How to Make a Doggy Shirt for Toy Breeds
Making Small Dog Clothes from a Sleeve
Nov 24, 2008 Joy Butler

Homemade dog clothes can be quick, easy and inexpensive. Very little sewing for this craft makes dressing your toy breed creative and fun.

The beauty of this project is that, because it’s made from a sleeve, there are very few stitches involved and one doesn’t even have to own a sewing machine to make this toy breed doggy shirt. Even those who don’t sew can make this simple shirt in a few minutes.
The best material to use will be of a somewhat stretchy texture. The sleeve of an old sweater or sweatshirt from a yard sale works great. The sleeve band will serve as the collar. Doggy Measurements
Measure the length of the dog’s back starting at the middle of the back of the neck to the base of the tail. Measure the distance between the dog’s front legs. Cutting the Material
Measuring the sleeve from the tip of the band, cut it the same length as the dog’s back measurement. Dog owners who plan to hem should allow an extra inch for that. For those who really don’t like to sew, a hem is not required as sweatshirt material doesn’t ravel easily. Turn the sleeve inside out and lay it flat so that its existing stitch line is in the center facing up. Using a large jar lid and pencil, draw a half circle line on the cut end of the sleeve. The stitch line should be at the height of the circle. Cut on the line and remove the half circle piece. This allows for ‘tummy room.’ After the cut, several hand stitches will be needed on the existing stitch line to prevent it from coming loose. With the sleeve still inside out and lying flat with the stitch line in the center facing up, leg holes will be placed. Depending on the size, breed, and shape of the dog, the center of the leg hole will be approximately three inches below the tip of the sleeve band and approximately an inch and a half from the stitch line. This may have to be adjusted somewhat for individual dogs. Place a dot where the center of each leg hole is to be. Estimate the size the holes need to be, allowing room to pull the foot through. An inch and a quarter in diameter is a good starting point. The hole can always be cut bigger if necessary. Using an appropriately sized small jar lid, draw the circle and cut out the hole. The Fun Part

The project is now ready for the fun part. Turn the sleeve right side out and get creative. Use sequins, material paint, or lace to dress up the shirt. Designs can also be cut from other material and sewn or glued on. Letters can be stenciled on to spell out the dog’s name or cute lines such as ‘Spoiled Rotten’ or ‘The Boss.’
Many small dogs are cold natured so this pattern is designed long to provide warmth over the hip area but can also be cut shorter to fit just behind the rib cage of the dog. In this case, the half circle tummy cut would be eliminated.

Since this project is very simple, quick and low cost, dog owners who have two tiny dogs can have their pooches dressed like twins in a no time.

Source: http://dogs.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_make_a_doggy_shirt_for_toy_breeds

Planning a Puppy Shower
Party Games, Food, and Fun to Welcome the Fur Baby
May 27, 2008 Joy Butler

New doggy parents can have a baby shower too!

You have decided to get a puppy. Falling in love was easy. That little pudgy rear waddling around made you laugh and those big brown eyes and puppy kisses really captured your heart. Yes, puppies come well equipped to redeem themselves after howling, yowling, chewing the sofa, and making a mess on the carpet. But you accept that honeymoons don’t last forever and have made the commitment to love your puppy through good and bad, for the rest of his life. Just like adopting a baby!
Now if new parents can have a baby shower to celebrate the coming of a new baby, puppy parents can certainly do the same thing! A puppy shower can be the perfect way to introduce the new family member to friends. Puppy Shower versus Baby Shower

Puppy showers are a little different in that they are usually planned by the new parent themselves and are held after the puppy arrives and has completed his immunizations. Guests don’t have to be female only; they can be whole families including their dog. A puppy shower may be held in your backyard or at a local park. Invitations and Gifts

Your invitations may be of the appropriate pastel pink or blue and have a cute puppy theme. You can even make your own, using your computer and your own puppy’s picture. Include the guest’s dog in the invitation but, for everyone’s safety, request he be up to date on shots. If you desire, you can suggest guest dogs come dressed up.
You may register at a pet shop for gifts or have suggestions in mind if anyone asks what the new puppy would like.


