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The Pups of Maison Mutt

2012-02-20T13:28:00.019-05:00

Mr. Mutt & I are real dog lovers...I mean to the point of "talking" for our dogs. Just ask any of our three daughters & they will roll their eyes in agreement. If you don't know all of our dogs, today I'd like to share a picture of each so you can meet them:

Harley Davidson Dawg.
A feisty Bologense. We rescued him about 9 years ago. He came to us missing an eye & a tail but his HUGE heart is still intact. While he enjoyed "only dog status" for quite some time, he has been very gracious & (sort of) accepting of the rest of our brood. As he considers himself more of our fuzzy son than a "dog" we tend to treat him as such. However, we had to draw the line at lending him the car keys...his feet don't touch the petals.

Gunner is our Great Pyrenees.
He is our only "picked" (non rescue) pup. He came to us from a sheep farm in Ohio as an eight week old ball of fluff. I had to include two pictures for you to see the difference just one year makes. Yup, baby Gunner on the left & big boy Gunner on the right. He is a wonderful guy, always happy & quite protective! He adores Mr. Mutt. I love this breed but just wish I had a spinning wheel because I could create some amazing sweaters & scarfs with the amount of fur Gunner leaves behind. This is not a breed for people who don't like to vacuum!

Princess Jasmine came to us next.

She was a California rescue however, she was born in Alaska!She's quite the traveler! Jasmine is a American Staffordshire/Pointer mix. She is a very loving girl & considers herself a lap dog. She is quite unaware of her size. I don't have the heart to tell her she is almost 80 pounds, so Mr. Mutt & I squirm as she digs her paws into our laps finding just the right spot (on us) to lay down. Jasmine is the kind of girl that would fight to the end for us, she is quite amazing! Here she is enjoying a day out with Mom & Dad (& snacks)!

Pierre is next in our line up.
He is a Pomeranian coming to us from Kentucky. I had volunteered some grooming time at a local shelter & Pierre was my first "customer". For some reason Mr. Mutt was quite surprised when I brought Pierre home. Hmmmmm, I can't imagine why! Pierre is a mommies boy (& yes, he's spoiled). He loves to have his picture taken, to the point of butting in on the other pups photo sessions!

Bijoux is our last(?) rescue.
Another California girl (but born in Iowa). She came to us as a 12 week old puppy. Bijoux is a TeddyBear Mix which is a mix of a ShihTzu & a Bichon Frise. This girl is smart as a whip. If she were a large breed I think she would out do both Gunner & Jasmine as a watch dog. Nothing gets past this little lady! 'Course, due to her "smarts" she also has Mr. Mutt, myself, our girls, neighbors, mailman, delivery guy & anyone she comes in contact with... wrapped around her little paw! She's a charmer for sure.

So that's our Muttley Crew. Mr. Mut & I have enjoyed every moment of the craziness these pups bring to our life. If adopting a rescue isn't for you, volunteering at a local shelter or donating items or money can make all the difference in the world. Believe me, helping these darlings is great for the soul!

Pinterest Fun!

2012-02-17T13:24:00.010-05:00

Ok so it's red & not PINK...believe me if you haven't visited Pinterest yet, you will THANK Me.
I can't say enough about the fun I'm having on Pinterest!

I signed up months ago but didn't really utilize it until a friend of mine ~~gave me a kick in the butt~~ asked me if I was on. Feeling somewhat guilty, I mumbled something about why I haven't found the time. Later that day I decided to check it out in earnest. Oh boy....what a blast I'm having! So many ideas, so much to see, like this:

Source: colourlovers.com via Maison on Pinterest

and this:

Source: trendhunter.com via Maison on Pinterest

If you haven't checked out Pinterest don't wait for someone to give your posterior a kick. Please feel free to follow my boards. I will happily follow yours!

You can find MaisonMutt at: http://pinterest.com/maisonmutt/
or just click on the Pinterest link to the left.

Merci to Beverly (Pink Saturday) at How Sweet the Sound & for hosting such a Grand Fête! Be sure to visit their blogs along with all the other PINK participants. Be sure to leave comments...we love 'em!

