BLOG.PETPORTRAITQUILTS.COM

Sophie's Choice

2011-10-14T17:13:47Z

Last summer, as I was sitting outdoors on my front porch, I heard a tiny mew. When I turned my head in the direction of the sound, I saw a small young cat, very thin, walking toward me. I picked her up and she immediately began purring and licking. Such a friendly, clean, and social cat must surely be someone's pet.

I fed the little orange tabby and gave her water, and put her in my garage, thinking that would be a much safer place for her than wandering the street at the busy intersection beside my home. I posted her picture on posters and on the internet and contacted area vets as well as the humane society to see if someone was looking for her. I even went door to door in my neighborhood looking for her owners, all to no avail.

After two nights in my garage, I was feeling quite sorry for the little sweetie, so I decided to welcome her into my home and introduce her to my dogs and cats. It soon became evident that the little one -- I called her Sophie -- was in charge. The other cats waited to eat and drink till she was done. The dogs cleared a wide path around her when they walked in her vicinity.

When no one had claimed her after a month, I knew she was the newest addition to the family. Sophie was named so because she chose to come into my yard... it was Sophie's Choice.

She's a very happy member of the family now and the other cats and the dogs are no longer intimidated by this little spitfire. She's spayed, microchipped, vaccinated, and happy as a clam in butter sauce.

Do or Do Not... There Is No Try

2011-10-12T20:53:11Z

It's definitely looking like fall here in the Pacific Northwest, with the leaves beginning to change color, the rains and winds increasing, and the temperatures dropping a bit. With the glorious summer days coming to a close, it's time to decrease outdoor activities and focus on indoor activities. My favorite indoor activity is of course quilting.

Since relocating to my current home late last spring, I have had very little time for quilting, which frustrates me enormously. I have the most spacious area for working in, and a wonderful storage area for all my supplies immediately adjacent to the work area. The design wall is up, the cutting table is ready, and there are even two ironing boards at the ready. So why do I drag my feet about getting back to my quilting?

I was talking this over with a friend recently who told me quite correctly that if I wanted to get busy quilting again, I should spend less time talking about it, get off my ever so ample butt, and do it. That was the sort of logic I couldn't argue with.

Consequently, I'm resolving to spend more time on my website, my blog, and my quilting business, and less time wasting time.

Come back soon and check on my progress!

Don't Leave Me!

2011-05-04T16:23:00Z

I know a lot of people who have pets that suffer from separation anxiety to one degree or another. I have one friend who even has a web cam at home so she can check in on her pets during the day while she's at work. Maybe in this case, it's the owner who has the separation anxiety... but I can't blame her. She loves her pets, after all. Don't we all?

If you have a pet who suffers from separation anxiety, perhaps this article from RealAge.com will be of some help to you.

Separation Anxiety

A dog that is destructive while you are away from home might be suffering from separation anxiety. Dogs who do not have self-confidence, are not comfortable being left alone, or whose daily routines have changed can develop separation anxiety. The fear of isolation often results in unfavorable behaviors inside the home while the dog is alone.

A dog treatment program by an animal behaviorist may help curb these undesirable actions. Keeping arrivals and departures low-key, and leaving your dog with a personal item such as a T-shirt that smells like you may ease his or her anxiety. If behavioral modifications are not enough, veterinarians may prescribe medications to help curb the behaviors.

Weighing in on Pet Health

2011-04-29T14:37:00Z

I don't know about you, but I constantly fight the battle of the bulge, sometimes with more success than others. And my sweet bulldog Lily shares that battle with me. So often we as pet owners make the mistake of thinking our pets equate food with love, which just isn't the case. In fact, you could love them in a harmful way if you overfeed them. Obesity can be extremely difficult on animals. I'd like to share an article with you that I found very helpful. Enjoy!

A Weighty Issue: Keeping Your Pet Slender and Healthy!

By Dr. Jean Hofve

Pet obesity is a common problem for our furry friends. It’s estimated that almost half of U.S. dogs, and more than half of our cats, are too fat. Many people don’t take pet obesity seriously; or they think their pudgy pooch or tubby tabby is cuter that way. But our penchant for over-feeding is literally killing our pets. Overweight pets are likely to die much younger than slimmer pets, and they are at far higher risk for painful, serious health problems, such as arthritis, liver disease, heart failure, diabetes, skin disorders, urinary tract disease, and even cancer.

Prevention is key here: the best course of action is to not allow your pet to become overweight in the first place. Pay attention to your puppy or kitten’s growth to make sure he does not fill out “too much.” The average weight gain for a kitten is approximately one pound per month up to 8-10 pounds. For puppies, it depends on breed, but you should never see “rolls” of fat on a healthy puppy.

