Of course I get excited by tennis balls and big bodies of water.
Know what else gets me excited?
Illustrated dogs filled with pattern, paired with colors that pop (I have unusual taste for a dog).
Check out this card from Bean’s human, Angie (who curates the Dog Prints feature so well!) What a great way to wish your number one dad a Happy Father’s Day!
Available at Angie’s site here and in her Etsy shop here.
Category Archives: dogs
Father’s Day to the Dogs
An interview with Happy Dog Clothes :: Sophie’s Choice
He
y there! Sophie here. I’m stopping by today with an interview from Happy Dog Clothes Lancaster, PA. I must say, my human knows good looking dogs! Meet Vegas, a Boston terrier and model for Happy Dog Clothes, and her human Jennifer. You may recognize Vegas in the Valentine’s Day post here.
Sophie: How did you meet Vegas?
Jennifer: The story of how Vegas and I came to be is quite convoluted. I started my search for a dog in 2008, almost a year after my last dog (of 17 years) passed away. I started searching Petfinder and I found Vegas. It was basically a love at first sight type of story. I knew she was the dog for me.
I found out that Vegas was rescued from a puppy mill and had some issues. She was malnourished and dealing with a pretty severe prolapsed rectum. So while I didn’t intend to take on a dog with medical issues I did some research and thought about if I was ready to get a dog with known medical issues. Ultimately the answer was yes. No decisions on Vegas’ adoption were made until the rescue was sure that she would make it through the surgeries to correct the issue with the prolapse. When all was said and done, I was informed that I was NOT the chosen applicant to take Vegas. I was so distressed over the news, I was basically pouting for the next few days. Everyone around me was suggesting I move on and look for another dog. However, I was so convinced Vegas and I were meant to be, I said I wasn’t going to look for another dog until I knew she was home with her new family and there was absolutely no chance I could adopt her.
Needless to say my persistence paid off, the family that originally was going to take her couldn’t and so I was given the opportunity to adopt her. We ended up driving out to Ohio from Pennsylvania to pick her up the weekend I found out we could take her. So the happy ending to Vegas’ story is that she is completely healthy and spoiled. Now she is the face of Happy Dog Clothes, which is named after her because we called her the “happy dog” all the time. I have come to the conclusion that we were fated to be together.
Sophie: Does Vegas have any quirks?
Jennifer: She has a lot of quirks. She hates it when you blow in her face or make fart sounds with your mouth. She also sleeps with a big grin on her face and likes to rub up against your legs like a cat.
Sophie: 
Tell us why or how you started your business.
Jennifer: Vegas was the catalyst for my business. Many Boston terrier owners will be familiar with this story, but as Vegas got bigger I found it more difficult to find coats for her. Bostons have big chests and many dog clothes don’t accommodate their unique size. Clothes for Bostons are also a necessity, these dogs don’t have the insulating layer of fur that most dogs have and here in the Northeast Vegas has to have a coat in the colder months. I was getting so frustrated with the task of finding her a coat they either didn’t fit, they were ugly or not warm enough and sometimes it was all of the above. Since I had some experience with sewing I figured I would make a fitting coat for Vegas that was warm and cute.
I posted a picture of my coat on the Facebook page of the Northeast Boston Terrier rescue and got a lot of positive feedback. So it was encouragement enough for me to give it a try selling my clothes. I felt that if I had these issues there were certainly other dog owners who had the same issues. I have already done some custom coats for Dachshunds who definitely have a unique shape.
Sophie: What is the best seller item in your shop?
Jennifer: Hands down the best sellers in my shop are the holiday bandanas and bow ties. So far I have tried to make bandanas and bow ties for all the holidays. I am getting ready to start working on patriotic bandanas and bow ties for the summer holidays.
I think these are so popular because many of my customers either just like to share the holidays with their pets or their pets are going to events during the holidays. For example, I had several customers who were taking their dogs to St. Patty’s Day parades and for some their dogs were going to be in the parades.
Sophie: Where can we find Happy Dog Clothes?