Harley Gets Around

2012-01-31T00:14:00.001-05:00

Mr. Mutt & I love to take our fur babies everywhere with us. Harley was especially excited to go to New York City. Here he is enjoying a "lift" from Dad to do a bit of sight seeing. I snapped this shot as I was doing some window shopping of my own (&lagging behind)! Doesn't Harley look adorable?

Wags,
Niki

Pink Tomatoes? It's Pink Saturday!

2012-01-13T12:57:00.013-05:00

Can you tell that I'm a foodie?
My grandmere lived with us & was such a fabulous cook (her mom owned a cafe in Los Angeles back in the early 30's). She passed her love of cooking to me as I was growing up. She taught me the gammet...roux for gravies, roasting, aspics, soup to nuts really. So, it is natural that I grew up to be a foodie!

As I was completing a MaisonMutt order yesterday, I was pondering the next Pink Saturday post (nothing like last minute!). My thoughts turned to Spring & the tomato planting that I am planning. Well, this lead me to thinking about PINK tomatoes! Wouldn't they be lovely? It turns out they are! There are several different varieties including:

Brandywine Pink,

Caspian Pink

& Pink Accordion

Now I will agree these aren't "true" pink but I think I will be adventurous this year & try some of these different varieties. Won't they look beautiful on my canning shelf?

Hurry up Spring!!

If you want to meet real sweet tomato...check out The Quintessential Magpie. She has had some computer trouble of late...let her know we are banding together to banish her computer gnomes!

Also...Merci to Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for hosting such a Grand Fête! Be sure to visit her blog along with all the other PINK participants. Be sure to leave comments...we love 'em!

Your Item Inspected By

2012-01-11T15:56:00.008-05:00

I just had to take a picture of some binding I recently cut. The bright white was so pretty blowing in the gently breeze. While I was outside, Bijoux our Teddy Bear mix decided to join me & help out!

She has taken it upon herself to check out the cutting job I performed on some white corduroy binding for a custom order. Nothing escapes Bijoux's discerning eye!
Rest assured...every item created by Maison Mutt is inspected by our resident lovey Bijoux : )

Introducing Bijoux & The Bijoux Blitz!

2012-01-09T12:06:00.005-05:00

Our little Teddy Bear mix just LOVES frolicking around the yard. Sometimes she speeds around like a NASCAR racer! I was able to film one of her romps & decided to give You Tube a try. Realizing there is a LOT to learn about audio & video editing, I've decided to learn abit more about both. You will see my beginner status as you watch but please enjoy Bijoux's unabandoned race around the yard. If you have time please pop over to the Maison Mutt You Tube site & give Bijoux a like. She is studying better scripts (as the acting bug has bitten) & her brothers & sister want to get into the act as well!

Dog Food Recalls

2012-01-03T19:08:00.000-05:00

Keeping our favorite furry friends happy & healthy is very important to Mr. Mutt & I. Our 5 babies (oh yes, they are truly our "kids") all have very unique personalities & keep Mr. Mutt & I in stitches year round. We know that all you pet parents out there feel the same way about your "kids" which is why I try to keep on top of recent Dog Food Recalls to alert you to potential problems your pups could encounter. Unfortunately, there are two to report:

The first is: Petrus Feed and Seed Stores, Inc. announced a voluntary recall of its dry dog food – 21% Protein Dog Food in 40 lb Petrus Feed bags. The product is being recalled because the product was manufactured with corn which tested above acceptable levels for Aflatoxin. The affected products were manufactured at Cargill’s manufacturing facility located in LeCompte, Louisiana between December 1, 2010 and December 1, 2011. The recall only applies 21% Dog Food, packaged in 40 lb Petrus Feed bags with the following packaging Date codes (lot numbers) 4K1011 through 4K1307. Updated lot numbers are 4K1011 through 4K1335.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2011-12-31T14:56:00.005-05:00

It's black & white. It's plain to see. A New Years wish for you & me.
Have plenty of fun & not too much grog, cuz when you get home...
you'll have to answer to your dog! ( you know you will)
Enjoy, be safe & give your pup some extra pats from Maison Mutt♥

Happy New Year!

