Celebrate Your Imperfections

I love this pillow Heather Hamilton from Dooce found on Etsy... It makes me think of Gus when he was a puppy, forced to wear one of these cones for weeks while recovering from his hip surgery. Poor puppy... In addition to this humiliation, there were several weeks where Gus had no pants, as the vets had to shave his entire midsection for the operation... how embarrassing!

Charly's never worn a cone, but he has his own imperfections, like the fact that he can't help but bark at little kids... bad dog. But we love them all the same, like we love our family, our friends, and ourselves, all of us with our own problems and bad habits. 

Let It Snow!

When you live in Minnesota, both you and your pets have to be prepared for the weather. Take today for instance... The temperature is 5 below, with strong winds making it feel like it's minus 25! Plus there are two inches of new snow on top of an ice sheet created by yesterday's mild temperatures turning frigid. I'm just glad we're in Germany for this storm, avoiding the arctic temperatures and brutal driving conditions. 

To make it through a Minnesota winter without freezing your tushie off or losing your mind, it's important to a.) take a short break from the tundra and head south for a couple of days, south as in Mexico, California, Forida, or Arizona.... and b.) have yourself a good warm winter coat, and I mean toasty warm. 

This goes for your dog as well... make sure your buddy is prepared for the winter weather with this very stylish and warm bomber jacket from Idawg clothing. This coat has a highly water-resistant exterior so it's great for the snowy weather and it has 3M Thinsulate water-resistant poly-filling for added warmth. Reflective piping along the stripes and shoulder seams ensure added visibility for your pup at night and the zipper front enclosure with fur guard creates a nice snug fit. Gus sure needs one of these today...

My Sleep Number

So we've only got about three weeks left of our three month adventure in Germany, and I've been thinking a lot about what I'll miss most when we're back home... 

I'll certainly miss not having to drive. We haven't been in a car since we left Minnesota and it is so nice to be able to get around without joining the masses on the road. We simply walk everywhere, or hop on the train. In four hours we can be in Paris. In three hours we can be in Brussels. In 6 hours we're in Berlin. It's great! 

And I've mentioned this before but the best part about this is that the dogs can hop on board too, as long as you pay the doggy fare. What a huge difference it would make in our lives if the buses and light rail in Minneapolis allowed Gus and Charly to ride. 

Todd Edelman at Green Idea Factory has been working on promoting "Dogs on Board" in the United States and Canada. Allowing dogs on buses and trains could reduce congestion on the road, save us money, and make riding public transportation a more convenient and viable option for those of us who own pets. There are plenty of ways to make sure buses and trains remain safe and comfortable means of transit. Surely if Europe can do it we can do it too...

I'll tell you what I won't miss though... my European bed. I just can't wait to get home and get into my Sleep Number Bed. Swear to god, it's the best bed I've ever slept on. Since we arrived here in Germany I've been having quite a bit of back pain, which I used to have but got rid of by buying a Sleep Number bed. And the money we spent on that bed was well worth it, because the acute pain I was having in my lower back immediately went away. Here we're sleeping on a regular old mattress, and the lower back pain has unfortunately returned. I can't wait to get home and get a good night's sleep again!

Speaking of Sleep Number, Select Comfort is coming out with a Sleep Number Pet Bed, so you and your buddy can both get your beauty sleep. The Sleep Number Pet Bed is adjustable for comfort and support, making it ideal for older dogs or dogs with arthritis or other health issues. It's also covered in a soft micro-suede waterproof outer layer which is super durable and easy to clean. Why not give your pet the same luxury and comfort you enjoy from your Sleep Number bed!

Oh Shoot!

Yesterday I spent an hour on Skype, talking to my mom, but mostly watching my dogs on the video camera. This was the first time since we left Minnesota that I've seen the dogs live, in action, in flesh and blood. 

It was pretty wonderful, watching them wrestle each other, bark out the window, and stare at the computer screen with bewilderment. I'm pretty sure Charly didn't understand a word I said, but Gus, he seemed to perk his ears and wonder for a brief minute where my voice was coming from. At least that's what I'd like to think. 

