A Thing for Sewing

Culcha

2011-11-01T19:27:00.000+11:00

I finally got to see the Tasmanian Swan Lake ballet in Burnie last week. I really appreciate the effort that goes into this sort of dancing, but I think the costumes fascinate me just as much:

Doggie Updates

2011-10-30T19:08:00.002+11:00

Willy

When I got to the Dog's Home this morning, Shandy was being test driven by a couple, so let's hope they like her enough to take her home. And Tibby was still there, plodding along on her tiny short legs. At 12 years old, I hope someone takes her home. She gets a bit puffed going up hills. And Deena was still there, affectionate as ever and very happy to go for a walk. But the good news is that Montali, long term resident of the Home, who was transferred to Hobart, is being fostered out with a view to adoption. Let's hope they have good high fences because Montali is a jumper. But after the years she's been at the home, I hope she gets adopted and it works out for her. I haven't blogged about Willy, the foxhound before, but he's found a new home. Willy would have to be the strongest dog ever. He knocked me onto my backside once, which was quite funny. Wolfie was a wolfhound cross who seemed to get more erratic every time I walked him, but after being transferred to Hobart, he's found a new home. Being locked up for a good part of the day wasn't doing him much good at all.

Dog of The Week

2011-10-24T10:48:00.000+11:00

Shandy the bitser is only a year old and is a cute little thing. What I liked the most is her soft little face and her cute little short legs. She has an unfussy nature and would make a lovely quiet pet for someone. Fingers crossed.

Cute

2011-10-23T10:30:00.000+11:00

It was nice to read this morning that the Victorian government is finally getting tough on illegal puppy farms. Next on the hit list should be pet shops and backyard breeders. All those dogs at shelters and homes must come from somewhere, and why should they be born, only to be euthanased at a young age because nobody wants them. As far as I know, as a humble volunteer, the Dog's Homes of Tasmania do not put down healthy dogs.

Fun Photo

2011-10-16T14:15:00.002+11:00

Who needs a blanket when you have a dog like this? It actually hailed in Devonport today. I was walking Wolfie from the dog's home and tiny hailstones were bouncing off his back.

I Like This Too

2011-10-15T10:26:00.001+11:00

A Bit Of Gorgeousness

2011-10-14T09:13:00.001+11:00

How lovely is this chair, found here. Mind you, I wouldn't sit on it because it would get grubby just walking past it.

My Kimmie is Famous!

2011-10-11T19:59:00.004+11:00

Second chance for trio

BY CAITLIN HEATHCOTE

11 Oct, 2011 11:41 AM

TWO dogs from the Devonport dogs' home are out to show you can teach an old dog new tricks. Dogs Kimmy and Peewee have been selected to become hearing aid dogs and have been whisked away to the Adelaide Hills for an intensive training program. The program will help teach them to recognise sounds and alert them to their deaf or hearing-impaired owner. Luiza Ziembicki, head trainer of Lions Hearing Dogs, said Kimmy and Peewee were making great progress with their training. "They have both passed the first stages of their training so far," she said. Ms Ziembicki said there were three stages of training the dogs had to pass to be able to be recognised as qualified hearing aid dogs. "We like to think they go through their learners, then their probationary licences before they can be pronounced fully qualified," Ms Ziembicki said. Training a hearing aid dog takes between six and eight months. "Generally they have a couple of months in our kennels," Ms Ziembicki said. "We assess them for any health problems and take them through different scenarios to help them adjust to different situations. "Hearing aid dogs have the same rights as guide dogs, which means they are allowed in public places like shops and on public transport. Ms Ziembicki said she liked sourcing dogs from the Dogs Home of Tasmania because they seemed to have the smaller breeds best suited to hearing aid dog training. "We are looking for dogs about beagle or cocker-spaniel-sized," Ms Ziembicki said. "You (Tasmania) seem to have more of the smaller breeds in your dogs' homes. "You just can't find them much here."

My old foster dog Kimmie (here, here and here) was in The Advocate today. I stole the same online article above from the Devonport Times. It looks like little Kimmie is doing really well, darling little thing. Love the photo (that's Kimmie on the left).

