Weekend Wrap Up...

Once again, congratulations to all of my contest winners! Prizes went out this morning and I hope you will enjoy them!

It was a cold & rainy weekend around New England. I spent Saturday night at Fenway (first time back to a game in about 4 years now) and it felt more like fall football weather! (excuse the "little people" photos... I didn't bring the camera due to the weather, these are cell phone pics)

I soon remembered why I'm much more of an action packed sports girl (translation: NASCAR, football and hockey)... baseball is pretty slow & boring to me! Don't get me wrong, this Boston girl will always root for her Red Sox (and I do enjoy catching a game in person every now and then), but if given the choice (especially with the need to sell your first born to get a ticket enormous ticket prices), I'd rather quinch my need for speed, see some good checks (fight, fight, fight!) or see the Brady bunch....

I don't want to get too much in to the weekend tragedy,and I don't know much about horses, but I do know that no animal should be run so hard they break both of their front ankles!!!! I've heard several takes on the story and understand Eight Belles was just 2 years old. Apparently, horses should not be raced until at least 4 years of age. There's also been lots of genetic crapola going on to produce the "fastest and strongest" horses... all in the name of greed for the all mighty dollar - ugh!!! Personally, I think if you want to run a race, then use your own 2 feet or an inanimate object, such as a car, boat or motorcycle. Rest in Peace Eight Belles...

On that note, did you know that it is Be Kind to Animals Week? Please click on over and learn what you can do, including teaching children....

Reminder... sign ups are now open for the Multitasking 9-5 group swap over on Ravlery!

Now I even have some actual knitting content to leave you with today! I'm working away on the Criss-Cross scarf for my ISE6 pal. I'm loving the way the Patons SWS is working up in this pattern...

After realizing that there was no way the pokey, always wanting to cast on something new, 'ole me I'd ever finish the Oriel Lace scarf for my pal in time for the deadline, I switched to this pattern and am glad I did. My pal loves winter colors and she lives in a cold winter climate, so I'm hoping this will be a perfect fit for her. I'm starting to think these scarves will also be in a few Christmas presents this year as well...

I'm still Clapping away, but am thisclosetobeingfinished!!! No updated pics, but it will be done in time to wear to the NH Sheep and Wool festival this weekend (so long as weather is appropriate for wearing) and I will get finished photos then! I spent yesterday working on the decrease rounds...

I'm about half way done with my first teddy bear sweater for the Granite State Knit-In donations. They collect "dressed" stuffed aniamls of all sorts, which are then donated to the NH State Troopers for their program (all troopers have a couple in their trunks to provide as needed to children). I plan to get at least a couple made...

Well, that's all folks... enjoy the rest of your Cinco de Mayo!

Contest in honor of ASPCA Day

It is contest time again here at Lapdog Creations!

You all should certainly know by now know my great love of dogs and dedication to dog rescues & welfare organizations... so in honor of ASPCA Day on April 10, I am holding this contest with several 2 and 4-legged ways for you to enter {although you certainly do not have to be a dog lover gasp, did I really just say that? or owner to enter although who in their right mind does not love a dog?}

OK, let's get down to the knitty gritty woofiness of it all...

Ways to Enter

1) Donate to the ASPCA by clicking thru the "Help Me Fight Animal Cruelty" fundraiser button at the top of my blog. {Please note this is the only way for your donation to count towards my fundraising goals, therefore you must click thru this link for your donation to count in the contest} I'm still trying hard to reach my goal of $1,000... if you donated last year, now's the time to get in your tax deductable donation for 2008! The button will bring you to the ASPCA's secure website to make your donation and/or become a member. Once you have donated, please either leave a comment here noting the donation amount or if you prefer, email me at LapdogCreations at AOL dot COM with your name & donation amount. and remember, every bit counts... whether you are able to give $5, $20 or $50 to help, it all is appreciated by these wonderful animals!

You will earn 5 entries for making a donation!

