The Head Bitch

New Style ALERT and COUPON CODE

2012-02-29T01:24:00.000-06:00

Baxter - Our new OESR FosterDog

Hey there - ready for some new styles already? Please don't even tell me your dog is still wearing that silly old Valentines collar. For shame! Time to get in the Swing of Spring with a new Lucky Fiona Custom Collar. Great dealio today and tomorrow only Feb. 29 & March 1st - Spend $30 or more and receive 25% off your order when you put the code BAXTER in the promo box at check out. Get some Lucky Fiona style today at a great price! Questions about any little thing? Email us sillies at info@luckyfiona.com

The Bitchin BBQ

The Tweeter

The Blarney

The Theadora

The Bucky

The Paddy Plaid

The MadCow

The Jack Cobb

The Minerva

Weekend SALE

2012-02-18T12:49:00.000-06:00

Pogue says "Give 'em a SALE DogMommy!" and we as always, obey Pogue. (the alternative is not always pretty)

So this weekend get $10 off your sale when you purchase two or more collars. Simply add the code POGUESAYS in the coupon code box at check out to get your 10 smackeroos off your total. Sale ends at midnight Sunday so don't dilly dally. Also applies to collar + leash purchases, so get 2 of anything and save! Questions? Email info@luckyfiona.com

Thank you

2012-02-16T22:02:00.000-06:00

I wanted to take a moment to thank all the people who have reached out to me over the last month over the death of my father James M. Barry II. My Dad was stricken with a cerebral hemorrhage in mid-January and over the course of 2 and a half weeks slowly slipped away from this world.
While my family and I are consoled by the knowledge he is no longer suffering, this has been a tremendous loss. It has touched me profoundly to receive so many beautiful cards, gifts and tender messages from my Lucky Fiona family. Often I will be criticized by others that running this small collar business on such a hands on and personal level is a mistake. Veteran business people have told me that I need to back off, keep it all business and not get involved in people's dogs or their personal stories if I wish to find success. It's never been my style to not get invested in my clients, mainly because I am interested, I do care and I love to know about the dogs, cats and their people who enjoy Lucky Fiona products.
I know I must be doing something right as I have been humbled by the kindness and heartfelt support you have given me. From beautiful words of condolence and stories from those who have walked this path, I have felt the love of the people I have served over the years through Lucky Fiona. I appreciate the understanding of why we had to shut the studio down so I could head back East and the patience you all have extended in understanding orders were delayed so I could be with my family in New York.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I truly love you all and look forward to the future of this little collar company and the Lucky Fiona family we have created. Orders are now being processed and shipped daily. All orders placed up till February 2nd were shipped yesterday and Collar of the Month subscribers are being shipped today, tomorrow and Saturday. Feb. 6th- Feb. 15th orders will be shipped Tuesday February 21st. As always, email any concerns to info@luckyfiona.com
Warmly,
Shannon

Products we want to HOWL about!

2012-01-29T22:01:00.000-06:00

Beatrix says "Back Off" from my Antler!

We are just pleased as punch around the Head Bitch studio to find another chew toy option to keep the pooches happy and occupied. This mild winter has not only taken it's toll on my floors (read next week's entry on "How Muddy Paw Prints Drove Me to Insanity") but also have taken a toll on the dog's amount of outdoor activity. When your back yard and local dog park are mud bogs and it's way too cold to bathe outdoors like we do in the summer post-mud the dog's outside time is curtailed.
My dogs have to get their ya-ya's out or they start to eat items like my micro suede ottoman or their super high end dog beds. Which as dog people you know cost about the same as your first vehicle in high school.
I needed a chewing alternative to provide hours of fun and hence started researching antlers. I've seen them at dog boutiques and events but was always scared off by the price since I need more than one for multiple dogs. One local shop sells a medium split antler for $25, yikes. Lo and behold I found Grateful Shed Antler Chews and pricing that was wholesale yet direct sold to the public! NO MINIMUMS. I called Jeff (Head Antler Dude) at Grateful Shed and he gave me a whole education on how antlers are awesome chew toys for dogs. They are organic, contain vitamins naturally and are a renewable resource as the animals that have the antlers naturally shed them off seasonally, so no animals are harmed in harvesting the antlers. Jeff explained his high quality antlers do not splinter, have no odor, are awesome for dog's with allergy issues and do not stain carpeting. He also said he does not cut his antlers into small little sections like many sellers do or add chemicals to them or flavoring. Jeff explained with his antlers you get the whole antler width and that buying the proper size is important, he can help you based on your dog's breed and chewing habits to figure out what antler is best. He said every antler has a different taste and some dogs respond more to one or the other. He said it's similar to people, some prefer beef over chicken, it seems in the dog antler game some pooches prefer elk over moose. I ordered 3 large Mule Deer Antlers (always a favorite for most dogs)for $24 and had them in 2 days! The dogs are in love, literally chew them for hours and they have not worn down at all. They are the first thing they pull out of the toy bin in the morning and I actually have to put them out of sight at night time as Pogue brought one into our bed Saturday night. We're on Day 4 and they are still as excited as they were on Day 1. Dog Bliss and my furniture remains stuffed!
So check out Jeff's site for more info. on this great and natural option for dogs. He is on vacation 1/28-2/7 but will be back in a week to personally answer your questions and fill your orders. Did I mention ANOTHER reason to LOVE this company? He has a monthly photo contest where if you send in a photo of your dog chewing one of his antlers and get picked you not only win an antler of your choice but also Jeff will DONATE TO THE RESCUE of your choice! Plus he will plant a tree in your name and your dog's name with the Arbor Day Foundation Friend of Trees Program. I mean talk about a win-win-win! Also: If you live in Northern Illinois he offers FREE SHIPPING. Yes, we are in love with you Grateful Shed, next order? I'm thinking Caribou!
Click here to go to Grateful Shed's Website

Winter is here finally...is your pooch stylin'? Coupon Code!

2012-01-15T18:41:00.000-06:00

Lily says "Get your snow on!"

The Pez

Well Winter 2012 finally arrived here in Chicagoland this week. We had a little snow and some brrrr temps to remind us that yes indeed, it is January and winter.
So we are asking our loyal friends and fans to take a close look at their dogs. Now be honest...are they still wearing Holiday collars? It's time for some new style! To help the cause we are giving you $5 to shop with! So no more excuses, get a new Winter 2012 Lucky Fiona Collar or maybe one of our sweet Valentine styles. Use code WINTER5 at check out to get a $5 credit on your order now till 1/22. This week only, so shop away pals!

The Love Dot

Heart Your Dog

Let's Get Ready to Go Racing

Mr. Duffy Has His Boat Shoes On

A dog's eye view of my recent illness...

2012-01-05T12:59:00.000-06:00

I've been sick since December 19th. Or maybe it all began December 16th when I passed out prior to vacuuming (which by the way is a totally cool trick to get your husband to do the vacuuming)At any rate, I have been out of routine laying in bed, praying for a day the Kardashians are not mentioned on television every 7 seconds.
So my dogs have been out of routine. The highly regimented pack has been in a state of chaos for some weeks now. Hence being creatures who love habit, they have gone into some type of bizarro land routine Alex has created where apparently there is no routine. To get a better understanding of what is going on with my carpets and disheveled looking hounds I took a glimpse into their diaries to get a first-paw account of what they really were thinking as I lay in bed wheezing...

"No amount of sacrifice is enough till my DogMom is better."

Lily - - December 2011/Jan. 2012 - Thursday 7:45 a.m. ~

"DogMother continues to lay in sickness on the big bed and I have stood vigil never leaving her side. I stare at her adoringly, lick her fever ridden forehead and will only leave if forced by DogDad. I do not need food, I do not need water, I will only go out to potty if forced after staring at her for 8 hours. I will follow her to the bathroom in case she needs me and then recoil myself at her side again when we get back into bed. I don't want to play, do not talk to me, I just want her to be better and I am not moving until she is better."

"Where's the party? I'm the party. Oh, yeah."

Pogue - - December 2011/Jan. 2012 - Monday 4:05p.m. ~

"Dude! This has been the best 3 weeks ever! DogMom is like upstairs in a coma or something and never leaves her bed and I am totally downstairs and DogDad is in charge. There are NO RULES man! The doggy door NEVER closes, it's a blast! Nobody is constantly bugging me about my muddy paws, in fact DogDad doesn't even seem to notice them! I go on the couch with them and counter surf and there is none of that frantic flailing sign language that DogMom is always flashing in my face. I've been hitting the litter box for snacks and digging holes in the yard, it's been so gnarly. Sometimes I run upstairs to see if DogMom is breathing and she gets all cranky flashing that "no" sign because my paws are all muddy and apparently she minds if her bed is muddy which is ridiculous because the ENTIRE DOWNSTAIRS is muddy! Get with the program lady, MUD is where it's at. Lily is being a real kiss-ass staying up there with her, but that's okay, it's given me a chance to bond and teach Beatrix some really cool things like how to shred the family room chair! DogDad doesn't use measuring tools to pour our food out like that persnickety DogMom of ours and gives us pizza crusts! I hope DogMom never gets better!"

"I'm confused."

Beatrix - December 2011/Jan. 2012 Tuesday 6:25p.m.~

"What the hell is going on?

I haven't been to ballet or French lessons for weeks. I have some type of sap on my head from screwing with the Christmas Tree which Pogue said we had to do or Santa would not come. Nobody is cleaning the sap off my head. It's unsightly.

DogDad seems nice enough, he gives us whole cookies instead of pieces like DogMom does. But sometimes I tell him I have to go potty and he is watching the big big picture box and he'll say "in a minute". He does not understand I have a puppy bladder and I can't wait a minute. Shamefully I had to go potty in the laundry room on the throw rug in front of the door. I need therapy over this. For the love of God, I KNOW BETTER!

DogMom just lays upstairs oblivious to my life being ruined. I have been trying to get messages to OESR to save me from this mayhem that has become my life. Unfortunately, OESR President Susan England does not read and understand Swedish which I foolishly wrote all the emails in. I need culture and a good brushing. Somebody help me."

