Im Truly Heartbroken

It is with deep sadness that my sweet baby girl Kayla passed away on Monday the 13th.

She was a very special little girl not just to me but to so many people. I miss her so very much. She was my whole world.

she is my little sunshine!

Back to blogging

Hi all,
  I want to say that I'm so sorry for not keeping up with my blog. I really want to get back and keep you all up to date on what is going on.

From my last post I mentioned a new fur baby so here he is. This beautiful boy is Jasper. He came in to my life when life was really tough. My Mom had just passed away September 2015.
My whole world was now turned upside down with her gone. Then this little guy appeared. He was just a baby at about five to six weeks old and was in the storm drain under the parking lot at work. So we trapped him in a live trap. I
took him to the Animal Hospital to get checked and all was ok. Picked him up next day brought him home and the rest is history. He is sooooooooooooo funny. Kayla poor old girl just stands there and looks at him when he's running around. She is so good with him.

I have lots of stories to tell about Jasper, but for now I'll move on with more news.

Will the next bit of news from my last post is I had a Heart Attack in March of 2016. Its hard to believe its been almost a year ago. I'm doing pretty good these days. Lots of doctor visits and medicine to keep everything under control. I have good days and a few bad, but I that is my new normal. I'm just happy and thankful I'm still here.

So moving on now.
Now that spring is in the air, well here it is. It is going to be in the upper 70's this week. My flowers are so confused they have started coming up.
I'm working on so many new things for this year. First I have started on a new adventure. I know like I need to start something new. LOL I am making Dog clothing. Yes that's right Dog clothing. I am up cycling T Shirts from Thrift stores and garage sales in to Dog T shirts and scarves. You can have a sneak peek on my facebook page at www.facebook.com/dandydogduds and my new Artfire shop at www.artfire.com/ext/shop/home/dandydogduds.
I will post photos at a later date.

I also am still creating my polymer clay dogs. I am planning on creating some Easter pups and a few other surprises.

So that's a little bit of what's going on around here.

I will talk to you all soon.

Kitty Kisses and puppy tail wags.

Sheryl

No I didn't fall off the earth.

Hello to you all!
I bet you all thought I fell off the earth. Lol
Well I'm back.
A lot has gone on the past few years. Some things good other things not so good.
I'll explain in later posts but for now let's start 2016 as a fresh and exciting year.
I have some new and exciting news to share as well as new creations.  But the news will have to wait for later this evening as I can't get to my photos on my cell phone. Bummer.

What I can tell you is that I have a new fur baby. Yep that's right. He came into my life at one of the most difficult times in my life. You can all take a guess until this evening when I'll post the full story along with photos. Yep I'm keeping you in suspense.

So until this evening have a wonderful day!!!

Sheryl

New Bear Design for 2013

 

Please meet Thunder. He is now listed at www.bearpile.com. He say's stop by and take a peek at me and all of my other friends looking for new homes.

 

 

Until next time.

Puppy Kisses and Bear Hugs,

Sheryl

There Back....................and the Bears too!!

 

My Polymer clay dogs are back......................... I am going to start making these cuties again. I have been taking notes from my website and I am seeing many of you looking at my clay dogs. Sooooooooooooo this little Black Lab is one of the first for 2013. You can see him and his new friends in my Etsy shop.

Black Lab with his Turtle Friend

 

I will only offer them through etsy!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Gonetothedogsusa

 

 I am also taking suggestions for dog breeds. So let me hear from you on what you would like to see me create.

 

 

 

Now I have also been busy with my Bears. As you can see below here is my first for 2013.

I would like to introduce you to Junior!!! He can be found on Bearpile.com along with many of his friends who are still needing homes.

 

Junior in his Steampunk gear

 

 

So that is the news for now. Please keep checking back as I have a few new dogs that I will be listing in a couple of days!!

 

Puppy Kisses and Bear Hugs,

 

Sheryl

2013 Here I come!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

With 2012 in the rear view mirror I am looking forward to the new year!!! New and wonderful things are to come. Not only from the Gone to the Dogs USA studio, but in my personal life as well. But of course you all are going to have to wait a bit to see. So keep your eyes open and check back on my blog, website and facebook for all the news and previews of my creations.