2) Go Orange! On Thursday, April 10, folks all over the country will be going orange to celebrate the ASPCA’s victories on behalf of animals & the joy they bring to pet parents. Dress yourself, your kids, even your pet in ASPCA orange and show the world you support the ASPCA & the pets we protect. Post a photo of you or your kids (human or otherwise) on your blog on Thurs, April 10th wearing your orange or any other ASPCA gear, then leave a comment with a direct link here.

You will receive 3 entries for Going Orange on April 10th!

3) Adopt or Foster! If you've adopted or fostered a furry friend since Jan 1, 2008, email me at LapdogCreations at AOL dot COM with your name, photo and/or link to your blog of your adopted/fostered furbaby, as well as when & where you adopted from/fostered for and a few sentences about your experience.

You will earn 5 entries if you've adopted/fostered since Jan 1st!

4) Knit, crochet or sew Snuggles. You may choose the rescue/shelter where you would like to donate them (if you need suggestions, let me know). The only requirement is to email me at LapdogCreations at AOL dot COM with your name, photo of the snuggle(s) and where you chose to donate them to.

You will earn 3 entries for each snuggle you make!

5) Post - the easiest way to enter! Post a link to this contest on your blog and spread the word about ASPCA Day, helping homeless animals, etc! To receive an entry, you must leave a comment here, along with a direct link to your blog post. If you comment without a link, it won't count.

You will earn 1 entry for posting the link on your blog & commenting here!

The contest deadline is April 25th. This gives those who choose to make snuggles some time. You may enter in any or all of the ways listed - the more things you do, the more entries you receive! All entries will be placed in to a bag and winners drawn. I will also have one or two special category prizes (to be determined, I sense a "most creative go orange photo" and possibly something such as best adoption story or cutest furbaby).

Prizes

There will be several prizes, many of which are being so graciously donated by my circle of crafty friends. At this time prizes are set to include a doggy tape measure from Anita at Yarndemon Designs; a soothing heat therapy bag, healing ice pack and stitch marker holder from Mary at Blumes Accessories; oversized wallets (which make great notions bags!) and a Go Green grocery shopping tote from Jenn at Seacoast Baby; as well as some yet to be announced yummy yarn prizes & doggy items.

Please check out these talented ladies' etsy shops (all are linked)!! What the girls don't know is that by being so wonderful & caring for the cause, they've each already earned an entry in to the contest! If you'd like to donate anything, please contact asap.

Happy Dogs on Thursday and I hope you have fun with the contest!

Go Oprah!

Reposting from Best Friends Aniaml Society with my comments in red...

Maybe it was the billboard strategically (genius!) placed near Oprah’s studio in Chicago, maybe it was one of the petitions, or maybe awareness about the issue is finally becoming a reality (thankfully!). This Friday, puppy mills will make it even further into the limelight. It’s one thing for a news station to do a show on the commercial pet breeding industry, but when Oprah’s talking about it—well, maybe pet stores and the breeders who supply them will see a difference in the demand.

Friday, April 4th Click here for show times

But the real thanks goes to Main Line Animal Rescue in Pennsylvania. The rescue is known for not only their work in rescuing animals, but also their fantastic, edgy billboards. They pictured a Beagle in a dishwasher to show USDA cage sizes, they placed a billboard to welcome families to "Scenic Lancaster County—home to hundreds of puppy mills" (now that's my kind of rescue... with beautiful, caring, creative minds)

And they plunked a billboard right near Oprah’s studio, plainly asking her to tape a show about puppy mills.
Let’s help the Oprah show have the biggest impact possible!

Actions you can take before the show...

~ Get as many potential puppy buyers as possible to tune in to Oprah’s show—target people who may not know about puppy mills and/or may be shopping for a puppy. {and don't forget to encourage them to ADOPT - NOT SHOP!}

~ Take advantage of free classifieds by placing as many ads as possible (Craigs List, local news boards, etc) - or better yet, cross post this to your blog!

More information about puppy mills...

