What's going on

I haven't been blogging much lately. That's not to say that there's nothing going on. Things have been really hopping around here and in the dog world.

Some events to tell you about:
Photographer Natalie Heath is having a photo day at Natural Pet Foods in Carleton Place on February 23, 2008. Her theme this month is "February Formals". She's offering classic head shots against a new painted canvas background. 1/2 hour session costs $60 and includes a 11 x 14 print. Call 613.725.4319 or email natalie@heathphoto.ca to make an appointment.

Canines with a Cause will be hosting their 3rd annual Trivia Night Fundraiser on Saturday march 15th. Doors open at 6pm and the event starts at 7pm at Bells Corners United Church, 3955 Richmond Road, Nepean, Ontario. Click here to register your team on the CWAC website.

The NCCPD (National Capital Coalition for People and Dogs) is thrilled to announce that on January 11, 2008, Industry Canada approved the NCCPD’s request for a new name and they became Responsible Dog Owners of Canada. This is the first step in their plans for a more proactive organization that promotes responsible dog ownership through education and support. NCCPD keeps a list of dog events going on in the National Capital Region. Click here to see lots more great things going on in and around the Ottawa area.

Phew! You have no excuse to be bored in the dog world around here.

And now, I'd like to introduce a couple of new Barking Biscuit fans. Meet Fritz and Sparky.

They'll be enjoying some Barking Biscuits on International Dog Biscuit Day (Feb 23rd).

A couple of cuties

What a couple of cuties!

Meet Dover...a cute little black schnauzer and Dover's visiting buddy....named Buddy!

Kim , your Barking Biscuits for Dover & Buddy are on the way.

Magnificent Mya

This is Mya. Isn't she magnificent? That's the word that comes to my mind when I see her...so majestic.

Mya has some food allergies, so her mom Christine orders our Pumpkin Please! biscuits.

You can read about Mya and her adventures on her blog.

Thanks Mya & Christine!

Meet Beanie from Nova Scotia

This is Beanie. He lives in Kentville, Nova Scotia. (some of you know that Nova Scotia is my favourite part of Canada to visit!)

He is a Boston Terrier and is 4.5 years old.

And...a really terrific dog and best friend of Lynne.

Beanie...your Barking Biscuits are on the way. Enjoy!

Winter Wonderland & our Golden Retriever friends

We've had more snow this season than any other year on record!! The previous record was set in 1970. One bonus was that we finally had a white Christmas. Not so nice is all the shovelling. But, it was a good trade off I'd say.

If you like snow...and like Golden Retrievers...you're going to love this photo:

From left to right:
Choya, Kiche, Kodi and Sage...aren't they beautiful?
Sent to us by Peter, who is on the Board of Directors for Canines with a Cause. Peter and his wife Cathy generously donate many, many hours to charity.

And...a little something given to me at the recent CWAC annual meeting.

Happy New Year everyone! Here's looking forward to some more great dog adventures in 2008.

Six more sleeps

It's getting closer! As our granddaughter says "six more sleeps".

This photo was sent to us by Tiffany. You can't get more Christmassy than this! Piper and Rio by the fire wearing their festive finery. Thanks Tiffany.

We're off to the tree farm today with our grandson to cut down our Christmas tree. I'm not quite sure that he'll be able to make it through the deep snow, but we'll give it a try. Cinder, Mulligan, and our cat Phantom never bother the tree. We're not quite sure what Cassie will do, since she tries to grab and eat most things. We'll have to keep a close eye out this year for sure. Nothing dangerous will be going up this year.

Have a happy day!

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!

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!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

It's really starting to feel a lot like Christmas. We have lots of snow now. Last year we didn't even have snow on Christmas Day.

Things are bustling around here...yet another trip to the bakery tomorrow to pick up some more biscuits.

Today we are doing our own little Christmas photo session...John, the "girls" (aka dogs) and me. I'll let you know how it goes! It's not always the easiest task to get 3 dogs doing what you want them to do all at the same time.

Enjoy your day.