Dogs of the Week

2011-10-09T19:08:00.011+11:00

It was a gorgeous day in Devonport today and perfect for walking dogs. There were 2 puppies together in an outside cage and I couldn't stay away from them they were so adorable, so they will be my dogs of the week. Jasmine and Violet are only 10 weeks old and they're very friendly and play well together. They look cute as buttons asleep on their bed curled up together and they pop their little heads up when you walk past. Jasmine has very nice colouring and Violet is an unusual grey colour.

Jasmine and Violet

Tiby was still there, playing in the yard with some small friends, and so was Deena, who was VERY excited to go for a walk. I found out that long term resident Montali and Bluey have been transferred to the Hobart pound, so here's hoping the perfect owners finds them there. Roy found a new home on the mainland, so he was flown out. It really is nice to get good news before I leave.

Bluey, Deena, Montali, Roy and Tiby

Cute Stuff

2011-10-07T10:40:00.000+11:00

Because sometimes I need some cuteness to look at:

Dog of the Week

2011-10-05T12:12:00.002+11:00

Tibby is a lovely little dog, despite being a tad bossy. She's 12 and reminds me of a guinea pig with her round body and short legs. She's easy on a lead and loves a scratch round the ears.

The Arboretum

2011-10-03T12:31:00.001+11:00

I hadn't been out to the Arboretum for many years, but yesterday I finally visited it again, and it was beautiful. The weather was just perfect, there were lovely walks to take, and they even allow dogs on leads. The volunteers out there do a really good job:

Easiest Thing Ever

2011-10-02T17:49:00.000+11:00

I've been using an ugly mouse pad for so long I didn't notice it any more. So I re-covered it with a piece of fabric by vliesofixing it down with an iron. It took 5 minutes and I kind of like the feel of the fabric. Done!

Be Kind To Animals Week

2011-10-01T08:54:00.002+10:00

http://www.animalsaustralia.org/events/

It's a bit like preaching to the converted with this one (bloggers already being lovely kind people anyway), but hey.

Sewing

2011-09-30T15:13:00.001+10:00

Not a lot of sewing going on around here, but did manage a couple of toy bags with windows as a gift. BTW, it's a gorgeous day in Devonport today. Lord knows why I'm inside on the puter!

Nice Doggie

2011-09-27T10:45:00.003+10:00

This is Deena. Just an average looking dog, a bit crazy on the lead, but she is lovely and affectionate and looks you in the eye when you pet her and she's very grateful for the attention. It really pays to look past what they look like.

http://dogshomesoftas.com.au/adopt/dogs-for-adoption/

Puppy Farm Awareness Day

2011-09-19T10:49:00.006+10:00

What can I say, except please spread the word?

http://www.rspcavic.org/issues-take-action/puppy-factories/
http://www.animalsaustralia.org/events/?event=147 http://www.petrescue.com.au/article/720
http://www.choosecrueltyfree.org.au/list.html
http://www.adoptapet.com.au/search/default.asp?advanced=&s=

http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/oscarslaw

http://wheredopuppiescomefrom.com/

Another Petition

2011-09-16T11:14:00.003+10:00

http://adam-bandt.greensmps.org.au/demand-end-live-exports

to help stop live exports. I still go cold all over when I see or read about the cruelty of this trade. And to read about mainly liberal senators scrabbling for feeble excuses to keep the trade going is pathetic and squirm inducing.

