When I was younger, nothing said "summer!" like the the arrival of the ice cream man. When I heard that carnival-like calliope of children's music from blocks away, the desperate hurried scramble for money and my parent's permission would begin. What is more fun than a push-up? There's nothing like orange sherbet on a stick. While I am a grown woman now and can keep ice cream in my own freezer, the sound of the ice cream man still makes me smile.
Evidently it makes my boys happy, too!
My dogs were taking naps - Wyatt on the couch, Dyson on the floor. When they heard the sound of the ice cream man approaching, they both perked up and looked outside - Dyson even jumping on the couch to look outside! I'm sure it was the happy music that got their attention, since they are not familiar with the ice cream man. Or are they more clever than even I know?? They do love their peanut butter puppy ice cream.......
I heard on the radio once that someone came up with the idea of an ice cream truck for dogs - it is a little truck that travels to bark parks and sells doggie ice cream and treats. Seriously - why didn't I think of that?? What an awesome idea!
Enjoy your summer day! Have some ice cream. Maybe even give your buddies a taste!
Robin
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Unconditional love
More and more I am noticing beautiful stories, links, pictures, etc about dogs. We love our dogs, don't we???? And why not? They love us so much. They give us so much. In fact, they give us everything they have. Every ounce of their being. Is there anything more joyous than having a happy dog greet you upon your return home? Let's be honest, if your dogs are anything like my dogs, then they will greet you with a huge smile and tail wagging after you return from using the bathroom or checking the mail - I really don't have to be gone for very long. They just love their people.
I am convinced that dogs are a gift from God. They love us all day, every day, unconditionally. If we are nice to them, they love us. If we're mean and mistreat them (because, unfortunately, not all dog owners are good dog owners), they still love us. If we're sick, they love us. Been out in the yard in the middle of the day during the summer doing yard work and smell like it? Yep - they love us then, too. In fact, can you ever think of a time when they don't act like they love us? Probably not. And if you can, then my guess it was a rare occasion. (My dog, Wyatt, acted like he didn't care for my husband and I for a day or two when we brought a new dog home. He got over it.)
You know what? God is like that, too. He loves you unconditionally. We, as people, put conditions on everything, even those we love the most. It's really hard sometimes to understand that someone can love us even when we don't earn it, especially when we are stinky and mean and miserable. Perhaps that is one of the reasons why He gave us dogs - to show us what true, unconditional love looks like. I hope the next time you see your dog, and he/she smiles at you, that you feel like it's a big ole hug from God himself. Feels good, doesn't it? Stand a little taller. Smile. YOU ARE LOVED!!!
Every once in a while I'm gonna share with you how my dogs have changed my life; how they've taught me about God and about myself. I hope you'll come on this journey with me! And share how your dogs have impacted you, too.......
Have a wonderful afternoon, friends!
Robin
I am convinced that dogs are a gift from God. They love us all day, every day, unconditionally. If we are nice to them, they love us. If we're mean and mistreat them (because, unfortunately, not all dog owners are good dog owners), they still love us. If we're sick, they love us. Been out in the yard in the middle of the day during the summer doing yard work and smell like it? Yep - they love us then, too. In fact, can you ever think of a time when they don't act like they love us? Probably not. And if you can, then my guess it was a rare occasion. (My dog, Wyatt, acted like he didn't care for my husband and I for a day or two when we brought a new dog home. He got over it.)
You know what? God is like that, too. He loves you unconditionally. We, as people, put conditions on everything, even those we love the most. It's really hard sometimes to understand that someone can love us even when we don't earn it, especially when we are stinky and mean and miserable. Perhaps that is one of the reasons why He gave us dogs - to show us what true, unconditional love looks like. I hope the next time you see your dog, and he/she smiles at you, that you feel like it's a big ole hug from God himself. Feels good, doesn't it? Stand a little taller. Smile. YOU ARE LOVED!!!
Every once in a while I'm gonna share with you how my dogs have changed my life; how they've taught me about God and about myself. I hope you'll come on this journey with me! And share how your dogs have impacted you, too.......
Have a wonderful afternoon, friends!
Robin
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
I'm a mom, too!
Ok, no, I don't have human children.
No, I didn't give birth.
Yes, I adopted. Dogs. From a shelter.
But YES, I consider myself a mom. I wash them (albeit with a bit of difficulty), feed them, sometimes clothe them, give them special treats. I worry about them, take care of them when they are sick, reward them when they do a good job, discipline them when they do not. I teach them to respect other people and animals, hug them, let them sleep in my bed (my smaller dog, anyway) and protect them from harm. I love them like they are my children and treat them as such.(Harsh truth be told, my dogs behave better than some children I've seen - I'm just sayin'........)
