Teddy Bears

Teddy Bears had become the most popular gifts for children and partners on Valentine's Day, birthday and Christmas. the name originated from a bear hunting trip between the former US President Theodore Roosevelt (nicknamed "Teddy") and his friends. most of the other hunters had already killed an animal, while his men chased down an American Black Bear and suggested that Roosevelt should shoot it, he refused. but instructed that the bear be killed and put out of its misery.

the image was later used by Clifford Berryman and posted The Washington Post (November 16, 1902). Morris Michtom saw the drawing and was inspired to create a new toy, he placed his creation in his shop window with a sign "Teddy's Bear". Roosevelt approved the usage of his name. the toy was a huge success and Michtom founded the Ideal Novelty and Toy Co. in 1906, ladies and children were carrying them everywhere, Roosevelt even used one as a mascot during his re-election.

Yuki ゆき

it was a continuous shot from the previous attempt. rarely did he not walk away when we were talking photographs of him, proven how completely absorbed he was with some invisible activity behind us. any slight blockage of his view will caused his head to move sideways, into an angle so amusing we found ourselves chuckling, completely amused no matter how many times we came across that look of his.

Yuki ゆき

as we were sitting on the porch, chatting away one cool afternoon, he returned from his usual roams and placed himself on the coffee table right in front of us. watching everything else but us, yet he insisted on finding a comfortable spot right there within our vision. always a proud little punk that can't get enough attention for himself. but of course he probably learned it through experience, that by staying within our vision will eventually lead us into the temptation of stroking his inviting fur. now that explains.

Cat.

walking under the hot sun for what seemed like a long time, we were more than pleased to see a green house up ahead, filled with colorful flowers and butterflies all mingled together. but what surprised us was finding a cat comfortably resting inside the green house as well. apparently taken care by the zoo keepers, it was well-fed, friendly and more than eager to rub its head against our legs, claiming us. falling for its watery eyes and soft furs, we soon knelt down rubbing its fur, scratching its throat just as it purred loudly at our feet, giving us the greatest satisfaction to keep us going, charging back into the hot sun once again.

Parrot.

among the variety of birds we saw in the zoo, only a handfull was clever enough to take notice of us visitors. this Parrot was one of those very few, staring at us whatever angle we moved outside its cage, taking us in, making us wonder just what exactly went through its mind, what it thought of us. we were mesmerized by the rainbow-like feathery coat of theirs, triggering the urge of reaching into the cage, soothing it, feeling its warmth and smooth texture under our palm.

Chicken.

the chicken was bred and grew up among the family, often seen running wildly under their feet, dashing about owning the whole place, claiming it to themselves. unlike most of the chickens we saw selling in the market, which any contact with human will cause them to struggle greatly, knowing their life were at stake; this particular chicken was way too calm in comparison. it stood, walking about, poking its beak into anything it preferred, wouldn't even break a sweat when being hold or caressed like a pet cat!

Otters.

these mischievous duo ran wildly in their cage under the hot afternoon sun. dashing from one shed to another, diving effortlessly into the pond of shallow water, dragging leftover fishes from under the pond, apparently from its previous feeding session. the moment one caught us looking with interest, it came forward, staring straight at us, squeaking its most deafening call. unlike the Bird, which we can't quite fathom whether it was food or attention that it sought; these otters obviously wanted food. seeing the snacks we held in our hand only caused them to dash around insanely fast, stirring every last member in their big family.

Birds.

we saw this couple at the zoo. the male following us along the fences, most probably for food or perhaps attention. it never got tired of us roaming to and fro in front of the cage, like it was some game to it. the female, totally uninterested at us, eagerly tagging behind the male. was it mating season? or perhaps they were one of those species who stick together for life? the male, with its white coat and red feet, looked absolutely stunning even from a human's point of view. we observed further, despite the perfect shot taken, the male still wasn't interested in the female, such irony.

Yuki ゆき

although he often refused to look into the camera lens, going as far as purposely looking away or turned his back towards me, he is still a charm to look at. we love patting him, rubbing him, hugging him, even teasing him. but, like all cats, Yuki has a temper, n he is particular. some cats can tolerate for hours, happily dozed off on your lap while being patted for hours, others can only be patted for a few minutes. Yuki was the latter. we often rely on the sign when he starts moving away, or sometimes suddenly nip at us while being pat, it means that he had enough "dose" of the pleasure.

