The Importance of Giving Your Pet a Dog Tag

Every dog owner knows how sad it would be to lose a pet and surely you will do anything to protect your pet from all dangers. The importance of providing your pet with a dog tag may be obvious – it greatly increases the chance of your dog being reunited with you in case it gets lost.  Of course, pet tags are not just for dogs but for cats too!

A typical dog tag bears the dog’s name, home address, and the owner’s phone or mobile number.  These details should be engraved on the tag to make sure that all information will be visible when it is most needed.  For this reason, sterling silver and brass dog tags are popular among pet owners.

A pet wearing a tag indicates that it belongs to its owner, and that it has a loving home to return to.  Aside from the dog tag, it’s also important to choose a matching collar that will securely stay on your dog until it’s safely home.  However, see to it that the collar comfortably fits on your dog, not too tight or too lose either.

The aesthetic attributes of a dog tag such as the color, shape and design should be secondary factors.  Always consider your dog’s comfort and safety, before anything else.  A most recent innovation for pet lovers is the Virtual Leash, which was introduced in the market in May 2010 by Jack Carrier, owner of a company that offers dog tags for dogs and custom dog tags for dogs.

“Virtual Leash” shows more than just the address and the phone number. It gives your pet its very own website, containing all relevant information you want to provide to ensure that your dog will find its way to your home at the soonest possible time.  The website address is included on the tag so the finder can check out the page and be able to see all information you entered about your pet.  The finder can send you an instant alert, by clicking the “I found this pet” button and entering the last four digits of the phone number on the tag so you can be immediately notified through text, email, Twitter, Facebook or any method of notification you choose.

The owner’s personal identity is protected because all contact information stays hidden. It also includes a Google Map to show potential finders a safe place for your pet where you or your friends can go to pick up your pet.

Featured Dog Shop: Beantown Handmade

Anne and Michael are the couple behind the shop Bean Town Handmade – a shop that sells handmade dog clothes. I would like to thank Anne for taking the time to do this interview.  More than just being shop owners, both of them are animal lovers too and a portion of their proceeds are donated to various animal rescue organizations all over the world.  Check out my interview with Anne to know more about their pets and their business:

How old is your shop?

I started Beantown Handmade in November of 2008.

What’s the inspiration behind your shop name?
Our Boston Terrier Bean was the inspiration for our shop name. Bean is named after Boston, aka Beantown.

What moved you to start your own dog apparel business?

When Bean was a puppy he was always cold and we had a hard time finding clothing that would fit him well and keep him warm in our cold Nebraska winters.

Can you give us a peek on the creative process involved in making clothing and accessories for dogs?

Our dogs Bean and Lily are definitely the inspiration for my creative process. I try to design to meet their needs and often try out new designs on them for several weeks to see if they are comfortable and can move freely.

What was the toughest challenge you faced so far and how did you get over it?

I am only able to crochet so many hours a day without injuring myself, so that can be a bit frustrating at times. I’ve learned how to manage this throughout the time I’ve been in business. I only take as many orders as I can fill. It’s important to make sure I stay healthy and keep enjoying what I do.

Name your top 3 favorite picks from your shop:

My favorite three items are my Toffee High Collar sweater, Blue Baron dog hat, and felt bow ties.

Your favorite dog shops:

My favorite three dog shops to browse on Etsy are Studio Legohead and Roll Over Leatherworks.

Can you introduce us to the beautiful dogs who model your clothes?

Most of our modeling is done by our dog Bean, who is a natural in front of the camera. Our female Boston Terrier Lily doesn’t like to model as much as Bean but she will occasionally oblige us for some treats.

Can you tell us more about your dogs?

We got Bean from a reputable Boston Terrier breeder when he was a puppy. We adopted Lily through Nebraska Boston Terrier Rescue in March of 2010.

Why should people not be afraid to adopt a dog from a shelter?

There are so many dogs in the world in need of a good home, and the vast majority of them are in that situation at no fault of their own. Because Lily was already an adult dog when we brought her into our family, the transition was really seamless. She and Bean are best friends, and our lives are all so much richer because of her.

Please tell us how you support animal rescue organizations all over the world?

We donate products and make monetary donations to a variety of rescue organizations and the WSPA.

What advice can you give to people who are considering pet adoption?

Adopting a pet is one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. Every day you provide love and care for a rescued pet you are giving them a wonderful gift. All animals deserve a second chance at a fulfilling and happy life.