Décor and Refreshments

Décor will set the mood. Streamers, napkins and plates can be of pastel baby colors or have a puppy theme such as paw prints, bones, or fire hydrants.
Refreshments can include a puppy theme cake for guests along with a variety of doggy treats for the pups. You can even make your own doggy treats. Be sure all of the homemade foods are safe for dogs. Leave plenty of water bowls out in convenient places for guest dogs. Fun and Games

Have plenty of toys such as frisbies, balls, rope toys, and squeaky toys as well as scoop bags available. You can even set up a simple obstacle course for guests and pups to frolic in.
Use your imagination. Try a homemade 'pin the tail on the puppy' game. Activities such as 'guess the puppy's weight' will be fun for the humans and a weenie dunk and treasure hunt for the dogs will have everyone laughing.
Prizes and goodie bags can be awarded with both humans and dogs in mind. They may include items like chewies, bandanas, leashes, stuffed animals, tennis balls, and gift certificates to pet supply stores. Memories

Place an open album where guests can write notes and messages to you and your new puppy. Have your camera handy to record all the fun. Precautions

Be careful that your puppy does not become overwhelmed or frightened. Be sure to introduce dogs separately and slowly. Have crates or quiet areas available for shy or grumpy dogs.
And remember that puppy showers aren’t just for puppies. Adoption of an older dog works too!

Source: http://dogs.suite101.com/article.cfm/planning_a_puppy_shower

How Pets Help You Live Longer
By Liz Palika
April 2, 2009 2:01 PM

Research shows how dogs help improve your life.

It's interesting that the word 'pet' -which means 'to touch'- is used to refer to a domesticated animal who lives in our home. Especially since one of the benefits of pet ownership, that is mentioned in numerous studies, are those obtained through the touching of our pets and the closeness of the relationship with them. The American Association of Human-Animal Bond Veterinarians (AAH-ABV) defines the bond that people have with their pets in part as, "The human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and other animals." Although this relationship has probably existed for as long as mankind has domesticated animals, it has been brought to more people's attention during several recent disasters. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the California wildfires, numerous news reports showed pet owners taking considerable risks to try and save their pets. Mary Moore, of Fallbrook, CA evacuated her home during the October 2007 San Diego wildfires with four dogs, a couple of cats and several reptiles. She said simply, "These pets are all a part of our family and I wasn't going to leave them behind." Research Agrees Numerous research studies and polls in the United States, Great Britain and Australia have all shown that pet owners believe their pets are good for them physically, mentally and emotionally, and scientific research has shown the pet owners to be correct.

The British Market Research Bureau (BMRB) conducted research in October 2002 for the Pet Care Trust, an organization that promotes responsible pet ownership, and found there were multiple reasons why pet owners felt their pets were good for them. -75 percent said their pets made them laugh and thereby contributed to better mental health -67 percent said their pets offered unconditional love -66 percent said their pets provided companionship and alleviated loneliness -64 percent said their pets reduced stress and made them feel more relaxed Another study looked at the health benefits provided by pets. The Baker Medical Research Institute in Australia conducted a large-scale study of over 5,000 people and found that in general, pet owners had lower blood pressure levels than people who did not own pets. Other studies have shown that pet owners heal better and more quickly after surgery and have reduced risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The bond pet owners have with their pets is a strong one.

The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) found: -21 percent of pet owners encouraged their pet to sleep in their bed -44 percent said their pet sleeps in their bed and probably gets more of the bed than themselves -66 percent said they would not date someone who dislikes their pet Pets are Good for Kids, Too

The benefits are not just for adults; children benefit from pet ownership and from exposure to pet animals. In the BMRB study, pet owning parents felt that owning a pet taught their children kindness and responsibility. Alan M. Beck, Sc.D., of the School of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University, a long-time researcher in the field of the human-animal bond, and Anthony Rud Jr., of the College of Education at Purdue University, conducted a survey of elementary school teachers about pets in the classroom.

They discovered that more than a quarter of the classrooms had animals in the classroom and that the teachers felt that the animals served to motivate the students to work well and behave in ways that would be better for the animals. This in general resulted in better behavior in the classroom. Caring for the animals also provided opportunities for the children to be caregivers and a chance to learn responsibility.

Source: http://www.petside.com/the-sidewalk/news/how-pets-help-you-live-longer.php