tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53601371829565077582023-11-16T01:16:43.688-05:00Big Black and Brown Dog<center>A big black dog proves that life with a shelter dog rocks!</center>Astrid Nicole Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05408180606749525071noreply@blogger.comBlogger141125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5360137182956507758.post-51260978870221187102016-01-22T13:05:00.000-05:002016-01-23T10:55:18.497-05:00Valentine's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKoGBBKow_mr0y3yvxRMEKSRX2F_73EGsz1m7rQ3nD_7x0PGg-CALwr9wa5hYbua9yBcmOpzL5jNKKlUdh943c2Pjk3sOX-MisAhUMLl7tJsT9K_VIglDc8zXrbPQqWUwHKnlsIpfGi2E/s1600/ValTree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKoGBBKow_mr0y3yvxRMEKSRX2F_73EGsz1m7rQ3nD_7x0PGg-CALwr9wa5hYbua9yBcmOpzL5jNKKlUdh943c2Pjk3sOX-MisAhUMLl7tJsT9K_VIglDc8zXrbPQqWUwHKnlsIpfGi2E/s320/ValTree.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Astrid is really getting excited about Valentine's Day. It's one of our faves. Maybe it is yours too? We got Astrid's assortment of Valentine bandanas up in her <a href="http://www.astridnicole.com/" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> a couple of weeks ago. This week, even though it is still January, Astrid wanted to get a little decorating done. Astrid's best friends, Sugar, Brody and Logan, gave her a tree a little while ago. Standing 3 feet tall, we decorate it year around for seasons and holidays. Strung with purple lights which seem to glow with a nice pinkish tint, we added crochet hearts, plastic fairies, and a bright red tree skirt on which not one, but two, fairy princesses stand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We'd like to share the easiest crochet heart pattern we have. It is all done in the very first stitch (away from the crochet hook). The picture marks the fourth stitch where all the stitches are done. This pattern is so easy, you can whip up as many as you want while enjoying your favorite TV show.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QCCVPcL9o3H-3b7tlxNxntrKmlZNhQM4xuBqzHOsLPimqGn3j6HXUKKgYfNhA5w7d4sizL3lL5QBhREoi75aVO8MVB8Y8hyvBjRXShMJi1NytDwaq2iSfd3QC_8XjnerZIXw_UZ0o0fq/s1600/4th+chain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QCCVPcL9o3H-3b7tlxNxntrKmlZNhQM4xuBqzHOsLPimqGn3j6HXUKKgYfNhA5w7d4sizL3lL5QBhREoi75aVO8MVB8Y8hyvBjRXShMJi1NytDwaq2iSfd3QC_8XjnerZIXw_UZ0o0fq/s320/4th+chain.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Crochet Heart Pattern</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 H/8 5mm crochet hook</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Small supply of worsted weight yarn in desired colors. This project is a great stash buster as each heart only requires a small amount.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Chain 4.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Work 3 triple crochet in first chain. (That would be the first chain away from your crochet hook, not counting the on on your hook.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Work 3 double crochet in first chain.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Chain 1.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Work 1 triple crochet in first chain.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Chain 1.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Work 3 double crochet in first chain.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Work 3 triple crochet in first chain.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Chain 3.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Slip stitch into center hole in heart, pull through leaving as much of a 'hanger' as you like, snip off yarn leaving a few inches.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Gently tie the two loose ends of yarn together two or three times, snip close.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Have fun!</span><br />
<br />Astrid Nicole Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05408180606749525071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5360137182956507758.post-69120197842836552542015-04-08T10:37:00.000-04:002015-04-08T10:37:36.723-04:00Spring Has Sprung At Astrid Nicole's!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilXlIWPpQtNBGfbaKPWoY17Lano2rpTaO50FBRvpUhHZax_VL21I522YMg6NpfxT-_7Vjezm20-l9KVL45Xa6mK11j8HxnyTD5canXiDBDpHafY0xrs8e4OUwqDysKNpKSKQrH97VBE2I1/s1600/il_170x135.642331599_9ueu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilXlIWPpQtNBGfbaKPWoY17Lano2rpTaO50FBRvpUhHZax_VL21I522YMg6NpfxT-_7Vjezm20-l9KVL45Xa6mK11j8HxnyTD5canXiDBDpHafY0xrs8e4OUwqDysKNpKSKQrH97VBE2I1/s1600/il_170x135.642331599_9ueu.jpg" /></a></div>
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Spring has sprung at <a href="http://www.astridnicole.com/" target="_blank">AstridNicoleEtcetera's </a>Etsy shop! Lots of fun dog fashions and gifts for their people! Many are modeled by your faves such as Sugar, featured here and Astrid Nicole herself!Astrid Nicole Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05408180606749525071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5360137182956507758.post-49899777532291279142014-09-18T11:41:00.001-04:002014-09-18T13:55:15.046-04:00Halloween Shop......BOOOoooooo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuO_hfleaqNzwMuvBGJfHwJCsgZCQqpYl9u566VIr-OU6gemYSVM_zAx8jvDWwKqT8xMylgiOUAqnlgnv2S2QFOa-ELI_9gh7Exs_ndvdG85lSaJ6I_t4-JcJ_ksCBFGqfkvdZ7pVYUAo/s1600/Halloween.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuO_hfleaqNzwMuvBGJfHwJCsgZCQqpYl9u566VIr-OU6gemYSVM_zAx8jvDWwKqT8xMylgiOUAqnlgnv2S2QFOa-ELI_9gh7Exs_ndvdG85lSaJ6I_t4-JcJ_ksCBFGqfkvdZ7pVYUAo/s1600/Halloween.jpg" height="386" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.astridnicole.com/" target="_blank">Astrid's Halloween Shop</a> is now open on Etsy! You'll find spooky and sweet Halloween bandanas for all sizes, and some Autumn toys too!</span><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 253px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 253px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Astrid Nicole Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05408180606749525071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5360137182956507758.post-88757720221963621792014-09-15T07:36:00.001-04:002014-09-15T07:38:00.553-04:00Monday's Makers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2lMbmb1dcrk64tEqBxwMNhuQcNCE3W3odeHmhvR1qp1EMOCfbdvebYcEMrOdO3ECYfrcy987HX5mGkWIXMjzYRhaFfJf_dihiSadrC89-cMBTv2VrkacvuoXOBmpl3PZ-NPLbI-VVnxW/s1600/KaliezKloset.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2lMbmb1dcrk64tEqBxwMNhuQcNCE3W3odeHmhvR1qp1EMOCfbdvebYcEMrOdO3ECYfrcy987HX5mGkWIXMjzYRhaFfJf_dihiSadrC89-cMBTv2VrkacvuoXOBmpl3PZ-NPLbI-VVnxW/s1600/KaliezKloset.jpeg" height="320" width="310" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Today we have an interview with the owner and designer of "Kayliez Kloset"!</b></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> <span style="color: #3d454c; letter-spacing: 0px;">1) Tell us a little about your craft, if you have always been interested in this or did it start out as a hobby?</span><span style="color: #3d454c; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></b></span></i><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Kaylie</u>: It takes almost a life time of dreaming and wishing for an opportunity to make a difference in someones life and I found mine when I discovered my love of fashion and pets! So when you have a gorgeous dog that happens to think she is fabulous starting a dog fashion boutique was a no brainer! From the moment she came home a tiny tutu was put on her and she is pretty sure she was born with it on.</b></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">2) </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Do you have a shedule you follow for your designs?</span></b></span></i></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Kaylie</u>: I am a wife, and a grandmother of beautiful boy and girl twins. I also have a full time job and so I am not able to dedicate all of my time to my business. But, I am very fortunate to have my wonderful friend Delores that helps with the sewing. As my business grows it is a little overwhelming at times. She is wonderful and is enjoying every step of our adventure. </b></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>3) Where do find your inspiration?</b></span></i></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Kaylie</u>: I have a passion for designing and creating beautiful things. My designs come to me in different ways but the best part of my work comes from my puppy Kaylie. I love spending every minute of my life with her. She is my joy and brightens my days. She is the inspiration for my work and designs. Kaylie loves to keep me company as I work and she cannot wait to try on the newest creation. So you can say she is a little fashionista! </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">4) Do you have any advice for someone considering entering the craft marketplace?</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px 1px 0px;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0px;"><u>Kaylie</u>: Opening a business is something that is definitely rewarding and a </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px 1px 0px;">life-time dream. It requires a lot of research, knowledge, time, effort and money. Dedication is the key to success!</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Kaylie invites everyone to visit her</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fashion4littlepaws">Facebook page</a> and browse through her collections. Her motto is </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">“Kayliez Kloset, Making Life Fashionable One Pooch At A Time”</span></b></span></div>