Talking with my mom I realized I have no idea where I left my keys for our Minneapolis home. I'm sure before leaving I put them somewhere and thought, there's no way I'll forget where these are. Has this happened to you? Now I have absolutely no clue where I left them. 

Doggie Key Chain from fitszu. I obviously need one of these. 

And Cut...

I was going to save this post for Christmas Day, when so many of us who don't get presents, or meet Santa, or gather around the tree end up going to the movies instead, after eating Chinese of course. 

But, I think a lot of people end up going to the movies on Thanksgiving too, at least on the Friday after the Turkey Day. It's either the movies, or face the masses at the mall, and who wants to do that. 

A friend of mine in Austria sent me this link. It's a movie theater in Vienna that has Doggy Movie Day once a month! You can meet other dog lovers and catch a movie with your pooch in the next seat. How awesome! They even provide popcorn for the dogs...

European dog culture, at least in Germany and Austria, is so different than at home. I've mentioned this before on this blog but dogs can basically go anywhere with their humans. You see them at restaurants, in the subway, on the trains, and I guess even at the movie sometimes. 

I love it! Wish I could take my dog to see the new highly acclaimed Disney move Bolt! It's gotten rave reviews and I'm sure we'd all have a blast together. I don't think any movie theater at home would allow Gus and Charly to make it through their doors though. I'll have to wait some months and rent it instead. 

Happy Thanksgiving to you and all of your furry friends! 

Get Me Some Uggs!

So winter here in Europe has been pretty mild, to say the least, up until well, now. We're currently in Bratislava, Slovakia where the temperature is something like 28 degrees Farenheit, and it's snowing! Apparently it snowed for the first time this winter in Bonn yesterday too. This region of Europe is well known for being mildly cold and very very rainy compared to say, Minnesota, where it's bitter cold and always snowing, but sunny. 

Honestly, I don't miss the snow one bit. Not a bit. I know I may be alone on this one among my friends in Minnesota, but I would take rain and mild temperatures over sun and freezing cold and snow any day. I would. 

So today in the Star Tribune there's a great article about how to "winterize" your pups. And from first hand experience, winterizing is definitely a must, although some dogs, like Gus for example, may refuse to wear their booties.  Here are some tips from the article about how to prepare your dog for a winter in Minnesota:

• Focus on warmth and waterproofing, but don't be afraid to add some style. 
  
• Antifreeze tastes like candy to dogs. Keep it away from them.
  
• Wash your dog's paws when he comes in from outside. Ice, sludge, and salt can get lodged in the paws and if you don't wash  it off for him, he'll lick the stuff off  himself, and can get very sick. 
• Trim excess hair from footpads and toes of longhaired dogs. This makes it easier to remove ice and snow. 
  
• When it's really cold, especially in January and early February, your dog should spend no more than 20 minutes outside at a time.  
• Always be sure your dog has adequate shelter where it will be warm and dry. Be sure that he isn’t lying in a drafty area. Place his bed, blanket or pillow on tile and wood floors to give him a warm place to sleep.
• If you own a working dog, or if your canine companion spends hours outdoors, feed it extra calories. In winter, dogs need extra energy to regulate body temperature. Extra food provides necessary nutrients to see your dog through the most frigid days.
  
•  If your dog gets wet when out in cold weather, towel or blow-dry his coat. Be sure to dry his paws well to prevent footpads from cracking. If your pup's footpads become dry, moisten it with petroleum jelly.
  
• Never leave your dog alone in a vehicle. If the engine is off, he can die from hypothermia. If the engine is left running, he can be overcome with carbon monoxide fumes.
  

And by the way, I tried to find Ugg booties for dogs, but had no luck. Wish Ugg did make them though. I have a pair, and they are the absolute best and warmest shoes for winter ever. I don't care whether they're in or out, they're toasty toasty! 

So here's a pair of higher style booties for your dog from The Sassy Pup. I think they're cute, they look functional, and they're not terribly expensive. 

My Boys

I miss my dogs. What else can I say. I'm needing some puppy love right now. A wet sloppy kiss from Charly, and a big hug from Gussie Goo. 

Yes We Can!

"Sasha and Malia ... I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the new White House."

