It's That Time Of Year

While the spring weather remains unpredictable, one thing we can always count on is Astrid's pose in front of the azaleas.

Fit For Royalty?

With all the talk of the royal wedding going on, Astrid insisted I make her a new bandana fit for  a  queen.

A Crafter's Handmade Spring

Run With The Big Dogs

We created a treasury of wonderful BIG DOG items from sellers on Etsy.

Therapy Dog Love

Shelter Thoughts

When thinking of donating to your local animal shelter, you aren't limited to just writing a check! You can have a little fun shopping for the homeless dogs, cats and other animals, too. Food treats, collars and leashes are always welcome but don't forget the shelter staff. They are always in need of cleaning supplies, rubber gloves, antiseptic wipes and other items. The USPS makes it really easy to pack them up and get them on their way with their flat rate boxes. Astrid had a great time getting her box of goodies ready for her shelter in time for Valentine's Day. Of course, we put in a few collars and bandanas from our Etsy shop and ArtFire Studio.

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. 

We Visited Your Mom Today!

Astrid and I are a therapy pet team. We visit three living facilities and Alzheimer's centers each month. If the thought of this makes you shudder a little, you must not have visited your mom...or your grandma or grandpa or your sister that has had a stroke lately. Depressing, dreary and waiting to die? No way.....did you know that these residents form the same kind of cliques that you remember from junior high? Well, maybe that isn't the most encouraging news you've heard lately, but our point is that the same human needs and desires don't diminish the day one enters a living center, whether it be assisted or intensive care. Here's an example......at the Alzheimer's center there is one very pleasant lady that is always delighted to see Astrid arrive for her scheduled visit. She is, EXCEPT for the days she is sitting with her best friend. On that day, like her friend, she doesn't like dogs either. This is perfectly okay with us because we understand that the friendship of this woman is daily, Astrid's visit is once a month. 


People in nursing, living and rehab centers aren't waiting to die. They wake up each day to live one more day of their life. Each day, each moment of one's life is important, whether it is enjoyed in the 22nd year of life or the 92nd year of life. If you wish there was something you could do to 'give back' in life, your opportunity may be as close as your dog. Your dog doesn't need to know a million tricks or even obey your every command. Every organization has pretty much the same standards but the requirements for registration vary greatly. Our organization...Therapy Dogs, Inc....requires a simple physical test and then three visits that are observed by a qualified tester/observer.  You might enjoy visiting someones mom, grandma or grandpa or sister who has had a stroke and recuperating.  Save some time to listen to their stories, too, you love 'em! And don't forget to add that 'awwww' factor to your dog...a super cute bandana from Astrid's Etsy shop or ArtFire studio!