Pet – Page 2 – Organizing Threads

March 27, 2014

My Billie B

In July of 2010 a puppy, about four months old, was left at the KW Humane Society accompanied by a paper suggesting she was part pug, part Staffordshire terrier. Now Staffordshire terriers are a banned breed in Ontario, therefore not adoptable. The staff at KWHS decided to foster this little female for awhile to see if that breed was going to show. So Christine, my daughter-in-law (now in charge of adoptions at KWHS) took Billie home.

My beloved Shazdeh had developed cancer and I had had her put down in early February that year. I had decided that as long as I lived in a third floor apartment I would not get another dog. However, Simon and Christine were quite certain that Billie, as the puppy was now named, would be a wonderful pet for me. One weekend in September, when Billie was given the OK to be adopted my kids asked if I’d puppy-sit — an opportunity to “try out” the pet before I committed. Ha! Like I was going to say “no” after that.

Billie is a sweet girl, a dear companion. But I’m frequently asked what breed she is. Not knowing for sure I reply, “part pug, part terrier”. Several weeks ago Christine brought me a Wisdom Panel® Shelter Dog DNA testing kit. Here is a chance to find out Billie’s ancestry. I subsequently swabbed Billie’s cheeks and sent away the sample. This morning I got the results. Here they are — and no Staffordshire Terrier in the mix!

February 9, 2014February 9, 2014

Boots for Billie

My little dog was not made for cold weather. And it’s been COLD this winter. Billie has a hard time going outside even to answer nature’s call, much less to take a walk. We both miss the walks. Hopefully we will return to more “normal” temperatures soon.

In the meantime, I tried to make some boots for my girl’s little feet. I’d bought some at the dollar store, but I couldn’t make them tight enough to stay on. There were patterns online of the same design, but that wasn’t what I wanted. Once again, I created my own.

I first made an outline of her paw; adding a seam allowance gave me the sole of her boot. I cut soles out of thick black fleece and “shelf liner” to give her traction on the hardwood floors (something she didn’t have with the dollar store boots). For the upper I used a small saucer to make a circle, then cut a smaller circle in one end, then removed about a third of the bottom. These I also cut from black fleece. I used ribbing for the leg part of the boot.

I folded the upper in half and seamed it. Then I seamed the ribbing along the length, folded it in half and sewed it to the smaller opening in the upper. I marked both pieces in quarters to have them sewn evenly together.

I then used the same technique to put the soles on. I sewed them right sides together so the seams would be inside.

When I had all four made I tried them on the dog. She was not impressed! She wouldn’t leave them on her feet. The dollar store boots had Velcro strips to tighten them — I carefully removed them and hand-sewed them to the new boots. Now she couldn’t kick them off so easily!

Not a happy camper.

She did perk up when I mentioned the T-word.

Billie doesn’t really like these boots (and I’m not sure they are a good design; I may have to try again) but we have walked further when she’s wearing them. We even had a short walk yesterday when it was -11ºC (-15º with the windchill) (12º/5ºF).

July 29, 2012August 2, 2012

2-seater glider

My little dog is such a cuddle-bug, she really likes to be close. One of the difficulties on being in my balcony garden is that Billie couldn’t sit beside me, and I couldn’t do anything if she was in my lap — it was always easier just to move back inside.

Last night I bought a 2-seater glider. In a box. Assembly needed.

I spent almost 2 hours on it last evening. Had to do almost everything twice, because I didn’t do it right the first time. Then at 9:00 pm I quit, it was getting too dark. At least the base was together.

I tried again this morning, but I just wasn’t able to get the seat attached. I wasn’t strong enough to pull the fabric tight and get the bolts in place at the same time. Thankfully, my Beloved Man was coming over. Together we finished the task. I am so happy with the results. So is Billie.

November 16, 2011August 2, 2012

Kitty Sock

Christine sent me a text – the Human Society had a kitten that had a stump for a hind leg, whether a birth defect or an accident they didn’t know; but would I be able to knit a sock to cover the stump?

I’m not a very good knitter at all, but I decided to give it a try. The end result:

And here the kitty is to model:

And then she asked for more — hadn’t considered what would happen in the litter box! I’ve made another grey one and a red with white trim sock for Christmas.

November 13, 2010November 13, 2010

Billie’s New Sweater

I didn’t really like the fit of the first sweater I did for Billie. I found various patterns on websites for dog sweaters, including how to measure your dog to custom fit. However, in the end I just crocheted, tried on, adjusted throughout. I finished it, took the doggie for a walk and decided to modify it. Now I have a sweater that fits well.

I used Sidar’s Click #2147 Aran with wool for the collar and cuffs and Cascade yarn’s Heathers #8013 (100% Peruvian Highland Wool) for the body, both picked up in the clearance section of Mary Maxim. I crocheted the body in a alternating single and double pattern to give it a nice texture and density.

Istarted the project using the #8 bamboo crochet hook I bought in Cupertino in January; however, before the remake Miss Billie stole the hook and chewed it to bits. I was not pleased! I couldn’t find my 4mm hook so used a 3.75 to finish the project.