Yuki ゆき

for most who love cats, we love squeezing their soft paws. however, paws, including ears, tail, especially belly are labelled as sensitive spots for a cat. if any human they did not trust tried to touch them on these parts, will probably resulted to being scratched or bitten mercilessly. when Yuki first came, he was extremely defensive, hissing n scratching anyone that tried to befriend him. he was a difficult child. years after hanging with us, he finally accepted us as well as placing his trust in us. it took me long enough to proceed from one part to another, training his tolerance so he would not cause any family member to bleed like he did during his childhood. now he becomes so tame i was able to grab his paws or rub his belly, sometimes even squeezing his tail. as much as he dislike these gestures, he trusts us enough to let me off with just a meow to show that he was annoyed.

Yuki ゆき

cozily Yuki sat on his lap n slowly dozed off. as he started swinging left n right, influencing us both into getting drowsy ourselves, i grabbed the camera n started shooting them instead. among the 2 of us, he was much more patient than i, in offering himself as a pet cushion. on the other hand, if Yuki does have a choice, he would still choose him, for the reason he is warmer than me. secretly, even i seek warmth from him! n of course, he is also a bigger pet cushion than me. Yuki is bigger than any average domestic tabby. on my lap, he would fell off the sides if he sways too much. n often this big furball will need to balance his body weight by placing at least one of his hind legs on the chair for support.

Yuki ゆき

it has been eons since we took the initiative to sit around, lazing n chattering freely on the porch, enjoying the cool breeze in our face (n of course, killing some mosquitoes). Yuki came wandering about like he often does when anyone from the family went outside the house. he would snuck up behind us, meowing if he wanted some snacks, else looked around for a comfortable spot, particularly between us, where it was the warmest. it had always been, n still is, most difficult to capture a perfect photograph of him without him looking away from the camera lens or blinking his eyes non-stop at me. although in cat language, these eyes blinking signaled their relaxation around the people n environment that they are in. it is an act of communication, for cats don't blink to everyone, only to those they trusted. but still, it definitely made capturing their gazes harder by day.

Cats.

won't you just look at that! we could totally imagine how obsessively in love the cats were with the person inside that kitchen. clearly we were too curious to just walk away after a few shots of photographs, so we purposely walk passed the door entrance just so we can catch a glimpse of the person inside. boots echoed on the concrete, n out come a man as we approached. he was small-sized, apparently just finished cutting a chicken into smaller chunks. ah, it made perfect sense n off we went to get ourselves some breakfast as well.

Dogs vs Tiger.

dogs, being one of the most tolerable animal, were often found getting along with other animals, such as tigers. came across the video below last few days, it was so adorable n irresistible! so maybe even the misunderstood tigers can be as tolerable as dogs?

cat.

spotted this little fella sitting around, strolling leisurely in n out of an indian cafe. it was neither begging for food, nor for attention. looking more contented compared to our fiercely growling tummies. fortunately, it didn't mind a little pat or 2 from total strangers like us.

dog.

freely wandered around the shop, this canine has no problem getting food. none of the stall owners chase it away nor show unfriendly gesture towards it. some offered a pat or two, some a bone or scraps. filling its tummy at will, it obviously enjoyed the astonished admiration of passersby.

cats.

all the while sticking together, these cats were so comfortable with each other, it made them fun to watch. especially with those rich facial expressions they wear generously, easily forming short stories for those who are creative.

cat.

with a gigantic tummy, this pregnant cat was in no rush to fleet from passersby. we were able to lean as close to it as we can just to capture a shot or two. however, it was so overly comfortable with strangers it won't even cast us one single glance!

cat.

right before the gymnastic cat woke up to its gymnastic pose, or look for a smooch or two, it was completely relaxed laying down on its side. before known, it started turning in all possible directions n revealing more n more of its tummy, with us sitting just right beside it.

cat.

just outside a coffee shop, the cat was taking a deep nap. even when we were up close, not once did it open those eyes nor flick those ears. as if the world is its home, nothing to fear, nothing will harm it. that look alone, was enough to draw us further, reluctant to disturb its peaceful nap.