I also want to say thank you to my family and friends. I love you all!!!!!!!!!

New Bears and Polymer clay dogs are coming soon..............................

Puppy Kisses and Bear Hugs,

Sheryl

A new baby bunny nest has been found

The good news is they are not in my backyard so Kayla can not get to them. The bad news is they are right smack dab in the middle of my neighbors backyard and his dog got three of them already. Two did not make it the other one he found. So I went over and got it to see if it was ok. After we found the nest I put the baby back in the nest. It looks like there were at least two more in there. These little ones are not very old at all. There eyes are still shut. My neighbor took some wire fence and put it around the nest to keep his dog out, but Momma can still get in. His dog is a Dachshund/terrier mix. The only way to get the babies is to dig, but he put the fence at least 4 inches out from the nest itself. Then he added a heavy duty tomato cage upside down on the inside of the fencing. They should be ok. Now it is his turn to be guardian of the baby Bunnie's. I will check on them sometime tomorrow.

I do not know what it is that these Rabbit's have to have babies in backyards where there are dogs running around. They are not doing very well about hiding them. Crazy Rabbit's.

Well until next time...........



Puppy Kisses and Bear Hugs,

Sheryl

P.S. I love and miss you Bugsy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

last bunny update and a new vister, Now What???

 

Well I thought I would give everyone a update on the Baby Bunnies. It has been over a week now and I have only seen Momma Rabbit out back. I have seen a few predators lurking about as well. One of which roams the sky, a Falcon. While I was out with Kayla one morning a Falcon flew over our heads. Not sure how long he had been out flying over, but he was scoping us out for sure.  Another morning our neighborhood stray cat a very large orange tabby was out and about. I have seen this cat before not sure who it belongs too either. Anyway I am not sure where the 3 little ones are, but I have a feeling that one just might be under my deck and another one out somewhere else in the yard. Momma keeps hanging around the deck so I would say there is either a baby there or she has a new nest somewhere else in the yard. I hope it is under my deck I know Kayla can not get under there.

 

 

 

Now not only are there other critters hanging around my yard such as Raccoons, Opossums and Squirrels this one I have never seen in all the years I have lived here. A Groundhog or Woodchuck which ever you would like to call him. Again I was out with Kayla and I saw this big fur ball of a critter in my neighbors yard and thought to myself what on earth is that. Of course Kayla saw it and was howling like the hound dog that she is. The next thing it went running up the tree. Now to my surprise I then said to myself what the @#$E$#@!!!!!  I have seen groundhogs, but I have never seen one climb a tree. I thought I had really lost it. I mean lost my mind totally. I hooked Kayla up outside so she could keep howling at it so it would stay up on the tree limb I just had to take a photo so everyone would believe what I saw. I ran inside and got my camera. I just had him in focus when he came back down the tree onto the ground. I had him in focus again when missy Kayla howled and he ran toward the street out of my sight. I still thought I was seeing things and I was losing it. LOL I did check the internet about Groundhogs and they do climb trees. A couple of days went by and Kayla and I were outside and I looked over a few doors down into another neighbors backyard and there to my surprise was my new friend. Again I went in and got my camera and this time I zoomed in on him and got the photo below. He was not in the tree, but he was having a nice snack of apples as you can see.

Living in the city does not keep the wildlife away, which is sad because this is there world not ours. I think this guy came from down the street which there are some woods and a creek. I have never seen one up by my house before. I am sure he is still roaming around due to the apples he found and there is a pear tree behind my other neighbors house. Good eating for him I would say!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

He is a pretty cute little guy if I have to say so myself. At least I know he is afraid of Kayla as well as me so that is a good thing.

Now if anything bigger shows up I am out of here...........................................I am packing up and they can have my yard and the house. LOL

As for the Baby Bunnies just because I have not seen them lately, does not mean something bad happened to them. We just all need to keep our chins up and maybe one will pop up soon for me to see. I am sure they are out there somewhere..............