How can you tell if your pet is too fat? You should be able to feel the ribs easily. Even thin cats may have a little “pooch” in the belly between the hind legs, but this should not be excessive. From above, there should be a bit of a waist, rather than a bulge, between ribs and hips. The chart to the right illustrates how to assess your dog or cat.

While nutritionists often simplify overweight conditions as a matter of “too many calories in and too few calories burned,” it is obviously not that simple. Obesity is a symptom of a systemic imbalance, basically a disease state. Force-dieting (starving) a pet down to his “ideal” weight does not address the cause of the problem.

The first step is a check-up with your vet to assess your pet’s condition and rule out or treat any physical causes that may be contributing to excess weight, such as low thyroid in dogs.

Your vet can also evaluate what your pet’s “ideal” weight would be. For instance, the ideal weight for an average-sized cat might be between 8-10 lbs., but for a Maine coon, somewhere in the 12-15 pound range might be a more realistic goal.

Five Causes and Solutions for Pet Obesity

Cause #1: Unlimited Access to Food

The most common contributor to pet obesity is free-choice feeding. Dogs and cats are carnivores and hunters. It is not natural for them to graze 24 hours a day. Their digestive systems are built with a high-capacity stomach and short intestinal tract for eating and processing large meals.

It’s a common myth that pets, especially cats, will “self-regulate” how much they eat. While that may be true for a few pets, factors other than actual hunger often play a role in overeating.

In a multi-pet household, when one animal goes to the food bowl, curiosity or the competitive instinct may cause another to investigate and, while she’s there, take a few nibbles. Enough extra nibbles over time can create a big problem!
Boredom also plays a role. Pets that are home alone all day may eat just for something pleasurable to do.
Former strays who have had to struggle to survive on the streets may have significant “food issues,” and will often become overweight if food is too available.
Spaying and neutering causes an instantaneous decresae in metabolism; your pet’s caloric needs drop by 1/4 to 1/3 immediately after surgery. However, your pet is likely to eat the same amount as before—and will consequently gain weight.

Having food available 24/7 is far too tempting for too many animals. It also does not allow you to accurately monitor food intake, especially in multi-pet households. Knowing who’s eating what and how much is often an early and important clue to illness.

Solution #1: Feed in Timed Meals.

Feed in timed meals. For most dogs and cats, it’s best to feed them on a timed-meal schedule. That is, don’t leave the food out all the time, but rather put the food out for 30-45 minutes, two or three times a day. Many dogs will usually inhale their food in seconds, no matter how much is there. But some dogs, and many cats, prefer to eat a bit, come back in 10 minutes and eat a bit more. But… they will figure out this schedule quickly. Some pets will lose weight with this change alone; or at least you can keep them from continuing to gain. (Caution: some medical conditions require special feeding regimens; talk to your veterinarian before making any changes.)

Cause #2: Inappropriate Diet

A lot of my clients can’t understand why their pet is overweight, because they don’t feel that the amount they’re feeding is excessive, especially when they’re feeding a “light” or “diet” food. Unfortunately, given the opportunity, most animals will eat more of a diet food than of regular food, because it is less dense nutritionally, making it less satisfying. They may also be hungry for excessive amounts of food because they can’t digest it properly, there aren’t enough of certain nutrients, or some nutrients are not in a “bio-available” form and can’t be assimilated properly.

Another twist to the issue was recently revealed when a study found that “weight loss” pet foods varied widely in Calorie content as well as feeding directions. Even though AAFCO, the organization that sets nutritional standards for pet food, has specific rules and limits for foods making weight loss claims, the study found that a great many “diet” foods exceeded those limits. Overages ranged from 60 to 800 Calories over the published maximum. Dry foods were the worst offenders. The authors concluded, “In fact, many animals would likely gain weight if owners were to adhere to these feeding directions.”

Nutritionists for both humans and pets are finally starting to recognize that not all Calories are alike. Research on the glycemic index (a measure of how fast and how high blood sugar rises after eating) suggests that foods on the high end of the glycemic index, such as white potatoes, red potatoes, sweet peas, and corn, are more apt to put on the pounds than complex carbohydrates that are lower on the index.

Solution #2: Better Quality = Healthier and More Satisfying

High quality nutrition is the best way to help your furry pal stay healthy, as well as to lose those extra pounds. Typical commercial dry foods are high in starchy carbohydrates such as corn and white potatoes—which is a major factor in obesity in both dogs and cats. However, while dogs can derive good nutritional value from wholesome carbs, cats are obligate carnivores and don’t do as well with carb-rich foods. Unlike dogs and people, who use carbohydrates for energy, cats use protein and fat; excess carbs end up stored as body fat.

Keep in mind that there are really only three macronutrients: protein, fat, and carbohydrate; and their total must be 100%. If you decrease one, one or both of the others must increase.

