www.petpooparazzi.blogspot.com

Cat Show Photos

2012-03-04T14:28:00.012-08:00

I went to a fantastic cat show last weekend and photographed some absolutely gorgeous creatures. As I am on the lookout for a new cat, a hypoallergenic one, I wanted to meet a Siberian. They are reputed to have saliva that is less allergenic than other cats. I spoke to a breeder at the show who said this is indeed the case and that she sends her cats' saliva to the University of California Davis for analysis. Then there's the Cornish Rex cats which some allergic people supposedly aren't as allergic to. Other breeders at the show said, "There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat!!!!!" Who do I believe? Anyway, Siberians are typically $900.00!!!!!!

If I wasn't allergic, I would 1) go a shelter and rescue a whole bunch of cats and 2) get a British Shorthair. They have the sweetest looking faces. And their faces are round which I love.

Here are some of the cats I met at the Lincoln Club Cat Show in Palatine, IL.

Introducing the big, beautiful, brassy Siberian with the magic saliva:

British Shorthair

Burmese

Cornish Rex

Persian kittens

Persian adult

Balinese? Himalayan?

Unidentified

WOW! amazing animal art! check it out!

2012-02-19T09:26:00.000-08:00

Check out this link for an article on an amazing photographer, Fajar Andriyanto.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2099751/Group-hug-Keeping-warm-just-simples-soggy-meerkats-huddle-rain-shower.html

See some of his images below.

Once again, WOW!

GIVEAWAY - CUSTOM COLLAGE FOR VALENTINES DAY

2012-01-15T06:36:00.000-08:00

Win a pet collage for a pet lover! Here's what you do:

1) become a follower of my blog

2) give me a great idea about where and how to market my artwork - specific pet or other blogs you may know of, pet people with clout and the best way to reach them, boutiques/stores etc etc.

You can choose one of the 5x7" portraits from below and customize by doing the following:

1) send me a photo of a pet for the chair and a person for the framed portrait above the chair (or I can put the Mona Lisa in)

2) tell me a breed of animal that you would like in the chair and i'll put it there with either a custom portrait or the Mona Lisa on the wall.

DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 1.

First big snow in Chicago, 2012

2012-01-12T16:14:00.000-08:00

I was one of the cars you might have seen on TV on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago during our blizzard last winter. I had to abandon my car. Happily, I was rescued by a wonderful woman who gave me my own bedroom in her spectacular condominium. So, it wasn't all bad.

Anyway, here are some photographs on my way home from work today.

Simba the fashion forward pooch

2012-01-09T07:35:00.001-08:00

My latest custom pet portrait features Simba who lives on the East Coast and looks very stylish in her fur trimmed jacket.

Her person can be seen in the framed portrait above the chair upon which Simba so daintily poses.

Here's a closeup of Simba's fabulous necklace.

Following are the photos that I used to make the collages.

Transformation, part 4 - Favorite Xmas Gift

2012-01-05T08:27:00.001-08:00

I made collages for the sisters below who love and adore their pets. You'll see the photos that were sent to me and how I transformed them into pet portraits. The girls' mother told me that the collages were their favorite Xmas gifts.

THE FINISHED PRODUCTS

Sigmund Freud & Jo-Fi

2012-01-04T10:41:00.000-08:00

The above collage features Freud and his Chow Chow, Jo-Fi, who used to sit beside him in therapy sessions. It's part of my pets and their famous people portrait series. Details re the collage can be found at: series.http://www.etsy.com/listing/89751038/sigmund-freud-collage-chow-chow-dog-blue

Being a dog-loving therapist myself, and having just seen the movie 'A Dangerous Method" about Freud and Jung, I made this collage. I'm really more of a Jungian in case you're interested.

So, this would be a great addition to any therapy office. If you know a therapist who is Freudian, owns a Chow Chow, and has a sense of humor, you're really in luck.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!!! MAY YOU BE MENTALLY HEALTHY in 2012!!!

Hot dog hairbow - I love doxies

2011-11-26T10:22:00.000-08:00

My latest addition to the ten top most popular dogs series. See it in my online shop at http://www.etsy.com/listing/87118983/dog-dachshund-photo-collage-pets-animals

Doxies are cute. The American Kennel Club describes them as "a lively breed with a friendly personality and keen sense of smell." I think it would be fun to have a sausage with short feet running around the house.

