Canine Image Enhancement.

In my opinion, dogs are the best props for a photo shoot. It adds another focal point and gives personality to a picture.

I am wondering what to do this year for Christmas cards. Last year we used Buster all strung up with lights...

Dog Whisperer, are you out there?

It is not entirely abnormal to come home and see some variety of this mess caused by my dog Buster. However, tonight takes the cake. I had a chicken breast defrosting in the sink, a raw chicken breast and the damn dog ate it and licked the styrofoam clean. Now, we're waiting to see if he gets salmonella. In the meantime, does anyone have a personal connection to Cesar Milan? We need the dog whisperer.

The only one that rivals the messes that Buster makes is my husband. Aren't they a fearsome duo? But, they're both too cute to stay mad at.

Don't forget the Pets.

I wouldn't be surprised if we spoiled Buster (even more) and bought him a new collar. That little rascal has been chewing on his because he is conniving and wants his independence. Although he wreaks havoc on my home, he continues to entertain me with new forms of deviousness.

Anyways, etsy has some options that look sturdy and masculine.

My 1st pick would be this Ralph Lauren-Esq collar:

from California's Collar Co

This next collar would make a cute picture & I like the uniqueness but I don't really see my 80 lb dog sporting it.

poochy couture

This might be the winner. I wanted to name Buster, Roscoe, but Tony would not succumb. (because I was naming him after my favorite Miami Hurricane player, Roscoe Parrish. Tony is a die hard Seminole... you get the point) And this is a great price.

Dog Gone Nice

Also Nina Ottosson's Interactive Dog toys look like Buster would enjoy them:

Would you not have a hard time spoiling this guy?


What will your pets receive for Christmas?

Moms, I don't know how you do it.

Again, I apologize for comparing my dog to your child but...

Here is our sweet, dumb dog.

{and here is a short cut from our house to my sister and brother in laws house next door}

We moved the chair and those stones a week ago because Buster learned he could jump over the fence and experience the sweet taste of freedom. On Sunday, he tried to jump the fence and managed to get his back paw intertwined in the chain link. The poor guy was hanging with his back foot caught in the fence for 10 minutes. Luckily, I saw him. Just hanging and helpless. I immediately ran to help, realized it was a two person job, screamed for Tony and we both lifted and wrestled his paw free. Buster was in shock. Tony and I were as well. His foot was cut and bloody and he wasn’t putting any weight on it.

I felt so helpless, every time I got close to him to pet him he would get up and move to a new spot in the house. After a vet visit and x-rays, we found out the foot was not broken, just cut up, swollen and painful.

So I did what any reasonable person would do, I went out and bought him doggie ice cream

Did you know they made that stuff? It's called Frosty Paws and while it did nothing to heal him, it took his mind off the pain for a brief moment.

Seriously mothers, how do you watch your kids in pain? It scares me. I feel like God is saving the best life lessons for parenthood.

For Buster.

One of my favorite aspects of my job is working with Jen. We frequently bounce design ideas off one another and she teaches me more than she realizes.

I believe I've rambled on this blog before about her talent {look here and here for further proof}. I just had received an email that said: "Oh my goodness, you need this:" {old school flashcards}

for my dog Buster:

I would hang it above his bowls. I'm a sucker for unnecessary embellishments.

Letter from Buster.

Dear baby Olivia,
I'm sorry that I ate your precious elephant that my mom intended to give you at your baby shower. I must explain. Typically, my mom brings home stuffed animals for my tearing-apart-pleasure {see below}

When I spotted a new toy in the house sitting on top of the 42" tall bar counter, I assumed she wanted me to jump up and tear apart the elephant.

She was very upset with me because she bought the last elephant from Target. I promise to make it up to you baby Olivia.

xoxo, Buster

Kitchen update

This renovation is in the works but it is getting closer and closer. My heart is pounding with excitement. My sweet Dad and brother are removing these free cabinets, as I type this, and loading them in a big UHaul truck which my Dad is driving to us tomorrow! How great is he?!?!
Dad- I'm praying you have a safe trip and we can't wait to see you tomorrow. Especially Buster!