Puppies

2011-09-02T17:40:00.003+10:00

Because I volunteer at the Dog's Home, I often wonder where all the dogs come from, and how they end up there. I know sometimes it's unavoidable things like a death (I've heard some pretty sad things over the years), and a lot are strays that were injured or never reclaimed. I've also heard a lot of happy endings. My own little dog came from the Home as a puppy and as luck would have it, she was the sweetest tempered little thing, because back then I knew less than nothing about dogs and how to pick one. I chose one that I felt I could love. How lame is that? The RSPCA has a webpage with advice on how to pick a dog, and I'd like to add that buying a dog from the Home means that you can spend as much time as you like out there playing with them, talking about them to the staff, and picking one that matches your family. And that's a lot easier to do if the dog is grown than it is with a pile of puppies. Oh, and I've learned that you never buy a puppy from a fair or market, a petshop or from a breeder who won't let you see where the puppy comes from.
http://www.rspca.org.au/how-you-can-help/campaigns/pedigree-dogs/choosing-a-puppy.html

Roy, Fox Terrier, 8 years old

Dog Of The Week

2011-08-29T10:19:00.001+10:00

Bluey is my favourite this week, simply because he's such a smoocher. He needs some training on a lead (most of them do) but sit down with him and he loves a cuddle and scratch. When a dog puts his head on my lap and looks up at me, I'm won over, easy as that.

The Fight Continues

2011-08-25T10:46:00.002+10:00

http://banliveexport.com/

So Many Dogs

2011-08-14T22:47:00.004+10:00

Today at the Dog's Home I was shocked at how many dogs there were. They were everywhere, and they were ALL barking. The Home is letting them go for half the cost because they are so overcrowded and they have to reduce numbers. Please tell everyone you know that $125 will get them a dog that is desexed, vetted, wormed, chipped etc from the Burnie or Devonport Dog's Home, and there is every size and colour to pick from. Today I saw a lucky family leave with a gorgeous long haired border collie and there were 2 or 3 more there to pick from. After knowing my gentle Reginald, who was a collie x, I'll be a collie fan forever I think. He was just a perfectly beautiful gentle boy and I'll never forget him.

My dog of the week will be Rose, just because she was so well behaved and easy on the lead:

Edit Update: Rose had a sign on her door today saying she was only $50! What a bargain.
Edit Update Update: Rose was adopted out a few weeks ago.

RIP Reginald

2011-08-11T09:17:00.001+10:00

I received very sad news yesterday. My foster dog Reginald has been living in Hobart with his wonderful new mum Sandra and was recently diagnosed with a collapsed trachea. The damage was down low and had caused him a lot of distress in the past, but yesterday morning he got really bad and he had to be helped on his way. I can't tell you how much I loved him and his big eyes. He was a truly beautiful natured dog, and I'm trying really hard to be positive.

I Hate To Be a Bore, But .....

2011-08-01T16:12:00.001+10:00

Can I just remind anyone who can, to attend this rally in Hobart this month. It is such an important subject.

Half Hearted

2011-07-31T20:03:00.001+10:00

I'm not really interested in my sewing these days. Winter was my best sewing time in days past, but I struggle for inspiration now. A bit of knitting is usually all I can manage. The Dog's Home, on the other hand, seems to be full to the brim with ever more dogs, all looking for that special someone to take them home. The poor things have to spend a good part of their day shut into a dismal cage, and if they are lucky they'll get paired up with a mate to play with. According to our volunteer's sign in book, there are days when nobody turns up at all to walk a few dogs, and from experience, ALL dogs like a walk.

Cute Dog Photo

2011-07-28T10:15:00.001+10:00

I loves me a cute dog. This one is from Pinterest:

Still Knitting

2011-07-26T10:59:00.001+10:00

It's lovely to sit in front of the fire at the end of the day in this cold weather and relax with some handwork, so I started knitting a little hoodie for my new grand niece. And I'm wondering what to knit with the multi coloured yarn I picked up from K Mart. I've always been a sucker for rainbowie colours.

Woolly Worm

2011-07-23T09:45:00.000+10:00

I'm totally lacking motivation and energy lately, probably the time of year, but I managed to make this silly worm or caterpillar as a present. It's supposed to have antennas and feet, but I don't crochet. Weird but a one-off.

From Pinterest, Cute or What?

