Missed It!

Glancing at my 2011 dog calendar I noticed that yesterday was National Dress Up Your Pet Day. I did not notice any dogs on the Chehalis Western Trail here in Olympia, Washington wearing costumes. Did you see any costumed pets?

There are important things to consider before you dress up your pet.

For example:
1. Make sure your pet is comfortable. If he/she is "fighting" the costume or sweater -this can be very stressful.
2. Make sure he is not TOO hot. Pets can overheat.
3. Make sure there are no restrictive bands that can injure your pet.

Some pets like being dressed up and others HATE it. One great alternative that is also very cool is a bandanna. This is a fun way to dress up a pet that does not like to be dressed. Most dogs tolerate and even enjoy bandannas.


Ebony's bandanna says, "trouble" and was a gift from my son to her when she was a pup. She has not outgrown it!

Homemade Dog Gift

Looking for that special homemade gift for your dog or a friend's dog?

Something quick and simple, make a bandanna. With different patterns and fabrics available, you can find the best design to fit any dog. All you need is some festive fabric and a pair of scissors.




Supplies needed to make 4 large bandannas or 8 small ones:

1. 1 yard cotton polyester blend fabric (can be pre-washed, though not required)

2. Pinking shears (scissors that help keep fabric from fraying)

Instructions:

Keep the fabric folded along the natural crease so that the width of the double layer of fabric is 23 inches.

With the fold along the bottom edge, grasp the lower right corner of the fabric and fold at a diagonal to that the bottom right corner is now even with the upper left edge. Make sure the previous right edge of the fabric is now flush with the upper edge of the fabric.

There should now be a triangular shaped piece of fabric with some extra fabric on the left side.

Using pinking shears, cut along the edges, including the base of the newly formed triangle. This will result in 4 large bandannas and some extra fabric.

For smaller bandannas, connect the two edges of the previously made bandannas. This will result in a smaller triangle. Cut the edges with pinking shears. There will now be 8 small bandannas.

Pinking shears are used to delay the inevitable fraying that occurs on the edges of the fabric. For longer lasting bandannas, fold, press and stitch the edges to prevent fraying.