Thursday, April 28, 2011

I have Revised Silky Terrier pattern, check it out!


New design for the Silky Terrier
          You heard me right, out with the old and in with the new! New design for my Silky Terrier that is. This is one of a few other breeds that has been on my "Things to do later" list. I recently had a customer who liked the design of my original but asked if I could lengthen the coat on the dog. As is so happened that is what I wanted also so needless to say I said Yes I can!

          The original version is still available for sale until I can get the new one listed on ArtFire. You can find them under my studio section labeled Discontinued. If you think I should keep both styles let me know, if I get enough requests I wont eliminated the original.

Original version
           It is nice to know I now have one more thing done on my To Do List. Right now I am working on a new color for a different breed that I carry, and if you want to know what it is you will have to come back to find out!

          Please remember that if you do not find your favorite breed or color in what I currently have listed just ask. There is a possibility that it has not been listed yet. And if I do not carry it I can work on making one.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

New photo for Mastiff

          Little by little I am getting updated photos done for each crate tag that still needs it. The Mastiff is the most recent one with a brand spanking new photo. Now only 38 more to go! If stitching didn't take so long to do I am sure I would be almost done by now. Oh well, I will just remain positive and keep on plugging away.

          Many times I get to add updated photos thanks to an order one of my lovely customers have placed, which is the case here. So don't be shy, place your order and help push me to get more photos done. It is very fulfilling for me knowing with each new shot I take I come closer to my goal.


          Just to let you know coming soon I will have a new crate tag design listed. Do you want to know for which breed? Well you will just have to come back later to find out!

          Another new item I will soon be listing as soon as I get photos and descriptions written up are dog collar charms. That's right, I will now be selling bling for your pup to wear. I am really excited about this new line of dog jewelry. But more on this great news later.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

WARNING: A Sad Dog Poem Read If You Don't Mind Crying


"Alone Again"

I wish someone would tell me
What it is that I've done wrong,
 
  
Why I have to stay chained up and
Left alone so long.  
  
They seemed so glad to have me
When I came here as a pup,  
  
There were so many things we'd do
While I was growing up.  
  
They couldn't wait to train me as a
Companion and friend,  
  
And told me how they'd never fear
Being left alone again.  
  
The children said they'd feed me
And brush me every day,  
  
They'd play with me and walk me
If I could only stay.  
  
But now the family "hasn't time"
They often say I shed,  
  
They do not want me in the house
Not even to be fed.  
  
The children never walk me
They always say "not now!" 
  
I wish that I could please them
Won't someone tell me how?  
  
All I had, you see, was love
I wish they would explain,  
  
Why they said they wanted me,
Then left me on a chain.

-- Author unknown

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Fun with HTML


          HTML is a computer language devised to allow website creation. HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language. I am going to share with you some codes that I like using, if you would like to learn more about HTML just google it and you will find tons of get information on the subject.

Turn words into a Link
<A HREF="Website URL Here">Your Text Here</A>


Make an Image into a Link
<a href="Website URL Here"><img src="Your Image URL Here"></a>


Words on a Link Button
<form action="Website URL Here" method="link">
<INPUT TYPE=submit value="
Your Text Here">
</form>


Code to Add an Image
<center><img src="Your Image URL Here"></center>


How to make an Email Button
<form>
<input type="button" value="
Your Text Here"
onClick="location.href='mailto:
Your Email Address Here">
</form>


How to turn an Image into an Email Link
<center><a href="mailto:YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS">
<img src="
Your Image URL Here"></a></center>


Marquee with Words
<MARQUEE bgcolor="color" loop="infinite" <FONT SIZE="+1"> <FONT COLOR="color">  Your Text Here </marquee>


Marquee with an Image
<marquee><img src=Your Image URL Here></marquee>


Click to Enlarge an Image
<a href="Your Image URL Here"><img src="Your Image URL Here" height="100" width="100"></a>


          Any were you see the text in red that is where you plug in your information. Some of these codes can also be add to change things such as size, font, speed, etc. Once you start getting into HTML codes you will slowly start to understand them and be able to read them easily like any other language.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

The Scoop on Poop

          I thought that we would look at one of the most common health concerns people have with dogs diarrhea. Not your most glamorous of subjects but still a concern none the less. Here are some edited excerpts from Dog owners home Veterinary handbook.