Jennifer: You can find Happy Dog Clothes at my Etsy store www.happydogclothes.etsy.com, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HappyDogClothes. If you want to know more about Vegas you can read her blog at www.ourdogvegas.com.
Thanks Vegas and Jennifer!
______________________________
Sophie is a year old Weimaraner who has a nose for great handmade finds for dogs and their humans.
Her human, Linda, is the owner of à la mode (a line of modern products for humans and their homes) and creator/editor of alamodestuff blog.
Old Lady
I run with A-Dog a few times during the week. I can hardly stay inside my skin when I know she’s getting ready for a run and I might be going too. She used to take me every time, but as I grow older, I’m not allowed to go every day.
Recently, my body started to rebel. I would run a mile and begin to limp. Of course, I wouldn’t stop unless A-Dog did. Even with a day of rest in between runs, I would still limp. She said it was hard to tell which leg was affected and after a few days of little improvement, we had to go to Dogdom’s unspeakable four letter word: the vet.
No need to go into details on that horror, but if any dogs out there want to share a better place to hide than the human leg tunnel, I’m all silky ears.
My diagnosis was arthritis — a mild case that can be treated with medication. I started with a quarter pill, twice a day. After two weeks, my dose is now a quarter pill once a day. I am in awe that such a small bit of medicine can make such a difference. (Although, hearing the humans trying to break that little pill into four pieces is hilarious. Watch the language, people!)
I am back to running every other day to a maximum of 3 miles. I’m grateful and hopeful that I can do it for the rest of my life.
Swinging Dogs :: Sophie’s Choice
Wheatie and Scottie share a porch swing folk art print by WaterColorQueen
Swinging Corgi print by AfricanGrey
Golden rule photo print by MarkJAsher
J.R. Hunter on his swing limited edition print by JRBaileyDesigns
Original dog oil painting by AdamFonos
Sophie is a year old Weimaraner who has a nose for great handmade finds for dogs and their humans. Her human, Linda, is the owner of à la mode (a line of modern products for humans and their homes) and creator/editor of alamodestuff blog.
An interview with Tascha :: Sophie’s Choice
To
day, we are mixing things up a bit. In my many searches for handmade dog products, I come across artists who may not necessarily sell things for dogs, but use dogs in their art. Intrigued, I thought I’d ask these artists about their dog inspirations. One such artist that grabbed my attention is Tascha, a painter and illustrator who lives in Toronto, Canada. Tascha’s art is so bright, cheerful, and full of passion. The vibrant colors and lovable characters jump off the page as if daring you not to look…and smile.
Sophie: How long have you been painting?
Tascha: I have been painting since I was a little kid actually. My mom is an artist and I used to work on a little table in her art room along side her as she worked on her illustrations. All throughout my childhood I was given art supplies to play with, creating art was just a normal play time for me. As an adult, I did graduate from The Ontario College of Art and Design where my focus was more on sculpture and illustration.
Sophie: Why did you choose this medium?
Tascha: I chose painting to focus on because I love the deep rich hues you can get with acrylic paint. Watercolor or pencil crayons just can’t seem to get the intensity of color that you can achieve with acrylic paint. I love how fast it dries too! I can complete a project in one sitting from start to finish.
Sophie: I love the bright colors and whimsical characters in your paintings. What influenced your style?
Tascha: I am influenced by all things child-like. Such things as brightly colored candies and toys. I grew up with a lot of colorful storybooks which always stuck with me. I have a real soft spot for Japanese cuteness known as kawaii.
Sophie: You use animals quite a bit in your work. Besides your loving cat, Lily, do you have any other pets?
Tascha: Currently Lily is my only pet. I grew up with both dogs and cats. As an only child, the pets were always like my brothers and sisters. Now as an adult my pets are like my children. I can’t image never having a pet in my life.
Sophie: Are any of the dogs in your paintings based on real dogs?
Tascha: Growing up we had Bichon Frise dogs. They were 3 boy Bichon dogs named Basil, Harley and Andy. All very dear to me. My mom just adopted a new little Bichon now that the others have passed away. This puppy is a girl Bichon! Her name is Flossie and she is just the cutest! I am completely influenced by her sweetness and have painted a few little Bichon paintings because of her.