~What can one person do to stop puppy mills? Click here for a downloadable PDF.

~What is a puppy mill? What are the "red flags" that help identify them? Click here for a downloadable PDF.

Go Lady O! Go Best Friends Animal Society! Go Main Line Animal Rescue!!!! Please repost to your blog and spread the world...

Thought for the day

A Poem to My Foster Dog

I am the bridge
Between what was and what can be.
I am the pathway to a new life.
I am made of mush,
Because my heart melted when I saw you,
Matted and sore, limping, depressed,
Lonely, unwanted, afraid to love.
For one little time you are mine.

I will feed you with my own hand
I will love you with my whole heart
I will make you whole.
I am made of steel.
Because when the time comes,
When you are well, and sleek,
When your eyes shine,
And your tail wags with joy
Then comes the hard part.
I will let you go -- not without a tear,
But without a regret.
For you are safe forever -- A new dog needs me now.

~ Diane Morgan

As you know, we were unable to let Sophie go ... but we will certainly continue to help as many rescue dogs as possible, even if it means we won't be able to foster very often this year. I will continue to remain very active in rescue, in helping to get donations and such, etc. I am also still on my quest to help raise $1,000 for the ASPCA... please see the link/button at the very top of my blog and please, help if you can (remember, its a tax deductible donation).

Things That Make You Say Hmm..

Rescuer's Answering Machine Message

Hello, You have reached 123-4567, Tender Hearts Rescue. Due to the high volume of calls we have been receiving, please listen closely to the following options and choose the one that best describes you or your situation:

Press 1 if you think we are veterinarians and want free medical advice.

Press 2 if you know we are a rescue organization but want to save money and have us give you free, untrained medical advice anyway.

Press 3 if you make $200,000 a year but still want us to pay to spay the "stray" in your yard (house).

Press 4 if you have a 10-year-old dog and your 15-year-old son has suddenly become allergic and you need to find the dog a new home right away.

Press 5 if you have three dogs, had a baby and want to get rid of your dogs because you are the only person in the world to have a baby and dogs at the same time.

Press 6 if your dog is sick and needs a vet but you need the money for your vacation.

Press 7 if you just got a brand new puppy and your old dog is having problems adjusting so you want to get rid of the old one right away.

Press 8 if your little puppy has grown up and is no longer small and cute and you want to trade it in for a new model.

Press 9 if you are elderly and want to adopt a cute puppy who is not active and is going to outlive you.

Press 10 if your relative has died and you don't want to care for their elderly dog because it doesn't fit your lifestyle.

Press 11 if you are moving today and need to immediately place your 150 pound, 8-year-old, unneutured, aggressive dog.

Press 12 if you want an unpaid volunteer to come to your home today and pick up the dog you no longer want.

Press 13 if you have been feeding and caring for a "stray" for the last three years, are moving and suddenly determine it's not your dog.

Press 14 if you are calling at 6 a.m. to make sure you wake me up before I have to go to work so you can drop a dog off on your way to work.

Press 15 to leave us an anonymous garbled message, letting us know you have left a dog in our yard in the middle of January, which is in fact, better than just leaving the dog with no message.

Press 16 if you are going to get angry because we are not going to take your dog that you have had for fifteen years, because it is not our responsibility.

Press 17 if you are going to threaten to take your ten year old dog to be euthanized because we can't get to your house in the next hour.

Press 18 if you're going to get angry because the volunteers had the audacity to go on vacation and leave the animals in care of one trusted volunteer who is not authorized to take your personal pet.

Press 19 if you want one of our perfectly trained, housebroken, kid and cat friendly purebred tiny dogs that we have an abundance of.

Press 20 if you want us to take your dog that has a slight aggression problem, i.e. has only bitten a few people and killed your neighbor's cats.

Press 21 if you have already called once and been told we don't take personal surrenders but thought you would get a different person this time with a different answer.

Press 22 if you want us to use space that would go to a stray to board your personal dog while you are on vacation, free of charge, of course.