For Cats: It’s best to feed a high-protein, low-carb, high-moisture food made from real meat as the basis of their diet; in most cases, this means wet food such as canned, raw, freeze-dried/rehydrated, or homemade. The “Atkins” (or Catkins!) diet is truly ideal for the cat. Most canned cat and kitten foods meet these standards, but try to choose those with the least carbohydrate. You can get a fair idea of carbohydrate content by simply subtracting all the listed percentages on the label from 100%. About 8% carbohydrate (or less) is best.

Always make sure your cat is eating. Some cats are so addicted to their dry food that they will go on a hunger strike without it. Work closely with your veterinarian when changing diets to minimize the risk to your cat.

For Dogs: For a dog, think “Zone” diet—moderate proteins and fats, complex carbohydrates (whole grains and vegetables) rather than starchy carbs like corn, potatoes, and processed grains. High-protein, low-carb diets have also been shown to help dogs lose weight and maintain lean muscle mass. Please see our article, "What You Need to Know About Your Pet’s Food," for additional information on appropriate diets.

What about fiber? Most weight-control pet foods contain extra fiber, which is thought to make it more “filling.” Fiber is an indigestible form of carbohydrate, mostly in the form of cellulose, which is found in plant cell walls. Fiber “bulks up” the food without adding Calories. For pets who feel deprived—or humans who feel guilty—when food portions decrease, a higher fiber, weight control food may be beneficial. But higher fiber also means more stool, so don’t be surprised to see this change in your pal’s elimination habits.

For all pets, but especially for those who may be having trouble digesting their food, adding digestive enzymes to each meal can help break down the food, and make the nutrients more available for absorption—resulting in less hunger, and giving you more bang for your pet food buck.

Remember that diet changes are best made gradually to avoid food rejection or tummy upset.

Cause #3: Inappropriate Portions

Pet food labels are extremely unreliable when it comes to feeding directions. The recommended portions on those labels are a very rough guideline, and are often excessive, especially if your pet is already overweight. Unfortunately, Calorie information is not required on pet food labels, making it difficult to assess and compare foods.

Solution #3: Feed by the Numbers

Overweight animals should be fed for their ideal weight—not to maintain the weight they’ve already packed on! If your dog weighs 50 pounds, but should weigh 40, feed only the amount required for a 40-pound dog. Your vet can help you assess what your pet’s ideal weight is.

Once you know how much your pet should weigh, you can calculate approximately how many calories you should feed per day to achieve that weight. (Calorie needs vary with age, breed, activity level, weather, health, and other factors.) This online calculator works for both dogs and cats: www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-feeding-tips/dog-food-calculator/.

style="padding-top: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; ">While Calorie info is not usually on labels, it may be listed on the company’s website; and any reputable company will provide it if you call or email. Do not assume that calories in one food or flavor are the same as another, even when the same company makes them. Ask specifically about each food made by that company that you want to use.

Gradual weight loss (about 1% per month) is a safe rate of reduction. Rapid weight loss stresses the liver and can cause serious health problems.

Cause #4: Too Many Treats

Another big contributor to excess pet weight is treats. Once I had a patient, a 26-pound cat, whose owner swore he only fed 1/4 cup of “light” dry food per day. Oh, and 19 Pounce treats every day—now that’s crazy! If you ate a highly restricted, low-calorie diet—but also ate 19 Twinkies every day–what do you think the result would be?

For a small pet, even a small treat adds big calories. Just an ounce of cheese to a 20-pound dog is the same as 1-1/2 hefty hamburgers for you. Letting your dog “pre-wash” the dinner dishes, or allowing the cat to lick the milk out of the cereal bowl, may be adding a whole lot of Calories—and pounds. And the peanut butter you put in the Kong toy to keep your dog occupied while you’re at work…still more Calories. Even that rawhide bone or pig ear is high in fat.

Solution # 4: Awareness and Moderation

An average, neutered indoor cat only needs about 200 Calories per day; a similar sized dog, about 275 Calories. Commercially made pet treats for small pets may contain anywhere from 10 to over 300 Calories—so the entire day’s allowance (and more) could be consumed in minutes.

A great way to limit Calories without reducing the fun is to break one treat into several smaller pieces, instead of giving several whole treats. Your pet will still get just as much enjoyment—but far fewer Calories! You can also replace Calorie-laden starchy treats with high-quality all- (or mostly) meat treats, such as freeze-dried chicken or dehydrated liver. But be sure to reduce the amount you feed at mealtime to account for the treats you have fed that day.

Cause #5: Inadequate Exercise

Left to their own devices, our dogs and cats would be hunters—active, alert, Calorie-burning machines! But today’s typical pets spend most of their time napping, relaxing, and sleeping (my cats insist that these are all different activities!). You may get up early to go to the gym, but once you’re out the door, your pet probably goes back to bed. The sedentary lifestyle is as bad for our pets as it is for us.

