Dogs We Luv!

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 Bul...

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?...

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...

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 suc...

The Miniature Pinscher is a small but brave breed of dog. It sees itself as a big dog rather than a miniature one. A min pin is instinctively protective of its human and is not afraid to be aggressive. This is obvious with its loud, piercing bark. Tobias A min pin may resemble a Doberman Pinscher (particularly min pins with black and rust coat) but this breed is not a miniature version of a Doberman. Coat colors vary from black with rust, chocolate, to red or stag red. Miniature pinschers can grow from 10 inches to 12 inches in height and length. They have short, smooth coat so grooming is not a problem. Bathing can be done at least once a week or you can simply use a damp wash cloth for cleaning. Min pins do shed so gentle combing should be done regularly. They can get cold easily so it’s important to use lukewarm water and to wipe the coat with a dry towel right away. Make sure that his bedding is soft and warm enough, especially during cold seasons. It helps to cl...

Is your pooch ready for the fall?  Keep your dog warm and fashionable with these cozy fall/winter clothing from various Etsy sellers. For Large Dog Breeds grey dog hoodie sweatshirt: Rebel Wag Whippet spring or fall dog coat: Voyagers K9 Apparel hand knitted snood: Cozy Horse Houndstooth coat: Tails Me About It For Small Dog Breeds paw print fleece jacket: Lifes Ruff oven cowl in berry wine: Charlie  ♥  Diesel * fig ultra warm and thick dog sweater: Beantown * * wool high neck sweater: Mr. Soft Top * 20% of every sale made at  Charlie  ♥  Diesel  will be donated to the Riverside City Animal Shelter. For a list of adoptable pets in the Riverside County Area, pls. click here . * * Beantown  is a member of Etsy for Animals. A portion of their proceeds are donated to animal rescue organizations all over the world.