Cat vs Dog

Our cat, Tatiana, and our dog, Sushi, have grown up together. They are both 7 yrs old. They got off to a rocky start, though. Tatiana was 5 months old when we brought 2 month old Sushi home. Tatiana growled, hissed and swatted at poor puppy Sushi. Sushi wouldn't come out of his crate if she was around. This lasted for about a day and a half. Finally, Sushi had had enough! He came racing out of his crate barking his head off at Tatiana, who quickly ran off. After that, they were the best of pals. Since they were the same size at that time, they would chase and wrestle all over the livingroom, it was pure fun and entertainment! As they got bigger, they still continue to play, and Sushi often mimics how Tatiana uses her paws. But, Sushi likes to be sneaky and tries to get in a few hipchecks now and then. Tatiana is almost always the instigator. I took this video the other night, as this goes on every time I am preparing their supper. You'll see our other cat, Bailey, for a few seconds at the beginning, she doesn't like to get involved!

Organization & Free Shipping!

Hi! I've decided to offer FREE SHIPPING on all items in my shop this weekend - that includes treats, beds, blankets, toys, bandanas, etc... so I hope you will see if there is anything your furkids might want :) I will be adding new items over the next few days, too.



This is my Shiba Inu, Sushi, modeling one of my new doggy bandanas.

I have a question for all of you. How do you organize your day when it come to your shop? I hate to admit I'm a bit of a procrastinator, so usually at the last minute I am rushing to work on something new. But, I've decided to change my ways and my thinking. I used to think if I started a project, that I should finish it the same day. Now I am just happy if I start it, work on it for awhile, then finish it the next day. That is for new items of course! Also, I work part-time in the mornings, so when I get home, I take 1 hr for lunch, and then work on my shop for 2 hours, and then have the evenings off for when hubby comes home. It seems to be working, and I feel less stressed when it comes time to work on new items or replace ones that have been sold.

How about you? How do you organize you day?

Are You Following Troy and Emmie of Hike for our Heroes?

Have you heard of Troy & Emmie yet? Not to worry! Now is your chance to follow them on Facebook & Twitter simply by going to their website Hike for our Heroes

Troy is a war veteran walking across the country to raise funds and awareness to military families in need. His faithful sidekick, is 3 yr old black & tan Shiba Inu, Emmie. Emmie is also a certified Therapy Dog, and during her off hours, likes to chase ducks even if it means diving into a swamp! Troy's goal is to raise $5 million.

On their website, you can follow where they have been and where they will be going to. You can also buy merchandise to support them, and see photos along the way. And, of course, make donations.

This past weekend, approximately 15 Shibas from Missouri and Kansas met Troy, his wife, and Emmie. It was a lot of fun, and the Shibas behaved themselves perfectly. Even when the KC mascot came out to taunt them!

Here is a video and some photos from this past weekend.

Preparing Your Pets Before a Disaster Strikes

Have any of you been through some sort of disaster that involved your pets? A fire, a tornado, etc...?

Here is a link to some very useful informaton to help owners prepare for disasters, so we can help our pets stay stay before, during, and after.

DISASTER PREPARATION FOR PETS

I've never had to worry about this until moving to Missouri. When I lived in New Brunswick and Ontario, my biggest concern was snow, which my Shiba Inu, Sushi, loved! Now he has to deal with major thunderstorms (he was never afraid before) and of course, we all worry about tornados.

Please check out this article to be as prepared as possible. Stay safe, and together!

Bonnie

What Do Your Pets Do For You?

Today was a bit of a frustrating day for me. My sewing machine is pretty old. It was given to me by my Father-in-Law, and it had belonged to his Grandmother, to give you an idea. It works. I consider myself a beginner when it comes to sewing, but I'm getting the hang of it. Practice makes perfect, right? Well, this morning, I spent an hour just winding thread onto the bobbin. Sounds simple enough doesn't it? I was very frustrated and about to give up on my project (just for the day), when my wonderful dog, Sushi, a Shiba Inu, came upstairs and then sat down right in front of me, obviously wanting attention. I understand how Sushi thinks, after nearly 7 years. I've been told we are mirror images of each other. And, yes, I believe Sushi came upstairs to get attention in order for me to take a break. Petting animals can lower blood pressure, it's been reported. Sushi is a smart dog, and after I spent some time fussing over him, I continued with my project...which took all of 5 minutes to sew.

So, what do your pets do for you?

Bonnie

No Pups for Sale? Cities Ban Pet Store Animals

I can only hope one day that this is world-wide, but it is a step in the right direction.

CITIES BAN PET STORE ANIMALS


Bonnie

Happy Dogs and Cats!

Snack 'n Snooze Homemade Pet Products was recently featured by a new customer, .tira's destash. Please take a minute or two to read what she blogged about - not just because it is about my shop, but because it is so well written and I love the photos she took!

