Miyuki

Say Hello to Miyuki :)

For about as long as I can remember, I've adored dogs. I had several when I was a kid in Malaysia, but haven't had one in many many years, although I've always wanted one again. Well, on the 30th of last month (September), Martha and I made our way to the RSPCA, and adopted an 8 week old Bull Terrier cross Border Collie :)

We were torn as to what to call her, all I could think of were common girl names like Sally and common doggy names like Spotty. Martha wanted to call her Martha, and as much as I thought it would be funny, I knew it wouldn't be a good idea. Martha insisted on a name starting with M, and wanted a Japanese name (for what reason, I don't know). She thought up the name Miyaki, and I changed it to Miyuki, which I thought was easier to say, and sounded more feminine. According to Evan, Miyuki means:

Miyuki is a common Japanese female name which has several possible meanings.

* 美幸, meaning "beautiful fortune" or "beautiful happiness"
* 深雪, meaning "deep snow"
* 美雪, meaning "beautiful snow"
* 美由紀, meaning "beautiful reason for history"
* 幸, meaning "happiness" or "good fortune"

So I'm pretty happy with the name :)

On Sunday we picked up a dog house, and a whole bunch of toys to keep Miyuki company. We were thinking of putting her in the garage, but on closer inspection discovered maybe it wasn't the best place for her as there were many bottles/cans of paint and other chemicals, and a lot of other things for her to get in trouble with. On closer inspection the fence isn't really puppy-proof either, as they are small enough to get under the gap in the fence. Hmm... So for now Miyuki stays tied up in the back yard...

Unfortunately Miyuki had slight complication with her de-sexing, she was a bit too active too soon, and developed a serum sac where the operation was done, so I brought her back to the RSPCA on Tuesday to have it drained. She was put on antibiotics too.

She's growing quickly, eating a lot, and learning fairly quickly too. She now more or less knows her name, comes when called (usually), and is quick to sit. She's learning how to drop (lie down) too. Sometimes she doesn't seem to respond to any noises or sounds though, I'm wondering if she's a bit deaf? Oh well, I guess we'll see. She goes to puppy school next Tuesday, I can't wait :)