GIVEAWAY!!!! custom cat collage

2011-11-25T10:28:00.000-08:00

Want to win a unique holiday gift for a cat lover?

I'm trying to get discovered! Can you help with a tip or two? I'm giving away a custom cat collage for the best marketing and promotion idea. I want to get my collages into popular magazines, blogs, stores etc.

It's been suggested that I make custom collages for Martha and Oprah, both major pet people. According to Wikipedia, Martha has Chow Chow dogs, French Bulldogs, Himalayan cats, and Friesian horses. I believe that Oprah has two cocker spaniels.

Anyway, is that a good idea? Someone? You can see my online store at http://www.petcollage.net.

Please send along any thoughts you have and win a collage similar to the ones below. You can pick from among the three or mail me a photo of an actual pet (belonging to you, friend, family member), pick a background, and I'll put him/her on the chair with Mona Lisa on the wall behind. The collage will be 4x6" placed in a 5x7" thin black frame ready for hanging.

Deadline: December 10.

Thanks so much for any contributions!

Transformation, part 3 - punked out dogs

2011-11-13T05:02:00.000-08:00

Here's Ozzy, my godson, with a pierced tongue. I can't tell you how many people, upon seeing this collage, ask me if it's real. What do you think? Did my friend, Renee, pierce her BFF's tongue? Or is the tongue stud a little silver ball glued to a photograph?

The mohawk on the dog below is real.

Transformation, part 2 - Shih Tzu collage

2011-11-12T06:37:00.000-08:00

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80217943/dog-collage-shih-tzu-girl-child-blue

The above is an example of a transformation from photograph to pet portrait. The little girl above, photographed in a Chinese restaurant, was a perfect model for an "I Love Shih Tzus" collage.

Shih Tzus were cherished by Chinese royals as prized house pets for over a thousand years.

The name translates as Lion Dog, so named because Shih Tzus were bred to resemble "the lion as depicted in traditional oriental art."

Also known as the Tibetan Lion Dog, there is some argument as to whether the breed is Tibetan or Chinese.

Ozzy, my Godson, is a Shih Tzu/Tibetan Terrier mix. He's adorable. No argument there.

Transformation, part 1 - butterflies & I'm starting to get over the death of my cat

2011-11-11T10:57:00.000-08:00

I've decided to focus on transformation for a while. Seems like a good topic for me as an artist, therapist, animal lover and human being.

Let's start with butterflies. Here are some photos I took.

The following info is from Emily Gems at http://crystal-cure.com/protection-butterfly.html

Butterfly: symbol of change, joy and love, transformation, metamorphosis

If you are going through changes or transitions in your life right now, study the butterfly to make these changes beneficial, joyful, and rewarding. All change is good - even if it may not seem so at the time. Change is what life is made of and is necessary to growth, and accomplishment.

Butterfly Dance

The "dance of the butterfly" can teach you not to take things so seriously. The butterfly has taste sensors on the front legs, enabling them to experience life through motion (dancing, walking).

GET MOVING PEOPLE!

In my research for this blog entry, I discovered Emily Gems at http://crystal-cure.com/amerindea.html. They sell high quality gemstones and crystals and provide information on their properties and uses. They sell jewelry too. Another of their websites - www.amerinidea.com - includes "information about the specific uses of gemstones in magic." Have to check that out.

One of the things that attracted me to Emily Gems is this little "gem" about how it all got started.

"It is said that when you connect with a cat, magic and mystery come alive. Inspired by my favorite feline, a new company "Emily Gems" was born. Emily loves the stones and crystals and inspects each one carefully when new shipments arrive!"

and heeeeerrreeeees Emily!!!!

I am just starting to get over, if you will, the death of my cat, Roscoe. I don't completely break down everytime I think of him. Today, I was emptying the wastebasket in my husband's office when I spied some of Roscoe's fur. OMG! It's now put away in a safe place.

To be continued.....

Make a pet lover smile today

2011-11-10T07:09:00.000-08:00

The above pet portraits are from my "Top Dog" series. They make unique gifts for animal lovers. I can create something completely original that features a favorite animal breed. Or I can make a collage that includes the actual image of a beloved pet with or without its person.

Check out my online store at http://www.petcollage.net.

Owl girl and magical power animal meditation

2011-11-09T03:51:00.000-08:00

Nicole (aka "Owl Girl") loves owls and is very smart! I made the above portrait of her by taking her photograph and transforming it into a work of art. I added the eyeglasses to make her look even smarter.