Sound like you, too? Yes, I AM one of those people who consider their pets as part of the family. And you know what? I'm darn proud of it, too! Feel left out of all the Hallmark card moments that seem to be happening? Well, I'm here to tell ya - I love you!! Happy Mother's Day! You are valuable and doing a good job! :)
Here's my Mother's Day gift - for this weekend when you go to my shop, you will receive free shipping when you enter coupon code "dogmom" at checkout. This is good through Monday. And going forward, I will try to have "Dog Mom Monday" - where I will feature fun shops on etsy that are a "treat" to other dog moms!http://www.etsy.com/shop/lbdboutique
Share your thoughts with me, Moms! You can talk to me about your doggies all day.... (In fact, I'd love to hear your stories!)
Have a great day, ya'll! And thanks for showing love to your dogs!
Robin
No, I didn't give birth.
Yes, I adopted. Dogs. From a shelter.
But YES, I consider myself a mom. I wash them (albeit with a bit of difficulty), feed them, sometimes clothe them, give them special treats. I worry about them, take care of them when they are sick, reward them when they do a good job, discipline them when they do not. I teach them to respect other people and animals, hug them, let them sleep in my bed (my smaller dog, anyway) and protect them from harm. I love them like they are my children and treat them as such.(Harsh truth be told, my dogs behave better than some children I've seen - I'm just sayin'........)
Sound like you, too? Yes, I AM one of those people who consider their pets as part of the family. And you know what? I'm darn proud of it, too! Feel left out of all the Hallmark card moments that seem to be happening? Well, I'm here to tell ya - I love you!! Happy Mother's Day! You are valuable and doing a good job! :)
Here's my Mother's Day gift - for this weekend when you go to my shop, you will receive free shipping when you enter coupon code "dogmom" at checkout. This is good through Monday. And going forward, I will try to have "Dog Mom Monday" - where I will feature fun shops on etsy that are a "treat" to other dog moms!http://www.etsy.com/shop/lbdboutique
Share your thoughts with me, Moms! You can talk to me about your doggies all day.... (In fact, I'd love to hear your stories!)
Have a great day, ya'll! And thanks for showing love to your dogs!
Robin
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Who rescued who?
His name is Dyson, and I believe I fell in love with him the minute I saw him. Before I even had the chance to interact with him, I knew he was going to be my dog. This rescue, however, didn't even start with him.
It started with Wyatt.
Three and a half years ago my then boyfriend, Berry, and I were at P.A.W.S., looking for a dog. My husband and his family have always been dog people. Me - not so much. Not that I disliked them, mind you, I just didn't grow up around them. My comfort level was very low and I think I was a little nervous around them. Months before, Berry adopted a dog while I was on vacation and called me to tell me he had bought a puppy - a beautiful brindle boxer. We named her Stanzie. She lived with Berry for only a short time, unfortunately. She contracted Parvo from the vet recommended by the pound and we lost her 10 days later. Berry was devastated. I was saddened, but hadn't had the chance to bond with her as much as Berry. A few months later he was ready for another dog. So this is where you find the two of us, at P.A.W.S.
I loved Wyatt (and by now dogs in general) so much I named the next dog we would have - before we even talked about adopting another.
Enter Dyson.
Berry and I both had the day off and decided - just on a whim, mind you - to stop by P.A.W.S. and look at the doggies before heading off to a vineyard for the afternoon. We looked at several, and were in the process of walking a cute little buddy that we were debating on purchasing. He was cute. He had potential. We were on the fence. I'd figure we'd think about him, but would probably be back the next day to get him. That's when I saw someone else walking the cutest little black ball of fur I'd ever seen. When we came back inside I looked and looked for him - no puppy! I was so bummed - I told Berry that there was a dog I had wished we could have seen, but I guessed he was in the process of being adopted. Then lo and behold, on our way out - there he was! Just in a cage outside of the main room. He'd only been dropped off a day or two before. He was shy even as a puppy, but once I got him out and held him - well, you know how that ended.
Dyson is like my special needs child. He is very nervous around strangers. He hates change. He barks at everything and everyone - even those he knows until he figures out they're his friends. We can't kennel him and have a hard time taking him to the vet - so we don't really travel much. You'd think he was aggressive if you didn't know him, but he's just terrified of you, and barks for his own protection. We went through one hip reconstruction last year, which involved me hand feeding him and helping him drink, leg rehab & me carrying him up and down our stairs (17 of them, I counted every time) to help him go to the bathroom - did I mention he was 45 lbs at the time? - and Berry sleeping on the floor with him so he wouldn't get up and try to walk away, thus injuring himself. Eventually we'll have to do it again, only on the other side (thank God we now live in a duplex - only 3 steps to get outside!!). He brings out impatience in people and he's the tether that keeps me tied down. And I thank God for him every day.