Dog Food Recall - Advanced Animal Nutrition

2011-12-13T12:38:00.007-05:00

Yes, it has happened again!

Another dog food recall:

"Advanced Animal Nutrition today announced a voluntary recall of its dry Dog Power Dog Food- due to aflatoxin levels that were detected above the acceptable limit.

The affected products were manufactured between Jan. 4, 2011, and Nov. 18, 2011.

No illnesses have been reported in association with these products to date, and no other Advanced Animal Nutrition pet food products are involved in this recall.

Affected products are:
• DOG POWER ADULT MAINTENANCE FORMULA 21-12 Dog Food, 50 pound bags
• DOG POWER HUNTERS FORMULA 27-14 Dog Food, 50 pound bags
• DOG POWER HI-PRO PERFORMANCE FORMULA 26-18 Dog Food, 50 pound bags

The recall only applies to the above products with the following Packaging Date Codes (lot numbers): K0004 through K1322. The affected dry dog food products were distributed in the following states – Missouri, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Retailers have already been instructed to remove the affected brands and products from store shelves."

Having Trouble Housebreaking your Pooch?

2011-12-12T14:47:00.008-05:00

Maison Mutts new Oui Oui Wraps ARE HERE!!!. Très Bien!

Above, we feature The Karate Kid. Luxurious black Ultra Suede is perfect for your "ruff" n tumble dog. These wraps are great problem solvers for your hard to train or incontinent male pup. As always, our Oui Oui Wraps are created with high quality fabrics & the coolest patterns to make your pup look their best! We are offering a 10% discount to our FACEBOOK family! Just friend us at our MaisonMutt Facebook page to receive the code.

Our Oui Oui Wraps TM feature gorgeous, luxurious & whimsical exterior fabrics. Having a "wee" bit of a problem shouldn't result in your pup looking any less than Très Chic.

100% cotton fiber is used as the "sandwich" layer to absorb any stray wetness. Maison Mutt suggests using disposable pads, placed on the center of the wrap, to quickly absorb urine, provide odor control & keep the wrap cleaner longer. Of course, it can also be used without a pad.

Micro fleece is our material of choice to be next to your pet's belly. It wicks moisture away from skin and keeps your pup feeling dry.

Machine washable & dryable* make clean-up a snap! Adjustable, hidden Velcro fasteners are used for "easy on -easy off" attachment. Triple-stitched reinforced seams & decorative top stitching are just part of our attention to detail. Maison MuttTM strives to provide the ultimate in comfort & design.

Dry Dog Food RECALL

2011-12-08T16:56:00.007-05:00

In an effort to keep our precious pets safe I try to post dog product recalls as soon as I find them. Unfortunately, there is a recent recall to report:

Cargill Animal Nutrition has announced a voluntary recall of its dry dog food "River Run" and "Marksmen" due to aflatoxin levels that were detected above the acceptable limit. The recall applies to affected products that were manufactured at Cargill's Lecompte Louisiana facility between the dates of:

12/1-/through 12/1/2011

For those of you that don't know the definition of aflatoxin {which would include me ;) } here is a description that I found on Wikipedia:

"Aflatoxins are naturally occurring mycotoxins that are produced by many species of Aspergillus, a fungus, the most notable ones being Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Aflatoxins are toxic and among the most carcinogenic substances known.[1] After entering the body, aflatoxins may be metabolized by the liver to a reactive epoxide intermediate or hydroxylated to become the less harmful aflatoxin M1".

The fact that it is a fungus that attacks the liver is certainly concerning. Please be sure to get the word out to the pet community so we can prevent any animal from being harmed by this product.
For more information concerning this recall, please visit this FDA site

Are the Holidays here already?

2011-11-29T20:22:00.010-05:00

Yes it does sound like I'm whining but this year has gone by so fast! Why, just in the past two weeks Mr. Mutt & I have been to New York & California fabric shopping (yes, Mr. Mutt is a patient man). I've found so many wonderful new fabrics, I can barely wait to get cutting!

