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Thursday, September 19, 2013

Commercial Super Stars :)

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mH7Os7OkTtk&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DmH7Os7OkTtk

Featured here are three of my pups, in a commercial for "Striking Paws Photography".
  

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Strike a Paws.... Vogue!

Strike a Paws....

High End Manhattan Canine Model, Ms. Georgia Peach
Anthony Rubio
Sophie Gamand


       I am at a loss for words, and that seldom happens! The reason why is my first glimpse of a collaboration between pet couturier  Anthony Rubio, and photographer  Sophie Gamand!

This series of photos shows the regal chihuahuas as they seem to envision themselves, something along the lines of royalty. Small in stature, and huge in personality, these chihuahuas shine in these scenarios.

My royal chihuahua pack, among very adorable others,  proudly participated in the series. My small Cosmo, pictured here, really enjoyed his photo shoot! He seemed to revel in the attention given to carefully putting on his fancy attire, and he proudly showed off his many glamorous looks. 
I know I rule the world, and it works for me.


This project took a full year to complete, and the effort was well worth the time spent. Anthony Rubio is a very talented designer,  who brings  especially  creative and unique fashion to his canine looks! He is a true artist. 

Sophie Gamand  is a gifted artist as well, a   photographer, who donates much of her talents to dog rescue. See:

My sweet as sugar Miss Georgia Peach, representing girly girl chihuahuas worldwide!


Anthony Rubio's chihuahua dressed to impress.



Tuesday, February 12, 2013

We Interrupt this Blog.... for a Cat Interjection!

  I have two cats currently, and my oldest one has an eye infection.

I took him to the Humane Society, and was informed of the likelihood of his needing his eye removed.
 He is going to be 15 this spring, so I really was flummoxed over what to do.

I ended up taking him to the Animal Medical Center.
http://www.amcny.org/about-amc/veterinarians-specialists/alexandra-van-der-woerdt-dvm-ms-dacvo-decvo

This doctor was great, Dr. van der Woerdt. I was very pleased with my experience here. My cousin Carl had taken his cat, Peter Rabbit, to her about a decade ago. I was very reassured by his positive review of this specialty veterinarian.

I learned that my cat Mr. Reegis P. Conklin JR had a minor eye infection. Just a few days later, with oral antbiotics and an eye ointment, he seems to be doing very well. 

If I could tell you the name of the woman at the Humane Society I would. She was not the most pleasant vet I've encountered.

I don't know her name, and it is not on their site. I am not being helpful. Other vets I have seen there were great, and I don't know their names either!

Moving on... That night, my cat bit me very hard when I administered his antibiotic. He is nearly 15, but it is the first medication I have given him, I would think.

The bite was accidental. The bite hurt like nothing I have ever felt. I think I was in shock, as I dont remember someone rinsing it, or wrapping something around the wound. I just recall screaming and crying! Cat teeth are no joke!

I was not very concerned, until I saw some comments under my 'cat bit me' Facebook post. I googled 'cat bites' and the photos I found were all absolutely terrifying.

The stories I read were very scary. I was so completely frightened that I did not go to sleep that night. I waited for my finger to swell up, turn red, or any number of horrific variables.

My finger (right pointer) hurt and was stiff. The pain radiated far from where the tooth entered the skin. I was concerned.

I did not go to the hospital, as I really wanted to wait and see how it looked. Perhaps anyone in this scenario should go, at least that is what I hear and read.

But I am writing my outcome because I found none like it in my searches.

The area never got redder. It didn't swell a lot. The pain subsided and is now far better. The whole thing looks very good. I am reasonably sure it's fine on day 5.

The stiffness is also no longer. I soaked the finger in hot water with table salt every four hours, dried it and put neosporin on with a bandaid with new 'quiltvent' technology.

I know that doesn't do much for a puncture, but I still did so, as there still was a wound there. 


When it first happened, the person with me squeezed some of the blood out to try to flush the puncture. 
I am not suggesting to not get a cat bite looked at or contacting your doctor, at all. I just want to be that one picture (at least I couldn't find one) that shows a cat bite that is part of the supposed 20% of bites that does not end up a total nightmare. 

I probably 'dodged a bullet' by not going to the hospital for a deep puncture.  I will say though, keeping an eye for redness and swelling is not, in my opinion, the worst thing to do. If you have no spleen, you should likely immediately seek treatment, or  if you are over 50, have a compromised immune system, or if a child is bitten. I read that if you do not have a spleen, having a cat is a pretty risky thing to do.