Solution #5: Get Moving!

Exercise is a crucial part of any weight loss program. Exercise not only burns calories, but it improves mental and emotional health, strengthens the cardiovascular and immune systems, and increases longevity.

For Cats: Exercise is a little tricky with cats, but interactive play with a fishing pole-type toy, laser, or other favorite toys is wonderful fun; and it also builds confidence, and strengthens the bond between the two of you. Adding vertical space—a tall cat tree, shelf, or window perch—will encourage your cat to climb and jump, which will burn more Calories.

For Dogs: Walking, hiking, or vigorous outdoor play with your dog will benefit both of you. For less active breeds or older pets, even a simple walk around the block will help. If your dog is well socialized, a trip to the local off-leash dog park can provide even more fun and exercise.
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For more tips and tools on weight loss in pets, check out the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (http://www.petobesityprevention.com).

Throughout the weight management process, whatever the results, give your pet plenty of love and attention. Lots of affection will help her equate love and comfort with you – and not the food bowl.

Dog Health Tips: Keep Your Dog Young

2011-04-28T17:08:00Z

I subscribe to an email from a website with lots of terrific information called RealAge. I thought I'd share the latest article with you. How many of these tips do you already follow on a regular basis?

By RealAge

DogAge measures your dog's biological age in people years. The DogAge benefits that correspond with the following dog health care tips are only estimations.

To have a younger DogAge, my dog should:

1. Keep a slim figure, with a noticeable, tucked-up waist.
DogAge Benefit*: 1.8 years younger

2. Chew teeth-cleaning chews or biscuits and have his/her teeth brushed 3 times per week.
DogAge Benefit: 6 months younger

3. Avoid people food as much as possible.
DogAge Benefit: 6 months younger

4. Get his/her vaccinations and visit the veterinarian for regular checkups.
DogAge Benefit: 6 months younger

5. Take his/her medications as prescribed by the veterinarian, if applicable.
DogAge Benefit: 3 months younger

6. Eat only the amount of dog food necessary to maintain an ideal body condition, measured with a standardized measuring cup, and monitor body condition regularly.
DogAge Benefit: 1.8 years younger

7. Exercise or play actively at least 3 times per day for at least 15 minutes each time.
DogAge Benefit: 6 months younger

8. Be trained to respond to my commands most of the time.
DogAge Benefit: 1.3 years younger

9. Be safe in the yard, on walks, and on trips by using protective barriers and gear such as fences, leashes, and dog carriers.
DogAge Benefit: 6 months younger

10. Be happy!
DogAge Benefit: 6 months younger

*Benefits are calculated based on a 4-calendar-years-old, mid-sized dog (average DogAge is 25.6). Other factors, such as dog diseases and other dog health problems, and the effect of one benefit on another, are not considered.

No Means No

2011-04-07T15:28:00Z

Currently, we share our home with four dogs and two cats, as well as a tortoise and a parakeet. For purposes of this post, I'll leave Popo and Petey out of it... I don't really have to discipline the two of them very much.

The only issue I have with my cats, Elliott and Lincoln, are that they, like so many other cats in so many other homes, want shred my couch. It's an old and inexpensive couch so there's no monetary value involved... but I do like having an intact couch in my living room. They're pretty good about stopping as soon as they are told "NO"... but they'll repeat the behavior again and again. And now they've trained me to say "NO" whenever they do it. I've tried the scratching post, toys and treats as distractions, even a squirt from a water bottle, all to no avail. I suppose I should be thankful that at least when I say NO they know that I mean NO... at least for a little while.

The four dogs are an entirely different story. Lily, our oldest, has been through obedience school as a puppy. She passed, but I think it was based on her looks. Bulldog puppies are pretty much irresistible, after all. She's good about following directions out in public, and behaving herself as a lady should, but at home, she tries to pretend she's a little dragon. She'll follow instruction when it suits her.

She and our male bulldog Amos also tend to have selective bulldog hearing. It's very hard to tell if a bulldog has actually suffered any hearing loss as they age, because, as all bulldog owners will tell you, bulldogs listen to you only if they want to, regardless of age.

Amos enjoys going out in our large fenced yard and meandering around, sniffing around the chicken coop, checking out who's walking past our house, and just investigating in general. When he is called to come in, he completely ignores us until he's darn good and ready to come inside.

Greta, our Frenchie/Boston Terrier mix, who's a rescue dog, is into everything she can find. She's very active and inquisitive and has an uncanny way of opening all manner of containers.... screw top jars, tins, boxes, you name it, and Greta can get into it. Sweep up the dog hair and Greta will look through the pile of hair and dust and anything else to see if there's something interesting in it before you can sweep it into the dustpan and throw it away. "No" only gets Greta to move along to the next mess she can make.