I get emotional when I think about that dog - I know he was meant for me, for us, to love. Both of my dogs have shown me what is most important in life. Yep, my clothes have dog hair on them - oh well. My dogs now give Mommy kisses and sleep in the bed. I'll never have that chic, oh-so-turned out home that looks immaculate. That's what slip covers are for, right? I play more, I smile more, I laugh more, and I force myself to stop what I'm doing and spend time outside with my buddies. They've changed my life. They rescued me. I don't really feel the need to be a "type A" person anymore - there's too much joy to be had hanging with my boys. And yes, I do treat them like my kids. They're spoiled. They sit on the couch. If you don't want to be loved on by dogs, you're in the wrong house.
Don't tell my hubby - but I'm already thinking about names for the next one..... ;)
Have a blessed day, friends!
Robin
(Dyson is a big boy now....)
It started with Wyatt.
Three and a half years ago my then boyfriend, Berry, and I were at P.A.W.S., looking for a dog. My husband and his family have always been dog people. Me - not so much. Not that I disliked them, mind you, I just didn't grow up around them. My comfort level was very low and I think I was a little nervous around them. Months before, Berry adopted a dog while I was on vacation and called me to tell me he had bought a puppy - a beautiful brindle boxer. We named her Stanzie. She lived with Berry for only a short time, unfortunately. She contracted Parvo from the vet recommended by the pound and we lost her 10 days later. Berry was devastated. I was saddened, but hadn't had the chance to bond with her as much as Berry. A few months later he was ready for another dog. So this is where you find the two of us, at P.A.W.S.
We looked and played with several sweet dogs, but then we saw "Baby", as he was called at the time. Dachshund-chihuahua mix, and the cutest thing I'd ever seen. Trouble was - he wasn't available to be adopted until the next day. We couldn't even take him out of the cage to play with him until the next day. But we kept coming back around to him, and he stole my heart. "Berry, come back here tomorrow and get my dog." And he did. Renamed Wyatt, it took a long time for me to get used to how our dating life changed - how our whole lives changed. I wasn't used to dogs. I was a little like Lucy from Peanuts - you know- EEK!! DOG GERMS!! I washed my hands a lot. Wouldn't let him near my mouth. Wouldn't let him on the bed. But little by little, he changed me. Softened me. Made me see what unconditional love really looked like, up close. Pretty soon he became "my dog" - followed me everywhere I went, curled up on my lap, comforted Mommy when I was feeling sad or sick. I even thought about using him as a ring bearer in our wedding!
I loved Wyatt (and by now dogs in general) so much I named the next dog we would have - before we even talked about adopting another.
Enter Dyson.
Berry and I both had the day off and decided - just on a whim, mind you - to stop by P.A.W.S. and look at the doggies before heading off to a vineyard for the afternoon. We looked at several, and were in the process of walking a cute little buddy that we were debating on purchasing. He was cute. He had potential. We were on the fence. I'd figure we'd think about him, but would probably be back the next day to get him. That's when I saw someone else walking the cutest little black ball of fur I'd ever seen. When we came back inside I looked and looked for him - no puppy! I was so bummed - I told Berry that there was a dog I had wished we could have seen, but I guessed he was in the process of being adopted. Then lo and behold, on our way out - there he was! Just in a cage outside of the main room. He'd only been dropped off a day or two before. He was shy even as a puppy, but once I got him out and held him - well, you know how that ended.
Dyson is like my special needs child. He is very nervous around strangers. He hates change. He barks at everything and everyone - even those he knows until he figures out they're his friends. We can't kennel him and have a hard time taking him to the vet - so we don't really travel much. You'd think he was aggressive if you didn't know him, but he's just terrified of you, and barks for his own protection. We went through one hip reconstruction last year, which involved me hand feeding him and helping him drink, leg rehab & me carrying him up and down our stairs (17 of them, I counted every time) to help him go to the bathroom - did I mention he was 45 lbs at the time? - and Berry sleeping on the floor with him so he wouldn't get up and try to walk away, thus injuring himself. Eventually we'll have to do it again, only on the other side (thank God we now live in a duplex - only 3 steps to get outside!!). He brings out impatience in people and he's the tether that keeps me tied down. And I thank God for him every day.
