Sunday, August 28, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
My Interview On "Coffee With A Canine" posted July 20, 2011
I love this blog, "Coffee With A Canine" and was thrilled when Marshal Zeringue asked me to be a guest. I've reposted the interview below, but you should check out the actual blog site and then keep scrolling down to read all the wonderful dog stories. It is fun to date your dog!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Barbara Barth & Bray, Chloe, Annabelle, Rascal, and Miss April In Paris
Who is in the photo at right?
That is me, Barbara Barth, with Miss April In Paris, in our professional portrait for my website, Writer With Dogs. I am a writer, a shopkeeper and an events planner. I wrote a book on my first year as a widow, The Unfaithful Widow, doing all those things I never thought I’d do again. It has been called “naughty and cheeky” by an Australian reviewer. Rescue dogs rescued me I like to say. My dogs are a large part of my story and healing process.
In January this year, I opened a small antique/gift shop in Old Town, Lilburn, Georgia, about twenty minutes from my house. It is a shop with a twist. Every weekend I hold book signings and art openings. It is a writers’ guild and an art center. Writing and art classes start this month. The shop is a non-traditional venue for artists to share their work with the community. The historic hub is trying to rebuild. In six months I have expanded from one vintage building to three since my events are growing larger every month. I am president of the Merchants Association and work with the other shops to breathe life into the small hub. Many of the events are fundraisers for my favorite animal shelters.
I am usually on the computer until all hours of the early morning, either writing promotional material for my shop or my own personal writing. Little Chloe [photo left, with Rascal] likes to crawl behind my back and wedge herself between me and back of the chair. It works wonders for my posture.
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| photo by http://www.puparazziportraits.com/ |
In January this year, I opened a small antique/gift shop in Old Town, Lilburn, Georgia, about twenty minutes from my house. It is a shop with a twist. Every weekend I hold book signings and art openings. It is a writers’ guild and an art center. Writing and art classes start this month. The shop is a non-traditional venue for artists to share their work with the community. The historic hub is trying to rebuild. In six months I have expanded from one vintage building to three since my events are growing larger every month. I am president of the Merchants Association and work with the other shops to breathe life into the small hub. Many of the events are fundraisers for my favorite animal shelters.
I am usually on the computer until all hours of the early morning, either writing promotional material for my shop or my own personal writing. Little Chloe [photo left, with Rascal] likes to crawl behind my back and wedge herself between me and back of the chair. It works wonders for my posture.
I am usually on the computer until all hours of the early morning, either writing promotional material for my shop or my own personal writing. Little Chloe [photo left, with Rascal] likes to crawl behind my back and wedge herself between me and back of the chair. It works wonders for my posture.
I write a weekly post for Lifetime Television’s online site for their morning TV show, The Balancing Act. I promote my artists with my blog on the Lilburn Patch.com and like to talk girl talk on Skirt.com. In addition I seem to have as many personal blogs as I have dogs, but who is counting?
What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?I’ve been keeping longer hours at the shop and decided the pack and I needed some quality time together. My dogs prefer the indoors to the 98 degree weather we’ve been having in the metro Atlanta area, so our date was in the air conditioned sun room!
What's brewing?I am an old fashioned girl and drink plain, caffeinated, black coffee. Folgers breakfast blend is my favorite. I add a few extra scoops to make it strong. Most people refuse to drink my coffee!
Any goodies to go with the coffee?
A nice cucumber or tomato sandwich with mayo on white bread makes me feel like I am at high tea, although I never drink tea.
Any treat for your dogs on this occasion?
Milk bones minis. They are small and not as fattening. Last year, when I had rotator cuff surgery, and was in a sling for four months, the dogs and I ate comfort food, and we all put on the pounds.