Breakin' The Cycle - Today is Beatrix's Spay Day

2011-12-09T12:29:00.001-06:00

"Hello, Gutan Tag, Allo Bonjour, Dia Duit, Konnichi Wa, Bula Uro, Mambo, Namaste. I'm Beatrix and I am here today to talk about my incredible good fortune in life and my wish for all dogs to be as happy as I am. You see, today is my Spay Day. At first I thought it said "Spa Day" on the calendar and I was very nonchalant about it all. I mean, when you've had one seaweed wrap pedicure and lavender bath you've had them all. But then one day as I was strolling through the kitchen on my way to my meditation mat I saw that "y" after spa and realized my DogMom & DogDad were not taking me to the spa after all.
Being an intellectual I immediately started researching what exactly this "Spay" thing was all about. Thank goodness for Google and my Masters Degree because there is a lot of information out there for this puppy to absorb. I barely had time to attend my seminar on Sushi preparation techniques. As you can imagine between obedience class, level VI ballet and my language arts lessons my days are very full.
So I reviewed the information out there pro and con in terms of spaying and realized as a strong and proud mixed breed bitch that I truly believe in a woman's right to choose. For me getting spayed is my choice and I believe the right one for me.
You may not know from looking and talking to me, but I am the product of a growing crisis in this society. That's right...I was a bastard puppy born to a teenage bitch. My Mother Jordie was a homeless teenager pulled from a shelter by the good folks at Ohio English Setter Rescue(Shout out to my fellow setters at OESR, hollar!) My Dad, well she never likes to talk about him, but it was the classic story of young dog lust you've all heard before. She was looking good on a Friday night and in heat and he just wanted a good time. He left her knocked up and scared with nobody to help her until OESR stepped in and literally saved her life and ours. Babies having babies, sigh.
My Mom has really turned her life around after having me and my 4 sisters and brother with the help of OESR. She was adopted by a loving family after she was spayed and she is actually taking night courses to get her GED. We are all so proud.
So I am proud today to stop the cycle! I'm getting spayed! I will not take the chance of getting pregnant, because let's face it, those boy dogs can't contain themselves around a pretty lady and I've been told routinely since I was born I am the most beautiful girl in the world. It's true, I'm incredibly beautiful and it's a curse I must live with daily. Some say I am the dog equivalent of Elizabeth Taylor with my bewitching eyes, incredible figure and permanent eyeliner. I think it was professional animal photographer Stephanie Moon who photographed me at 7 weeks old who said "Her beauty is intoxicating." But enough about me.
As you read this I will be in post-op with the good folks at Oakhurst Animal Hospital. My DogMom actually had them throw in a pedicure while I am under anesthesia so this turned into a Spa Day after all. I'm proud today to take control of my future, I have so many plans! Travel, agility, swim class, learning the art of origami. I simply could not achieve any of that with a litter of little puppies following me around. There are so many dogs awaiting homes, why chance bringing more into the world?
My name is Beatrix Elizabeth Barry and today I am proud to say is my Spay Day. I wonder if I'll look thinner afterwards?"

Show us some Jolly!

2011-12-08T12:38:00.000-06:00

Let's see your Howliday Dog and Cat Photos!

Email to: info@luckyfiona.com or simply post on on Facebook Page.Lucky Fiona Facebook Group

We'll pick a winner next Thursday December 15th and send them out a coveted Howliday Red Plaid Custom Collar (retired fabric)to the lucky photographer. Need a collar to make your pet look festive? Shop at www.luckyfiona.com

Pogue says picking a winner will be tough.

Whip It. Whip It Good.

2011-11-30T20:03:00.000-06:00

Lily likes to accessorize with
her Whiparound!

The Whiparound is BACK!
A favorite of Lucky Fiona fans brought back by client request. This heavy duty dog toy will become your pooch's new favorite thing as it makes an excellent chew and tug toy. Completely machine washable and made of very high quality anti-pill fleece. Forget about those skimpy fleece toys you see at dog events, the Whiparound is 32 inches long and 2.5 inches thick and can handle heavy play like a champ. Order one today in the Lucky Fiona Shop - we've included FREE SHIPPING on these while supplies last!

Pogue just wants to chew the heck out if his.

Cyber Monday Dealios

2011-11-28T10:58:00.000-06:00

Cyber Monday Dealio!
Today only - Monday November 28th 2011
Get select Winter Collar Styles for 33% off, that's right just $10 each! Pricing already discounted in shop and quantities are limited so shop now. Sale ends at midnight Central Time so catch them while you can! Lucky Fiona Website

ONE DAY SALE 50% off Entire SHop

2011-11-25T11:05:00.000-06:00

ONE DAY ONLY....
Black Dog Friday Sale 50% off your purchase of any item in the shop! (Including Collar of the Month!)
To get savings simply put code:
BLACKDOGFRIDAY in at checkout! Stock up on gifts for your pooch and others for this once a year sale!
Questions: Info@luckyfiona.com
(if you are purchasing collar gifts for others just let us know so we can gift wrap them separately with your order - heck we'll even include a howliday gift tag!)

Loving us, loving our dogs...

2011-11-21T12:50:00.001-06:00

Denny & Beatrix in deep conversation
about the power of puppy kisses and
how they can heal any woe in life.

With Thanksgiving Week upon us many people will be having family come into their homes and experience their animal companions up close and personal. There is nothing that makes a DogMom/Dad more filled with pride than when your dog or cat turns up the charm on a person staying in your home. My Father-in-Law Denny recently came into town from New York to stay with us for a few days and it just tickled me proud every time one of our dogs or cats would be so lovey-dovey they were utterly impossible to resist. Somehow we humans take credit for this, but really it's all testament to the openness and willingness to love that animals possess. For me news of a house guest is met with anxiety and worry...must have the linens ready, special meals planned, entertainment! Ahhh! But for our animal companions it's all gravy. "Hey, you're staying in my house? Cool. Let me curl up with you." It's that easy.

So as my loyal blog readers are frantic polishing silverware and checking the thread count on their guest room sheets, take a cue from our animal friends. Just relax, snuggle up to the new human in your house and know an open heart is all you need to have ready.

Lily providing my Father in Law with a much needed arm rest
during his visit to our house.

Say Cheese! Silly Photo Contest

2011-11-07T18:05:00.000-06:00

Beatrix looking left, Pogue's eyes closed,
Lily's tongue out! Perfect!

It occurred to me today while attempting to snap a photo of our 3 setters that I need to stop immediately erasing reject shots as I take pictures. The goofy photos sometimes are more satisfying than the so called perfect shots where all the dogs are sitting like statues and looking straight at the lens.
Life sure isn't perfect, nor are my dogs, so why do I take 400 pictures attempting to get that one perfectly perfect shot? Sigh.

Send me a "bad" photo and I'll pick the best one to be posted here next week and the the winner will get a Lucky Fiona Custom Collar Gift Certificate. Show us what you got goofballs! Email your entries to info@luckyfiona.com

If this is not a Holiday 2011 card contender I don't know what is.

New Styles and Holiday Collars!

2011-11-02T19:08:00.001-05:00

Great time to check out the shop - new styles released including some brand spankin' new Lucky Fiona Howliday Collars.

Shop for Lucky Fiona Collars Here

*As with all seasonal fabrics, we are often unable to reorder so shop early for the best selection.

The Give Me A Prezzie

The Atomic Howliday

The Mocha Loca

The Kringle

The Howliday Red Plaid

The Apple Butter

The Squaresville

The Howliday Plaid Green

The Balsam & Spice and Everything Nice

One Hot Tomato

The Gobbeldygook

The Flaked

2012 Friends of Lucky Fiona Calendar Winners

2011-10-31T12:15:00.001-05:00

January - Teddy

"Please let this be powdered sugar!
Please let this be powdered sugar!"

February - Scout & Sheriff

"Not only did we get a forever home,
we got each other too."

March - Denny Dog Trio

"OK. Here's the plan. You go left,
I go right, you straight on.
Together we can get that chipmunk!
Go Team!"

April - Ginger

"I know I left my other Lucky Fiona Collar somewhere!"

May - Maizy

"What? Meatloaf on the counter?
What? Um. I couldn't possibly know what you MEAN.
I uh, wasn't even THERE."

June - Prank

"Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?
It's the new style!"

July - Molly

"Well OBVIOUSLY this isn't a private pool like I thought.
Paparazzi are everywhere these days."

August - Humphrey

"No officer I haven't been drinking.... see I can touch my nose with my tongue even while doing The Muggins (my cute sit & beg) without losing my balance! Hiccup."

September - Bailey & Thomas

"Okay, here's the deal. You keep trying to feed yourself and I'll keep tidying up the leftovers."

October - Finny

"Bad hair day? Throw on a new collar and forget about it!"

November - Carter

"BACON!!!"

December - Klepto

"Guess what I want for Christmas?"

Dugan Finn

2011-10-23T21:25:00.000-05:00

Dugan Finn
January 1998 - October 21st 2011

"If you value something, place it above 6 feet of height or lock it behind a door. Dugan lives here."
- Shannon Barry