We enjoyed a coolness in the air while we walked the streets of New York. We enjoyed seeing the Christmas tree (still hidden behind scaffolding) going up in Rockefeller Center & the windows being dressed at Macy's.

California was busy preparing streets to roll out the Hollywood Christmas Parade & many holiday Starbucks cups were making an appearance around Los Angeles.

While these cities prepare for the holidays, I have visions of the Maison Mutt 2012 Spring Collection on my mind. I guess I better get out my scaffolding and put up our tree....or maybe I'll just grab a coffee at Starbucks & call it good.

Driving is for the Dogs

2011-11-08T14:53:00.002-05:00

Came across this picture & just had to share. I have to be sure our mutts don't see it. I can just hear Gunner asking for the keys to the car!!

POSSIBLE Pet Food Salmonella Contamination

2011-10-12T16:08:00.005-04:00

On 10/4/11 the FDA issued a caution regarding soy flour & bulk soy meal produced by Thumb Oilseed out of Michigan. There have been no formal recalls from the FDA however, it is always a good idea to check your pet food products to see if they contain soy flour or soy meal.

Per the FDA site: "Animals with salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and/or vomiting. Some animals will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy animals can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your animal has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian".

Typically Salmonella is destroyed by the heat during the processing of pet foods. Even so we all love our pets & should go the extra step to read their food labels & be sure that the product doesn't contain these items. If yours does, review the FDA information & contact the pet food company to determine if this brand of soy product was used in your pets food.

Adopt A Siberian Husky

2011-10-06T13:30:00.011-04:00

Mr. Mutt & I don't know what we would do without our 5 rescue dogs. It's so funny when conversations turn to pets {as they quickly do when I enter a room ;) } & we mention casually that we have 5. Oh, the looks on folks faces. Some smile from ear to ear...at least I think that's a smile & some drop their jaws. For Mr. Mutt & I, it works & works well. That's why you will always find an adoptable pet on my blog, Facebook or Twitter (@maisonmutt) site. Please share these wonderful pets with others...let's work together to find homes for all these lovely furbabies.

The latest baby to win my heart is Kenzie. Through no fault of her own,she got a difficult start in her short life. Consequently, she is a shy sensitive sweetheart and is very stressed in the kennels. She needs a special understanding and positive family with lots of love to give. Kenzie just needs lots of hugs and kisses, quality time with her new family to establish that sense of trust that she hasn't had a chance to experience - yet.

To find out more about Kenzie click here or on her picture.

Merci to Beverly (Pink Saturday) at How Sweet the Sound & Tasha (Pinkalicious Thursday) at Frugalicious Me (adopting a pet IS frugal!)for hosting such Grand Fêtes! Be sure to visit their blogs along with all the other PINK participants. Be sure to leave comments...we love 'em!

Memories of Cherry Mash

2011-09-23T17:14:00.004-04:00

I saw a picture of a Cherry Mash Candy the other day. It reminded me of how much I miss my Grand-mère. She was the kind of Grand-mère that was always prepared. It may have been because she lived through the depression or it may have been she was born a girl scout! I swear, she had everything a person ever needed in her purse!

Gram's handbag was very much like Mary Poppins carpetbag purse. Need a bandage for a school yard scrape? There was Grams digging away triumphantly pulling up two sizes (plus Bactine & a tissue to dry any crocodile tears). She had every form of peppermint & a tasty, aromatic little Violet candy by C.Howard (that I love to this day).

She had screwdrivers, tweezers, a sewing kit - buttons included, a compact & bottle top opener (which as a child I didn't grasp...now I get it - lol). A flashlight, crackers...doesn't every Grand-mère have crackers in their purse?

Being the little kid I was, I have to say that my favorite thing she carried was the extra change at the bottom of her bag. With a special smile, only grandparents have, she would purchase two Cherry Mash candies. We always ate them before we got back to the car.

I've noticed Bandaids & tweezers have crept into my purse...now I just need to dig out some extra"bottom" change to purchase a Cherry Mash. Oh! and be sure to finish it before I get to the car.