I get emotional when I think about that dog - I know he was meant for me, for us, to love. Both of my dogs have shown me what is most important in life. Yep, my clothes have dog hair on them - oh well. My dogs now give Mommy kisses and sleep in the bed. I'll never have that chic, oh-so-turned out home that looks immaculate. That's what slip covers are for, right? I play more, I smile more, I laugh more, and I force myself to stop what I'm doing and spend time outside with my buddies. They've changed my life. They rescued me. I don't really feel the need to be a "type A" person anymore - there's too much joy to be had hanging with my boys. And yes, I do treat them like my kids. They're spoiled. They sit on the couch. If you don't want to be loved on by dogs, you're in the wrong house.
Don't tell my hubby - but I'm already thinking about names for the next one..... ;)
Have a blessed day, friends!
Robin
(Dyson is a big boy now....)
Friday, April 20, 2012
"YARD SALE" at my shop!
Folks, it is that time of year - yard sale season! LOL I've really never been one for yard-saling, but my husband and I had one about a month ago, and I had so much fun! Ok, the work involved getting everything ready for the sale wasn't so much fun, it left my house a wreck for awhile and we got rained out (seriously, we did), but I had a great time! We'll be doing it again next week to try to get rid of everything that didn't make it out the door the first time!
So, to celebrate the fun of the yard sale, AND the fact that I love being able to play with my doggies in our yard, I'm having a virtual sale in my store. All collars, regardless of the size, are $7.50 and all leashes are $12.50 - that's half off the normal price! You can have a custom set for only $20 - how awesome is that?? Stock up now on your favorite collars or get some for gifts for the dog lovers in your life!
FRIDAY, 4/20 - SUNDAY 4/22 - Don't miss it!!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/lbdboutique
Hope all of you have a rockin' weekend!
Robin
So, to celebrate the fun of the yard sale, AND the fact that I love being able to play with my doggies in our yard, I'm having a virtual sale in my store. All collars, regardless of the size, are $7.50 and all leashes are $12.50 - that's half off the normal price! You can have a custom set for only $20 - how awesome is that?? Stock up now on your favorite collars or get some for gifts for the dog lovers in your life!
FRIDAY, 4/20 - SUNDAY 4/22 - Don't miss it!!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/lbdboutique
Hope all of you have a rockin' weekend!
Robin
Thursday, April 12, 2012
The Liebster Blog Award
Thank you so much, Amy from fAveritte creations, for nominating me for the Liebster Blog Award!
If none of you has seen fAveritte creations on etsy - please check it out! She has a great shop, and a seriously cute blog! (I mean seriously cute blog - I have blog envy!) Check it out - http://faverittecreations.blogspot.com/
I'm very new to the blogging world, but from what I understand, this is an awesome way to promote your blog and possibly meet other cool and creative bloggers. Well, I'm so happy to pass it on to 5 other bloggers! It is awarded to bloggers with less than 200 followers, and this is how it works:
1. Post the award on your blog
2. Show thanks to the one who chose you by linking back to them
3. Reveal your 5 picks for the award and let them know
4. Kick back, give yourself a pat on the back, and feel the love from the other supportive bloggers in the blogosphere
5. Share the love, love, love!
AND THE AWARDS GO TO:
My favorite girls, Erin and Jenny at Sunday Sisters! http://sundaysisters.blogspot.com/
Vegan cosmetics from Beaute Crue! http://beautecrue.blogspot.com/
Dianne at Dianne's Creative Place! http://www.diannescreativeplace.blogspot.com/
Candles, glass and more at Anhoki's Place! http://anhoki.blogspot.com/
Sharmon at Sharm Simple Pleasures! http://flowerpower-sharmon.blogspot.com/
Congratulations, everyone! Have a great week!
If none of you has seen fAveritte creations on etsy - please check it out! She has a great shop, and a seriously cute blog! (I mean seriously cute blog - I have blog envy!) Check it out - http://faverittecreations.blogspot.com/
I'm very new to the blogging world, but from what I understand, this is an awesome way to promote your blog and possibly meet other cool and creative bloggers. Well, I'm so happy to pass it on to 5 other bloggers! It is awarded to bloggers with less than 200 followers, and this is how it works:
1. Post the award on your blog
2. Show thanks to the one who chose you by linking back to them
3. Reveal your 5 picks for the award and let them know
4. Kick back, give yourself a pat on the back, and feel the love from the other supportive bloggers in the blogosphere
5. Share the love, love, love!
AND THE AWARDS GO TO:
My favorite girls, Erin and Jenny at Sunday Sisters! http://sundaysisters.blogspot.com/
Vegan cosmetics from Beaute Crue! http://beautecrue.blogspot.com/
Dianne at Dianne's Creative Place! http://www.diannescreativeplace.blogspot.com/
Candles, glass and more at Anhoki's Place! http://anhoki.blogspot.com/
Sharmon at Sharm Simple Pleasures! http://flowerpower-sharmon.blogspot.com/
Congratulations, everyone! Have a great week!