Until next time

Puppy Kisses and Bear Hugs,

Sheryl

P.S. I love and miss you (Bugsy) Shadow!!!!!!

Baby bunnies good news and bad

Hello all,

    Here is a new Baby Bunny update. First off let me start out by saying that the Babies have left the nest................. I am so happy they are out exploring there wonderful but cruel world.

Now the bad news is I made a horrible mistake. I let Kayla have run of the whole yard including were the Bunnies are. I checked the area before I let her over there. Well it was not good enough. I'm sorry to say that Kayla got one of the Bunnies. I just was not fast enough to get her away in time. I am devastated and so upset.

Now that they are out they are really on there own. All I can do is keep an eye out for them and try to keep Kayla away from them. I also know that there are other predator's out there too. I know this is life, but it still breaks my heart to see them hurt in any way.



Puppy Kisses and Bear Hugs,

Sheryl

P.S. I love and miss you Bugsy!

P.P.S. Rest in Pease little Bunny we all Love you!

Baby Bunnies update Aug 13, 2012

Hi all,

 Well here are a few photos of our baby Bunnies. They are doing very well and growing. Mommy Rabbit is taking care of them and I am still standing guard over them so they should be OK. I am hoping that later this week they will be out of the nest. Today they were a bit more scared, which is a good thing.

From what I have read when the small diamond shape on there little heads disappear they will be old enough to be on there own. So that will mean I will have baby bunnies all over the yard. OH MY!!!!!!!

These little ones are just as cute as can be. It takes everything that I have in me to not pick them up and give them hugs.
If I get a chance later this week I might take photos one more time. I really want to try and leave them alone. I still have to check on movement in the nest just to see if they are in there, but I don't uncover it like I did today for the pictures.

Well until next time!

Puppy Kisses and Bear Hugs,
Sheryl

P.S. I love and miss you (Bugsy) Shadow!!!

Facebook give away

In memory of my big boy Shadow I created one of my Polymer Clay Black Labs for this give away. It is a one of a kind piece. This give away is for my facebook fans only.

 Please stop by my facebook page www.facebook.com/gonetothedogsusa2 for all of the details and a chance to win.

Don't forget to go to facebook and have a peek...........................


Puppies Kisses and Bear hugs,

Sheryl

P. S. I love and miss you Shadow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Call me the Bunny Whisper

Hi All,

Here is an update on the Baby Bunnies.

Yesterday I thought I would check to see if they were doing OK. I went over to the nest and uncovered it to see how the little ones were doing. To my surprise they started popping there little heads out as to just say Hello. They looked like popcorn coming out of there.  They sure did not act like they were scared of me at all. I would have loved to pick them all up and give them each a hug, but knew I had better not. They are just so Cute!!!!!!!!!!!

 I knew since it was later in the evening they must of thought I was Momma Rabbit and it was time for dinner. I don't know about them but I think I am the funniest looking Momma Rabbit I have ever seen. LOL

Here is Kayla waiting for me to turn my back to her so she could bother the babies. I don't think so baby girl!!!

I stand between Kayla and the bunnies at all times. I have leash in hand when Kayla gets to close to the nest. It is funny watching Kayla take the same route through the yard and make her way over to the nest, while she keeps one eye on me at all times. Not to worry I am keeping the babies and Kayla safe at all times.

And here are the darling little babies. At first when I looked I thought there were just three. I went back into the house to get my camera and came back out to take some photos. When I uncovered more of the nest four little heads came popping out. It was so funny!!!! I think in a couple of more days they will be out and running in the yard on there own. At least I hope so.
I am not sure if I will be able to get another photo of them before leaving the nest, but I will try this Sunday if they are still there.

Well until next time.

Puppy Kisses and Bear Hugs,

Sheryl

P.S I love and miss you Shadow!

Kayla verses Wild Bunnies.......................

Yesterday I went out back to find Kayla pulling baby bunnies out of there nest. Well I caught her in time that she just had one out (not hurt) and it wormed its way back in the hole. Thank goodness. If you look at the photo you can see the babies little behind ends and the little ears on one. I am not sure but I think there are about 4 or 5 babies.

