So sorry, I disappeared for a few days….actually just a little busy….several classes going on at the same time. I have been working on a raccoon painting inspired by my new friend that visits me on a daily basis. Also, working on editing video….learning something new is always a challenge and a bit time consuming.
Next set of classes will begin the end of June, will post the dates in a day or so. Remember, all classes held here at Paw Prints Studio are small group classes so it is recommended you visit our store to secure your place in the class. We also will hold another give away in a few weeks…this time it will be a Tee Shirt. Maybe Rocky the Golden will do a better job of picking the winner the second time around Gemma came to the rescue and picked the winner of the Big Print Give Away.
Make sure you visit us over at You Tube…oh, the winner should leave a comment
Funny, the dogs and I practiced this with blank paper and they did a great job…they heard the beeping on the camera in the Mac and just did not do as they did during our practice run. Gemma came through and picked our winner!!!
We are still watching the daily coming and goings of our new friend the Raccoon. I have tried chasing her, but hunger and easy access to food wins out every time. The birds are so very accustomed to their daily seed that I cannot just stop feeding them, nor do I want to for it is such a joy to look out my window and watch them.
She has become a little too used to me and the dogs and I have noticed her coming when we are out. I am very FIRM and with authority I tell all to down. The effect is wonderful for all three down and the raccoon retreats back into the woods. This only happens when she approaches the fence from the ground….I believe when she comes this way she cannot see the dogs, only me. Sometimes she will come by way of tree branches and walk along the top of the fence to get to the feeder. As mentioned in a previous post it is common for them to forage during the day this time of year. A couple of years ago we had an entire family….Mom and several babies. Come summer things went back to normal and we really did not notice them, except at night. Hopefully the same will hold true in this case. Again, while they look very cute please remember these are wild animals that carry all kinds of nasty things….ticks, fleas, roundworm (a number of wormy things that your dogs can get and pass on too you)…not to mention rabies. Lastly, they can be very protective of their babies so best to not bother them if you see them.
Sunday found me bathing Rocky for the second weekend in a row….he had developed a nasty hotspot. Before his bath, I sat and watched while Mike played with the dogs and could not help but smile….Rocky will be two next week. In the two years there have been major changes to this little pack of mine….Niki’s spinal injury….all the work and time spent doing physical therapy.. The fact that she is walking, plays kick ball, does agility… although still has a weak back end she is cartless. Our little miracle dog….The Little Dog that Could Then there was Phoenix’s cancer and all too soon death….their lives are really too short.
As they played I watched each, for they have such wonderful personalities….as I usually do managed a few photographs…no special occasion. Just your normal, typical Sunday afternoon. If it’s been a while that you hung out and played a few games with your dog, did some training or just went for a nice long walk….do make the time to do so…of and don’t forget to bring your camera! Or if in the Atlanta area know that I offer “A Day in the Life” photography package which includes three to four hours of photography time up to four pack members (people or dogs). Great shots of play time, bath time…the dogs not the humans Along with several portraits. Conatact me for more information!
Big Print Give Away….only two have subscribed to You Tube and one here at the blog. Three people….come one now….get over to You Tube and subscribe. I know the print looks less then good on the video….it really is lovely trust me
Running a business out of your home, well eventually you will run out of room. In looking around I have a little of this, that just taking up room. In the next few weeks I will be listing in the store the remaining night lights, these are adorable, as are there a few cat and dog paw prints dishes. I also have a few prints left over that really must go. Oh, and about four or five pet nail dremels (I do not cut my dogs nails. I use a power tool to sand the nails down does a nicer job then trimming), several tee shirts to sell. I will be putting together a short video for while I will be selling these items in the Paw Prints Store, so to will I be auctioning a few items off in e-bay. ..should be fun
Growing up I loved to read about animals as did I enjoy movies about animals (bet you could have guessed that one ). Having been raised in Brooklyn NY…the zoo was my closest experience to wild life. Early teens the family moved to LI….more land, better air…I was never really much of an out doorsy kind of gal…lots of allergies and I hate bugs.
In my mid twenties I relocated to Atlanta….been in the very same house ever since. Here there is abundant wild birds and ever since I can remember we have shared our yard with a few raccoons. We get along…they will forage in the area that we feed the birds. They have not ever bothered us, but then again we do not leave anything out for them to get into.
Raccoons live in the wild about 8 years or so….longer in captivity. Our area is the perfect location for raccoons for there is a creek in the wooded area. At night If the light comes on or they hear the clicking of the back door….they zip over the fence for they know the dogs are coming out for a potty run. They are actually pretty darn smart in knowing our daily and nightly habits
Once the spring time arrives we notice the raccoons more and more, especially during the day. This year is no different. We seem to have a female hanging around….last few days she is visiting us more and more throughout the day. I cannot tell if she has had babies, or is going to have babies. She is sooooo hungry. Now, as cute as raccoons may seem, they are wild, and you do not want your dogs to get into a fight with one….raccoons can be so very nasty. Yes, they do at times have rabies as well. So as of late I find myself watching for changes in their behavior. They can be extremity protective of their babies, as can I be extremely protective of my dogs
While I have always allowed them to feed (no choice if feeding birds) this one however is not moving when she sees me. She has gotten to accustomed to me…mine and the dogs daily outings in the yard… she does not realize she is tress passing. A free meal can be had over the fence, they are such opportunist feeders. So, it looks like for her safety, and that of my dogs and myself I will be bringing the bird feeder in at night and just allow them to forage on the seeds on the ground….as will I be chasing her more during those times I see her during the day.
This is what our students are learning to paint this week….class starts up again in a few short weeks. Interested, visit our Paw Prints Store to save your place in class.
Gemma came to the rescue and picked the winner of the Big Print Give Away.