Nicole considers the owl to be her "magical power animal". Check out the following link for a great article on finding your own.

http://spirit-animal.net/find_your_magical_power_animal.htm

Here's an excerpt:

Power Animals are spirit animals that protect, teach and guide us in our everyday lives. It greatly increases your magical safety and prowess if you have a power animal.

Here is an easy way to find your own personal magic power animal.

The Magical Power Animal Meditation

Find a quiet place and make yourself comfortable. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths. When you are relaxed and ready, imagine a forest. It can be any kind of forest you are familiar with or that comes to mind.

Imagine walking on a path through this forest. Just keep walking. Breathe. Finally you reach a clearing, maybe a meadow. In the middle of the clearing is a little lake. Everything is very calm and serene, and you are just standing there. Standing and waiting patiently.

At some point, you sense that an animal is approaching you. It can be a mammal, fish, reptile, bird, or insect. It can be huge, it can be tiny. Now you see it. It is looking at you, watching you.

You know that this is your power animal and not just some animal that pops up in your imagination, when you see it several times. How is it behaving? Is it moving? Does it let you see it from different angles? Do you feel a connection in your heart? What does this particular animal mean to you? What is the specific magical support it can give you?

Once you have your power animal, honor and cherish it. Display or create images of it, listen to it, play with it, dance with it. Sense its spirit, tune in to its energetic presence often.

Here are the magical powers of some of the animals, although it is more important what your animal means to you personally.

BEAR: Strength, stamina, introspection, vision.

BEAVER: Building, family, community, security

BEE: Harmony, community, celebration of life

BUTTERFLY: Transformation, change, growth

CAT: The unity of the physical and the spiritual world, magic

DEER: Love, gentleness, sensitivity

DOG: loyalty, unconditional love

DOLPHIN: Freedom, peaceful communication, harmony

EAGLE: Spirit, freedom, honor, higher perspective

ELEPHANT: Commitment, family, nurturing, patience

FROG: Healing, cleansing

GIRAFFE: Grounded higher vision

HORSE: Grounded power, freedom, journey

HUMMINGBIRD: Joy, lightness, beauty, and magic

LION: Courage, leadership, strength that come from the heart

MOUSE: Teaches to pay attention to the small things

OWL: Wisdom, at home in the spiritual worlds

RABBIT: Abundance, health, home

SALAMANDER: Transformation, feeling grounded in the present moment

SNAKE: Transmutation, rebirth, healing

TURTLE: Grounding, protective earth energy

WOLF: Teacher, protector, social skills

Contributed by:

Carna Zacharias-Miller
http://www.EmotionalWellnessCoach.net

Horses and Roosters

2011-11-08T04:07:00.000-08:00

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85623587/horse-collage-girl-pony-love-animals

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85623753/rooster-collage-girl-animals-portrait

Above is my newest artwork for horse and rooster lovers. I've decided one of my goals in life is to make a collage that features every animal on earth. Maybe I'll make one for every letter in the alphabet, for starters.

Maybe I should do a collage with musician Patti Smith holding some horses. You may or may not know that "Horses" was her debut album released in 1975 and is often cited as one of the greatest albums in music history. It was a key factor and major influence on the New York punk rock scene. If anybody can tell me what the song "Horses" means, I'd be much obliged.

As for roosters, who knew they make good pets? Check out this article - http://silverpoet.hubpages.com/hub/Roosters-Make-Good-Pets. Here's an excerpt:

Mean Roosters

Roosters do have spurs, and occasionally they have been known to attack people, but this is usually only if the bird has been provoked.

My advice - don't provoke a rooster.

ORDER YOUR HOLIDAY COLLAGES NOW at http://www.petcollage.net!!!!!

Cool cat shoes

2011-10-25T20:12:00.000-07:00

Here are some really cool looking shoes I found on ETSY.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/83524903/size-65-7-leopard-animal-print-platforms

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80358894/gold-spiked-suede-pumps-cheetah-print

http://www.etsy.com/listing/81919015/vintage-leopard-fur-boots

Lion paw pumps & purple pug portrait

2011-10-20T15:03:00.000-07:00

Check out these lion paw pumps. I'll take two. Full article can be found at:

http://cocoperez.com/tag/lion_paw_pumps

Check out the shoes on the babe below in one of my collages. You could sure buy a lot of my pet art for $4,995.00. ORDER NOW FOR THE HOLIDAYS!!!!!