Jujube, our Frenchie/English Bulldog mix, also a rescue, and her discipline issue is quite different. When she came to us, she was, like Greta, very timid and shy. She has blossomed under the love and care we've given her, almost to the point that it's too much. She wants to love you and lick you and be petted and held ALL the time. She's extraordinarily needy. While it's wonderful to hold her in your lap and snuggle with her, she can become overwhelming. Quite by accident, we discovered that Juju is scared of a green tin of Bag Balm. All we have to do when she won't get off your lap, is show her the Bag Balm... the "Anti-Juju" as we call it... and she heads for the hills.

Discipline is very important in your pet's life. It could save their life. I understand that quite well.

And when I say no, I mean no.

I just wish my pets understood that when I say no, I mean no.

Survival

2011-04-03T22:12:00Z

"Death is natural and necessary, but not just. It is a random force of nature; survival is equally accidental. Each loss is an occasion to remember that survival is a gift." ~ Harriet McBryde Johnson

I just read an article about a dog that was found floating on some debris out in the ocean, weeks after the devastating tsunami and earthquake that have crippled much of Japan. The article concluded by saying that rescuers are hoping that the dog will somehow lead them to its owners.

Imagine what that dog must have gone through, all alone out on the water, in the middle of nowhere, its life suddenly swept away. It happened to thousands upon thousands of people.... and some people beat the odds as this dog did and survived unimaginable difficulty. Untold multitudes of people and animals perished.

I wonder what it was like for that dog. His family was gone, he didn't know where he was, and there was no one around to feed him or give him a drink. As brutal as such conditions are for humans, at least we are somewhat aware of the scope of the situation. Does that make us better or worse off than this dog, I wonder?

Did the dog have the capacity to hope for rescue or to be reunited with his family? If so, did he have the capacity to give up hoping at some point? Surely we've all seen our pets show fear and anxiety; how did this dog cope with those emotions?

In the wake of horrific devastation such as the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that battered Japan some weeks ago, it's easy to become desensitized to the overwhelming and sudden loss of life and property. Maybe we need to be desensitized so that we aren't overcome by sorrow.

In such hard, incredibly sad times, it's so amazing when a story comes along that gives us a little bit of hope and a little bit of joy. God bless that little dog, its rescuers, and may he help the rescuers locate someone in his family.

April 7, 2011

I learned the other day that this very lucky little survivor was reunited with his owner!

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2014680773_apasjapanearthquakerescueddog.html?syndication=rss

All About Shedding

2011-04-02T16:59:00Z

Even before my husband Jim and I got married almost ten years ago, we knew we wanted to add a dog to our household. At the time, I had my two long haired cats, Rhett and Scarlett, and although I dearly loved those cats, I knew I could do without the long hair.

I'd also had a golden retriever prior to that and she was a great dog, but the long hair drove me to the brink of distraction.

So Jim and I, in doing our homework, settled on a short haired, medium sized dog. That's how we ended up with English Bulldogs.

I thought my life would be uncomplicated, at least from the shedding point of view, anyway. Alas, I was sadly mistaken! We live in an old house (circa 1895) with the original dark stained fir plank floors. Not only have those floors suffered under the feet of multiple bulldogs, but dog fur really shows up on it... particularly the white fur. We only have one white dog, so that's one thing in our favor. The dark fur is still there, just not as painfully evident.

I came across an interesting article on shedding, and thought I'd share it here with those of you who fight the valiant and unceasing battle of fur on a daily basis.

Me, I've surrendered. I now consider dog hair either an accessory to whatever outfit I'm wearing, or a decorative accent to my home's interior, or, on occasion, a condiment.

All About Shedding

by Jean Hofve, DVM

For dogs and cats, shedding is a normal part of life. Their fur, like our hair, is always growing. Individual hairs do go through a dormant phase, but there’s so many of them you’ll never notice! As the hairs age and die, new hairs start to grow and push the old ones out. These either come off completely (usually on your opposite-colored carpet), or get tangled up and create mats.

There are four main factors that affect when and how much a dog or cat will shed:

1. Breed. While it may seem contrary, long-haired breeds (Afghans, Setters, Persians) tend to shed less than short-haired pets, because it takes so long to grow out that lush coat. Short-haired breeds constantly grow new hair, and push out old hairs that love to slip into furniture, food, you name it!

There are different types of coats, depending on breed. One is a single layer with little or no undercoat; these are the lowest-shedding types. The normal “double” coat has a soft undercoat with stiffer guard hairs that give the coat its color. Many double-coated breeds have very heavy undercoat as well as medium to long guard hairs; they are the breeds associated with outdoor work or very cold climates. Most cats are also double-coated. There are also hairless breeds of dogs as well as cats; but they are not maintenance-free, nor are they “non-allergenic.” It is protein in the skin cells that cause allergies in humans.

