Paws For Design
There are simply not enough words or photographs to portray the extraordinary personalities and stories of these three Lucky Dogs and their Moms, but I’m sure going to give it my doggone best, because they deserve the extra special attention - all six of them.
Catch a glimpse of what I have in store for you!
Heads up! Earbuds and tissues are highly recommended.
An awesome crew, don’t you think?
Meet Brody, the pup with style!
First, let’s hear what dog mom, Casey, has to say: Brody is a two year old rescue pup. He’s a mix of Chihuahua, Jack Russell, and likely many other breeds. This makes for a super loving and cuddly dog about 80% of the time, and a dog who is off-the-wall the remainder of the time. He despises dressing up in his yearly halloween costume but, his mom can’t help herself. His favorite things to do are to sleep on furry blankets, play with his skunk toy, go for walks in the neighborhood, bark at the mailman, and critique his mom on her home decor.
What mom didn’t mention was this…
Brody also goes by “Brody the Naughty Dog” (at least that’s his professional name). This cool pup just so happens to have his own Instagram account. In fact, it appears he goes by a whole slew of names: Mr. B, B-Man, Mr. Piggy, Nugget, and Lil Potato!
It’s impossible to miss Brody’s expression of complete poolside bliss while spending time with Grandma and Grandpa (friends-o-mine from Elma, NY)) OR could it be that he’s thinking about his imaginary girlfriend? He’s a very handsome boy, after all. If this is true, he’d be singin’ this Brooks and Dunn song.
She is the sunlight when the skies are grey
She treats me so right lady take me away
Maria (oh Maria I love you girl, oh my Maria)
Maria (oh Maria I love you girl, Maria I love you)
I love you!
Whether Brody likes his lobster costume or not, you’ll probably agree he’s looking real good in his seasonal threads. Perhaps Brody would be happier picking out his own costume? Take a look at this really neat pet costume shop.
In the meantime, I felt it was my responsibility to make Brody feel more at ease with his mom’s choice in fashion. That’s why I decided to go coastal. Step on board to Brody’s new Coastal Chic living room!
Bold Coastal Chic Living Room
Typical elements for this design include casual, creamy white, slipcovered sofas, light woods reminiscent of weathered driftwood, sisal and jute, gray-washed flooring, and other natural decor like shells and driftwood. Albeit, a coastal chic design style usually features pops of blue and green, but given my natural tendency to go a little bolder (whenever I can), I went for a vibrant coral and red indoor/outdoor rug and a daring, mirrored coffee table. Not only does this rug complement the coral wall art and crustaceans, it’s also a great choice for dog owners. The sofa is also stain-resistant! Just so you know, the fur rug is an orthopedic plush bed for Brody. So, humans, all hands off deck, because he’s very serious about his furs; fur blankets, fur rugs, fur beds…he does not discriminate. Of course, this design wouldn’t be complete without one more signature element of coastal chic, a beaded chandelier.
According to Casey, their happy family takes full advantage of Erie’s miles of pretty coastline. She says the beaches are a “best-kept (not so secret) secret”. There’s just no telling when Brody will decide he wants to take a dip, though. Just in case his big ears don’t keep him afloat, this life jacket will.
As an extra Paws for Design bonus, I’m beyond thrilled to share the unique, creative talents each one of these moms possess!
I’m still scratching my head…could it be that being the best dog mom correlates with being an ultra creative human being? Whatever the answer may be, I feel so fortunate to have stumbled onto this unique discovery for this blog.
Garden Bedroom by Casey
THIS bedroom…
GORGEOUS! I love the manner in which Casey was able to strike the perfect his & hers balance…a little feminine with the alpine garden wallpaper, but more on the masculine side with her choice in bedding and the natural wood bedroom furniture. I do believe this is one of the most romantic, nature-inspired boudoirs I’ve seen in a while. It must be sort of like falling asleep in a beautiful field of wildflowers while holding the one you love!
I couldn’t resist including a picture of Rafa and Casey on proposal day. Casey was about to begin another half marathon run (this one doesn’t ever slow down), but Rafa had a special “good luck charm” in his pocket…an ENGAGEMENT RING! She hasn’t said this, but I betcha anything that was the best run of Casey’s life!