It's taken me a few days to be able to sit down and write about my Dugan. I was not only overwhelmed by my grief, but also fearful I could not find all the right words so that people could truly understand the many sides of this creature who meant so much to us.
Dugan was the naughtiest dog I ever met. A bad ass. The most skillfully mischievous and diabolical canine ever to join our family. He was devilish. He caused mayhem, destruction and chaos.
He was the best dog ever.
I've read other tomes in honor of so called "naughty" dogs. These were nothing compared to Dugan. Marley was a cartoon character of Disney like proportions. I never saw Jennifer Aniston's character forcing Marley to vomit up 20 some odd PowerBars that Marley not only opened the pantry door to retrieve but also removed all the wrappers before eating them. Dugan made Marley look like amateur night. Marley could never pull off Dugan's trademark mohawk.
What people don't realize is that really bad dogs are put on earth for a reason. The truly ill-behaved dogs are the ones that teach you the most, that make you a master dog person. You earn your stripes with them. Sticking with this type of dog defines you as an animal guardian. Sadly most people give up, toss them in shelters, define them as being beyond rehabilitation. They are true diamonds in the rough and if you have the strength and courage to even see a flicker of the brilliance, it's worth it. With Dugan I knew the sparkle was there, it just took, well, perseverance to find it.
Dugan was a rescue who was found running in Indianapolis and ended up at the county pound there. The local contact for Save Our Setters was called to come and pick him up and do temp foster with him. Alex and I had been approved for adoption with SOS and were just waiting for "the" dog. The previous two Irish Setters we applied for were given to other families, one because they wanted him placed with children, the other because they wanted him to be able to hunt. We reasoned a really special setter must be coming to us. (cue foreboding music)
Dugan was described by the rescue as a young male, bench variety setter and very "spirited". I have since learned that "spirited" is polite-speak for bat-shit-crazy. I enjoy using that very same term to my own benefit ever since. The man who fostered him said he had an idea who his breeder was and it was better he never go back and liked the idea we were out of state. I got a call on a Saturday night from the Illinois rep, "He is yours if you want him." On Sunday we were driving 5 hours to Indy to sign the adoption papers and bring him home.
As we walked up the property of the foster home a large hedge blocked my view of the man holding Dugan on a leash. Alex being much taller than I saw him first "Oh, wow. He's a looker." When Dugan finally came in my view I saw this scrawny little spit fire of a dog, his coat was blazing red in the afternoon sunshine, he was so gorgeous I couldn't stop smiling. He jumped up and put his paws on my shoulders and I was a fool in love.
Alex and I were for lack of a better term... dumb asses. We had a 8 year old Irish Setter named Seamus at home that was calm and obedient from the moment we adopted him. We thought all Irish Setters were this way. Surely the people that told us that Irish were high energy were misinformed! We knew setters, people were wrong! They are calm and serene creatures, no problem. Pfft.
That was the moment when God smacked us up alongside the head and gave us Dugan.
The first 10 minutes in our house he ran around lifting his leg peeing on all the curtains and furniture. Then he ran around some more. Then he ran around again, then he paced. Then he ran some more. Then paced. Then ran. Alex and I nervously chuckled and immediately scheduled his neuter which would surely end this peeing & pacing behavior, right? (again, we were dumb asses)
Then came the altercations with our other dogs. Dugan was playful and friendly one second, then locking his jaw on Seamus' head the next. We all remember fondly 10 days post adoption when Dugan ripped a hole clear through our lab Fergus' ear over a ball. Fergus shook his head repeatedly post hole punch splattering blood all over our walls. It was February 14th and forever would be known in our home as "The Valentine's Day Massacre" as we spent hours scrubbing blood stains off every surface of our downstairs like a crime scene. It took multiple trainers, an animal communicator, holistic flower essence practioner and a vet behaviorist to pinpoint Dugan's fear issues and displacement aggression. We did learn his triggers and how to avoid the behavior through the years to the point it was almost forgotten. Except for that one stain that never really came out as a visual reminder for us always.
The pacing, running, pacing however continued post neuter. Both inside from window to window and outdoors along the fence line. No amount of activity tired him. Walks and runs seemed to energize him even more. We had to install an electric fence around our wooden fence as Dugan found ways to launch himself over, including a brilliant scheme where he would push my garden cart close enough to the gate to climb it and hurl himself over. The e-fence was the first of many expensive home modifications done in Dugan's honor. What kind of idiots install an electric fence around their cedar fence? Um, us.
Other charming habits surfaced such as Dugan stealing every item not nailed down. I'm not talking the occasional sock left on the bathroom floor. I'm talking opening the pantry on his own or stealing a piece of meat frying in a scalding hot pan. Holiday baking was never the same as he would steal cookies off the sheet piping hot as I pulled them out of the oven. Meal times were open game, he would scale the table and help himself to your plate. We had to put child-proof locks on all our cupboards. Ironic as we had to originally remove them upon purchasing this house as we have no children and found them annoying. Sigh.
Every house guest for years had to first have a short power point presentation in Dugan-readiness including never leaving anything of value in his sight. Yes, he can open a zipper on his own. Yes he knows how to unbutton things. Your suitcase is not safe, nor is your shopping bag or the pack of gum in your coat pocket. He will find it and he will destroy and/or eat it.
On the advice of the obedience trainer who made us repeat level one class TWICE we started to crate Dugan during our meal times. This was met with him howling and barking like a mad man.
I'd like to take this opportunity to formally apologize and thank all the people who ate dinner at our home from 2000-2004 who feigned polite dinner conversation as Dugan howled bloody hell one room away. I hope my awesome cooking made up for it Jill and Dave! Also sorry to my in-laws, who curiously suggested on subsequent visits here that we eat out.
Dugan's PICA resulted in the Animal Poison Control knowing me by name when I called and also how to induce vomiting in a New York minute in the back yard with hydrogen peroxide. Thanks to Dugan they now have on record how much coffee a 75 pound dog can ingest without organ involvement. Some highlights of bizarre Dugan ingestions were a 5 pound bag of whole wheat flour, 25 foil sealed single cup coffee packets and a bottle of Vitamins including the plastic lid. To this day I do not know how he opened my bedroom closet door, scaled past the hanging clothes to the top shelf where Alex's giant Christmas stocking Toblerone was hidden. But he did, and he ate it all before I made him throw it all up again...at midnight, in a snowstorm. Dugan had mad skills to say the least.
Upon request of Dugan's pet sitter who was sick with worry we actually barricaded the pantry door with a two by four nailed across it before we went to Disney World one year on vacation. We planned on remodeling the kitchen soon afterwards so this was a small gesture to relieve the pet sitter from an ulcer. She knew Dugan's antics well as he ate the Chapstick out of her purse every time she took care of him previously and destroyed paperwork she foolishly left on a table involving her other clients contracts and schedules. (yes we tipped her very well)
I have a vast collection of abdominal radiographs from Dugan's many eating exploits over the years. I'm trying to think of a craft project to use them all. Maybe some type of decoupage?
Doggie Day Care seemed a great solution to burn energy and create a happy behaved dog. It lasted 9 happy days. Dugan was expelled after an altercation with a Weinmariner that to this day I think was asking for it. I will say in Dugan's honor the owner of the establishment said no dog was sweeter and more patient with the young puppies than Dugan. But with a zero tolerance fighting rule we were kicked to the curb sadly. Expelled, our family shame.
Our all time favorite story of Dugan, was when we took him to see an esteemed veterinary behaviorist, the only behavioral vet licensed in the state. It cost $275 for an initial consultation and to say we were desperate was an understatement.
Dr. C took us in a large room and reviewed all our information. He told us to remain in our folding chairs and let Dugan off his leash. As Dugan bounced off the walls Dr. C. explained to us what Dugan was doing was "negative attention seeking behavior". As an exercise he told Alex and I that we were all going to ignore Dugan no matter what he did to as to not "reinforce" his behavior. For the next 10 minutes Dugan jumped on us, jumped on desks, barked, howled, etc. Dr. C. reminded us that no matter what "ignore Dugan." As the esteemed Doctor told us all the ways we were reinforcing Dugan's bad behavior by reacting to it Dugan wandered to the far end of the room and found a large file cabinet. As I started to bristle the Doctor reminded me to "ignore" and continued telling us all the ways we failed in training this dog. The sound of claws on metal filled the air as Dugan popped open the bottom drawer of the file cabinet and then started tearing out Dr. C's patient charts and eating the paper. It was then Dr. C's eyes bulged out and he said "How in the hell?" and jumped up and pulled the files out of Dugan's mouth, thus ending the "ignore Dugan's bad behavior" portion of our consultation.
Dr. C. actually did help us by suggesting Dugan wear a Gentle Leader 24-7 for a few months with a short leash attached to it so we could control him better. He also told us to screw a large metal anchor to a wall in the laundry room and attach Dugan to it for time-outs when we ate meals or he was naughty. It seemed ridiculous, but we were the people who tried everything so imagine our delight when we had progress with this method. It actually really worked wonders and that wall anchor remains as a monument to success in our laundry room. (that and we were always too afraid to remove it in case we ever actually needed it again)
While learning all the ways to live in somewhat peace with Dugan, little did Alex and I even realize we were becoming really good animal guardians in general. If nothing else we were really well read as we had every book known to man on dog behavior. He made us look and listen diligently, silence was never a good sign in our house. He made us super tidy as we couldn't leave a dirty bowl in the sink or a mug of tea sitting out. We also learned a really important lesson. There are some dogs that will defy everything, so don't beat yourself up for so called "failure" just accept what is will be. I walked Dugan diligently through rain, sleet, snow and a knee prosthesis for over 11 years and that dog NEVER behaved on leash. I used every harness, lead and no pull, no jump gizmo known to man and he still pulled and zig zagged on leash. I had trainers swear they could work this issue out of him and all admitted defeat with their tails between their proverbial legs. It took a decade for me to just realize that Dugan was pretty damn excited to get where we were going and could care less about leash manners. When I stopped caring we had some pretty nice albeit haphazard walks. Dugan taught me some battles are just not worth fighting. Good life lesson I think.
It was not all bad folks, Dugan was a sensitive and loving dog and had the ability to make us laugh at least once a day, which is the reason Alex always said we kept him around. I defy you not to crack a smile at an Irish Setter coming to you for help because he has the litter box lid wedged onto his body and he can't maneuver out the doggie door.
Dugan was loving and soulful and his stubborn streak became endearing. He cuddled with the best of them and let out the happiest sound when you scratched his tummy and he rolled on his back in the classic setter pose, paws poised in the air, jowls flapping in the wind. My Dugan saved other dog's lives by being the live blood donor at the vet hospital I worked at. The dog that was often a blur of red in constant motion would stand still for an hour or two for a blood transfusion. He stayed in one place when it really counted.
Dugan loved pizza and hated joggers.He loved children and would lick their faces silly but couldn't stand German Shepherds. He was my special boy and I often would stop what I was doing to go over and lay next to him and whisper in his ear "I adore you."
Alex and I tell Pogue every single day to thank Dugan, if Pogue's predecessor was not such a hellion we would have never had the courage to take on a sly little deaf English Setter puppy last year. So far Pogue has yet to shock us with any antics, we have kind of a "been there-done that" attitude thanks to Dugan. Like grizzled war veterans we earned these dog-savvy looks on our faces.
I kind of thought Dugan would live forever, his white muzzle did little to change his habits in his later years, he shredded rolls of toilet paper up until a few weeks back to let us know he was still practicing his personal form of setter anarchy. Dugan had bucked normal dog behavior his whole life, I thought death would just be another thing he would be stubborn over. But Friday he left us and the silence that often signaled him getting into something he shouldn't now is a deafening reminder my naughty boy is gone. Even with 3 other dogs in this house it is still too quiet. I keep passing his favorite spots and ache he is not there for me to whisper to.
The trouble? I'd take it all over again, a hundred times over. He was worth every shout, every worry, every penny. My red headed canine terror was also my greatest teacher and for that I am thankful. My "spirited" Irish boy rests now, deservedly so. May the road rise up to meet you Dugan, because heaven knows you will insist upon it.

Photo Finalist #25 - Yoshi

2011-10-19T15:02:00.011-05:00

* Leave your caption for this photo in the comments section below. Be creative, be wacky, be sentimental...we want to hear your ideas! 12 Winners w/captions will be printed in the 2012 Friends of Lucky Fiona Wall Calendar. Contest winners announced on Monday October 31st 2011.

Photo Finalist #24 - Teddy

2011-10-19T15:02:00.010-05:00

Photo Finalist #23 - Susan of OESR's Rescue Setter ~ Molly

2011-10-19T15:02:00.009-05:00

Photo Finalist #22 - Sonny Boy

2011-10-19T15:02:00.007-05:00

Photo Finalist #21 - Scout & Sheriff

2011-10-19T15:02:00.006-05:00

Photo Finalist #20 - Prank

2011-10-19T15:02:00.005-05:00

Photo Finalist #19 - Piper

2011-10-19T15:02:00.004-05:00

Photo Finalist #18 - Ouija

2011-10-19T15:02:00.002-05:00

Photo Finalist #17 - Oskar

2011-10-19T15:02:00.000-05:00

Photo Finalist #16 - Maximillion

2011-10-19T15:01:00.016-05:00

Photo Finalist #15 - Mary

2011-10-19T15:01:00.015-05:00

Photo Finalist #14 - Maizy

2011-10-19T15:01:00.014-05:00

Photo Finalist #13 - Mabel

2011-10-19T15:01:00.013-05:00

Photo Finalist #12 - Klepto

2011-10-19T15:01:00.012-05:00

Photo Finalist #11 - Juliet

2011-10-19T15:01:00.011-05:00

Photo Finalist #10 - Humphrey

2011-10-19T15:01:00.010-05:00

Photo Finalist #9 - Ginger

2011-10-19T15:01:00.009-05:00

Photo Finalist #8 - George

2011-10-19T15:01:00.008-05:00

Photo Finalist #7 - Finny

2011-10-19T15:01:00.007-05:00

Photo Finalist #6 - Finnegan

2011-10-19T15:01:00.006-05:00

Photo Finalist #5 - The Denny Dog Trio

2011-10-19T15:01:00.005-05:00

Photo Finalist #4 - Carter

2011-10-19T15:01:00.003-05:00

Photo Finalist #3 - Briley

2011-10-19T15:01:00.002-05:00

Photo Finalist #2 - Thomas & Bailey

2011-10-19T15:01:00.001-05:00

Photo Finalist #1 - Apollo

2011-10-19T15:01:00.000-05:00

Photo Finalists for the 2012 Friends of Fiona Wall Calendar

2011-10-19T15:00:00.004-05:00

12 Lucky Pooches will be this year's Calendar Dogs!

2012 Friends of Lucky Fiona

Photo Calendar Contest

It was very difficult to decide but we have narrowed down our photo finalists for this year's Friends of Fiona 2012 Calendar. I would like to personally thank everyone that sent in their photo entries and am proud to report we received 108 different images this year. 105 dogs, one lonely cat who was not even wearing our collar and Kid the Goat. That's a lot of stylish creatures!

We have picked our favorite 25, which was a task in itself.

I think everybody is tired of pet photo contests where they have to vote and spam their friends to rack up votes. I have personally entered a few photo contests that were rigged with one person voting hundreds of times a day or people creating phony-baloney accounts to win.