Happy Customers!

Bonnie

Meet Some Real Cool Cats

BETTY (Ithink she is the most glamorous looking cat, just look at those eyes!)

ANNIE (voted best lap cat by Wayside Waifs!)

SCORPIO & HARVEY (Scorpio is a great lap cat, and very playful too! Harvey is one of our older cats at the shelter, but he is very sweet and laid back).

It's pretty obvious that I love animals, particularly dogs and cats. I've always had a love for animals. As a child, I grew up with 2 Basenjis (at different times). When I grew up I wanted to be a veterinarian until I realized that didn't mean I just got to play with the animals all day :)

As I got older, the need to "do something" animal-related was very strong. When I got Sushi, my 6.5 yr old Shiba Inu, I became Organizer for the Toronto Shiba Inu Meetup group. Then, I became one of the co-founders for Shiba Rescue GTA.

Then, nearly 2 years ago, my husband and I decided to move to Missouri (his family is here). I was unemployed, searching for a job. When we first arrived, I wanted to find an enclosed dog park to take Sushi to. We found Bark Park at Wayside Waifs! Little did I know what my discovery of this park would lead to! I was so impressed by the grounds for this no-kill shelter, that I signed up to volunteer.

I originally started out volunteering mainly with the dogs - walking them, playing with them, giving them plenty of love. I even became involved in playgroups with the small dogs, which was a lot of fun. Whenever I was ready to leave for the day, I would go in to see the cats. Slowly, I started to spend more and more time with the cats. I'm not sure what it was. We have 2 cats that I love to pieces, but I always considered myself a dog person first. Well, the cats of Wayside Waifs won me over. They also taught me a lot about cats. Doesn't that sound funny, considering I had 2 at home? Well, these cats taught me that things happen on their terms, and most importantly to be patient. I have had so many favourites, I miss many of them, but I am also overjoyed when they are adopted to their new families and given the loving home they so much deserve.

A little over a year ago, I applied to work with the Feline Comfort Crew at Wayside Waifs. Basically, cleaning the kennels, and socializing the cats. We also check on their health and if something doesn't seem right, we notifiy the vet clinic. Anyways, I love my job. The best part, for me, is seeing new cats improve - they come in scared, shy, matted, angry and some do come in as if nothing ever changed and are happy go lucky. I enjoy working with the cats that need a little bit more help, and those tend to be my favourites.

These cats are currently up for adoption, awaiting their forever home. If you, or someone you know, is looking to give a cat (s) a wonderful home, please visit Wayside Waifs webpage for more info.

Finicky Felines Dine in Style

If you like your cat or kitten to snack in style, then this placemat is for them! Show how much you love your feline by using this cute placemat for their food & water. Same pattern is used on the bottom, so this can be reversed. Measurements: 21.5 X 12 inches

To order, visit Snack 'n Snooze Homemade Pet Products

How Many Shih Tzus Does It Take...

My most recent customers were 4 adorable Shih Tzus: Checkmate, Phoebe, Zeus, and Addie Rose. Their owner, who also has a shop on Etsy called DeniseBlack, bought a large fleece dog bed for them to share. Well, apparently, it was a big hit, but it was girls vs boys! The girls weren't allowing the boys on it, and one of the girls would even block the boys from getting on it. I have since heard, though, that one of the boys bravely made it on to the bed a few days ago - yay! :)

At DeniseBlack you will find all kind of hats and dread tams along with other items she has for sale. She has been crocheting for years and is a published designer.

If you like this pattern, I do have 1 medium sized bed available. It is a good size for a dog 20 lbs or less (or a cat!).

How To Improve Your Craft Fair Experience as a Seller

A wonderful Etsian, LayneDesign, has posted a very helpful list to help those of us that want to attend our first Craft Fair, or even for those that have gone but would like a few extra pointers. She has graciously agreed for me to post her advice here, so be sure to check it out, and please add comments or questions. Maybe you will have some tips as well!

Be sure to check out LayneDesigns's shop - she makes "everything from oil painting, to decorative painting to cloth primitive dolls." It's a really cool shop. - Bonnie

LayneDesign says:
I have been doing craft shows for 16 years. I spent 3 years weeding out the bad ones. Here is my advice.

1. Stay away from churches and firehalls.

2. Display means a lot!! My sales tripled when I took the time to put a nicer display together. (you dont want to look like a garage sale)

3. You have to have your 1 and 2 dollar items. then middle price 5-10 dollars then the higher stuff. Around 75 - 80% of your sales will come from the lower and mid ranged priced items.

4. Check with your chamber of commerce or with who ever is holding the craft show. They usually have numbers of how many people attended the year before.

5. Talk to the other vendors. They usually have a good idea as to which shows are better.

6. Be picky as to what shows you do. I used to try to do as many shows as I could a summer. All I did was make myself tired. Now I only do 3-5 shows a summer and one in the fall.