Friday, April 6, 2012
Thank you, Easter Bunny! Bok! Bok!
(Yes, that line is from an Easter candy commercial, in case you think I may have lost my mind.....)
I love Easter, for many reasons. It's a wonderful spiritual holiday for me (and many) first and foremost, but on a completely different note you also have some pretty awesome candy. My favorite candy of all time is a Reese's peanut butter egg, but their commercials aren't half as funny as the Cadbury creme egg's. What does this have to do with dogs, you might ask? Well, I'm getting there.....
We moved to a duplex about 6 weeks ago. The dogs absolutely love it, because we now have a huge yard that backs up against a tree line, and plenty of little woodland creatures like to scamper about. Lately, the boys have been seeing a lot of (wait for it, wait for it......) bunnies. I have no idea where they're coming from, but they seem to love those trees. And my dogs LOVE the bunnies. Wyatt always seems to notice them first, and will bolt after them like a bat out of Hell. Dyson just runs after Wyatt - he doesn't want to miss out on whatever his brother has found! They never catch any - I think it would scare them if they did - but they love the chase!
Well, bunnies are making everybody happy this weekend - whether the real thing or a candy version. Hope all ya'll have a wonderful weekend, too!
Robin
I love Easter, for many reasons. It's a wonderful spiritual holiday for me (and many) first and foremost, but on a completely different note you also have some pretty awesome candy. My favorite candy of all time is a Reese's peanut butter egg, but their commercials aren't half as funny as the Cadbury creme egg's. What does this have to do with dogs, you might ask? Well, I'm getting there.....
We moved to a duplex about 6 weeks ago. The dogs absolutely love it, because we now have a huge yard that backs up against a tree line, and plenty of little woodland creatures like to scamper about. Lately, the boys have been seeing a lot of (wait for it, wait for it......) bunnies. I have no idea where they're coming from, but they seem to love those trees. And my dogs LOVE the bunnies. Wyatt always seems to notice them first, and will bolt after them like a bat out of Hell. Dyson just runs after Wyatt - he doesn't want to miss out on whatever his brother has found! They never catch any - I think it would scare them if they did - but they love the chase!
Well, bunnies are making everybody happy this weekend - whether the real thing or a candy version. Hope all ya'll have a wonderful weekend, too!
Robin
Monday, April 2, 2012
March contest winner!
Congratulations to AnneGTS - she's the winner of the March doggie collar giveaway! While it's not $640 million, it's fun and free! LOL
Happy April to all of you, my friends - in a few days I'll announce the contest for April for all of you subscribing members!
Did any of you play an "April Fool's" joke on your furry friends??? Let's hear about it!
Have a great day, friends!
Robin
Happy April to all of you, my friends - in a few days I'll announce the contest for April for all of you subscribing members!
Did any of you play an "April Fool's" joke on your furry friends??? Let's hear about it!
Have a great day, friends!
Robin
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
If I knew you were coming..... part 2
Well friends, you'll soon find out that my mind jumps around from project to project - maybe I have a form of "Craft ADD"?? Or maybe my mind is working overtime on new, fun stuff to make and enjoy? Maybe a combo of the two. While I am currently working on my textiles line that is being slowly unveiled for the public this Friday, I didn't want to forget the fun cakes I have been working on for the the past few weeks! Believe me, my boys have enjoyed the cake experiments!
As of today, I will have three "pupcake" flavors available for purchase: banana/carob chip, carrot and carob. All are frosted with a yummy cream cheese or carob cream cheese frosting (and yes, I know because I have tasted them myself...) - some even decorated with carob chips. Currently you may buy the cupcakes on etsy and have them shipped to you - perfect for any time you want to celebrate with your furry friends! If you are in the Nashville area - you may also order them at Scentaments in Goodlettsville starting Friday. If you live in the Murfreesboro, TN area......well, I might even deliver some pupcakes to ya, if you're nice! lol
And yes, even without any salt, sugar, corn or preservatives, the carrot cake is AWESOME! I ate a couple myself..... All natural stuff for our friends, ya'll - they deserve it! And my boys fight over some cake, let me tell ya.
Here's a pic of the carrot cupcakes & the banana/carob chip cupcakes and a link in case you feel like ordering some....