Do you know someone who loves Pugs? If so, consider my purple pug portrait, a great gift idea for a mere $30.00. Such a bargain! Seriously. I can custom make an affordable collage with any animal breed. Or I can include an actual image of a beloved pet if you send me photos.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/73968783/new-dog-collage-purple-pug-girl

The cutest cat on earth.

2011-10-05T18:47:00.000-07:00

I can't stop thinking about Roscoe, my cat, tonight. I remember his beauty, his smell (the best), his softness and sweetness. Sigh. Here are some of my favorite photos of him. He was the cutest cat on earth.

Audrey Hepburn & her pets

2011-10-03T19:05:00.000-07:00

2011 is the 50th anniversary of the release of Breakfast at Tiffany's. Those of you who have seen it know that a cat features prominently in the film. Here's a little background info found at http://thecatfiles.wordpress.com/2009/04/07/audrey-hepburn-and-cat-from-breakfast-at-tiffanys/.

Audrey Hepburn and Cat from Breakfast at Tiffany’s
By John Greco

Audrey Hepburn’s feline co-star was Orangey, an orange tabby who made his film debut in 1951 in “Rhubarb.” Orangey went on to make appearances in films like “This Island Earth” and “The Incredible Shrinking Man.” Orangey is the only feline to win the “Patsy Award” twice, the animal world’s equivalent of the Oscar.

Here's a picture of Audrey and "Cat".

And here are some of my collages featuring Audrey with her pet giraffes and flamingos. You can find them on my website at http://www.petcollage.net.

The happiest place on earth.

2011-10-03T18:41:00.000-07:00

I participated in Chicago's Ravenswood Art Walk this past weekend and was placed in the "Urban Pooch" to show my collages. This "canine life center" is a 7,100 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility designed to support canine health and wellness. It's an amazing place where everybody smiles and laughs and wags their tails a lot. In fact, I overheard one very satisfied customer say, "This is the happiest place on earth!."

in addition to our dog beaches, we Chicagoans are lucky to have an amazing array of places that care for and cater to animals. Like Urban Pooch. This facility offers lots of products and services, including boarding, grooming, etc. They have a chill lounge, "a special place with a serene atmosphere where dogs can socialize, but also relax. Perfect for elderly canines, those recovering from surgery, or dogs that need a little quiet time." I think I might like it there.

They offer massage, promising that afterwards, "your pooch will feel like a puppy." The ancient Japanese technique of Reiki is available too, helping to instill deep relaxation and healing. I really want to check in and feel like a puppy too.

While there, I was allowed the special privilege of going into the day care room where I was immediately surrounded by a pack of 40 or so dogs. I was warned that they would jump and drool. They were all curious and friendly and adorable and well-behaved. When I told them not to jump, they didn't. Suffice it to say, I loved it there. In particular, I met a huge, gorgeous, sweet Great Dane - what a magnificent specimen!!

Here are some photos I took.

The last image is that of an Urban Pooch employee. Does she look happy or what?

Meditating on bugs and bassett hounds

2011-09-28T04:08:00.000-07:00

If you like beetles and cats and frogs, you might want to meditate on the above image which is one of my pet mandalas.

In the Hindu and Buddhist religious traditions, mandalas are considered sacred art. They may be used for focusing attention and as an aid to meditation and trance induction, helping one to experience a mystical sense of oneness with the universe. Groovy.

Carl Jung saw the mandala as a "representation of the unconscious self." I'm big on Jung and his thinking often informs my work as a psychotherapist. Yes, I am a therapist as well as a pet collage artist!

So, back on the subject of bugs. What does it mean if you dream of one? It could be that something is bugging you. Or that there's a part of you that, like a bug, is something icky or scary you don't want to look at. One thing for sure, you don't want to wind up in the bug house!

You know what bugs really bug me? Those little gnats that fly around your kitchen and in front of your computer screen. Did you know that gnats can come from houseplants where they like to breed in the dirt? And that there are non-biting and biting gnats.

Here's another mandala. It's a bassett hound mandala. All together now - ooohhhmmm.

