"I like a bit of a mongrel myself, whether it's a man or a dog; they're the best for every day."
George Bernard Shaw
I couldn't resist sharing the quote above. I've pretty much always had 'mongrels' - but we call them Heinz 57 (after the ketchup, I presume). Carmel is a lab-shepard mix, according to the Humane Society, which was where she was born. When I look back, I realize that ALL of my dogs have been shepard mixes - either lab/shepard, or collie/shepard.
Today's paper had this interesting tidbit in it: October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Who knew? Not me. But, I know now. I'd run out and comply, except - I think it would stress Carmel out a bit too much. She's entering old age and doesn't tolerate change well. (found this link to the ASPCA blog...via this note: very kewl!)
The article came with these directions for making a "puppy-dog bank." [see pic here from: Ken Love / Akron Beacon Journal]
Call the kids in and work on this - while the winter winds curl around the eaves of your house. Especially if you're in Buffalo, NY! You have our sympathies. The daughter who is newly married had to evacuate her apartment - with her 3 kitties. They're here - terrorizing Pandora and Carmel (as pets will do - without actually "doing" anything; just having them in the house seems to be stressful for the house pets who live here! One of the intruders is intent upon making 'friends' but...the resident pets are not buying it.)
Materials for the Puppy-Dog Bank (check your local craft store). Children - please ask a parent to help you.
- Clear 1-liter plastic bottle.
- 2 1/2 inch plastic foam egg.
- Brown furry felt.
- Two 1- inch tan pom-poms and one 1/2 inch black pom-pom.
- Brown acrylic paint and brush
- Wiggle Eyes
- Ribbon or cord, for collar
- Craft glue
Directions: 1. Ask an adult to make a vertical slit in the back of the 1-liter bottle - for adding your coins when the bank is done.
2. Ask Mom or Dad, or the adult working with you, to clean out the pointed end of a plastic foam egg. Paint it brown and glue it over the bottle cap when dry.
3. Using the photo here, draw the back haunches and the puppy paws on your felt - so that it wraps around the back of the bottle, so that the paws meet in front. Glue on bottle.
4. Cut and wrap the legs around the back of the bottle, to just within the coin-slit. Glue.
5. Glue the two larger poms-poms on the face and glue the smaller black pom-pom above for a nose. Glue on eyes.
6. Glue a ribbon or cord around the next, for a collar. Add a bone or some other toy, and enjoy!
Comments