Style for the Modern Dog

Over the weekend my mom and dad bought me a book - "The Complete Petrosexual" - a handbook of style for the modern dog. Well I've read it cover to cover and if I do say so myself, I could have written it! Anyway, I'd like to share some of the highlights with you and expand on the book a little.

The first chapter is about choosing and training your owner. Being a rescue myself, the organization screened my adoptive parents to be sure they were the right match. I mean a border collie won't do well in a New York apartment, and a pug won't do well with the athletic types who like to hike and jog. Hopefully all of you, my faithful readers, have the right canine or canine owner.

Words of wisdom from chapter 1: "Avoid excessive cell phone users, appendage pullers (disrespectful children) and anyone looking for a dog for protection"! And, remember to use your adoring gaze... it works every time!

Studio Nap

Mom's been working in the studio and I decided to cuddle with The Biscuit. The afternoon sun shining through the window was warm... unfortunately for mom, we were asleep in front of her easel!

Snow Angel

The Biscuit likes to roll around in the deep snow and make snow angels... I like to curl up on the couch and stay warm!

Snow Play

Mom took us all out to play in the snow this afternoon. The Biscuit and Blue-belle get to run without a tether but I'm a hound and if I get a scent, I'll take off! Anyway, we had loads of fun running in the deep snow. I decided to climb the tree in the backyard and went through to the other side... I couldn't figure out how to get back so mom had to come out and get me. The snow was really deep - up to her knees! I guess I won't be doing that again!

The Sidewalk Plow

If I had a dollar for each time I saw the sidewalk plow go by this winter, I think I'd have quite a bit of cash - for dog treats and fashion accessories! I know my hat's around my neck... I shook it there... I have to give mom something to do.

As you can see, The Biscuit and Blue-belle are cuddling - they must miss me while I'm outside watching the goings-on.

Faux Fur Hats & Plaid

As I mentioned in an earlier post, faux fur hats are warm. This particular hat has ear flaps to keep my delicate, long ears toasty in the worst weather. Plaid is not my taste, and it isn't just for prepsters (combination preppy and hipster) – the traditional pattern was a major trend in 2009 and handbags, hair accessories and even jewelry was adorned with it! A word of advice: keep your plaid pieces limited to one per outfit! The plaid hat does go well with my mossy green cape coat as well as my cranberry red sweater. I was told by a passer-by the house that I look like a real 'Mainah' with it on. Truthfully, I was thinking more like 'Red Green'. Either way my hat's a real 'Cawkah'!

Hat Fan

I'm a big hat fan... and I like this beret in hot pink I found in the coat closet. I think it's mom's. I like it because it covers my ears. Hot pink is the hottest color trend for 2011... but more on that in another post. Other hats I might like to have which are very warm are artificial fur hats - no natural furs for me. I'd like to decorate my hat with sparkles, stones, and beads, maybe feathers. Feathers and spangles look amazing and very glamorous on various hats. Bright berets look amazing on gloomy days... (hence moi) and knitted hats are still huge! There's always leather hats and fedoras - but not for daily use.

Cool Jewels

Mom went out today for a short time and took 'The Biscuit'. I didn't want to go - it was too cold out, but... I went into one of mom's jewelry drawers and look what I found! Lots of big, bold, funky, chunky necklaces! Layered necklaces are in!!! Stones, metals, beads, massive chains and crystals...

Mom has so many to choose from, too! Next time I'll look for some glitz and bling, stones and crystals... I think uncle Jim just fixed up some Austrian crystal necklaces for her!!! Got to run - I can hear the car in the driveway!

It's Cold Out There...

I went outside today and sat on my chair for an hour and watched mom shovel... Brrrr... even with my hat and sweater on... so I stayed in!

20 Inches!

Dad just came in and said it looks like we got 20 inches so far!!!

Lots of Snow!

Yes, that's me howling at the snow... It's cold and wet! I'm not used to this - but it is pretty - all white and fluffy. Looks like we have over 12 inches already. My dad cleaned this spot for me to walk in otherwise it would be up to my chest!

