Body Image

We hear a lot about body image these days. Young girls and older women have problems with it,  even the men are encouraged to live up to the 'buff' photos of the younger male. What we don't hear about is the body image problems of the large dark colored dog. Actually, they don't have the problem, it seems that we people...or some of us...have problems with the big darker dog. They are often portrayed as not being as cute and companionable as their smaller counterparts. 

Well, we aren't here to disrespect the cute little pupsters of the world, we just want to extol the virtues, fashionably speaking, of being big with black or brown fur. One, it's easy to make a fashion statement. Two, bright colors show up very, very well! Three, it is easy to find things to fit at the Astrid Nicole Etcetera  Etsy Shop and ArtFire Studio.

How best to help the big dark dogs of the world overcome their body image? Praise the virtues of the larger companion to anyone you know that might be considering the adoption of a canine friend. Laud the accomplishments of all big black dogs you know and never, ever diminish their ability to be a fashion superstar. 

For Keeps

Thinking of getting a dog? Why not consider adopting your next canine companion? Astrid Nicole, our Etsy shop and ArtFire Studio's namesake, was adopted by us in 2006 at the age of two. We could tell by her manners and temperament that she had been loved and trained, but some shelter dogs aren't as fortunate.  An article at Petfinder.com states "Did you know 84% of shelters and rescue groups see pets relinquished because of issues that could have been resolved with the proper training and resources?" Don't let this happen to your new dog. For some advice from a Certified Pet Dog Trainer, read about the Train FurKeeps Program  all to comemerate January being  National Train Your Dog Month.

Limerick Contest

We are so excited about Valentine's Day and all the new things in Astrid's shops, that we just have to give one away! To win your choice of a bandana or collar from our AstridNicoleEtcetera Artfire or Etsy shop, just complete this limerick:

There once was Astrid, a doggy

Whose bandanas were cuter than a froggy

She barked 'let's give one away

Before Valentine's day'

So/And .......... (you write the last two lines!)                 

Everyone who completes the limerick will be entered in a drawing that will take place Wednesday, January 12, 2011. The winner will receive their choice of collar or bandana from either of our shops. For a second entry in the drawing, when posting your limerick ending, tell us which new Valentine item is your favorite! 

We are sorry to announce that there were no entries in our Limerick Contest! With so many storms this winter, all of our poets must have been busy shoveling their walks and drives. We will continue with future occasional contests and giveaways, hopefully in better weather.