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Astrid Nicole Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05408180606749525071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5360137182956507758.post-69849684696471410452014-09-11T09:02:00.000-04:002014-09-11T09:02:37.980-04:00Thursday's Multiples with Brenda and her dogs Diamond, Brendle and Bambie<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVtcsH8ctyhHHrZuVIhUfUSK4kQlRe4jM-AVrQ63bGic0SO_o8Ux3DyGMGhnmCg6WpC0Iu3mOgInNAosArg50azFYIMkg8ORK09A2XycgKUco_9958nQQpWyB3V8PGFTVm_wAYSkthKTY/s1600/Brenda's%2Bpups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVtcsH8ctyhHHrZuVIhUfUSK4kQlRe4jM-AVrQ63bGic0SO_o8Ux3DyGMGhnmCg6WpC0Iu3mOgInNAosArg50azFYIMkg8ORK09A2XycgKUco_9958nQQpWyB3V8PGFTVm_wAYSkthKTY/s1600/Brenda's%2Bpups.jpg" height="147" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><b><br /></b></i><i><b>Thank you, Brenda, for sharing your experiences of having three dogs in your household!</b></i><br />
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<i><b>1 ) Could you start by telling us your dog’s names and ages?</b></i><br />
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<b><u>Brenda</u>: Diamond- 6, Brendle- 5, Bambie-5</b><br />
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<i><b>2) Can you tell us about their personalities?</b></i><br />
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<b><u>Brenda</u>: All of my dogs have very unique personalities. Diamond is Miss Social, she loves all people and animals. She will greet everyone with a bark and a wagging tail. She is also is a very quick learner. Even trainers have said she is very smart. She has helped socialize Brendle in many ways. </b><b>Both Brendle and Bambie have socialization issues.</b><br />
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<b>Brendle, when around Diamond, my daughter and myself is laid back and loving. He loves to cuddle with his humans and chew on hooves. He also tends to survey the house to make sure everyone is safe. When he gets up in the morning he checks every room before he joins me in the kitchen as I cook.</b><br />
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<b>Bambie is a very special girl. She does not get along with the other dogs so she is separated. Her energy levels are very high and throws off the balance between Diamond and Brendle. Once she trusts a person she is very sweet and loyal. And she is a talker. She will have conversations with me all the time and is hysterical. She loves to go for walks and her Bambie bonding time. Most of all she loves toys and hooves to chew on.</b><br />
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<i><b>3) Sometimes dogs will have a hierarchy. You are the leader, of course, but what is the order of who is in charge with your pups?</b></i><br />
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<b><u>Brenda</u>: Diamond and Brendle switch off leadership. When Brendle feels uncomfortable he will allow Diamond to take the lead. If Diamond gets a little excited, Brendle will calm her down. They work well together. Bambie is a lone wolf in her own world.</b><br />
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<i><b>4) Tell us a little about their day... </b></i><br />
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<b><u>Brenda</u>: When Diamond gets up in the morning she will lie in the bed until she has to get up. She loves to sleep in. Brendle gets up as soon as a human is up and he starts his patrol of the house. He then comes in the kitchen as I make breakfast and watches. He also gets his morning rubs. </b><br />
<b>Bambie also sleeps in. When she is up she wants to eat then walk. She also enjoys the morning rubs and walks. </b><br />
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<b>They all like to walk and go on 2-3 walks a day depending on the humans schedule. (I work between 45-50 hrs a week and my daughter works 30-35 hrs a week)</b><br />
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<b>Nighttime is their favorite. Bambie gets her bonding time while Brendle and Diamond lounge on the couch and round chair. They love the cuddles and love!</b><br />
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<i><b>5) How do you manage dinner time at your house?</b></i><br />
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<b><u>Brenda</u>: The dogs are fed 2 times a day. Diamond and Brendle are fed together and Bambie is fed separately. All dogs have to wait in a proper sit for their food. No jumping, no dancing and they must not look at the food. </b><br />
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<i><b>6) Do you have any advice for someone thinking of adding another dog to their household?</b></i><br />
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<b><u>Brenda</u>: A dog is a lifetime commitment. When you bring a new dog in they must work within the pack. An older dog will often help with a new furbaby. When I had Anastasia and Nickey they would help train new dogs and socialize them. They would show the new dog where to potty and the proper behavior of the house. </b><br />
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<b>Under your guidance, allow your dogs to become a working family with each other. If the possible new addition does not fit into the pack then don’t adopt that dog unless you are willing to do the extra work and intense training to make it work.</b><br />
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<b>I wanted to add that I have had the help of Kay Pierce for a lot of socializing of my two special dogs, Bambie and Brendle. If it wasn’t for her help I would not still have the two of them. Having dogs that are a challenge to train and socialize takes a lot of commitment, patients, and very hard work. Having someone in your corner to support and help you and your pack is very important.</b><br />
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<b><i>Thank you, Brenda! </i></b><br />
<br />Astrid Nicole Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05408180606749525071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5360137182956507758.post-34145424825222343142014-09-03T20:48:00.000-04:002014-09-04T07:44:55.295-04:00Cheese and Carrot Doggie Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thursday's Multiples will return next week. Today we'd thought we experiment with a little baking for dogs. Our recipe is Cheese and Carrot Muffins. You will need:<br />
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1 cup all purpose flour<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-2A5gSDvyhK8OfQJDuZUkGrhM-Gl61WbFIRjicIKmuuIytyP36xzTxtDhQExv8gU2Ze2LYk7RZBlHvigrjdCh52by0haY5bEs1ojV0t4fuplBoQvy6y93QGp1mdlaXQYPaqlXEpub858/s1600/Ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-2A5gSDvyhK8OfQJDuZUkGrhM-Gl61WbFIRjicIKmuuIytyP36xzTxtDhQExv8gU2Ze2LYk7RZBlHvigrjdCh52by0haY5bEs1ojV0t4fuplBoQvy6y93QGp1mdlaXQYPaqlXEpub858/s1600/Ingredients.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
1 cup whole wheat flour<br />
1 tablespoon baking powder<br />
1 cup shredded cheese<br />
1 cup shredded carrots<br />
2 large eggs<br />
1 cup of milk<br />
muffin tin for 12 muffins (or 2, 6 each)<br />
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Combine the two flours </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KZ9BzxoFI5GsMn4XRv5ynVwZm7wLE64BDGxIl9Hk009yhxODswf7_do5ZqpkJEGe9rWwVVW5WgrVEARO5V5ZXcchCbG7xY8zaKhh6agCOdrGBOGlMYzdPnkngYop7CXrBd0DE3U1-Wp2/s1600/combine+fours+and+bp.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KZ9BzxoFI5GsMn4XRv5ynVwZm7wLE64BDGxIl9Hk009yhxODswf7_do5ZqpkJEGe9rWwVVW5WgrVEARO5V5ZXcchCbG7xY8zaKhh6agCOdrGBOGlMYzdPnkngYop7CXrBd0DE3U1-Wp2/s1600/combine+fours+and+bp.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Work the carrots and cheese into the flour mixture with your fingers</div>
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Beat the eggs.</div>
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Add milk to beaten eggs.</div>
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Pour milk and egg mix over flour mix and gently stir together.</div>
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Fill muffin cups 3/4 full.</div>
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Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.</div>
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Astrid is the 'Taste Tester'! I think it's a YES!</div>