Businesswise, what tips would you want to share for aspiring home based entrepreneurs like you?

I think the most important thing to remember is to scale your business to what is best for you. I’ve had times when I ran Beantown full time and others where I scaled it back. The wonderful thing about being your own boss and running a business online is that you can set a pace that’s right for you.

Where else can we find you online? 

You can find us at www.beantownhandmade.com, Facebook and on Twitter.

Any message to your customers and the people who support you?

We have received a lot of love and support from customers and animal lovers through the years and we are so grateful and appreciative. I love my dogs to the moon and back and am so fortunate that everyone enjoys my work as much as I love making it.

~*~*~*~

Hop over Bean Town Handmade to see all their items.  You can also visit Bean’s blog for updates. Thanks so much Anne!

Do you sell products for dogs?
Do you love dogs?
If you would like to be featured on this blog, 
email me at dogsweluv@gmail.com

Spotted Pet: Violet, a Lab-Pit Bull Mix

Violet, a Lab-Pit Bull Mix graces the pages of the July/Aug 2011 issue of Lonnymag. She belongs to Lauren Gold, design director for Nate Berkus Associates. I guess dogs are allowed at Nate's office:)

Featured Dog Shop: Charlie ♥ Diesel

It’s so nice to meet fellow dog people who have such a big heart for our four-legged friends.  Ashleigh is the designer and owner of Charlie ♥ Diesel at Etsy.  Ashleigh shares with us how she and her husband started as volunteers for an animal shelter in their city and their desire to help homeless dogs inspired them to start a business.  She also talks about the dogs in their lives, her views on pet adoption and the joys and challenges of being a dog lover and a business owner.

How old is your shop?

We actually opened Charlie ♥ Diesel just over a month ago.

What’s the inspiration behind your shop name?

It just sort of came to me. I’d been kicking around names for a while and nothing really fit. I wanted it to be really personal, but also really catchy. I was going through our other Etsy shop, Indian Summer, and I noticed the little favorites heart. And it was perfect.

Charlie and Diesel are our two young Pit Bulls. (And yes, most days, they do heart each other.) The name itself is a little awkward at first, I’ll admit, but that little heart in Charlie ♥ Diesel is just too cute to resist.

What moved you to start your own dog apparel business?

Oddly enough, it was philanthropy that made me move in this direction. My husband, Ryan, and I started the process to become volunteers at the Riverside City Animal Shelter, and though they’re in a beautiful new facility thanks to a kind and generous benefactor, they are severely underfunded- so much so, that volunteers do most of the jobs that an employee would normally be paid to do- even assisting in surgeries.

Since we both already work full time, we knew we wouldn’t be able to give as much of our time as we wanted to. But what else could we do? I was goofing around with Charlie one day and put a neck warmer on her that I’d actually intended to give my husband last winter. And it was so stinking cute. And there it was: a happy accident that turned into an Etsy shop for canines, where we donate 20% of the sale price of each item to the Riverside City Animal Shelter.

Can you give us a peek on the creative process involved in making clothing and accessories for dogs?

It’s actually a lot of fun, and sort of really challenging to make items for dogs. They’re all shaped so differently. The creative process generally involves a random statement that begins with “You should make…” or “I’ve got an awesome idea…” and then ends with a freestyle crochet or knitting, or glue gunning attempt to duplicate whatever we’ve seen in our heads. We don’t use any patterns for our items- I just wing it, and keep one of everything on hand to copy.

I’ve recently started making myself write my patterns down, in an effort to save time counting stitches and wondering which size hook or needle I used. The shop has actually been much more successful than I foresaw, which is fantastic and a little overwhelming at the same time.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I love the interaction. Dog people are so friendly and energetic! I’ve had a lot of great conversations with some really wonderful people, and I look forward to many more.

Is there anything you dislike about what you do?

I dislike having to go to my day job when all I want to do is create all day. The shop is always on my mind, and it makes it difficult to focus on anything else.

What was the toughest challenge you faced so far?

Actually, it was Saturday morning. I woke up to an email that said I had accidentally switched shipping labels, and that the expedited package intended for a customer in San Francisco had arrived in Indiana, right on schedule. Oops.

How did you get over it?

Well, it was 8:30 in the morning, and my phone beeped next to me on the nightstand. I read the message, and immediately began freaking out. I hate messing up. HATE it. I started running around the house in a tizzy, repeating, “Oh my God, what do I do? What do I do? What do I do?”