2011-07-20T11:08:00.002+10:00

Oldie But Goodie

2011-07-17T13:55:00.002+10:00

I had good news about Louie today. He was adopted this week by a nice family. And Kimmie the amputee has gone to South Australia to begin a new life as an assistance dog, along with a couple others from the Home. Kimmie will be trained and well looked after and she'll have a useful life ahead of her, in the nicest possible way. I couldn't ask for better.

icanhascheezburger

Experimental Sewing

2011-07-13T12:42:00.000+10:00

Occasionally I'll find a pattern on the internet that I like to try out. This one was quick and inexpensive so thought I would try it. It was fun giving it to my niece and telling her to guess what it was. She didn't have a clue. It's supposed to act as a restraint for a baby on a dining chair. I don't think it will work very well, and if it does, it won't be used for very long. We'll see:

More Sewing

2011-07-12T16:37:00.000+10:00

Some occasional sewing being done:

Dog's Home Update

2011-07-10T22:42:00.002+10:00

It was a cold, wet windy day today, but it didn't stop the dogs at the Home from wanting to walk and play outside. I was surprised to see my little foster puppy Louie was still there waiting for a new owner. He seemed quite happy playing with other little dogs and didn't pay me much mind. Kimmie the amputee was still in the sick room, keeping warm and safe. I spotted a light brown spaniel puppy in the new section and he was the most gorgeous little fluffy, placid soul, just sitting amongst the chaos of barking and jumping dogs, serenely looking out. I asked about him and was told he was surrendered today, and had been bought a week ago from a market for $250. (There are so many things wrong with that, I wouldn't know where to start.) There seems to be a run of jack russells lately, and pups. Other times it's staffies or beagles, but there are always more in the winter.

Little Louie the pup

Smile Maker Tuesday

2011-07-05T10:34:00.001+10:00

Things I'm grateful for today:

my reasonably good health (despite not being fit)

having two sisters to look out for me, who live in the same town

having six gorgeous grand nieces and nephew to make me happy

having a puter to distract me for a little while each day

Kimmie Update

2011-07-04T17:17:00.000+10:00

Today I took Kimmie to the Vet for a checkup for her amputated paw. Dr. Bob removed the bandage and everything looked okay, and she'll be just fine. She's back at the Home and will be available for adoption soon.

New Foster Dog

2011-07-03T12:27:00.002+10:00

Dear little Louie has gone back to the home to await his desexing operation, and he already has a family interested in him. It wasn't sad to take him back because he is having a lot of fun with other pups his own size.

I bought home little Kimmie on Thursday because she had an infected foot which had to be partially amputated. The foot is wrapped up and enclosed in plastic to keep it clean. (The vet work at the home is done voluntarily by the Forbes Street Veterinary Clinic, and the lovely Dr Bob Clippingdale was looking after Kimmie.) She is a smallish bitser with an athletic body and she just loves to run and run. She's really good on a lead, but being energetic and not trained, she's got adhd and likes to lick. But these things are easy to fix with good training. So if anyone knows someone who likes to jog and has the patience to train her properly, this is the perfect dog. Her sore foot doesn't seem to bother her at all, and she hasn't tried to bite the bandage off. It was really hard to get a good photo of her, because she doesn't sit still.

ps. she has a short glossy coat and a nice little curl on the end of her tail.

Planking

2011-06-27T10:46:00.000+10:00

Sewing Bits and Bobs

2011-06-25T15:34:00.000+10:00

Not a lot of sewing being done here lately. By the time the mending is done, presents sewn, clothes made etc. not a lot of fun stuff gets done.

Smile Maker Tuesday

2011-06-21T20:12:00.001+10:00

Following Lollie Pops Place's lead, I'm going to list a few things I have to be grateful for. Winter tends to make me gloomy and negative, so it doesn't hurt to count my blessings occasionally.

This week, I'm grateful for:

Still having a wood burner to keep us warm

Having my nice neighbour to go out for coffee with

Having little Louie to cuddle and play with

Nursing a brand new baby girl grand niece, and sewing presents for her

I could go on but that will do for this week. Now I'll try and find a nice picture to go with the theme.