Pretty bugs

2011-09-26T15:17:00.001-07:00

'bugs' by PetCollage

Lampwork Glass Lady... BearellasBeads $2.99	SALE 41 Bug Theme S... BeaderyDestash $4.25	bug pin - Bug off -... thelittleantiq... $7.50	Spooky Spider Hallo... DistinctlyIvy $12.50
Bee Ring, Silver Sw... ClassicKeepsak... $28.00	Set of 12 - Miniatu... naturesadornme... $26.95	Labradorite Spider ... GemstoneDragon... $24.00	PolyPedia E-Book Vo... irismishly $26.00
Franny Firefly the ... buildersstudio $27.50	Ladybug, Lady bug b... AlphabetPlanet $4.00	NEW Crocheted Newbo... LAPropShop $45.00	1 - Raw Brass Art D... birdysdesignga... $1.95
Vintage Lady Bug Fa... grannydsattic $7.99	Wooden Bug Wine Cha... TimberGreenWoo... $15.95	Beetle Optometry Po... HelenGotlib $20.00	LiliBug Halloween S... LiliBugBoutiqu... $6.50

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

This is a treasury I did for ETSY that I really like. I don't like bugs but bug jewelry I do like. Bugs as pets? I don't think so.

Bluebird of Happiness Day

2011-09-26T04:36:00.000-07:00

Check out my story that's featured today on the EFA blog:

etsyforanimals.blogspot.com/2011/09/national-bluebird-of-happiness-day.html

EFA stands for Etsy for Animals aka Artists Helping Animals, and is a group of independent artists, craftspeople, vintage suppliers, and art and craft suppliers that combine their efforts to provide charitable relief to animals.

At the helm of this fabulous enterprise is Nicole Brizel. She describes herself this way " I am a craftswoman & artist; a mother to the animals that look to me, to the trees & gardens that I’ve planted, and to the land that I am pioneering."

See her artwork at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/brizel4TheAnimals?ref=pr_shop_more

HERE' ARE MY BLUEBIRDS OF HAPPINESS!!

Dogs & kids like my collages

2011-09-25T13:47:00.000-07:00

Children love my collages....dogs like them too. Just finished up some pet portraits with teenagers in them. They make a unique gift for kids/teens who are pet people.. I can even custom make a similar portrait that includes photographs of a kid and pet you know. You just mail me your photos or I can get them off Facebook. If you live in Chicago, I can come to you and take them.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/82525742/cat-girl-pet-collage-kitten-green-aqua

http://www.etsy.com/listing/82461312/dog-collage-black-lab-girl-child-pet

Squirrels are not pets but I'm desperate

2011-09-19T16:09:00.000-07:00

Since my cat died a few months ago, I yearn for some animals to love. Here's a few photo portraits of our new friend the squirrel who visits the balcony every day. He climbs on our screen door and relaxes under the plants.

2ui

Although we love him dearly, he is not our pet. My understanding is that some people do have squirrels as pets. What would you do if you found a baby squirrel? Would you try to raise it? Not a good idea according to the following article.

http://www.scwc.org/Library/Animals_SquirrelsAreNotPets.pdf

Squirrels can be awfully cute. They can be destructive pests too. Without my cat, I'm a bit more inclined to feel affection for the squirrel. The pigeons aren't bad either. HELP - I'm desperate to have an animal in my life!

Hypoallergenic cats? Do they exist?

2011-09-18T16:06:00.000-07:00

"No! There are no hypoallergenic cat breeds." This according to:catworld.com at http://www.cat-world.com.au/hypoallergenic-cats-do-they-exist.

However, from the same article:

Male cats produce more allergen than female cats and neutered males produce less than non-neutered males (but not always).
A study of 321 patients with allergies showed that dark-coloured cats where 4 times more likely to cause more sneezing, wheezing and overall allergy-symptom than light-coloured cats did.

Why can some people allergic to cats, tolerate rex cats?

There is no simple answer to this question at this time, and more research is required to get the answers needed. One possible hypothesis is that as rex cats have less hair to shed, they simply deposit less allergen-laced hair around the home. But, whatever the reasons some allergic people seem to tolerate them. From personal studies and observations by Margaret Lawrence in the UK, she found that around 10% of people allergic to cats tolerate rex cats. Please, before you race out and look for a rex cat, remember you should always test your allergies by visiting home or catteries that only own rex cats, and test continuously over several weeks or months. As you don't want the poor little kitten to be re-homed if you find out you are allergic to him or her. Don't let your new cat become another statistic at a shelter.