          Diarrhea is the passage of loose, unformed stools. In most cases, there is an increased number of bowel movements. With normal bowel movements, food in the small intestine takes about 8 hours to get to the colon. During this time, the bulk of it is absorbed. Eighty percent of water is absorbed in the small bowel. The colon concentrates and stores the waste. At the end, a well- formed stool is evacuated.
         
           Transit time in the intestinal tract can be speeded up for a variety of reasons. When food passes rapidly through the bowel, it is incompletely digested and arrives at the rectum in a liquid state. This results in a large, loose, unformed bowel movement. This mechanism accounts for the majority of acute diarrheas of short duration.

           In attempting to narrow the search for the cause of a diarrhea, it is important to decide whether the ailment is located in the small intestine or colon. Begins by examining the color, consistency, odor and frequency of stools, as well as the condition of the dog:

COLOR: Yellow or greenish stool indicates rapid transit (small bowel).
Black, tarry stool indicates bleeding in the upper digestive tract.
Bloody stool red blood or clots indicate bleeding in the colon.
Pasty, light-colored stool indicates lack of bile (liver disease).
Large, gray, rancid-smelling stool indicates inadequate digestion or absorption (malabsorption syndrome).

CONSISTENCY: Watery stool indicates small bowel wall irritation (toxins and severe infections).
Foamy stool suggests a bacterial infection.
Greasy stool often with oil on the hair around the anus: indicates malabsorption.
Excessive mucus a glistening or jellylike appearance: indicates colonic origin.

ODOR (the more watery the stool, the greater the odor): Food like, or smelling like sour milk suggests both rapid transit and malabsorption: for example, overfeeding, especially in puppies.
                Putrid smelling suggests an intestinal infection.

FREQUENCY: Several in an hour, each small, with straining suggests colitis (inflammation of the large bowel).
                Three or four times a day, each large suggests malabsorption or small bowel disorder.

CONDITION OF DOG:Weight loss, malnutrition suggests small bowel disorder.
                Normal appetite, minimal weight loss suggests large bowel disorder.
                Vomiting small bowel origin, except for colitis.  
               
          Most cases of diarrhea is caused by irritation of the bowel lining from ingested substances or infectious, agents. Any sudden change in your dogs diet, drinking unfamiliar water, or ingesting toxic substances may cause diarrhea. Some dogs that are allergic to certain foods may also get diarrhea as well. Even dogs that get overly excited either negatively or positively can suffer diarrhea.

          Diarrhea is a symptom, not a disease. The first step is to find and remove the underlying cause, if possible. Most cases of diarrhea can be treated at home. Withhold all food for 24-48 hours. Feed dog with small amounts of boiled hamburger with one to two parts cooked rice (discard broth). Continue the bland diet for three days, even though the dog seems well. An anti-diarrhea medication may also be necessary.

           A diarrhea that persists for more than 24 hours, a bloody diarrhea and diarrhea accompanied by vomiting, fever and other signs of toxicity shouldnt be allowed to continue. Consult your Vet immediately.

           Colitis is inflammation of the large intestine. It is responsible for about half the cases of diarrhea in dogs. There are a number of different types of colitis and numerous causes. Because digestion and absorption of nutrients occur in the small intestine, colitis usually has little effect on the dogs general health and nutrition. Colitis is complicated and requires veterinary diagnosis and management.

           In malabsorption syndromes the dog doesnt digest, or doesnt absorb, food in the small intestines. These conditions are not common. When present, they are caused by pancreatic disease, liver disease, or injury to the lining of the intestinal tract from a prior infectious enteritis.

           Dogs with a malabsorption problem are unthrifty and undernourished despite a large appetite. Consult your Vet for diagnosis and treatment.