Reginald Update

2011-06-17T10:57:00.000+10:00

These are some recent photos of Reginald, kindly sent to me by his new mum Sandra. She says: "no woofing yet but a few tail wags. A few new pictures of our boy, He has been having a good time in the garden digging and burying bones and things. We had a good time at cornelian bay this weekend, Reg even had a bit of a play in the sand, well as much as he can seems to like kicking the sand. We have met a lot of dogs home dogs on our walks which is great." It makes my heart glad to hear that.

More Louie

2011-06-14T11:50:00.001+10:00

Louie just adores playing outside and talking to the dog next door through the fence. He's got so much energy, he's just delightful.

New Foster Dog

2011-06-11T10:38:00.000+10:00

This warm fluffy blob is the cutest pup ever. His name is Louie, and some dog walkers found him abandoned in the bush at Gowrie Park a couple of weeks ago when it was very very cold. He was way too young to be separated from his mum so he's here with me until he can be desexed and put out for adoption. Even though he was FULL of round worms, and he cries all night, he is the cutest little thing. He looks like a labrador, but it's hard to be sure when they are so young. Someone out there is going to be the very lucky owner of a fun loving, child loving pup:

Good News

2011-06-08T10:54:00.000+10:00

It was nice to wake up to some good news at last, thanks to Lyn White.

What The ......

2011-06-07T20:23:00.001+10:00

Me thinks mr bob katter has lost his marbles:

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/katter-compares-evil-greens-to-mao-zedong-20110607-1fps0.html

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/news/mp-bob-katter-calls-for-cattle-farmers-to-get-compensation-after-live-export-ban/story-e6frg90f-1226071779584

2011-06-04T10:53:00.001+10:00

Since the 4 Corners footage aired this week, I've spent every spare minute on the puter, sending emails and letters, and trying to maintain the rage. These articles say everything I would like to say, but much better than I ever could:

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/saturday-reflection-20110604-1flse.html
http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/2743316.html

Sickening

2011-05-31T10:38:00.002+10:00

Whether or not you watched 4 Corners last night, you would be appalled at what happens to cattle in Indonesian slaughterhouses on a massive scale. I could say a lot more, but for now I'm adding my name to a call for the banning of all live export. If everyone sends this to as many people they can on the internet, it can only be a good thing:

http://www.banliveexport.com/#takeAction

Dog of the Week

2011-05-24T17:10:00.001+10:00

I've chosen Montali as my pick for the week, mainly because she's been at the home for so long. I don't know why she hasn't been snaffled up yet, because she's just a regular dog, minding her own business, not getting into trouble. Or maybe that's why nobody has noticed her. She had mange for a short time earlier this year, but that was treated. After being at the home for almost a year, it would be nice to see her get adopted.

On a cheerful note, Reginald's mum tells me that he is doing very well, he likes to play with other dogs at the beach, and scared himself when he saw his reflection in the oven door. lol

Fun Stuff

2011-05-22T13:09:00.000+10:00

Sometimes it's fun to just play around with colour, and lately I'm semi-obsessed with felt, and googling felt projects brings up so many fun things to make. I'll just keep playing until I get it out of my system:

Weird Photo

2011-05-19T18:18:00.000+10:00

Reginald's New Home

2011-05-17T09:55:00.001+10:00

These photos were kindly sent to me by Reg's new mum on his first day. I love his new coat:

Au Revoir Sir Reginald

2011-05-15T11:18:00.005+10:00

Well, Reginald's story has only just begun. Today he started his exciting new life with his new mum and grandma in Hobart. He had 3 days to get used to his new rellies, and this morning he was off in the back of his landrover, without a backwards look. I couldn't be happier with his new arrangement and he's going to have a great time being spoilt. I'm not sad though, because he'll be back here in August for 3 weeks while his mum goes on holiday. (I'm not one for gushy sentimentality, but I really think it's kismet and that Reg has been waiting for Sandra, she's an angel).

umm, why are you all looking at me?

with his new mum making him safe for the trip

wondering what is going on

ready for his new adventure

Cute

2011-05-14T19:17:00.000+10:00

Doggie Updates

2011-05-09T11:04:00.001+10:00

My pick this week would be Sassy. A little bit of a thing, but lots of energy and would fit in with most families:

The Dog's Home also had a big new litter of surrendered puppies that all looked exactly alike, black with white patches on their chests, but their tails were different lengths. They looked adorable lined up in a row, their little faces all looking the same.

