Dog Fabric

My love of animals is found in nearly every aspect of my life. Not only do I have cheesy dog shirts, car magnets, blankets and paintings but now I am using fabric with dogs on it to sew things. Just recently I learned some very basic sewing skills and started making book sleeves. Books are an obsession and I have successfully intertwined the two. I found a cute fabric and used it to make a dog bed and a dog book sleeve. I just can't help loving these adorable fabrics!It doesn't stop with dogs though. I have found some other great fabrics with owls, deer, alpaca and other cute woodland creatures. Be still my heart! Love me some CHEESE!

Simba's Acceptance

As I've said before, Simba doesn't get along with a lot of dogs. He is fearful and unsure and ends up lashing out. I knew that introducing Willow wouldn't be easy but we have learned the tools of introduction into our pack when Caesar joined us. I have felt far more confident this time around and it's all thanks to Jack Egan of K-9 Korporation. When Caesar came to our home, I was a nervous wreck. I truly thought that Simba was going to hurt Caesar so we sought an expert. A lot of the training had to do with my attitude and anxieties towards Simba. I learned a lot about myself and applied those skills to introduce Willow to our park. Below you will see Simba trying to actually PLAY with Willow. It makes my heart melt because I see that they are happy together. It is all working out!

Spring Fling

The pups are enjoying the warmer weather. While I sit on the deck and read a book or just take in the peace of the forest, they bask in the sun. These quiet days are the best. Plus, Buddha and Simba got new bow ties and just had to model them!

Doggy Daycare

I remember when I used to leave Simba and Buddha at doggy daycare when I had to work long hours. Buddha would always come out happy and exhausted while Simba would be exhausted but not from playing. Apparently, he never enjoyed the company of the other random dogs and he would follow around the humans instead. I didn't recognize his discomfort and kept sending him alongside his brother. Later, Simba grew fearful of other dogs. It is possible that something happened at the daycare that he took to heart. Simba doesn't forget anything. I will leave a cookie on a shelf for a few days and he will not forget. Even after it has been removed, he still goes looking for it.

Willow on the other hand is proving to be a handful at daycare. She is very high energy and has made a lot of puppy friends. The trainer gave me a raised eyebrow look today when I asked how she did. He said that he had to work with her a lot. It's true that Willow is squirmy, jumpy and full of energy but she's only five months old. Sounds normal to me! The daycare is a way to socialize her and to get the crazy energy out. She seems to be enjoying it though and even though it's pricey, it's worth it. Don't get me wrong, I don't take her every day. That would be insane! Only as necessary and as money will permit.

Pretty Girl

I had some fun dressing Willow up in different patterns of fabric. I used to make these bandanas for the dogs all the time but it's been a long while. The red one is from when Buddha and Simba were puppies. The pink is for our little princess. I am hoping to start up with the creativity again and make some fun items for the pup. She's growing FAST!

New Dog Bed

I made a new dog bed for Willow today. I bought a super cute fabric with dogs on it and used old cushions to fill it. I couldn't pass up the fabric and I think she is enjoying it. She will likely outgrow it very quickly but it does the trick for now!

She has most recently learned leave it and is practicing manners with the other dogs. Simba has gotten better with her but we still will not leave them alone together. He has an attitude and seems to be a little set in his ways. It will take time to train him to accept her while also training her to be calmer. PATIENCE is key!

Wacky Willow

The pup is four months and three weeks today. She is extremely energetic and she paces A LOT!!! I am not sure if the pacing has something to do with her feeling uneasy or anxious but she just doesn't like to sit down. She also likes to smash her very hard skull into mine or on other parts of my body. It hurts!

She has improved in a number of ways just in these three short weeks. She knows sit, down and leave it. The puppy class is helping her to get some of the energy out and the practice is really reinforcing it.Willow will likely continue to have potty errors but I trust in the next few weeks she will figure it out. Puppies! Wacky, wonderful and tiresome.