Monday, April 11, 2011

BARK - B - Q dog treats

DOG Yummies!


BARK - B - Q
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup corn meal
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon honey
3 tablespoons corn oil
1 egg
1/2 cup water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix honey, oil, egg, water, and barbecue sauce. Add to dry ingredients. Roll dough to 1/4" thick, cut with cookie cutter, and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees. Makes 2 1/2 dozen.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Ticks, Fleas, Mosquitoes and the Friends They Bring

          The best places to find ticks and fleas are areas with heavy precipitation, high humidity, warm winter temperatures, few days with below freezing temperatures, and many days with temperatures of 70 degrees or more.

          Most people by now know that Deer ticks can carry Lyme disease, but other types of ticks can carry it as well along with other diseases. Some of them include: Canine Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted fever, Tularemia, and Hepatozoonosis. Ticks are also capable of secreting a toxin that can cause paralysis. Here is a link to a site with good information on ticks and diseases: http://www.dogsandticks.com/




          Fleas on the other hand can cause the allergy Dermatitis. Dogs can even receive tapeworms from an infested flea. Fleas acquire tapeworms by eating tapeworm eggs and in turn dogs acquire them by ingesting the infested flea.



          What should you do when you find fleas or ticks? For fleas if you go to any pet store you will find all sorts of shampoos, sprays, herbal remedies, dips, and more for their removal and prevention. For ticks the best thing to do is to remove them as soon and quick as possible. To remove a tick grip it carefully with tweezers at the point of attachment. Then pull upwards in a slow but firm manner. Never squeeze the tick's body just the head. Be sure you have removed the whole tick from the skin. After removal, wash the area, then use alcohol or disinfectant to help prevent infection. Click here for an interactive map of North America for Lyme disease, Heart worms, and more.





          Did you know that there are almost 3000 types of mosquitoes throughout the world in North America alone, there are several hundred species.

          Mosquitoes are most active at dawn, dusk, and early evening so keep your dog indoors at these times. Adult mosquitoes will hang out anywhere it is cool, dark, and damp such as long unkempt grass and weeds.

          Any standing water is a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes. Remove all debris in your yard that may hold water. If you own a birdbath,  make sure the water does not remain still. There are water agitators you can buy at the store or online. There are also mosquito larva inhibiting pellets you can place in ponds, birdbaths, rain barrels, etc. Remember to recheck after every rainfall and dump any standing water. Keep your rain gutters clean of debris.

          Mosquitoes can transmit diseases to your dog such as Heartworm, West Nile virus, Encephalitis, and Yellow fever. Depending on where you live, you may need to give your dog a heartworm preventive year round.

          To protect your dog, look for repellents formulated especial for pets that contain either permethrims or pyrethrins, such as Flys-Off spray. Some topical flea and tick control products for dogs contain mosquito repellent. Never use a repellent containing DEET on your dog as it can cause neurological problems.

          Pet stores sell sprays and shampoos containing essential oils like citrus or tea tree oil that are highly diluted and safe. However, there are some mosquito repellents posted online using various blends of essential oils while diluted or not are quite unsafe and can cause illness or even death in dogs. While some essential oils are quite safe to use on dogs, you should heavily dilute most. Never put essential oil on an animal without being absolutely sure it's safe. Here is a link to find information about dogs and essential oils: http://www.natural-dog-health-remedies.com/aromatherapy-for-dogs.html

Monday, April 4, 2011

Dog Etiquette

          Sure, you love watching your doggie running free. Besides he or she really needs the exercise, right? Sorry, but if you live in the city, running free just in not an option. First, a dog off leash is a dog in danger. You may think you have perfect voice control of your dog but they will all respond in unexpected ways sooner or later. Few dogs can resist chasing a squirrel or other small running animal that crosses their path. Loud noises, such as a car backfiring, can trigger an otherwise calm pooch into bolting for cover, even the sound of waves breaking along the shore can prompt a water-loving dog to take a dip in what could prove to be treacherous water. The fact is no matter how well you know your dog you cannot predict his actions when startled. After all, they are an animal with animal instincts and not a robot that obeys every command. Unless your dog is on a leash, he could run into a dangerous situation in a fraction of a second.

