Heartsmith's We Love Our Dog Contest

There's a contest for all dog lovers over at Heartsmith. It's called “We Love Our Dog” and all you have to do is submit a photo of your “four legged” best friend.  The deadline for entering the contest is December 15. Click here to enter.

And this handsome guy is George! Our own "four legged" best friend. Doesn't he look so charming? He has this way of looking at the camera, the expression in his eyes is amazing. So loveable!

Which shot do you like best?

Spotted Pet: Mr. Jackson, a Boston Terrier

When Toni Hacker & Ben Harnett of Hayden-Harnett gave a tour of their home in Brooklyn for the Premier Issue of Rue online magazine, the couple reveals a common love for pets. They share their lofty abode with three cats, Daisy Lola, Figgy and Py; and Boston Terrier, Mr. Jackson.

Dog Style: Rover

How gorgeous are these pooches! Their stylish clothes are designed by Rover, an instant favorite Etsy shop for me. I love the fact that the styles are very simple yet classy so dogs look comfortable wearing their outfits.

Anne Marie Minardi and Gillian Ward are the proud owners of this clothing store for dogs. Anne was inspired to start the business in 2007 when she couldn't find the right clothing and accessories for her puppy, Ella. Hop over Rover or check out their blog for updates and fabulous photos of dogs here.

via: Rover

For Dog Lovers: Poodle Coasters

For poodle lovers, how cute are these coasters by Laughing Taffy Designs! Check out my interview with Jennifer, the owner/designer of the shop on Shop of the Week, and you can win a set of coasters and a photo frame.

Animal-Themed Vinyl Wall Decal and a Giveaway

These animal-themed vinyl decal wall arts by Single Stone Studios are so perfect for a kid's room, don't you think? How adorable are those French poodles on the wall!  My favorite one is the Safari stacked animals! There's also one for bird lovers, owl lovers, and cat lovers.  And how about a whimsical green lizard on your wall?  Please, check out my interview with Shelley (the other half of the husband & wife team behind Single Stone Studios). Enter the giveaway to win a beautiful Word Art Vinyl Decal, valued at $30.

Wiener Dog Art Print

 illustrations by junecraft

DIY Projects for Dog Owners

Here are easy DIY projects you can make for your dogs:  

Quick Stitch Dog Bed

See tutorial here.

Make a dog rope toy from old dish towels.

See tutorial here.

Make a small dog sweater out of old socks. 

See the instructions here.

Dog Treat: Roasted Squash and Peanut Butter Cookies

See the recipe here.

Chihuahua Love

You probably already know that Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed but here are other facts that you may not know:)

Chihuahuas are named after Chihuahua,Mexico.
With proper diet and care, these tiny dogs can live up to 20 years.
It is the 12th most popular breed according to the AKC (American Kennel Club).
They have a soft spot in their skulls, called molera.
They are a favorite celebrity pet withParis Hilton (tinker bell),Paula Abdul (yoda),Katharine McPhee (Nina),Britney Spears (Bit Bit),Hilary Duff, spotted with their Chihuahuas.

Below are Chihuahua-inspired artwork from Etsy:

wildwildthings o candylei o lulunjay o rubenacker o

malthene o papplefineart o tascha o watercolorqueen o tanyabond

Discourage Your Dog from Drinking from the Toilet Bowl

Dogs are easily attracted to drink water from the toilet bowl because the water is cool and easily accessible. However, dog owners must discourage their dogs from this bad drinking habit for obvious health reasons.

Toilet water is not the most ideal thirst quencher. Bacteria and germs in the water can cause gastrointestinal problems and diseases to your pooch. Add to this, toilet cleaning agents that you use may contain strong chemicals that can be fatal when ingested.

How can you discourage your dog from drinking water from the toilet bowl?

• Keep the toilet lid down when not in use.
• Refill his feeding bowl with fresh water twice a day.
  
• Get a pet fountain or feeding bowl with water dispenser (especially if you’re not at home during the day).