Friday, November 30, 2012

Dog Breed Christmas Ornaments on Sale at For Love of a Dog


The dog breed Christmas ornaments at For Love of a Dog are handmade and a very popular item!  And they're on sale now with free standard shipping!  Shown above is our tri-color Australian Shepherd dog ornament.

Dog breed Christmas ornaments are perfect for your Christmas tree or to display year round.  They also make barking good holiday gifts for men or women, young or old.  Our English Setter dog ornament shown below. is a great example.




We're not alone in that thinking.  Each year, no matter how many we have on hand, many dog breeds are sold out long before the holiday shopping season even begins.  

This year is no exception.  In fact, below is a list of the dog breed Christmas ornaments we have in stock as of this moment.  Most have only one available.

  • Afghan
  • Airedale
  • Australian Shepherd - only tri color
  • Basenji
  • Basset Hound
  • Beagle
  • Bearded Collie
  • B elgian Sheepdog
  • Belgian Tervuren
  • Bichon Frise
  • Borzoi / Russian Wolfhound
  • Boston Terrier
  • Boxer
  • Chow
  • Cocker Spaniel
  • Collie
  • Corgi - Cardigan and Pembroke
  • Dachshund - only black/tan
  • Doberman - only black/tan with natural ear
  • English Bulldog
  • English Cocker Spaniel
  • English Setter
  • Greyhound
  • Gordon Setter
  • Great Dane - only fawn
  • Keeshond
  • Labrador Retriever - only black
  • Maltese
  • Newfoundland - only brown or black
  • Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
  • Papillon
  • Portuguese Water Dog
  • Pug 
  • Rottweiler
  • Schnauzer
  • Sheltie
  • Shih Tzu
  • Visla
  • Westie
  • Yorkie
 Visla Christmas ornament shown below:

All of our dog breed Christmas ornaments are handmade.  They're two dimensional (flat on back) and generously sized.  True to AKC and UKC dog breed standards and simply beautiful.  Shown below is our English Cocker Spaniel dog ornament.  Those are not just painted details, they are sculptural.
Fetch barking good dog breed Christmas ornaments at For Love of a Dog.  Hurry!  When they're gone, they're gone.  Best of all - they're on sale and all prices include free standard shipping!
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Dog Training Made Easy | Guest Post

Today we have a guest post from the Dog Daddy at our house.  He has his own method of dog training and shares it below.

Dog training made easy.
We have used this method of dog training for many years and have found it to be easy and very successful. 


There are a few things that you will need that are very important. 

First you need an adult well trained dog. Preferably one that has lived in your household for most of its life. 

Second you will need lots of dog toys. The first dog toy we can remember was a stuffed monkey. So ever since we have referred to dog toys as monkeys. I am talking about all manner of stuffed, soft or hard dog toys.

The third step is to go to an animal shelter or a responsible dog breeder and adopt a puppy. 


So now you will have two dogs. Having had as many as 4 dogs in our family at once I believe the more the merrier. 

But you don’t need 4, you only need the two prior mentioned dogs. An adult and a puppy.

The next step is essential, but easy.  You take the puppy home and love it while not neglecting your adult dog. 


Your adult dog will take it from there. 

Puppies are a lot like children, they look up to their elders and try to act like them. When your older dog goes out to do its business be sure to take your puppy along and it will much more quickly learn to go outside to do its business. 


If your adult dog chews only on monkeys then your puppy will learn to only chew on monkeys. If your adult dog thinks one of its jobs is to protect the family your puppy will learn to protect you. The list goes on and on. 



By now you can see why it is essential that the adult dog is well trained. If it is not your puppy will also pick up on any bad habits.

Those of you who read this blog will remember Tucker; he was head of security at For Love Of A Dog and one of the original talking dogs. We have always had a very large back yard and Tucker was great at patrolling the perimeter. Every time he went out he would run the fence. Since then, all our dogs have patrolled the fence because Tucker taught them to do it.




 Lucy, former design diva at For Love Of A Dog, was Sue's constant companion. Now that Lucy is waiting at the rainbow bridge, Jeffie has taken over that task and is almost always at Sues side because Lucy taught him to do it.


Of course this is not all you need to do. 

