Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Houndbags through the air

Well its still winter and at least that makes it easier to sit inside on the computer in front of the heater, although not quite as close as Layla sits to it.  We have just done a quick trip over to New Zealand to participate in a Pet Expo in Hamilton.  What beautiful country side, its a green I forgot existed.  So we had a few interesting experiences over there that I would not like to repeat but...thats life.  Great people more than made up for it though and we should have a list of NZ stockists up on our website soon.  I was shocked to learn from several dog breeders and owners in NZ that there is a horrid increase in thefts of small dogs to be used in the dog fighting  industry.  I hate even writing about it, but if we remain ignorant how can we help to make change.  Legislation on animal cruelty and neglect needs to be toughened even further with zero tolerance to such acts.  im sorry to end on this note, because for most of us the degrees of seperation of even knowing someone involved in this is huge, but find out ways to help make change where you can.
From me and the big dog, who when walking this morning got chased by a little fluffy dog.  She shot in front of me looking like she had been chased by an elephant,  Layla wants to make fun not fight!!!!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

bath time


I know that dogs have very differant taste to humans when it comes to perfume scents, and Layla is no exception.  Whilst out walking she has been stopping off at every perfume testing counter known to dog, and Im not talking about the Myers perfume counter either!  I dont even want to recollect the sample bottles that she has collected, albeit to say the scent stuck.
So she has been banished to her outside bed until we could muster the time to call it "bath day", which came around saturday evening.  Layla hates having a bath, particulary when she has spent so much time making just the perfect synergy a la dog, but we couldnt stand it any longer. 
So on Sunday morning she joined me for our monthly environment planting morning and she was so excited by the early morning sunshine, other dogs to play with and generally just being alive that she showed her happiness by jumping in the creek.
What can I say, we will always be in disagreeance about the type of scent that she chooses, but the washing photos are priceless.

Friday, July 9, 2010

A teaspoon of sunshine

Last weekend down here in Victoria on the coast we got a day of sunshine that was warming to the bone.  It has been raining and Im not complaining- we need it, but a little bit of sunshine was just the vitamin D that Layla and I were looking for.  Sunshine is the easiest way to get vitamin D, just 15 minutes of morning sunlight can make you smile all day.
So when I saw layla just sun bathing like a princess, with not a worry in the world, I joined her!!!! I urge you to take 10 minutes out of the day to just lie in the warmth with you 4 legged mate and do nothing.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Million paws Walk







What better way to spend a Sunday than to help raise money for a good cause, walk your dog and meet new friends all at the same time.
We love being involved with this annual event here in Geelong. This year we got to meet many new people and some old friends also. Whilst donating Houndbags and cash to help animals in need.
There are plenty of great causes out there, so if we just pick one each and put into it we can and do make a differance.



We got to meet a favorite model, Bracken the wonder dog when we were there also, which was a pleasure!








Friday, May 14, 2010

Exciting new steps with Houndbag


Well, this business has been an incredible learning curve over the last 2 years. Never in my wildest dreams did I think it would become such a loved product. we have made so many great contacts with people over time also. It feels like Ive done a business management course along side a marriage guidance one ( my husband is my partner)!!!!
So we have some great stickers produced and funny new brochures. Wendy Mitchell has been busy photographing new ranges and teaching old dogs new tricks in holding Houndbags....cant wait to see those photos.
RSPCA Million paws walk is on again and we are proud to be sponsoring the Geelong leg of it.

Have a great weekend
from me and the big dog!

Friday, April 9, 2010

Layla's operation


After many many months of preventative care - acupuncture, chiropractic, Bowen & massage. Supplements and much more we made the decision to have Layla's knee operated on. She had been knocked over by another dog when she was a pup and this led to knee problems. So Tuesday I left her with our vets, Neil & Rod at Torquay Vet clinic. 3 days later and we are having to remind her that she has only 3 legs to work with and is confined to the house and verandah for at least 2 more weeks. She is healing incredibly well. Lots of love and spoiling, herbs, vitamins and definitely Arnica tablets, which she has started to enjoy taking. So no playing with Lilly at the moment. Will keep you updated with her progress.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Layla has a friend to stay



Layla and Lilly have been mates for several years now. An unusual mix - One so big and one so little. lilly is an escape artist and usually comes to our house to hang out under the house??Go figure!!! So while her human mother, who also happens to be my best mate has gone away Lilly has come to stay.

They are funny dogs really, a bit like 4 year old children I find. having had lots of experience with 4 year olds. The girls have swapped beds on several occasions now. Layla also gets her nose out of joint if Im giving too much love to Lilly. Too much can be merely saying hello to her.


In any case they have run together, shared bones, frollicked on the verandah and reminded me of the joy of dogs playing together. Its nice being part of their pack.


Thursday, March 11, 2010

Welcome to the Houndbag Blog!


I have a dog, a very big dog, and she requires extensive paraphernalia on our long walks along the coast each day. This got me thinking as I balanced poop bags, treats, balls, money for coffee and papers, not to mention a bag full of sh@t!
I realised I NEEDED a Houndbag to carry all this stuff, so each morning walk became an exploration of how people balanced their stuff, and research became fun.
So it's here that I present the Houndbag, an item I hope will make dog walking a pleasure, avoid unnecessary fines, as you will never get caught short without a poop bag again, always have somewhere to stuff the “stuff”, find your phone, treat the dog and shout yourself a coffee for your effort. Oh and did I forget to mention that if your dog leash breaks you'll always have a spare one attached. Did I think of everything? I hope so!
So, from me and the big dog, enjoy your walk!