This post is “stuck” to the first position on this page. Scroll down for new posts.

Our young dog escaped from a window yesterday, likely spooked by the quake. When we got home from work, we discovered he had ripped through the screen and have been searching all over for him since. We are desperately worried about him, and want to get him home as soon as possible. He’s only 9months! I have attached a copy of the poster we’ve been putting up all over the Sandyhill area.
He is a white golden retriever and is very friendly. His name is Balu. Please email Vanessa or call call 613-789-5599

- Neal & Vanessa

She is a 2 year old brown and gray Yorkie by the name of Lulu. She has a heart shape medallion with her name on it. Her hair was recently cut. She was lost on 07/23/2010 near Ogilvie and City Park. Last seen close to the Aviation parkway and Palmerston Park. Please call 613-697-4474 with any information.

Very talented Ottawa artist, Allison MacAlister of AlliePets

Location: Ottawa, ON
Website: alliepets.com

What kind of Dog Art do you do?
My style is very “toony” compared to many pet portrait artists. Instead of referencing directly from one photo, I prefer to get a handful of photos and a description of the animal’s personality, and from that, create an entirely unique pet portrait according to the client’s description and ideas. Sometimes my style is more toony, sometimes it’s more realistic; depends on the animal, and the client’s desires.

How did you get into doing dog-related artwork?
I’ve done doodles of my pets and friend’s pets for years and years. Animals in general have been my favorite art subject for my entire life. I only got into actually doing pet portraits as a hobby about two years ago, and officially made it a business a year ago.

When did you first realize you are an artist?
When I could pick up a crayon! Ever since I can remember I’ve had the desire to draw, doodle, scribble, and otherwise put pictures on paper. I think I’ve been an artist my entire life, and have simply been honing my craft. I personally feel that anyone who has the desire to create, no matter what age or craft, is an artist.

Could you tell us some more about your work?
I work digitally. The entire piece from sketch to completion is done on the computer. I’ve had requests for real media, and may offer it as an alternative when I feel skilled enough to do so. My favorite program to work in is a Japanese program called Paint Tool SAI, but I also work in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign when needed. I work on a powerful PC with dual monitors, and draw using a Wacom Intuos3 9×12 drawing tablet. Every so often, I stream my drawing process live to the client or others interested in watching me work. Aside from portraits, I also enjoy offering logo, branding and design services that are pet-related. I have a design diploma and like to put it to good use!

Continue reading →

A reader emailed asking about dog friendly coffee shops and restaurants.

Do you know of any?

I get a lot of emails about playdates for certain sized dogs – especially small dog meetups. No longer do you need to worry! Ottawa K9 School is now offering Fun Friday Events, one of which are playdates! Sweet!

The first meetup is a SMALL DOG PLAYDATE on August 6th, with drop in between 6:30 and 8:30. All Fun Friday events include coffee, treats, cold drinks. Playdates are a flat $10 fee.

The next Fun Friday event is Intro to Agility on August 13th from 6:30-8pm. Intro to Agility is $20 – spaces will be limited! Reserve ahead of time by email. This is a fantastic way to try out agility to see if it’s right for you and your dog.

Ottawa K9 School is launching these events in conjunction with opening their BRAND NEW LOCATION. They are now located at 425 St-Laurent Blvd., right beside Full Cycle.

We’ve been having quite the summer – it’s actually been warm for days on end and it is just wonderful.

While we enjoy this heat, our four legged family members might not. Dogs do not handle the heat as well as humans do so please take care and be aware of how it affects your dog.

Read this great article by The Ottawa K9 School about the Dangers of Heat Exhaustion.

The photo used in this post was circulated to me in an email. If you know the person who it was taken by, please let me know so I can give credit.