So we're doing it a wee bit different here at Lucky Fiona this year. Since all of our finalists are worthy of being in the calendar we will decide on our 12 winners by picking the best captions for the photos themselves.
Don't forget winners in addition to getting a Gift Certificate for a Custom Collar also win a Lucky Fiona Eco-Friendly Tote Bag.

So log onto the blog and leave a comment/caption under the photo you like the best and would like to see in the calendar. On October 31st we will announce the 12 winners and calendars will be on sale for pre-order at that time. Proceeds from this year's calendar sale will go the shelter where we rescued our dear Fiona from in 2005, the Dekalb County Animal Shelter

Studio Closed ~

2011-10-17T13:25:00.000-05:00

Lucky Fiona/Head Bitch Studios will be closed today Monday October 17th & Tuesday October 18th due to family illness. Please forward any order related questions to Bee at info@luckyfiona.com

*Calendar Contest announcement will be on Wednesday October 19th. We appreciate your understanding for this unplanned absence.

2012 Friends of Lucky Fiona Photo Contest - Entries WANTED

2011-10-07T13:33:00.004-05:00

Yes, goats count. If it has four legs and can safely wear a collar
it can be entered in our photo contest.

~ Lucky Fiona Collar 2012 Calendar Contest ~

It's that special time of the year where we ask for your photo submissions for the 2012 Friends of Lucky Fiona Calendar Contest. Now through midnight October 15th you can enter your animal companion's photo to info@luckyfiona.com for a chance to be in our 2012 full color calendar. On October 16th we will announce our reveal our photo finalists and from there YOU THE PEOPLE will be voting for our 12 winners. Calendars will be on sale in November in our shop once 12 winners are voted in. We will also be tying in a fundraiser for a humane cause with our voting once finalists are chosen. Win-win-win for all!

This year's 12 winners in addition to having bragging rights as being professional SuperDog/Cat/Goat/Models will also win a Lucky Fiona Eco-Friendly Reusable Tote Bag and a $25 Gift Certificate for our online shop.

Zac Crickenberger gets points for creativity, but we suggest
having a dog or cat or some type of animal
in your entry.

The rules are simple, but we have to state them as every year we get those rebel entrants! So please note:

* Your dog/cat/goat/husband
/adorable baby has to be wearing (safely) a Lucky Fiona collar in some manner. The whole collar does not have to be visible, but it has to be recognizable. No you can not Photoshop a collar on your subject. (this actually happened last year)You can have multiple subjects in a photo if you want but we suggest having an actual animal in there as well. There is NO LIMIT TO HOW MANY PHOTOS YOU ENTER.

* Please make sure your photos are submitted in large format files. There is nothing worse than getting a great submission and having it be ineligible. So think big with those images!

You dont have to limit the number of
subjects in a photo as long
as they are all wearing Lucky Fiona!

* We cannot accept images created and owned by professional photographers or photography companies. So please only submit photos you have taken.

* Submission of any image implies your authorization/permission for Lucky Fiona to reproduce and use said image both online and in printed format in a 2012 calendar.

* Be creative! We love photos with a sense of humor, photos that reflect a season or holiday or personality of the animal companion. Some of our favorite photos are just simple candid shots, so let's see what you got! Submit today!

~ Questions - Email info@luckyfiona.com

We don't have to see all of the collar, but enough
to be recognizable. Also note that we do
know EVERY collar print we've ever made, so
don't think you can hoodwink us by entering a copy-cat brand.

BUY any product in the shop and GET AN OKAYDOKEYARTICHOKEY Collar for $1

2011-09-30T14:15:00.000-05:00

Today and Tomorrow Only 9/29 & 10/1

What a deal! Buy ANY item in our shop and receive an Okay Dokey Artichokey Custom Collar for just $1! Simply add the collar and any other item (have you seen our new belts for humans?) to your cart and use the code ARTICHOKE at check out and get the collar for $1! Limited to the first 15 buyers so don't dilly dally. $1 collar is a standard custom collar in your choice of length and width, extra wide and martingale surcharges still apply. Questions? Email info@luckyfiona.com

Ready to shop? Head to:

Lucky Fiona Head Bitch Studio Shop

Howl -o- Ween

2011-09-22T15:43:00.001-05:00

Boo! It's time to get your dog's spooky groove on with a fall or Halloween style from the shop. Go to : Lucky Fiona Collars
Our seasonal collars are kind of like Halloween candy...available for a short time period and oh so yummy. We can't re-order and many fabrics are retired so get them while the getting is good.(we wont tell anybody either when you order a lot of them, like that bag of Butterfingers you ate all by yourself)

Refer a Pal and Get A Gift Certificate! Win-Win!

2011-09-16T13:27:00.000-05:00

Now through Friday September 23rd 2011 - Refer a Friend to Lucky Fiona and if they make any size purchase from our new shop you receive a Complimentary Lucky Fiona Custom Standard Collar Gift Certificate!It's a win-win, style for all the pooches we say!

Simply have your friends, family, co-workers, frienemies or stranger on the street tell us you referred them to Lucky Fiona at the time of their purchase and we'll send you a Gift Certificate. Buyer must indicate at time of purchase in transaction notes who referred them. Limit 10 Free Gift Certificates per person/household. No retroactive referrals thank you. Questions? Simply email: info@luckyfiona.com

So start spreading the word! Get people on over to the shop.

LF Clients Monkey & Ginger showing what happens when friends
refer friends. Interspecies peace and love!

Lucky Fiona Collar Shop

Collar of the Month Deal!

2011-09-13T13:17:00.000-05:00

Klepto LOVES her monthly collar delivery.

What's better than a Lucky Fiona Collar? Well that would be a MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION where your dog gets a one of kind personally picked custom collar! We are offering an awesome deal right now on standard Collar of the Month Subscriptions - they are priced at the already low price of $195.00 ($248.00 value) and you can save $25 this week using the coupon code NEWCOM at check out. Go to: Lucky Fiona Collar Shop
We get all the details on your special pooch - their personality, their color preferences, their favorite things in life, etc. Then we choose some gorgeous fabrics for them specifically. Many of our collar of the month fabrics are one of kind vintage fabrics or special retro yardage that we simply cannot get enough yardage of to sell to the public. We also take pride in purchasing fabrics that are specific to the dogs we serve. We know that Candy & Daisy the cavalier spaniels like to match their collars but not perfectly match so we buy them fabrics that are similar but not the same. We know that Phoebe will only wear pink and hates florals, so we make sure her collars fit the bill. We often get comments from jealous clients wanting a certain fabric they see pictured on our blog or Facebook, so sorry, you have to be a COM member!
Martingales and Extra Wide Widths for your monthly collar subscriptions are also available for discounted surcharges. So what are you waiting for? Get style delivered to your door monthly, because after all, your dog loves getting mail, right?

Foster Failure and Damn Proud of it!

2011-09-11T22:17:00.000-05:00

So we failed. So what, who cares! (said in a Joy Behar voice)I thought I could keep my emotions in check, keep her at arms length. I was going to be the strong one to keep Alex in line, for we all know he is a big sucker for any animal. But actually I started caving quickly and Alex smirked the whole time, knowing full well I couldn't pin this foster failure on him.
I was counting on some things. Sweet puppy breath and little licks on the ear lobes while a puppy tail flutters away. I knew there would be sweet gazes and adorable antics. I just didn't think I'd fall so hard for them. I expected her to fall asleep on my head and snore a little puppy snore, I didn't think meanwhile I would be in a panic over a potential adopter maybe not enjoying that. "What if they don't believe in letting puppies sleep on their head?" Yes, this is one of the ridiculous inner monologues I had.
It seems every time Beatrix would enchant me with some form of powerful-puppy-mojo I would get an ache in my heart that her new person or family would not appreciate or notice it. "What if her new DogMommy doesn't understand she loves to watch moths jump out of the grass at twilight?" "What if her new family doesn't allow her to swim in water bowls or hide leaves in a hole she proudly dug?" "What if...gulp...they yell at her for being a setter and doing setter-like things?"
In this household setter deviance is not only immediately recognized, but celebrated! This is the House that Dugan and Pogue live in after all. Every time Beatrix would pull what Alex and I call a "setter move" we'd marvel and clap. What if her new family did not find Beatrix's ability to steal a flip-flop off your foot and run out the doggy door with it as "charming" and proof positive setter blood flows through her veins?
So you see, there was no choice. I also was not counting on the other dogs not only bonding with her, but loving her. Especially Lily, she is a typical sensitive rescue setter and bares some scars of emotional trauma from earlier in her life. She has been a bit snarky to other dogs the past year, so we were delighted to see her playing and mothering Beatrix. Pogue is delighted with his new pal and so incredibly gentle when he plays with her. Beatrix walks all over him, literally... and he just sighs and wags his tail as she teethes on his ears. Even our old man Dugan watches over her like a hawk, he comes running in a panic when Beatrix lets out a cry, which is often as she is a bit dramatic over things like ear cleaning and nail trimming. Hell, even the cats like her. It's sort of like a sitcom around here...Everybody Loves Beatrix.
Finally, my worst secret fear in letting somebody else adopt her? It's silly and shallow and selfish, but I'll say it.
"What if her new family changed her name?"
I mean, c'mon. She IS BEATRIX. It is the most perfect of perfect names for her. She is so a Beatrix it's not even funny. What if, gasp, somebody adopted her and named her Nutmeg or Madison or some stupid dog name like Cuddles? I don't think I could have lived with that.
So you now see this is how we (or I should say I) failed fostering. But somehow it does not feel like failing, it feels like winning. That's the story I'm sticking to. Happy-Puppy-Love- Sigh.

New Collar Styles Released and COUPON CODE for $5 Off

2011-09-01T23:56:00.001-05:00

It's something to Howl about - so share the news with dog lovers everywhere! Brand spankin' new styles and a Coupon Code for Blog and Facebook pals. Head over to the

Lucky Fiona Collar Shop for your dog's style needs and purchase a retro collar or two for your best furry pal. Special Promo for Facebook pals and Blog Followers ~ $5 off your order total with Coupon Code:

ILOVELUCKYFEE

Offer good today through Monday Sept. 5th 2011. (Excludes Setter Showdown Fundraiser Collars The Carter and The Guinness.)Questions on ordering? Email info@luckyfiona.com

What's the Sign?

2011-08-31T14:46:00.000-05:00

* The following is copied from a Facebook plea between me and Pogue's FosterDogMom who taught him sign language. I often find the basic signs she taught him do not cover all situations...

