As 2018 comes to a close we tend to look back @ the big events, the ones that made news. But, almost 2 weeks ago, a client sent me a photo of her doggies after I bathed them and left them with kibble, treats and crunchies to nosh on. When I looked @ that photo, I felt so happy. The doggies appeared content and peaceful. It made me think about how much I enjoy spending time with them. Then, I had a thought. Every day is just a series of moments and happiness is appreciating those moments as they happen. Sure, we all have challenges, but life is so much more than that. I thought of all of you that open up your homes and share your love of pets with me and how wonderful that is. But, I was also a little sad that you can not all meet and get to know each other. So, that was it. I wanted you all to see what I see. Although I can not convey the feelings I have as I do the work of filling the orders and hugging the furry ones, I can show you the faces that I love. It only took a moment to decide to ask you all for photos of your pets taken in your homes this year. 

As we look back on 2018, I hope you remember not the craziness that is broadcast nonstop across media, but that you are connected to something wonderful, something that brings you a little sunshine every single day. We are all blessed that we share our lives with pets. Creatures that personify everyday what we exude on our BEST days: acceptance, simplicity, joy and love. 

When I look back on 2018 this is what I will remember.

I am so grateful to each of you for allowing me to be a part of your fur-families. And, I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I do. Special thanks to the kind folks that  had current photos to share. 

Deepest Gratitude, Peace and Love,
  S.

Yesterday, we held a fundraiser in conjunction with our friends @ Yuppie Dog to secure a service dog for Justin Hill, a man with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) who also happens to be my son. Despite the cold and a few snafus, we all had a really great time evidenced by these fun photos of canines and their families with Santa. All the proceeds went to Operation Overwatch, an organization that rescues dogs from shelters and trains them to be service dogs for people with TBI and PTSD. They call it "Healing at Both Ends of the Leash." Isn't that wonderful? We are so grateful to all the big hearted people that participated as our guests. We also want to thank our vendor Leah Bushland (Mary Kay rep extrordinaire!), and all the local businesses that donated silent auction and raffle prizes: Rebecca Lankford Designs, Yuppie Dog, STUTZ Studiowerks, C&D Hardware and Gifts, Commissional Coffee, Canine Behavior Specialist, Athas Florist and Ashley Cakes. Gourmet Familia arrived about midway through the event and served hot paninis as well as delicious soup. Also, a special shout out to all of our wonderful volunteers: Joann, Patrick, Lily, Jack and Ellie. They worked so hard despite the cold. What a lovely, positive group!

I am posting these photos with the intent that the participants of Canine Christmas can capture photos off this page. Feel free to share them on social media. And, when you do, please consider adding a link to Justin's Flipcause campaign. That would be awesome. Here's the link:

https://www.flipcause.com/secure/fundraiser/MzE2NzE=/15479

Canine Christmas may be a happy memory, but Justin still needs more funding to reach his dream of a service dog to call his very own. Your donations are tax deductable. Thank you!!!!!

(Scroll down to the bottom to participate in our online Silent Auction.)

Silent Auction

If you missed Canine Christmas, no worries. We have a little Christmas left over for you. The following items are still available to bid on. Just post your name, the number of the item you want and the amount of your bid in the comments below. The Silent Auction will end Wednesday, December 12th @ 9:30p. You can bid in the comments as many times as you want until the very last minute! Bidding on any item starts @ $5.00. Here are the Silent Auction items:

1) Yuppie Dog gift card - Value 250.00
2) Canine Behavior Specialist gift certificate - Value 150.00
​3) PetProductDelivery.com gift certificate - Value 100.00
4) PetProductDelivery.com gift certificate - Value 50.00
5) PetProductDelivery.com gift certificate - Value 25.00
6) Ashley Cakes gift certificate - Value 25.00

​Good Luck!