Reginald continues to get slowly better. He loves his morning walks and loves to sniff every blade of grass. I caught him the other night asleep on the sofa and he rolled onto his back, that's a first for him. Yesterday he ran over to his rug on the floor and playfully nibbled at the rug then walked off. That was a biggie too, for a dog that NEVER plays.

Mother's Day Etsy Montage

2011-05-08T10:39:00.001+10:00

I'm kind of addicted to making montages, so for mother's day, I chose old fashioned traditional things that mothers were given. And it's nice having an excuse to look at the millions of items on Etsy:

Etsy

The Kindness of Bloggers

2011-05-07T10:28:00.002+10:00

Look what I got in the mail this week. The generous Kate from Creative World sent me this lovely big brooch, just because she's nice. I love getting parcels in the mail:

Sewing

2011-05-03T10:17:00.003+10:00

Aren't they cute? I saw them at Clare's Craftroom and decided to make a few. And they were really easy to make. Edit: I just found another version at Spun Sugar Quilts.

Fairy House

2011-05-02T17:00:00.000+10:00

Pinch And A Punch

2011-05-01T10:59:00.004+10:00

Royal Wedding

2011-04-30T11:29:00.002+10:00

Thumbs up:
to the royal wedding, although I hadn't planned to watch it. I have to say that I liked the simplicity of her dress and bouquet, and her mother looked perfect. I expected to see a team of bridesmaids, but her sister looked very elegant. Couldn't fault it really, except for the ridiculous hats worn by a lot of the women. I mean, really.

Thumbs down:
to the guy in Banjos Burnie yesterday who picked his nose the entire time we were in there, and the other guy who passed wind. Yuk. Oh, and the guy who didn't secure his load and almost wrote us off when a 4x2 flew off the back of his ute and hurtled towards us, luckily rolling past.

Foster Friends

2011-04-28T15:18:00.003+10:00

This is about as friendly as Reginald and our cat get. The odd hiss from Puss and that's about it. Reginald has regressed a bit lately, which meant he peed in the house a couple of times. He's getting better, but I don't think he'll ever be anxiety free.

For Fun

2011-04-26T18:57:00.001+10:00

Etsy

For Fun

2011-04-25T23:29:00.003+10:00

Etsy

For My Ancestors

2011-04-25T09:38:00.002+10:00

I'm remembering my great uncles and father in law today, who gave up their lives and health to keep us safe. Years ago I dabbled into our family history, and sent away for war records, as you do, and amongst the papers they sent me, were letters written by my great grandmother. She had written to the war office trying to find out what happened to one of her two sons, who had been sent to the Middle East. She was eventually told he'd been killed. It was so sad, and it really brought home to me the sacrifices and sadness that war brings to everyone:

A map that was given to my FIL after the war.

International Day of The Dog

2011-04-24T21:50:00.002+10:00

Almost forgot. Today was International Day of The Dog.

But if we love our dogs, we don't need reminding.

Good News

2011-04-24T13:36:00.000+10:00

Dear little Chester has been adopted out already, which is lovely. But, it gets a bit disheartening sometimes, that every week more and more dogs are brought in and not claimed. It never ends.

Just Coz .....

2011-04-23T10:37:00.000+10:00

Etsy Favourites

2011-04-22T17:00:00.004+10:00

1. felt egg
2. Easter wreath
3. carrot purse
4. felt sugar cookies
5. play set
6. felted soap
7. decorations
8. egg cosies
9. placemat
10. tin egg

Good Friday

2011-04-22T14:31:00.000+10:00

Sewing

2011-04-20T17:20:00.001+10:00

A little bit of sewing being done. A couple of simple sand filled door stops for my lovely neighbours. And a stash busting Christmas stocking (idea pinched from somewhere on the internets).

