Sunday, June 12, 2011

Doxie Lovers: Super Cute Dachshund Plush Toy

I have a shop on Etsy.com and if you're not familiar with Etsy, it's a community of entrepreneurs selling handmade or vintage items.  There are some REALLY cool things on Etsy!  If you know me, you know that I am crazy about dogs.  While I have 2 border terriers, I love all dogs and there is a seller on Etsy who has made some really cute stuffed Doxie toys.

Friends of Scoktopus / Black Bird Fashion is an Etsy shop out of Anacortes, Washington and while they also make sock monkey toys and other stuffed toys - all handmade, I'm crazy about their stuffed Dachshunds!  The fabrics are so cute and who can resist a doxie of any kind?  Check them out for yourself here.

And here's a photo of one of my favorite Doxies...

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Pit Bull T-Shirt with Anti-Dog Fighting Message

I am a native Atlantan and was educated about dog fighting when former Atlanta Falcon, Michael Vick was convicted of dog fighting.  I learned more about dog fighting than I probably wished I had, but it was an important education.  Back then, I created a "Neuter Vick" t-shirt and sold out of them fast.  I can't understand why anyone would ever hurt an animal, let alone make them fight one another, this is so foreign to me.  As I've become more and more involved with dogs and shelters, I've seen so many pit bulls who are languishing in shelters, they are tough to adopt out, they've gotten a bad rap. 

I'll admit, I used to be apprehensive around pit bulls, because I was ignorant about them.  I believed what I heard in the media and I wasn't educated about dog training, behavior, etc...I've met many wonderful pit bulls who are sweet as can be.  I understand that dogs are the way they are as a result of how humans have raised them and treated them.  I've seen wonderful stories about rehabilitated Vick dogs at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and am amazed at how these dogs can learn to trust humans again (http://www.bestfriends.org/).

Because of my education and understanding, I created a design that is pro-pit bull and anti-dog fighting.  The shirts reads, "I'm A Lover Not A Fighter" and features a smiling pit bull.  I just love this design and am so proud when I wear one of my shirts.  My goal is to donate $1 per shirt to pro-pit bull or anti-dog fighting groups and I'd love to raise LOTS of money for this cause!  Here's the link to my Etsy shop so you can get a shirt of your own:  www.etsy.com/shop/houndandthistle  There are standard shirts and fitted shirts for those who like a more snug t-shirt.

Do you know of a great organization that supports bully breeds? 
Do you know of a group that aims to end dog fighting?
If so, please share this information with me so I can consider donating proceeds of these shirts to them.

If you live in the Atlanta area, there is a motorcycle ride coming up to raise money for anti-dog fighting efforts:  http://www.terminuscityride.com/ make sure to check it out!

Best, Megan
http://www.houndandthistle.com/
www.facebook.com/houndandthistle