Sophie: Congratulations on your new line of licensed merchandise! Will we find any of your ornaments in the US?
Tascha: You will find all of them in the USA! It might be harder to find them outside of the USA. Keep up to date on my blog and Facebook to find out where they will be available. I am really looking forward to their release this upcoming Christmas!
Sophie: Please tell us where else we can find you online (etsy, facebook, twitter, flick, etc).
Tascha: You can find me at:
etsy:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/tascha
Facebook fan page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tascha-Parkinson/117199748451?ref=ts
Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tascha/
My blog:
http://www.timewithtascha.blogspot.com/
Thank you, Tascha, for taking the time to share your art with us!
Sophie is a year old Weimaraner who has a nose for great handmade finds for dogs and their humans. Her human, Linda, is the owner of à la mode (a line of modern products for humans and their homes) and creator/editor of alamodestuff blog.
Dog Plus Pattern :: New Breed Poodle
It’s another addition to the line of pups, the Poodle. She will be available (with a choice of poodle colors) in our store and Etsy shop soon. I’ll update this post when she is!
Barking Roses Are Red
The Bark is having a Valentine’s Day contest. You complete the ubiquitous “Roses Are Red, Violets Are Blue…” with an ode to your dog. We dogs deserve every couplet you can create, but you also get a chance to win a sweet prize pack for your trouble (see our cards and two other great dog products below). You can check out the post here or make your way to The Bark’s Facebook page here.
Violets are blue
My nose may be cold
But it only smells you.
Heartfelt, yes. But there are much better poems in the contest.
Go forth and rhyme!
Snow day :: Sophie’s Choice
giclee print of fine art photo “Buddy 1″ by Scott Clarke
giclee print of original oil painting by Patricia Christensen
print of original pastel “On a clear day you can see forever” by Talchen
fine art photo “Just the two of us” by Larry Nicosia Photos
Sophie is a year old Weimaraner who has a nose for great handmade finds for dogs and their humans.
Her human, Linda, is the owner of à la mode (a line of modern products for humans and their homes) and creator/editor of alamodestuff blog.
Dog Stalker :: Beau and Milo
I don’t know why, but I’m always in awe when rescues create a family. Not that I think it can’t happen — it happens all the time. My awe comes from the beauty of it. This family trio is made up of two dogs, Beau and Milo, and one human named Cat. Read on to get to know them.
Dog Questions
What is your name?
Beau
::
Milo
What breed of dog are you?
B-I’ve heard Mommy call me a Flat Coat Retreiver, but she’s not too sure.
::
M- I’m a mini long haired Dachshund
How old are you?
B- I can’t do math, but Mommy seems to think I’m around 7 or 8 years old. She mentions that my nose is getting more silver as time goes on… whatever that means. She pets my face when she says it so that’s all I care about.
::
M- I’m almost 6 years old. Mommy still calls me her little man, but I’ve definitely gotten bigger in the last almost 6 years old!
Where did you come from (pound, rescue, breeder)?
B- I’ve never been able to tell Mommy where I came from before I was picked up and put in the pound. She’s looks at me sometimes and asks me, but I don’t tell her. It’s not important. What’s important is that I’ve been with her now for over 4 years.
::
M- I’m from Secaucus (I can’t spell, I’m a dog) New Jersey. I was in a pet store when some young couple brought me home as an impulse buy. They had no time for me…they didn’t even name me. They just called me Mister. Eventually the guy brought me to his job where he asked if anyone would take me home. Mommy’s uncle brought me home and asked his family is anyone wanted me. Mom was there immediately and the next thing I know I’m heading to my new home.
What nicknames do the humans call you?
B- Beau, Beauregard, Bodie, Skillet
::
M- Milo, Milosh, Miloski, lil man, Skillet, smiles
Do you like any of your nicknames?
B- I don’t care what she calls me as long as she hugs and smootches on me! Besides, it’s more the way she says it.
::
M- I’m with Beau
What is your favorite walk/hike?