You will still need to properly socialize your puppy by taking it for walks, getting the puppy out in the world and around a lot of different people. It is good to do some of this without the adult dog so the puppy will learn some independence since it will likely have to live part of its life without its tutor. 


By that time your puppy will be a grown adult dog who will be ready to teach your next puppy the ropes of life in your household. 

The cycle continues.


Thursday, November 29, 2012

Schnauzer Dog Lover Jewelry Gifts at For Love of a Dog

If you love a Schnauzer dog, then you really should check out the Schnauzer dog breed jewelry at For Love of a Dog.  One of a kind, handmade necklace, bracelets, pendants and more, all featuring an adorable Schnauzer.

Shown at left and below is an amazing Schnauzer dog necklace.  The pendant is a whimsical hand sculpted porcelain Schnauzer.  The necklace includes three dimensional porcelain dog bone, combined with glossy black obsidian gemstone beads.  This necklace is so versatile that you can easily remove the pendant from the necklace to wear it solo as a pin!  In fact, you can even add your own doggie themed pins to the necklace.  The possibilities are endless.  A unique, truly one of a kind necklace that would make a fantastic gift for someone special.

Schnauzer Dog Bone Necklace at For Love of a Dog
The Schnauzer dog charm bracelet shown below features beautiful lavender amethyst gemstone beads, artisan lampwork, and brilliantly faceted crystal rondelles.  Of course, there are some three dimensional white glass dog bone beads, too.  The wonderful Schnauzer dog charm is two dimensional (flat on back), handmade, and just darling!
Amethyst Schnauzer Dog Charm Bracelet at For Love of a Dog
The artisan lampwork Schnauzer dog necklace shown below is another one of a kind piece from For Love of a Dog.  The pendant is a sweet Schnauzer dog head hand crafted by a North Carolina lampwork artist.  For the necklace, I combined ice pink crystals and sleek metallic grey hematite gemstone beads, hand wire wrapped with silver jeweler's wire. 
Artisan Lampwork Schnauzer Dog Necklace at For Love of a Dog
 Though we're almost completely sold out of our dog breed Christmas ornaments, right this minute we do have one Schnauzer dog Christmas ornament available.  These are beautiful artisan sculptures, two dimensional (flat on back) and generous in size.  Handmade and perfect for year round display.
Schnauzer Dog Christmas Ornament at For Love of a Dog
This is just a small sample of the goodies that await you!  Fetch more Schnauzer dog theme jewelry at For Love of a Dog.  Because almost all of our items are one of kind, when they're gone, they're gone.  Hurry for best selection!

For Love of a Dog is your go-to place for unique jewelry and gifts for dog people.  Fast, free shipping and friendly customer service.

Raising My Furry Children by Tracy Ahrens Book Review

Raising My Furry Children, by Tracy Ahrens celebrates the bond between humans and animals with anecdotes of daily living with pets.  

You'll smile, laugh and worry along with Tracy as she tells stories that feel very familiar to those of us who love cats and dogs. 

Raising My Furry Children is a collection of columns that the author has written while raising her furry kids:  Speckles, a Brittany spaniel, and her cats, Desdemona, CD, Joan of Arc, and Captain Jack Sparrow. 

Her book begins with a true story of two cats left in a cardboard box outside of a local animal shelter.  A note was taped to the top of the box briefly telling why the owner could not care for the cats anymore and some information on the cat's personalities. 
"Louie" pet portrait by Tracy Ahrens
What follows are Tracy's reflections on the lives and personalities of her own pets and her realization that every pet has a unique biography waiting to be shared.
Her stories are narratives of how she learned patience and respect for her pets.  Told with love and humor, Raising My Furry Children is a fun, personal look at life with pets. 

Tracy has a sense of humor that doesn't fail when sharing the antics of her critters.  Though the book is fairly evenly divided between her Brittany, Speckles, and the cats, Speckles personality quirks amused me the most. 

"One evening I came home after dark, and Speckles did not meet me at the backdoor.  Instead, I heard voices from my living room.

Initially, I was scared a bit since I live alone.  I called for Speckles immediately, and he trotted to the backdoor nonchalantly.

I think I picked up something heavy with which to hit a possible intruder, but realized that if someone had broken into my house, Speckles would not have been so calm.

