Drawing - Perl

Drawing - My First

Baby<3

Responsibility

A few days ago, I was talking to a friend who's going to college in Illinois. What she told me was shocking. Apparently, adopting a pet has become very popular among some Korean students at her school, so people started to bring pets into their lives without being prepared. My friend was concerned by a puppy that one of her acquaintance has bought from a pet shop in Chicago. When the break started, the person went back to Korea for summer and asked his/her other friend to feed him while he/she was gone. But since the puppy had no one to clean his bathroom, the house started to smell so bad that it became difficult for the friend to even enter to feed him. The puppy also had no one to check on his health, and no one to play with. It was obvious that the person bought the puppy because he/she was bored, and only saw him as a toy or a decoration that breathes and eats. It was upsetting. The puppy won't be starving, that's for sure. But he needs more than just food!

The poor puppy obviously is neglected. The owner should have found someone who can actually take care of the puppy, or a dog hotel. He/She didn't even consider taking him to Korea for this long break. So what will happen when he/she's done with school? The puppy will be thrown out on the street, or sold to someone, or sent to a shelter. The owner should have never brought him in the first place, if he/she didn't think he/she can take the responsibility until he dies. He deserves so much better. The puppy could have been adopted into a better home in which he has good food, family to play with, to take him for a walk, to provide him clean, comfortable environment. But because he was "bought" by an irresponsible student who just wanted to have a living toy, he is now stuck in a dirty house and no one to really take care of him.

I cannot respect people who don't have respect for animals. Bringing an animal is an important decision in one's life, but people often don't see the responsibilities that follow.

My friend said she didn't know what she could do. She was not talking of just the puppy, but of so many dogs and cats in similar situation on her campus. Truth is, it is impossible to rescue all of them and find new homes. Yet if one can do something to make some of their lives at least a bit better, I think that's a right way to go.

Drawing - a street cat

Back at home, I could easily spot street cats. Some are lost or thrown away from homes and some are born on the streets, but they all find their ways to survive. Especially in cities and towns, their lives are short and dangerous, yet because they are free from human, I find there is something beautiful and natural about their lives. But not all people look at them with kind eyes. The street cats are often persecuted, because they are 'dirty', 'noisy', and 'rip open trash bags'. Some people yell at them, throw rocks, beat them, and even poison their food. Horrible, selfish things to do to a life. What have the cats done wrong? They just wanted to live, feed themselves and their families; they are not very different from us after all.

Getting along II

Nowadays the two kitties have become very good friends. After the thunderstorm, when I went to see him in the morning, Oscar was in such a happy mood. Maybe because it was the first time ever that I visited so early in the day. Anyway, that day, I caught the most precious sight...

Oscar was grooming Perl! I had seen Perl trying to give Oscar grooming, but he always avoided it. It was definitely a development. Grooming is a way for a cat to show affection. They have finally become friends. Ever since I have not seen Perl hissing at Oscar.

It makes me so happy to watch them playing together :)

Drawing - a tabby

Practice drawing of a tabby

New Food has arrived!

Oscar's on a new diet; one that I am actually satisfied with!

Before I adopted Oscar, I didn't really know much about cat food. Leia always had a dry food bought from a grocery store, which I thought that was good enough. I didn't know how to choose good cat food. How I regret, now that I know what's quality cat food! I didn't know the obvious fact that Cats are carnivores, and that they need meat and lots of water. Dry food found in a regular grocery store contains a lot of fillers made of grains that have no place in a cat's diet. Dry food also does not contain much moisture. It's probably okay for cats that drink enough water on their own.. but naturally they get their water from the meat itself. That is why I started feeding Oscar canned food.