7. THIS IS IMPORTANT!!! People steal at the shows!! (not other vendors, but the crowd). Make sure you have someone with you for potty breaks!!!! If not another vendor next to you is usually willing to keep an eye on things. If it is a super big show always have another person with you. You have to really pay attention especially if you have smaller items.

8. Don't give up my first show I made 18 dollars. Now I usually make over $1000.

9. You MUST have a state tax ID number. Yes the state goes to the shows and checks. AND you can get a fine. (You have to collect sales tax and send it to the state) The Certificate must be displayed in your area. (check with your local state as to the exact laws)

Reigning Cats and Dogs

I just made this really cute treasury on Etsy.com called Reigning Cats & Dogs. Please take a moment to check it out. It is made up from some of my fav Etsy Shop. Plenty of dog and cat products to look at! Pet clothing, collars, pet beds, towels, photos, felted pets, and of course toys for pets! Enjoy!

Bonnie

Featured Etsy Shop: Artby TuranLoch

Hey Blog Followers, I've decided to start featuring some of my favourite Etsy Shops. I"ll try to do this on daily basis. Some of these shops I have already purchased some, but they are all very creative, and I think they deserve a spotlight, so please check them out.



Today, our featured Shop is Artby TuranLoch



Artby TuranLoch created Snack 'n Snooze's Logo!





I had just started out on Etsy, tried to make my own logo and failed miserably. I checked out Alchemy on Etsy, and found Artby TuranLoch. Very talented, and most importantly patient. Listened (read) my own ideas but provided suggestions as well until the logo was complete. Because my shop was inspired by my pets, a Shiba Inu & 2 cats, of course they had to somehow be involved in the logo.



Artby TuranLoch does custom banners, avatars, business card templates, birthday, party or wedding invites, thank you cards, labels, logos, photocollages, silhouettes, blog banners, blog templates etc.

Woof Woof! Something for the Pooches.

I just listed this new fleece dog bed. My dog, Sushi, is approx. 20 lbs to give you an idea of the size. I love this pattern. My in-laws found it for me, and it has a variety of dogs in the pattern - maybe one of them looks like your dog! Sushi was kind enough to model with it (treats always help!) I think this is one of my fav beds so far! What do you think?

Picking Colors for our Pets

Does your pet have a favorite color, or do you? When you buy things for your pets, which colors do you tend to buy? Does it matter? Some owners may want to match their own home decor, some might go for bright colors, and for some it may not matter. Which colors do you look for when buying for your pets?

For our dog, for collars or harnesses, usually black, blue, or purple. For our cats, just about anything goes for our Torti, but for our black DSH - yellow or red goes well with her.

Bonnie

It's Bailey's 6th Birthday Today!

In honour of our cat, Bailey's, birthday, any fleece pet beds purchased from Snack 'n Snooze TODAY or TOMORROW, will have FREE SHIPPING. I will refund the shipping cost via paypal. A lot of the fleece pet beds are on sale, so please take a look! Some are only for dog, only for cats, and some could be for either.

Meowwza!!!!

Bonnie

Hike For our Heroes

Troy is an Iraq-war veteran who will be hiking 7000 miles across America beginning April 17th, to raise money for struggling veterans, and help get a national "Day of the Deployed". His Shiba Inu, Emmy, is accompanying him. Show your support by joining his Facebook Fan Page

Thanks,
Bonnie

217 Adoptions!!

As my dog would say...ROOHOO!!! Wayside Waif's adoptathon on the weekend resulted in 217 adoptions, and that included 2 bunnies. It was a busy weekend, but a happy one :) Josephine, in the previous post, was adopted. The others are still there awaiting their turn. Now that the adoptathon is over, I'll be back to concentrating on some new items for Snack 'n Snooze!

Cats Needing Their Furrever Home

As you know, today is the start of Wayside Waif's weeknd adoptathon!

Slick had the honor of being the first cat adopted this morning! Yay! He was one of my favs, so I will miss him, but I"m thrilled for him :) I thought I would post a few pics of some of the other cats available, and if you want to check out the other available dogs & cats, visit Wayside Waifs website.

PLEASE send this to all your friends and family, and ask them to pass it along as well. You never know who might live close enough to want to visit Wayside and find their new best friend.

Harvey













Scorpio








Josephine



Betty









Annie













Rainbow









Slick - adopted!









Thanks!

Bonnie

Getting Ready for the Adopt-a-Thon

The shelter I work at, Wayside Waifs is having their 3rd annual adopt-a-thon starting tomorrow, and it continues until Sunday. I have today and tomorrow off, so inbetween orders for Snack 'n Snooze, I am busily crocheting cat blankets for the cats & kittens to take with them to their new homes. I'm sure I won't have enough, so I'm going to bring some catnip squares so that hopefully every cat or kitten will have something to take with them.