This morning I went out without Kayla to check on the babies and Mommy Rabbit had been there to feed and recover the nest. I thought that they were going to be alright and Kayla would not bother       them. Boy was I wrong big time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Kayla found them and again started to pull them          out one by one. She did get one out and I had to fight Kayla for it. She did drop it and the poor little  thing was crying so loud that the neighbors could hear it. I have never heard a bunny cry like         that. I  scoped it up fast with my hand and made sure it was alright and to keep Kayla from getting it or the others which was no small task since I had to hold onto Kayla and hold the bunny in my hand.  I put Kayla back in the house and went back out with bunny in hand and put the little on back in the nest and made sure they were all there tucked back in. I recovered the hole as best as I could. They are all now safe and sound asleep in there little hole.                                                

I would like to give these little ones a chance to get a bit bigger so they can run from Kayla. So it is going to be a long few days if not a week that Kayla has to have her leash on and me standing guard while outside in the backyard.


Like my stories before there is never a dull minute with Kayla around. As she is a hound, that is two hounds in one (Basset/Beagle) yes that makes her a Bagle LOL!!!! Anyway she is doing what nature wants her to do............. I just need to redirect it for a bit. Ha Ha.

Oh, by the way Mommy Rabbit is close by Kayla scared her into my neighbors yard while she was walking under some flowers looking for another way around me to get to the nest. Kayla thinks she is going to outsmart her Mom, I don't think so!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Until next time,

Puppy Kisses and Bear hugs,

Sheryl

P.S. Momma loves you Shadow!!!!!!!!!!!

In Loving Memory "Shadow"

With deep sadness my Beautiful sweet Boy has passed away. He was my best Friend, my Joy, my Strength, my Love and my Proctector.

Sept/Oct 1998
May 26, 2012

It has been very hard and empty at my home. Kayla, Lucky and I miss him dearly more than words can say.


I love you my Shadow!! Sweat Dreams my dear sweet Boy!!
You are always with me.


Sheryl

Time to play catch up!!!!!

I think it is time that I let you all know what I have been up too. I have been a busy bee these past months doing new projects as well as finishing old projects and looking for full time employment.

This is going to be a long post, so grab some tea and treats and I hope you enjoy my post and photos.

First the new projects:

             These are my new hats that I have been working on. I love top hats and I thought these were the perfect size for some of my bears and a steampunk reborn doll that I will be working on in the future. You can find the wonderful free hat patterns here at fleece funs website at  http://www.fleecefun.com/mini-top-hat.html

Brown and Pink Top Hat

Spring Citrus Top Hat

Steampunk Top Hat

The Top Hat stands were made by my wonderful Wood Crafter "my Dad". I thought my hats needed to rest on top of hat stands and I know that the real ones were way to big so myself and my Dad came up with these, well my Dad did the designs not me LOL. He is sooooooooooo good at woodworking.  I am going to add some padding and fabric to the top part under the hat to give the stands a more finished look.

My other new project was to paint my kitchen. So I got it done finally after 16 years. It was all white, but on my 3/4 part wall was a really ugly brown color. So I had some paint left over from my studio room which is a medium camel color so I thought why not use that to paint the kitchen with. Walls are now the medium camel color and I have white cabinets that I left white. I love the colors together. Added touches of peach and blue items and it is now a updated kitchen without any money!!!!! Just left over paint and a major cleaning.

I did not take any photos, because I mainly forgot too. It is a pretty small kitchen and now it is a mess again. I do not know why it does not take long for things to get messing  after you clean and organize a room. LOL