When I walked into the living room, the television was on.  I didn't leave it one when I left home.

I looked around the room and noticed a blanket I had covered the sofa with was rumpled up.  In the middle of it was the television remote control.

I then laughed at Speckles, who apparently made himself a comfy bed on the sofa, rolled on the remote control and turned the television on.

What was he watching?  Of all things - Animal Planet."

Thank You, Chaser, the first story in Raising My Furry Children was contributed by Steve Dale.  Dale authors a twice/week syndicated newspaper column [Tribune Media Services] and is host of two national syndicated shows on Pet Word Radio.   Thank You, Chaser tells the story of how Chaser, literally, changed the course of Dale's life.  Scroll to the bottom of this post to enjoy an interview Steve Dale conducted with Tracy.

A portion of the book is devoted to delightful pet portraits by the author.  Tracy is an accomplished artist, creating beautiful graphite pet illustrations, many of which you'll find here.

"Ellie" pet portrait by Tracy Ahrens

Tracy's columns continue to appear through Chicago based Talis Pet Media Group.  She currently has one mixed breed adopted dog and three rescue cats.

Book sale proceeds are being donated to two major organizations: American Brittany Rescue and the American Humane Association.  

The contribution to  American Brittany Rescue is honor of Tracy's dog, Speckles, who passed away in 2007 and is featured in Raising My Furry Children.  She has also fostered two Brittanies through ABR since Speckles passed away.  The American Humane Association is a national voice for the protection of children and animals through groundbreaking research, education, training and services that span a wide network of organizations, agencies and businesses.

Raising My Furry Children was awarded second place in the category of Humor/Non-fiction book in the Illinois Woman's Press Association 71st Mate E. Palmer communications Contest. 

Raising My Furry Children can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes and Noble or from any major bookstore.
Tracy Ahrens with Trucker
Tracy Ahrens of Momence, Il. has been a journalist and editor for newspapers, magazines and Web sites for over 20 years. Currently she is a freelance writer for the Chicago Tribune and the American Red Cross Greater Chicago Chapter.
Her monthly humorous column on raising her pets can be seen at Tails Pet Media Group.  She has also written two children's books,  Cloud Jumpers and What if the Moon.

Tracy has won 51 writing awards statewide, locally and nationally. She is a member of the Illinois Woman’s Press Association, the National Federation of Press Women and BlogPaws community (online community for pet bloggers).  For years she has been a volunteer for animal rescue groups including the Kankakee County Animal Foundation, which she helped found in 1994.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Samoyed Dog Jewelry Gifts at For Love of a Dog

You'll find Samoyed dog bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and pendants at For Love of a Dog.  All handmade and perfect gifts for Samoyed dog lovers.

Shown at left is a Samoyed charm necklace.  Amazing handcrafted Samoyed sculpture charm is two dimensional (flat on back) and created to be true to AKC and UKC dog breed standards. 

Other charms include a sweet three dimensional white dog bone and a fat pink rhodonite gemstone heart.  Sterling silver accents and charm bails on a snake chain.

The Samoyed dog necklace shown below could easily also represent a Spitz dog.  The whimsical white puppy dog pendant is hand sculpted porcelain with charming details.  And so versatile!  You can easily detach it from the necklace to wear it solo as a pin.  The necklace coordinates beautifully with the Samoyed dog.  Creamy white riverstone gemstone beads are combined with cherry quartz with silver jeweler's wire.  A true one of a kind, this Samoyed dog necklace is one of a kind.  When it's sold, I won't make another.

The Samoyed dog bracelet shown below is a pretty thing.  I combined sweet three dimensional white glass dog bones with some lovely cloisonne beads.  The cloisonne beads have a white background with a floral pattern in mauve, pink and green.  The inlaid gold really makes the colors pop.  I couldn't resist adding some pink crystal rondelle beads.  All hand wire wrapped with gold jeweler's wire.

Fetch For Love of a Dog for more Samoyed dog breed jewelry.  All items are handmade and most are one of a kind.  Hurry!  Take advantage of our Holiday Sale to snag some great dog jewelry for Christmas gifts.  Free shipping, too!

Shop For Love of a Dog Jewelry now for best selection. .