 -- President-elect Barack Obama, November 4, 2008.

Aw yeah! Obama's in the White House and he's keeping his promise to his girls: they're getting that new puppy!

I can't tell you how excited I was this morning when at 6 a.m. (Germany time) I heard Barack's acceptance speech on CNN. And loud and clear, in front of the entire country and world, the first thing he said to his daughters was that they'd earned their new puppy. I imagine millions of dog lovers all over the United States feeling the same way. Ecstatic because the time for change is now, a black man has been elected president of our country, AND a real shelter mutt is going to be the next First Hound. 

Check out Obama Dogs Unite for this awesome Bark For Barack image you can download straight from the site. 

Deutsches Hunde

I know I haven't posted in a while on H&H. I've been in the dog house lately trying to learn German while we're living in Deutschland, and it's been taking up a ridiculous amount of time. What a difficult language! 

Don't believe me? Check out this video... doggie products are in style here like everywhere else. Unfortunately despite the hours and hours of hard work, I still couldn't understand much of what they were saying in the clip... I did catch that Chihuahua Leopold likes his collars mean and cheap!

Show Me The Paws

November 4th is less than a week away, and this endorsement couldn't have come at a better time. The Humane Society Legislative Fund has just endorsed Senator Barack Obama for President, their first ever presidential endorsement! Obama has backed or co-sponsored legislation protecting animal rights at the state and national level and Michelle Obama recently announced that the Obama family would be adopting a shelter dog once the election is over. This is the cherry on top of my Barack Obama-Split Sunday!

And for you Obama dog lovers out there, check out Muzzle-Tov and their Obama Dog Collars! Deck your pup out in election gear this Tuesday and don't forget to vote.

Couch Potato

I called my mom in the States last night to find out how the dogs are doing (have I mentioned I miss them?), and to my suprise she had some big news for us... no, Charly's not pregnant, he's a boy, duh!... Gus chewed through her living room sofa, and there's nothing left of the cushions but a huge pile of sofa guts!

It's true. The boys are living with grandma while we're away in Bonn, and they absolutely adore her. Who doesn't love a grandma who spoils you rotten? Anyway, she and my brothers went out of town for five days and couldn't bring the dogs with them, so Gus and Charly stayed with their dog-sitter and one of their best friends Cathy, from Urban Dog. Cathy takes great care of them, and they always have a blast hanging out with her.

Even so, when my mom came back from her trip, Gus and Charly went ape-crazy with excitement. Like most grandma's who haven't seen there grandbabies in a while, she made the big mistake of giving them both a treat, which Charly promptly ate no problem. On the other hand, Gus had the brilliant idea of hiding the treat in the crevices of the living room couch, where he could eat it later. He returned to the scene of the crime that evening, and without warning, proceeded to ravage the couch looking for his precious treat.

By the time my mom found out what he was doing, the sofa was basically ruined and Gus was standing there with his mouth open, full of sofa foam, fabric, and treat crumbs. Silly dog. You're lucky grandma loves you so much!

I think what Gus needs is his own sofa like this one from an Italian company called dogsofa. It comes in several different color combinations and is super fly. Just love it! 

A Dog Is A Dog Is A Dog

In his fascinating article "The Truth About Dogs", Stephen Budiansky explores canine genetics and uses science to explain dog behavior. Budiansky half jokingly calls dogs the greatest con artists, the best pickpockets, and some of the most manipulative animals on earth! Somehow dogs have convinced humans that they're loyal, trustworthy, selfless, loving, courageous, noble, and obedient...  Which of course they are, but Budiansky asserts that it's genetics, not the usual conventional explanations, that make them our best friends. 

The article is long, and can be a bit difficult to understand for those of us who are scientifically challenged, but if you can, I highly recommend reading the first page and the last paragraph of the piece. Those of you who own a mutt won't be able to hide your pride. I know I couldn't. 

And just to show Charly I'm proud of him too, regardless of Budiansky's pretty persuasive arguments, I'm featuring this poster from Obey The Pure Breed.