How were you and your dogs united?When my husband died three years ago I had two German Shepherds. When the male died a year later, my old gal Foxy seemed bored. Her job as caregiver was over. I adopted Bray [photo left], my Afghan mix and the rest is history. In nine months I added five dogs to the pack. In addition to Bray, there is Annabelle [photo above right], a portly hound dog mix, my seven pound Chi named Chloe, Rascal, a roly poly bull dog, pit mix, and lastly,
Miss April In Paris, a spotted hunting dog. Two months ago Foxy left me as age and health caught up with her. It seems quiet with only five! I am used to counting when they come in after a romp in the yard…1,2,3,4,5…and then I remember there is no number 6. I am working on that now. I like a six-pack at home.
Have your dogs had any influence on your writing?
I write under the name Writer With Dogs and have a web under that name. I launched a one-time online dog magazine with the same name, in December 2010, dedicated to rescue dogs and vintage dog art. I write about dogs, my rescue groups, living with a house full of fur. I have a dog book in the works. When friends say I am crazy being single with five dogs, I say I’d be crazy without them. They are my writing muses. They make every day a riot of fun!
How did your dogs get their names?Each dog kept the name it came with. Only April had hers extended. She was the sixth dog when she came in the house, and like the last child, she was somewhat taken for granted. One day she came up to me while I was on the computer, nudged my arm, and took out part of Outlook. I held her face and realized she needed to feel special. “I shall call you Miss April In Paris!” I started a small blog for her, where she is dreaming of visiting the city of lights. She is in my PR photos and, while she has not made it to Paris, she has been on a blog in England.
Where are your dogs' favorite places for outings?
They love to run my fenced yard, which is very private for being close in the city. The occasional trip to the vet, one at a time, is exciting as they enjoy car rides. Mostly they like to stay indoors. My dogs are couch potatoes. Their idea of exercise is to move from the bed, to the couch, to the food bowl. They don’t really care if they go out, but they do like for me to stay in.
What's brewing?I am an old fashioned girl and drink plain, caffeinated, black coffee. Folgers breakfast blend is my favorite. I add a few extra scoops to make it strong. Most people refuse to drink my coffee!
Any goodies to go with the coffee?
A nice cucumber or tomato sandwich with mayo on white bread makes me feel like I am at high tea, although I never drink tea.
Any treat for your dogs on this occasion?
Milk bones minis. They are small and not as fattening. Last year, when I had rotator cuff surgery, and was in a sling for four months, the dogs and I ate comfort food, and we all put on the pounds.
How were you and your dogs united?When my husband died three years ago I had two German Shepherds. When the male died a year later, my old gal Foxy seemed bored. Her job as caregiver was over. I adopted Bray [photo left], my Afghan mix and the rest is history. In nine months I added five dogs to the pack. In addition to Bray, there is Annabelle [photo above right], a portly hound dog mix, my seven pound Chi named Chloe, Rascal, a roly poly bull dog, pit mix, and lastly,
Miss April In Paris, a spotted hunting dog. Two months ago Foxy left me as age and health caught up with her. It seems quiet with only five! I am used to counting when they come in after a romp in the yard…1,2,3,4,5…and then I remember there is no number 6. I am working on that now. I like a six-pack at home.Have your dogs had any influence on your writing?
I write under the name Writer With Dogs and have a web under that name. I launched a one-time online dog magazine with the same name, in December 2010, dedicated to rescue dogs and vintage dog art. I write about dogs, my rescue groups, living with a house full of fur. I have a dog book in the works. When friends say I am crazy being single with five dogs, I say I’d be crazy without them. They are my writing muses. They make every day a riot of fun!
How did your dogs get their names?Each dog kept the name it came with. Only April had hers extended. She was the sixth dog when she came in the house, and like the last child, she was somewhat taken for granted. One day she came up to me while I was on the computer, nudged my arm, and took out part of Outlook. I held her face and realized she needed to feel special. “I shall call you Miss April In Paris!” I started a small blog for her, where she is dreaming of visiting the city of lights. She is in my PR photos and, while she has not made it to Paris, she has been on a blog in England.
Where are your dogs' favorite places for outings?