Once I calmed down, I contacted both the customers and we worked it all out. They were both very understanding and kind, which was a HUGE relief. For the expedited order, we settled on Overnighting the items in order to get them there in time for Halloween. I checked USPS and the Express Shipping option said it would arrive October 31st. A post office only 20 minutes away had a final pick up at 4:00 PM. Perfect. Plenty of time to get it done and out.

You would not believe all the setbacks I ran into, remaking that order to rush it out for overnight shipping. First, I kept skipping stitches in the hooded cowl I was making, which I never EVER do. It’s a major waste of time when you have to pull out half your stitches and redo them, just because you skipped ONE.

Then I went to create my USPS Express shipping label, and the expected arrival date had changed from October 31st to November 1st. WTH? Are you kidding me? After all that? Seriously? So I checked FedEx. They could ship it and it would arrive before 10:30 AM October 31st. Yayyy!!! Only problem… It was now 2:00 PM and every drop off location had a last pick up at 12:30. Oh no. Oh no, oh no, oh no. I kept scrolling through the list, and (thank God) found one that had a final pick up of 3:00 PM, that was only 15 miles from my house. 2:20 PM: I threw everything together, and I sped (quite literally) down the freeway to the FedEx location, and got it in with 15 minutes to spare. FedEx on Winchester in Temecula, you saved my butt.

Name your top 3 favorite picks from your shop:

Well, for sure I love our Hoodwinked Slouchy Hooded Cowl. It’s the cutest thing EVER, and it’s a huge hit.

The Batman Quick Collar Costume is pretty awesome,

and I really love our crocheted Pretty Bows too.

your favorite dog shops:

Well, the list is kind of long… I love HandmadeMonster on Etsy with their fantastically clever monster making dog hats, as well as BeantownHandmade for their adorable hats and clothing, and it’s not exactly a dog shop, but I LOVE the animals rights jewelry designed by Christy Robinson at crobinsondesign. Susan Sabo’s Shelter Dogs photographs are very moving and beautiful and BullyPaws has some really adorable dog jewelry and keychain designs as well.

Can you introduce us to the beautiful dogs who model your clothes?

Absolutely. Right now, everyone on our site is family owned. Minnie the five month old blue brindle Chihuahua and Bella the 5 year old part-Miniature Poodle belong to my mother-in-law, Karen.

Rowdy, the three year old black tri Toy Australian Shepherd, and Lola, the one year old blue merle Miniature Australian Shepherd both belong to my mother, Marci.

Charlie, the 3 year old golden fawn Pit Bull, and Diesel, the 2 year old black Pit Bull are my very own fur children, and the namesakes of our shop. In the future we’re hoping to work together with our animal shelter and local rescues to have their adoptable dogs model our items, in order to give them a little more publicity.

Can you tell us more about your dogs? Were they adopted?

Well, Charlie and Diesel are my husband’s and my only children. A few months after we were married and moved into our new house, we found Charlie (who, FYI, is a girl dog, despite her decidedly masculine name) on Craigslist as an 8 week old pup someone didn’t have time for.

A year later, we found Diesel at the Rancho Cucamonga Animal Shelter when he was around 6 months old. As I was walking down the aisle at the pound, he put his feet up on the bars of his kennel and cried for me in the saddest voice I had ever heard. The next day we took him home- pointy Pit Bull ears and all.

Why should people not be afraid to adapt a dog from a shelter?

First of all, the dogs listed for adoption at the animal shelters have been personality tested. Any dog found to be aggressive in any way is not considered adoptable. So, even if it’s a Bull Mastiff or a Pit Bull, if it’s on the adoptable side, it’s not a dog that the expert shelter staff deem dangerous or harmful.

These days, a lot of dogs end up in the shelter because their owner lost their home and had to move into an apartment, or somewhere they weren’t allowed to keep them. Many of them are strays. It’s a sad fact, but a lot of people are just releasing their pets onto the streets to fend for themselves. Then they get picked up and taken to the shelter. Most of the time, dogs don’t end up in the shelter because  anything or something was wrong.

Can you please tell us more about the Riverside City Animal Shelter? 

The Riverside County Animal Services team envisions an educated and responsible county, where euthanasia is no longer a necessary evil. They provide the best care for the animals that they are able to, and seek lifetime homes for the pets they place. The shelter is desperately in need of volunteers. If you live in the area, you can visit their website for more information on how to become a volunteer. Is there room in your family for one more? A list of adoptable pets in the Riverside Animal Shelter can be found here.