Home Sweet Home

Hurray for Ratchet and Operation Baghdad Pups! On Sunday the rescue group flew into Baghdad and picked up the Iraqi  dog, who was adopted by Army Spc. Gwen Beberg during her 13 month deployment in Iraq. After three separate tries to get the pup out of Iraq, he's finally on a plane and on his way to joining Beberg in Minneapolis, Minnesota!

The U.S. Army bars U.S. soldiers from caring for pets while on duty or from taking the animals home with them when they leave their posts, but 65,000 people from Illinois to Italy have signed a petition demanding clemency for Ratchet, and with help from Washington, it looks like the dog will be in the U.S. by the end of this week. 

But the Army's policy has yet to change regarding pets, even with the current outcry from people all over the world regarding Ratchet's case. Pets are amazing friends, confidants, and even therapists for soldiers in the middle of a war (for all of us)... The least the Army can do is let them bring their animals home. Please sign the petition for Ratchet, and get in touch with your congressman or congresswoman: Let them know No Buddy Gets Left Behind!

Who Let The Dogs Out?

There's been a lot written about Jeff Koons' sculpture exhibition at Versailles. In fact, the opening of the show was so wrought with controversy that it sparked artistic debate all over the world. 

There's not much I can add to the commentary, other than to say that I for one loved the exhibition, especially and to no surprise, the Balloon Dog sculpture.

It's one thing to see a photo ( I took this one!) of this work of art, and another thing to be in the same room with it. I really enjoyed the contrast between the modernist dog sculpture and the historic art and architecture that is Versailles. I was also able to see many similarities between the two: both extravagant, intense, and over the top works. 

I honestly think Louis the XIV would have enjoyed this exhibit, if only for the giant pink balloon dog. I know I did. 

Lost

Yesterday I took the subway from downtown Paris to the outskirts, to visit a cousin of mine who lives in an area called Montreuil. On my way back into the city we had a bit of a delay at one of the metro stops and I couldn't figure out why, until I noticed several men on their hands and knees... and when I moved closer to investigate, I saw that they were trying to coax a small dog out from under the seats!

Apparently somebody had either forgotten their dog or abandoned it on the train, and the poor thing was absolutely terrified. I tried to get close but it just growled and shook with fear. After about 10 minutes they managed to run the dog out of the train, and we started moving again, while I watched the little dog run free on the platform with three men and a woman running after it.

I hope they were able to catch the little thing. I worry that it was too frightened to let itself be caught, and may have ended up lost in the metro or worse, under a train...

Daniel and I have rescued several lost dogs at home, and maybe if I'd had a leash and some of these very delicious looking dog treats made right there in Paris at Mon Bon Chien, I could have helped the little guy out...

Haute Dog Design

I'm dog tired after having spent most of the day walking around Paris, scouting out design shops and dog inspired french style. It's true that there's no where like Paris for fashion and haute couture. And the runway doesn't stop for the dogs.

Dog and Design is the place for dog owners with a taste for luxury. Here you can find a replica of Marie Antoinette's dog house for sale at 14,500 Euros. The replica is gorgeous, handcrafted here in France, and covered in a beautiful teal fabric and gold trim.

If that price tag is out of your budget, don't worry, there are plenty of other high end dog inspired home accessories and pet products here at lower price points. But the quality and craftmanship won't let you down.

And if you're in Paris and missing your dogs like I am, don't forget to spend a bit of time with Archibald, Dog and Design's labrador retriever. He's friendly, gorgeous, and does plenty of tricks to keep you entertained!

Rien

I walked several hours today through a couple different neighborhoods in Paris, and saw at least three different dog inspired design items that I'm very excited to share with you. Only problem is that I'm an idiot and forgot to take my camera along today.

So tomorrow I'm going to retrace some of my steps, with my camera in tow, and hopefully come back with some good Frenchy stuff for House&Hound.

See you tomorrow. A bien tot!

Bon Jour

Yesterday, as we walked down the Poppelsdorfer Allee in Bonn, I had the great privilege of watching a city dog run down the sidewalk, several feet ahead of his owner (in fact I actually didn't see the owner anywhere in sight), stop at the cross walk, wait for the traffic to stop, and cross the street, all by himself.