B- I like the bike path in Southington…but I really like being in New Hampshire at Mommy’s boyfriend’s house. It has a big yard and I don’t have to be on a leash. It’s so fun to run around. The condo where we live has rules about me being on a leash :(
::
M- Not really into walking unless it’s to go to the bathroom. I have really short legs and it’s hard to keep up with Beau. Mom tries but I just throw myself on the ground and she brings me inside. Works every time!
What kind of pack dog are you (the A-dog; in the middle; ready to please)?
B- With other dogs I am the Alpha. I only get along with my brother. I don’t really like other dogs.
::
M- I’m always in charge. Don’t let my small size fool you.
What toy(s) would you recommend to other dogs?
B- Nylabones and only Nylabones. They are the best.
::
M- I love Nylabones too. I’m not allowed to have stuff toys because I always shred them. They are not a worthy opponent to me. I destroy them in a few minutes and it makes a mess. Oh, I like the red rubber ball that mom puts treats in. I am a master at those. I usually only get that when I’m bugging mom and she wants to distract me. I’m on to her, but I always comply.
What is your go to toy?
If you’re asking if we have a comfort toy or security toy, we don’t.
What is the most fashionable thing you wear?
B- my silver beard. It’s distinguished. :)
::
M- Mom stopped trying to dress me in stuff. I’m like Houdini… I can get out of anything.
If you’re a reader, what is your favorite book?
We’re not really big on reading.
What is the oddest thing you’ve ever done?
B- It’s more of an ongoing thing that I attack the television when I see cartoons. Mom gets so annoyed because it’s a lovely TV and I leave nose prints on it. It’s hard to explain why I do it. I can’t stop myself.
::
M- Beau’s weird. I’m perfect. Although I did dig a huge hole in the backyard once. I was covered in dirt. I ended up in the sink after that.
What act caused you to receive the greatest punishment?
B- I went after Milo one time. I didn’t meant too, but I did bite him and Mommy was really scared and mad. She yelled at me and locked me out of the room. She didn’t talk to me or look at me for a whole day. It was the worst day of my life.
::
M- You’d be amazed what I get away with because I’m small.
How do you feel about cats?
B- UGH, they drive me insane. They are so smug and they just taunt me. When they are in the yard I jump at the door and bark and growl my most ferocious bark. It’s awesome! Mom doesn’t like it, though. She doesn’t understand they are the enemy.
::
M-Agreed.
If you could speak only one sentence in your human’s language, what would you say?
B- I will love you forever and I never want to be without you.
::
M- I act tough, but I would never want to be without Mom and my brother.
What is your favorite human food?
B- Please, I’m not picky.
::
M- Yeah, we don’t get human food so I’ll take what I can get on the rare occasion that we get scraps.
If you could be granted 3 wishes, what would they be?
To live as long as mommy so we never have to be without each other.
What do you love most about your human?
She saved us from people and places that were not good for us and loved us when no one else did. She would do anything for us and loves us unconditionally
Human Questions
What is your dog’s name?
Beau and Milo. My boys.
What breed of dog do you have?
Beau is a Flat Coat Retriever and Milo is a mini long haired dachshund
How old is your dog?
Beau has to be around 7 or 8. I adopted him from the pound when he was about 3 or 4 years old. I’ve had him a little over 4 years now. Milo will be 6 in January. I adopted him as a puppy when he was a little over 3 months old.
Where did you get your dog (pound, rescue, breeder)?
Beau was from the Southington dog pound. He had been there 2 months. They picked him up running in the streets. No one came looking for him. I knew the minute I laid eyes on him I couldn’t live without him. Milo was from a pet store in New Jersey. A guy that works with my uncle bought him on a whim with his girlfriend. They had no time for him, kept him about 2 weeks and then brought him to work and asked if someone wanted him. My uncle brought him home and figured someone would want him. I immediately called dibs!
What nicknames do you call your dog?
My Beau, Beauregard, Bodi, Big Man, Skillet, Holmes
::
Milosh, Smiles, Miloski, lil man
What words does your dog understand?
Beau comes when called. He’ll sit. He doesn’t do any tricks. Milo does his own thing. He understands sit, come etc…but that doesn’t mean he listens to me!