What advice can you give to people who are considering pet adoption? What tips can you give to other dog owners?

Know your breed. Different breeds bring different challenges. Think before you adopt… Don’t get it just because it’s cute. If you send a dog back to the shelter, it is far less likely to get adopted another time around. We love our Pitties. Having no human children, these guys are our world. When we lost our home last year, we moved in with our parents in order to keep them.

My husband went up to work in North Dakota, and we planned to move up there- even sent all our things (and it’s VERY expensive to move cross country). Then we found out that, not unlike in Canada, Pit Bulls are banned in the majority of their cities. A Pit Bull can be impounded and euthanized just for being walked down the street in Minot, North Dakota. So we stayed in California and made it work.

We love our animals. That being said- a Pit Bull is a great responsibility. They are wonderful, loyal animals, but no thanks to the media, people are hateful and afraid of them. You can’t rent an apartment if you own a Pit- you can’t rent through a property management company either. If your living situation is unstable, don’t take home an “aggressive type” breed- no matter how wonderful.

There are dogs in all shapes and sizes and energy levels that are desperately in need of homes. Find the right one for you and your family. Also, make sure you have the time and energy to devote to a four legged friend. They’re pack animals. They need companionship- not just to be shoved out in the backyard by themselves to wait hopefully, day in and day out for your attention. Housebreaking is actually really simple, and it’s very rewarding for your pet to actually be a trusted member of your family.

SPAY AND NEUTER YOUR PETS! It may not be hard to find home for your adorable Golden Retriever/Sneaky Neighbor Dog mixed breed puppies, but over population is what is killing hundreds of dogs in shelters across the U.S. every day.

Businesswise, what tips would you want to share for aspiring home based entrepreneurs like you?

Be ready. Even if you think there may not be a market for what you’re selling, there most likely is. And these people are watching and waiting for you. Etsy is a fantastic resource for sellers of handmade and vintage items. It’s inexpensive and very useful.

Where else can we find you online?

We’re a very new shop, and everything is just getting off the ground. You can find us on Facebook. We also have a blog in the works. It can be found at http://charlieheartsdiesel.blogspot.com/.

Any message to your customers and the people who support you? 

Thank you so much for giving us a try. We hope you won’t be disappointed. Also, I’d like to thank you personally, for making it possible for us to donate proceeds from each of our sales every month. Your donations are making difference, helping to provide these animals with the care and services they need. Thank you so much.

~*~*~*~

Please take a moment to visit Charlie ♥ Diesel to see all their items. And remember, with each item you buy, 20% of the sale price is donated to the Riverside City Animal Shelter.

Thanks so much Ashleigh! 

Do you love dogs?
If you would like to be featured on this blog, 
email me at squishedbugsmoothie@gmail.com

Tips for People Considering Pet Adoption

Would you like to adopt a pet from a shelter?  Considering adoption as your first option is gracious and kind.  Here are some tips to make your adoption experience a happy and a rewarding one:

Are you ready to own a pet?  Having a pet is a life-time commitment.  Too many cats and dogs have ended up in rescue homes because their owners were not committed to their responsibilities.  Many animals in shelters have been neglected or abandoned.  They are in need of a loving, forever home so it’s important to make sure that you are committed to your responsibilities as a pet owner.

However, you should not let the challenges of caring for a pet stop you from doing what your heart tells you to do.  If you sincerely want to adopt, you can overcome the obstacles by choosing the right pet, and doing the necessary preparations.

Choose a dog breed that matches your lifestyle.  Do you spend more than eight hours of most days away from home?  If you have a very hectic schedule and don’t have a lot of time to attend to a pet, a cat is a much better choice for a pet because they can withstand long hours of isolation better than dogs do.

Do you live in a house with a spacious lawn or in a small apartment?  Obviously, you should only consider small dog breeds if you are renting a small unit.  It’s also worth considering that larger dog breeds are more active than smaller breeds. If you don’t have time to take your dog on walks every day, a smaller breed is a better choice.

Make sure that every member of the family is ready.  Is there anyone in your family who is not fond of animals?  If you have children, you should explain to them the things they should expect when your adopted pet comes home.  Children need to understand that animals should be respected and treated with love.  