My unfinished project, My bedroom. Yes after 16 years as well I wanted to paint my bedroom. It was a mauve color theme with white walls and I thought it was time to update it to Blue. Blue is my favorite color. So I bought some white satin paint and off I went. I wanted a shabby chic room so in a few posts back you can see some of the treasures that I got from some estate and garage sales to put in it.
Well I was not happy with just the white paint, I mean it looked good but it needed a bit more of color. So Ace hardware was giving away free quarts of paint and I thought I am not going to pass that up so I got a very pretty very pale blue and thought I would try some stripes. Now I am all for painting different styles on walls, but I have never done the stripes. I knew that it was not an easy thing to do because you have to measure and I am not one that likes to do that I love to eyeball everything. So with help from my Dad again we came up with the stripe width that I needed and off I went. Let me tell you that this stripping is a two man job, but I got her done. I was not impressed with what I had finished with one section of  the wall by my window. Not sure what my problem was, if it was the color I picked or the stripes so I left it for a couple of days and then decided to just go for it, it was only paint after all. I finished the whole room the other day and I must say I like it. I only did the top 3/4 of the walls so the bottom part is still all white. I really was not in the mood to move my bed again and I really did not want the whole wall striped. It is a pain to move furniture and I do not do it very often.

So here are some photos of my bedroom all painted. I still have a few things to add and change out, but those can wait until I decide what I want. I have a few lamps and lights to rewire too as well as the stool to recover.

This is the right corner of the far wall as you stand in the doorway. The curtains on the windows are White shears and a silk like valance. I thought the two different types of fabric in white looked a little victorianish.

This is the corner near my closet and door wall and yes I did not paint this wall because it is all original to the house with wood. I have a very hard time painting wood if it is original. There is glass windows above my curtains that I did strip the paint off years ago so it would let in more light.

 This is facing my bed on the no window wall. I made the bed canopy out of some window shears and a sheet that I just loved the colors in it.

 This is in the door way as you walk into the room. You can see the pale blue strips a bit better. I did not want them to be bright or bold.

This is from the opposite corner it gives you a better look at the strips and the colors of the room. Blue, White and a cream (off white).

It may not be a true Shabby chic room, but it is mine with added touches of old things that I love. Most everything in here was what I had Antiques and Vintage items mixed with some new and old new things from sales or given to me from family and friends. The total cost of the room I would say around $150.00 give or take a few dollars. It will always be a work in progress with the details of items, but I am very happy with the room, it is bright and happy.

Now that all the rooms in my house have been painted I am a happy camper!!!!!!!!!!!
Now time to get rid of some things that I no longer need and get the other bedroom and my studio organized again. Yes all of the things I did not want or moved out of other rooms went into the spare bedroom and my studio so they are both a big mess. A never ending cycle. LOL

More projects to finish:
I have a couple of Pandas that I started that need to get finished as well as a Reborn doll that I wanted to do in Steampunk style. I know I have more things that need to be finished. The list goes on and on and on. Now that it is spring here in Kansas City I have yard work to add to my to do list. Just so much fun here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love it!!!!!


I also wanted to say that Kayla, Shadow and Lucky are doing great. Kayla and Shadow had there yearly vet visits last October and December and all tests were normal. Well normal as in no medical issues, not sure about there mental issues. We all no Kayla and her little antics that she pulls. As for Shadow and Lucky, well they are getting up there in years so they really don't mind about to much of anything anymore. I can not belive that my Kitty, Lucky will be 19 this July and Shadow will be 15 in October. It seems like yesterday they were a little pup and kitten. All three are healthy and happy and that is all that matters to me.

Well I had better get off here and get something done. I mean its not like I don't have anything to do. LOL

Please stop by and visit my website at www.gonetothedogsusa.com and see the new updates. I still have bears and friends for sale in my Etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/Gonetothedogsusa and in my Bearpile shop at www.gonetothedogsusa.bearpile.com as well as on my website.


New Bears and Friends coming soon to Bearpile, so keep checking back often.

Until next update,

Puppy kisses and Bear hugs,

Sheryl

Bingle Bears giveaway ----- I WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please stop by Bingle Bears blog at http://www.binglebears.com/2011/11/my-st-nicholas-giveaway.html#comment-form for her adorable little mouse giveaway.

I am soooooooooooooooooo excited to be the winner of little Benvolio!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you so much Cheryl!!!!!! It is a honor to have one of your little ones!!!!!!!!

