Friday, December 17, 2010

Favorite Holiday Memories


I had a really great childhood. I always had the safety and security of a home, always food on the table, good parents, friends and relatives. We were country kids, used our imagination for play, climbed trees and did chores. My parents gave us the best that they could provide and by no means was my family wealthy.

There are many great memories for holidays -- laughter and fun, excellent food, tales of tipping over outhouses (never cattle) and other high jinx rather than high-end ticket items or other commercialization.

Before I get to my favorite memory, I need to explain about my father. He was a wonderful man, kind hearted, no nonsense, down to earth, very hard worker and one of the smartest men ever despite no formal education. He had a rough childhood being born in the depression, a mother who passed away when he was very young and an alcoholic father. The kids were split up and passed around to other family members. He never had a Christmas as a child. He and my mother always did.

It was Christmas Eve 1979. My brother and sister were both home and I was 19 and still living at home in Bismarck, North Dakota. Brrr. We been out running around in different directions and were home for dinner. We had just finished and were relaxing when my dad said, “Feed the dogs, do the dishes, close the drapes, it will get dark quicker.” The big kid that he was wanted to open his presents! I remember that I got him an air corn popper as they were just out on the market.

I would love to hear about your favorite Christmas memory.


Annie, Cody and Copper



Thursday, December 16, 2010

Vision Problems


Some dogs and cats suffer from retinal atrophy, which makes it hard for them to see in dim light. Others can get cataracts, glaucoma or other eye diseases that cause their sight to dim. There are sophisticated treatments available, but even if your pet doesn’t regain her 20/20, there are many things you can do to make her life easier. Try these tips:

-Don’t play musical chairs: moving furniture can confuse dim sighted pets and can even cause injury. If you don’t have to, don’t move the furniture.

-Show her around: If you do shuffle the furniture or your pet’s vision has suddenly faded, lead her around on a leash for a day or two to help her find her way. It’s also a good idea to confine her to one or two rooms until she knows them well. Most pets want to be around people, so you can keep her in rooms you frequent so she won’t be alone.

-Be predictable: Stability is important for poorly sighted pets. Leaving their food and water in the same place will give them a sense of order and security. The same goes for litter boxes and beds -- the less you move them around the better.

-Give her a leash on life: If your pet has even the slightest trouble, don’t let her wander outside unless she’s on a leash or in a fenced area where she can’t escape.

-Bring in a friend: Sometimes a pet with vision will help one without it. In many cases they are willing to be very giving to the pet that can’t see, helping to guide her around.

-Try a new hairdo: If your pet has vision problems and her bangs are hanging in front of her eyes, trim them away. Hair in a pet’s eyes can further impair vision that’s already questionable.

When to see the vet? Animals are adaptable and because of their fine-tuned senses have an uncanny ability to get around. Some pets can actually hear if a door is open or closed. Blind dogs are often reluctant to go up or down stairs. Blind cats might not jump up on furniture as much as they used to. You may notice she had problems finding you when called.

One other way to tell is with the cotton ball test. Stand several feet in front of your pet and drop a cotton ball. If you do it a couple of times and your pet doesn’t even glance at it, she may be having trouble seeing. Any pet with vision problems needs to be seen by a vet.

*These tips are home remedies only and should not ever be used as a substitute for any treatment that may have been prescribed by your veterinarian. If your pet has a medical problem, we urge you to seek competent medical care.

Alice England

Makingstuffwithlove.etsy.com

Wednesday, December 15, 2010


Can you guess these Christmas songs?

You will find two lines from six different Christmas songs below. Guess what song they belong to and send your answers to my Catcalls shop. The winner will be sent a surprise stuffed animal in time for Christmas! A name will be drawn in the event of a tie.

Good Luck!

And enjoy the completely unrelated pictures along the way!



1. The virgin Mary and Christ were there
On Christmas Day in the morning.



2. Where meek souls will receive him, still
The dear Christ enters in.


3. That hath made heaven and earth of naught,
And with his blood mankind hath bought.


4. Saints before the altar bending,
Watching long in hope and fear,


5. Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
While we raise our hearts in love


6. Gosh oh gee, how happy I'd be,
If I could only whistle (thhhh, thhhh)


By Patty

from

Catcalls and Dogbarks

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

SHOW AND TELL TUESDAY

Really short and cute today.

Pauline sent this to me, and I thought it was worth sharing. So here's a plug for Pauline.

Pauline makes some top of the line doggie dresses and the cutest slip dresses for pets, and more. Check out her shop and you will even see many kitties dressed in her fashions. Visit her at www.PaulinesFashions.com

Now here is the cute video she shared with me:

Diana

http://www.dianadesignsny.etsy.com/

http://www.stylindogsboutique.etsy.com/

Monday, December 13, 2010

Artists Contributing to the December Pet Sampler Boxes

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Sunday, December 12, 2010

Sasha's Night Before Christmas Part 4

(Click on the pictures to see how you can get one of your very own.)



His eyes-how they sparkled! His eye dots so merry!
His ears like warm fuzzy socks, his nose like a blackberry!



His happy little mouth was smiling at me,



And his tail was wagging as fast as can be.



The hubby stuffed bone he held tight in his lips,
And the drool flowed down with many drips.



He had a black and tan face and a little round tum-tum,



That made him waddle and sometimes fall on his bum-bum.



To Be Finished Next Week:

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Saturday Blog Hop 12/11/10

A glimpse of spring for all of those buried in snow:



Welcome Pet Blog Hoppers!
Give us a follow and we'll return the favor.


Click here to sign up for our email list and
Click here to see our team Pet Sampler boxes.






A sampling of the artisans who contribute to the pet sampler boxes --------------------------->