What kind of pet would they like?  What dog breed or cat breed do they want?  Parents should also draw out what a child feels about the matter.  Does your child have apprehensions? Is your child scared or excited?  Children should be taught how to act around the animal and should never be left alone with a pet without adult supervision. 

Is everyone ready to take on the tasks involved in pet care?  Who will be responsible for feeding, bathing, and cleaning-up?  If members of the family are willing to take shifts, a written schedule should be made to make it easy for everyone.

If you have other dogs, you should also consider how they will get along when their new brother or sister comes home.  Some breeds get along well with other dogs better.  Your matchmaker from the shelter should help you find a suitable companion for your dogs.

Consider your finances.  Taking care of a pet is not costless and pet owners should be realistic about this aspect. Animal care involves expenses (food, vaccinations, supplies, grooming, vet check-ups, etc).  Of course, a larger breed would also require a bigger budget on food and grooming.

It’s a good idea to set aside a specific portion of your income each month for pet care, especially if own more than one dog or cat.

Prepare your home. Before bringing your adopted pet home, make sure that there are no hazards which can result to accidents. Prepare a space for your dog or cat.  Dogs love to investigate and small objects on the floor can be choking hazards. Make sure that the only things within the dog’s reach are toys.

Get to know the pet you are considering to adopt.  Volunteers from shelters evaluate each animal’s temperament to help find a good match of adopted humans.  The natural temperament of a dog or cat may also vary depending on its breed.  If you have kids at home, you should look for breeds that are more tolerable with children.  For example, Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are known to be naturally friendly to children and even to strangers.   

Learning about the dog’s story before it was rescued is also important.  This information should be provided by the shelter.  Rescue homes do prepare these animals by putting them in a foster home and giving them basic training before they are put out for adoption.  Some dogs or cats may need extra care because of a disability or because of what they’ve been through.  Some may need a special diet because of their health condition. 

Choose a rescue home wisely.  An animal rescue home should protect the rights of animals and should promote the humane treatment for all animals.  It should not practice inhumane method of Euthanasia to Animals. A respectable shelter should have a No Kill policy unless there is a justifiable reason to euthanize.  For instance, if the animal is extremely suffering from an untreatable disease or physical distress. 

Understand the adoption process.  Does the organization conduct a background check to ensure that you are ready to take care of the animal?  It’s good to adopt from a shelter that goes out its way to make sure that the animal finds a loving home for good before allowing it to leave.  Do not support organizations that are not sincerely helping animals but are only using this advocacy to make money.

If you live in the Philippines, pet adoption - whether it's a dog or a cat is a most welcome choice.  You can adopt a pet from PAWS (Philippine Animal Welfare Society). Please visit this page if you are interested in adopting. The animals of PAWS have been neutered/spayed, vaccinated against rabies, groomed and dewormed.  Owners of adopted pets are also entitled to  free basic obedience training, free veterinary consultations and discounts on clinic services at PARC ((PAWS Animal Rehabilitation Center).   

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Why Adopt a Pet from an Animal Rescue Shelter

Would you like to get a pet? If yes, then you should seriously consider adopting one from an animal rescue center. Some people are afraid to adopt a pet from shelters because they think all animals there had been given up by their owners because of bad behavior. While this might be true for a few, many dogs end up in shelters to no fault of their own. 

Here are common reasons why dogs are abandoned: 

The owner cannot take care of the dog anymore due to time and financial issues.

The original owner has fallen ill, has been taken into a nursing home or has died.

A couple gets divorced and no one wants to keep the dog.

A couple welcomes the arrival of a child and the dog is no longer wanted.

The owner leaves for another country or moves to a new apartment that does not allow pets. 

Some dogs ended up in shelters because they were lost.

Many dogs who have been victims of puppy mills end up in shelters because they cannot be sold. 

Dogs from Shelters Are Ready for a New Home

It’s important to understand that animal rescue organizations have special programs that provide training (socialization, housebreaking, etc) to make sure that the dog you choose is fit for adoption. Dogs who have been abandoned and neglected just need some time and loving discipline to recover. 

Indeed, rescued dogs turn out to be the most loving, loyal pets to their owners. And if this is not enough, here are more reasons why you should consider pet adoption: 

Less training is needed. Buying a puppy actually involves a lot more training than adopting a grown-up pet from a rescue home. As mentioned, animal shelter organizations evaluate these animals and give them the training they need to prepare them for their new home. Of course, this doesn’t mean they will not need additional training when they come home with you, but it would easier than starting from scratch. 