Merci to Beverly (Pink Saturday) at How Sweet the Sound & Tasha (Pinkalicious Thursday) at Frugalicious Me for hosting such Grand Fêtes! Be sure to visit their blogs along with all the other PINK participants. Be sure to leave comments...we love 'em!

Trick or Treat!

2011-09-22T18:48:00.006-04:00

Fall is one of my favorite seasons. Warm weather disappears, a bit of a chill sets in and the beginning of family get togethers aren't far behind. Kicking it off is Halloween and it's just around the corner...where DID this year go?!?!

In celebration of Halloween...I've just come out with the first of three adorable treats for your pup this holiday. The first is Plaid Spiders. I just love a bit of shimmer at Halloween & this reversible bandanna delivers. Check it out here. Working on the next two, witch errr... I mean which will be out by the end of next week.

Keeping our Furbabies Healthy

2011-08-31T00:15:00.003-04:00

We all want our BFF's (best furry friends) to be safe. I try to publish dog product recalls, when they come to my attention. Please feel free to contact me if you find a recall & would like me to post it.

There was a recall this month (8/9 to be precise) of the following product:

Merrick Pet Care

Doggie Wishbone (item #29050)

UPC #2280829050

Lot code: 11031 with "best buy date" Jan 30, 2013

Reason: Possible salmonella health risk.

Wishing health & happiness to your favorite furbaby!

"Passionate" about Work

2011-08-28T16:24:00.007-04:00

It's been such a busy summer!

Lots of time spent with family & friends makes the time just fly by. Sometimes we need a break away to become inspired, don't you think? So, during our fun we've been busy coming up with some new patterns for the Fall/Winter season which will be coming out soon.

However, for those of you who don't like to give up your florals anytime of the year, we have just come out with the new Passion Paws Collar. Beautiful rose buds & dainty flowers on a lovely maroon & white background. Very girly girl! Don't forget the matching leash!

Sadie Lou - Parties in Pink

2011-07-14T11:44:00.015-04:00

Who's a party animal? Sadie Lou, that's who!

With some help from her loving mom Becky, Sadie Lou celebrated her Birthday in style.

From her adorable birthday hat to her fabulous MaisonMutt bandanna, Sadie Lou was top dog at her soiree.

What girl wouldn't love their very own bone cake with PINK lettering on their special day?

Looks like Sadie Lou ate up the attention AND her yummy cake!

These scenes warm our hearts here at MaisonMutt. Seeing other pet parents, who love & adore their furbabies, makes us so proud to be working in the pet industry.

Thank you Sadie Lou & Becky for sharing your wonderful day with all of us...WOOF!

Dog Treat Recall - Pig Ears

2011-07-13T09:47:00.008-04:00

Bravo! brand pig ear treats have been recalled due to their potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. This is a voluntary recall by Bravo! brands. For more information & batch codes please click here.

Unfortunately, this seems to be a growing trend for the pig ear treat industry. Several other manufacturers have had recalls earlier this year. Our pups certainly enjoy a tasty pig ear treat, from time to time, so I must say I am a bit concerned about this problem. I will try to stay on top of dog product recalls & report what I find here so we can all keep our favorite furbabies healthy & happy. In the meantime, be sure you know who manufactures your pets treats (big bin treats don't typically give this information). Feel free to ask, your pet store personnel, who makes the treats if they are unmarked.

2 of My Favorite Things

2011-06-29T15:46:00.009-04:00

Is this summer flying by or what? I just returned home from a fantastic 2 week vacation. Friends & relatives went out of their way to make me feel welcome & COMPLETELY SPOILED! Hard to put my feet back on the ground but my studio looked better than ever when I returned home. I promptly unpacked, did "beaucoup" loads of laundry & set about reaquainting myself with the studio. Much to do, much to do. I began to work on some brochures that I had been {{finding every reason in the book}} putting off. Searching the internet for inspiration & also because I was internet free for 2 weeks (don't tell anyone but what a joy that was...i hope you can have the opportunity to try it sometime - breifly) I laughed out loud when I came across this:

I call it: Pierre on a Stick.