I just couldn't believe it! I mean, Gus and Charly would have been chopped liver!!! Sometimes I'm so taken a back by how human dogs can be. And other times, like when they sniff each other's butts to say hello, they're just so unbelievably dog.

We're traveling to Paris today, via one of these European High Speed Trains. We'll be in Gay Paris in about four hours... Check out this very hip and Frenchy travel bag from Bagira. I want one, now!

P.S. What a coincidence: on our way to Paris I saw a woman in the Koln Train Station wearing a Bagira Bag! She was very impressed that I knew the brand...

Are You Crazy?

My German is pretty bad, although I have managed to master the most important phrases I will need to know here: "where are the bathrooms?" and "may I pet the dog."

And as if my limited German, American accent, and strong extroversion didn't single me out enough as an outsider, I'm also faced with the fact that only small children ask to pet dogs in Germany!

But I just can't help myself... and so I keep getting very surprised looks from dog owners and everybody around me when I ask if I can pet the dog! I think most of the people I've met are flattered that somebody as old as I am would want to pet their dog, and they just smile and laugh as I get down on my knees to play with their friend.

The only thing that could possibly make me stand out more than I already do is this adorable sweater from Anthropologie! Or maybe it would help me out, since people would be able to tell right off the bat that I'm not crazy, and that I really just love dogs? 

It's also possible I'd get the opposite reaction, and people would think I'm a looney for wearing a dog on my sweater! At this point, it's hopeless I think, and I'm just going to continue being who I am, and make as many doggy friends as possible. 

Gus Look!

I've been in Germany now for 5 days, and the truth of it all is that I'm missing those dogs. Yeah, the ones at home with Grandma... those dogs. I'm comforted knowing that they're having a good time at least. This would would have been impossible if we'd had to find a dog sitter for three months. We just wouldn't have been able to leave. 

So despite the acute sense that two of my best friends are so far away from me, I'm relieved that they're in loving hands. Just yesterday I received  a hilarious email from my mom that went on and on about how she has recently discovered how to trick Gus into going out for walks even when he's not up for it. She writes: 

With Gus, he is usually pretty easy going, and will follow Charly on most of our walks. But lately, he has started to put his foot down, and especially in the evening, when he sometimes doesn't want to go anywhere at all, and just simply refuses to go anywhere but back home. It is very disconcerting because this delays the walk, makes it slow, and sometimes prevents it all together. 

What did I find out? I found out that the rascal understands : Look! So, when I can't get him to move, I will say: Gus! Looook!!!! And I will point towards the direction I want him to go! He perks his ears, he wags his tail, and he starts running as fast as he possibly can, towards that rabbit he thought I was pointing at! 

I don't know how many times I will be able to cry wolf before he takes the hint that I am tricking him, but so far it has been the solution to our walking problems.

The funny thing about my mom's newfound insight is that Daniel has been working this trick for years now, and Gus is still falling for it. Ha!

And our product today is this incredibly cute and apropros piece of wall art from Ballard Designs called The Inconsolable Print. Well,  I'm not quite inconsolable, but I do miss my boys. 

Hallo!

First off, my very sincere apologies to all of you readers out there who've been checking in to a very dull and rather aged House&Hound blog. I've been so incredibly busy this week with planning for my Germany trip, that I haven't had the time, and most of all the mental energy, to post. 

But oh, I have missed you, and I'm actually writing to you from Germany, where Dan and I will be spending the next three months. I'm hoping that now I'll be less distracted with travel and wedding planning, so as to be able to post every day again, or at least several times a week.

Writing is a lot like running or swimming, once you fall out of the habit it's hard to pick it right back up. But with practice and devotion, it becomes a routine that is sorely missed if you happen to lack the time or energy to do it. 

So now I'm here in our new apartment, and I must admit I miss those dogs terribly, already. It's pretty plain to see the Germans love them a dog too, because there are pups everywhere. In fact, I saw several dogs in the airport and on the train we took from Amsterdam to Bonn yesterday. I'm glad to know that if I need some puppy love I can walk down to the nearest cafe and there will probably be a dog waiting for me there. Or I can find one in the Poppelsdorfer Allee. Or in the train station. Or market. Of course none of them will be Charly or the Gusser, but we'll have to make do until December. 