As of today, I will have three "pupcake" flavors available for purchase: banana/carob chip, carrot and carob. All are frosted with a yummy cream cheese or carob cream cheese frosting (and yes, I know because I have tasted them myself...) - some even decorated with carob chips. Currently you may buy the cupcakes on etsy and have them shipped to you - perfect for any time you want to celebrate with your furry friends! If you are in the Nashville area - you may also order them at Scentaments in Goodlettsville starting Friday. If you live in the Murfreesboro, TN area......well, I might even deliver some pupcakes to ya, if you're nice! lol
And yes, even without any salt, sugar, corn or preservatives, the carrot cake is AWESOME! I ate a couple myself..... All natural stuff for our friends, ya'll - they deserve it! And my boys fight over some cake, let me tell ya.
Here's a pic of the carrot cupcakes & the banana/carob chip cupcakes and a link in case you feel like ordering some....
Hope all of you enjoy this beautiful first day of Spring!
Take care,
Robin
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Celebrate good times, come on!
Hey friends! Had THE MOST encouraging phone call today! Spoke to Vickie Martin, the owner of Scentaments Floral Design, a great store in Goodlettsville, TN. Currently my doggie treats are available for purchase in her store - she is the first person who has supported The Little Black Dog Boutique in her own retail store, and I am very grateful for her support! (Don't get me wrong - there are several people that have been instrumental in promoting LBDBoutique - and I appreciate them a bunch, too!) Anyway, back to the phone call......
What I didn't know is that she used to be a dog handler/trainer for the AKC (American Kennel Club), and her love for doggies and training them has come back to the point where she can't deny it anymore - she will start training again this month! We talked dogs and product and long story short - Scentaments will start carrying my textiles line, which, if you checked out my last post, is "under construction" - no pun intended. So..... if you are in the Nashville/Goodlettsville area, there will be a store that carries my dog collars, dog leashes and soon to be developed dog apparel and bedding/pillows!!! Hallelujah!
I'm so excited! I will see her on Friday to pick out where in her shop my products will be, and then I'll be making fun dog stuff over the weekend to sell in my new space! How awesome is that??? :D
What I didn't know is that she used to be a dog handler/trainer for the AKC (American Kennel Club), and her love for doggies and training them has come back to the point where she can't deny it anymore - she will start training again this month! We talked dogs and product and long story short - Scentaments will start carrying my textiles line, which, if you checked out my last post, is "under construction" - no pun intended. So..... if you are in the Nashville/Goodlettsville area, there will be a store that carries my dog collars, dog leashes and soon to be developed dog apparel and bedding/pillows!!! Hallelujah!
I'm so excited! I will see her on Friday to pick out where in her shop my products will be, and then I'll be making fun dog stuff over the weekend to sell in my new space! How awesome is that??? :D
Monday, March 12, 2012
Falling in love again....
I know, this sounds like an odd title for a doggie blog, right? But I'm so excited - I've fallen in love with my sewing machine again!
When I was younger I dreamt that I would be a fashion designer and learned to sew at a fairly early age. My grandmother sewed (still does, actually), my mother sewed and I loved it too. I went to college as a fashion merchandising major and LOVED all of my classes that dealt with "construction" - actually sewing and creating garments. Instead of design I went into retail, and away went my sewing machine (and any time I would have spent on it).
Fast forward to a few years later, and my creative side kept calling to me. Ever get that sickened feeling when you see someone doing something you wish you could be doing? I felt that way any time I walked back into a craft/fabric store. Along comes my idea for my "Little Black Dog Boutique"! The textile side (collars, leashes, bedding and clothes) was going to join my treats, eventually, but I'll be honest - it's been about 10 years since I used my sewing machine in college! I even bought a machine several years ago, but it stayed in it's box, being carried around from place to place until I had the nerve to start sewing again. Threading my machine was actually intimidating. But........
I LOVE IT!!!! Again. Made a few dog collars this weekend that will be sold in the store, and now I feel like the addiction has been fed - I want to sew more, more, more! What a joy. It has taken me a little while to get back into the swing of things, and I made a few mistakes, but I haven't had this much fun in a while. For March the giveaway to one of you subscribers/members will be one of these fun dog collars! And check out my store on etsy later this week for more collars and leashes to come! (My etsy store address is www.etsy.com/shop/lbdboutique)
Have fun and be creative today!
Robin
When I was younger I dreamt that I would be a fashion designer and learned to sew at a fairly early age. My grandmother sewed (still does, actually), my mother sewed and I loved it too. I went to college as a fashion merchandising major and LOVED all of my classes that dealt with "construction" - actually sewing and creating garments. Instead of design I went into retail, and away went my sewing machine (and any time I would have spent on it).
