Things change

Our son Cody has been home for the past seven months, after spending two years in Theatre School. He lived a 6 hour drive away so we only saw him a few times a year. He moved home after graduating to work and save some money. He has saved enough, he's found a place to live in Toronto, and he'll be leaving us for good on Thursday.

After spending 20 years raising him to be independant, it's time to let him go and live his dreams. I'm so very excited for him, but it's bittersweet for sure.

He's going to have so much fun. He'll be sharing a 2 bedroom apartment with Mike, who graduated from Theatre at the same time. They'll be living one floor above 2 very beautiful young women from the same program. I'm sure they'll go through lots of ups and downs together as they work their jobs, and all try to "make it" in acting.

But I'll miss him.

The picture of contentment

Meet Jasper and puppy Skyler...two of our special customers in Cornwall, Ontario.Here are some words from Mary Lynn:
Skyler is almost 4 months now and is a JOY. He is very smart of course and Jasper just loves him. He was so very sad after Spencer passed away and just moped around and didn't want to do anything and now he runs like the wind and the little one prances around behind trying to keep up to his big brother. They sleep during the day curled up together and every once in a while they give each other a little kiss. He is exactly like Jasper, a minature blond Golden that's as sweet as could be.

Did I mention I love hearing from our friends and customers? That's what makes what I do special to me.

Speaking of special...Saturday was a very special day. A "Photo With Santa" fundraiser for BARK. Two hundred and fifteen photos were done (one photo even had seven dogs in it...yes seven...all sitting pretty).

It was a long day, and I have a confession to make. It was a very slow morning for me. We started at 8 in the morning. At 11:00 I thought I would leave at noon. Sales were dismal. But I didn't have the heart to leave so I sent John home and I stayed until 5:00 when it ended. And you know what? It turned out that it was the best show I've ever done. Sales were amazing. It goes to show...it's not over till it's over. I'm embarrassed that I even thought about leaving early.

A very good reminder for me. Sometimes it's easy to give up, but it's usually better to work things through.

Today we're in for a big snow fall. I have some orders to get to the post office so I think I'll get them done early and then snuggle in by the fire to watch the storm. It's going to be a great day!

A few of my favourite things

First of all, a reminder to please join us at the BARK Photos With Santa event tomorrow.

When: 8 am - 5 pm
Where: St Richard's Church, Merivale Road at Rossland in Ottawa


And now for a few of my favourite things:

Chilly Dogs coats (modelled here by our Cassie). Chilly Dogs is a member of our Paws for Charity group. I've known the owner Julie for many years. She's a great woman, and her coats are the best quality dog coats you'll find anywhere. Cinder has had a Chilly Dogs coat for years and of course we had to get Cassie one too. (Mulligan has a thick natural coat that seems to shed water and doesn't need one) The coats come in lots of colour choices and sizes. There are rain slickers and fleeces available too.

Dog food tables modelled here by Mya. I love these tables and I think they would be perfect for our Cinder. She's having a really tough time these days. Her legs are really shaky and she has a tough time standing. I think these raised bowls would help her a lot since she wouldn't have to lean over to eat. Contact Christine if you'd like to order a set.


And a present for me. Vintage Chick. That's the perfect tee for me. Available through the Prairie Home blog. I presented Sherry with a challenge and she came through! I think I was her first Canadian customer. I can't wait to receive my tee. Also available: Cowgirl Couture and Junk Prom Queen. They are a very soft cotton with cap sleeves and round neckline. Swarovski clear crystals added for sparkle. Sherry and her friends sell their items through monthly barn sales. How cool is that? I wish I lived in California. I'd be there every month. Love the shabby chic style.

One of my favourite blogs to read is Peach Tree Bliss. I have ordered a photo from Angelique but I don't have it yet. I'll share it with you as soon as I can. She's a photography student in Colorado (yes, the internet does allow me to shop the world). Read about her journey and take a look at her photo gallery.

I'd love to hear about your favourite things.

There's a new biz in town

This is a photo of Dawna-Llyn and some of her customers. She has recently started up a business in Kemptville that all you local dog fans should know about.
Your Pet … Your Way
Dog Walking
In-Home Pet Care
Home Monitoring
"Experience the freedom and peace of mind"

Serving Kemptville and surrounding areas
Call Dawna-Llyn Marshall
613.558.3952

For more info, check out her website: yourpetyourway.bravehost.com

Warm & fuzzy feelings

Some days I receive the nicest presents. Sometimes by mail. Sometimes by email.

From Pauline:

Hi Sara, I just wanted to let you know that the biscuits arrived - and that the dog barked all night at the cupboard where I keep them. She's never done that before - so I guess its safe to say that she really really likes them. I have a feeling they aren't going to last very long and I'll be ordering some more soon.Take care and thanks - Pauline

From Bill:

Nan says THANK YOU she really loves your treats...

And the cutest little Christmas card from Fluffy Flowers...Mr. Candy Cane Stripe.

For cards and stuffies, check out the Fluffy Flowers etsy shop.

Keep those emails & mail coming! You make my day.

Join us - BARK Photos with Santa

Please come and join us on location at our last appearance for 2007...at the BARK Photos With Santa event.

When: Saturday December 1st, 8 am - 5 pm
Where: St Richard's Church, Merivale Rd at Rossland, Ottawa
What: huge auditorium with lots of parking, bring your dog, photos $10, tons of Christmas crafts and vendors, and of course Barking Biscuits!
Why: to help raise funds for B.A.R.K.

Ho..ho..hope to see you there!

Urban Dog Photog's great Christmas Photo Idea

One of my Paws for Charity partners is Urban Dog Photog Suzanne Bird. She is the most amazing photographer...not just the actual photographs she takes but also the creativity and experience she provides to her subjects. Just look at this great idea...

Not your average "dog photo with Santa". You can have a photo taken of you and your dog under the mistletoe. What a fabulous way to show the connection between a person and their pet.

Available at Wag Cafe in Ottawa this Friday November 30th. Sessions are $59 and include a custom 5x5 print ready for framing and 5 custom country kissmas cards. Call Wag to book your appointment.

Fabulous!