These cards from The Greeting Place are hilarious. I like the card on the top right the best, because it perfectly describes how I felt yesterday, travel tired and ragged, and my improvement today. 

Nap Time

Check out this photo on Post Secret (it's the third one down). What more can I say? My dogs are weird too. But man do I love them.

It's A Wrap

The dogs have been over at grandma's a lot this month, seeing as I've been on my own since Dan left and needing the help. I know I'm going to go through some major withdrawal though next week when I'm in Germany, so I'm determined to spend as much time with them as possible in the next few days.

This weekend I'm planning on taking take them to their favorite dog park, and then to Dairy Queen for a couple kiddie vanilla ice cream cones. They love those! I hope the weather's nice and we can spend a lot of time outside. I'm planning the weekend already, even though it's only Wednesday, which pretty much means I've had it with this week... I'm checking out early!

Oh but no, there are still two days left of my work week, and I've got to wrap things up pretty tight before I leave. So much to do, so little time. Wish me luck.

I love this Dog-On-It gift wrap from French Paper. I'm always on the look out for dog inspired paper products because they're so hard to find, and this vintage style wrap is one of a kind.

From Prenup to Prepup

Sorry people. I've missed more posts in the past two weeks than I have in the entire time I've been blogging. Life is moving fast, and I'm struggling to keep up.

This morning I read an article on MSNBC about Pre-Pups. That's short for Prepuptial Agreement. You heard me right... In addition to a Prenuptial Agreement, lawyers are now recommending newlyweds also sign some sort of "Prepuptial Agreement", outlining who gets the dog when the marriage goes up in flames.

What is this world coming to? Seriously, a Prepuptial Agreement? People can't even commit to a marriage long enough to last a dog's 13 year life span?

And speaking of flames. Check out these very awesome matches from Hom Art at Smith's Bath and Home. These are so fun, and I love how they've turned ordinary matches into something not so ordinary.

Better Late Than Never

My alarm clock went off at 7:15 this morning, and thinking that it was Saturday, I turned the damn thing off, muttered a bit of frustration under my breath, and went back to bed.

The next thing I know I'm up at 10:30, and as I make my way slowly to the kitchen for some coffee, I suddenly realize that it in fact is not Saturday, but Friday, and I'm supposed to be at work, instead of lounging around in my pajamas!

Oops! I immediately call my boss, and explain to her why I'm not at work, and she laughs histerically, because nobody's ever used this excuse on her before. I'm so lucky to work with some of the coolest most laid back people, because she then tells me that if I want to take the whole day off, I'm welcome to do so.

It really is a spectacular day here in Minneapolis, and man was I tempted to accept her offer, but I have so much to get done before leaving for Germany in a week, that I forced myself in to the office. It's going to be a long day...

Gus and Charly have two matching leopard print beds, that we've now retired in favor of the DoggyArchy beds I got for them a month ago. But I may just have to buy them these very soft and stylish leopard doggy blankets from Canine Styles. Don't you just love this photo? So cute!

Dog Momma for Obama!

So I've been thinking about how to write this post for the past month or so, and today I've finally decided to just come out with it. No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to figure out the best way to write about this subject, so I'm going to bite the bullet...

A while back I came across this article, in which an AP-Yahoo! News poll found that pet owners favor McCain over Obama 42 percent to 37 percent, with dog owners particularly in McCain's corner.

And people, I've been fuming ever since. For the record, this dog lover barks for Obama. And I know there are more of us. These last 6 weeks of the presidential race are going to get nasty, and though Sara Palin makes some of us break out in hives, we've got to get involved somehow, by any means necessary.

So here's an easy way to get out there and rock the vote: Buy a couple of these Bark Obama Dog T-Shirts from Psychedelic Fur, and take your pups out for a walk! You're guaranteed to stop traffic and get our message across.

Just What I've Always Wanted

I'm super excited to share this very unique find with you... Yes, I know it's from JCREW (not so obscure), but seriously, it really is hard to find cute, quality, dog inspired clothing for women. You can get pups on anything for baby, and if you hit up Target I'm sure you'll find something for dad, but I guarantee you'll have to do some digging around if you're looking for a dog inspired feminine piece for your wardrobe.