WHAT ABOUT SIBERIAN CATS?
There are claims that these cats are hypoallergenic but I haven't been able to find any solid research. Anybody else?

According to the above, looks like the best bet for an allergic person who just has to have a cat is to get a white female Rex.

The following photos of a Cornish Rex, a Devon Rex and a Siberian are from http://www.catsofaustralia.com/hypoallergenic-cat-breeds.htm

Cool dog collars & a pitbull puppy from Cali Girl Collars

2011-09-18T13:08:00.000-07:00

In my previous post, I mentioned Cali Girl Collars. They make beautiful, unique, handmade dog collars and leashes with a California flair. They are an elclectic group of artisans whose hearts are united in their love and appreciation of the American Pit Bull Terrier.

www.caligirlcollars.com

Like them on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Cali-Girl-Collars/150223558331423

The latest adorable addition to the Cali Girl family.

.
CALI GIRL COLLARS - WHERE ENDURANCE MEETS DESIGN

Before & after - from photograph to pet collage

2011-09-18T12:36:00.000-07:00

Roe from Cali Girl Collars asked me to make a pet portrait with her and her dog, Juno the pitbull, using the photograph below. See the finished product further down, a 3-dimensional Pet Collage Paradise photo collage!!! YAY!!!.

Do you love cats? I love cats.

2011-09-13T04:20:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest in my "I love" series. I can custom make a pet portrait like this with an image of your cat and you (or any other favorite pet or animal). Just send me photographs.

Check out the details on my ETSY site at : http://www.etsy.com/listing/81507897/cat-collage-girl-leopard-green-kitten

I love cats. I grew up with dogs but the very first pet of my own was a cat named Roscoe who inspired my artwork. He's been gone for a few months. Don't know if I will ever have a cat again as I am allergic and my nose and lungs will thank me after all those years with Roscoe (15+ of them). It's sad to think I may never share my home with a cat again. Maybe a dog next time.

Life Spans

2011-08-05T05:46:00.000-07:00

Having just lost my cat at 19 years, I got curious about the life spans of cat and dog breeds.

How long do cats live?

(http://www.catbreedsjunction.com/how-long-do-cats-live.html)

It must be noted, that the cat life span information indicated below are averages. Many factors ultimately determine the life expectancy of your cat. Some cat breeds do suffer from hereditary or genetic conditions which may reduce the cats life span.

Cat Breed	Average Expected Life Expectancy (Years)
Abyssinian Cat	9 +
American Bobtail	12 +
American Curl Cat	12 +
American Shorthair Cat	12 +
American Wirehair Cat	9 +
Australian Mist Cat	12 +
Balinese Cat	9 +
Bengal Cat	12 +
Birman Cat	15 +
Bombay Cat	13 +
Burmese Cat	15 +
Chartreux Cat	13 +
Chausie Cat	14 +
Cornish Rex Cat	12 +
Devon Rex Cat	10 +
Donskoy Cat	12 +
Egyptian Mau Cat	15 +
Exotic Shorthair Cat	12 +
Japanese Bobtail Cat	12 +
Korat Cat	15 +
Kurilian Bobtail Cat	15 +
LaPerm Cat	12 +
Maine Coon Cat	12 +
Manx Cat	12 +
Munchkin Cat	9 +
Nebelung Cat	16 +
Norwegian Forest Cat	15 +
Ocicat Cat	9 +
Persian Cat	15 +
Peterbald	new cat breed
Pixie Bob Cat	12 +
Ragdoll Cat	15 +
Russian Blue Cat	10 +
Savannah Cat	15 +
Scottish Fold Cat	12 +
Selkirk Rex Cat	14 +
Serengeti Cat	10 +
Siamese Cat	15 +
Siberian Forest Cat	12 +
Singapura Cat	12 +
Snowshoe Cat	10 +
Sokoke Cat	12 +
Somali Cat	9 +
Sphynx Cat	15 +
Tonkinese Cat	15 +
Toyger	12 +
Turkish Van	9 +

Dog Life Span: How Popular Breeds Stack Up

(http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/features/dogs-and-life-span-which-breeds-live-longest?page=2)