5 hours ago via Friend Matrix
Shannon Barry
‎Danica Barreau ? What's the sign language sign for "Pogue it's pouring rain and almost midnight. Drop the live possum you have in your mouth and stop flipping it in the air across the backyard."
My screaming was obviously ineffective due to his deafness.
· · 14 hours ago

You, Natalie Barrett, Susan England, Donna Demarest and 8 others like this.
- Shannon Barry Meanwhile an obedient Lily, a terrified Beatrix and a "I dont want to be in the rain anyway" Dugan all high tailed it back inside the doggie door. Which I put the insert in as Pogue was ready to bring hissing possum into my family room.
  14 hours ago · · 2 people
- Shannon Barry I then started screeching for Alex to help - who was upstairs trying to sleep as his back is out and he had to call into work. He joined my "let's stand out in the pouring rain in our underwear" party wearing Crocs, boxer shorts and a hipster Dickies jacket.
  14 hours ago · · 2 people
- Shannon Barry A new game formed where I would distract Pogue with the flashlight long enough for Alex to use the garden shovel to pick up the possum. Who at this point is playing possum complete with it's tongue hanging out the side of it's mouth. If he was a cartoon - two black x's would be where his eye sockets were.
  14 hours ago · · 4 people
- Shannon Barry Seemingly dead possum would them become ressurected while on shovel and jump off. Enough movement to interest Pogue again in chasing and picking possum. Cycle repeats with me screaming "DROP IT!" the whole time which again is useless AS DOG IS DEAF.
  14 hours ago · · 2 people
- Shannon Barry Traumatized Beatrix watched from sliding glass door pondering "When the hell is somebody going to fill out an application and adopt me? These people are obviously unstable."
  14 hours ago · · 2 people
- Shannon Barry Using corpse-like possum to lure Pogue close to him Alex grabs his collar and turns to me to take it. I quickly grab hold of Pogue as Alex tenderly places possum into neighbor's yard. (or gingerly tosses it with shovel as it is pouring rain and midnight, details are foggy at this point. )
  14 hours ago · · 5 people
- Shannon Barry So Danica Barreau - what's the appropriate sign for this situation?

Setter Showdown

2011-08-26T13:30:00.000-05:00

The Carter Collar

The Guinness Collar

Let's Get Ready to Rumble!

It's time for the 2011 Setter Showdown to benefit Ohio English Setter Rescue! We've got two awesome collar fabrics hand picked by Carter and Guinness' Dogmoms and we will customize them to be a perfect fit on your pooch. To Shop head over to the new website Lucky Fiona and click on the shop tab to begin! Each collar purchased will fetch $10 for OESR, which is a wonderful non-profit that helps so many worthwhile animals every year. Which dog will sell 25 collars first and be this year's winner? Only time will tell, but you may not want to mention Carter holds last year's crown without getting Guin-Guin's DogMom in a fury. These ladies are serious folks, so please order today! Any questions on how to order direct on the new site? Simply email: info@luckyfiona.com

To view available dogs with OESR: Ohio English Setter Rescue

Guinness

Carter

FosterDogMom Woes

2011-08-24T20:48:00.001-05:00

Oh Beatrix. You joined our happy little household as a Foster Dog late Sunday afternoon and I think you bewitched us completely by Sunday evening. Oh, around 7:06 p.m. Remember? You did a somersault in the grass, made a little squeeky puppy sound and came running to us for safety? That's really all it took to melt our hearts. We're saps that way.
So now we find ourselves back in puppy mode. It's a familiar pattern for veteran dog guardians. It's kind of like being a hyperactive kindergarten teacher. "Where is Beatrix?" "What is in her mouth?" "Does she have to pee?" "Did you see her pee?" "Why is it so quiet?" "Is she hungry?" "How much did she drink?" "Did she poo-poo yet?" "Eww, what is THAT in her mouth?"
Alex and I have not had a single conversation in 4 days that does not begun or ended with a Beatrix's potty record in great detail. I'll spare you the details. It's super romantic.
Be we remain committed. Foster Failure is not an option. It's our mantra. Even as she snores while sleeping on your chest. Which I have to tell you is the cutest thing ever. Sigh.

Oh Ye Of Little Faith

2011-08-16T15:29:00.000-05:00

The Beatrix is Coming! The Beatrix is Coming!
So Alex and I are getting ready to do our first fostering experience since the Great Foster Failure of 2003 where we took in 12 week old Caelan the Irish Setter. I was already to place her with a family in Wisconsin when Alex cradled her in his arms and said "WE CAN'T! I LOOOOOVVVVVEEE HER!" This was followed by 9 years of Caelan looking at me with disdain and contempt as Alex remained God-like in her eyes.
So, here we go again with a little Ohio English Setter Rescue pup we won a fund raising raffle in naming... Beatrix. Those higher ups at OESR are no dummies. (yes I am talking to you Susan England) Once you get to name one of those little balls of fur you kind of feel responsible for them. Hence when the call for foster homes came we calmly sat down and discussed it in great detail weighing all the pros and cons. Well actually I said to Alex at a restaurant "OESR needs fosters for the puppies, maybe we should foster Beatrix?" I then excused myself to use the ladies room and when I got back to the table Alex had already emailed Susan volunteering us from his iPhone. I think we can all see who the weak link is here people.
This announcement to friends and family was followed by much chiding and apparently a betting pool on how long it will take us to cave and Foster Fail with Beatrix. But I remain steadfast. I want to foster and be successful. I know it will be difficult, but finding her a perfect forever family will be a great feeling. I look at all the rescued setters we've adopted over the years and they all came from incredible foster parents. It's time to pay it forward. So until we DO place Beatrix, don't think your little comments of "When is Beatrix coming home to you?" are not going un-noticed as jabs at our fostering abilities. Our mantra remains "Foster Failure is NOT an option." I just have to keep Alex away from this puppy and we will be fine. Sigh.

Dog Events Bring Out All Kinds of Dog People

2011-08-09T15:41:00.000-05:00

Ask me a question about setters...
just make sure it's not
ridiculous.

This past weekend Alex and I had the pleasure of manning a booth for our near and dear rescue Ohio English Setter Rescue at a local Dog Days Event held at Cantigny Park here in the Chicago Suburbs. It was a gorgeous setting for many local rescue groups and businesses and over 5000 people came out with their four legged kids to enjoy the day.

Dogs, dogs everywhere!

But take a large group of humans and dogs and surely I will find something to report and make fun of. Here are some highlights:

* Our banners read "Ohio English Setter Rescue - Chicagoland Chapter" Pretty self explanatory, no? Well we learned rather quickly that numerous people wanted to know how long it took us to drive in from Ohio. Alex and I just started pointing to the bold printed "Chicagoland Chapter" of the banner systematically. By the time the 50th person asked we were very well versed in our speech of how the rescue was founded and based in Columbus, Ohio but has volunteers and alumni dogs all over this great land of ours.
* Banner Misreads Part 2 - Several seemingly intelligent people stopped, read our banner and then with a straight face asked us what made an "Ohio English Setter" different than a regular "English Setter". Seriously. The light bulb seemed to go off when we pointed to Midwest Husky Rescue and explained that it was just a description of where the rescue was founded, not an actual breed of dog. Ooohhhh, right!
* No matter what, there is always an idiot with a flexi-leash at a large gathering of people and dogs. The worst offender? Our hats are off to you 20-something lady with the shiba inu who doesn't know how to use the lock setting on the leash! While reading a pamphlet at the booth across from us you turned your back on your little darling who ran into our booth entangling itself onto the rope holding up our banner. Not only was said pooch about to dismantle our display but he also created a perfect trip line across the aisle of people,children and pets walking along the corridor of booths. When are these leashes going to be banned? Honestly.
* Moments when I had to paste a fake smile on my face and nod politely as I was representing the rescue and henceforth had to act accordingly and not interject my own Head Bitch two cents.
1. While a man promoting a new dog day care facility told me he once had an English Setter that lived in his barn because "bird dogs aren't supposed to live inside the house." (wow, he seems like the perfect person to run a dog day care! Not.)
2. While lady with Greyhound Rescue complained her vet told her she had to put weight on her super skinny rescue greyhound but he doesn't understand how much dog food costs, so she's sticking to feeding the dog once a day. (I may have slipped the dog a few treats when she wasn't looking)
3. While a Mother pet Pogue on the head and then saw his "Deaf Dogs Rock" bandanna and recoiled from him like he was on fire and warned her children to stay away from him because in her words "deaf dogs bite" (Okay, I didn't zip my lip on this one. I educated her! There was only so much I could be polite about!)
4. While adults took candy freely from our table that was out for donation purposes. (amazingly every child asked before taking and put a quarter in the box, only adults boldly thieved in front of us)Nobody likes a candy-stealer. Nobody.

All in all it was more good than the above silliness. We had a lot of great people offer to help our organization and had some truly wonderful folks ask great questions about the rescue and the breed. But they aren't as much fun to talk about.Right? Sigh.
~ The Head Bitch

Now let's pause for some great photos...

2011-07-28T23:15:00.000-05:00

Designing and getting the new website to function is a real pain in the patootie. So to lower my blood pressure after trying to load the gallery page of the site unsuccessfully for the 12th time I thought I'd take a break and just admire some photographs I took of Maizy - the recently rescued greyhound. Isn't this nice and relaxing? I agree. Sigh.

Isn't Maizy a pretty gal laying in the sunbeam?

Collar plug warning! Look at Maizy's gorgeous 1.5 inch width custom martingale!

Nothing cools you off like the hose on a hot day.

I love this shot - it looks like she is dancing!

- The Head Bitch
p.s.
We want your photos! Send those pics of your pooches in Lucky Fiona to us! info@headbitch.com or info@luckyfiona.com

Pogue & Pillows...A Photo Essay

2011-07-21T21:48:00.000-05:00

Since Pogue has made destroying my couch pillows an art form, I decided to make a little art of my own. I'm proud to present a Photo Essay I like to call "ForTheLoveOfAllThingsHolyPogue - StopEatingTheGoddamnPillows"

Take a few minutes to enjoy this photographic journey and please leave comments/critiques!

I call this one "RIP = R.I.P."

Here I used a little blue tone to give the viewer an impression
of blue skies and fluffy clouds.

I call this one "I'm Naughty, Yet SO Handsome."

This one I reverted to gritty black and white and call "Recession"
It is a social commentary on our failing US economy
and how it's just a big old mess like my living room floor.

I call this one "Smirk"

2011-07-21T11:02:00.000-05:00

* This message really warmed our hearts as Roxy is a Joplin, Missouri tornado survivor. We will keep Roxy and all the four pawed and human residents of Joplin in our positive thoughts.
Thank you so much for Roxys collars, she loves them! We love the fortune cookie collar that was very sweet of you. We are needing good luck, she lost vision in her eye from getting hit by debris in the tornado and were hoping it doesn't need to be taken out and sewn shut.
Sincerely,
Cathy Pawlus and Roxy

Relax people...it's just mud.

2011-07-04T23:04:00.000-05:00

Running, running, running.

This morning Alex and I went to the dog park with Lily, Pogue and my Mother-in-law Renate who is in town visiting. Our sweet Lily has been so on edge with the fireworks we thought a nice run before the temperature got too high was in order. However, I forgot one of the cardinal rules of dogparkdom. Do not frequent the park on a major holiday. It's sort of like going to Home Depot on a Saturday...totally crowded with people who have no flippin' clue what the hell they are doing. Hence we had to deal with dogs and guardians who decide the holiday is the right time to visit the off leash park for the first time. It's very hard to not just shake people by the shoulders and say loudly "Really? Really?"

Here's some tiparoonis & random observations ~

* If you never exercise your dog and think it will be a picture of agile magnificence after one trip to the dog park, you is wrong. Yes I'm talking to you man with the fat chocolate lab who doesn't understand why Mocha keeps flopping down in the shade and wheezing as you call her to play.

* Dogs are not figurines. They will run and get dirty and if there is mud they will go into it. This is an off leash park. If you don't want to risk your dog getting um, dirty, then DO NOT come to the off leash dog park!

Lily doing her pig-wallowing-in-the-mud impression.

* Dogs are not figurines. This means you angry dude with the black mixed breed who started swearing like a sailor when his dog followed my setters into the mud bog. Yes it's true, my Lily and Pogue are a bad influence and the types of friends you will want your dog to stay clear of.

* Attention lady with the Aussies. We know you have herding dogs. We know you think you are better than everybody else because your dogs are soooooo flippin' smart. We get it. Aussies = you're cooler than all of us. Whatever.