Photos from a Paws for Charity fan

Paws for Charity clothing is not just for people! Introducing Sam wearing her Paws for Charity nightshirt...You can purchase clothing for yourself...or your dog...with our Paws for Charity logo (in pink or in black and white or even just plain black print without the round circle) Full proceeds are donated to breast cancer research.Thanks Sam! You look truly fetching!

Old friends and new

I just love receiving photos from our customers and friends. Dogs, like people, come in so many shapes, sizes, and personalities. Each one has a different story.

I heard from an old friend last week. I haven't heard from her in many years so it was a nice surprise to hear from her. Meet Pichenotte, Pastel and Pablo:Thanks for your email & order Joyce!

A while back I heard from a new friend. She also sent some photos...a couple of photos that I'm holding until closer to Christmas. But here's a really cute one to warm your hearts...

Introducing Goose, Blitz, Surf, Brie, Ordi, Queue, Baxter. Thanks for the photos Tiffany!

Mya The Pumpkin Biscuit Queen

Take a look at Mya and all her Barking Biscuit goodies! (and talk about spoiled...she gets to sit in the lazyboy too!)

And...if you want to see a video of Mya enjoying her pumpkin biscuits, check out Christine's blog.

Thanks Christine! You made my day.

Timing is everything

How cute is this photo? Take a close look at the pumpkin...it's a carved look-a-like of Hudson!

The photo was sent to me by Marie-Piere. She is an awesome woman who has helped out our Paws for Charity cause again this year. She held a fundraiser in September and raised $50 on our behalf. We'll be donating her cheque to breast cancer research together with cheques from the 4 Paws for Charity businesses in December. Thanks Marie-Piere!

For those of you who were reading this blog back in April...an update on my application to the Ottawa Christmas Craft Show. I was devastated to be turned down back then...it was such a big goal for me to not obtain. I was put on a waiting list. Yah, right. Turns out it was true! They phoned me today to say they had some last minute cancellations and would I like to attend?

I spent several hours today trying to make it happen. But. Timing is everything. I would have loved the chance to do this back in April. Lots has changed since then. And there are only 9 days to prepare for a 5 day show (5 days...2 days at 11 hours, 1 day at 8 hours, 1 day at 5 hours, and 1 day at 7 hours) I just can't do it. This was really difficult to say no to. But you'll see why I had to say no in time. (can't tell you yet!)

My regular customer in England has just ordered again. Thanks Sooty! You make me feel so special when you order your biscuits all the way from Canada.

As promised, here is a little look at a PIF I sent out a few weeks ago. And that ends my PIF obligations! Yay.

It has been scanned in a little crooked, but you get the idea. C for Corline...she said she likes pinks, cream, and olive green. The C is made from cream material with small pink flowers, stitched in a blanket stitch with olive green. I think I'm going to try out some stitchery next year. Stitchery seems to be a lot bigger in Australia. If you like stitchery check out Cinderberry Stitches. I just love her patterns! Gonna get some soon.

Happy Hallowe'en everyone!

Today is a gift. Do something good!

Hallowe'en Fun in October

This photo was sent to us by Amanda. Seems a fitting photo to kick off the month of October. Although it's hard to believe it's October around here. We've had nothing but warm, warm, warm...and more to come! Today it's 28C (that's 82F for our American friends) Thanksgiving Sunday is supposed to be the same. That will make for a great turkey BBQ on the Big Green Egg. I don't think any of our guests will have experienced that before!

Canines with a Cause is holding a wonderful new contest that has just been announced today. CWAC is looking for pictures of your own 'dog-theme' pumpkin carving until October 27th. The winner will be announced on October 28th and the winning picture will be featured on their website from Oct. 28th to the end of Halloween. Send your picture(s) along with a monetary contribution to Canines with a Cause in order to participate (no specific amount required). For complete details click here.