          Some people are deathly afraid of dogs and seeing one with no leash literally makes their hearts race in fear. It doesn't matter how gentle your dog may be, they will still be terrified. Frankly, you can never make these people like your dog but keeping it under visible control with a leash will help them tolerate it's presence. (Be seen with your dog off leash and you can count on these types of people to circulate petitions and call police at your slightest missteps.)

          Though your dog may be friendly and run up to other dogs in eagerness to play, not all dogs are so inclined. Owners walking less sociable dogs on a leash can suddenly be put in a difficult position trying to protect your dog from theirs. If unsuccessful, your dog could suffer the consequences of an attack, a miserable situation for all people and dogs involved.

          Pick up that poop NOW!! We all share the sidewalks here and you shouldn't have to step in a nasty pile to learn why it's so critical to pick up after your dog. However, there is actually more at stake here then just keeping your shoes (and your neighbor's shoes) clean. Feces left on the ground can pass on diseases like hookworm and other parasites. Also, if poop is not picked up, this is how bans on where dogs are allowed to be get started.

          Cleaning up after a dog is not hard and it requires nothing more than keeping a plastic bag in your pocket at all times. Just open the bag and put your hand inside (wearing it like a mitten). Pick up the poop. Then turn the bag inside out over your hand. Voila! Carry extra bags with you and offer it to any other owner you may spot who needs one. In some areas, there may be laws that requires you to take care of your dog's feces when you are out walking with him. Even if there is no restriction, cleaning up after your dog is always the right thing to do.

          You've probably seen dogs tied to bicycle racks or parking meters, especially outside grocery stores. This is possibly the fastest way to lose your dog to a thief. Also, keep in mind that bike racks are intended for everyone's use. Few people, even dog lovers, feel uncomfortable approaching a unattended dog and with good reason. Tied up without you around, your dog may not let others approach. Even if your dog is being perfectly well behaved there are some sick people out there in the world that will injure animals for no reason. Leaving your dog tied up outside in public where you can not see them or reach them quickly leaves your dog vulnerable to the whims of those kinds of animal abusers.

          Constant dog barking is another no, no. Nothing is more annoying then a dog barking at 1:00am. Monitor your dog when they are loose in your yard and be prepared to stop your dog when it starts barking. Neighbors wont like being barked at in their own yard by dogs. Barking will not only annoy immediate neighbors but neighbors as far away as the sound will travel.

          Another good reason to monitor your dog in it's yard is that thieves may steal them. Dog thieves have ways of taking even aggressive dogs from behind locked gates. Then there are the neighborhood kids that like to harass dogs and open the gate to the yard to see the dog run away. Believe me I know as I have seen this happen with my own dogs.

         Keep your dog off other people's lawns and out of their flowerbeds! We all know your dog love to smell everything, but many people go to great lengths to keep their yard looking pretty, and do not appreciate your dog trampling through their flowers and pooping on their lawn. If you want him to sniff and smell green grass take him to a dog friendly park.

          When riding in an elevator, sit your dog in the far corner to avoid "door dashing" each time the elevator makes a stop. Do not allow your dog to jump up on other riders, even when the greeting is friendly. Hurry through lobbies or take freight elevators and back exits if the building rules mandate it. Never allow your dog to soil in front of the building's entrance. If you have a young pup that cannot control himself, make sure to carry him though the building. Make sure to bring paper towels and odor neutralizer with you just in case of an accident.

         If your dog is in heat, do not take her out in public. This only makes other dogs behave poorly and disturbs the enjoyment of you and others.

         Sharing your life with a dog is a wonderfully rewarding experience. But you must practice proper etiquette if you want to live peaceably with your pet and neighbors. Please keep non-dog lovers in mind at all times. You and your dog's actions reflect on other dogs' and their owners. They can also determine if bans on dogs occur.

Show the world you care.