* Young couple with the chihuahua in the polo shirt. Why? Honestly. Why are you here? Your dog hates everybody but you and does not want to be on the ground. The mall is open. Why are you here?

*If you came to the park more than once a year frantic man in the Abecrombie shirt, your dog might actually come back to you instead of running like a wild banshee dodging you as you fruitlessly try to lasso him with your leash.

* They provide doggie doo-doo bags for free! There are bag dispensers at the entrance and throughout the park. There are garbage pails everywhere! You are not invisible Labradoodle people, I can SEE YOU acting like your dear Sebastian did not just take a giant dump in the middle of the walking trail...but he did. Pick it up morons.

* Umm, no they are not long haired dalmatians. Yes I am sure. Sigh.

Bad seeds. Don't follow them if you know what's good for you Mr. Airdale.

We Love a Rave!

2011-07-03T22:00:00.000-05:00

Shannon,
I put the picture in the review, and am attaching the picture here. My babies look so adorable in them, and the quality and workmanship is awesome!
Thank you so very much for going out of your way to make The Pointdexter for Charlie. It's perfect. And I can't get over how cute my little pinup pooch Arya looks in her Barry.
I will most certainly be purchasing collars from you again in the future. Closer to Yule, I'm thinking the pooches will need holiday collars!

~ Happy Etsy Customer

We Love a Rave!

2011-06-27T21:10:00.000-05:00

Thank you so much for making the greatest collars! I love your work, and your great eye for vintage patterns! Here are my 3 guys in the most recent collars I bought. They rock!

Please stop talking...

2011-06-24T16:44:00.000-05:00

Years ago I had a mentor who was the lead technician of an animal hospital I worked at. She taught me a lot and was just one of those sponges of animal information who took great pride in knowing every current vet med protocol. While I owe Tamara a debt of gratitude for the many things I learned under her tutelage, the wisest thing she may have ever taught me was the following: "Don't ever mention at any social gathering you work for a veterinarian or with animals in general. You'll spend your whole evening wanting to slap people."
Oh how this has rung true over the years.
People are well meaning, they really are. But I'm sure many of you animal centered folks reading this can relate to people out there that try to relate to you by sharing heart-warming animal stories that they think are charming but really make your skin crawl. Who hasn't been at a party where somebody glues themselves to you looking for free advice about their animal companion over stupidly basic concepts? Furthermore, these morons always turn out to be somebody you have to bite your tongue with. Like your bosses' husband who sits with you at a charity animal adoption event and tells you in a hushed whisper "he would never ever adopt because you don't know what you're going to get with these shelter animals." Sure you can smile and through clenched teeth try to educate this person, but they aren't listening you. They're already telling you the story of Mopsy the poodle they purchased at a pet shop for $3000 who had behavioral issues and had to go to that "big farm in the sky".
I love when people get breed specific too. I don't care what your chosen breed is, everybody once knew one in childhood that was horrible. I've heard this about my Irish Setters through the years like clockwork. Everybody has an uncle or cousin with an uncontrollable and mentally deranged setter that lived to be 28 years old back in 1948. I've also heard through the years the story of the family Irish Setter that they purchase and let loose to run upon arrival home and then fawn over how gorgeous the setter is running and then realize the setter has just taken off into the hillside forevermore. I always politely nod like I'm relating to the story but inevitably I feel the need to tell people to shut the hell up because that story is a plot line from the 1988 Chevy Chase film Funny Farm and not an anecdote of their life.
You think you can escape the insanity with your own family, because surely they understand your life working with animals, but I have found some of the worst offenders here. I've literally had a small stroke as my husband's Aunt (laughingly mind you) shared the sweet, sweet tale of the dog her kids brought home that she grew so tired of it's antics she opened the door and just let it loose so it would go away. I sat there glazed eyed thinking this is a nightmare of a tale, not a fun story we can bond over!
I also love the well meaning questions you legitimately answer with rock solid veterinary scientific proof that gets brushed off. Like my Uncle who asked me why his son's unaltered adult male dogs lift their legs to urinate on everything and hump every leg that comes within reach and fight with each other. I explained 6 ways to Sunday how they should have been neutered early on to help curb these behaviors and I might as well have been speaking Greek. Another dinner party where I wanted to get slap happy.
I find there is no escape. The shampoo girl at the salon asks you what you do for a living and the next thing you know your wanting to scream as you hear the story of Dozer the bulldog she left outside one summer day who died for "no reason!It was so funny!" Oh, and ironically it happened to be 92 degrees out that day and she left Dozer on a tie out with no shade. Not really funny, no. Tragic and sad? Yes.
How about the grocery check out lady who comments upon seeing you purchase butcher bones that she loves dogs too and "breeds them all the time if you are interested in puppies!" Gee, no thanks since I support rescue and have a concept of what backyard breeders are idiot. Or the neighbor who has a cat they want you to mystically heal because "you work with animals!" The cat is 16 and never been to the vet and can't eat because it's mouth is full of absesses the neighbors have ignored for a long time. They can't afford a vet mind you, but just bought a new RV and now want you to wave a magical wand and fix Toonces because I'm so good with animals! Hooray!
I realize the wisdom now more than ever in my mentor's advice. From now on I'm going to tell people I'm in real estate, or telemarketing or Tupperware sales. They all seem like nice safe careers that won't cause me to cry or sever my tongue when you speak to me. Sigh.
~ The Head Bitch

Hooray! Foster Home has been Found! Brandy has a Future.

2011-06-23T13:17:00.000-05:00

Thank you so much to all who responded to my email earlier this week regarding the urgent need for foster homes for the many setters that are inundating rescue this past month.
I am happy to report that one of the kindhearted on my email list stepped forward to foster this sweet little female who is in a shelter in Kentucky. She is being named Brandy and we hope her future will be bright now that she has a foster home and potential for a forever home. Thank you Gloria for taking that leap into foster care, you are so appreciated!
I also appreciate all who made donations to OESR as a way of supporting the current crisis we're facing with so many dogs and not enough homes.
Please keep the information flowing. You never know who may know somebody who may know somebody that can help!

~ Shannon

For more information on how to help or to view dogs available go to: www.ohioenglishsetterrescue.org

Buddy Up to Buddy Biscuits Now at Target!

2011-06-22T22:15:00.000-05:00

* Fave Product Alert*

My dogs love Cloud Star products - their first love will always be Buddy Biscuits, even if they are forced to eat the Grain Free Provenance biscuits by their evil DogMom.

For those days when I have to treat them to the Molasses Madness Buddy Biscuits I was thrilled to find they are becoming more readily available and priced well at some bigger ticket stores.

16 oz. Box of Buddy Biscuits (various flavors)

Amazon ~ $4.10 + $4.95 shipping = $9.05

Local Dog Boutique ~ $7.79

Whole Foods ~ $6.49

Super Target ~ $4.39 *WINNER*

Do you have a tip on great pricing for a favorite dog product your pooch loves? Share it!

2 Dog Park Trips in 2 Days = Bath in the Baby Pool

2011-06-14T21:06:00.000-05:00

Drippy Pogue

It's obvious from Lily's thrilled expression how much she is enjoying her bath.

Washing Lily's worries away!

* Don't you just love June? It's one of the few months of the year you can actually bathe your pooches outdoors. I fill up the old baby pool a few hours ahead of time so the sun will warm the water for bath time. Which I realize is nonsense since the dogs love the jump in the pool regardless, but it makes me feel better. The best part is it even takes Lily and Pogue a few minutes to realize they are actual getting a bath and not just having a pool party. After 2 days of dog park visits and mud wallowing, they were in need of some clean. ~ The Head Bitch

Good thing Lucky Fiona Collars are mildew resistant
because you need something to hold onto to keep Pogue in the water.

Dugan wisely hid inside.
Since he doesn't wallow in mud bogs he was dismissed from bath duty
today. Enjoy it Doogie...you have a grooming appt. in 2 weeks.

* New Feature* The Man Behind the Bitch

2011-06-13T23:13:00.000-05:00

* Behind every awesome DogMom or DogDad is a kind, compassionate and ready-to-clean-up-the-dog-vomit partner. Once a month we will feature that special person whom you couldn't imagine not having by your side as you share your lives with four pawed pals. Know somebody that fits the bill? Tell us about them! You can win a free Head Bitch tee shirt! Email: theheadbeeotch@gmail.com

Zac performing spa duties this past weekend.

This Month's Man Behind the Bitch ~

Zac Crickenberger

What really makes a lady swoon? A man who freely and openly loves dogs and will do anything for them. A man who will make sure an "I live in a Southern Climate" basset hound doesn't get their paws cold in a freak snowstorm. A man who will carry a not so nimble pooch up a steep flight of steps or kiss a dog full on the lips in front of his own human brothers. Talk about a catch. Let's talk about Zac!

Zac likes to make out with hounds.

Zac is 24 years old and married to long time Lucky Fiona fan Leslie. When first married in June of 2007 the happy couple had just 4 pooches, but big hearts for dogs in need soon added to their brood. The dog lovin' couple reside in the great state of Georgia with at any time 8 to 10 to something like 256 dogs. (just kidding,it's somewhere around 10) Leslie and Zac are rescuers who work very closely with the good folks at Basset Hound Rescue of Georgia . Their happy home is filled with golden retrievers, hounds of course and a wiley dachshund named Kirby. Most of the clan are permanent residents and some fosters, but all are loved equally.
By day Zac is ironically a postal carrier which is traditionally a career choice where one fears dogs. Not this Southern Gentleman, he's all about the pups. Leslie reports she often swoons when Zac cuddles with failed foster attempt Mr. B and Zac literally drapes the dog over him for the simple reason it makes B very happy.

Zac as a human Lucky Fiona Collar Rack.

A guy who rescues and loves dogs with every ounce of his being? That's Zac. We thank Leslie for nominating him and we are proud to say Zac is one AWESOME "Man Behind the Bitch"

When it Comes to Dog People Good Prevails...

2011-06-11T22:39:00.000-05:00

You'd look this bad too if you sat outside all winter.

Just when I had given up hope of finding Lily's lost collar from the dog park last fall (see earlier post) I get a voice mail just a few days after my blog rant. Not only was this fellow park patron kind enough to call, she also left her name and phone number! So kind and concerned she also offered to drop my lost collar in the mail! What a switch from the vague and cryptic message from an earlier caller.

Laney's DogMom is a good egg.

So hat's off to kind-hearted fellow dog lover Amy. She and her sweet pooch Laney found Lily's very sad looking and weathered collar lost last September. Amy put the collar on the gate at the front entrance per my request. Hooray for kind-hearted dog park patrons! This Head Bitch thinks one good act deserves another so I am sending a custom Lucky Fiona collar to Laney as a token of gratitude. Thanks Amy for putting this collar mystery to rest. Hope to see you at the park soon, I'll recognize you by the well dressed dog.

Lucky Fiona Bottom of the Barrel CLEARANCE

2011-06-10T02:01:00.000-05:00

We are clearing out fabric bins and have unearthed some super rare and retired Lucky Fiona prints! All collars in the shop are priced at $13 each! Super limited and super deals. All fabrics will be retired from current shop offerings in prep for the new website so don't miss out! Want to get free shipping on top of that? Simply become a blog follower and leave a comment here and we will forward you the free ship code. But wait! You are already a follower? Simple - email the Head Bitch at info@luckyfiona.com and request the code. Easy- peasy lemon squeezy.

Go Wide!

