Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are, as always, 100% my own. #BestPawForward #CollectiveBias
I've never liked the term "pet owner". One owns a sofa or a pair of shoes. One loves, cares for, and eventually, mourns a pet.
I've never liked the term "pet owner". One owns a sofa or a pair of shoes. One loves, cares for, and eventually, mourns a pet.
And besides, just who is owning whom here? I recently got a t-shirt that says "Proudly owned by a chihuahua". That seems a lot more accurate to me!
Chihuahuas are unlike any dog I've ever had. They seem to be a species unto themselves. It's like having a clingy, needy toddler for many years (minus the tantrums!). So how can you tell you've gone from simply loving your little dog to "owned by a chihuahua"?
You know you're owned by a chihuahua when...
- Dog hair...everywhere. Who knew such little dogs could shed so much! A childhood with poodles left me with no expectation of this shedding thing. On your clothes...on the computer screen...on the craft desk...everywhere!
- Your lap is suddenly prime real estate. With a daughter and a 2 year old I care for during the day, plus a chi who wants my constant attention, I hear things like, "It's my turn to sit on your lap!" Kay has gotten smart about it. If Lily is resting comfortably on my lap, Kay finds her favorite mini tennis ball and throws it. Lily is one of those dogs who can't see a toy, especially that ball, being thrown without chasing it. So then Kay has her spot back. I never thought my lap would be so popular!
- You find that your hobbies start to include your furry friend as well. For me, who loves crafting, this means that images of chihuahuas has started cropping up in the projects. And I made the neatest "walkies station" (see below for details!).
- Those dog sweaters you always used to make fun of are now not only useful but necessary when it gets chilly. Between getting the toddler and the chihuahua in their winter gear, we would spend more time getting ready than actually playing outside!
- You have to check that no one is under that blanket on the couch before you sit down. Chihuahuas are notorious for burrowing under blankets, sheets, heck, even a stray shirt that fell out of the laundry basket!
- You are sure in the knowledge of being aware of anyone walking by the house...or that house 3 blocks away.
- You find yourself talking baby talk to the dog...outside, when people are walking by. (Oops!)
- You spend more time researching the dog's food than you do your own! Our other dog, Toby, who passed away about a year ago, had grain sensitivities, so we continue to feed Lily grain-free when possible.
We're using Purina One True Instinct , which is the most convenient for us because, not only does Lily like it, but it's available at supermarkets like Stop & Shop and they have a large selection as well.
I'm also loving these new Purina One DentaLife treats. Just released this year, they offer a yummy way to help maintain oral health, which is something on my mind just now. Last week Lily went to the vet to have her teeth cleaned (a major thing involving anesthesia and leaving her there all day. I think we're both relieved that one's over!). She ended up having 7 teeth pulled, the poor baby, due to periodontal disease. Definitely will be keeping these treats on hand in the hopes of keeping those chompers sparkling!
Psst...there's even a coupon for $2 off if you're looking to give them a try!
Psst...there's even a coupon for $2 off if you're looking to give them a try!
And, finally, my favorite way to tell when you're owned by a chihuahua...
- Constantly having a snuggle bug in your lap...and feeling guilty when you need to get up and move her!
Now I'm still relatively new to crafting, but when I get an idea that's both home decor and practical, I'm a happy lady! I like to call this one a "Walkies Station". No, I don't actually use the term "walkies" to describe going for a walk with the dog, but it has a nice ring to it for this one and certainly catchier than "Hey, this is where we keep the dog stuff!"
Supplies:
- Wooden plaque
- Acrylic or craft paint
- Clothespins
- Vinyl letters
I started off thinking of what words to use. I love to involve my Cricut machine in my projects whenever I can and this particular project was a perfect excuse to load up my vinyl! I thought of using her name or maybe just "Walkies!" but I decided on "Good Dog", cut in black glitter vinyl. (Because everything's better with glitter!)
I painted the wooden plaque white, with red raspberry color on the border. When it was dry, I added the vinyl. (If you don't have a cutting machine, you could use store-bought vinyl stickers or a stencil!)
My original plan was to add hooks to hang up the leash and the harness, but after a week where I still hadn't gotten to the store to buy them, I looked around for other options and settled on clothespins. They're frugal, I like the look of them and it's just as easy to hang the leashes or clip them on. (I admit, I'm usually lazy and just hang them up there!) I added a coat of paint and attached the clothespins with wood glue. It was still missing...something. So I added some paw print stickers, placed randomly, and we were ready for business. There's even a clip for those adorable little sweaters!
Have a dog? I'd love to hear about them!