First I started with Nutro Max brand canned food. Oscar loved the stuff. When I was out of the cans that I had bought, I tried to find something more accessible. Meow Mix was the next choice I found then. It was the only wet food in Giant that didn't have meat by-product as one of the main ingredients. Oscar also loved the food. But since he moved to Bert's, I've done more research on cat food. I've found out that even though it has no meat by-product, it still contains lots of fillers that are no good but makes him eat more and gain weight. It wasn't healthy. I've learned that Meow Mix is equivalent to ramen noodles, or instant mac-n-cheese for us humans. It's nice once in a while, but it shouldn't be anyone's regular dinner. After a few people's recommendation and my own searching-through-the-internet, I found Natural Balance!!

I ordered 24 cans of Natural Balance chicken and green pea formula.Grain-free, no meat by-products. Quality food. exactly what I was looking for and the price was still in the range I could afford.

The package arrived today. It's silly, but I got very excited over the box of cat food. I've found that Oscar is not picky about food at all - thank the God - but cats are sometimes very stubborn and picky about strange things, so I just hoped he won't refuse the food.

Oscar emptied the bowl clean. I gave half to Perl and she also licked the bowl clean. It was very pleasing sight. I hope they are more happy about their diet now... they haven't been too happy since Bert and I decided to cut down on food since both were getting chubby. But with food of better quality, they can eat more. They are now on grain-free dry food and grain-free canned food diet. I think they are finally eating right, and I am pleased with my choice. I like my happy, healthy cat.  Only if I can do the same with Leia..

Getting along I

Oscar likes to curl into a bag. I often see Perl sniffing at the bag but she never actually goes in. It is still fun to watch Perl not knowing what to do when Oscar sits in the bag. This time Oscar gave her a surprise attack. Perl still hisses at Oscar once in a while, but I don't think she hates him anymore. I have even seen Perl attempting grooming on Oscar, though Oscar avoided every time. Being friends must be not so simple in their world.

Drawing - Mandarin Duck

Baby Mandarin ducks leaving the nest.

A Korean show, TV Animal Farm, showed us a story of two mandarin duck families who built their nest together in an apartment building. When the baby ducks were born, they had to jump from 9th floor to leave their nest and find their new home near the river. All ten healthy baby ducks successfully made the jump and two family headed to the river together :)

Drawing - American Robin

American Robin

Drawing - Doberman

When I am independent and have my own house, I want to live with a doberman. They are beautiful dogs.

I miss Oscar

It's been about half a month since Oscar moved to Bert's. I try to go visit Oscar at least once every two days. He completely recovered from his surgery and he still has his good appetite. He seems healthy enough and gets along with Perl well enough, but he seems somehow more lethargic these days. He used to be very playful; he would chase after any kind of toy I bought for him, but now he ignores most of them. He doesn't cuddle or purr much. These changes saddens me greatly, because there isn't much I can do.

Whenever the door to the apartment opens, Oscar bolts out of the apartment. He doesn't really go far and the hallway isn't that big, so I don't worry about losing him. What worries me is when he sits at the door crying and rubs against my legs as if begging me to take him home with me. It breaks my heart.

Because it's not my apartment, I try not to visit too often. But the fact that I can't see my Oscar whenever I want even though he lives in five-minute-walking-distance is already making miserable. When I visit, I usually don't stay longer than two, three hours. I can't commit the whole time of my stay to Oscar either, since Perl's more willing to play. I wonder if this situation is as difficult to Oscar as it is for me. Well, Oscar doesn't cause any trouble anyhow. He is a good boy. He is better than his mommy.

I miss him everyday. I miss him even on the days I visit him. I hate the empty apartment. When my roommates are not around on weekends, it becomes too quiet and too cold in here. I can't stand the silence in the apartment. It makes me nervous and uncomfortable. Now that Oscar's not here with me, I often feel miserable, just as I felt four months ago.

It's been only half a month. I don't know how am I going to survive this long summer. I already can't wait to bring him back here. So I can call this place home again.

Animal Communicator

I've been reading about an animal communicator, Lydia Hibby. I have never thought much of how the communicators "talk" to the animals. They say, since animals don't communicate in words, they often use images. When they ask a question in their minds or say it out loud, the animals answer back; that is, the communicators see the images for a few second. It seems, for Lydia Hibby, such communication is possible even via phone or by looking at a photo. She even talks to the dead animals. Lydia Hibby didn't seem like a fraud to me, but there isn't any scientific evidence to prove what she says is true. I don't really know if she really talks to the animals, but I do somehow believe that such interaction between humans and animals is possible.

