Saturday, July 19, 2008

Design Obsessed

..
I returned last Monday from the Atlanta gift market to find that my beloved Bichon Pearl, had tried to chew her leg off while I was gone. Actually, the babysitter took her to the vet and found the dreaded summer 'hot spot' on her leg from heat, allergy or whatever. I had never heard of such a thing as she had remained unscathed up until this point, but I trust in Leslie her caretaker to do what is necessary to fix her up.

(Canine Reenactment)

I open Leslie's door to find my 12 pound ball of fluff with one of those hideous e-collars on her neck and I gasped at the bad design of it all- not to mention the fact that Pearl was paralyzed with shame or fear at what the heck she was wearing. (If mother like daughter she wanted this bad style removed immediately!) This hard white plastic shell was so big she couldn't walk and just stood and stared at me with that, "Are you kidding me with this?" look.

I immediately took it off of her knowing that my good parenting would keep her from itching or chewing more fur from her leg. When we got home I kept a watch on her but knew this medical collar might have to be used while she was sleeping. I decided to trim it down so she could walk better, and well- one thing lead to another and I found myself getting out the hole punch to make eyelets, scalloping the edges for flair and a few silk ribbons for a well needed feminine touch. The results...

You already know I am not a fan of cute or pink or ruffles but hey, she's a white powder puff so who better to pull off this look? Little did I know I could have taken a fabulous old lampshade and achieved the same results! We we're rolling at the store as I couldn't help but compare her resemblance to Gone With the Winds' Aunt Pittypat!



















Good for a laugh even at Pearls expense.
..

28 comments:

Michelle Fox said...

Pearlie Sue.... I miss you, Get well soon. Mommy is taking such good care of you and PINK... I am shocked but you look adorable and stylish, as always.

Melissa Huskey said...

Here's hoping the best for Pearl. I too came home from market to find my beloved beagle very ill. We knew she didn't have a lot of time left as she is quite old, but it looks like she is going down hill faster than we hoped.

Here's to our best furry friends! Long live them all!!!

missy

RaisedInCotton said...

Dear Little Pearl~I hope your hot spots are much better. I must say you look simply marrrrrvelous in your couture collar that your creative Mama fashioned for you. Pink ribbons no less, you are the best dressed dog with hot spots in Kansas.

Debe said...

You are so funny!! Our cat had one of those and it never occurred to me to emblellish it!! It would have been so much more attractive. I hope your baby is ok soon!

Debbie said...

You are so hilarious! I love the dress-up.
Our dog had allergies when he was younger, and would chew his feet raw when summer would hit, so he had to go on allergy pills(which further proved he belonged in this allery ridden family). He seems to have outgrown it as he has not done it the last couple of years.
I hope miss Pearl gets better soon. She may not let you know though, since she is in such high fashion now.
Debbie from homewithhospitality@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Deb, you made my day... laughed so hard i about fell out of my chair. Yes, you know our age when one refers to "Gone With the Wind" (my favorite all-time movie).
I, myself, am a real fan of the "don't know nothin' about birthin' no babies" phrase. Miss Pearl, you are darling no matter what.
Debra from Leolasantiques.com

Sweet Repose said...

I died laughing when I saw poor Pearl and your remake, but I rolled on the floor with the comparison to Auntie. My poor Scratchy(aptly named right now), a Cairn terrier, is suffering with the same summer blues. I can't figger it out, same time every year, bald spots on both sides of her ribcage...but I would have to put her in a body cast to keep her from scratching. I'm a groomer, so I know what's going on with her hair and she eats a wonderful diet of raw organic meats and veggies and filtered water...of course she's spoiled, but she is the main source of humor in my life, she deserves it...good luck!

sharon

A Thing for Roses said...

Loved this post!

Lisa

Jackie said...

Poor Pearl, but she does look adorable with the ribbons!! Nice touch mom. lol.
Best to you and Pearl
Jackie

Joyce Mineer said...

Hold your head (and collar) high Miss Pearl! Hold 'em high! ..."and this, too, shall pass"...

Sweet Jane said...

Now that is funny! Aunt Pitty Pat!

FrenchGardenHouse said...

After schlepping around at market for days, thanks so much for this very sweet and funny post!

Our Beau has had the displeasure of having to wear one of these two times, and he is now wondering what is wrong with HIS Mommy that she never turned it into anything cool before!
thanks Deb, I needed that.:)
xo Lidy

Pandora said...

Poor sweet doggie - but how hilarious what you did with the dreaded cone! LOL I love your blog and long to visit your store :-)

Anonymous said...

YOU HAVE OUTDONE YOURSELF!

Pearlie, You have never looked more adorable! (Well, maybe the Halloween that you wore your tutu.) I am so sorry that you are not feeling well but I am sure that you are well on your way to "pink ribbon recovery"!
xoxoxoxoxox..... Auntie Gail

Angel Court Jewels... said...

I love it...you must be the most creative person I know. Courtney

Debi said...

Debbie,

Love the posts, all of them!! Especially the last one. Pearl is so cute in her collar ( like you I like it alot better after!!!!!) Hope Pearl does too.

I love your blog so much so, I gave it an award... Please check out my blog to see. :D

http://whatscookninjunk.blogspot.com/

shopping monkey said...

Poor little Miss Pearl! Good thing she's a girlie girl. Leaving the dog(s) behind is the worst part about market, no? We have to bring ours to camp runamuck and they like it for a few days, but there's an awful lot of pouting and clinging by the time we get home. Just breaks my heart every time...

Ulla said...

LOL! Ironically I had to bring our dog to the vet this week for allergy 'biting' problems too. And our vet said she needed an 'Elizabethan Collar' for a few days... My vision went immediately to a wonderful lace ruff with all the frills, just like yours! Now I wish I had taken the extra effort and dolled up the one I received too... Truly wonderful!!!

KaReN EiLeeN said...

OMGOODNESS!! You gave me such a good laugh!! My little yorki-poos were sporting the same refinement and not once did I think to enhance their beauty!! Great job!!
Love the comparison photo. Do you think she would mind being compared to a pooch with hot spot?

KAREN EILEEN

KaReN EiLeeN said...

I added you as one of my faves. My mother always taught me to share....

Warm Regards,
KAREN EILEEN

Saucy said...

Ohmygosh that is the most creative treatment of a doggie protective collar, evah! So cute.

flowerparts@yahoo.com said...

ha - the ribbons are fantastic! although i still can't imagine making poor pearl sleep in that thing - these are much more comfy for the pups!

http://tinyurl.com/6jmrhf

just jody said...

classy canine couture, miss pearl!
frankly, my dear, i'm glad your mama gives a damn!

sparkled*life said...

This cracked me up! Not only is your store totally glam but so must the dog be glam also! LOL too cute!

jetfuellines said...

You made me laugh out loud! So great!

Secret Leaves said...

Tee hee hee! Those last two pictures are hilarious. My dog Ellie gets hot spots all the time. It's a boredom and anxiety thing. Pearl probably missed you.

Sharon

Anonymous said...

Hi Debbie. Jon and I now have a new member to our small family. After 26 years we finally got our beloved Golden, Hannah. She's a doll. And I have to say I have a pink collar and leash (much to Jon's chagrin!!) She's a girlie girl!! Hope you come to TX and meet her!!! You make me smile!! Love your babies "collar" Peg

Tricia Samsal said...

Om my gosh! YOu are so funny. I can't stop smiling and laughing. I think, more about the fact that you stylized her plastic collar thing. It looks so much better,though. Get better,Pearl.