Monday, October 31, 2011

Halloween Greetings


It's hard to believe that Halloween is already here. Last week, I took the dogs to a Halloween party. Cookie dressed up as a pumpkin. Gigi was a rabbit and Homer was a prisoner. Why a prisoner? Well, because he's the king of busting loose.

It's been awhile since I've last posted. It's been a little hectic because of school and work projects, but I am hoping to have more posts once I'm up to speed with everything.

Below are some pictures from the Halloween party. I hope you all have a very happy Halloween.

A puggle dressed as a bumble bee.


Dogs in an obedience contest.


Homer The Prisoner


It's the Great Pumpkin! Cookie.

Also, I've a couple of tips to keep your Halloween safe and happy:
  • Exercise your dogs before you expect trick or treaters. A good walk will help unleash any excessive energy and keep their barking at a reasonable level.
  • Keep them away from any halloween candy. Chocolate can be toxic for dogs and their bodies are not meant to consume candy.

More Information For Safe Pets

Oregon Live
Patch.com

Let's Discuss!

How do you and your pets plan to celebrate Halloween?

Related

Halloween Parade

Thursday, October 20, 2011

A Little Faith Can Go A Long Way

Earlier Today, I came across this story. It's about a small puppy named Jax.

This is a great story with a happy ending.

We got him on Saturday August 6th. The following day,my girlfriend had to leave for New York. That same morning, he began vomiting and diarrhea. I took him to the emergency clinic, and he tested positive for parvo and a few other things. He weighed 15 pounds that day. The vet wanted $2400 to treat him for 6 days and gave him a 50/50 chance of survival. He recommended putting him down. I called my friend that owns his own veterinarian clinic and he recommended the same thing. I phoned the people who we purchased the puppy from and they said they would give me my money back if I returned him and they will put him down.

I decided that I might as well try to save him regardless of what they all said. I took care of him that day by squirting pedialyte in him (orally and enema) every 15 minutes, day and night! The following day was a Monday and I took my week of vacation from work.

Find Out How This Ends Here

Let's Discuss!

Have you ever had a puppy like Jax?

Related

Website Of The Week

Monday, October 17, 2011

Get To Know Angie Ketelhut

Painting of Caeden and the Seattle skyline - Angie Ketelhut

I'm always in awe when I see different works of art. It's one thing to visualize a picture but another to stand in front of them in admiration. I am happy to welcome Angie Ketelhut, a portrait artist that paints animal and people portraits. However, she's especially is known for her dog portraits. I've seen many of Angie's works on one of the social media networks, and they have a whimsical and playful look that really distinguishes them from other paintings.





Dog and the City

It's great that Angie was able to drop in and shoot the breeze. Below, is my Q and A session with her.

How did you start out in the art world?
I've been creating art for as long as I can remember. Growing up in unpredictable environment as a child, creating art and spending quality time with pets were my stability and my happy place when things were tough. I won an artist mentorship scholarship in high school and began to grow more confidence as an artist at that time.

What is most rewarding about your profession?
The end result. The emotions felt and expressed by clients when they receive their portraits. There is nothing in the world like witnessing their genuine happiness and excitement of having captured their beloved pet personality on canvas. It brings me much joy.

What do you find most challenging?
The rollercoaster ride where I can be extremely busy or can be slow. Also, meeting deadlines such as birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, etc. I try my very best to accommodate these requests and sometimes it can be cutting things very close, depending on my workload and how much time I have to complete the portraits.

Dog on the Beach

How has the internet impacted your business?
It has made it possible for me to have a business. I am very grateful for the invention of the internet.

How long does it take for a single portrait to be completed?
Normal turnaround time from sketch to finish is 3-4 weeks, depending on my workload and waiting list.

Who are the artists that inspire you?
I'm inspired by Toulouse Lautrec, Chagall, Van Gogh, Grandma Moses, and Frida Kahlo.

Four Friends On The Beach

What advice would you give to young artists who hope to break into your profession?
Follow your intuition. If this is something you truly love to do, develop your own unique style and keep at it. Be realistic for potential challenges along the road ahead. Donate your time and talent when you can. Spend time with and around people who are supportive and lift your spirits up. Continue to learn about pets and grow from people and experiences.


If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
It would be on the Greek Island of Hydra.
Photo of Hydra from Hydra Island's Official Website
What things or hobbies do you do when it's time to recharge?
I enjoy walks and playtime with my dog (and now baby boy) under the big blue sky, reading a good book, sipping a latte or cup of tea, taking a short roadtrip to a different part of the city, and lunch or dinner with friends. I also relax by sketching and writing.