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Astrid Nicole Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05408180606749525071noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5360137182956507758.post-27339615391782246802014-09-01T06:00:00.000-04:002014-09-01T08:30:31.163-04:00Monday's Makers...today our guest is Billie Sue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i style="font-family: inherit;"><b>1) Thank you for doing this interview, let’s start out with you telling us about your craft.</b></i></div>
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<span class="_5yl5"><span class="null"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Billie Sue: I love animals and have five dogs, a cat and a parrot. I like putting little clothes on my dogs and have seen homemade dresses and vests online. I could not afford the prices of them and for five dogs, so I just thought I would give it a try. I really never thought I could get good enough to sell my doggy clothing and accessories. When I took my dogs to the vet wearing the clothes I had made for them, both vets and staff loved my stuff. One of our vets told me to bring my stuff in his office and try to sell them. So I did and began selling some of my creations. </b></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="_5yl5"><span class="null"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>My husband was hurt at work and not able to go back, so he decided to learn to crochet. My grandmother use to crochet when I was a little girl. She taught me to do the first chain but I could never learn to do a second row. Once my husband learned I asked him to teach me. My little sweaters look totally different from his. He is fast, doing several sweaters a day. It takes me a week to do one sweater.</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="_5yl5"><span class="null"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>My vet was so amazed that I could do this that he asked me to come over when the local newspaper was coming to take pictures of his clinic and staff. He wanted me in the pictures to get my work out for others to see. Now, you might be wondering why he was so amazed and I am so slow. I was born with no left hand. My left arm ends just below the elbow. My parents brought me up as though nothing was wrong with me. If I could not figure out how to do something on my own they would help me find a way to do it. I type with my right hand only, and I do about 35 words per minute. I have worked for two doctors, two attorneys, and in the school system. I am very determined and if someone tells me I can’t do something, I will do my best to prove them wrong. </b></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="_5yl5"><span class="null"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>When crocheting I hold my needle in a vice and then work the yarn around the needle. I can’t explain how I sew, I just use my right hand. I absolutely love doing things for the animals. Many have asked me to do children’s clothing and I do have a pattern to try but for now, I just enjoy doing for the pets. </b></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="_5yl5"><span class="null"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><i><b>2) Is crafting something you’ve always been interested in or maybe once was a hobby?</b></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span class="_5yl5"><span class="null">Billie Sue: I love to do crafting, I am not always very good at it but I like making things. Years ago my sister was expecting my niece and I decided to make her a baby quilt. I really enjoyed doing it. Later I married and was going to have child, so I made my baby one also. </span></span>I have also made a King size quilt for my son with a train engine on it. When I finished it I knew I did not want to tackle that size ever again. I have done various crafts with friends. </b></span></div>
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<span class="_5yl5"><span class="null"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span class="_5yl5"><span class="null">3) <i>Do you have a schedule you follow for your creativity or are you more relaxed, maybe waiting for inspiration? </i></span></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="_5yl5"><span class="null"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span class="_5yl5"><span class="null">Billie Sue: A lot of times I will work on things in the evenings. Sometimes I have to take a break for a few days and right now I am having problems with my right shoulder and seeing a chiropractor so this has slowed me down more. I like sewing and crocheting. It relaxes me and gives me something to do. </span></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="_5yl5"><span class="null">4) <i>Where do you find your inspiration? </i></span></span></div>
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<span class="_5yl5"><span class="null">Billie Sue: Sometimes my husband will come up with something and I will give it a try. Lots of time I lay in bed before going to sleep and think about what I can do next. Then there are times I will be looking at material and think of how pretty that would be as a little dress. I go look at patterns so I can learn new things too. </span></span></div>
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<span class="_5yl5"><span class="null">5) <i>What are your favorite colors to use? </i></span></span></div>
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<span class="_5yl5"><span class="null">Pink, I love pink and I could make lots of pink stuff. I have to make myself buy other colors.</span></span></div>
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<span class="_5yl5"><span class="null">6) <i>Do you have any advice for someone considering entering the craft market place? </i></span></span></div>
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<span class="_5yl5"><span class="null">If you want to do it give it a try. You never know if you can or if you would enjoy it if you do not try. Hey, if I can do it anyone can if they really want to.</span></span></div>
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<span class="_5yl5"><span class="null">For more information, Billie Sue can be found on Facebook at<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dutys-Critter-Outfitter/1399926766905226" target="_blank"> Dutys Critter Outfitter</a> where you will find more of her work. She can also be reached by email at billysueduty@live.com .</span></span></div>
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Astrid Nicole Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05408180606749525071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5360137182956507758.post-24500025992033451932014-08-28T08:26:00.000-04:002014-08-28T10:50:04.133-04:00Thursday's Multiples - Families with multiple dogs are all so different. Let's see what Kelly has to say!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you, Kelly, for sharing with us today.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">1) </span><span style="color: #141923; letter-spacing: 0px;">Would you start by telingl us how many dogs you have, their names and ages?</span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Kelly: <span style="color: #141923; letter-spacing: 0px;">We have 4 dogs: </span><span style="color: #141923; letter-spacing: 0px;">Cinnamon 16 yrs, Riley 5 yrs, Squirt 2 yrs, and Sammy 1 yr.</span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141923; letter-spacing: 0px;">2) Could you tell us about their individual personalities? We know you are pack leader, but do they have a hierarchy among themselves?</span><span style="color: #141923; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141923;">Kelly: </span><span style="color: #141923; letter-spacing: 0px;">Honestly they are all very different dogs. Maybe a little too different from each other. Cinnamon has always been extremely sweet, mellow, and cuddly. She is a foodie and likes Italian, Mexican, and especially peanut butter, but never ever jelly. She hates veggies, but loves meats and sweets! She and I have an extremely special bond and I reflect on her life a lot lately and she's nearing the end of it. I'm rambling, though...</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Riley came to me from SC without me ever even meeting him, but I had to have him! He is also quite sweet and mellow. He wouldn't look me in the eye when he first got here, but has slowly come around to it. I think it's a trust, non challenge thing. He is my rabbit chaser and no matter how much I yell, "Riley, noooo!" he just has the drive and can't stop til the bunny is out of the yard. Or... there was that time he brought one in to the house. Eeeee! Oh, he is also my napping buddy. Each time I nap on the weekends, he's the one who comes with me. He has to or else he will paw on the door the entire time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Squirt. Aaaaaah SQUIRT. He is my problem child. He has some pretty heavy duty behavioral problems. He is afraid of everything, especially people. We can't have anyone over else he will bark incessantly. He barks outside at the neighbors if they get too close to the fence. He has really made our lives kind of difficult, but we are choosing to keep him as we wouldn't want him to bounce around (we are already his 2nd home) or worse. We started with a behaviorist, but that is a long story. On the flip side, he is hysterical! He rarely sits still and his giant radar ears are always "on". Even when he sleeps they are tuning in to Mars, one will tune in to a noise towards the north, the other a noise to the south. He is ball centric, HAS to sleep squished up next to my husband EVERY night, and is extremely smart. His Mafia name is Tommy Two Tones. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Forgot to mention Riley's mafia name is Frankie Two Teeth and Sammy is Sammy the Bull.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Which brings me to Sammy, my foster fail. Was only supposed to have him for a week. Squirt wanted to kill him for the first 5 or so days, but I knew they'd be buddies and now they are. Sammy is petite. He is all legs and I think he learned from brother Squirt that chasing a ball is fun! He doesn't like to get his feet wet and will go to great extremes to avoid getting his feet wet outside. He is shy around people and he loves the next door neighbor's dog. They will run the fence, but not territorially. They truly have fun. he tries so very hard to get big brother Riley to play, but Riley will have none of it. He loves to play with Squirt!! They wrestle quite a bit.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Heirarchy: yes, it's complicated, though. Squirt is the loudest, bossiest, most irritating somewhat aggressive dog in the house. he bosses Riley, Riley bosses Sammy, and Sammy (the smallest) bosses Squirt (the meanest!)! No idea how that happened. Everyone seems to leave Cinnamon alone though Sammy can give her a little growl here and there.</span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">3) What is your key to keeping the peace among several dogs?</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #141923; font-family: inherit;">Kelly: <span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">For the most part we don't have to "keep the peace". Every now and again Squirt will seem to try to intimidate Riley and we just try to step in as best we know how. "No Squirt" etc. We give Riley extra assuring cuddles if he does get </span>intimidated<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">. I don't see Riley really caring about it, he pretty much ignores it and doesn't back down.</span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141923;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">4) </span></span><span style="color: #141923; letter-spacing: 0px;">How do you manage dinnertime with your pack?</span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141923;">Kelly: </span><span style="color: #141923; letter-spacing: 0px;">Oh, there is some peace to keep here. We learned the hard way that once again the smallest in the house, Sammy, has some food aggression. He is just fed in a different spot in the house while the other 3 eat. Cinnamon is the slowest so I am usually sitting with her guarding her food from Squirt and Riley. They are vultures when they finish. But like I said, Cinnamon is the sweetest dog ever and if they both started chowing out her bowl with her she wouldn't mind. I just don't let them.</span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141923; letter-spacing: 0px;">5) </span><span style="color: #141923; letter-spacing: 0px;">Any advice you can give to someone thinking of adding additional dogs to their family?</span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Kelly: <span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Hmmm... I'm not sure I'm the best person to give advice. I don't follow Cesar or Victoria. I don't read up on behavior like I probably should. I will say going from 1 dog to 2 is pretty different, but after that it's all the same! haha! Just a bunch of dogs milling around. I'm sure there is all sorts of good advice out there about introducing a new dog to your pack before you even bring home the new dog, but I don't do that. I just get 'em! They are all from different states: CA, SC, MO, and OK so no, they never met! We just try to give them all what they want. There are times when I am throwing a ball for Squirt, a different ball for Sammy, I'm rubbing Riley's belly, and petting Cinnamon as she patrols around for food. It can get a little overwhelming trying to spread the love, but it's worth it!</span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">You seem to have such a relaxed approach! Great interview. Thanks, Kelly.</span></i></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px 1px 0px;">Monday Maker’s is a new weekly feature highlighting the creative among us who also sell their items on line or privately. Today’s guest is Melinda.</span></div>
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<i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">1) Thank you for doing this interview, Melinda! Let’s start out with you telling us about your craft.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-shadow: 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px #ffffff;"></span></i></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-shadow: 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px #ffffff;">I don't have one specific craft. I usually see something I like and wonder to myself if I can make it. Sometimes I can do it and other times I make a horrible mess of it. I make wreaths, wooden leash holders, wooden signs, and am currently trying to make bows for furbabies to wear. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-shadow: 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px #ffffff;"><i>2) Is crafting something you’ve always been interested in or maybe once was a hobby?</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-shadow: 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px #ffffff;">I've always liked doing crafty things. It takes my mind off things and relaxes me. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-shadow: 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px #ffffff;">3)<i> Do you have a schedule you follow for your creativity or are you more relaxed, maybe waiting for inspiration?</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-shadow: 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px #ffffff;">I don't have a schedule for crafting. I get into it for a while and then take a break...I think it comes when I see something that "inspires" me. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-shadow: 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px #ffffff;"><i>4) Where do you find your inspiration? </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-shadow: 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px #ffffff;">I find inspiration everywhere. But I'm pulled more towards things that I would like in my own home or around me. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-shadow: 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px #ffffff;"><i>5) What are your favorite colors to use? </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-shadow: 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px #ffffff;">Of course my favorite color is purple but I love all colors, I like to mix and match colors just to see if they will go together. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-shadow: 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px #ffffff;"><i>6) Do you have any advice for someone considering entering the craft market place?</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-shadow: 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px #ffffff;">The only advice I can give someone for crafting is to go for it. Most people think they can't...it's too hard, when in reality it's usually not as hard as it might look. Just go for it---you might find a creative side you never knew you had. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px 1px 0px;">Thank you so much, Melinda! If someone is interested in Melinda’s work, you can see more of it and contact her here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1386874814923085/" target="_blank">BeeMee's Designs</a></span></div>