Build a stronger bond. Rescued dogs turn out to be the most affectionate, most loyal dogs a person can ever have. A dog is a social animal; he is a pack animal who wants to belong and if he finds that sense of belonging in your home, you can be sure that the dog will remain loyal to you until the end. 

Adopting is cheaper. Rescued dogs have been spayed or neutered, they have been given shots, they have been physically checked for health problems by vets from the shelter. You may need to give a  donation or a minimal fee when you adopt but the cost is far cheaper than buying a puppy from a pet store. The fee is needed so that animal rescue organizations can continue with their mission- rescuing dogs who need help. 

You know the dog’s personality. Dogs at shelters have stayed at foster homes or have been evaluated so you can learn about the dog’s background and personality before you adopt to make sure that this pet will fit with your lifestyle. 

You save a dog’s life. Of course, when you adopt a dog from a shelter, you will be saving this dog’s life and you will be giving him the loving home he deserves. 

In the Philippines, you can adopt a pet (dog or cat) from PAWS (Philippine Animal Welfare Society). Please check this page if you are interested in adopting. The animals of PAWS have been neutered/spayed, vaccinated against rabies, groomed and dewormed.  Owners of adopted pets are also entitled to  free basic obedience training, free veterinary consultations and discounts on clinic services at PARC (PAWS Animal Rehabilitation Center).  

You can also be a volunteer for PAWS to help them with the operations. Please check out this page if you are interested to become a volunteer.

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Featured Dog Shop: Lifesruff

I am starting a new segment on this blog called, Featured Dog Shop for business owners who are dog lovers too.  And I’m very happy to introduce you to Ginny, shop owner of Lifesruff at Etsy. 

Ginny has been an entrepreneur for 25 years but only started selling clothes and accesories for dogs recently.  In this interview, Ginny talks about her experiences, challenges and joys in managing an online business as well as in taking care of her two adorable dogs, Madeline and Jack. She also speaks about pet adoption and gives some tips for those who are considering to adopt a pet.

How old is your shop? 

I just opened my etsy shop Lifesruff on September 7 2011. 

What’s the inspiration behind your shop name?

My 2 dogs lead such a comfortable,content life …oblivious to any negativity. Their day consist of play,nap,snuggle with my husband or I ,fetch toys, nap some more. I sometimes say to them “ you guys have such a rough life. ” So , the name “Lifesruff” seemed fitting for a shop devoted to dog apparel. 

What moved you to start your own dog apparel business?

I had been creating and selling all kinds of items from jewelry to handbags to aprons for 5 years and selling them at crafts shows as well as at the salon I has owned for 25 years. I had been wanting to try selling in an online venue for a couple of years,but knew that I would not have the time while still running my salon business.

Then this past June, life threw me a curve ball when the building I was renting was sold and I only had 2 weeks to move. I decided to catch the ball and run in a different direction with it. I retired from my salon and decided to open the Etsy store and devote my full attention to selling online. 

Focusing on the dog apparel for the store was born out of necessity. The first pup we adopted was born with only 3 legs so a lot of commercially available sweaters and coats did not work for her. I began making coats for her that would work with her disability, so making dog apparel as a creative outlet was a natural progression for me. 

Can you give us a peek on the creative process involved in making clothing and accessories for dogs? 

When I am creating a new item for a dog, I look at the project the same way I do when I create things for people. What colors and fabrics would make eye catching combinations? What little details can I add: hand knit collars, vintage buttons,pockets , trims etc., that will really make that item stand out. I will often spend nearly as much time with this planning part of the process as I do making the item. 

Another important part of the creative process for me is considering the pet’s comfort. Will the item go on and off the dog easily? Will it be comfortable on your pup ? And will it stay on without a struggle? If the item doesn’t meet these requirements, I go back to the drawing board. 

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

Of course it is creating the apparel then having a chance to work with my dogs on modeling the items. Taking the photos is a real challenge and takes a lot of patience, on both my part and my dogs part ! We are all getting better at it. I am finding I am really enjoying this part of the process. 

Is there anything you dislike about what you do?

I do not enjoy the “business” end :accounting, book keeping paper work. I certainly know from my 25 years running my salon that this aspect of any type of business can’t be ignored. You either hire some one to do it for you or learn to do it your self. 

What was the toughest challenge you faced so far? 

