News, Advice and Resources for Thoughtful Pet People
I like goats (not so much sheep), but I’m not sure I could live with this. Some of them seem like they haven’t gotten the hang of caprine or ovine language. Others just seem to have an attitude problem. Enjoy! (thanks, Holly!)
And don’t miss these other goat posts:
http://youtu.be/PpccpglnNf0
Hurray for gate springs! They are an inexpensive (~$11) way to make sure your gate closes and latches anytime someone opens it. This a a great way to keep your dog safe without having to rely on people actually remembering to make sure the gate is closed.
Gate springs can be found at most hardware stores and are really easy to install. Use some care in adjusting the tension on the screw.
I love Valentines—so pretty! Here are a bunch of DIY Valentine’s Day projects for you to make for the pups you love. Just add a squeaker or mylar, if your dog likes crinkly toys. All of these patterns are free. Be nice and don’t use patterns to make things to sell if the author asks you not to. These people have been really generous in providing all these patterns, so consider supporting them if they have etsy shops, stores, books, or patterns for sale.
Row 1:
Last week’s post on the DIY Dog Rain Coat got me to thinking about all the other DIY dog coats & sweaters I’ve written about. Here are a bunch of tutorials on how to make your dog her own coat—everything from upcycling to sewing to knitting to even weaving.
Dog Raincoat from Old Jacket (for people) with pattern
Oil Cloth Coat with 2 patterns
Though it’s not a tutorial, this is a great idea! Check out these super cool coats made out of broken umbrellas created by Taryn Zychal.
Cute coat! Check out this great tutorial for a canine rain coat using oil cloth—the vinyl coated material used to make tablecloths, tote bags, etc. Oil cloth is waterproof, easy to clean, and now comes great patterns.
Heather, of Heatherly Loves, used an old dog coat as a pattern to cut out pieces from some oil cloth she had left over from another project. She used left-over knit fabric to line the coat, but knit can be fussy to sew. I would either not line the coat or would use flannel or light fleece. The result is a very functional, thrifty rain coat that looks really cute. I like that the belly strap is further back, though you’ll want to be sure a male dog won’t get pee on it. Saffron still shakes herself off even when wearing a coat and it always leaves the end of her coat flipped up. Having the strap further back might keep this from happening.
If you need it, here is a dog coat pattern that also covers the underside of a dog. This second pattern can be printed out and taped together. Need to custom fit a pattern? Check out this tutorial for customizing a pattern to your dog’s measurements. Finally, if you have left-over oil cloth, you can make a matching, foldable travel bowl for your pup.