Press 23 if it is Christmas Eve or Easter morning and you want me to deliver an eight week old puppy to your house by 6:30 am before your kids wake up.

Press 24 if you have bought your children a duckling, chick or baby bunny for Easter and it is now Christmas and no longer cute.

Press 25 if you want us to take your female dog who has already had ten litters, but we can't spay her because she is pregnant again and it is against your religion.

Press 26 if you're lying to make one of our newer volunteers feel bad and take your personal pet off your hands.

Press 27 if your cat is biting and not using the litter box because it is declawed, but are not willing to accept the responsibility that the cat's behavior is altered because of your nice furniture.

Press 28 if your two year old male dog is marking all over your house but you just haven't gotten around to having him neutered.

Press 29 if you previously had an outdoor only dog and are calling because she is suddenly pregnant.

Press 30 if you have done "everything" to housebreak your dog and have had no success but you don't want to crate the dog because it is cruel.

Press 31 if you didn't listen to the message asking for an evening phone number and you left your work number when all volunteers are also working and you are angry because no one called you back.

Press 32 if you need a puppy immediately and cannot wait because today is your daughter's birthday and you forgot when she was born.

Press 33 if your dog's coat doesn't match your new furniture and you need a different color or breed.

Press 34 if your new love doesn't like your dog and you are too stupid to get rid of the new friend (who will dump you in the next month anyway) instead of the dog.

Press 35 if you went through all these 'presses' and didn't hear enough. This press will connect you to the sounds of tears being shed by one of our volunteers who is holding a discarded old dog while the vet mercifully frees him from the grief of missing his family.

Author Unknown

Forgotten Dog's Christmas

Forgotten Dog's Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds
With no thought of the dog filling their head.
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap
Knew he was cold but didn't care about that.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter!
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Figuring the dog was free of his chain and into the trash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear
But Santa Claus - with eyes full of tears

He un-chained the dog, once so lively and quick.
Last year's Christmas present, now painfully thin and sick.
More rapid than eagles he called the dog's name
And the dog ran to him, despite all his pain."

Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONNER and BLITZEN!
To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
Let's find this dog a home where he'll be loved by all.

I knew in an instant there would be no gifts this year
For Santa Claus had made one thing quite clear.
The gift of a dog is not just for one season.
We had gotten the pup for all the wrong reasons.
In our haste to think of the kids a gift
There was one important thing that we missed.

A dog should be family, and cared for the same
You don't give a gift, then put it on a chain.
And I heard him exclaim as he rode out of sight
"You weren't given a gift! You were given a LIFE!"

Author Unknown

In the hast of the season, please do think before you act on adding a new family member to your household. Too many kittens and puppies are bought at this time of year, only to end up on a chain, abandonned or worse......... Thank you to Chan for emailing this to me today. Please pass it along... spread the word!

And The Emmy Goes To...

Updated with prizes & pics on Dec 14th - Oh wait... wrong show! However I am pleased to finally announce the winners of Lapdog Creations first ever contest!!!! I apologize for the delay, however my hellish life got in the way... please do forgive me! Drumroll please...

And the winners are:
1st place - Becky at Becky Knits Too who adopted the cutest little puppy I've seen in a long time! Liza Jane is part Brittney Terrier and part Boston Terrier. Who could resist this cute face?!?!
Becky wins 2 skeins of King Tut 100% cotton, a bag of The Goodlife Recipe dog cookies and a rubber football dog toy.


2nd place - Angie at Dipsy Doodle who rescued Bill & Till in November. See her post with the cuties here!
Angie wins 2 skeins of Knit Picks Shine Worsted and 1 skein of Track from Dark Horse Yarns.

3rd place - Michelle at InsanKnitty who made a donation to my ASPCA fundraising goals.
Michelle wins 1 skein of Wool in the Woods, a Rachael Hale mousepad calendar and a rope dog toy.

Special Doggy Prize goes to Mr. Mugsy at Knit Tea!
Mugsy wins a bag of Nutri Dent bones and a rubber ball.

Special Humanitarian Prize goes to The Princess aka Krystal who made a generous donation to my ASPCA fundraising goals and donated the doggy prizes for my contest winners!
Krystal wins 2 skeins of Berroco Hip Hop!

Congratulations to all winners and THANK YOU to all of you who entered! Please keep adopting, rescuing, fostering, donating, knitting snuggles and whatever else it is you can do to help animals in need - remember, we are their voice! Please feel free to donate to my ASPCA fundraising goals - the banner is still at the top and I'm still hoping to reach that $1,000!

Wonderful news for Vick's dogs!

A little smile for today... I just saw this headline: Most of Vick's dogs will go to families and a sanctuary (click for full story)

Story Highlights

• Only one of the 49 dogs seized will be euthanized
• That dog had a habit of biting people, the court document states
• Vick pleaded guilty to federal charges related to dog fighting, in August
• Vick will be arraigned on state charges on October 3 in a Virginia court

I am so happy to hear that all but just one of the dogs seized is going to be able to live out their lives and learn how to love and be loved. There couldn't have been any better justice for these dogs - wonderful! Now... on to the trial of the year!

A Place To Bark

I just wanted to cross post and share a wonderful video from A Place to Bark (Sept. 8th post has the video). Please check out Bernie's little tour of her facility... she is one amazing woman who is saving many lives in Tennesse! Our kids all give Bernie 4 paws way up!

Please Take A Second...

... to read this awful, heartbreaking, peed-me-off like you would not believe, story. I had just finished posting my entry for today (Dogs on Thursday) and this came in my afternoon headline news.

Officer Accused After K-9 Dies In Hot Car
Temperatures Reached 109 Degrees
UPDATED: 11:42 am EDT September 6, 2007

PHOENIX -- Authorities arrested a Chandler police officer Wednesday in the death of a police dog that was left in a hot patrol car for more than 12 hours, KPHO-TV in Phoenix reported.

I won't post the whole story here, instead click here to read it. If this ticks you off even a fraction of how much it does me, please, please take another moment to go here and file a complaint against this jerk! A dog should never, ever be left in a locked car for 12 hours - PERIOD. Nevermind the sweltering temps. And all the while he was napping, running errands and have dinner with his wife? The blog sensors won't allow me to type the words I really want to do so here.

Catch Up Part 2 - Pats Win!

Okay, now for more catch up... but before we get to that I would like to ask you to please take a moment to visit the Operation: Bring Charlie Home site. I was made aware of SGT Watson's mission to bring the wonderful Charlie home to the United States by my friend Kim yesterday and will support his efforts in any way I can.... I hope you will too.

Now, for some catch up from Charlotte! We had a blast at the game, despite the sweltering heat. It was an awesome experience, esp with the number of Patriots fans on hand. We met lots of wonderful people... and it was so cool to just be walking around the stadium area getting approving nods, high-fives, smiles, etc. (you don't even get that in Foxboro from stangers!). The Panthers mascot, Sir Purr (love it!), even took a minute to pose with us "Northern Folk" before the game... and, to our surprise & liking, new Daddy Tom Brady was on the field for the entire first half and to start the second!



This is one of the few pictures I've actually really liked of Matt & I from the past couple years... hhmm, maybe Christmas card worthy? lol

The game was great...
I'll share a few photos and hopefully not bore the non-football fans too much...








Are ya ready for some football??!!

Three Quarterbacks & An Offensive Back...

Hey look Ma... we WON!!!!

Due to the insanely too short stay in Charlotte, we really didn't do too much. We visited a couple of race shops, did a little bit of shopping and ate way too much food though. Of course I made a stop at The Canine Cafe and came home with some treats for the kids. This is what happened when I tried to photo them....

Teutul: "hmm, smells like its mine..."

Mommy: "Teutul, leave it."
Teutul: "I'm not touching it."

Mommy: "Teutul... don't touch!"

Teutul (never taking his eyes off the prize): "hhuuuffff!"

Yes, yes... they all eventually got to touch and chomp away. We have a few of the donuts left and have not yet ripped in to the pumpkin cinnamon biscuits. Sadly, when we stopped in to the store Barbara informed us that TJ, who was doing whatever he pleased and eating all he wanted to that day, was going to be put down the next day. He had just reached such a deteriotating stage and it was time for him to cross the Rainbow Bridge. We were honored to have met TJ that day and got to spend a little time with the precious inspiration for all of the wonderful treats our doggies enjoy so much. Rest in Peace TJ... and keep chasing that ball over the bridge! You will surely be missed by many.

We also brought home a Tony Stewart #20 squeaky bone for the kids...

Mommy: "Zeus, balance this on your nose and look cute..."

Zeus: "hhuufff... I can't see you..."

Lola: "Hey, what's this that just fell off

Zeus' nose and landed on me?"

Other than that, this was actually a pretty tame trip as far as cramming stuff in the luggage to get it home. We didn't have time to visit Charlotte Yarn, so no fibery goodness... I did get a long sleeve Tony t-shirt when we got the bone for the dogs at Joe Gibbs... a super cozy hooded sweater at Outdoor World that I can't wait to wear when it gets cooler (the colorway actually reminds me of one of Heather's Sereknity colorways... I'll have to photo it to post later!)... and I got one of the most comfy pairs of flip flops ever there too. Oh yea, and this cool game pin...

Did I mention we won!!?? So now... back to knitting. I've been knitting up a bunch of little things the past couple of days... stuff for the Holiday Extravaganza at Jenn's on Dec 1st...

Monday Fun

Jury selection has been completed in the Michael Vick case.........

And another to add to the growing collection of wonderful photos...

Thought for the day...

I don't have to express my great hatred towards Michael Vick in words... you all know how I feel... but I did want to share one of the best images I've seen in a long, long time! I keep saying he should be hung & then drowned - as he did to dogs, an eye for an eye - but I think this just might be the best justice possible!

TGI-friggin-F!

Oh I am so happy its finally Friday! Its been a stressful week of sorts ... work hell crapola stress coupled with lack of sleep makes for nearly no knitting... and one grumpy knitter!

I won't complain too much about the lack of sleep because that was due in part to the loveable Bella, whom I started calling Isabella (short term foster Simon's human sister/our good friends' beautiful 15 1/2 month old daughter). If people actually heard me, I'm sure I would've gotten some is she freaking insane??? looks with my "who's a Bella... is-a-bella..." doggy talk, but alas, I thought it was cute & clever. You see, Miss Bella-bell (my other nickname for the cutie pie) had 2 modes -- GO, GO, GO, GO or CRASH. There's really not much in between with this active pup (after all, she is a pup and a terrier!). It was like having a baby in the house who didn't sleep thru the night... she would decide to wake up each night sometime between the god-awful hours of 2:00 - 3:00 am and decide it was time to pounce and play. Even Zeus would huff at her as if to say "hey little lady, its time to s-l-e-e-p!" Again - not complaining too much because she was an absolute joy and love bug. Was... translating to the great news that Bella went to her forever home last night with Nicole & Ryan in Manchester (they're about 15 minutes away)! We were sad to see her go so soon (I'm not sure which is worse - the ones here for 3 weeks before they go or the ones who stay just a short week... we get attached and love them all), but I am happy to report that she went to a perfect home... they are both young & active and like to jog & hike (oh how I remember those days ... about 10 years ago!) which will be great for Bella!

When we arrived to drop her off, they had already prepared a little basket of toys for her - including a hot pink Bobo just like Lola's (only smaller)! There was also a little rawhide bone in there, which Bella promptly found - and claimed - and after a couple minutes of exploring, she plopped down in the living room and began chewing... and chewing... and ignoring the rest of the world... I went to say goodbye and she could've cared less (how rude!)... I don't even think she realized we left. And I was worried about her going to a home that didn't have any other doggies to play and wrestle with... (although Nicole promised she'd bring her to the doggy park)! Should I pout or just be happy she seemed so content in her new home??!!

So back to that lack of knitting this week... I really don't have anything to show. I worked on my tank some more at Joanne's on Wednesday night, but not enough progress worthy of a photo. Speaking of Joanne, check out the A Knitter's Garden listing in the brand new Knitters' (and other) Travel Guide 2007-2008! She has copies of this fantastic resource book at her shop for sale - only $12! I snagged my copy Wednesday night and am impressed - its much larger than I had expected and now I won't be wasting so much time googling yarn shops when I go on vacation.

As part of the Dog Days of Summer Dishcloth Swap, we've been asked to post our favorite handknit item. Mine is not something that I have made, but rather something that I received as a gift last Christmas from Dad & Mom-Sue (Matt's dad & stepmom). Sue made me this absolutely stunning sweater, using Classic Elite Premiere, which means its not only visually beautiful, its amazingly soft and snuggly too!

I wore it when I met Kate Jacobs and she loved it too!

We were also asked to post something that we've seen on a fellow DDSD swap participant's blog that we would like to make. This was fun because it got me scrolling thru some strangers blogs and I came across - woo hoo! - yet another Doggy Mom Knitter's blog, Basset Knitter (omg, how cute is Elsie??!!)! And I'd love to make this cat bed. Yes people, I did just say CAT bed! I can knit for friends' cats too, right?? It looks so soft and squishy ... and definitely looks like a fun knit too... who can't resist a cat bowl? And oh to use up that fun fur that is stuffed somewhere under a bed or maybe inside one of my dogs' beds....

Anyone planning to go see The Harlot at Border's on August 2nd? I missed her last appearance at Webs because we were in Charlotte, but I did catch her there in 2006 and can't wait to see her again. I sent in my registration and am working out the carpool details with Joanne. Sounds like it'll be a fun night, even if it does mean rushing from work to get there... Stephanie is well worth the rush!

Not to bring the mood down, but unless you live under a rock I'm sure you've been hearing about the sad-excuse-for-a-human-being, Michael Vick and his horrendous dogfighting in the news lately. Please take a moment to visit the Humane Society of the US site and tell the NFL to act on this!!!!

Just another Manic Monday...

I am back to work (ugh) after 5 days off and things are hectic and busy, busy, busy ... therefore I have to promise you some knitting content and Lola's birthday bash pics (okay, so it really wasn't a bash but please don't tell her all those noisy lights in the sky aren't just for her birthday!) later in the week, but wanted to post 2 things today...

First, please help STOP THE TEARS. Animal parents and lovers, take note that Menu Foods items are back on the shelves. Please take a moment to visit this website and sign the petition to DEFEND OUR PETS! I realize the website contains some difficult content, but it also contains survivors and a petition that everyone, animal parents or not, should sign. Please?

Second... Dustee update! If you've been reading my blog for awhile, you know how very special Dustee is to us and what a happy little guy he is. He was our foster for almost 3 weeks back in March/April (hint: new readers should read the old posts so they can fall in love with Dustee too can go back and read old posts) and such an amazing little doggy. His Mom just sent me some wonderful vacation photos, which put a huge smile on my face this icky Monday morning (thank you Nicole!!). So... I thought maybe if I shared a few with you, you're Monday might be a little more joyful too?? Plus, many of you ask for updates on our previous fosters (who will forever remain extended members of our family - by the way, did you catch Dottie's update?) ... and well, I am a very proud foster Mommy who gets great joy out of the updates & photos I receive from their forever families!

Dustee is a boating doggy! Here he is chillin...

Hanging with sister Kaia (did someone say let's go fishing??!!)...

So happy to see "little man" so happy & content...

Wanna go for a swim?