Sheryl

A Stuffed Life is having a blog giveaway

Please stop by A Stuffed Life's blog for a chance to win her wonderful little mouse "Caution"

http://blondheart.blogspot.com/2011/10/blog-give-away.html

She will be drawing the winners name on October 25th which just happens to be my birthday!!!

Kayla's 6 years old today!

Happy Birthday Kayla!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love Shadow, Lucky and Mom

This is Kayla..................

And this is a Bug - (A cicada to be exact)

AND THIS IS.............................................

If you are even a bit squeamish do not read this story.

As many of you know I tell stories about Kayla. Well this one is no different, well maybe a little different. As you all know if you have read my post's in the past I call Kayla my special little girl, one of a kind, unique and so on..................I know get to the point.

Every summer here in Missouri there are Cicadas (locusts) that come out from the ground and climb the trees and come out of there shells (we used to put the shells on our shirts as jewelry when we were kids) and then make the most annoying sounds. Well Kayla being a Basset/Beagle mix a Hound dog or scent hound which ever you prefer. Her natural instincts kick in when these start coming out of the ground to make there way up a tree. My great hound dog hunter goes into action. She searches the yard, trees, bushes, flowers, window sills (yes the bottom of window sills) and any other place she thinks they are hiding for these things. OK now I know what you are saying Big deal so she hunts Cicadas, Well she is not only hunting them just for there good looks!!!! (and by the way I think they are UGLY) NO she has made them her prime targets for outdoor snacks. Yes she eats these things like they are candy. I know she could eat worse things, (yes I could tell you what all she eats, but you can use your imagination) Now I know that in some parts of the world they are well lets just say good to some people and I have nothing against that, but sorry I am not in to eating bugs of any kind.

I know that you are asking are they OK for my dog to eat? They can be harmful to dogs if they eat more than a few of these critters, and I advise you to watch on how many your dog eats as it might upset there tummies and the wings of the Cicadas can get caught in your dogs throat. Check with your dogs Vet and you can check online as well if you have them in your area for more information.

I do not want everyone to worry I have checked with her Doctor and he does know that she eats them and has been for years now. I do watch her very closely and make sure she is not going overboard on her outdoor snacks. I do think it is a bit funny watching her hunt these critters down. Her mind is in one mode and that is get that bug!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am not sure why dogs eat them, maybe they taste good or maybe it is the sound they make, or maybe because they fly but she likes them. I know she is happy and healthy so I don't mind if she wants a few. Besides there is no way I can get to her to get it out of her mouth, it is gone in about a second flat. And it's not like I can build a bubble around my house to keep these things out. They are God's creatures and they are out there for a reason. One is not for Kayla to have her fill of them though.

Oh and yes I have had a couple get into the house before. That is not fun at all for me but Kayla oh my! I am not afraid of any type of bug or animal but I can not stand to have Cicadas, June Bugs (Kayla eats these guys too), Water Bugs or Spiders (Shadow is allergic to them) or any bug for that matter in the house.

So the moral of the story is Kayla likes Cicadas and Me her Mom thinks she is one special Hound dog who brings love, joy and laughs into my life every minute of every day!!!!!

Until next time!!!

Puppy Kisses and Bear Hugs to all,

Sheryl

P. S. Love to my Shadow, Kayla and Lucky

June blog give away WINNER IS

And the winner is------------------------Katy Cameron!!!!!!!!

Congratulations Katy and thank you to everyone who has entered.




Hi all and Happy June,

Well I have been a little bit busy the past couple of days and have created some pencil drawings. These guys are prints of the original drawings. I have printed them onto small note cards that I will be giving away for June here on my blog. The set includes all 6 drawings below and there envelopes. I have signed and dated them.

The give away will last until June 8th next Wednesday. I will pick a name out of the hat Thursday the 9th and email the winner. Any one can enter no matter where you live!!!!

All you need to do is post a comment here on my blog and make sure you give me the correct email address so I can notify the winner. If you win I will email you to get your shipping address. Good luck to you all on my June blog give away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you wish to purchase the note cards in a set of six your choice of design or all six designs please email me direct at www.gonetothedogsusa@live.com

Puppy Kisses and Bear Hugs,

Sheryl