    • "Some people are more susceptible to infections due to cat bites. These include people older than 50; those who have diabetes, circulatory problems, liver disease, HIV/AIDS or alcoholism; or anyone who has had his spleen removed, gone through long-term chemotherapy or steroids, or had any type of organ transplant. Experts suggest that people without spleens stay away from cats and dogs due to the possibility of fatal infections. However, for most people, having a companion cat far outweighs any risk. It just takes a little care and common sense to avoid bite-associated infections from your pet."



Read more: Human Cat Bite Infections | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_6136339_human-cat-bite-infections.html#ixzz2KfZiGedK



My accidental finger biter, Mr. Conklin, post bath.
But finally, I had no idea of the pain and possible risks associated with a feline bite. A vet has never mentioned it to me, nor has anyone. Even though mine is looking well, the pain of that bite was extreme. Stay unbitten!

Friday, February 1, 2013

Valentine's Day Meetup at Happy Paws


Saturday February 2,2013 1-3 PM
Happy Paws
316 Lafayette Street
Fee $9 per person; $6 each additional person
Lunch included
Free door prizes
OPTIONAL DOG DRESS-UP CONTEST
3 great prizes for the dogs in the best Valentine's Day outfits
10% discount on all non-sale merchandise at Happy Paws


I will be there with Miss Georgia Peach in her Valentine's finest. Afterwards, I am hosting a small private chihuahua party. 


Monday, January 14, 2013

Pets on Death Row

Someone said to me they wish they were a dog because my dog's have such a nice life. I wish all dogs and cats had such a nice life. They all deserve it! I imagine my own pets on death row, or in a shelter cage, and I am heartbroken! Those pets are my pets. They are no different than my Chester, Cosmo, Georgia, Conklin and Pandora. The difference is my animals have people to love them. That's what those other guys all deserve. But sadly, people put them in their situation. As humans, at the 'top' of the animal hierarchy, we owe them all so much better than this collectively. :( Unfortunately, there are so many out there that don't care, or don't understand. Those people aren't just harmful to animals, but in general. Sorry for the rant, it's my nighttime looking at animals on a list to be destroyed. :(

http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/pet/3541696529.html


Good Morning!



Sunday, January 13, 2013

Couture Dogs of New York by Paul Nathan

When I adopted my first dog Chester, in late 2010, I took him to puppy play groups to socialize with other puppies. I soon became witness to, firsthand, of the seemingly 'NYC underground' dog world. I never saw or imagined anything like it.  My introduction was cemented when I met a woman at the park named Felicia, whose dog Tommi T was, and is a celebrity chihuahua. She led me to dog events, and I was fascinated by all of it. This book sums up all of the sights I saw, that I did not know were even there to be seen.  It's totally the 'secret world of dogs'.

 I think it is so cool that my dogs are in this book with all of human and dog faces I have gotten to see a bit since my induction into this dog infused world!


One of the creators of this adorable (beyond adorable) book, approached me at the 'National Dog Day' event I attended. This was my first 'serious' event. I usually attended meet up groups. I actually don't think I have attended anything like it since! ( I did attend a 'puputante' ball with my dogs Cosmo and Georgia, that was featured on the tv special 'Posh Pets'. Very different event, though!)  I wore an outfit that night matching Chester, my one dog I had along. He asked if we could pose wearing what we had on, for a book project. I asked if my other dogs could pose too, if I could get them the same outfits. With Amazon Prime 2 day shipping, we were all ready post haste. Interestingly, the designer Anthony Rubio, featured in this book prominently, did the designs my dogs modeled for their next assignment!  What they wear next time around is amazing, like the beautiful couture in this book. The book is beautifully done, funny, endearing and cheerful reading. I am extremely pleased to have my very loved pack of canines featured in something such as this. Great job, Paul and Nadine (Rubin) Nathan!


©Paul Nathan www.paulnathanstudio.com 

The book is now available... This is the picture of us that ended up used. All the pups are looking!

My dogs first modeling job :)

Mr Cosmo Kramer, Miss Georgia Peach Ball Fizzy Moon, Sir Chesterfield Sundae Latte Coco Puff Montgomery.

http://www.thefrisky.com/photos/canine-couture-fresh-off-the-runways/1-1892-edit/

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie :)


Cosmo Kramer's sleepy


Saturday, January 12, 2013

My Chester and Cosmo Chi Chis!

http://strikingpaws.com/la-chihuahua-attitude/

Featured here are my pups Chesterfield and Mr. Cosmo Krameypants!


Tummies


Kitty tummy, followed by pink bald puppy tummy.

Washington Square Park Small Dog Run




Just a few pics of the pupsters in their stroller!

