In all of the years that I have shared my life with dogs, this is the first time I actually know the birth date of a dog. I know there are many folks that believe acknowledging a “pets” birthday is silly….and I have no doubt some get just a tad bit carried away in the celebration. That is all right, if it makes you happy, makes the dog happy…have fun, enjoy.

For Rocky’s 2nd Birthday I decided to bake a cake for the dogs….silly…yes indeed.  I thought of a few  thngs they like the most….you know, what makes thier teeth chatter. For my pack it is Peanut Butter, carrots and a little dollop of whipped cream. So we are calling it the Peanutty Dream Cream Cake.

I am in no way advocating you feed you dog bad foods. My dogs eat a healthy diet and I am not big on doggie treats. Rocky will be two once….besides he got to share with all of his favorute dogs and people….yep, if you like peanut butter, you too will love this cake (Like Mikey). Dogs will be getting only one piece…that is all.

Pea-nutty Dream Cream Cake

Pre-heat Oven #50

1 cup flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/4 cup low salt-no sugar added Peanut Butter, 1/4 cup oil, 1 cup shredded carrots (save some carrots for the top of the cake), 1 tsp. vanilla, 1/3 cup honey, 1 egg. Mix together, pour into a cake pan. I set the timer to 30 minutes, however took it out after 25 minutes….check to see if done.

Whipped Cream…heavy cream, a little vanilla, and honey added….best on high until firm and peaks.

This was started as a sketch…then painted with just about every color there is. Today was a red kind of day so made use of it in the painting.

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.

Just a little reminder that tomorrow is the Big Print Give Away. Not to late to subscribe over at You Tube.  

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

You Tube

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

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.

Here kitty, kitty!!! Created by Deb Carter.

Cloudy, overcast and the occasional storm passing through Atlanta this afternoon. After a few hours of painting I decided it was time for a walk and play. Get the dogs….who when it rains are so lazy, out we go. It did not take long for them to get in the mood for a little romping. Several “fresh” sticks had fallen last night, something new to sniff and chew on. A few games of kick ball, fetch the stick, fetch the ball and of course fetch the Frisbee. We then took some time to do a little bird watching…lot’s of them visiting the feeder this spring. I then noticed the raccoon looking down upon us….through the leaves. So, I decided it was time to head inside and let her eat a few of the seeds before having to chase her away. So, for the reminder of our Sunday I think we will curl up on the sofa and read, nap before our next big adventure out and about.

The above lovely portrait is what our students are learning to paint this week…interested? Class starts again in May. Visit our Paw Prints Studio Store to reserve your place in our on line class.

The other day was bath day….always fun. Once the warmer weather arrives bath time can occur outdoors…saves my poor aching back. The doggie tub (yep, they have their very own tub which is raised up off the ground and therefore I do not have to bend) was dragged out of the garage….hose was run from inside out the window so I could use luke warm water. Poor Niki had a few fleas….a true sign sprig has arrived.

After re-introducing the “evil” tub to the dogs….all are little skittish and since they have not seen the tub since last summer I thought it best if they practiced getting in and out….for treats of course. Bath time should be relaxing to a dog….it should not have to be a struggle….nor should grooming. Niki was first….brushing/comb and bath/ towel dry….then a nap in the sun. Gemma was up next….brushing/ comb, towel dry….then run around crazy until she too takes up next to Niki in the sun for a nice nap. Last….Rocky….brushing/ comb bath. Then he is force dried (doggie drier) for he has so much fur his under coat would never dry. I tend to brush my dogs almost on a daily basis. On those days I skip a day or two I reallllly kick myself for they mat very quickly….especially Rocky and Niki. Gemma is a low maintenance dog, however since the other two are getting attention she wants her fair share and will actually wait her turn. In other words….she wants to be groomed.

Niki, the smallest is actually the most work. She was before her accident and after now requires special handling. She is very sensitive to touch all along her spine (overly sensitive reflexes). After her spinal injury it seems the nerve endings are crossed wrong now. Her coat must be kept short due to sanitary reasons. She can at times drop her hind end, tail into her urine when she relieves herself….as do we still have to help her completely empty her bladder. Shaving her is also a bit tricky. Just running the clipper down her spine causes her to twitch, pull her hind legs up…I must be very careful. Because of this it can take me days….or weeks to fully groom her. We will do a little and then go back a few days later….poor thing, while she dislikes the process….when it is over she does strut her stuff. Yep, she is indeed a “hot dog!!!!

The photographs were taken early evening…all smelling so very clean….nice shiny coats. Soon after Rocky went and rolled in the red clay….yep, you gotta love a Golden! Be on the look out for those nasty critters….fleas and ticks. Images taken with a Nikon d300.