Astrid Nicole Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05408180606749525071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5360137182956507758.post-43642275024145089992014-08-21T06:00:00.000-04:002014-08-21T07:13:49.308-04:00Thursday's MultiplesStarting today, we are going to have a new feature, 'Thursday's Multiples' featuring families having two or more dogs. Our guest today is Fran and her three dogs, (from left) Brody, Logan and Sugar.<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">1) <i>Fran, let's start by you telling our readers your dogs names and ages.</i></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Fran: Sugar, our adopted American Eskimo, just turned 8 years old on May 12th. Brody, our German Shepherd, turned 4 years old on March 8th. Logan, our other German Shepherd turned 1 year old on April 7th.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">2) <i>I know Logan is your newest addition. Tell us about his first day at his new home.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #00364a; font-family: Arial;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Fran: Logan's first day home was very easy. Logan was just going to turn 7 weeks old, and usually </span>you're<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> not allowed to bring them home until at least 8 weeks. We had a situation with Brody who was showing major depression over the lose of our Tucker. The breeder understood it, and told us, since we are seasoned German Shepherd owners we can bring him home earlier. Logan was used to other big dogs, and he also met Brody two weeks prior when we brought Brody and Sugar to the breeder's home for them to meet Logan. On the way home he was crying. It was his first time in a car, so I was singing a song, much to my husband's dismay! Soon as we got him home, I went and took Brody and Sugar out into the back yard. My husband met us with Logan. They ran to him and smelled him, and Logan was all excited, he wanted to play. And PLAY he did..right away with Brody. Then we all came in, showed him the water dish, and his spot to lay down, and he went to sleep. Soon as he woke up, out we went again, and he chased Brody all over. Dinner time, usually breeders have ONE big dish for all the puppies to eat from, so he had to learn that he was not to go into Brody's dish or Sugar's, that he had his own. Soon as he finished eating, he carried around his bowl, and then started to empty the three water dishes to play in the water! He followed Brody all over, Brody had not one moments rest. It's important to give the older dogs a rest from a puppy, and I did try, bringing Logan out in the porch. Brody cried. He didn't mind Logan's attention one bit and he wanted to be near him constantly. Sugar was happy since she was a bit bigger than Logan but soon she found him to be a thorn in her side and she didnt want to deal with his puppy antics. She would jump up on the couch, and he would find her right away! It was a very exciting and happy day for all of us, and as much as I was totally exhausted, our bond formed right away.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">3) <i>While you and your husband are the leaders of the pack, sometimes there is a hierarchy among multiple dogs in a family. Is there one among your three?</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Fran: Yes, there is, and it's much easier for us humans to pick how it will be. It relieves the stress of the dogs having to figure it out. I have read they want US to do it for them. We had to have Sugar all the time to be at the bottom of the hierarchy since in her past she had issues. Even though she is small, wants to be dominant and shows it. That was the reason she was given up by her prior owners. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">4) <i>How do you manage dinner time?</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Fran: Everyone eats in the kitchen at the same time. No one touches the other's feeding dish. The boys eat on feeding stands. Sugar will go later when they are finished to see if they left anything on the floor. She has the habit of doing that. She can be full, and will still do it.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">They eat twice a day, in the morning and at night. I don't have to tell them, but they all go in a sit position. I put Brody's bowl down first in the feeding stand, then Logan's, then Sugar's. Then I give them the signal they can eat. Our signal is two slaps to the side of our leg, and "okay". Brody is a very slow eater, and usually finishes last.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #018000; font-family: Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b> </b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">5) <i>Tell us about grooming. Your three are definitely ones that require grooming. About how much time a week do you spend at that?</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Everyday they get their teeth brushed. Sugar is not too keen on it, the boys love it. I brush them everyday, it's part of our ritual. We go outside in the morning, I have my tools already in the back porch, and I brush them. It's a good thing to do, you need to see if there are any bumps or anything we should be aware of. Brody gets his ears cleaned often as his ears tends to build up a lot of wax, usually three times a week for him. Logan once a week is enough. Sugar the same.</span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Trimming of nails.. that is my husband's job, they sit for him, and he does the clipping. It's very important to keep their nails nice and trim.</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Right now both of my boys are shedding a lot, so I brush them more than once a day, several times in fact a day. If we are outside, I grab the comb and brush. It's good for their coat.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Sugar doesnt shed as much, but she needs baths. The boys don't, they get two baths a year and that's it.</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">So honestly I can't give a time figure, I enjoy doing it, so it's not a chore for me. I feel brushing and combing is all part of the bonding we have with our dogs.</span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I start them very young. On day one when we brought home Logan I brushed him, I needed for him to get used to it. Also touching their paws helps so when it comes to trimming of nails there is never a issue.</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">6) <i>Do you have any advice to give families who may be considering adding another dog or two to their family?</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Fran: Yes, I feel one of the main things is to try to consider the dog you already have. Is he/she a couch potato or very active? I feel it's a good idea to try and match the same or almost the same activity level. Also to make sure you have the finances. Also most important is "TIME", having more than one dog is not for everyone. If a person doesn't have the time to play and interact and take care of one dog, getting another dog so that dog can have a playmate just isn't right. Yes dogs do play with each other and interact, Brody was a major babysitter for me with Logan. I didn't have to do the usual looking to see what the puppy was doing, he was with Brody! He kept him busy and active, therefore Logan was never into things, getting into trouble or chewing on things. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I also make sure I give one on one time, just like we do with "human kids". Since I have three it's easy, two stay inside with each other, and I take one out to do some special playing with him or her, then I reverse it. Although my boys always want to be together, I do play with them separate. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">My three are very bonded with each other. Even though Sugar does not want to play with the boys, she wants to know were they are and what they are doing. They are all part of a pack.</span><br />
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Astrid Nicole Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05408180606749525071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5360137182956507758.post-71417690656372862732014-08-13T12:30:00.001-04:002014-08-13T12:33:35.992-04:00Astrid Plays Frisbee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Astrid Nicole Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05408180606749525071noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5360137182956507758.post-89418193201739496212014-07-15T12:05:00.000-04:002014-07-15T12:05:13.131-04:00Kindness...it goes both ways<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxN8tOtRPOcvuOpl0lhvwPlR6DeY3tjwmNmQbkuicDGLxcQnZRbYPU3-ugdJh9xyVKrZxXIo0edNiLgkZARcI_AD7KsRfgKBTRm3GxY3Z3LS3cYZHNu8FL4mzhvllnvU7qhAsNf12uJSfz/s1600/Christine&Astrid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxN8tOtRPOcvuOpl0lhvwPlR6DeY3tjwmNmQbkuicDGLxcQnZRbYPU3-ugdJh9xyVKrZxXIo0edNiLgkZARcI_AD7KsRfgKBTRm3GxY3Z3LS3cYZHNu8FL4mzhvllnvU7qhAsNf12uJSfz/s1600/Christine&Astrid.jpg" height="303" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Astrid the therapy dog is keeping up her circuit of three visits to a variety of rehabilitation, living and alzheimer's centers each month. Her purpose is to show care and kindness. While every staff we have encountered has shown gratitude to us, and care to the residents, there is one special care giver that Astrid has bonded with.</span><br />