They love to run my fenced yard, which is very private for being close in the city. The occasional trip to the vet, one at a time, is exciting as they enjoy car rides. Mostly they like to stay indoors. My dogs are couch potatoes. Their idea of exercise is to move from the bed, to the couch, to the food bowl. They don’t really care if they go out, but they do like for me to stay in.
Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?
The dogs are all BFFs. They love to lick each other and play well together. They are a united front.
What is each dog's best quality?
Chloe, the Chi, tries to run the household. She sees that as her job since Foxy is gone. Bray is still skittish and when he comes up to bestow a tiny kiss on your hand, you feel like you’ve won the lottery. If Annabelle could talk, her favorite word would be “whatever”. Nothing bothers her, unless you disturb her sleep. She is the oldest at ten. My other dogs are between three and four years old. Rascal is that chubby girl that sits in the curl of your arm with her head on your chest and stares at you with one blue eye and one brown one. Miss April in Paris looks serious with her dark eyes and dark face, but she is a kisser, which differs from a dog who licks your face. She actually plants a big kiss on your mouth. If only there were a man as good with his kisses.
What is each dog's proudest moment? Most embarrassing?
My dogs don’t embarrass, however they have been known to embarrass me! They are happy, well-adjusted, rescue dogs that have found confidence and security at my home. Their proudest moment is when we all run to the bed to sleep at night! They have me sleeping with dogs and I sleep better snuggling with them.
The dogs are all BFFs. They love to lick each other and play well together. They are a united front.What is each dog's best quality?
Chloe, the Chi, tries to run the household. She sees that as her job since Foxy is gone. Bray is still skittish and when he comes up to bestow a tiny kiss on your hand, you feel like you’ve won the lottery. If Annabelle could talk, her favorite word would be “whatever”. Nothing bothers her, unless you disturb her sleep. She is the oldest at ten. My other dogs are between three and four years old. Rascal is that chubby girl that sits in the curl of your arm with her head on your chest and stares at you with one blue eye and one brown one. Miss April in Paris looks serious with her dark eyes and dark face, but she is a kisser, which differs from a dog who licks your face. She actually plants a big kiss on your mouth. If only there were a man as good with his kisses.
What is each dog's proudest moment? Most embarrassing?
My dogs don’t embarrass, however they have been known to embarrass me! They are happy, well-adjusted, rescue dogs that have found confidence and security at my home. Their proudest moment is when we all run to the bed to sleep at night! They have me sleeping with dogs and I sleep better snuggling with them.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
The Rest Of The Story - Wyatt's Prize Winning Moment!
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| Wyatt giving his winning check to his favorite shelter! |
Sometimes things just slip my mind! This post was one that got away from me - but needs to be here to complete the cycle of the dog photo contest.
Sweet Wyatt, I am so sorry I forgot to post this! I am scratching my head..no not fleas...just confusion...that I overlooked posting you giving your prize money to your favorite shelter.
So, here are the two photos and a short wagging "tale" of good fortune!
From March 23rd : Sue writes about Wyatt!
We took the check down to Project Pooch, with Wyatt in tow. The staff at Project Pooch were very thankful and loved the idea of the photo contest. We gave them an 8 x 10 glossy of his winning photo. They will be including it in their next newsletter. Wyatt was jumping all over and trying to eat the check...not our best photo shoot! Wyatt is getting so used to going into places, shopping and getting treats and hugs from everyone, he needs a refresher course on manners!
This week he was in the front seat of the truck, while I was putting a big bag of dog food behind the seat. He jumped out and ran towards the entrance of the store. I called him, he looked back briefly and then bolted through the front entrance, when the automatic doors opened. When I caught up to him, he was standing in the aisle with the rawhide bones and dog treats. (Everyone in the store was laughing) .......
Wyatt is such a great dog! Visit Wyatt's blog!
Now, as Paul Harvey would have said, 'you have the rest of the story!'
Wyatt is such a great dog! Visit Wyatt's blog!
Now, as Paul Harvey would have said, 'you have the rest of the story!'