Wordless Wednesday: Close Encounter of the Skunk Kind



Is that a challenge?
Looks like the skunk is sticking his tongue out at Rudy!

As in:  Come and get me, dawg!

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Rottweiler Dog Jewelry Gifts at For Love of a Dog

Having always loved Rotties, I'm pleased to share some of my Rottweiler dog breed jewelry at For Love of a Dog.  

This is just a small sample of my handmade Rottweiler bracelets, necklaces, pins, pendants, plus there's a Rottweiler dog Christmas ornament and dog leash holder, too.

Shown at left is one style of Rottweiler dog pin.  This one is a beautiful Rottie head in semi-profile.  Two dimensional (flat on back) with lovely details, this pin is fully handcrafted.  Cast in resin from an original hand sculpted mold, then fully hand painted.  Sure to please any Rottie dog lover.

The Rottweiler dog bracelet shown below would make a pawesome Christmas gift.  Adorable two dimensional Rottie dog charm with a three dimensional gold dog bone.  The bracelet combines beautiful cloisonne oval beads with a pretty floral pattern of mauve flowers and green leaves on a black background.  Inlaid gold really makes the colors pop.  These are combined with coordinating, festive green brilliantly faceted crystal beads with gold jeweler's wire.

The Rottweiler dog Christmas ornament shown below would make a wonderful gift for any guy or girl!  Two dimensional sculpture is generous in size and true to AKC dog breed standards.  Fantastic on a Christmas tree or displayed with pride all year round.

Fetch For Love of a Dog for more Rottweiler dog breed jewelry.  All jewelry is handmade and almost all is one of a kind.  Once a piece is sold, it likely will never be repeated.  Hurry and you can snag some bargains in our Holiday Sale.  Free standard shipping, too!  Shop For Love of a Dog now for best selection.


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Recycle That Old Cell Phone to Help Animals

Upgrading your cell phone?  Thousands of new cell phones are purchased every day and lots of folks will be upgrading to the latest for the holidays.  If that includes you, what are your plans for your old cell phone?

Why not help the planet and animals at the same time?

Gift that old one to the Petco Foundation.  They're collecting and recycling old cell phones to aid in their mission of raising the quality of life for pets and the people who need them.  Proceeds from the donated phones help reduce the number of animals euthanized, rescue animals in crisis, provide lifesaving vaccinations for homeless pets, and rehabilitate pets with behavioral issues.

It's easy!  Simply print a prepaid shipping label at Petco.com/recycle and drop it in the mail.
Image courtesy of the Petco Foundation

The Petco Foundation has served as a voice for campaign animals across our country since 1999.  Each year they help animal welfare organizations find lifelong, loving homes for millions of homeless pets, as well as fund spay and neuter efforts, animal assisted therapy programs and humane education.  Visit them on the web at Petco.com

Monday, November 26, 2012

Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog Jewelry Gifts | Cyber Monday

If you've lost your heart to one, or more, of these dogs, then you should fetch the Rhodesian Ridgeback dog lover jewelry at For Love of a Dog.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback pin shown at left is entirely handcrafted.  In fast, it's free hand sculpted porcelain.  A beautiful profile portrait that would make any Rhodesian Ridgeback dog lover proud.

Or celebrate that new puppy with the Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy pin shown below.  Also hand sculpted from porcelain with adorable dimensional details.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback dog necklace shown below includes a darling pendant that can easily be removed to wear solo as a brooch!  And just look at that cute tongue.   The necklace includes three dimensional black glass dog bone beads, combined with natural picture jasper gemstone beads.   

Fetch For Love of a Dog Jewelry for more handmade, one of a kind gifts for dog lovers.  Hurry and you can take advantage of our Cyber Monday Holiday Sale.  Free shipping, too.  Barking good gifts for dog lovers await you at For Love of a Dog.

Dog Trots Globe: Cyber Monday Book Sale

Cyber Monday special on the hardcover edition of Dog Trots Globe.  Just $9.95 for the hardcover edition at OIC Books and Amazon.  

That's a stocking stuffer price!

Don't miss this special opportunity to pick up multiple copies to kick off your holiday gift shopping for the dog lovers and Francophiles on your list.

Hurry!  This barking good price is good only on Cyber Monday.