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<br />Astrid Nicole Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05408180606749525071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5360137182956507758.post-61161530984641099422014-03-05T11:51:00.000-05:002014-03-05T11:51:54.332-05:00Star Gazing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When it was still warmer out, Astrid and I got in the habit of going outside after dark. She relaxed on her cot, I would sip a latte on the patio. We soon realized that there was a whole lot of beautiful over head! We watched the moon in all it's phases. We started noticing stars that seemed brighter than others...some, amazingly spectacular! It has turned into a little hobby for both of us. I'm enjoying learning something new, Astrid is enjoying these extra unexpected trips out side and the conversation about what we are seeing out there. Sure, she doesn't know what I'm talking about but with her name thrown in every now and again, she knows that it includes her and is about her and that is all good. Here is Astrid modeling her new official 'star gazing' bandana!</span>Astrid Nicole Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05408180606749525071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5360137182956507758.post-67616703915123095762014-02-26T08:44:00.000-05:002014-02-26T08:51:04.459-05:00Snowman Couture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOMEB2g8k0YAZHepmh4nVoUatKwOhhQ4sOAVEjDwzpcA-6OvVSFBbmjY5M5P65aflY9yWPGxcSaqgc-ijdyXsScN38W1yAzCUkWetPsGx8zdvxmNz3zka_YbEEMldeIH66u0PMYdoN_WT/s1600/SnowmanKissBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOMEB2g8k0YAZHepmh4nVoUatKwOhhQ4sOAVEjDwzpcA-6OvVSFBbmjY5M5P65aflY9yWPGxcSaqgc-ijdyXsScN38W1yAzCUkWetPsGx8zdvxmNz3zka_YbEEMldeIH66u0PMYdoN_WT/s1600/SnowmanKissBlog.jpg" height="319" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Astrid got to build her second snowman ever a couple of weeks ago. Southern North Carolina is not known for it's snow so when it happens we take advantage of it. Mr Snowman got to stand proudly just outside our back door wearing hand loom knit (by Astrid's mom) scarf and hat. When it only snows enough twice in seven years to make a snowman, nothing is too good.</span>Astrid Nicole Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05408180606749525071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5360137182956507758.post-21088700836035252342014-01-19T20:53:00.000-05:002014-01-19T20:53:12.877-05:00Mistfit or a Match For Life?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_oCjw2JlLUaWTX9OZ0vC0MzKF693XEFPtohgpE7vSAMPx4_SzU27itT8TDksbB6AuNdnRH3On_Ad3PJ2usGCog5KVUq4QZK06tWcZeZ8SagLLl8FDJcxf-zxihsJU1QW80JTO1vAWisw/s1600/IMG_6643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_oCjw2JlLUaWTX9OZ0vC0MzKF693XEFPtohgpE7vSAMPx4_SzU27itT8TDksbB6AuNdnRH3On_Ad3PJ2usGCog5KVUq4QZK06tWcZeZ8SagLLl8FDJcxf-zxihsJU1QW80JTO1vAWisw/s1600/IMG_6643.jpg" height="320" width="249" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Are shelters full of misfits? Of course they are! There are high energy dogs taken home by mellow, homebodies. There are dogs that would like nothing more than to lie at your feet all day but end up in a house full of children that want to dress them up. There are dogs that love to 'work'. By that, we mean is they love to learn, learn, learn new things! They may find themselves in a home that wanted a dog that was just content to be there. And there is nothing wrong with any of these dogs in and of themselves! But the harsh truth is that they are labeled. Labled "odd ducks", "square pegs", "odd balls" and many other defamatory words included the worst, 'returns'. This....all because the word that could really describe the situation was 'misfit'. A situation that didn't work. It didn't work, it wasn't right and it all could have been avoided from the beginning with a little bit of help. First, one needs to make the right fit between dog and potential family. Once assured that the match is right, the rest is called 'rehoming skills' and there are lots and lots of books written about it. Tons of info on the 'net, too!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So, when adopting a dog, make a list of what you want from your new family member. Want a dining companion? So did we! And here she sits. Astrid Nicole, social butterfly and you can tell, she is a little 'older'. And so are we.</span>Astrid Nicole Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05408180606749525071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5360137182956507758.post-6939062462268467422013-10-02T10:31:00.000-04:002013-10-02T10:31:03.569-04:00Late Bloomer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCFNhD6yLBn6-WjtkzkWwdOnJib_6xz933RFYeOC0HBCq3iuPXhFYjQlY3358q9smiHWbu30CeCMDCIx2MNnWpc1AyMQAlUtM4VBM3QXC4sAwBF1vtmfLFgBhMT-d26Qx4m5pJaYFZjK5/s1600/Late+Bloomer.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCFNhD6yLBn6-WjtkzkWwdOnJib_6xz933RFYeOC0HBCq3iuPXhFYjQlY3358q9smiHWbu30CeCMDCIx2MNnWpc1AyMQAlUtM4VBM3QXC4sAwBF1vtmfLFgBhMT-d26Qx4m5pJaYFZjK5/s320/Late+Bloomer.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">I didn't know what to title this post. Thoughts like 'never give up' and 'shame on me' came to mind. I had brought my dahlias in about a week ago. For lack of nurturing over last winter, I had gotten a measly three blooms from one pot and nothing from the other. Looking pretty dreadful, I put them on the bottom shelf of my potting stand until I could get around to emptying the pots and throwing away the contents. No water, no sun, no nothing. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Today, after letting Astrid outside, I stopped at the potting stand on the way in the porch and mindlessly picked up the pots. My intention was to assess how big a bag I should get when removing the dirt and bulbs. This pictures shows what I found. I know it isn't a pretty picture, but how or why I missed the struggle of the one pot to bloom, I just don't know. Maybe I'm reading too much into this, but these bulbs are going to get a third chance next year after over wintering the right way. </span>Astrid Nicole Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05408180606749525071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5360137182956507758.post-22741015381663923722013-09-23T08:54:00.000-04:002013-09-23T08:54:04.384-04:00Astrid's Big Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">What a fun weekend we had! First, Astrid had a 10:30am pedicure appointment. She is even happy while she waits.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">Next, it was off to <a href="http://www.petessential.com/Pet_Essentials/Welcome.html" target="_blank">Pet Essentials</a> for some cookies. She doesn't mind waiting in line to pay for them. It gives her a chance to schmooze the other customers.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">She picked out two cookies and was ready to go. She needed cookies to snack on while Mom and Dad had lunch.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">Next, it was off to our new fave restaurant for some lunch.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">And finally time to go home. Thank you, <a href="http://www.showmars.com/" target="_blank">Showmar's</a>, for being so pet friendly and having yummy food too!</span>Astrid Nicole Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05408180606749525071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5360137182956507758.post-6061959847804742052013-09-17T11:33:00.001-04:002013-09-17T11:33:35.784-04:00There's A Story Behind The Mistakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitgS_0Rg9TJOgt-FIb0A-6DX0MoTXVlU0KcGDckjyaWAnYM7BwCrCqJ9k_dxmwBV7bCP3zSANjzT0hyphenhyphenSoqsWX0yK1Rr7xtKomipVKT0nwm48YeNzsci5X6_vPcn3kfElFJJ2-rvZDWYoE5/s1600/Doiles.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitgS_0Rg9TJOgt-FIb0A-6DX0MoTXVlU0KcGDckjyaWAnYM7BwCrCqJ9k_dxmwBV7bCP3zSANjzT0hyphenhyphenSoqsWX0yK1Rr7xtKomipVKT0nwm48YeNzsci5X6_vPcn3kfElFJJ2-rvZDWYoE5/s320/Doiles.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">I've been trying my hand at these old fashioned crochet doilies lately. My Swedish grandmother had the time and patience to surround herself and her home with homemade things like this. Well, maybe not quite like these as you may find mistakes in mine. Especially that little white one. Why is it all scrunched up against the others you ask? Of course, there's a story behind it. And of course it involves Astrid.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Astrid is well trained. I could put a sandwich on the floor and if I told her not to touch it, I could leave the room and return and still find the sandwich on the floor. She touches nothing that isn't hers. Except once. It was Christmas time and a dear friend sent Astrid a stocking with her name on it. Of course, she joined in the excitement as we opened it but I was super surprised when she picked the stocking up and ran off with it! That was a few years ago and she hasn't 'stolen' anything since. Until last Friday night.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Astrid's dad had come home later than usual. We were in the living room. I was working on crochet. Apparently, she got a little beside herself with jealousy as her dad and I ignored her while we talked. She grabbed my work out of my basket and ran off...leaving a nice little trail of unraveling crochet thread. She only traveled a couple of feet, but that was enough to undo my work a little. Wow...talk about guilty looks! You should have seen her face when she realized what she did. I'm not that experienced at this tiny (and tedious) work, so I tried putting it together as well as I could. But there's a mistake(s) and it's noticeable. Hence, the scrunching up of the little white one for the picture. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">I don't imagine Astrid will continue in her wayward behavior. We all act irrational when our emotions get the best of us so I forgive the doily runaway. But the stocking? Do I think she is so smart she can read? Of course not! But it did have her name on it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIjmoVfBh2o8ZZ-shlHjjZkOLLXYCfoV9SZTNRDjiYDsbQ05nxcLCBrs83tobXLoEWuAoyw10dR-aEVGVGtBXOgO_8RflQGXmQJiE1QYTKpBxT_M7AxCtwCLHkzERPELQRf6x5r9tru1e/s1600/Name.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIjmoVfBh2o8ZZ-shlHjjZkOLLXYCfoV9SZTNRDjiYDsbQ05nxcLCBrs83tobXLoEWuAoyw10dR-aEVGVGtBXOgO_8RflQGXmQJiE1QYTKpBxT_M7AxCtwCLHkzERPELQRf6x5r9tru1e/s320/Name.jpeg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