That’s easy. It has definitely been trying to learn the ins and outs of online marketing, SEO and using social networking. This has been very difficult for me, especially since I ran a successful B&M business for 25 years with out using any of these tools.

How did you get over it? 

At first, I was resistant to learning all that stuff, particularly the social networking. I realized very quickly that I can have the most gorgeous handmade dog coats,but if people can’t find them online then they are not going to sell. I dove in and began reading everything I could find online, in Etsy Forums and blogs.  At first it was like a foreign language. I am learning but still have a long way to go . I have ventured into Facebook and am actually finding that more fun than I thought it would be.

 

Name your top 3 favorite picks from your shop:  

My dog cape/bandanas– these are really fun alternatives to the traditional bandanas done in great fabrics like felted wool and silk. 

 

My fleece lined dog coats with hand knit collars. This was the first item I made for our pup with only 3 legs so I guess I’m partial to those. 

My fleece lined waterproof dog jackets done in tear resistant Gortex. These come in really handy not just for rainy days. In the late spring here in Upstate New York where we have been known to have wet snow through the end of April! 

Can you introduce us to the beautiful dogs who model your clothes?

My 2 models are Jack, a 3 year old Shih Tzu and Madeline a 4 ½ year old Shih Tzu mix. Maddy doesn’t love modeling as much as Jack does. If I give Jack a small treat after each outfit change, he will model all day long. Maddy is not quite so patient. 

Were they adopted? 

Yes, both were adopted from situations where they were not wanted because of being born with a disability. 

Can you tell us more about about them?

Madeline was our first adoption. At 7 weeks , she was about to go to the local pound because she had been born with only 3 legs and no one would take her. I went to just take a look at her, she came hopping over to me on those 3 legs and hopped right in my lap as I sat on the floor. 

Of course, I fell in love with her! I was a little concerned about her getting around but she has adapted and can keep up with other dogs just fine. She was such a joy that about a year later, we decided to look for another pup with a disability.  

We found Jack who was born with only 1 eye. Jack is a bit timid and is afraid of almost any loud noise ( perhaps that is because of his limited vision) but they are both very smart, loving dogs. 

Why did you choose to adopt?

The first adoption was a total fluke. We were not looking for a pup,but when I heard about Maddy, I just had to go see her. We really wanted to give a dog that had been rejected by someone else , a secure loving home. 

Why should people not be afraid to adopt? 

I wish more people would adopt from a shelter or an individual who no longer wants the pet, or a rescue group. I don’t think that people should be afraid of doing this or adopting a pet with a disability because, I truly believe that these pets somehow know that they have been given a second chance. I think there is a special bond created with these special pets and they will love you unconditionally forever. 

What advice can you give to people who are considering pet adoption?

First and foremost is to consider the dog’s needs first. How much time do you have to devote to training the dog? Is it a breed that needs a lot of exercise? Make sure those types if things mesh with you and your family’s life style. 

What tips can you give to other dog owners?

Patience, patience and more patience! Consistent enforcement of training and behavior rules by every member of the household. If you have more than 1 dog, treat them as individuals in the training process. 

I leaned this the hard way when training Jack. I tried to use the exact same techniques on him that were so successful with Maddy. This didn’t work at all. I had to let go of my frustration and use totally different methods with Jack. They are really no different than people with each having their own personalities. 

Businesswise, what tips would you want to share for aspiring home based entrepreneurs like you?

You have to learn to balance your time in a home based business. I am still learning how to do this myself. Some days I literally start at 8am and am still on the computer at 8pm….7 days a week. I have been trying to schedule blocks of time through out the day for myself, my husband, my pets and sometimes even housekeeping! 

By the same token,having your business in your home provides a lot more distractions to the operation of your business. If you have orders to fill and laundry piling up you may have to just let the laundry go another day or two. 

Where else can we find you online? 

Website: www.etsy.com/shop/lifesruff 

Facebook: Lifesruff 

Any message to your customers and the people who support you?

I would love to connect with other owners of pets with disabilities and owners of adopted pets on Facebook. I have posted an open invitation on my page to post your stories and a picture or even a video of your pet.

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If you have a dog, please check out Lifesruff. They are offering Free Shipping on everything, just enter the code found on top of this page.  

Thanks so much Ginny! 

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Do you sell products for dogs?
Do you love dogs?
If you would like to be featured on this blog, 
email me at squishedbugsmoothie@gmail.com