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.

Puppies

I had truly forgotten how much energy puppies have. Buddha and Simba haven't been in that pup stage in many years and I don't think they were ever as hyper as Willow. She has an endless supply of energy and jumps on everyone and everything without hesitation. She chews on everything she can get her paws on and is quite clever. This is all completely normal of course but I really did forget how much supervision a puppy needs at all times. Since I have a grumpy Shiba Inu, I can't leave her alone with him. He has not fully accepted her into the pack and as such, he could bite her. With time and training, all will be well but until then, she will have to be watched.

Week One With Willow

Today marks the first week with our new pup, Willow. She is catching on very quickly and she seems to be learning a great deal from Buddha. Buddha has been a great influence on all the foster dogs that we have brought in. He is confident, fearless and calm. His energy is absolutely perfect for fearful or timid dogs. Willow has had difficulty getting into the car and walking on a leash. Today, I took her and Buddha to the dog park and she took his lead. He made her less fearful in the car and she simply followed his example. It was her first day at the dog park and she did amazingly well. She made friends and ran like mad. I'm proud of her progress and I'm so happy to have Buddha in my life to help bring peace to pups.

Willow Loses A Tooth

Willow has been in our family for six days now and she's truly enjoying the nice open space. It's far better than being cooped up in a tiny crate all day. Today, she lost a tooth and I was lucky enough to find it. I never saw any of Buddha or Simba's teeth. I'm assuming that they swallowed them. First time for me! Cute little puppy tooth!

Puppy Class

Willow started puppy class just a few days after she came to us. I knew that she would have to receive training right away and I am a fan of getting things started fast. Socialization is a big deal for puppies and can shape their future. This baby girl has a lot of energy and I thought it would be best to direct it at something positive. There were only two other puppies in her first day of class and she had a hard time focusing. She was just so excited to meet everyone and didn't care about learning anything new. I can completely understand since her new found freedom has been short. She wants to experience everything to the full extent. I have high hopes for her though. First week of class was a bit of a bust but I know that with practice, she is going to kick butt!

Meet Willow

We have added a fourth dog to the pack. We simply fell in love with her and she was too adorable to say no too. She's super high energy but she is only four months old so it makes perfect sense. These are the first pictures that we got of her. Her first ride home was a bit rocky. She was extremely scared of every sound and vomited in the car. Poor girl is a rescue and she just needed some loving and caresses. We plan on giving her tons of kisses and she will be adored by her older brothers.

Lounging With Caesar

He is one of the sweetest dogs ever. He just wants to cuddle with his humans ALL the time. I don't mind it though! I love having Caesar in my life. He has made everything just a tad bit sweeter. What a blessing!

Caesar's Birthday

This is the first birthday that I get to spend with Caesar. Love this little man! He has brought so much joy and fluff into my life. I wanted to make sure to spoil him with treats, cake and toys. He was such a happy boy when he chomped into that big pup cake. We don't know exactly when Caesar was born but his dad found him on Valentine's Day many 11 years ago on the side of the road. He was a tiny little newborn pup who was covered in dirt and had worms. His dad thinks that he either escaped from a breeder or was left on the side of the road to die. There was another pup with him, probably a brother or sister but he ran away before he could be saved. Caesar has brought his dad nothing but joy and companionship through some very difficult times. He has brought me so many cuddles and kisses. We are fortunate to have him and look forward to many more years with this sweet baby boy.