Boston Terrier With A New Friend

How did your dog become part of your household?
He was a very special gift from my husband.

What type of personality does Fatsa have? Is he really energetic or very laid back?
He's a little bit of both. At home with just me, he is laid back unless company arrives. Then he is quite energetic. He is a very playful bubbly little guy around several people.

How do you balance being a pet owner with work?
It's challenging at times but I always make time for little Fatsa. I take breaks throughout the day to take him for a walk, play, or just to give him a few pats & back scratchies.

What does your dog do when you're busy at work?
He naps in his cozy place nearby burrowed under his comfy warm blankets.

The Tub Time Trio
What kind of food does your dog like to eat?
He has food allergies so unfortunately has a very limited diet. We have only found one type of dog food he can eat without having tummy issues.

What does he like to do for exercise?
He loves to play tug o war and fetch. Also, he loves to run while carrying his leash in his mouth.

What's the most unique quality about Fatsa?
He's very chatty. If on a walk, he will bark at everyone (dogs, cats, people) on the other side of the street as he walks. It is almost like he is greeting everyone and having a little chat about the weather, day, etc...

What do you like most about the social media world?
The opportunity to meet and connect with many kind hearted & inspiring people from all over the world. One can learn something about something from each and every person.

Angie grew up in the Midwest, USA. Her childhood was a bumpy one, with a series of challenges to overcome. Pets and creating art were a steady source of comfort and solace from the very beginning of her life & remained with her throughout uncertain times. With her expressive painting style and use of vibrant colors, she strives to capture individual pet personalities and honor the furry friends who bring so much joy & happiness to our lives. Angie has sold her work nationally and internationally. She offers custom portraiture through her website Art By Angie.
She now resides just outside of Seattle, WA with her husband, son, and bubbly Boston Terrier, Fatsa.
Thank you Angie for taking the time to chat and share with us some of your beautiful works.

You can learn more about Angie through these websites:

Angie Ketelhuts's Website
Pet Portraits By Angie - Facebook Page
Angie's Art Gallery On Facebook


Let's Discuss!

Please feel free to share any comments or questions for Angie in our comments section.

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Monday, October 10, 2011

The Purina Incredible Dog Challenge National Finals

Vhoebe, reaches new lengths in the Dock Diving Challenge.

On October 1st, Purina held its Incredible Dog Challenge in Gray's Summit, Missouri. Dogs of all breeds, sizes and ages competed in different challenges like hurdles, agility, weave pole racing and dock diving.

One dog really rose to the occasion. Vhoebe, a Belgian Malinois owned by Lisa Strum, broke a world record in dock diving. Jumping a total distance of 31 feet 8 inches, she surpassed the rest of the competition and is now in the record books.

Below are some more pictures from the event. All pictures for this post are courtesy of the Incredible Dog Challenge.
Bracken, a border collie owned by Diane Allen, zooms through the 30 weave pole challenge

Shunsuke Hirai, and his Border Collie, Shack, compete in the Incredible Freestyle Flying Disc competition

Let's Discuss!

Have you ever seen the Incredible Dog Challenge in person? What's your favorite event?

Related


An Incredible Dog That Set The World Record

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Score Big On Dog Nutrition

Pet nutrition is becoming more important these days. A strong knowledge of what's good for your pet can really make a difference in it's quality of life.

That's why the makers of Ideal Balance have put out a great quiz to test your skills. Just visit the PetMd website and try it out for yourself.

Just visit their website. Each participant will receive a rebate on Hill's Science Diet Ideal Balance dog food to celebrate Pet Nutrition Month. What's even better is that four lucky quiz takers will win a $2500 USD gift card from selected pet retailers.

Take the test here!

Let's Discuss!

What's your most valuable nutrition tip?

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Thank You Hewlett Packard

Hi Everyone!

I can't believe we're already in October!I know it's been quite awhile since my last post, so I wanted this post to be special. One
day, when I was having lunch at my neighbor's house, I had left my flash drive on the coffee table. The videos below show the rest. Enjoy.
:)

Thank You HP, Part I from Elena Papastefan on Vimeo.


Thank You HP, Part I



Part II

Hope you all are having a great weekend.

Let's Discuss!

What precious possession has your dog chewed lately?

It's Relative!

Thank You Kingston
Chloe Tests The iPad

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