A Thank You!

 I injured my knee around Thanksgiving time and have had very limited mobility. My cousin, Carl Fisher, was so helpful and generous with his time! He drove me and the crew to do the two doggy photo shoots in Brooklyn. I'd like Carl to know that this really meant a lot to me, all dog related things are very important in my life. Without his help, I would not have been able to have my dogs involved in the great project they will be part of!

Carl was very helpful dog sitting the dogs between their photo turns. The dogs were more than happy to quietly hang out with Cousin Carl.

     Just enjoying the ride in the back of Carl's car!

Chester being watched after by his Cousin!

DOGO pet carriers

http://dogodesign.com/goods_main.asp?rootid=2&id=25&viewall=true

When I use my gray messenger DOGO carrier, it is like I am not using a carrier. That's because it looks just like a pocketbook.

I love it because it's padded and very comfortable for my pups. I also can very comfortably fit my two little guys in there. That's less than ten pounds though! I wish more colors existed, such as purples and pinks. That said, I think the new polka dot bag may be calling my (dog's) name(s).

Want. Beautiful, functional, discreet dog bags.

The one I have had for well over a year is the:

Pocket Messenger

Canvas messenger bag accented with contrasting color trim featuring two functional pockets, mesh windows, folding hood with zipper, and inner safety leash.

Measures 16.5 x 7 x 11 inches
MSRP $63.00

Still looks new!

Friday, January 11, 2013

Actors and Models :)

All of my chis have been on tv now. Usually models turn into actors, but these little tv hounds have made a foray into modeling!

Sophie Gamand is a gifted photographer (http://www.strikingpaws.com) and Anthony Rubio a very talented canine couture designer.

My pups modeled for Sophie in a top secret project involving Anthony's designs, as well as a fun photo shoot. When there are more details, I will share them. In the meantime, next month they will appear here: http://www.examiner.com/article/couture-dogs-of-new-york-book-set-to-launch-february, and in this instance, I will be appearing too. This is the first time I have shown up in a book other than the books of http://www.elissastein.com!  I was dressed as a child in a purple ballerina ensemble, an '80's teen', and now a woman dressed to match some very wonderful chihuahuas.

The Three Chis

 Chester's too cool for (obedience) school.

Cosmo is thinking of his homeland, Chihuahua Mexico here, fondly.
"I am Cosmito!"

                                  Precious Peach... in Blue.


 



My sweet Cosmo is in this magazine! Upper right, little beige guy in red plaid with a 'mini me' stuffed animal attached.

He is super awesome!

                 The second guy on the top ... not the one with the pink skirt!

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

My Dog's Dad!

Kevin and little peanut, Cosmo Kramer. Kevin doesn't like the name Cosmo Kramer because he thinks the actor that played the character Cosmo Kramer is a racist! I have to say, I honestly did NOT name Cosmo after that character, oddly enough!

A cart full of babies!

Kevin and best friend.

With the lovely Peach (Miss Georgia Peach)

Chester!

On our way to go play....


Doggies and Tiaras

https://www.facebook.com/events/420713354666704/




2013 Update!

Happy New Year!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Formerly-The-Pre-Westminster-Fashion-Show/169952606348095

This is an event that is coming soon. I have not attended this before, and I know little about it. I became involved in dog events so that my very active dog, chihuahua Chester, could play and socialize. When I went to one fancy dog event, he crashed a fashion show and ran in circles!

So that said, I've primarily attended events where my dog (s) can get his/their 'run' on. I must say, though, Chester is my most athletic canine.

We attend the small dog social group meetup, hosted by Elaine Lewis whenever she holds one. I was very happy when the venue was the west village 'Biscuits and Bath', but that location has not been available for some time. That location offered a lot of space for play, and the option for Elaine to sell dog clothes, and accessories to benefit animal rescue.

  One of the meetup attendees is Bethe Austin, a fantastically talented canine couture designer. She personally creates beautiful outfits for dogs. When you get an item from Bethe, it is one of a kind.

At the last meetup, my princess of a chihuahua, Miss Georgia Peach, became the proud owner of a green and red holiday ensemble, a harness dress with a matching hat. Bethe had taken her measurements, and crafted a perfectly fitting garment.

The outfit is fabulous, especially wonderful that the dress is a functional harness. The button detailing is beautiful.  If you want to go for a custom made creation by Bethe Austin, I highly approve!

 Here is a link:

https://www.facebook.com/leetlluloo.zazu?ref=ts&fref=ts

Through this link you can contact her adorable Yorkie Leetl Luloo Zazu, who can surely relay the message!