My very first Pink Saturday post was about my favorite candy obsession...cotton candy. I found my two fav's wrapped (or is that warped) into one. I swear our pom Pierre posed for this shot.

Hmmm, looks like he's giving me the evil eye. Guess he doesn't see the humor...

I hope all of you are celebrating this summer with friends & family. Wishing you the ability to be able to "detach" from all electronic accoutrements ...even if it's just for a moment. Most of all, I hope you are finding the silly laugh out loud moments all around you.

Merci to Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for hosting such a Grand Fete! Be sure to visit her blog along with all the other PINK participants. Be sure to leave comments...we love 'em!

A Pink Anniversary & Lessons Learned

2011-06-03T12:08:00.007-04:00

I realized that my one year Pink Saturday anniversary is looming (June 10th) and began to look back how Pink has been part of my amazing year.

Pink has come to mean so many things & evoke so many emotions in my life. It all started with joining a group of wonderful, supportive blogging friends. In turn came hope & healing and more recently, faith.

Pink entered my realm, last year, as a way to move forward with my writing & has brought endless creativity and laughter into my life by reading all the Pinkies posts. Yet, unbeknownst to me, Pink was getting ready to bring me more. The very next month I was reunited with my cousins (however they are truly my “brothers” as we were raised very close & will forever be referred to a such)… anyway…due to youth & the silliness that ensues as young adults there was a… well…let’s say long hiatus…where we all fell out of touch. Last July brought my brothers & their beautiful families back into my life. The Pink part involved my “sister-in-law” Kristi.

Upon reuniting I discovered she had been cancer free for 5 years (you can read the full post here). Pink hit hard. It made me joyful that she was doing so well & it made me angry that due to lack of correspondence I was unable to support her through such a dark, scary time. Pink was a hard thing to view since it’s the symbol for breast cancer and although cancer free, I felt much anger for the disease that caused Kristi so much pain. Close to a year has passed & I have had the chance to visit my family a couple times & am gearing up for another 2 week visit {{ YAY }}.

I consider myself very fortunate to be able to share & reconnect with Kristi (this time with several “girls lunches” & definitely some power shopping) ! Her view on life & ability to meet things head on came to me at a time in my life where (unknowingly) I needed this kind of determination & faith reminder. Belief in family, belief in a higher power & belief in yourself all rolled up in one large Pink lesson. These are the things that blogging, Kristi & her brand of Pink have brought to me .
It’s good to know I’ll be “in the Pink” for many years to come.

Merci to Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for hosting such a Grand Fete! Be sure to visit her blog along with all the other PINK participants. Be sure to leave comments...we love 'em!

Studio Friends make the Best Friends

2011-05-26T09:28:00.000-04:00

There's something to be said about working in a studio with 5 dogs (no…not crazy. However, there are times…). Each one of our furbabies has their very own personality.

Why just the other day I was feeling a bit blue & Gunner came into the studio wearing his dad’s rain hat & a silly grin. Blue no more.

Then there’s Pierre seen here gallantly holding my sewing chair in place so it won’t slip this way or that. What a gentleman! Placing his paws in harms way for my safety.

Jasmine loves moms home cooking & is always sure to show me how much!

Our oldest, Harley, is very good about making his bed every morning before coming downstairs to help in the studio.

Bijoux, our tiniest tot, rarely leaves my side & is always asking questions (I think she wants to follow in her mommies paw prints).

I can truly say I feel so very lucky to spend my days (& nights) with such wonderful furry family members!

Grueling Inspections At Maison Mutt

2011-05-02T17:22:00.007-04:00

Ya know, we take our jobs seriously here at Maison Mutt. That's why we have hired our own in house inspector. Pierre doesn't pull any punches. If he sees a stray thread or thinks the fabric isn't cozy enough...he lets us know & we listen!

Just look at that concentration!

Upclose & personal..

There's nothing Inspector Pierre won't do whether it's the softness test or the sniff test, he is ready to help. How lucky can I be?!