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Mr. Pip Dropping Off Check To The Red Door Animal Shelter
As you may remember, March lst our grand prize winner for the doggie photo contest was Wyatt. Wyatt asked to share his prize money with his bud Mr. Pip. Wyatt is a prince of a pup!
On March 13th, Mr. Pip delivered his check to The Red Door Animal Shelter and wanted to share the photos with us!
A photo of the outside of the shelter and one of Mr. Pip (who was concerned he needed a grooming, but looks swell to me!) and the check.
Thanks for sending the photos! Visit Mr. Pip on his blog and Wyatt on his blog if you are in the mood for some doggie adventures to make you smile!
Remember I always love to see your dog photos! E-mail them to me and I will post them here to share with all my dog lovin' friends!
On March 13th, Mr. Pip delivered his check to The Red Door Animal Shelter and wanted to share the photos with us!
A photo of the outside of the shelter and one of Mr. Pip (who was concerned he needed a grooming, but looks swell to me!) and the check.
Thanks for sending the photos! Visit Mr. Pip on his blog and Wyatt on his blog if you are in the mood for some doggie adventures to make you smile!
Remember I always love to see your dog photos! E-mail them to me and I will post them here to share with all my dog lovin' friends!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Dog Portrait Artist Matt Tames And The Sketchbook Project
Pet Portraits for a Cause
By Matt Tames of little BIG Pet Portraits
As an artist and an animal lover, I’ve always tried to find ways to help animals with my artwork. For example, I would donate my animal paintings to different rescue organizations for their fundraising auctions, and donating to the Humane Society for all the sales on my website.
But I wanted to think of a way to do something more for animals in need of loving homes. So I started my blog, little BIG Pet Portraits, where I feature an adoptable pet of the week. I find a needy pet from a shelter or rescue organization, and I use their photos to paint a pet portrait, which I feature on my blog along with their story and information on how to adopt.
Adopting a dog or cat in need is one of the most rewarding things you can do, and you will receive unconditional love in return. When you adopt from a shelter, you save the lives of two animals, the new friend you adopt and another homeless pet off the streets that now has comfortable, safe shelter in that space you helped to free up. Adoptable pets are not to be pitied, they have so much dignity and love to share, and often, incredible stories of triumph. So I don’t paint them looking sad and homeless, I try to paint them in their best light, usually in whatever environment or activity I think they would be happiest. For example, I’ll paint a herding dog on a farm or a Scottish Terrier in the Highlands.
Last year around this time, I painted an Irish Setter in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, and to raise awareness about setter rescue. It was a scary time for animal rescue workers in Mississippi, because eight Irish Setters were running free in the woods after their owner had died and they were left to fend for themselves in a large rural, unfenced area. Scared and hungry, they were lost in the wooded and overgrown area and the rescuers finally collected all of them after leaving food out for a few weeks. They were glad to be found, but all suffered from anemia, heartworm and flea infestation. They received great care in loving foster homes, and six of them have already been placed in their forever homes. One of their adopters even found my website and contacted me about purchasing the print I did. It’s very rewarding when I hear from the dogs’ adoptive family or foster family; it makes me so glad I started this project.
I recently took on the challenge of illustrating fifty shelter dogs and cats for the Sketchbook Project, a traveling art exhibit that is completing a nine-city tour in 2011. I chose pets from each of those cities and the surrounding areas and featured their stories and adoption information alongside original watercolor pet portraits.
Please visit our blog to see more artwork and current pets for adoption, or “like” us on Facebook. And if you are looking for a new pet, definitely consider adopting from a shelter. You will gain a grateful family member and best friend for life!
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Ed. Note: To see if the Sketchbook Project will be on view close to you check their link of places and dates.
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Ed. Note: To see if the Sketchbook Project will be on view close to you check their link of places and dates.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
And The Winner Is.....Wyatt!
The comments have been counted and the winner of our dog photo contest is Wyatt! See his original photo and post http://writerwithdogs.blogspot.com/2010/12/contest-entry-3-wyatt.html.
