out-look (n.)
For our new friends and faithful followers that perhaps have not yet noticed, we changed our tag a while back from ‘Tails Are Wagging – there’s a new dog in town,’ to ‘Her and Her Dogs (plus the cat).’
Tails are wagging was meant to be a take on ‘tongues are wagging’ and we felt that sounded a bit like gossip. We try not to engage in idle talk or spread rumors or misinformation. We care less about the personal or private affairs of others and prefer to dish about positive, upbeat situations, fun and useful products, valuable training and nutritional information, or friends in need of support. Okay, we tattle when it comes to situations that may harm members of our pack. But only when that information will benefit our animal-loving community.
As far as the literal wagging of tails, Henry and Reese are the only ones who have mastered that trick. Ricky the Rooster aka ‘the cat’ has a big, fluffy blonde tail that appears to be made up of feathers.
The Rooster can shake those feathers, but sadly, his mama is no J-Lo.
Sadie & Co. fits the whole pack, and it seemed the time was right to make the transition.
When I writing the children’s book, Henry says “Hello” I somehow never thought of my involvement as more than author and illustrator. I know, I know, how would the message get out if I was hiding behind the book and the writing on this blog.
I firmly believe, that children need to learn to interact appropriately with and behave respectfully around dogs.
So now we are a PACKage deal. I stand alongside the furries, united in our crusade to learn and share information that will be useful and, some fun stuff, for all animals and their people. I will continue to work with my peers in the animal-welfare community to address some tough issues, generate awareness and together, make a difference.
That’s the name, now for the look:
The Theme
I am a romantic. I love pastels and lace, gardens full of flowers, woods full of trees with leaves of all shapes and colours, and the critters that roam amongst them. I love picnics on quilts with lemonade and food served on mismatched plates and sipping (herbal) tea from a teacup with saucer.
It had to be vintage!
After deciding what changes and additions I wanted to make to my page, I searched for weeks comparing themes and ultimately settling on one I thought complimented those components. Thank you, Ashley of Dinosaur Stew, for creating the Elissa Theme, and for your assistance.
The Logo
As an artist, I wanted a look that reflected something from my easel. I knew I did not have time to create something myself, in the timeline I had set. I was so happy to find Kimberly from Kimberly Paige Designs, a graphic designer that was able to translate my design digitally, from some rough sketches and a few messages. The finished product turned out exactly as I envisioned it. Gold font, with Henry, Reese, Ricky, and a pair of ‘her’ shoes conveyed digitally, in pastel shades of ‘watercolour.’
Your Heart Dog
I have heard it said that you only get one “heart dog” in your life. The one that speaks to your soul and with whom you experience a bond, a connection unlike any other. The notion may be true; however, I believe each of our companions teach us different lessons about being better humans.
This ‘heart dog’ signifies the companions from our past that we still hold deep in our hearts, and those whom we will be blessed to know and make room for in our hearts, in the future.
We hope you continue to visit and find some things here that resonate with you.
Beautiful site and I love the explanation for the changes!
Thank you Robbi – much appreciated!
Your site is stunning!
I totally AGREE with disagreeing about the “heart dog” concept. You said it right: Each pet teaches us something and enlightens our lives.
Love your art and I look forward to reading more in the future!
Jasmine Bachrach | About Pet Rats recently posted…Life is Better When You’re Laughing
Thank you so much Jasmine!
I absolutely love your new look! It is so clean and fresh! Can’t wait until your book comes out! 🙂
Spencer the Goldendoodle recently posted…Throwback Thursday: The Gang
Thank you Spencer! Our book is available on Amazon : )
So beautiful – in sentiment, in visuals – love it all!
FiveSibesMom recently posted…Waiting for Snow on a Wordless Wednesday
Thank you very much – I appreciate your kind words.
Love your new look!
Carleen recently posted…Healthy Playtime With Instinct Raw Boost Mixers #Mixitup
Thanks Carleen.
It looks fantastic and I love all of the changes.
M. K. Clinton recently posted…The Fifth Paw Receives High Fives
Thank you. It was time.
I love the new look and the name!
Beth recently posted…Happy Tails: Dugan
Thanks Beth, much appreciated!
Really beautiful and very timely – we’re looking to refreshen our design! Thanks!
MattieDog recently posted…Careful, Your Dog Understands Your Moods!
Thanks MattieDog! I love your site. I’m interested to see what changes you make to your design.
Beautiful site, and you have articulated the changes so well!
A Husky Life recently posted…Wordless Wednesday: Dashing Through the Snow
Thank you! And thanks for checking out the new look!
I love your new look and your logo is beautiful.
Thank you Lisa!
Your blog is beautiful! And the changes you made were tasteful and beneficial to the blog, I think. Great job!
Heather recently posted…The Doga Experiment
Thank you Heather – I appreciate the feedback.
I love the logo and look and feel, my heart dog is sitting right next to me – perhaps we have more than one, I cannot decide… your site is beautiful.
Thank you Christy. Hugs to your heart dog xx
Nice new look and the artwork reflects your life well (as you describe it).
Sweet Purrfections recently posted…Those Were The Days