Casey and her husband, Rafa, just finished celebrating their first wedding anniversary in June. After getting married, they loaded up the truck and moved to Erie, Pennsylvania where hubs landed a great hospital job. Casey left behind her business, Buffalo Design Studio, but quickly rebranded as Limbic Studio. Casey teaches design and practices as a freelance brand designer. Be sure to check out her website here.
In their spare time, the couple really enjoy mountain biking, skiing, and running together. Casey refers to Rafa as her “adventure buddy”. These two even ran in the most recent Boston Marathon, a longtime item on Casey’s bucket list. In addition, they love spending time with Rafa’s two children as well as a cool bunch of family members, and, of course, Mr. B.
How about that mural…
It’s clear Casey loves flowers. In fact, many of her client’s murals feature big splashes of flowers. While speaking with Casey last year, I knew she was pondering over how to finish off her office. I was wowed, but not surprised when she sent me the photo of her newly completed home office with a brand new mural…with more flowers. The perfect shade of green and black, used once again, complements the rest of their home so nicely. You gotta love that mid-century style chandelier, too!
Her creative mind extends far beyond her business. Ask anyone - she always has something going on in that beautiful brain of hers.
What Casey has to say about her interior design approach:
When purchased, the home had a lot of traditional fixtures and finishings, and a few really gaudy crystal chandeliers. The entire interior of the house is painted in off-white, which gives it a very bright, cozy and warm feel. They didn’t want all of the white paint to skew too clinical, so a few wallpapered and accent walls have been installed this past year. Their favorite interior styles lean modern, but with a bit of warmth to things. Neutral colors and textures in addition to faux flowers and fur throws are Casey’s favorite things to purchase for the house (and the dog likes it too!). Casey leans minimalist and OCD in her approach to home goods and cleaning, so her bookshelf had to be organized by color. Luckily design books double as great coffee table books, so they’re regularly rotated off the shelf to the coffee table for guests to enjoy.
Now on to Lucky Dog number two…
Meet Maggie, the adventure seeker!
Maggie is a 7-year-old lab and golden, but her owners, Lisa and Alan, later discovered she has Great Pyrenees in her. Lisa says, “that totally explains her stubbornness, intelligence and HAIR!”
It looks like Claremont NH’s Moody Park is one of their favorite spots to frolic. Lisa and I both grew up in Claremont, so I’m very familiar with this beautiful park. I have many fond memories and now it appears Lisa and Maggie do, too.
If you’re looking for Maggie, you can find her hiking in the woods in all kinds of weather, even during hunting season. She says, “Throw on the orange, no problem, cause Mom and I have matching gear.”
It’s true…we don’t always know what are pups are thinking, but owners who truly love their pets can sense what they must be thinking.
And…sometimes they even speak for them!
Maggie’s mom, Lisa, said Maggie wanted to share this with all of you: Seven years ago I adopted a family of humans. This couple had a litter of two cute kids. I had to find the right “pack” who would understand my long list of needs such as having a property that needed me to protect it from any invasion attempts from the Mailman, UPS, Fed Ex, or any unruly squirrels; to be able to stare at my “pack” when they eat to make sure that they don’t choke on their food (although they choke when they see my drool); a family who needed to have their hands rubbed by my belly; a family who needed long walks and hikes in the woods…I’m so happy that I adopted the perfect “pack”!
Ahhhhhh…Maggie, you are so sweet! Soooo sweet I’m compelled to give you
SOME PINK!
Canine Base Camp
After all, doesn’t every little girl dream about having a pink room all to herself?
For Maggie, this is more than just a pink room…it’s a place where she can retreat after hiking for hours and days. Mondays are a day when Mom and Dad go back to work or run the weekly errands. Sounds like it’s the perfect opportunity to get some beauty sleep! Now all Maggie needs to do is choose where she’ll head off into dream land - on her Mom’s extra-wide slipcovered chair or her new blush pink gingham check dog bed; both are machine washable!
From squeaky toys to bandanas to blankets, I’ve got Maggie covered. Go here to complete the look with more Harper Floral doggie fashion and accessories. And…just in case she’s thinking about something pink for those cold winter hikes, take at look at this.
