Be My Dog

Dog Clothes Coats Pet Go Green Simplicity 2695 by OhSewCharming

via www.etsy.com

Looking for a sewing project? Here are some cute dog coat sewing patterns for small dogs. Only $5 for the pattern and you can choose your own fabric. If you have the time, it's a great way to have unique coats for your dog. 

My pet camera: Fujifilm releases special camera for dog and cat lovers | Brand X | Los Angeles Times

via www.thisisbrandx.com

This is just crazy! If it works, that would be a fantastic way to capture the pictures of less cooperative animals (Romeo, our kitten would be a good example).

Vogue goes to the dogs...

via www.vogue.com

A nice slideshow of dogs featured in Vogue. My only criticism is that they tend to feature the dogs in more cliche, less creative ways. It would be nice if they gave the dogs a little more modern, simplified look rather than putting them all in top hats and veils in the "Wedded Bliss" feature. There are a few exceptions to this e.g. the featured picture of the Jack-mix looking quite cuddly and fashionable. It's interesting to see their take on dogs to be less cutting edge and artistic than their human features. There are some pictures that accomplish this, but I wasn't drawn in by the majority of the pictures.

Dog Christmas Gifts - PupLife Dog Supplies

via www.puplife.com

Santa dog is always a cute look. Always in fashion. If you have a dog or dogs, check out puplife.com for your dog's Christmas/holiday gifts as well as some dog-themed decorations. If only I could get Shakespeare to keep a santa hat on his head rather than shaking it off.

Holiday Dog Couture at Barron's House of Treasures

Super cute holiday/Christmas clothing for your dog.
Barron's House of Treasures
 

The girl dog dresses are precious. Having a boy dog, I will stick to the more masculine options. 

This is one of my favorites. Shakspeare may just have to have this snowman sweater...

Preparing for the holidays

The picture is Shakespeare in last year's holiday pajamas. 

As we're getting ready for the holidays, I've been thinking through holiday card scenarios with  Shakespeare and Romeo - dressed as elves, wearing holiday pajamas, etc. While it's not yet Thanksgiving, I thought I would get a leg up on taking pictures and possibly making a holiday video with the animals. Now I need to think of a possible storyline for the video. 

Today it was 75 degrees out - very odd for November in Chicago but who am I to complain? I'll take it over the cold, wet weather we were having in October. So we went to Target, bought a bunch of holiday supplies and now I just need to plan it all out. I'll probably start releasing Shakespeare's new Christmas/Holiday pictures and videos starting the day after Thanksgiving. I have a strong belief in keeping Christmas confined to a finite calendar or else it takes some of the special out of the holiday if it lasts too long. 

We'll probably shoot our new footage and pictures in our new bedroom as well (we've been spending the weekend painting the bedroom and we're finishing up with the ceiling today). 

Have you done any holiday planning yet? Has any holiday pet attire caught your eye? Please share your stories and details in the comments section below. Happy pre-holidays!

Festive Thanksgiving Attire for Your Pup

Dog vest with turkey pattern available on Etsy - Phatmolly's Boutique

Collars with fall leaves

La Haute Couture pour les chiens i.e. cool couture for my pooch!

When I saw this website I thought it might be over-the-top and then I saw how beautiful the clothing is. Ok, it's not for everyone but maybe a little splurge? http://www.lefificouture.com 

This beautiful doggy sweater is called Flamenco du Soir.

Maybe I will splurge and get one of the more manly/male sweaters for Shakespeare as a special present for Christmas. 

They Do! Owners Throw Canine Weddings for Love and Treats | Treats for People | Style | PEOPLE Pets

via www.peoplepets.com

Last November, our local shelter tried to have the largest doggy wedding at an attempt to set a record while raising money for the shelter. I thought it was a fun idea but not quite promoted all that well.

The Yorkie wedding in the picture is neither for charity or record-setting - it is a doggy wedding. The owner spent $2000 on this wedding which as you can see in the pictures is one elaborate doggy wedding.

The Danger of Box Dryers

This story on the Today Show really gave me an eye-opener one morning about box dryers - I was completely unaware this is how some groomers dry dogs. I just don't trust the concept. When I asked the groomer we were going to if they used box dryers, she became very defensive. 

That conversation and the overall feeling I got from watching her in action (she was quite impatient with my dog and other dogs) gave me the creeps and I didn't go back.

When I interviewed my next and current groomer, the owner of Yuppy Puppy, she answered all of my questions thoroughly and kindly - you can tell she loves dogs. Yuppy Puppy does not use box dryers for the same reason I was worried - because they are dangerous. I don't like the idea of my poor little Shakespeare being locked in a box, unable to escape. 

The article also provides helpful guidelines for selecting a groomer and pet care. Please note: it is an unregulated industry. 

Box Dryer Article from Today Show