CONTEST RULES:
- Contest open to any individual, group, business or organization in Canada and USA
- Carving designs and pictures submitted must be your original artwork and must be received no later than October 27th
- Only DOG related designs will be considered
- Maximum of 2 entries per participant

Contributions must be by cheque or money order payable to Canines with a Cause and sent to: Canines with a Cause 25 Trevor Cres. Ottawa ON Canada K2H 6H7

Participant with the winning carving will receive a CWAC Gift Package which includes:

A night accommodation for 2 at the Best Western Baron Hotel (for Ontario residents only)
10-card pack of CWAC Christmas cards
CWAC children's T-Shirt
Barking Biscuit Adult T-Shirt
Happy Doggie Bakery dog biscuits
DVD Round the World Challenge - Mike Nemesvary documentary
Sit!Stay! Roll Over Play game

More fun stuff is coming up in October for dog lovers in Ottawa. Stay tuned!

Frank is back & Meet Cypris

Back in April, I was hoping to obtain a spot in one of the largest Ottawa Christmas Gift Shows. I was really disappointed (but not surprised) that I didn't get a spot. It turns out that everything happens for a reason. I have a couple of big things going on that I'm quite excited about. It's a little early yet, but I'll share them with you soon.

Guess what! Frank is back. He's not a goner like we thought. Here he is, up to his old tricks, hanging out on the outside of our living room window at night.

Time to share a photo sent to me a few days ago. Meet Cypris...sent to us by Suzanne of Mountain Dog Lodge in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Cypris is a real sweetheart, adores all people & kids, goes to "work" (their doggie daycare) every day, and she's a rescue to boot!

Have a good weekend everyone!

BARK Picnic - Final Installment

Meet some of our special friends from the BARK picnic on Sunday.
Chelsea and Sabrina are long time customers...they are sisters. I bake them a cake every year for their birthday celebration..."Go Bananas Pawty Cake". I originally met Chelsea at a weekend training session many, many years ago. Mulligan was with me...she was only a puppy and she's 8 now!

We met Luna, a miniature schnauzer, for the first time on Sunday. If you've been reading this blog, you know we have a soft spot for Schnauzers. Our Cinder is a Giant Schnauzer, but I have had two minis in my life. My family brought a mini home when I was 17. I named him Sam. I was supposed to be studying for an exam. I didn't study that day, but was saved by nature. There was a huge snow storm and school was cancelled the next day. This meant my grade 13 Spanish exam was cancelled too. I never did have to write that exam.

The second mini in my life was Mac. My first husband and I bought him from a breeder when we lived in Edmonton, Alberta. Mac moved with us from Edmonton, to Toronto, and then to Ottawa. He was a great dog.

This is Allie and Tyler. Allie is a very lucky dog to have such a devoted friend. Tyler spent all his allowance on Allie that day!

It was great meeting everyone on Sunday. I always get a little nervous before an event but it always runs smoothly. Some funny tidbits from the day:

After giving my little speech about our dog biscuits being hand made with all natural, human quality ingredients, someone asked "human quality, does that mean they're made with humans?" Ha. Funny guy.

We pack all our dog biscuit bags into large rubbermaid bins to transport them to and from a show. I put the bins at the back of our booth after I set up the table. Someone let their dog come and pee all over one of the bins. No apologies were offered.

We sell one inch button pins as fundraisers...I donate $1 to charity for every button pin sold. There is a medium sized sign right beside the bowl with the price marked, and the fact that we donate some of the money raised. A boy walked up, put his hand in the bowl, and grabbed a hand full of pins while his dad watched. He started walking away with all the pins. I didn't know what to do, but John saw it happening and chimed in "those pins are $2 each". He brought them back.

I haven't heard the final results for the fundraiser, but I'll let you know as soon as I hear.

Next booth: Greyhound Planet Day, October 27th, Ottawa. More info later!

BARK Picnic #4 - Lots of dogs

More dog photos from the BARK picnic last Sunday.









Next: some special customers

BARK Picnic #3 - Huskies

John (my official photographer for the day & better half for life) has a huge...I mean HUGE....soft spot for Huskies. Our first dog was Bailey, a Siberian Husky. She passed away unexpectedly 2 years ago and we still miss her a lot. There were quite a few Huskies at the BARK picnic, and John spent a lot of time taking their photos.

It made me think that going back to being a 3 dog family might be in our near future. But, we've also been talking about adopting another Giant Schnauzer so maybe we'll be a four dog family! No, never that.
Anyway, here are some huskies from the BARK picnic. Notice the different coloured eyes of the Husky in the first photo.