Dog of the Week - Chester

2011-04-18T17:56:00.001+10:00

Chester was a stray and nobody bothered to reclaim him, so at the Home he stayed. His coat was thickly matted all over and he had to be shaved. He looks a bit of a mess, which makes him seem older than 2, but as his fur grows, he'll look better and better. He didn't want to go back in his cage, poor little fella. I'm hazarding a guess that he will be much better off in the Home than he was with his previous neglectful owner though. But look at those big watery eyes. He should be living a pampered life in someone's cosy home getting lots of attention.

Montage

2011-04-15T17:30:00.004+10:00

I've been having fun playing around with photo montages, and Dog's Home dogs was the first subject I thought of to do, naturally:

My Dog of the Week

2011-04-11T17:19:00.000+10:00

I have a soft spot for the older dogs. Grace is eight years old and it seems such bad luck to end up in the Home at that age. She's only little and was really really happy to go for a walk, dear little thing, and she's excellent on a lead. A lot of them aren't good, and they pull so hard at times, that a few volunteer ladies have been pulled over and dragged. Touch wood it hasn't happened to me, but I was pushed over by a very strong beagle not long ago.

Better Late Than Never

2011-04-08T10:00:00.001+10:00

I finally finished my grand niece's Christmas stocking. I tried sewing various types of beads onto the red fabric, but nothing looked right. So plain it stays.

Reginald

2011-04-06T10:41:00.000+10:00

I think Reginald has finally learned that cars are good, and that fun things happen at the end of a ride. No more jaw trembling!

Some Practical Sewing

2011-04-05T11:03:00.000+10:00

I finished a little bit of sewing at the weekend. A practical carry bag for camping with waterproof lining and inside zip pockets. It'll keep my camera etc safe and dry. I went to the Spreyton Apple Festival on Sunday. It was a nice day for it, but the breeze was a bit chilly.

April Fool's Day

2011-04-01T11:15:00.003+11:00

Call me evil, but I would have liked to do this to someones car today.

Funny Photo

2011-03-31T11:57:00.000+11:00

I saw this photo on Metallic Dreams and just had to share in case you miss it. Belinda's new dog is so cute:

Jump in My Car

2011-03-29T18:03:00.003+11:00

I opened a friend's ute door the other day, and Reg jumped in and made himself at home. I think he was ready for a ride somewhere.

Good news about the wallaby dogs, Vera and Nola. They have both been adopted out, not together, and hopefully will have a happy life with their new owners. With lots of walks.

Better and Better

2011-03-28T15:42:00.000+11:00

This is where Reginald naps when I'm using the computer, which is right behind me. All the better to keep a close eye on me I'm thinking.

I'm happy to say that Reg is slowly getting better. His jaw rarely trembles now, and quite often he gets playful and runs about like a puppy. When a friend comments on how much better he seems, it reminds me of just how scared and timid he was at first, and how much he's improved. He loves his morning walks round the block, and he'll tolerate the kids in the family with admirable patience (always under supervision of course). He's still afraid of unexpected noises, especially kitchen noises, which makes me wonder what on earth was done to him. Onwards and upwards ...

2011-03-22T10:11:00.000+11:00

My grand niece turned 3 on Sunday, so I sewed up a quick apron for her with her initial embroidered on the front. I also made a tinkerbell dress in green satin and organza, but because Tinkerbell is an adult fairy, and wears a strapless fitted dress which isn't really suitable for a 3 year old, I made mine with shoulders. I didn't get a decent photo as usual.

Relaxed Reginald

2011-03-19T13:13:00.000+11:00

sleeping (and snoring loudly)

keeping an eye on the neighbourhood

This is what Reg spends a good deal of his time doing:

and watching my every move while I'm sewing

Just for Fun on Etsy

2011-03-17T14:54:00.005+11:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T14:20:00.002+11:00

Cold Mornings

2011-03-16T09:41:00.001+11:00

On a recent particularly cold morning, the cat of the house decided my bed was the warmest place to be. PS: I just hope Reginald doesn't decide to do the same thing LOL.