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<br />Astrid Nicole Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05408180606749525071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5360137182956507758.post-26201703401215275292013-09-11T20:32:00.000-04:002013-09-11T20:32:07.234-04:00Dining With Dogs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXCPZpzDm9monIU0IUqcMfdwAWS3f8VdjVWBevo6GeXxM242nACJhyphenhyphenvgdNdCZt40OjAqEN8d5tRAd9zt1U-gRuIkVCni1AgLf6vrKsEF_Eq-KfiUqdNFsuSvdvVsqWrtMck5BolpDbnu_/s1600/proxy-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXCPZpzDm9monIU0IUqcMfdwAWS3f8VdjVWBevo6GeXxM242nACJhyphenhyphenvgdNdCZt40OjAqEN8d5tRAd9zt1U-gRuIkVCni1AgLf6vrKsEF_Eq-KfiUqdNFsuSvdvVsqWrtMck5BolpDbnu_/s320/proxy-1.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPl6ShE7Knx5oKAVs9OKf5oxAfIZ4ZQ9aWfqlsV4GFWfbj1iYjWYf2W_jgEMw2oeHccFseY20m3Ph4cl97bNvKoEMZ98eoBdR8J4-AjDS61TVdBZaytuzRMDDz1EiDmNkFUUfeemYAJ3k2/s1600/Astrid+at+Rotellies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPl6ShE7Knx5oKAVs9OKf5oxAfIZ4ZQ9aWfqlsV4GFWfbj1iYjWYf2W_jgEMw2oeHccFseY20m3Ph4cl97bNvKoEMZ98eoBdR8J4-AjDS61TVdBZaytuzRMDDz1EiDmNkFUUfeemYAJ3k2/s320/Astrid+at+Rotellies.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Astrid joins us a lot at restaurants around Charlotte....everything from fast casual, one of our faves named 'Showmar's' to finer dining at '131 Main'. It wasn't always that way. For the first couple of years, there was not an official rule 'on the books' regulating dogs on restaurant patios. Then finally...officially, if the owner of the restaurant approves, all well behaved dogs are welcome to enjoy patio dining. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">There are about three rules for dining with dogs on patios. One, of course they need to be pleasant around strangers but not too inquisitive about every other patron of the restaurant. We don't meet and greet everyone who arrives at the restaurant and takes a seat in our vicinity so our dog shouldn't either. Two, they should have a 'reliable settle'. That's a term I've learned at dog training classes when the teacher doesn't want the dogs jumping up and down and barking. You are confident that they will quietly and patiently lay down beside your chair. Giving them a bite here and there is perfectly acceptable as long as they will resume this 'reliable settle' (don't you love that phrase) when you give the word. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">The third rule is for the dog's dining companions...mom, dad, whoever. You will eventually run into 'the jerk'. They will want to know why anyone would bring their dog with them to a restaurant. It is hard...it is so very hard not to come back with a harsh remark. Here's your chance to change someone's mind or at least give them something to think about. I usually reply 'since well behaved dogs are now welcome on restaurant patios as long as they are welcome by the restaurants owners, we take Astrid everywhere. It's a nice break from all the Therapy Dog work we do.' Yep....I slip in a brag. And I try not to be too smug about it all.</span>Astrid Nicole Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05408180606749525071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5360137182956507758.post-67714690665917024622013-09-10T19:31:00.000-04:002013-09-10T19:31:32.209-04:00Falling Big<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDAbhLt1v9cQtHytUMfHAlE93pid3K5tSxXfKRZqNAes47UdzHqAiS6Rqd5GugFTflK2K0tGtOmJBomYhDjFiw-PJTg-hd2xAYWHYSaTIwjNBCSOYujEs2GVu5X1Rl2MDx8KGiuI4n7Ez/s1600/AstridorangeHalloween.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDAbhLt1v9cQtHytUMfHAlE93pid3K5tSxXfKRZqNAes47UdzHqAiS6Rqd5GugFTflK2K0tGtOmJBomYhDjFiw-PJTg-hd2xAYWHYSaTIwjNBCSOYujEs2GVu5X1Rl2MDx8KGiuI4n7Ez/s320/AstridorangeHalloween.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">This year for Autumn, </span><span style="color: orange;"><a href="http://www.astridnicole.com/" target="_blank">Astrid's Etsy shop</a> </span></span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">is going big. Big in size, that is. Our new 2013 Halloween collection is all larger sizes. We still have a few of the smaller favorites in our shop from 2012, so you little ones won't miss out. The first six shoppers will also be getting a sweet little surprise in their package! Happy shopping, Happy Halloween!</span>Astrid Nicole Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05408180606749525071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5360137182956507758.post-86091675681318059962013-09-02T19:35:00.000-04:002013-09-02T19:39:15.958-04:00Not So Dreamy Dahlias<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKlQJp5GgeO4yGYhYdEltSNPrlIVpp6pBB9qcIuBJlrIHCxrrElqMwtJ4mVMDRAveHgu0ai-xLqa19L2JRXiGBngX-JiDLypo50l6ugWGUE1JqaUKHvZWQlHewl8yfEJgKLVOSv3VYzgD/s1600/Last+year's+dahlias.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKlQJp5GgeO4yGYhYdEltSNPrlIVpp6pBB9qcIuBJlrIHCxrrElqMwtJ4mVMDRAveHgu0ai-xLqa19L2JRXiGBngX-JiDLypo50l6ugWGUE1JqaUKHvZWQlHewl8yfEJgKLVOSv3VYzgD/s200/Last+year's+dahlias.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: small;"><b>Dreamy Dahlia</b></span></td></tr>
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For my first time ever growing Dahlias, I was very proud of the flowers produced last summer. I followed directions, full sun, water when needed and they rewarded me with big, beautiful blooms. Then, the frost came. Of course, that wasn't unexpected. I cut the dry straw like stems back to the soil surface....and that's where I left them. Sure, I had every intention of removing them from the soil and placing them a card board box on top of paper towels where they would over winter and be ready for an even more spectacular display next summer. Unfortunately, they were neglected. Sure I saw them and told my self I had plenty of time. Time went by and on one of my trips out the back door I passed the Dahlias in their pots. And they had green sprouts. They had tried to take care of themselves without me. I couldn't continue to neglect them, so picking them up I took them outside to where they will receive full sun at least 8 hours a day. And produce flowers ...even without my tender care. They are producing small, dull in color, very small blooms with very short stems with already brown curling edges.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_Cga2iQGViORf4_dLuTrFXPQDqKGmkEzkKY6kWwRYh5zJORmq5AvuNFMeUBqrW3EDPVOC2NvJciuZqwC01ezRWBHBrR7Rs-UYeeHUm413TVcpzs1sJmly-DQ1toXXz0UGZmRGttlRb7L/s1600/UndreamyDahlia.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_Cga2iQGViORf4_dLuTrFXPQDqKGmkEzkKY6kWwRYh5zJORmq5AvuNFMeUBqrW3EDPVOC2NvJciuZqwC01ezRWBHBrR7Rs-UYeeHUm413TVcpzs1sJmly-DQ1toXXz0UGZmRGttlRb7L/s320/UndreamyDahlia.jpeg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: small;"><b>Not So Dreamy Dahlia</b></span></td></tr>
