still the little boy hated her. And being hated and neglected is not a nice feeling!

The glass full of milk tried her best to make herself attractive but to no avail. The little boy still ignored her.

One fine day, she got tired of waiting on the table. She planned to make an exit from the boy’s life forever. She shifted onto the edge of the table and jumped on the floor. The glass was broken and the milk was gone. Curly kitten, Pancake puppy and blacky ants had a great time licking the milk away from the floor.

  
The little boy clapped and felt happy that he would no more be burdened by having to drink milk twice everyday for good health and teeth.

As days passed by, the little boy started facing problems. He had developed the habit of eating junk food and candies which made him less strong and energetic. As a result, he fell sick. He got a few painful shots on the bum which hurt him very much.

As he lay on the bed, the curly kitten came to him. She looked very healthy and beautiful. The sad little boy asked the kitten – “Don’t you ever fall sick Curly? What makes you so strong?” “No,” said the Curly kitten. “I drink milk and eat good food. That is why I am so strong.” The boy remembered how the kitten used to drink his leftover milk everyday.

Later, the plump white Pancake puppy, came there to play. The little boy asked the same question –
“Don’t you ever fall sick Pancake? What makes you so strong?” “No,” said the Pancake puppy. “I drink milk and eat good food. That is why I am so strong.” The boy remembered how the puppy used to drink his leftover milk everyday.

He remembered how he had neglected the glass full of milk. He felt apologetic. He realised that the only way to grow healthy and strong as well as escape shots in the bum was to drink milk.

To the great surprise of his parents, the little boy requested milk that night. Immediately, his mother got him a warm glass brimming with milk and kept it on the table.

   
But lo and behold!The milk jumped from the table again. The mother got another one but same thing happened again. The boy understood that the milk was angry with him.

The wise little boy thought of a plan. The moment his mother brought milk again, he jumped out of the bed, took it from her hand ( before she could put it on the table) kissed it, and drank it at one go… Everyone clapped. The curly kitten and Pancake puppy broke into a jig.

The little boy started drinking milk everyday and he grew big and strong. The glass full of milk remained his best friend even when he grew into a very old man.

So, the moral of the story is – Little boys and girls should always readily drink milk at one go… or else you know what happens when milk starts jumping out of the table…! 

  

( Dedicated to all the little ones in your family. Drink milk, eat right and stay healthy.)

Images courtesy google