pets «

I recently read this post on the Elements of Style blog and I found myself agreeing enthusiastically with Erin’s love (aka obsession) for her furry children. I just happen to have 3 of my very own: Mattie, a maltese/yorkie mix (a morkie!), Ollie, a giant of a mutt (some kind of hound mix), and Simon, an adorably fat cat. While Mattie is blatantly the spoiled member of the household, I love each of them equally in their own, crazy, stupid, and oftentimes frustrating ways.

And very unintentionally, this post actually has amazing timing – as of this evening, Mr. Ollie will be sent off to bootcamp for no less than two weeks in order to better learn the ways of the human world!

Yes, the amount of money and effort we spend on these creatures can become a bit absurd…between Mattie’s Vineyard Vines collars, fastidious eating habits, grooming, and in-home pet sitter; Ollie’s training classes & daycare, his amazing ability to injure himself wherever he goes, and the number of things he’s managed to destroy in our home (couch cushions, chair cushions, throw pillows, shoes, the list goes on…); Simon, well, he’s luckily a bit of an angel; and the general vet bills for all…I’m quite sure we could have purchased a second home!

Add onto this the fact that it is next to impossible to keep the house clean….

But in the end, they are worth every penny (although I often have to remind myself of this!). They provide comfort and stability, attention, and unconditional love. They supply an endless stream of entertainment and laughter, and through the best of times and the worst of times, they are a constant, tolerant companion.

(I know my husband is snickering as he reads this….ok, ok, I’ll admit that Ollie has been a bit of a struggle – hence the ensuing bootcamp – but as much as I’m looking forward to a well-behaved dog, I will miss his neurotic antics!)

Yes, I know this is a bit outside of the design and event realm, but this is a little insight into my world, and with a non-furry child on the way I thought I’d show a little love to my furry ones in the meantime!

And for all you other animal lovers out there, here are a few more great reads:

Erin Gates over at Elements of Style has some fabulous suggestions on how to spoil your furry friend (and how to look good doing it)!
Next time you have that vodka cocktail, consider giving some to your dog too…!
Can’t go wrong with these rugged, all weather, made-in-the-USA accessories for pet and owner.
Dog not carrying his weight around the house? Now he can with this adorable, hand-stitched leather backpack!
22 lessons in etiquette…taught by pets.
And of course, the always-loved Pets On Furniture courtesy of Desire to Inspire! A few of my favorites…

What’s not to love about these crazy critters?!

Well hello my friends! I hope everyone enjoyed their extended weekend…my husband and I actually extended ours an extra day and had a nice “staycation” full of laziness, beer, and brownies (and probably a few extra pounds…).

Speaking of brownies, I delayed writing a post today thinking that I would be the bearer of most excellent news this afternoon – a new (furry) addition to the family in the name of – yep, you guessed it – Brownie! Unfortunately, upon an early afternoon arrival to the ASPCA with Ms. Mattie-Lu in tow to meet this new little creature that would potentially become her brother, we discovered that our Brownie was adopted just hours before. I’m not quite sure how to feel at this point – sad that our little man wasn’t adopted by us, or thrilled that this adorable little pup found a home! I think Mattie-Lu’s expression sums it up quite nicely…

(where’s my brother?)

Of course, my cat Simon had to put in his two cents as well…

(dreaming of a dog-free home…)

I must say, if you don’t own a pet, it is something that I would highly recommend. Not only are they a constant amusement, they give life that additional dimension, that extra vigor, and bestow such an abundance of love on body and soul that life can’t help but feel blissful, even in the worst of times.

Sure, the little critters can also be a bit troublesome and overly boisterous – I can’t tell you how many pairs of shoes were destroyed, lipsticks eaten, shirts shredded, and hairballs discovered – but it’s been worth it, truly, it has…

In the end, no matter the chaos they may cause or things they may destroy, I can’t imagine life without my furballs. Simply said, they make me smile and frankly, isn’t that what life is all about?

(can’t resist a comfy basket!)

(you talkin’ to meee?)

The above picture of Mattie looking guilty on couch actually reminds me of a fun series on Desire to Inspire called “Pets on Furniture.” And, well, there’s not much more to it – animals on furniture, but with just a little more panache….

Oh my goodness! It was so hard to stop at just a few! Adorable animals + exquisite interiors = pure purrfection.

Do you own any animals? If so, do share! Email me your own pictures of “Pets on Furniture” and I will feature my favorites next Wednesday, 9/12. Original content only, please. The winner will receive a little care package put together by yours truly, with a little help of Mattie and Simon, of course.