2. Grooming/coat care. Your pet’s fur is not something you can just ignore. Even short-haired dogs and cats will benefit from grooming. A common misconception is that brushing is all pets need, but brushes only glide over the top layer and don’t get down underneath. A comb or Furminator must be used to reach the undercoat and pull all the dead hair.

If you want to bathe your pet, be sure to comb them out thoroughly before getting them wet; water will loosen dead hair and tighten mats, making the after-bath combing out job even tougher. Cats rarely need baths unless they’ve gotten into something. In general, dogs should not be bathed more than every week or two; though certain skin conditions may require more. Bathing will reduce shedding overall because it is so good at getting the dead hair out.

3. Diet. What your pet eats has a huge influence on skin and coat condition. In fact, it’s where problems often show up first. If there’s too little fat, or the wrong kind of fat, in the diet, it will show up as poor coat condition. Feeding a high quality natural food and supplementing with Omega-3 fatty acids from fish or cod liver oil will help keep your pet’s coat healthy. Dandruff, or dry, ratty, or greasy fur, are not normal; nor is patchy hair loss or baldness. If you notice excessive or localized shedding, be sure to have your veterinarian check your pet for parasites, hormonal imbalances, and other conditions that affect the skin and coat.

4. Season & Weather. Dogs and cats are, in general, seasonal shedders. In the spring, they shed out their winter coats, and in the fall, they ditch their summer coats to prepare again for cold weather. Even indoor pets will follow this pattern because photoperiod (length of daylight) influences their hormones. Outdoor pets will, of course, be more influenced by weather extremes. Indoor pets tend to shed smaller amounts, but year-round, because indoor heating, cooling, and lighting makes seasons less of a factor.

Shedding is a normal part of life with cats and dogs, but regular grooming, a good diet, and a lint brush or two should keep it from becoming too stressful to you and your pet.

Kangaroo Court

2011-04-01T14:47:00Z

I heard a brief story on the radio this morning about a woman in Oklahoma who has a pet kangaroo. Curiosity got the better of me and I had to find the whole scoop on line. Here's the link, if anyone is interested:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1372391/Woman-suffering-depression-therapy-pet-kangaroo-taken-away.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Now, I've shared my home with all manner of animal companions in my lifetime... rats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, snakes, newts, frogs, fish, turtles, hermit crabs, dogs, cats, chickens, and even a tortoise. But never a kangaroo.

Generally, kangaroos are not thought of as domesticated animals nor are they kept as household pets. But apparently this woman has formed a deep emotional bond with this kangaroo and the kangaroo with her. He's suffered an accident when he was very young that caused him to have brain damage, and it's unlikely he'll grow to more than 50 lbs. The accident (and neutering) have made it pretty certain he won't become aggressive.

The woman in question, his caretaker, met the kangaroo, Irwin, while volunteering at an animal sanctuary as part of her therapy for the depression she was suffering.

So two injured souls found their way to one another, and now it's possible that they may be separated. I don't understand a city council being heartless enough to force this woman to surrender this disabled animal that requires constant care.

What do you think?

Interpretations of Reality through Patterns

2011-03-31T16:49:00Z

Well, it's that time again, time for me to get started on another pattern for another portrait quilt. I have two lined up, and one of them, Nugget, is an all white dog that is going to be particularly challenging. I don't have great photos to work from either, so it's going to be a test of my abilities.

The other is a small long haired white dog who thankfully has subtle shades of browns and grays that will help, and I do have numerous photos of Kuzco.

One of the most frequently asked questions I get is, "How do you do those portraits?" Well, originally, I began using dog portrait patterns by noted quilt artist Sharon Malec. I'd simply customize the colors and embellishments to personalize them. In time however, I began creating my own patterns, drawing them, using photos of the subject for reference.

This is the first step in the process, and it's really crucial. You know all the old sayings about how important it is to have a good foundation... well, the pattern must be well drawn, because it is in fact the foundation for the portrait itself.

There are other steps I'll discuss later, but since the patterns are next on my list, I thought I'd discuss those a little bit in this post.

Some patterns by other artists are smaller than the actual size of the finished product and must be enlarged. I prefer to draw the pattern at actual size, in order to bypass that step. I draw the patterns in pencil on pattern paper. The basic outline and proportions of the subject's head, eyes, ears, and nose are the most important landmarks. If those aren't right, then the portrait itself won't be right.

Once I'm satisfied with the size and shape and position of these features and of the outline, it's time to add the shading. This is where I refer to the color photos of the subject and draw lines on the pattern where certain areas are shaded or colored differently.

On one of my portrait quilts, the dog's owner was so thrilled with a specific spot of brown I included on the dog's head, because she said that was her favorite little marking on her dog. I didn't know that when I was creating the pattern, but I was really pleased that I'd been focused enough to include that little detail.