Waiting for Snow

Yes, I've got my hat on backwards... I wear it that way sometimes - it keeps the top of my head warm that way. Don't tell me you've never worn anything backwards (or inside out)!

Anyway, I'm waiting for snow. It's supposed to come late tonight and all day tomorrow. I'd never seen snow before I came to Maine. At the end of winter last year we didn't get much if any snow at all. I don't remember any but it was a very stressful time for me. Do you know I rode in a tractor trailer for 3 days with 50 other dogs? We had our own accommodations of course but what a long ride. How would you like to do it? I am glad I came north - my new family is great... I have them wrapped around my paw (just read my blog)!

Back to my story... I tried to jump at the snow that came at the end of December... my dad told my mom I was barking at it! Well it was cold and it was falling on me! So I want to see more of it. I get to walk in the snow sometimes in the backyard but I like to see the snow flakes fall. They are just beautiful. Did you know no 2 snow flakes are alike?

A snowflake consists of hundreds of millions of water molecules, which are added to its core at different rates and in different patterns, depending on the changing temperature and humidity within the atmosphere that the snowflake falls through on its way to the ground. A mouthful and very technical but amazing! The most common snow flakes are irregular, and the Guinness Book of World Records lists the world’s largest snowflakes fell in January 1887 at Fort Keogh, Montana - allegedly one measured 15 inches wide! Wow! See why I want to watch them?

French Beret

I had a very busy weekend... 'The Biscuit' and I went with mom and dad on errands Saturday (and Sunday, too). Aside from a ride to the beach, we got to go to Scalawags Pet Boutique. I just love that place! I got a new squeak toy... 'The Biscuit' got an Easy Walk like mine only his is black to match colors in his leash and collar. Mine is red to match my personality (and colors in my leash and collar)!!! Color coordination is very important. And 'The Biscuit' also got 2 squeak toys - one like mine and one like JoJo's. He's spoiled rotten!

But I digress... while I was at Scalawags, Mary Beth (owner and very special auntie to all doggies), had a French artist's beret like my mom's!!! So I tried it on. I look very Henri Matisse, don't you think? Especially with the red sweater...

Beret Fashion Notes: Berets are traditionally associated with France, and have been a part of the uniforms of many armed forces throughout the world since the mid-20th century. Worn by both men and women, it is commonly pushed to one side. In fashion and culture, the beret is part of the popular stereotype of intellectuals, film directors, artists (particularly painters), hipsters, bohemians and beatniks! Love it! Everyone should wear one!

Reading the Paper

Here I am with my dad... reading a car magazine together... He loves hot rods and muscle cars... I love dog treats and comfy sofas!

Faux Fur

Mom went out on errands today and took 'The Biscuit' with her. I stayed home with Blue-belle... so I went upstairs into her closet to try on a few things... and what did I find? A leopard faux fur collar with a nice big pearl button! Faux fur is fun! The look is perfect for winter... celebrities love faux fur... luxurious... short vests, full-length coats, collars, hats, gloves, purses... animal prints, multicolored, & toasty warm!

Oh yeah, here's a picture of 'The Biscuit' in the car licking his lips... he must have spotted some road-kill on the way home... :-)

Quiet Day...

It's a quiet day here... I'm staying inside... 'my' mailman, Jim, doesn't come today so why sit out there in the cold! Perhaps I will tomorrow... he usually brings me a huge peanut butter cookie!

Welcome to My Blog!!!

Dixie here... I'm a Treeing Walker Coonhound, recently rescued from Arkansas to Maine aboard P.E.T.S. truck on the Last Chance Highway... and I'm lovin' it!

I decided to start my own blog this year... as a fashion diva, I want to share my outfits and escapades. I'm also designing a new line of greeting cards - "Happy Hound Cards" - and perhaps a 2012 calendar featuring, you guessed it, me! So visit often to see what I'm up to...

Please write to me and I'll try to reply to your messages promptly... I spend a lot of time lounging around on the couch these days - too cold to go outside, even with my sweater and hat!