dogs and design

As a dog owner, I personally don't believe that a house is a home until there's at least one four-legged, furry beast running around under it's roof. Apparently, the folks at Domino magazine agree with me because they've recently compiled a slideshow of fabulous homes and rooms - all of which feature a delightful doggie here and there. A few of the photos are featured here, but to see the entire slideshow, click here to check it out. Oh, and the photo at the very bottom isn't from Domino (as is evidenced by the horrible photography resulting in scary dog eyes)... it's from my humble abode.

Sullivan (rear) and Mona Mae (bottom left) chilling out at home...

the prototype

So, some exciting news... I'm in the process of developing my first line of handmade dog collars. It's always scary when you're putting something out there for approval that you've created. But I'm hopeful that they will be well-received.

I've been making collars for a while for myself and friends, but this is my first attempt to actual start a business with them. The collar above is an example of what I'll be making in the coming weeks. Mona Mae loves to be my model. I'll try to get a photo of her in it very soon.

so... am i crazy?

I am not normally a "yellow" person... don't have one STITCH of it in my house. But lately, I've really been drawn to fabrics and other things that are using that color. I'm also SERIOUSLY in love with Rubie Green, Michelle Adams new line of 100% organic cotton fabrics. I mean, LOVE. And the marriage of these two recent obsessions collides with this amazing Marilyn fabric. Now, as previously mentioned, there is absolutely nowhere in my house this will fit. So I'm thinking that this would make a fabulous dog bed cover for Mona Mae... but is the $90/yard price tag a little steep for something that will quickly become covered in doggie muck?

canine freestyle

There's a movement that's been around for a while called Canine Freestyle. It's essentially a choreographed performance organized with music illustrating the training and relationship of a dog and handler team. The performances have always blown my mind because I know how hard I've worked through the years to train my dogs to just stay off the furniture!

But canine freestyling is receiving a boost in attention these days from Kate and Gin, a dog and handler in the United Kingdom who have been participating in "Britain's Got Talent" on television.

Check out their performance below!

kari herer photography

I love dogs, flowers and photography so Kari Herer is a girl after my own heart. Her photographs capture dogs in a wonderful way, and the flowers are just gorgeous. Kari used to photograph for Vera Wang Fine Papers, but she's out on her own these days and is selling her work on Etsy. You can check out more of her photographs (and buy them too!) here.

wednesday recipe: oatmeal cookies

One of the regular features of my new blog format will be a weekly recipe posting every Wednesday. I'll be giving you guys healthy, delicious recipes that your dogs will LOVE! This week... Oatmeal cookies!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups oat flour
1 1/2 cups brown rice flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 cups rolled oats (the old-fashioned kind... not instant)
1 cup finely chopped, unsalted peanuts
2 eggs
1/4 cup safflower oil
3/4 cup peanut butter (unsalted)
1/2 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients together and mix thoroughly. Roll into small balls (about 1" in diameter) and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Press each one down to flatten the cookies.

Bake 18-22 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Let cool completely on a wire rack. Store at room temperature in a loosely covered container.


ENJOY!

Whole Dog Journal

I'm always trying to learn new ways to take care of my dogs as holistically as possible. It can get a little overwhelming at times... either there's conflicting information, too much information or NO information at all.

But the biggest asset I've had in dealing with my dogs' health and well-being is the Whole Dog Journal. It's a monthly guide to natural dog care and training. I kind of consider them the Consumer Reports for dogs because they don't accept advertising, and they usually have a great round of product reviews every month. I also rely on their yearly dog food reviews.

I highly recommend getting a subscription to this great publication. Once you're a subscriber, you can access the monthly issues online, and you get a discount on all back issues. There's no better way to stay up-to-date on the latest in dog healthcare and training.

Mona Mae is SOO Fabulous!

So I swear I'm NOT one of those people that dresses up her dogs all the time. And I have NEVER put her in a dress. I confine my doggie clothing purchases to sweaters and coats (and costumes only for Halloween). But I just had to show off Miss Mona Mae in my newest purchase:



Cute little Isaac Mizrahi trench coat from Target... only $6 on clearance!

New Direction

To everyone who followed the chronicles of Penny's puppies... thank you so much for your support and interest. Now that all the little guys have moved on to new homes, I've decided to change direction with my blog rather than discontinue it.

I will continue to post the occasional rescue that passes my way (and often somehow ends up in my car on the way to my house), but I plan for this blog to evolve into something more. Starting next week, I will begin posting about all things dog-centric... training, treats, food, toys and anything else dog-related you can imagine. I hope that my blog can become a fun and interesting place for everyone who enjoys their dogs as much as I do.

Tune in next week for brand new posts and some exciting news from me!