This argyle cardigan features playful pooches in a 12-gauge knit and faceted Czech glass buttons. And it's super soft!

Time's Up

Well, I'm officially burned out on wedding stuff... and the wedding isn't even until next August, which means I have months and months of planning ahead of me. So if this week feels bad, with wedding planning appointments every night of the week except Tuesday, what's the rest of my year look like?

Germany should be a welcome respite to all of this wedding madness. I'm looking forward to tuning out for three months, and just enjoying our engagement. The days can't go by fast enough, I want to be there already.

Well, I'm off to meet a wedding planner. Dan thinks it would be beneficial for us to hire one just for the day of our actual event, so I'm not running around like a chicken with her head cut off, which will definitely happen if we don't find a different point guard.

By the way, today is my official one month engagement anniversary! Here's a clock I love in honor of this month that's passed. It's from Bellacor. Check it out!

Correction

Ok, well, it's possible I spoke too soon, jumped the gun, whatever... because it looks very nice out there today! The sun is out, the weather is temperate, not cold or too hot, and the weekend is here...

I should clarify my last post a bit by saying that PTK/PRK/laser eye surgery is definitely not a terrible thing. A recurrent corneal erosion every week is a terrible thing, and this compared to that is a piece of cake. Seriously.

And may I just add that my surgeon was the best! The surgery literally took 15 minutes total, I was awake the whole time (localized anaesthetic!) and didn't feel a darn thing. Of course two hours later I definitely felt some pain... my eye stung quite a bit, and watered a whole lot. This discomfort continued for about three more days, but decreased with every hour that passed.

So yesterday I felt great, and today even better.

I love this chalkboard from Trendy Puppy. Mine says: Out for the weekend!

Snuggle Up

Well, summer has come and gone already up here in Minnesota. And we didn't even have an in between... last Sunday it was an unexpected 90 degrees here in the Twin Cities, and the day after the weather turned ugly, and it's been cold and colder ever since.

Every year, we Minnesotans, most of us at least, complain about the ever approaching winter ahead of us. Everything you've heard is true, winter here is BRUTAL. It is freezing, it is snowy, and it is LONG. Way too LONG.

But I think almost everybody who lives here would agree that the summers here make it worth our while. And if you're brave enough, winter can be quite fun too, as long as you've got yourself a nice warm pair of long underwear.

Currently in Minneapolis it's 55 degrees and raining. Days like this make me want to stay at home, curl up on the couch and snuggle up with a blanket like this one from Thorsten Von Elten, and a good book. Oh, and don't forget, a dog at either end of the sofa.

California Dreamin'

This morning I went to what I thought was supposed to be my last visit with Doctor Everson, my Eye Surgeon/Doctor at Edina Eye Physicians and Surgeons. Mom was kind enough to drive me out there, since my eye has been pretty light sensitive and I haven't been able to drive long distances. Of course she insisted on bringing the dogs along for the car ride, so all three of them chauffered me around town.

The appointment was short and sweet, with the the doctor assuring me that I'm doing just fine, but I'll need a couple extra visits with him to monitor my progress. By the time I got back in the car, I was feeling quite capable of driving myself back home, but happy not to to be the one fighting the traffic on Hwy. 62. Plus, Gus decided he wanted to ride shot gun as well, so he climbed in on top of me and curled up in my lap for the whole way home. Now remember, this is a 65 pound Pit Bull! And he did not get up or move once! Seriously!!!

So I've had a bit of an off week because of laser eye surgery and all that. Five days and several doctor's appointments later, I'm starting to feel like my old self again. I say that with some degree of hesitation, as they told me a full recovery will take a few weeks. But at least I no longer feel like somebody's repeatedly stabbing my right eye with a pitch fork!

Here's a refreshing look at pet photography. Sabrina Hela of Cookies and Water takes a documentary approach to her photo shoots. No forced posing, no cute outfits, just your dog, her camera, and if you're in Los Angeles, the beach, boardwalk, Rodeo Drive, or wherever your pet wants to play.

Yet another reason I wish I lived in California...