2011-03-14T09:56:00.002+11:00

Taste the Harvest

2011-03-13T09:54:00.004+11:00

If I didn't feel so uncomfortable in crowds, I would probably go to the Taste the Harvest today. The weather is strangely still and foggy at the moment.

Reginald the Foster Dog

2011-03-11T15:53:00.002+11:00

I can't resist those big gentle eyes.

Pancake Day

2011-03-08T14:16:00.005+11:00

Mmm, I rather fancy some pancakes. Maybe for dessert tonight.

2011-03-07T16:25:00.000+11:00

Reginald

2011-03-03T13:01:00.004+11:00

Not his best angle.

When I brought Reginald home, he was supposed to be an outside dog, but because he's no trouble inside, that's where he spends a lot of his time, except when I'm doing the housework, because he tends to get frantic trying to find me, then slips on the wood floor. He sleeps a lot of the time, and still gets spooked by sharp noises. He's amazingly alert, and will come to me with a small tap on the knee. He loves his little walks, and wants to sniff everything. Reginald would be a loving, loyal, low maintenance companion for some lucky person. Whether or not it will be me, I don't know yet. He's only my second foster dog, and if I keep him, I'll be restricted in what future foster dogs I take on. And I'd like to keep fostering. We'll see.

Dogs of the Week

2011-03-02T17:25:00.001+11:00

My heart-tugging favourite dogs this week, would have to be Vera and Nola. They came in to the home together, with a sad background, and it would be nice to see them adopted out together. I think they are mother and daughter, and to put it politely, they are a tad chunky. What they need is lots of love and gentle walks, with no treats. When I first saw them in the gloom of the back of the cage, I thought they were wallabys lol, and it took a bit of coaxing to get them to walk, but after a bit they were fine:

Nola

Vera

Pinch And A Punch

2011-03-01T15:59:00.000+11:00

It must be autumn already!

Reginald

2011-02-25T10:48:00.000+11:00

I think Reginald is getting better. He's still very nervous of noise and riding in cars, but he is very easy to train using hand gestures, and this morning his tail was up and wagging when we set off on our morning stroll. Just now, he ran in and found a sunny spot on the floor, and wriggled round on his back. That's a first for him. Onwards and upwards!

Sewing

2011-02-24T15:26:00.000+11:00

Not a LOT of sewing going on here, but I'm making up a Christmas stocking for my little grand niece, using the same style and size as one I made for her brother. I must have had patience when I made it, cos I've sewn lots of tiny beads to the fabric, and embroidered his name to the fold over top. And I've got a whole year to get it done.

The Beach

2011-02-21T10:41:00.001+11:00

Back Beach is a popular place for dogs to play off the lead in Devonport, but poor Reginald doesn't seem to know what to do there. The other dogs run, leap and swim, but Reg just stands there watching them. He doesn't like the water either:

Back Beach

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-16T10:59:00.001+11:00

Valentines Day

2011-02-14T10:44:00.000+11:00

Reginald

2011-02-13T11:17:00.000+11:00

When Reginald wants to be alone, he likes to lay behind the jack and jill, and keep an eye on us through the hole. I know I'm boring, but really, this dog has no bad habits at all. He's just scared and deserves a quiet gentle life with someone who'll love him:

3D Embroidery

2011-02-12T09:42:00.002+11:00

My aunt has produced another stunning embroidery, so I took a bad photo of it, but the reflection spoils it. It took her a while to get it finished, but it was worth the effort:

Dream Dog

2011-02-11T11:18:00.001+11:00

When Reginald gets stressed, he wheezes like an asthmatic, but with an added whistle from his mouth. And when he sleeps, he snores, snuffles, grunts and snorts. When he eats, he gurgles, pings, twangs, burps, and later farts. He makes us laugh. The rest of the time, he's good as gold. He has none of the annoying habits, like barking, jumping, digging, licking, chewing or pulling on the lead. So I'm keeping him to a routine, so as not to turn him into a spoilt demanding sook. He doesn't like his kennel and prefers to sleep on the doorstep, so we took the front off to make it more open and he likes it a bit better: