Foster Updates = Happy Smiles #RescuedDogs #AdoptDontShop

Happy Monday! 

While the Lapdogs recover from the Patriots loss yesterday, and uh-hum, Mama gets to work typing up some reviews, we thought today would be a great day to share a few photo updates from our extended foster families.

Besides, there's nothing quite like the smile I get when I see our foster babies living the good life in their forever homes.  #ThisIsRescue

***Housekeeping Note: Be sure to click the "click here to continue reading this post" on our posts from now on in order to view the entire post***

First up, is an adorable little man who spent time at the Lapdog house in 2012... Booth!

Boo-man and his sister were watching the Pats game yesterday too...

Tuggy Toys + Foster Babies

While I had planned a fun review for you today, someone *might have* forgotten to snap the photos... oops!  I swear I got the shots during our last review photo shoot day, but either my phone ate them (I'm sticking with that theory) or we must have called it quits before we got through the entire pile of goodies.  Looks like we'll be doing another photo shoot day as soon as the temps cool down a little bit.  In the meantime...

Did you catch our final installment of the #InspiredByCrafted campaign that we've been on with Hill's Pet and BlogPaws for the past few months?  I had an amazing time being a part of it.  Not only did I get to learn a lot, I got to share what I learned with you!  And as a direct result of what I learned about Hill's, Penny is eating Hill's Ideal Balance Large Breed puppy food (only because the Crafted line doesn't have a large breed puppy option yet).

For this last installment, Hill's asked us to post about something that the campaign inspired us to do... something we've been wanting to try, or that might be outside of our comfort zone.  I chose to take a shot at making Fleece Tug Toys.  Scroll back to yesterday's post to see more, and enjoy this video clip of Penny showing off the end result of Mama's craftiness...

Here's one more clip, which was destined for the trash bin thanks to Tut's photobomb, but after watching it, I decided it was too cute to press "delete."

She adores her new tuggy and so far, has only managed to chew one piece of fringe part way off.  I think this woven style of knots is really going to hold up (versus the two braided tug toys she's unraveled already) and will definitely be making more.  Inexpensive and easy to make + machine washable + a puppy who loves them = a win!  (In case you're wondering, neither Tut or Sophie have shown much interest in the toy as of yet)

Speaking of inexpensive to make, this one in particular was made with fleece fabric I found in the pre-cut remnants bin at Walmart for next to nothing.  The pink zig-zag and grey fabrics you may have caught in yesterday's post were bought at full price, but still quite inexpensive. 

I wish I had thought to make these tug toys back when we had so many puppy fosters coming through the Lapdog house!  I would have loved to have sent one home with each of them... not only to give them something else to take from their foster home (every one left with a favorite toy, and many with a snuggie blanket), but it would have given their new humans a little break, knowing their new pups had something they could chew on!

Speaking of those foster babies that I adore so much, did you catch the updates of Booth and Maverick last week?  I stole borrowed a couple more photos this week...

First up, the first foster boy who truly stole my heart, Dustee. His Mom started volunteering at one of our local shelters and often bring little house guests home with her. I can't tell you how much that makes me smile. Not only did they give Dustee the loving, forever home he so deserved, but now they're paying it forward and helping so many others find their forever homes as well. Here's Dustee (on the right) chilling out with a recent foster of theirs...

Here's a very calm, cool and relaxed Miss Addison.  She was already adopted when we agreed to pick her up from the transport and foster for a couple of days while her new family was out of town.  It was our pleasure to help Addie on the journey to her forever home, and I'll never forget how excited her Mom was to pick her up... complete with flowers in hand for me!  So, so sweet.

Enjoy the rest of your Tuesday!  Knitters, don't forget to enter to win a copy of The Essential Guide to Color Knitting Techniques!

Monday Mischief: Foster Family Update

Not much mischief here today, just a whole lot of cuteness!  It's time for a foster family update... 

First up is Miss Rosie, enjoying a little stroll on the beach.  She's become a great little beach bum!

Next, we have Dustee showing everyone how he spends the dog days of summer.  No, the shot of he and sister Kaya lying fireside is not recent, but I still had to share.

My little Boo-Man, better known as Booth, is next. He seems to agree with Dustee on how best to spend those hot summer days.

 The always regal looking Izzy is up next.  I simply adore this shot of her on the staircase!

Little Harper rounds out today's update.  Out of all our fosters, I think she was Sophie's favorite.  We're going to have to get the girls together for a play date soon.

I love seeing these photos of my former foster babies - updates are always the best!  I'm happy to say that I played a small part in getting each of these babies into their perfect forever homes where they are all thriving!

Knitting, Knitting, Knitting!

TGIF!  I'm not sure if I'm more excited about having some time to knit this weekend, or that we're supposed t0 hit 50 degrees tomorrow.  Although it looks like a rainy weekend... which brings me back to the knitting.  Speaking of which, it's been awhile since I've done a Fiber Arts Friday post, so let's get to it.  My needles have been clicking a lot lately, and I've even gotten some projects off those needles! 

I purchased two skeins of Puppy Love yarn from Still River Mill a few years back at Stitches East.  It's 30% Samoyed, 20% Milk, 50% Merino and just luscious!  The Samoyed hair comes from a sled dog team out of Vermont.  My own puppy love did a great job modeling it...

Seriously, do I not have the biggest ham most handsome hat model around?

Pattern was my own (80 stitches, K2P2 rib for 1.25").  I didn't have enough of the Puppy Love for an adult size hat and had to rip it back some to put in a stripe of all natural baby alpaca which I had leftover from these fingerless mitts.  I should have ripped back a bit more to place the stripe further down, but ah well.  I just wish I had knit it earlier this winter because it is seriously the softest hat ever!  I think it's going to be super warm too.

Hat #2.  As you may recall, I signed up for a couple of traveling scarves for cancer patients through ConnieCaps.org.  I also decided to knit a couple of hats to donate as well using Cascade Cherub Aran, which knits up oh-so-soft and comes in some very beautiful colors.  I was thinking spring when I put this one together.

I just started a second one using the pink as the main color, with purple and green in the brim.  I hope the colors will bring a little cheer to someone soon.

I finally got my Mom's fingerless mitts finished a couple weeks ago.  Pattern is Malabrigo Hand Thingies (a freebie on Ravelry) and yarn is Berroco Vintage Colors.  My Mom wanted "something brown" and this self stripping worked up nicely.  They are a quick knit in worsted weight yarn, however I had to tweak the pattern a few times and rip back one mitt (I still have a third mitt completed that's a bit on the small size - will have to decide whether to knit the mate or just frog it).  My notes are my Ravelry project page if interested.

The Snow Cowl was a birthday gift for a dear friend a few weeks ago.  It's a very quick knit using super bulky yarn and makes a great accessory! I'll definitely knit more (great Christmas gift idea)!

I've done a little stash enhancement lately thanks to my YarnBox March installment (that was a fabulous birthday/Christmas gift combo)...

The Loopy Ewe Spring Giftables Club box #1...

And, last but not least, the current Jimmy Beans Wool limited edition Madelinetosh colorway...

Whew, that's a lot of fibery goodness today.  I hope you all have a great, crafty weekend!  Our former foster baby Dustee (our first real foster... or at least the first dog we fostered and sent along to a forever home... and yes, I cried for days) had surgery yesterday to remove 3 teeth.  He's at home and recovering comfortably, albeit not very happily from what I understand.  Poor baby... please join me in wishing Dustee man well!

Bloggers Unite for Dog Rescue

I was about to post my Monday Mischief posting when I realized that today has been reserved for a cause extremely close to my heart (and one I post about on a regular basis, of course): Bloggers Unite for Dog Rescue

As you know, I am a huge advocate of dog rescue and you'll often hear me utter the words "Adopt, Don't Shop."  I'm not anti-breeder by any means and realize that for some folks, they want a purebred XYZ pup.   However, I am against pet stores, puppy mills and "backyard breeders."  There are far too many lives out there ending far too soon (and sadly, not all humanely) simply because people don't spay or neuter their pets.  I see photos and stories of far too many puppies and adult dogs who's "day is up" - yes, puppies are put down simply because a shelter somewhere felt they were there too long without being adopted.  

Three of my four children are shelter rescues.  Zeus, was somewhat of a "rescue," however it was friends of ours who had a liter of puppies.  He was originally given to another family who realized they weren't ready for a dog... we stepped in and took him at that point (just 7 weeks old).  About 8 months later, we decided Zeus' needed a canine companion and we adopted Lola from our local humane society.

Then, we failed at fostering... twice. Teutul, our Tennessee boy, was our first ever attempt at fostering and we failed pretty much immediately. Sophie (from Missouri) was our second failed foster... we like to think she chose us. 

I often get asked how we are able to foster dogs and let them go to their forever families.  While I'll never claim it's an easy thing to do - it is not - and it's certainly not something for everyone, it's what I can do to help save lives.  I've shed many tears and my heart breaks each time we have to send another foster baby off to their forever home, but I know it's the right thing to do.  By doing so, we are able to play a part in saving another life.  It certainly helps when the forever families stay in touch with us - they send photos, videos and sometimes we even get to have play dates with our fosters.  There's nothing quite like the feeling of seeing one of our foster babies so happy with their new family!  A couple of them actually remember us when we see them - and there's definitely nothing quite like having them very excited to see us, and showing how much they love their forever family at the same time.  That is the perfect situation! 

It certainly helps that our pack is well adjusted and has graciously welcomed their many foster brothers and sisters into our home...

For everyone who tells me they want to help, but don't think they could foster - and give up - a baby, I tell them there is so much more you can do to help a rescue.  Donate: financially or otherwise.  Shelters are often seeking things like old comforters, sheets & towels, paper towels, postage stamps, plastic bowls, toys, etc.  Volunteer: shelters need folks to help clean kennels, walk dogs, answer the phone, fundraise, man tables at adoption events, etc.  Spread the word: in a social media driven world, this is easier than ever - help spread the word about animals in need of foster homes and adoption by Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, your blog, etc. 

If you're looking for a new furry companion, please consider a shelter dog.  Check out this website.  If you know me personally, of course you know to come to me to help in your search as well (I truly am that crazy dog lady... whenever anyone I know is looking for a dog, has a friend/relative who's looking or some dog related question, I get the email, Facebook message, etc. - and that's okay... I love helping match people to a perfect furbaby!).  Mr. Booth (better known as Boo or Boo Boo in our house) is still with us and looking for her forever home.  In fact, the rescue just reduced his adoption fee to help.  Of course, he is fitting in quite well here... almost too well as you can see by his "Lazy Sunday" picture with Lola.

Boo went on a little adventure to the feed store yesterday and picked out a couple of new toys... Sophie sure did kept a watchful eye on that tiny little squeaky bunny he brought home.

I hope you will consider joining me in Bloggers Unite for Dog Rescue and do what you can to help shelter dogs.  Personally, I'd adopt them all if I could. :)  Thank you...

A Chilly Doggy Thursday

It seems the chill is moving in to New England and we're expecting some rain / possible freezing mix later this evening. Even though it was 60 degrees all last week... but of course, the cold has moved in just in time for me to go freeze my behind off at tonight's Patriots game! (yes, I've already dug out my long undies...)

Enough of my complaining though... on with Dogs on Thursday! Be sure to hop on over and sign up for the 2nd Annual Ornament Swap if you haven't already!

Mr. Sheepie is still quite popular around here! Lola's [click linked names for more pics] been caught cuddling with him...

Sophie's been rastling him to the ground... and I just loved this "I can't see you!" shot...

She's also been caught snuggling with her Daddy on cooler nights lately...

Tut's already moody about the cold weather...

Zeus must be getting a little cold too, as he's become my 120 pound cuddling monster lapdog once again..

Foster Update... Earlier this week I received some new pictures of Dustee from his Mom and you all know how happy pictures of my old fosters make me. Looks like Mr. Dustee created his own little doggy door... oopsie! Its a good thing he's so damn cute!!!

Happy Little Friday... stay tuned for the LL Bean / Planet Dog holiday gift review for all the lucky pooches on your gift giving list!