Here is a list of the American Kennel Club’s 20 most popular dog breeds from 2008 and their average life span, according to The World Atlas of Dog Breeds.
Labrador retriever -- 10 to 14 years
Yorkshire terrier -- 12 to 15 years
German Shepherd dog -- 10 to 14 years
Golden retriever -- 10 to 12 years
Beagles -- 12 to 14 years
Boxers -- 11 to 14 years
Dachshunds -- 12 to 14 years
Bulldogs -- 10 to 12 years
Poodles -- 10 to 15 years
Shih Tzu -- 11 to 15 years
Miniature Schnauzers -- 15 years or more
Chihuahuas -- 15 years or more
Pomeranians -- 13 to 15 years
Rottweilers -- 10 to 12 years
Pugs -- 12 to 15 years
German shorthaired pointers -- 12 to 15 years
Boston terriers -- about 15 years
Doberman Pinschers -- 10 to 12 years
Shetland Sheepdogs -- 12 to 14 years
Maltese -- 15 years or more

Ozzy goes swimming on his 6th birthday

2011-08-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

Ozzy is my bff's bff which makes him my bff too.

Bulldog collage or corsage?

2011-08-02T07:21:00.000-07:00

				Do you think this would sell as a "bulldog corsage"?

Bullies on the beach

2011-07-31T13:34:00.000-07:00

Here are (from top to bottom) Chunky, Daisy and Winston enjoying the beach on a beautiful sunny day. Winston is a super bully - part bulldog, part pitbull.

Heaven on earth, photographed by yours truly, the dog beach pawparazzi

2011-07-31T07:52:00.000-07:00

Top Dogs - my latest work

2011-07-27T08:37:00.001-07:00

Some new collages in my Top Dog series. Can be custom made to include your favorite animal. See my ETSY shop at http://www.petcollage.net.

10 Most Popular Dog Breeds

1. Retriever (Labrador)

2. Retriever (Golden)

3. Yorkshire Terrier

4. German Shepherd Dog

5. Beagle

6. Dachshund

7. Boxer

8. Poodle

9. Shih Tzu

10. Miniature Schnauzer

The best therapy in the world

2011-07-27T07:18:00.000-07:00

......IS A VISIT TO THE DOG BEACH AT CHICAGO'S MONTROSE HARBOUR!

That's Giovanni at the top with the mohawk. He's a Pomerian with a lion cut. Does that make him a Pomerindian or a Punkoranian? You decide.

Sheep

2011-07-26T10:02:00.001-07:00

"Polished, cultured and well-mannered, they are a civilizing influence to all around."

I really like this image found on ETSY by artist Meagan Donegan.

Check out her shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/MeaganDonegan?ref=ss_profile.

What would it be like to have a sheep companion? Guess I'll have to ask a shepherd. Of course, there are "sheep people". For info on people born in the Year of the Sheep, take a look at this site: http://www.forplu.com/community/life&style/feature/c_horoscope/sheep.htm. The quote above is from the website as well.

BASIC CHARACTER

Essentially, the underlying principles of this sign are all to do with the anima, the "feminine" or Yin side of our natures, the part of is that instinctively urges us to care and nurture, to garner and provide, to love and cherish. For both male and female members of this troop, their basic nature is peaceable, passive and receptive. Kind and considerate, gentle and peace-loving, Sheep abhor all forms of confrontation, aggression or violence. They are happiest among others and harbor no dreams of being dazzling or of standing our from the crowd. They have no wish to roam. No lust for power lurks in the Sheep's tranquil breast. But in their own quiet way, Sheep can be extremely successful in life and they sometimes travel further than they realize as they graze their way over the hills and valleys.

Sheep people have strong humanitarian inclinations but apart from this they also have a creative eye, which makes them tower head-and-shoulders above the rest in all aspects of the arts. With their strong artistic sensitivity Sheep are frequently drawn to the world of music and the arts.

To other people, Sheep are kind and generous - almost to a fault as they can be taken advantage of. Even so, Sheep can get their own way and through such subtle tactics that the other person often has no idea it has happened.

Honey....I'm Home

2011-07-26T07:43:00.001-07:00

'Honey ... I'm H O M E' by cooljewelrydesign

MOD Pattern -Large,...

OliveLeafStenc...

$39.95

Honey Lavender shor...

whimsyandspice

$8.00

Bogo Sale Heirloom ...

moonlightphoto...

$27.00

Food photo - Simply...

Raceytay

$15.00

Handmade Sterling S...

capitalcitycra...

$25.00

Pillow Cover : Nigh...

knifeinthewate...