Questions? Feel free to ask, anytime. You can usually find me in my sewing room, working on a portrait.

Dreaming....

2011-03-31T06:47:00Z

Scientific evidence shows that dogs with less intelligence than dogs actually dream. It seems reasonable then from the evidence to accept the fact that dogs do dream. How many of us have seen our dogs sleeping, whimpering, kicking... I've often wondered as I watch them sleep if our Amos is chasing rabbits, or if our little Greta is reliving the day she chased one of our chickens through the yard.

Certainly no one can ever be certain that dogs do in fact dream, but all evidence, both experiential and scientific, surely indicates that they do. If so, what do they dream about? Do they dream about their own experiences, or do they have imaginations that allow them to dream about what life might be like if THEY were the ones driving the car, or what life is like beyond the fence that surrounds their own yards? Do they have nightmares?

Interestingly enough, evidence suggests that home companion dogs do indeed dream, and they likely dream about their own experiences. Abused, neglected, and mistreated dogs, rather than suffer nightmares, seem to lack any dreams at all.

Having been plagued by nightmares myself from time to time, I think that if it's true that abused animals actually don't dream, then it's a blessing from God. They are innocent, helpless, sweet souls who were mistreated, through no fault of their own. If they don't have ugly dreams while they sleep, recollecting those miserable times, then I think that points to mercy from a compassionate God toward our animal companions.

Whatever they do or don't dream about, I love the connection I feel with my dogs as I watch them sleep. They never fail to bring a smile to my face, even when they are snoring away contentedly, lost in whatever dreamland it is that dogs enter when they slumber.

Her name was Lola

2011-03-30T17:43:00Z

Six days ago, someone who is very dear to me experienced the loss of her beloved dog Lola. Lola had been adopted from a shelter. She was a rat terrier/corgi mix and full of personality. Ironically, earlier that same day, I had finished creating the portrait quilt of Lola.

Losing a pet is such a difficult thing, and we all grieve differently. I found a website on dealing with pet loss, and I thought I'd share it here with you.

http://www.pet-loss.net/

When my old bulldog Spike went to Rainbow Bridge (it will be four years in May), I grieved for that dog as I had never grieved for any human prior to that. He had been a rescue dog from a horrible situation in our county, and was one of only four dogs that survived being starved, neglected, and abused. When we adopted him, we knew we wouldn't have him long, maybe a year, or a year and a half.

But Spike was with us for a little more than three years, and in that time, he taught me so much. In spite of having been so badly mistreated by humans, he was not bitter or angry or unforgiving; he was grateful for every pat on the head, every kind word, every bit of attention he got. He was humble and sweet and brave and strong and I'm a better person for having known Spike.

Someone sent me the following quote when Spike passed away, and it gave me great comfort. I hope it comforts Nicole now, and anyone else who has lost their beloved animal companion. Sleep sweetly, Lola. I'm sure Spike will keep an eye on you till you learn the ropes, and until we are all reunited.

"Our animals shepherd us through certain eras of our lives. When we are ready to turn the corner and make it on our own…they let us go."
--author unknown

Women Need Other Women in Their Lives

2010-06-20T15:56:00Z

When I get together to sew with my girlfriends, the sounds of whirring sewing machines and women's voices combine with colorful fabric and rotary cutters and batting and laughter to create a joyful cacophony.

On any given weekend, anywhere from two to six of us gather at tables, usually at my friend Shirley's home, where we work on our various projects, share our latest completed projects, collaborate with one another when someone needs some help with color or placement, and laugh and catch up and support and encourage.

We are generous with our time, with our fabric, with our advice, with our friendship. We may work on many different projects, but we share the commonality of quilting, of creating something that provides comfort or conveys love or showcases our handiwork. The time we spend together quilting captures our imaginations and allows us to leave our "day jobs" behind and express our creativity.

The camaraderie and friendship we've developed in our little group is a blessing to us all. Women need other women in their lives.

Batik Fabrics

2010-06-15T15:48:00Z

As you can see from my portraits, batiks dominate the fabrics I use. There are a number of reasons for this, the most important being that I love them. I love the vibrant colors, the fantastic variety of batiks that are available, the fact that each piece of batik fabric is in and of itself a piece of art. The creative possibilities within the textures and colors of batik fabrics are limitless.

Batiks are ideally suited for the applique technique I predominantly use in my work. Batik fabric has a higher thread count than other fabrics and this density not only makes their designs and colors more vibrant, but in the end there's also less fraying of the raw edges, which is particularly important when working with as many curved pieces as I do in my portraits.

It's a bonus that a true batik is reversible... the design is on both sides. There are people who prefer to use batiks as a focal point, or just for blending. While I may use small pieces of non batik fabrics, for me, the best fabrics for my portraits are batiks, hands down.