We reviewed Dog Trots Globe: To Paris and Provence (Sheltie Goes to France) earlier this year:
A delightful travelogue told from the point of view of author, Sheron Long's, Shetland Sheepdog. Chula, the Sheltie dog, traveled from Carmel Valley in California to Paris and Saint-Remy-de-Provence over two months time. Beautiful photographs, recommendations of dog friendly places and charming storytelling abound...
Read our Talking Dogs full review of Dog Trots Globe.

Foster a Pet for the Holidays


This holiday season, open your heart and your home to a pet from a shelter or rescue group.

Volunteer to foster a shelter cat or dog this holiday season and you'll be giving two gifts:  one to the pet who gets a home for the holidays, and another to the shelter workers and volunteers who take care of these pets year-round.

Learn more about Petfinder's Foster a Lonely Pet for the Holidays Program at
www.petfinder.com/fosteralonelypet

Foster a Lonely Pet for the Holidays

Cyber Monday Savings on Gifts for Your Pets at Chewy.com

Chewy.com 
Every pet parent knows that our four-legged furry children love gifts, as much as we do.  I know a new toy, food bowl, collar, leash or pet bed can really get Jeffie and Rudy excited.  And a really good sale can get me really excited!

And this is a really good Cyber Monday sale!

Shop Chewy.com today (Cyber Monday) and you'll see they've discounted everything except pet food by as much as 50% off.  

You read that right!   No discount code needed.  Sale prices are clearly marked.

All of us at Talking Dogs love Chewy.com and we're not alone.  We've watched their Facebook community grow to almost a quarter million fans!

We love Chewy.com's super fast home delivery (which is free with order over $49.)   We love that they've doubled their brand offerings and added pet toys and accessories to their product line.  

And we really love a sale like this!

What are you waiting for?  Shop Chewy.com now for best selection on barking good gifts for your dog or cat!


Sunday, November 25, 2012

Cyber Monday Sale on Dog Jewelry and Gifts

Shop For Love of a Dog!  
Barking good handmade gifts for dog, cat and horse people!
  • Dog breed jewelry
  • Mutt and mixed dog lover jewelry
  • Dog bone jewelry, including DOG MOM bracelets
  • Pet rescue jewelry
  • Rainbow Bridge pet memorial jewelry
  • Cat jewelry
  • Horse jewelry
  • Dog breed Christmas ornaments
  • Dog leash holders
  • Upcycled elevated dog feeders

Fetch For Love of a Dog now for best selection.
Most items are one of a kind.  When they're gone, they're gone.
 
Free standard shipping!

 Dog breed jewelry is Lab approved at For Love of a Dog.


Lots of dog bones in the dog lover jewelry.  Hearts, too!
 
 Pet advocacy and remembrance jewelry are customer favorites.
For Love of a Dog Jewelry & Gifts - handmade for dog, cat & horse people.

Unique Pug Dog Jewelry for Holiday Gifts

Shopping for your friends who are owned by a Pug just got easier. Fetch For Love of a Dog for Pug dog breed jewelry.  

You'll find unique, one of a kind, necklaces, bracelets, pins and even Pug Christmas ornaments.  Free standard shipping, plus a huge holiday sale!

The Pug dog necklace shown at left and below is a pawesome example.  The Pug pendant is hand sculpted porcelain and two dimensional.  It can easily be removed to wear solo as a pin.  The necklace itself is a joyful combination of scarlet red coral and glorious yellow citrine gemstone beads.  Plus some amazing vintage porcelain hand painted cylinder beads.  Wild, wonderful and lots of fun.  This is a one of a kind necklace and when it's gone, it will not be repeated.
The Pug bracelet shown below includes a handmade Pug dog, plus a gemstone heart and three dimensional gold dog bone charm.  The bracelet includes rainforest jasper gemstone beads in earthy greens with adorable three dimensional glass dog bone beads.
The Pug Christmas ornament shown below is a wonderful gift.  Handmade and generously sized, this baby will look great on the Christmas tree, as well as displayed year round.  A barking good gift the that guy you know who is owned by a Pug!

Shop For Love of a Dog for much more selection of handmade, one of a kind, Pug jewelry for people on your holiday shopping list.  Support a small artisan business and buy handmade this year!







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