Are you the leader of your pack?
Yes. Although with Milo it’s a constant struggle for dominance. At the end of the day the 3 of us are a team and we have a good little pack.
Do you have other animals?
My boyfriend has a dog, Tessie. She is a Britney Spaniel. It took some adjusting having the boys around her because they don’t do well with other dogs, but they are all buddies now.
How does your dog make you laugh?
What really cracks me up is when they start wrestling. Out of nowhere Milo will just jump on Beau and start chewing on his ears and jumping on him. Beau totally puts up with it. This doesn’t really crack me up, but it’s something that I love. I love driving in the car with Beau. He always sits behind me. I open the window and he lays his head on the glass and closes his eyes and lets the wind hit him in the face, blowing back his ears! I can see him in my side mirror. He looks so at peace. Milo curls up on the passenger seat. If it’s cold I put the seat warmer on for him and he curls up and goes to sleep.
Is there any weird behavior you’d like to share about your dog?
Beau has a weird thing with the TV. It’s gotten worse over the years. It started off just with cartoons. He barks and growls and jumps at the TV and tries to bite it. Now I don’t know what his triggers are anymore. The weirdest things make him bark. But he does hit his nose to the TV and leaves marks. One day he’ll probably break my beautiful television. Milo has a weird thing about fleece. He doesn’t chew anything else left around, but he has gone through so many beds because he chews them. It’s the strangest thing.
What is your favorite walk/hike to take?
I take Beau on the bike path in Southington. Milo isn’t a big walker. When I visit my parents my mom and I take our dogs around the lake near their house. My boyfriend lives in New Hampshire and has a nice size yard that is set in the woods. Beau gets to run around loose there. It’s a nice change from my condo which has leash rules.
What toy(s) would you recommend to other dog owners?
My boys are strictly Nylabone dogs. No stuffed toys or rawhide. They go through bones so quickly. They chew them down to points! Beau does not like the Kong ball, but every now and then I’ll fill one up with treats for Milo. That keeps him preoccupied for a bit. It’s more of a distraction tool!
What is the best toy you’ve given your dog?
They sleep in my bedroom on the floor in their beds. I used to let Milo sleep in bed with me, but I stopped when I got Lyme disease. I went to bed with no tick on my leg, but woke up with one. It’s given me such heebee jeebees! Beau is not allowed on furniture because he’s pretty big (80lbs).
If your dog could speak only one sentence, what would he/she say?
Beau would probably say that he wants to be with me every minute of every day. He’s super attached. I’m not sure exactly what Milo would say but it would probably come out snarky!
What is the most annoying behavior your dog exhibits?
Besides Beau with the whole TV thing, I just wish they got along with other dogs. It’s such a pain to not be able to take them to the dog park or hearing them bark and growl at other dogs. Milo was always social and Beau was as well when I first brought him home. Over time the two of them have become thick as thieves and only get along with each other.
Does your dog wear anything fashionable?
Nah. The most they wear are bandanas when they get groomed, but those only last a few hours after they get home!
Has your dog ever destroyed anything in your home?
Nothing that I can think of that I was distraught over. No shoes or articles of clothing have fallen victim to them. I’m sure someday my TV will, though!
What do you love most about your dog?
Beau is by far the most loyal dog I have ever had… and we’ve had lots of dogs over the years. He’s sweet and loving. I swear when he looks at me it’s like he’s staring into my soul. There is something wise in there. I am just as attached to him as he is to me. I love that Milo is a sweet yet snarky cuddly dog! You can hold him like a baby. He sits up in your arms like a little person. For a 10lb dog, his attitude is larger than life.
I love how attached they are to each other. Beau is very protective of Milo with other people and other dogs. They look out for each other. They are such opposites. If I got them at the same time I probably would have named them Felix and Oscar! I love that they are mine. Up until them my dogs have always been family pets. We are a team, we are a pack, we are a package deal.
: : : : :
Have you signed up for the “Dogs Without Blogs” feature yet? Whether you’re human or canine, I love to brag about dogs.Visit our Facebook page to sign up here!
Would love to hear from you…