Maggie adds, “Mondays can be bittersweet, though, because I miss adventuring over hill and dale with my pack”. Hence the Mamas and the Papas tune I’ve selected for Maggie.
Monday, Monday (bah-da bah-da-da-da)
So good to me (bah-da bah-da-da-da)
Monday mornin', it was all I hoped it would be
Oh Monday mornin', Monday mornin' couldn't guarantee (bah-da bah-da-da-da)
That Monday evenin' you would still be here with me
Monday, Monday, can't trust that day
Monday, Monday, sometimes it just turns out that way
Oh Monday mornin' you gave me no warnin' of what was to be
Oh Monday, Monday, how could you leave and not take me
A bit about Maggie’s parents, Lisa and Alan. They’re New Hampshire natives who have raised two very bright and good lookin’ children. Since they’re empty-nesters, they now have lots of time to enjoy hiking, paddle boarding, and traveling in order to spend time with their son and daughter. Lisa recently told me they love paddle boarding on Mountain View Lake located in Sunapee, NH, but the truth is - they happily drop in their boards and paddles most anywhere.
Alan owns his own real estate business, and Lisa has spent many years sharing her warmth and compassion with dental patients. I was so fortunate to meet Lisa years ago, while I was working as a dental assistant. It wasn’t long after I met her that I realized she’s a super, super creative individual.
It seems like everything she touches, turns into a beautiful expression of love.
From family to friends to flowers to food to photography… trust me, this lady is “the whole package”. Wink, Wink, Lisa! Sorry readers…inside joke.
As you can see, Lisa spends lots of time snapping nature photos and making personalized hand-crafted gifts and decorations. Holy dog bone…even her food becomes art! She’s also the master of decorative lighting, both inside and out. Lisa’s and Alan’s homes have never failed to impress guests and passersby. No matter the season, there’s always a welcoming sight to be seen.
It’s finally time to Meet Bella, the matriarch!
Here’s what the former California-girl-mom, Shadara, has to contribute about her darling yorkie slash baby bear: She turned 14 on July 14th. Bella was born in Brooklyn, but quickly settled into an outdoor life in NH & VT. She loves the outdoors & enjoys hikes & walks with her incredible younger brother, Manny. Both super loyal to their people. Bella now enjoys a quiet, laid back life of comfort in a plush bed & sunbathing.
Bella’s mom told me, the word, dog, is not one for their household…uh, uh, uh, don’t you dare! Instead, the acceptable reference to her fur babies is BEARS!
I called Bella and Mom on Bella’s birthday last week to wish this adorable resident bear a very-beary HAPPY BIRTHDAY. I knew, even before I made the call, that Bella was, undoubtedly, having a outstanding day full of celebration. I’ve been told the day started off with presents and a “pup-cup”. Later, a long ride in the car, cuz that’s Bella’s thang. Later, again, more presents!
Shadara says, she was “treated like the Queen she is”.
Don’t know about you, but I really cracked up when I saw Bella behind the wheel. In the driver’s seat, of course, like any Matriarch should be. She’s the first one in the car and let’s Mom know she’s ready to go. If you interpret the body language, it appears she may be getting ready to pay a visit to Grammy Nancie, who she is just crazy about!
This dynamic mother/daughter team just got back from taking a long roadtrip to Provincetown, Massachusetts. Just in case you don’t already know this…
P-Town is where the best evaaah moms take their bears on a vacay!
Provincetown is the most dog-friendly spot in Cape Cod. It’s been years since I was there, but, one thing’s for sure…I’ll never forget there were a whole lotta dogs (and bears) all shapes, breeds and sizes strutting their stuff up and down the colorful streets with their proud parents. Honestly, I believe I spent more time stopping to meet them and taking pictures than anything else!
Keeping in stride with the travel story and pictures, what do you think about this song from Three Dog Night for Bella, Mom, and Manny?
Well, I never been to Spain
But I kinda like the music
Say the ladies are insane there
Well, I never been to heaven…
But I been to Oklahoma
Oh, they tell me I was born there
But I really don't remember
In Oklahoma, not Arizona
What does it matter?
What does it matter?
I’m imagining Mom and Bella grooving out on their living room dance floor, when they hear this one!