My Favorite Quilt Shop

2010-06-04T18:29:00Z

I always love the first Saturday of the month because that's Batik Club Saturday at my favorite quilt shop, Tangled Threads, in Lynden, Washington. I love the selection and the fact that they rotate their fabrics often. I love the layout of the store. I love the friends I meet there and the wonderful ideas I get whenever I walk in the door. But what sets Tangled Threads apart are the owners, Thelma and Sharylann. They make you feel welcome, as though you are an honored guest in their home. They take pride in customer service, and it really shows.

Batik Club is the first Saturday of every month, and it's ongoing. It's really a great opportunity; it's free to join. You get the first cut of each new batik fabric every month in either fat quarters, half yards, or full yard cuts, plus a pattern, at 20% off, and on that first Saturday, you get 20% off storewide. And if that's not enough, you get 20% off all batik fabrics all year long! If you love batiks as much as I do, then this deal is a no brainer.

Why do I love batiks so much? It's hard to put it into words, but when I marry my pet portrait patterns with the artistic fabrics that are batiks, the combination creates something magical. I love my batiks!

Those Darn Dog Rescues With All of Their Rules and Questions... What Gives?

2010-06-03T01:50:00Z

Recently a friend of mine posted a link to this article on Facebook. I've been involved in volunteer work with animal rescue for a number of years now and I hear these complaints more often than I would have believed. This article states very well exactly why the process for adopting a dog from a rescue organization is such a lengthy process. Some might even call it cumbersome.

Consider however the needs of the animals that are in rescue, and how they got there in the first place. Having adopted three rescue dogs myself, I will attest to the importance, the necessity, of the thoroughness of the application process. For the most part, these innocents have ended up being displaced through no fault of their own. They have had their whole world turned on end, and those who are re-homing them simply want those dogs to end up in a forever home that will be the perfect fit all the way around.

Read the article, if you like, and then feel free to share your thoughts with me.

Maria

http://www.examiner.com/x-2111-Dog-News-Examiner~y2010m3d17-Those-darn-dog-rescues-with-all-of-their-rules-and-questions--what-gives

Started Work on the Pattern for My Latest Project

2010-06-01T17:53:00Z

It's always exciting to start work on a new project. I've been eager to get to work on my latest portrait, Bubbles, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. She's a gorgeous dog and I can't wait to start putting her together.

Since I had company over the Memorial Day weekend, I wasn't able to start on it, but today I am starting on the pattern, and hopefully by the end of the week I'll be picking out the colors and fabrics. It's always a fun process for me.

Hope everyone had a terrific holiday weekend!

Oh, we're up to 144 people who like the Sew Much Love Facebook page, so keep spreading the word! Thanks for all the support.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend

2010-05-30T13:43:00Z

Wishing everyone a very happy Memorial Day weekend. I paused to say a prayer of thanks for those who gave their lives in service to our country, and am proud to be the wife of a Navy veteran and the mother of a soldier in the US Army.

For the rest of the weekend, quilting is on hold; I'm headed south to the beautiful city of Seattle for some much needed R & R. Of course, if I happen to spot any fabric shops along the way, don't blame me for being compelled to check them out!

I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday weekend! Talk to you next week!

Maria

My Current Project

2010-05-28T17:09:11Z

I'm very eager to get started on my next project; this time I'm going to be creating a portrait of an absolutely darling dog named Bubbles. She is a beautiful Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and I've got a great idea of what I want to do with her image.

She's got extremely expressive eyes and a tilt to her head that makes her look very bright and inquisitive. These are all qualities I intend to convey in this art quilt.

Thanks to Pauline for commissioning this quilt.

Launching a New Business

2010-05-27T19:20:00Z

It's an exciting time for me, finally launching this business that I have envisioned for some time now. I have always been an artistic type of person, creating everything from paper crafts to scarves to rugs... you name it, I've probably at least tried it.

Quilting for some reason has become my favorite craft, and when I learned to create animal portraits out of fabric, two of my passions meshed perfectly. There is something therapeutic and healing to the soul, in putting needle to thread, in combining fabric and color and design to create something beautiful.

The more I thought about it, the more I considered it, the more the idea grew inside me. Events began to unfold that I knew were sure indicators that this was the direction for me to go. Before long, it was an inescapable passion, to begin this pet portrait business. I knew that I could bring joy and comfort to pet owners with my work, and I would grow as a person in so doing.

It's been a process, sorting out the business model, figuring out the website, getting my logo designed, all the things a new business involves. And here I just wanted to quilt!

Well, it's finally up and running, three years to the day that my beloved old rescue dog Spike went to the Rainbow Bridge. I like to think of Sew Much Love as a tribute to him, particularly because a portion of all proceeds for each month will go to help a different rescue animal in need.

I know this is my niche, and I know I'm going to make a difference in people's lives, and in the lives of some animals as well.

Let the adventure begin!