What Shima Did This Weekend

Chased Mike around the skate park on Saturday:

 Had an afternoon drink with me on Sunday:

She had so much fun this weekend that she made herself sick (read: vomited all over the bed) come Monday morning. It's okay, Shima, we all feel that way about Monday mornings.  

Poor Shima!

Our little pup got fixed yesterday and her dew claws (also known as her sixth toe on each hind leg), removed. She's been recuperating and resting, though she tends to do that anyway (lazy puppy!).

Several folks have asked me about healthcare here -- for my dog and myself. I've actually been really impressed with both. Shima's vet is a caring and knowledgable European woman known as Dr. Stephanie. And although I've never been to a vet's office in the States, I'd say her office rivals those back home. The same goes for my doctor's office here where, if I let my mind wander for a bit, I'd turn to Shima and say, "Shima, I've a feeling we're not Shanghai anymore."


If you ever need a vet in Shanghai:
Dr. Stephanie Goltz
St. Anthony Animal Recovery Hospital
440 Hami Road, Changning District

Happy Halloween!

...Although you know how I feel about Halloween, right?  Like I said, babies in costumes are the only redeeming factor to this holiday. And that includes furry babies. Here's mine in her panda costume:

I think Shima probably likes Halloween as much as I do.

Zhoumo kuaile!

We've had a very lazy week in Shanghai, breaking up our Breaking Bad marathon with bike rides and bonding with Shima. Below are a few recent pics of the pup who, without bias or exaggeration, is the best dog in the world.

Zhoumo kuaile!

Happy Labor Day weekend! We'll be spending the next two days readjusting and refueling (it was absolute torture last night having to stay up past 9:00 p.m.). Below are some random thoughts with fun links.

After experiencing the grumpy flight attendants on our SFO-SHA leg, I had fun browsing this tumblr (Confessions of a Flight Attendant).

40 maps that will help you make sense of the world: I cringed at #12, smirked at #20, and giggled at #22.

11 untranslatable words from other cultures: Aren't some of these lovely? I'm having a bit of #9 right about now.

And how awesome will Shima look in this reversible dog coat? We may or may not have picked one up while in San Francisco.

Moving Day

We're trading in our hotel-like, high-rise, three-bedroom apartment for an awesome, classic, one-bedroom gem. Yes, really. I'll share more soon (photos, too). 

I've also been busy with a few projects for the magazine, including writing copy for ads. Just call me Peggy Olson. 

And for those of you who are interested in receiving a Shima update: She's chewed on an UGG slipper, a Rainbow flip flop, and a Formula One ticket stub. She can sit, lay down, and stay; we're working on roll over and shake. 

Zhoumo kuaile!

Apologies for the maternity leave! I've been busy with the new pup, and adjusting to being responsible for another living being. But we're all getting used to one another quite nicely, I'd say -- though I have to tell you, I've never wiped up so much pee and picked up so much poop in my life! The potty training is in progress. 

Besides the messes, it's been fun. You can't help but smile when you see that face, and when you walk in the door, you feel like the most important, most loved person in the world.  

Here's what we've learned about her so far:

• She knows her name, and likes to lick almost everything. 
• She likes to chase birds and flies, and likes to fetch (though this too is a work-in-progress). 
• She's a fast runner and a pretty good jumper, and has become a true peanut butter-loving American.

Introducing Shima!

Our little family has expanded! No, I haven't been holding out on you for the last nine months; instead, we recently adopted a puppy. (As I write this, she's busy chasing her tail.) Her rescuers, a young couple who found her outside of their housing compound, gave her up with great difficulty Sunday evening (they'll be moving into a smaller place in Hong Kong, and can't bring the dog with them). 

Mike and I have always wanted a dog and now that life is (slightly) more settled and I'm home more often, we decided to go for it. And plus, there are a number of strays in this city that need a loving home.  

We're not sure of the breed; the rescuers said something about a "Chinese rural dog," but my guess is she's a bit of a mut (like her new mom!). We'll find out when we go to the vet.  

Unlike Mike, I've never owned a dog so wish me luck as new puppy momma! Any advice is welcomed and appreciated. 

We're so excited to bring this cutie into our lives! With that, I'd be remiss if I didn't thank Shima's rescuers and JAR for all that they do.