I must tell you, though…
Bella’s brother, Manny, is gone now, but he’s been to heaven. I hesitate referring to Manny in past tense as I can tell, in speaking with Shadara, their sadness is very much in the present. It seems Manny still goes for walks with Shadara and Bella, as you may recall reading. What a great little guy, Manny (tissue #1 for me). I’m sorry for your loss, dear ones. I hope you both find comfort in this small tribute to your loving Manny.
As Bella settles into a more quiet Vermont life, I thought I would surround her with nothing but warm, healing Zen vibes.
Zen Zone
Nothing invites calm quite like buddhas, chacra rocks and lotus flowers. This design has everything Bella could ever want, the little lotus flower that she is - her grace, purity, and transcendence. This medium size day bed from Pottery Barn will be the perfect spot for Bella to stretch out and soak up the warmth of the sun. I chose a striking, flat weave rug with a medallion motif. It’s easy to clean and great for high-traffic areas. She’ll also be in excellent company with her new group of yoga bear friends.
More on Bella’s mom…
Shadara works in the insurance field. I don’t suppose you’ll bat an eyelash when you learn she holds a wealth of knowledge on insuring your pets. She knows pet owners consider them family. Consequently, they want to provide them with the very best healthcare possible. When Shadara isn’t busy working, traveling here and there, and spending precious time with her Bella, take a look at what else makes her very HAPPY!
Besides taking in nature every chance she gets, Shadara loves to get her hands on furniture and give it all a brand new look. I think she likes injecting glamour and sparkle into her surroundings, since she’s a bit of a retro glamour girl herself with her flawless makeup, retro cats-eye glasses and hairstyles. Not only does she love wearing her Marilyn Monroe tee (above), she’s done an amazing job with her pop-art side table/nightstand. In preparation for this blog, Shadara also mentioned she’s wild about the series, The Andy Warhol Diaries, too. She’s convinced it must have been meant for her to live in any earlier generation.
Check out Mama Bear’s work!
Shadara says every room in her place includes her bold pop-art furniture and decor. I predict there’s a visit to her apartment in my near future. After meeting her through family a number of years ago, I felt this something special connection. Can’t tell you how elated I am that she’s circled back into my life.
Oh, my goodness… I could go on forever and ever. Indeed, they are all Lucky Dogs (parents included) to have each other to love and spend time making precious memories full of laughter, love, and adventure.
Most of all, I feel so incredibly lucky myself.
Learning more about this crew has been an amazing experience. I’ll certainly treasure the time I’ve spent with everybody. I hope you’ve enjoyed my Paws For Design blog as much I have creating it!
Before embarking onto my next design journey, please allow me to introduce one last pup, the heavenly spirit mascot for all three Lucky Dogs. He comes from a long line of police officers and, evidently, has taken his honorable elected position very seriously.
MEET up with…
Lucky came to my brother’s family the day after we learned of our mother’s passing.
My niece, Kelly, found Lucky lost, hungry, and scared.
Although he can’t be described as a traditional “rescue” dog, this is very much a story about being rescued and paying the kindness forward to an extremely thankful family.
After rigorous attempts to find his owner, my niece decided to bring forlorn and fragile Lucky home to my brother Barry’s family. Kelly’s sister, Coleen, studied to become a veterinarian technician, so this pooch’s good fortune began on day 1. If ever there was an example of just how much having a pet does for your soul, this is it. Unconditional love can help you get through even the most difficult of times. I don’t know who was the more lucky…Lucky or my brother’s family?
Lucky’s been gone for a quite a few years now, but his loving memory lives on. RIP, lil’ trooper.
I can’t help but dream about Lucky’s former family finding this blog. Imagine how relieved they would feel knowing their little guy was well cared for by this loving Farmington, New Hampshire family.
Here’s one last tune for Lucky. This sweet rainbow song seems fitting not only for Lucky, but also for all those lucky dogs who’ve been rescued from the most unimaginable circumstances. Listen to Rainbow by Kacey Musgraves and scroll back to take in one last peek at this amazing crew- all seven of them! (this is where tissue #2 comes in handy).
Oh, tie up the bow, take off your coat, and take a look around
Everything is alright now
Yeah, there's always been a rainbow hangin' over your head
Mm, mm, mm
It'll all be alright
Our mother, Marjorie, would have fallen hopelessly in love with you!