$32.00

Tree of Life Menora...

Nelles

$175.00

Silk Tent 8x10 Fine...

jmbarclay

$25.00

Custom monogrammed ...

FarFlungCards

$20.00

OOAK Sandy Textured...

blueroompotter...

$28.00

cat collage mona li...

PetCollage

$21.00

A Study In Moss And...

airyobsessions

$38.00

TEA TOWEL Screenpri...

sweetharvey

$12.00

Antique Wooden Fold...

Hindsvik

$45.00

ORIGINAL Large Abst...

ModernHouseArt

$345.00

Peacock Feather. Im...

WingedImages

$3.50

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

This is a great ETSY treasury that includes one of my collages - cat with Mona Lisa (3rd row, 3rd item). Just click on any item and you'll go directly to the ETSY shop.

Be sure to check out the shop of the fabulous curator of this treasury - just click on "cooljewelrydesign" above or go to http://www.etsy.com/shop/cooljewelrydesign.

Lacy in love

2011-07-25T06:18:00.000-07:00

My nephew loves Lacy and the feeling appears to be mutual. Her original owner had planned to breed her but Lacy wasn't quite 100% perfect. My sister rescued her, all skinny and sheltered, and she has blossomed into a gorgeous 100% perfect golden. She is such a lady, so gentle and sweet.

A Ziggy & Lisa collage

2011-07-23T11:55:00.001-07:00

This is one of my photocollages. I took the photos, then cut them up, assembled them, glued them down, sent the original to Lisa, and finally went to tuxpi.com, and created an online mat and frame so you can see a photographed piece. Tuxpi is the best.

Ziggy

2011-07-23T10:46:00.001-07:00

I LOVE THIS DOG. Ziggy was found wandering around the streets and was luckily rescued by my niece, Lisa. He is now being raised by Lisa's parents (my sister and bro-in-law) while Lisa works on making it big in the big city. Ziggy is clearly part Pomeranian. He is so smart and happy. He loves to watch TV and recently enjoyed the film "Out of Africa" (in its entirety, according to my sister).

More Nirvana

2011-07-22T17:09:00.001-07:00

Roscoe and I sitting on a cloud.

I'm holding...... the catnip.

Nirvana

2011-07-22T16:44:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of me doing cat pose on the beach. I've added two Roscoes.

Roscoe my cat

2011-07-21T17:29:00.000-07:00

Not to bum anyone out, but the recent loss of my cat, Roscoe, has moved me to start my blog. He was the one who inspired me to start making art. You can see his photo down and to the right. I miss him. You will see lots of photos of his gorgeous self in the weeks to come.

WELCOME

2011-07-21T17:24:00.000-07:00

DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF MY PET, MY BELOVED CAT ROSCOE.

Welcome to my blog devoted to pets/animals. To me, a pet is a darling, beloved, special, precious one that brings indescribable joy and beauty into life....whether it lives with us and walks on a leash or not. I fantasize about what it would be like to have an owl or a sheep or a giraffe companion. And my collages reflect this. I'm a photographer and a collage artist specializing in creatures of all shapes and sizes. My hope is that this blog will bring a smile to your face while providing you with interesting info, beautiful photos, and updates on both my artwork and that of other artists who celebrate animals too.

Please check out my etsy store at http://www.petcollage.net.

Re artwork and photographs on this site: All copyright and reproduction rights are retained by the artist. Artwork and photographs may not be reproduced by any process without the express written permission of the artist.

MOD Pattern -Large,... OliveLeafStenc... $39.95	Honey Lavender shor... whimsyandspice $8.00	Bogo Sale Heirloom ... moonlightphoto... $27.00	Food photo - Simply... Raceytay $15.00
Handmade Sterling S... capitalcitycra... $25.00	Pillow Cover : Nigh... knifeinthewate... $32.00	Tree of Life Menora... Nelles $175.00	Silk Tent 8x10 Fine... jmbarclay $25.00
Custom monogrammed ... FarFlungCards $20.00	OOAK Sandy Textured... blueroompotter... $28.00	cat collage mona li... PetCollage $21.00	A Study In Moss And... airyobsessions $38.00
TEA TOWEL Screenpri... sweetharvey $12.00	Antique Wooden Fold... Hindsvik $45.00	ORIGINAL Large Abst... ModernHouseArt $345.00	Peacock Feather. Im... WingedImages $3.50