Fast forward to a few years later, and my creative side kept calling to me. Ever get that sickened feeling when you see someone doing something you wish you could be doing? I felt that way any time I walked back into a craft/fabric store. Along comes my idea for my "Little Black Dog Boutique"! The textile side (collars, leashes, bedding and clothes) was going to join my treats, eventually, but I'll be honest - it's been about 10 years since I used my sewing machine in college! I even bought a machine several years ago, but it stayed in it's box, being carried around from place to place until I had the nerve to start sewing again. Threading my machine was actually intimidating. But........
Have fun and be creative today!
Robin
Thursday, March 1, 2012
If I knew you were coming...
I'd have baked a cake! Actually, I am baking cake today - for my buddies! I'll be introducing a line of doggie celebration cakes very, very soon - stay tuned! So far I've made a banana/ carob chip cake with carob cream cheese frosting that the boys LOVE. Today, I think the flavor is...... carrot! I'll let ya know how things go!
Have you ever made a cake for your pup? Anything special that you do for your doggies to celebrate birthdays or other milestones? Share your stories and pics!
Woof! (Or "Have a great day!")
Robin
Have you ever made a cake for your pup? Anything special that you do for your doggies to celebrate birthdays or other milestones? Share your stories and pics!
Woof! (Or "Have a great day!")
Robin
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Stormy weather & rescue pups
It's that time of year again - storm season. Personally, I love the idea of a rainy day spent on the couch with a cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate (depending on my mood) and a good book. After the addition of my two sons to the mix, and the propensity for tornadoes to run through the mid state area, severe weather is now something I don't look forward to.
My dogs don't love severe weather! Dyson, in particular, is very skittish when he hears strong winds and thunder. Wyatt, who always wants to be as close to mama as possible on a good day, becomes even more clingy. Not to say that I blame them, but as we all know, our dogs are very intuitive - so if I look nervous, they become even more so. It's up to me to keep them calm, so I get my "tornado plan" together - where will we go in the house if we encounter a tornado warning? Do I have some water/my cell phone/blankets/their leads handy and in a convenient place? It's helpful to have a plan of attack for ALL of the members of your family, including your four legged ones!
Now, unfortunately, many of our communities will fall victim to severe weather. Just today we hear of tornadoes damaging homes and buildings in Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. Friends - PLEASE help each other! And let's not forget that many families had pets - be on the lookout for stray animals that might have been displaced due to severe weather. If possible, offer them shelter or take them to a rescue location. And always, if in the position to buy yourself or your family a new friend, check out the shelters and rescue facilities in your area. Initially it may look like you rescued your pup (or kitty), but they usually return the favor and rescue you in return....
How do you keep your doggies feeling secure during nasty weather?
Have a safe afternoon, friends, and show some love to your dogs today!
Robin
My dogs don't love severe weather! Dyson, in particular, is very skittish when he hears strong winds and thunder. Wyatt, who always wants to be as close to mama as possible on a good day, becomes even more clingy. Not to say that I blame them, but as we all know, our dogs are very intuitive - so if I look nervous, they become even more so. It's up to me to keep them calm, so I get my "tornado plan" together - where will we go in the house if we encounter a tornado warning? Do I have some water/my cell phone/blankets/their leads handy and in a convenient place? It's helpful to have a plan of attack for ALL of the members of your family, including your four legged ones!
Now, unfortunately, many of our communities will fall victim to severe weather. Just today we hear of tornadoes damaging homes and buildings in Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. Friends - PLEASE help each other! And let's not forget that many families had pets - be on the lookout for stray animals that might have been displaced due to severe weather. If possible, offer them shelter or take them to a rescue location. And always, if in the position to buy yourself or your family a new friend, check out the shelters and rescue facilities in your area. Initially it may look like you rescued your pup (or kitty), but they usually return the favor and rescue you in return....
How do you keep your doggies feeling secure during nasty weather?
Have a safe afternoon, friends, and show some love to your dogs today!
Robin
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
I love my buddies!
Is this not the best?? It's so true! Make sure you give your dog(s) lots of love today - they will always return the favor!"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.
You are his life, his love, his leader.
He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion."
-Unknown
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Happy Valentine's Day, Friends!
Howdy, all! Today is a little gloomy and chilly, so I'm giving myself the day to hang with my babies and make them a cake! I'll show ya'll the pics when I'm done! Hope all of you have a wonderful Valentine's day, and remember that even if you don't have a sweetie right now - your pups love you with 100% of their being, 100% of the time!! Let your doggie give you a big, fat kiss!
To give all of you some Valentine love, I'm giving you a discount on all goodies in my etsy shop, til the end of the week! To view my shop, go to www.etsy.com/shop/lbdboutique. Enter in coupon code vday15 to receive 15% off your order of goodies! You can spoil your doggies AND save money at the same time! I'd love to bake something yummy for your dogs.