Pet Fashion Week Guest Post

A couple of weeks ago I promised all of you a personal account of Pet Fashion Week from friend and Chief Executive Officer of Printed Puppy Inc., Kristy Sevag. Well, she's finally digging herself out of the paper pile-up that happens when you leave the office for a week, and here's that promised post. Enjoy!

Well, I am back from Pet Fashion Week 2008 and I must say my back hurts. You may think it's from from lifting boxes, setting up our booth, or just general nervous tension. Nope!

My back kills from having to bend down every time I saw an ADORABLE little dog! I had to crouch down and pet every single one, they were all so irresistable. Almost every cutie I saw had to be under 10 pounds and wearing an adorable dress. The only dog I could pet standing was a gorgeous full sized Boxer who won my heart. He belonged to another exhibitor and would come visit me during our two days of showing. Sometimes he stole my display items! It was so funny!

Saturday morning was the first of two runway shows. 8 companies, including Printed Puppy Inc., were selected to strut the walkway. With the music blaring and the lights dim, in came the models. Each company had 6 looks to showcase what they are all about. I had given my gift packaging line to the staff at Pet Fashion Week and told them to go all out, and what I saw astounded me! The artists took my line of paper goods and made flapper dresses, hoop skirts, and cocktail dresses for the models, and matching attire for the accompanying dogs! Every look that past by me got better and better.

The show came to an end and the crowd of 400+ went wild! All the human models handled the canines with such grace and care. The real stars, the dogs, were proud and happy to strut! The same show repeated for the Saturday night crowd.

Overall my first Pet Fashion Week experience was one to remember. The fact that I launched my product line less than 8 months ago and I've had the opportunity to show at the largest Pet Fashion industry convention is amazing. I met so many interesting and wonderful people, who were all so helpful and willing to share their loads of industry experience with a newbie.

I really look forward to showing again next year and who knows, maybe Printed Puppy, Inc will come to the runway with a new line of doggie fashion attire. We shall see!

To view my gift line please visit Printed Puppy. If you have any questions please email me at info@printedpuppy.com !

XOXO,
Kristy!

Post Op

Well, as fate may have it, I've really got very little to write about today, other than that I've been spending more than 16 hours a day for the past three days in bed. What a let down huh? After my 100th post!

I had laser surgery called PTK done on my right eye on Friday afternoon, to treat something I've had for the past year called a Recurrent Corneal Erosion. I won't get into all of it, but let's just say it's not fun. Actually, I felt fine the day after the surgery, but yesterday and today I've been feeling pretty darn crummy. I couldn't even make it in to work this morning.

The dogs have been great company through all of this. They stick close to me when I'm napping and rarely leave my side unless grandma's coming over to take them for a walk. Today is one of those days I really wish Daniel were here, instead of in Germany, so far away. Actually, I wish he were here all the time, but today it feels like a stronger need, rather than just a simple desire. I'll see him soon. And then I'll miss the dogs, so I better relish this recovery.

100!

Oh Oh! This is my 100th post. And my brother Bruno promised he'd take me out to dinner when I made it here. Honestly, I can't believe it. I never thought that I'd actually be able to keep up with this blog, write every day, find enough products that I feel are worth mentioning here...

But I've made it. This is post number 100. And I think I promised I'd write a Best of House&Hound post to recap some of my favorite products that I've featured here so far. So here goes... in no particular order... I love them all!

Acqua Bol from Wow Bow

Organic Hemp Dog Bed from Doggy Archy

Drink Better Bowl from Contech

Dog Carrier from Dog Interiors

Gift Bag from Printed Puppy

Bumper Stickers from Euros

Le Chien Table Lamp from Ballard Designs

Door Mat from Vive La France

Gocco Print Cards from Paper Menagerie

Foot Stool from Atelier de Tapisserie Decoration

Print Art from Dolan Geiman

Hot Diggity Dog Pillows from Modern Dose

Pull Around Hound Toy from Zipper Gifts

Sofa Pillows from Karen Hilton Designs

Blanket from Mungo and Maude

Bookends from Restoration Hardware


Wegman Sofa Pillow from The Diva Dog