2011-06-09T12:25:00.000-05:00

You don't have to be a Greyhound to wear an extra wide 2.0 inch width collar! Look at recently rescued Sally from the Valley! (Hudson Valley that is) She is one bold BITCH and wears that 2.0 wide custom "The Barry" Martingale with swagger!
You don't need to tell Sally about style. She gets it.
Thanks to Sally's DogMom Beth for sending in her photos and also kudos for adopting a dog in need. You're one cool Head Bitch Beth!

Blog Follower Contest Winner!

2011-06-07T21:15:00.000-05:00

Leslie Crickenberger YOU are our winner! Thanks for being a blog follower and for getting a few pals to join too. You win a free Collar of the Month Subscription! Tell her more about it Sam!
(deep announcer voice booms)
"That's right Leslie, every month you will receive a custom made Lucky Fiona Collar in your mailbox. Contact the Head Bitch at info@luckyfiona.com to claim your prize! That's a $250 value and it's yours just for blog following! Wowza, congrats Lucky Lady!"
(announcer leaves because there is nothing else for him to announce and he gets paid by the word so really this is a small gig for him)
* Want a chance to win your dog a Lucky Fiona Collar customized to their size and personality? Easy! Simply become a blog follower and encourage like minded dog lovers to do the same! We'll draw another winner when we hit 100 followers, so get the word out. Be sure to leave a comment telling us who sent you if you were referred - the person who refers gets additional chances in the drawing.

Magical Moments with Our Dogs

2011-06-04T19:22:00.000-05:00

Pogue trying hard not to notice appetizer snack pillows behind him.

Everybody wants at least one "magical" moment story with their dog. You know, the ones like you read about in James Harriot novels where our animal companions show a capacity for love and understanding we never knew imaginable. Moments that make your dog superior to Lassie saving Timmy's ass (again) in an abandoned well, barn fire or impending cattle stampede. You know what I'm talking about. The moments where you look at your dog and understand what all the hullabaloo is all about. Your dog is special. Your dog is amazing. Your dog is going to be in the next goddamn volume of Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul!
Sadly, most of the time your dog is just, well cute. Or obnoxious. Or doing things that make you seriously wonder if they were dropped on their head a lot as a puppy. Nobody is writing a Disney screenplay for a live action movie about an incredible golden retriever who breaks into the garbage bin and vomits on your duvet after eating rotten cheese. Yet these are the day to day activities of our dogs, which I guess makes it even more divine when they finally do something magical.
I'll be honest. I did not have a lot of faith that Pogue was anywhere close to the magic. In fact I kind of resigned myself to the fact that this deaf little holy terror would provide comic relief to our lives and that would be his lot in life. We have accepted that we will never be able to put toilet paper at human usage level as long as he lives with us. I sneak couch pillows into the house like a crack addict so my husband doesn't see them Pogue has destroyed so many. My $85 sunglasses were found cracked in half floating in his doggie pool last week. This is kind of the way it goes with Pogue Mahone. Sure he understand sign language, but he also understands like a hearing dog that just because we are signing "return to me those boxer shorts you hijacked from the laundry bin" doesn't mean he has to. We call it deaf-dog-selective-hearing.
So imagine my surprise today to have a full blown magical moment with Pogue. It was late afternoon and I was laying on the couch half watching a movie. A storm was rolling through so I had the curtains drawn and Lily who is storm phobic, pawing at me. I shifted on the couch and allowed her up close to me and wrapped her in the light blanket I had on me. She does better when swaddled so she was close to me wrapped in my arms, shivering in fear with every clap of thunder. I drifted off to sleep...
A few minutes later I felt a bit more crowded and felt Lily had stopped shaking. I opened my eyes to see Pogue had joined us on the couch. He was on the other side of Lily, completely stretched out and laying half over her. If we were a sandwich Pogue and I were the bread and Lily was the meat. He was licking her snout and then covering her chest with his head as if to say "I'm here, don't be scared." What was incredible was as long as Pogue was pressed up against Lily she did not shake and shiver and actually fell asleep while the storm finished it's path.
It was so endearing I didn't move an inch and feigned sleep to see how long they would stay this way. Pogue stayed molded into Lily until the rain passed and then jumped up, ran to my desk and stole a pen which he proceeded to mangle. I know naysayers will argue this was a fluke, that Pogue didn't know any better what he was doing. But I know it was magic. It was two animals understanding what the other was in need of. It was a moment I will not soon forget and will try to hold onto next time Pogue is ripping my peonies out of the ground. If just for those few minutes...Pogue was good. That my friends is magic.

Let's hear your ideas bitches!

2011-05-31T22:51:00.000-05:00

New Fabric style coming to Lucky Fiona Collars! We need some creative ideas of a perfect name so put on your thinking caps and let's hear the best you got. Winner will not only win this fabric style collar in any custom size they indicate but also have bragging rights that they are a creative genius in the world of dog & cat wear. The print is a repro from the 1940's so keep that in the back of your noggins! Comment here your suggestions or on our new Facebook Group "The Head Bitch ~ Musings of my Life Gone to the Dogs"

Head Bitch Facebook Group

Lily will be deciding our winner, so please try to impress her.

Finding a Needle in a Haystack Would be Simpler

2011-05-31T00:47:00.000-05:00

Last September while enjoying our local dog park in The Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve Miss Lily lost her collar with all her tags. Alex and I noticed as she pranced over to us her overt nakedness and scouted the area to no avail. Alex quipped at the time "Lily! Do you think we run a collar company or something and we can just whip up another collar for you?" (Yuk.Yuk.) I immediately thought...screw the collar, what about the tags?

I should mention we are blessed with a 36 acre fully fenced park with grassy areas, walking trails, tall prairie grass, trees and if you're lucky (luck being relative to if you are the dog or the person who has to clean the dog) after some rain...mud bogs. Lots of interesting terrain to cover. The next few visits I looked again in the general region she zipped around previous where I know she had her collar and then all of sudden did not. Nothing. I finally conceded defeat, reordered a new fancy name tag for $20, ordered another Home Again tag for $12 and paid my $10 to the county to get a replacement Rabies tag since you have to have one present to use the park. Good thing we get a discount on actual dog collars (ba-dum-da-dum) as the tags alone for her little collar-losing adventure added up and sadly Lily still has no credible income to cover the cost. Learning from our $42 mistake, we now leave one ID tag on the dog's collars (just in case they wander out of sight) when we go to the park with their name and our cell number on it. The Rabies and Home Again tag I clasp on their collar with a quick release loop that I remove when we enter the park. I keep it on my person in the event the Squirrel Police are checking dog park passes and rabies tags so we are legal and all and snap it back on when I leash the dogs to leave. Easy peasy and if we lose a collar again in the dog park confines I'm only out for one tag.
I know some of you are reading this and thinking "Just get one of those cheapie PetSmart token machine ID tags-made-while-you-wait and call it a day sister." Um, hello. Have you seen our beautiful Lucky Fiona collars? Do you think I'm going to hang a crappy piece of tin on one of them? Exactly. Further you may be saying "Well the dogs are microchipped dummy, do you really need a tag ballyhooing their microchip number?" To which I say...um, I say, well, okay, I um, have nothing to say to defend that. Except I am anal retentive and think my dogs are such perfect creatures that everybody would want to steal them and I have an irrational fear of them being kidnapped by a sinister Cruella De Vil type who may just be swayed to not mess with them when they see the actual tag saying they have microchips. I know I am not the only one who feels this makes perfect sense. (am I? Hello?)

So imagine my surprise this past week to get a message on my cell phone. The caller's number was blocked as I guess they must be super important or famous and did not want me to be able to call them back. (Oprah? Have you been hanging at Springbrook with your spaniels and goldens? You have free time now.) This was the message:

"Hello. I'm at the park over here and I found your dog's collar. I'm going to put it on this tree here near where it was on the ground. Bye."

Sigh.
I listened to the message several times trying to decipher if perhaps there was some cryptic message I was missing. Nope. Pretty much the stupidest message ever. Hey genius, the dog park is 36 acres. You went through all that trouble to block your number when you called me so I think you are techno savvy enough to understand I cannot see you over the phone to know where you are placing the collar. There are many trees in a Forest Preserve, bub. The collar was lost, so indicating you are putting it on the tree near where you found it on the ground does not really assist me in locating it.
Even more distressing is I went to the dog park that same day and in vain looked for it fully expecting to find the collar and tags. I did not. I used logic like "Maybe it's near the entrance?" and "Gee there are some picnic tables where people can sit near those trees, that's a good place to put a found object." Nothing. I looked at every tree along the main walking trails. Nothing.
All I can say Oprah is that $42 may not be a lot to you, but it is to us poor working class Joes. You're just lucky I get the collars at cost.

The Bitch is Back. My New Blog.

2011-05-29T18:10:00.000-05:00

I'm not Stella. I haven't had my groove back for some time. That's the thing about your groove, sometimes it gets so lost you don't even have the energy to go looking for it. Dang, my groove was halfway through Iowa before I even knew it was missing. I could review the laundry list of things gone wrong... health, wealth, death. If my life was a game of Pyramid the $25,000 answer would be "Words ending in "th" that have attributed to me being bummed out the last year." So now is a time to be picked up by your boot straps and sing a little song and go forth with a smile, right? Right. Right? Sigh.
First of all I had to Google the term "picked up by your boot straps" to even know what the hell it means and how to do it. This should be a person's first red flag that it's not as easy as it sounds. So I went in my closet and found the only pair of boots I own with actual boot straps.
My white Doc Martens from when my Dublin wedding in cough, gasp, holy-crap-it-was-that-long-ago 1994. I placed my feet in them and pulled the straps with much vigor while attempting a standing position. I ended up falling sideways on the floor and nose to nose with my setter Pogue who surely thought this was some fun new game. We all know it is universal dog law that any time a human gets on the floor playing must follow, even if you are not planning on playing or in this instance trying to find the magical wisdom in the term "picking yourself up by your bootstraps". So I forgot about the boots and wrestled around with Pogue on the bedroom carpet until he collapsed with a loud puppy sigh. He then rolled on his back with paws dangling in the air and started to fall asleep while I rubbed his belly. His silly positioning made me laugh out loud and I realized something more profound than the boot strap experiment. Dogs have it right. Engage. Play. Be near somebody that loves you. Expose your vulnerability to the world. Be touched. Hope it's enough to soothe you to sleep fully content when all is said and done.

I'd like to say Pogue knew all this and understood he'd lead me where I needed to go upon sight of the boot straps. But honestly he just wanted to chew those boots. Real bad. Vintage leather with boot straps to drag the boot around with? Doggie deliciousness squared.
So this is me exposing my belly to you. (metaphorically speaking of course, because I haven't been to the gym in awhile, but that is another blog entry) My name is Shannon Barry. I am an artist. (it took me 40 years to realize that is a credible career title damn it!) I write, make dog collars, design tee shirts, play in my studio and sigh a lot. I am trying to be funny and happy and all the things hopeful creatures are whose blog you want to follow. Dogs are pretty much my whole life and yup, my life is whole. I'm also the Head Bitch around here. Listen up.
Smooches to the Pooches ~
Shannon

We Love a Rave!

2011-05-21T14:36:00.000-05:00

From the Lucky Fiona Mail Bag...

Just thought I would send you some pictures of Klepto. She received the collar of the month as a Christmas gift from my friend, Denise. As you can see from the photos, Klepto really enjoys getting HER package each month. Thanks for sending such wonderful collars each month!