So what are you doing for Valentine's day? Anything special for your pups? Feel free to share stories and pics!
Have a great day, friends!
Robin
To give all of you some Valentine love, I'm giving you a discount on all goodies in my etsy shop, til the end of the week! To view my shop, go to www.etsy.com/shop/lbdboutique. Enter in coupon code vday15 to receive 15% off your order of goodies! You can spoil your doggies AND save money at the same time! I'd love to bake something yummy for your dogs.
So what are you doing for Valentine's day? Anything special for your pups? Feel free to share stories and pics!
Have a great day, friends!
Robin
Monday, February 13, 2012
I'm a twit!!
Yes, my friends, I have started a twitter account! Follow me on twitter @LBDogBoutique!!
Woof!!
Woof!!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
And the winner is......
Christi!! Congratulations, you've won the giveaway of Frosted Peanut Butter Hearts! I hope your furry friend enjoys them!
For the rest of you friends, I'll be giving away some fun new goodie or product each month, so don't go away! Also, if you'd like to buy some Frosted Peanut Butter hearts for your doggies for Valentine's Day (or at any time of the year, just to say "I love you!"), check out the listing on etsy at: http://www.etsy.com/listing/92176988/gourmet-dog-cookies-frosted-peanut
Don't have an etsy account, or would rather not create one, and want to purchase any of my doggie treats? No problem! Contact me, and you can pay through pay pal! Easy cheesy!
Have a great night, friends! And congratulations again to Christy!
Robin
For the rest of you friends, I'll be giving away some fun new goodie or product each month, so don't go away! Also, if you'd like to buy some Frosted Peanut Butter hearts for your doggies for Valentine's Day (or at any time of the year, just to say "I love you!"), check out the listing on etsy at: http://www.etsy.com/listing/92176988/gourmet-dog-cookies-frosted-peanut
Don't have an etsy account, or would rather not create one, and want to purchase any of my doggie treats? No problem! Contact me, and you can pay through pay pal! Easy cheesy!
Have a great night, friends! And congratulations again to Christy!
Robin
Monday, February 6, 2012
Valentine's Day Treat Giveaway!!
Hi friends! I love my kids, and love yours, too! We give little tokens of appreciation to our "significant others" in our lives on Valentine's Day, why not give a little present to the ones who show us unconditional love all day, every day?
I'm here to help! On Wednesday, Feb 8, I will draw a name from all of you who subscribe to the blog to giveaway my Frosted Peanut Butter Hearts!
These peanut butter cookies are made with organic whole wheat flour, all natural peanut butter and milk, and frosted with yogurt! Could it get any healthier?? I'll help spoil your furry friend with a 1/2 lb of these yummy treats - that's a little over 5 dozen little cookies! Just a little "Thank You" for subscribing, and a "Happy Valentine's Day" to your buddy!
Not a subscriber yet? Sign up, it's not too late! We'll draw on Wednesday.....
Have a wonderful day, friends!
Robin
I'm here to help! On Wednesday, Feb 8, I will draw a name from all of you who subscribe to the blog to giveaway my Frosted Peanut Butter Hearts!
Not a subscriber yet? Sign up, it's not too late! We'll draw on Wednesday.....
Have a wonderful day, friends!
Robin
Saturday, February 4, 2012
One more pic!
Just found the cutest pic of my crazy Dyson as a sweet puppy! Can you see how we couldn't live without him??? Share your favorite puppy pics!
Meet my kids!
It didn't really stop there, you know. A year or so had passed, and my husband had the day off. He'd been wanting another dog. I said (of course) "No way until we get more space in the house!", but agreed to go to P.A.W.S. just to look at them..... You know what happened, right? LOL Took one look at that puppy, and we both were done for. We never did make it to the winery that day..... Here's little black dog #2, Dyson, as a puppy.
Couldn't pass him up! Fast forward even a few more months and we're on vacation in Ocean City, MD and I go into my first dog boutique. That was pretty much the start of my addiction to all things doggie. A year or so later, and here I am - addicted to dogs, an owner of an online dog boutique where I make the healthiest (and yummiest!) dog treats and cookies because I love to treat my kids to fun, healthy treats! In addition, I am working on more dog products to be added to the line soon - pillows, clothing and toys. I have so much fun!
Check out my site on etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/lbdboutique
In the meantime, keep checking back here regularly, as I'll be adding recipes, dog party ideas, and fun talk about all things dog! A Valentine's Day giveaway will be happening next week for some lucky subscriber - so subscribe to hear about our fun adventures, giveaways, tips and share the love of doggies!
I want to hear about your favorite furry friends! Tell me about your dog!
See ya soon!
Robin
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