Maybe it's nothing special after all. Perhaps not as freely as Lydia Hibby does, but don't we already talk with our beloved furry friends everyday? I would like to believe in the communication that Hibby talks of. I may not know how to listen to the animals, but they may still hear me. That is, Leia can hear me. I would tell her how much I miss seeing her and saying hi, rubbing her belly when I get home and how much I miss her purring at night falling asleep. I would tell her I always love her. I think I know what she would say. She was always a good girl..



Animals must have been born with the purest souls. Reading Lydia Hibby's conversations with the animals comforted me and also made me cry. As a family member, they live their moments always full of love, understanding and forgiving. I am very lucky to have found Oscar. He already gives me so much joy and comfort. I hope to build a great bondage of love and trust together.

Oscar as a kitten

I think Oscar could have looked like this when he was a kitten..

Drawing - Howl's Moving Castle

I absolutely love Miyazaki's beautiful and creative interpretation of Howl's moving castle. My sketch is incomplete, but I might just leave it as it is.

Drawing - Flying Squirrel

Flying Squirrel

I love drawing animals.. A few weeks ago, a Korean show, TV Animal Farm, that I watch every Sunday had an episode about flying squirrels. They are one of the cutest animals I have ever seen!

Doberman, Pit Bull, Chihuahua

A doberman, a pit bull and a chihuahua? It seems like an odd combination, but who said these dogs can't get along? Doberman, Ramsey, pit bull, Suvi, and chihuahua, Pablo are a family. They deliver heart-warming (and absolutely hilarious) stories of their lives that break people's prejudice on the 'threatening' breeds.

I personally think dobermans are GORGEOUS. I can understand that some people may be scared of them, but I just don't understand those who hate them. And pit bulls... All the shelters I've been to were largely occupied by pit bulls and pit bull mixes. When I go from cage to cage and make eye contacts, they stare me back with their sweet eyes and wagging tails. Such lovely dogs. But many people think of the pit bulls as  cruel, vicious dogs that tend to attack people. Pit bulls are the victims who were brought down by dog fighting culture and people's greed. Now people are trying to ban the pit bulls with Bread Selective Legislation. Ridiculous.

Well, a picture is worth a thousand words. The videos of Ramsey, Suzi and Pablo are making differences in people's minds. I happened to find the videos of Ramsey and Pablo on youtube a few years ago, and I instantly fell in love with them. Now with the new addition of Suzi, the three dogs together are all simply precious to watch.

My favorite video of them:

Official website: http://ramseyandpablo.com/
YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/cwdressen

Oscar's Toys

When I first adopted Oscar, the adoption counselor advised me to get certain kinds toys that he seemed to prefer in particular. But she was wrong. I've learned that Oscar will play with pretty much anything. Mice, balls, springs, teasers, strings, whatever toy I give him, he has played with them. When I first got him some plastic springs, he got so happy and excited like a kitten; it was so cute. I try not to spoil him but I love getting him new toys.

His favorite is definitely the feather teaser. I usually hide it on top of my closet, since he will chase it until he's out of breath.

Can I have it? Pretty please?

Another 'toy' that he finds interesting is his tail. He likes to chase his tail. Sometimes he tries to catch his tail, standing on a narrow railing next to the stairs and makes me nervous. It is just too silly and precious at the same time.

Oscar and Perl

Oscar is currently staying with my friend, Bert. It is a special arrangement I made just for the summer. Since Oscar moved in with Bert, I have been visiting the apartment practically everyday to see Oscar. Bert also has a cat named Perl. For a first few days, there was some nervous tension between the two cats - in fact, on the first night, they kept me up all night with their hissing and growling- but it seems they have learned to accept (or tolerate) each other's presence, now that a few weeks have passed. It is quite entertaining to watch how Oscar and Perl interact.