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I usually write blogs about dogs. This one is too, in a way. Many of us take our dogs to classes or train at home all year, gaining skills, them shinning in their particular sport. Then summer break comes. We look forward to the rest and we think our dogs do to. We don't water them so much with practice and metaphorically speaking, maybe they don't get all the sun they need. Then we go back to class wondering why they seem a little brown around the edges. Astrid and I have a whole month to work on her skills before they will need to be displayed. We won't make the same mistake twice.Astrid Nicole Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05408180606749525071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5360137182956507758.post-42464582351946226742013-08-18T20:21:00.001-04:002013-08-18T20:39:09.496-04:00Great Pictures Boost Shelter Dogs Chances<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIDDqFCVxhpnK4T4jZ01a6W0iy63f-0_nDJFdaX4o8WNhe1-iHiuRa8seXoVmffTr2f9u329gYP_EAk8W-8mwyO70CAVQwL5-DqebaCJnuRpRDL4TIPhtRtzHU70FCYx-YxtAbzIkjXnp/s1600/Morelove.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIDDqFCVxhpnK4T4jZ01a6W0iy63f-0_nDJFdaX4o8WNhe1-iHiuRa8seXoVmffTr2f9u329gYP_EAk8W-8mwyO70CAVQwL5-DqebaCJnuRpRDL4TIPhtRtzHU70FCYx-YxtAbzIkjXnp/s400/Morelove.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">No matter how broad minded and informed we might think we are, the picture of a shelter dog in a beautiful setting will elicit an awwww and draw our interest. Take that same dog and tie him to a door, taking his picture while he stands there nervously and that awww will turn to a pitiful one, probably with the thought that we hope someone overlooks his surroundings and gives him a second chance at a good home anyway. The saying "a picture is worth a thousand words" is especially true when applied to shelter dogs. Shelters know that they just often are too busy tending to each new dog that arrives at the shelter often at a frantic pace. Often shelter workers are over worked, under paid (if at all) and emotionally drained from the sight of one beautiful animal after another that has been thrown away at a human's whim and ending up at their shelter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.petfinder.com/" target="_blank">Pet Finder</a>, along with the <a href="http://www.centerforshelterdogs.org/" target="_blank">Center For Shelter Dogs </a>are teaming up and are currently taking a survey on Pet Finder's website to see what makes a picture most appealing. We are really looking forward to how they are going to use this information to better the chances of finding a forever home for shelter dogs. Until their new information is available, Astrid (alumnus of <a href="http://santacruzhumanesociety.org/" target="_blank">Santa Cruz Humane Society</a>) and I hope that everyone, whether you are considering adopting or going to share a photo of an animal in need, will look past the background of a picture and look to the soul....and all the other things...size, temperament, age (Senior Dog Rocks!), etc., etc., that will help you make the decision of whether that dog in the picture might be right for your family.</span>Astrid Nicole Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05408180606749525071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5360137182956507758.post-17287164856852243012013-06-17T08:52:00.000-04:002013-06-17T08:52:31.052-04:00On Being A Therapy Dog Team<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevhGnngMgKF-9M8dshJhCsWAQZz2qJSR13MI-ZC-DRgf21d3CJ1SMMIcSeRv1xUXAbjqjUxqRpEFwJrhM-od9_ZQ54lHV8qbMDa5n4304BCOE93gNtizBbjAhUkZlJPttz_x9SvcZlJ5Z/s1600/modelingbandana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevhGnngMgKF-9M8dshJhCsWAQZz2qJSR13MI-ZC-DRgf21d3CJ1SMMIcSeRv1xUXAbjqjUxqRpEFwJrhM-od9_ZQ54lHV8qbMDa5n4304BCOE93gNtizBbjAhUkZlJPttz_x9SvcZlJ5Z/s320/modelingbandana.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>
We had another lovely visit at the rehab and living center as a therapy dog team today. We are actually in our fifth year of doing this. With no special talents, Astrid loves to get petted and fancies herself a trick dog at times, and I have a talent for talk with people I don't know. If you are reading this and are considering becoming a therapy team, I have a little advice you may not get anywhere else. We all sometimes think that will walk into these facilities bringing rays of sunshine and happiness. Sometimes we really do! Other times, the people we saw last time have gotten sicker and aren't in condition to visit. But there are times....times when you really really know you made a difference. One that comes to mind is the lady that was sent to rehab after a colostomy. She wanted to visit with Astrid so much but was embarrassed over the smell. She said we may not want to come in because of it. We told her that when someone loves dogs, and they want to see Astrid, nothing stands in our way. I haven't see this lady for the last two months. I choose to think she learned to cope with her new inconvenience in living and went home.<br />
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And then there is Miss Jean. What she wants most is to first, touch Astrid and second, she would like to make sure she is keeping her mind sharp by telling you how she worked at BellSouth Telephone Company for 35 years. Also how her mom was the teacher in a one room school house in South Carolina, During this, Astrid stretches out on the cool wood floor for a nap while I listen and ask questions about what life was like all those years ago when telephone operators all sat in and row and offered assistance. This is where one realizes the definition of the word team in 'Therapy Team'. It's obviously my turn occasionally.<br />
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Mostly, therapy work is fun and pretty routine....room to room to room making people smile. But there will be those that you will remember for other reasons.Astrid Nicole Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05408180606749525071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5360137182956507758.post-35803833318082416752013-04-18T12:39:00.000-04:002013-04-18T12:41:35.146-04:00Lighten Up...I'm A Dog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClhqZczQ5QcV_WwwJV7GTtYhA2A9rzWd1DAfXSc5H1SYP-WdfJ5SRQ8z8Ld1bLhhu5C4qdh4bBlrz10SB7m1YKL5UzIO_6Wr7DlmkZM06msDHq2SuOmJ6QP0e7RwMlaHQE_CVFlUe0A3e/s1600/TouchPink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClhqZczQ5QcV_WwwJV7GTtYhA2A9rzWd1DAfXSc5H1SYP-WdfJ5SRQ8z8Ld1bLhhu5C4qdh4bBlrz10SB7m1YKL5UzIO_6Wr7DlmkZM06msDHq2SuOmJ6QP0e7RwMlaHQE_CVFlUe0A3e/s400/TouchPink.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">To treat or not to treat? To click or not to click (clicker training)? To stick out your tongue at your dog or not to stick out your tongue? Look...don't look. How do we know which is the best training method for our dog? Like me, maybe you have been all over the training map and still feel like a beginner. I want my dog to love me, but not just for treats. I want to know that if I forget my clicker one day, my dog won't run away. I want to know that if I stick out my tongue at Astrid, that I'm not violating some 'canine rule' and she will be ruined for ever. And I want to know that if my dog looks at another dog and the other dog reacts badly, that I'm not the one who is all wrong. Alas, I have learned the answers to all of these questions. Yes, no, sometimes, maybe and most important...what works with my dog? I'm not saying to leave things up to our dog. It all works to some degree. Try it all out, then keep what works and leave the rest. What have we found works best? Treats are good, ask your dog but don't leave it up to them...make them work really hard for it sometimes. No, Astrid doesn't run away if I forget my clicker. Our emotional bond is stronger than that. Sticking out our tongue at our dog might violate a canine rule, but it sure is funny teaching this one and your dog will forgive you when they see how much it makes you laugh. And the other dog reacting badly when your dog looks at them? You just might want to quit looking at them....some dogs are like that. Our only cardinal rule in training is that whatever class we are taking, we go by the instructors rules while in class. We fit in better and our dogs will appreciate it. If our dogs could talk, we think they would say "lighten up, it's all good".</span><br />
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Astrid Nicole Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05408180606749525071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5360137182956507758.post-17363341405761719932013-01-24T10:36:00.001-05:002013-01-24T10:36:17.334-05:00Play Date Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPQraCzJn8Za9ntg65usiFMIx4YTiUi74zN_pStWZpARBCRbXGdS6QkCRwX12y7z8qClWJ5iJ5g5et8nBKDk7spIbRbBKcHbRQCCq0QoCD4Ot18w-wr-GvSRqKRNilQcSEy4BiNFyQ2ka/s1600/Astrid+Cute+Button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPQraCzJn8Za9ntg65usiFMIx4YTiUi74zN_pStWZpARBCRbXGdS6QkCRwX12y7z8qClWJ5iJ5g5et8nBKDk7spIbRbBKcHbRQCCq0QoCD4Ot18w-wr-GvSRqKRNilQcSEy4BiNFyQ2ka/s320/Astrid+Cute+Button.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">One may think that play dates with other dogs is a little far fetched, but it makes perfect sense when socializing our dogs. We often expect our dogs to be well behaved around other dogs. The only way to accomplish this is to actually be around other dogs! Be the trend setter in your neighborhood and invite that canine cutie over for a short play date with your dog. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Pictured here is Astrid modeling perfect play date attire from the 'Cute As A Button' collection at her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AstridNicoleEtcetera?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">AstridNicoleEtcetera Etsy </a>shop.</span><br />
<br />Astrid Nicole Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05408180606749525071noreply@blogger.com1