Wyatt is totally pawsome!
What does this winner have to say about all this? When notified earlier today, Wyatt, in his winning crown, had a favor to ask!
"Can I split my prize with Mr. Pip? Could you send him $150 for his cause and $150 for mine?"
Mr. Pip and Wyatt are buddies and Wyatt loves Mr. Pip's cause "Red Door Shelter" as much as he loves his own "Project Pooch". So, there you have it, the $300 prize money will be split between these two pawsome friends.
Competition was stiff, but all the dogs left comments for each other! Wyatt left this comment for Mr. Pip when his photo was added to the mix of contestants.
"Oh, I have some competition now! You should be resting up for the big race, Pip!! I'm going to go comment for you, cuz we are both pawesome!!"
Wyatt came in with 85 comments and Mr. Pip with 65.
Pip was all smiles when he heard about his friend Wyatt's generosity!
"Oh my gosh, that is so wonderful Wyatt. Thanks so much!"
And thanks to everyone who entered their favorite dog into this contest! Every dog is a winner because they are surrounded by love every day! The money from this contest will help two shelters help other dogs find their forever homes.
Want to have some fun? Go back and look at all those sweet dog faces and read the comments! The dogs were voting for each other, looking after their friends, as good friends do.
Thank you all, and thank you Wyatt, for reminding us of the meaning of true friendship!
Visit Wyatt on his blog and then check out Project Pooch. Learn more about Mr. Pip at his blog and read about Red Door Shelter!
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This dog photo contest was part of the online magazine "Writer With Dogs: Where Dogs Meet Art." The magazine was a one-time event that had its premier December 2010. You can link to it at any time and download the PDF and print it for a keepsake. The spirit of the magazine will continue on the pages of this blog, as dog rescue groups are honored. If you have a favorite dog shelter, rescue dog story or something else doggie you'd like to share with us, please contact me at bb-bjd@comcast.net. Sign up to follow this blog and keep up with all the news!
Wyatt is totally pawsome!
What does this winner have to say about all this? When notified earlier today, Wyatt, in his winning crown, had a favor to ask!
"Can I split my prize with Mr. Pip? Could you send him $150 for his cause and $150 for mine?"
Mr. Pip and Wyatt are buddies and Wyatt loves Mr. Pip's cause "Red Door Shelter" as much as he loves his own "Project Pooch". So, there you have it, the $300 prize money will be split between these two pawsome friends.
Competition was stiff, but all the dogs left comments for each other! Wyatt left this comment for Mr. Pip when his photo was added to the mix of contestants.
"Oh, I have some competition now! You should be resting up for the big race, Pip!! I'm going to go comment for you, cuz we are both pawesome!!"
Wyatt came in with 85 comments and Mr. Pip with 65.
Pip was all smiles when he heard about his friend Wyatt's generosity!
"Oh my gosh, that is so wonderful Wyatt. Thanks so much!"
And thanks to everyone who entered their favorite dog into this contest! Every dog is a winner because they are surrounded by love every day! The money from this contest will help two shelters help other dogs find their forever homes.
Want to have some fun? Go back and look at all those sweet dog faces and read the comments! The dogs were voting for each other, looking after their friends, as good friends do.
Thank you all, and thank you Wyatt, for reminding us of the meaning of true friendship!
Visit Wyatt on his blog and then check out Project Pooch. Learn more about Mr. Pip at his blog and read about Red Door Shelter!
*****************************************************
This dog photo contest was part of the online magazine "Writer With Dogs: Where Dogs Meet Art." The magazine was a one-time event that had its premier December 2010. You can link to it at any time and download the PDF and print it for a keepsake. The spirit of the magazine will continue on the pages of this blog, as dog rescue groups are honored. If you have a favorite dog shelter, rescue dog story or something else doggie you'd like to share with us, please contact me at bb-bjd@comcast.net. Sign up to follow this blog and keep up with all the news!
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