Perl has the sweetest face, but she has a strong personality. Perl and Oscar are not the best friends, but seeing them chasing after one another around the apartment makes me believe they actually like each other.

Perl is very expressive of her feelings, especially when she is not pleased. Because Oscar relatively doesn't have much facial expression, I had fun capturing the 'moments' of Perl.

from the sweet baby face

to 'I will end your life, if you don't let me go'

Oscar's usual expression

Story of two cats, to be continued :)

Sleepy Kitty 02

The second day at this apartment, Oscar slept all. day. long.  I have known that cats spend most of their day sleeping, but this one really sleeps a lot.

Sleepy Kitty 01

... comfortable? must be.

He is fast asleep ;)

Back from the vet

I picked up Oscar from the vet this afternoon.

For a side story, I took a bus to get to the animal hospital, and the bus driver had no idea whatsoever where he was supposed to go and asked me for directions. It was terrifying.

According to the technician, Oscar ate very well this morning and showed no bad signs. When he got back, he ran around the apartment like he wasn't gone at all in the first place; drank some water, scratched on the scratching posts, and played around with Perl. It was good that his paws didn't seem to bother him much. He also didn't hate me! He just seemed extremely happy that he is out of the horrible place; even though the people there were very, very nice. I definitely chose a good one. When I gave him his food, he finished it in one sitting with great appetite. Seeing him all well and happy made me smile :)

Oscar and shopping bags

I can only wonder what Oscar finds so fascinating about these reusable shopping bags. To my surprise, Oscar hasn't shown much interest in boxes. I placed number of boxes around my room for him when he first came, but he decided to ignore them. Yet he loves these bags so much. As soon as he finds one laid on the floor, he will run into it and stay there, playing, pawing inside, and taking nap. It is adorable to watch.

Hi Mommy!

Oscar's Surgery

I love Oscar's paws. With big thumbs and extra little digits hidden between his other ones, he looks like he is wearing mittens. But the claws on his extra toes have been causing serious problems. They are too big for the toes and usually they would be fine but the one on his left foot kept growing inward. Oscar absolutely hates clipping his toenails to begin with and it was impossible for me to get to the ones on his extra digits. His left paw was infected again.

One should never declaw his/her cats, yet Oscar's was a special case. It was either clipping his nails on extra digits every week or just having them removed. Oscar probably would have opposed to both of the options, but it was my duty to make the decision. The veterinarian recommended the latter, and I agreed it was for the best.

He had his surgery yesterday, and everything went great. I get to go pick him up today. My poor kitty. He would hate me for a few days, but he won't suffer the same infection anymore!

Sympathy

I pity all the victims in the world. They are forgotten in time though they never forget themselves. It is easier to ignore the ugly truth. So people forget. Offenders know very well that people forget. Too easy. They shut their mouths and wait for the storm to pass. Victims cry in silence while offenders rejoice. What happened did happen though; victims always remember.

Oscar Kim

Oscar became part of my family on April 7, 2012. After losing Leia to someone I considered a friend, I had been in the most miserable state. My life felt so empty without her. I have never cried for so long, so often. It took me a very long time and careful consideration to even think of adopting a new cat. Looking back, I believe it was a good decision after all. No one can replace Leia and I will always miss her with all my heart.  That is true enough and nothing will change that. But as Leia came to me so unexpectedly, I found Oscar. 

Oscar was very friendly even at our first meeting. He was so happy to be held and loved. He had beautiful yellow-green eyes and very long whiskers. He was polydactyl and had white feet that made him look like he was wearing mittens. He was about two and a half years old, full grown, but still acted like a baby.

First I felt unsure, but by the time I came home from the shelter, I knew I already had chosen him. Two days later, I brought him home with me. Since then, he has given me great comfort and I found myself laughing truly from joy. He eats, plays, and sleeps all very well: all I can hope for a cat. I have come to love him very much.