Have yourself a marvelous Monday... or at least get yourself an IV coffee drip drink lots and lots of coffee like me! Oh and I lied, I have a third thing to share... go check out Amanda's latest blog contest and get to know her a little better!

Okay, so I really lied, but just one more thing. Thank you to all of those who have contributed to my ASPCA fundraising efforts thusfar (see banner/link at the top of my blog)!!! The updated list includes Lisa, Diane, Mary and many blogless friends & family (Christy, Judy, Karen, Dad & Sue and Kim). I'm working on some ideas for a contest (read: ways to win yummy yarn!!!) to go along with my fundraising and hopefully get more of my knitting & blogging friends involved... stay tunned!

A Very Sad Day

I admit that I had not read up on the latest happenings with Michael Kennan lately... we'd sent our donation to his medical fund and I've kept his info on my blog, periodically checking it for good news... Sadly, I sit here typing with tears in my eyes as I was just alerted by Lisa that Michael had tragically passed away on June 18th. Please read the letter from his brother here. The letter notes a memorial service to be held this Sunday, July 8th.

I didn't personally know Michael, but felt I got to know him through this tragedy and reading the blog and updates. He was is a true hero. Bobby the dog will be forever grateful.

Rest in Peace Michael....

If that doesn't bring tears to your eyes, this mightl... It's very cute, but sad at the same time. Please watch it ... and please, "Punish the Deed, NOT the Breed!" (and for happier news, please be sure to scroll down to view "Dottie's Update" post if you missed it!)

Happy 1st Day of Summer!

You Should Spend Your Summer in Europe

You're in to almost all forms of culture - art, music, architecture, food...And spending a summer at the beach sounds pretty darn boring to you.So head off to Europe, where you can have your tiramisu (and even eat it on the beach!)

Where Should You Spend Your Summer?

Anyone volunteering to send me to Europe for the summer??? Yea, I didn't think so... but maybe I'll get a European spoiler in the Knitter's Virtual Vacation Swap??

Note to all doggy parents, rescuers and lovers... please take a second to check out my sidebar for the Dog Detective website. A fellow dog Mom forwarded this to me -- great source for lost / stolen / found dogs across the country. Help spread the word about the site!

And a special thank you to those of you who've already donated and helped me in my goal of raising $1000 for ASPCA (see the fundraising banner at the top of my blog)! Unfortunately they don't tell me who donated, so unless you send me a note I don't know who you are... so far I do know of Lisa, Karen and Christy. Thank you ladies - you are awesome!

I promise some actual knitting content coming soon!!! I finished another Duduza doll over the weekend and already cast on another, plus have several other WIP's - my ankle socks, lace headband, shaped scarf... and am about to cast on a shawl, tank top and felted bag. :-)

Spotted Girl ... Found a New Home!

Dottie has found her forever home! I'm both sad & happy at the same time. She's only been with us 1 short week, but has been such a love and we are sure going to miss her lots! She was extra special due to her shyness and the way we had to get really involved with helping her settle in, letting her know that we care & love her and that she was in a safe home. It was great to teach her as much as we could in the past week and to help her gain confidence in so many new things. We started out with the scared little doggy who wouldn't go outside for 2 days, to the still-a-bit-shy little doggy who's been chasing around our big dogs to play in the morning, enjoying her chewies at night and - yes! - going outside to brave the big, open world on a leash and doing her business! I've even got her to the point where she'll walk out the door with me on her leash (Matt still carries her all the way to the back yard).

This pic is from one of those "let me back in the safe house" days where she didn't want to come off the front steps... as you can see, Zeus helped her and let her know he was there to protect her....

Dottie is going to be living only about 20 minutes away, so we do hope to be able to see her again. Her family promised to keep in touch and send pictures (always the added "Nichole Clause" for my adopters - ha ha!). We took her to meet them last night and they were wonderful! I walked away truly feeling that they will be very patient & understanding with her and give her lots of love, which was really important. They have 2 young boys who both adored her, as well as a 2 year old Jack Russell (appropriately n