~ Angie and Klepto (aka the little blu-eyed dog)

2011-04-28T21:49:00.000-05:00

Spring? Where are you? The weather has been the pits so let's have a sale.

50% off EVERYTHING in the shop ONE DAY ONLY.

Friday 4/29/11. Sale ends at 9:00p.m. Central time.

Email info@luckyfiona.com with any questions prior to purchase. COUPON CODE to use at Etsy check out: OUTLIKEALION

Get your Lucky Fiona custom collar faves 1/2 off!

shop: www.luckyfiona.etsy.com

We care about Dogs...

2011-04-13T00:01:00.000-05:00

Since our beginning in June 2007 Lucky Fiona has offered a free martingale collar to any dog adopted from Midwest Italian Greyhound Rescue. It's a small way to give back and love showing off photos of new recipients. To learn more about this great breed and wonderful organization go to:

http://www.midwestigrescue.com/

Shannon -

Thank you so much for the collar for Mia. It fits perfectly and looks so cute on her. Hope you enjoy the picture.

~ Pam

Easter Setters Make Me Smile

2011-04-07T22:11:00.000-05:00

Ohio English Setter Rescue is having a little contest for the best Easter Bunny/Setter photograph submitted. It only took 458 attempts to get a few non-blurry shots of my Pogue and Lily. Every obedient, Lily sits like a pro with bunny ears on, but her pesky baby brother Pogue wanted nothing more than to eat the ears off her head. Even though we repeatedly told him they were not chocolate. Sigh. All I have to say is THANK GOODNESS for digital. How in the world did us dog lovers ever get a decent photograph before then? If you get a chance check out other silly submissions at Ohio English Setter Rescue's Facebook page.

OESR Facebook Group

We Love a Rave!

2011-04-04T13:17:00.000-05:00

* We love a bully around here at Lucky Fiona and have you ever seen a cuter one than Hank seen here in his 2.0 extra wide width custom collar? We think not. Hank, you better get your date book cleared because the ladies will be calling after they see "Hunky Hank" in his Gidde Up martingale collar.

Hi Shannon! I just got Hank's collar on Friday, and it is absolutely adorable! I am attaching a couple pictures of him in his new collar. Thanks again! Love the collar!

-Kristen

Help Heart of Texas Lab Rescue - Your $5 donation turns into $10

2011-03-31T15:17:00.000-05:00

Heart of Texas Lab Rescue Special Fundraiser ~
HOTLAB offers a unique opportunity to double your $5 donation, what a great way to help!
For one day only, today, Thursday March 31, $5 donations made to "BECCA'S FUND FOR GINGER" will be matched by Becca's Mom! Heart of Texas Lab Rescue Website
Donate through Paypal or by check. Your $5 donation on March 31 will mean $10 toward Ginger's surgery! Please Cross Post and make your money double for this wonderful cause.
* Lucky Fiona loves to help promote various rescue groups as part of our commitment to dogs finding homes to look stylish in.

Dog Product We Have To Bark About

2011-03-29T14:10:00.000-05:00

Carter Barreau getting his mud on after a romp this past month.
Oh Muddy Paws no more! Perfect for hikes or trips to the dog park this portable dog shower is the coolest thing ever. For those of you who have attempted in vain to clean a dog with baby wipes and old towels before getting back into your vehicle (guilty) you will love The K-9 Shower. Now just try to buy one. Really. Everybody is out of stock of this wonder tool. In the Company of Dogs may have more by early April, or May or June if you talk to a live person in customer service. Through the doggie grapevine we hear Craigslist has been offering some up. Amazon has none. Sigh. It may seem a bit pricey at $49.95 yes, but honestly, how much time and energy does it take to wash your dog and car interior? We think it's a good deal for your dirty dog and we here at Lucky Fiona give it a full FOUR *Very Clean* PAWS UP.
http://www.inthecompanyofdogs.com/itemdy00.asp?ID=17,482&GEN1=Dog+Outside+Living&T1=D11140&dispRow=0&srccode=

It Takes a Village to Save One Dog

2011-03-22T12:39:00.000-05:00

* Do you want to participate in rescue but are not at a point in your life to physically take a dog into your home? This article details the many ways and MANY PEOPLE it takes to save one dog! There are multiple ways you can assist in saving an animal companion, so get involved!

Crossposted with permission from Ohio English Setter Rescue ~

It Takes A Village by Susan England - Head Bitch at OESR

Pulling a dog from a situation where it is in danger, and getting it to a foster home and then finding a forever home takes a lot of people. My friend Shannon reminded me of this when she wrote to me about all the things she was having to organize to get Henry ready to leave for his new forever family.

First you have the shelter workers/volunteers. They put the dog up on petfinder, post the dog all over facebook, and send emails out to rescues begging someone to take the dog because it's time is up. These are the people in the trenches, so to speak.

Once a rescue sees a dog they want to pull, then they in turn have to beg for fosters, contact everyone they know who might be willing to take a dog in, and plead the dogs case in order to find it a place to stay. If a foster home is found, then the transport person has to get involved to set up transportation from the shelter to wherever the dog is headed. When you are dealing with shelters out in very rural areas, this is easier said than done. This too involves contacting tons of people and spreading the word that a dog needs a ride, and someone to go and spring him from the shelter or wherever. Setting up a transport can involve several drivers. A typical one for us from shelter to Columbus is usually 3. We are now at 7 people involved in saving this dog.

Now the dog arrives. He goes to our vet to get examined and cared for. The vet techs, front desk people, and the vets themselves all have a part in caring for this dog. Then we pay the vet. This is possible because of the people who donated money to the rescue. Often we take the dog to the groomers as well if they are really a mess. Many times different volunteers will offer to taxi the dog to the vet or the groomer, if the foster is working and unable to do so. We are now at around 14 people minimum, who made a choice to help out a dog.

The dog stays at his foster home and learns how to trust and be a happy carefree dog again. Now we get an application. An application means that a volunteer has to call and talk to the person applying, check their references, and then discuss it with several other people in the rescue. If all goes well, we set up a home visit, which another volunteer does, which means finding someone in whatever area of the country they are in to take time out of their day and go to a complete strangers house to see if everything is as it should be. We are now at around 18 people who have had a hand in helping this dog. This is all assuming everything goes right. It usually doesn't. A foster home will call and say the dog isn't working and we have to move it when we have no room. A dog comes from the shelter and has cancer, or heartworm. Adopters get angry when they get turned down, because they thought it would be like walking into Petland, and that we would be grateful for anyone to take a dog. Fosters have issues and things that need addressed with their dogs, emotions run high, feelings get hurt, we have to try and find preventative meds for all the dogs without breaking the bank, people bail out at the last minute on plans. This all requires time, energy and manpower to deal with.

If the dog is approved to adopt, another transport must be set up to get the dog to his new home. Lets say it's an easy transport and only 3 more people offer to drive. Including the adopter, lets say there is only one, and not a family, we are now over 20 people.

20 people making an effort to help one dog on his journey to a better life. Each person just doing what they can, and giving what they are able to do. It does take a village, and many hands make the work light. This doesn't include the administrative things that have to get done. Maintaining the website and petfinder pages, taking calls from people regarding fostering and adopting, paying the bills, filing the contracts, and organizing educational seminars, and trying to find time for our own dogs. Every job is important, and every piece is crucial to the process. Do not ever think that because what you have to offer is small that it is unimportant. We need all the help we can get. Even if it just comes in the form of an encouraging word.

* Pictured above is Andy - he is currently available for adoption. To see his profile go to http://ohioenglishsetterrescue.org/Ohio-English-Setter-Rescue/Adoptable-Dogs/Andy.html

He is an incredible dog and I personally assisted in his transport. My small piece of the puzzle of finding him his forever home. Pass the word along about him, won't you?

This Month's Creature Feature!

2011-03-21T09:58:00.000-05:00

* Does your pooch have a special skill or accomplishment? We want to hear about it! Send us a little write up and photos and you could be our "Creature Feature" of the Month! We are proud to feature Duke and Ruger, two wonderful Friends of Lucky Fiona. In honor of all they do and for being wonderful ambassadors of the breed we are making a donation in their honor to Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Rescue http://www.gsmdrescue.org/ Check out the website to learn more about rescue efforts for these magnificent dogs! Thanks to Elizabeth for submitting this article and teaching us all a bit about what makes her dogs so special.

Duke and Ruger are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs also affectionately known as “Swissies”. They are a multi-purpose working breed and back in Switzerland were used on farms from everything to carting milk to the market, herding livestock, and guarding the family farm. In current day there isn’t a need for the dogs to participate in the activities they were bred for, but many of the breed clubs encourage owners to have their Swissies participate in activities to allow the dogs to do what they were bred to do.

Duke, Ruger, and I have participated in various working activities and it is so neat to see the dogs try something new and just take to it because it’s in their genes. Lately Duke has been focusing in Drafting and Ruger has been busy packing. While we became involved in these activities because of the breed of our dogs, they are activities that any breed can participate in. Before participating it is very important to make sure that your dog is in good health and a proper age.

Drafting can be done for fun as well as attending trials for the dog to receive titles. With drafting, it is very important to start slow and get the dog used to the cart and make sure they are completely comfortable and confident around the cart. We start this by throwing treats in the cart and when they are doing great with getting treats out of the cart, we walk the dog next to the cart. When they are comfortable with that, that’s when you can finally hitch the dog to the cart. When the dog is first hitched to the cart it is important to make sure you don’t have the dog do tight turns, just make nice big circles and when they’re doing well you can start to make smaller circles. It’s also very important to make sure the cart and harness are the proper size and fit. Duke’s harness is from Wilczek Woodworks and his cart was made by my husband.

Packing is a great activity to do with dogs and it allows them to carry some of their own necessities. Like drafting, this activity can be done for fun but a dog can also receive titles for meeting certain criteria. We always start off with the dog wearing an empty pack for them to get used to it. Once they are comfortable with the empty pack we add a little weight to each side (and it’s important to keep the weight on each side as even as possible). Ruger absolutely loves packing and it is great exercise for her. Ruger’s pack is from Ruff Wear and it has held up very well.

It’s so wonderful to watch your dogs do something they love doing as well as being a great way to form an amazing bond between you and your dog. There are a lot of great references online and books in regards to both carting and packing.

You should all be happy to know that thanks to Shannon, Ruger has a collar that matches her pack (no more clashing) and Duke has one that matches his drafting harness! Thanks Shannon!

We Love A Rave!

2011-03-15T21:43:00.000-05:00

Shannon,

It's difficult to see but Carter's green 'Psycho Bunny' collar coordinates perfectly with the moss and new spring grass. Thank you, Shannon, for making certain my pup looks great whatever the environment!

- Danica (Carter's DogMom)

Dog Product We Have To Bark About

2011-02-18T11:48:00.000-06:00

* Weekly installment of animal companion products we use and love!

Oh Paw Plunger - we love you so. Especially after 22 inches of snow melts over 5 days and there appears to be no grass whatsoever in the back yard. I tried it all dear Friends of Fiona and let me tell you this baby rocks. Gone are the baby wipes, The Shamwow, and rolls of paper towels poised at the doggy door to keep muddy paws from invading indoors. You simply fill the Paw Plunger with warm soapy water and plunge. The massaging bristles inside take off the most caked on mud in one swipe. (maybe two if you have setters) The Paw Plunger comes in various sizes to accommodate any size paw. It comes with a lid to carry to the dog park or have in your vehicle post hike, it will save you from muddy paw madness. We got ours at In the Company of Dogs, but many specialty dog shops also carry this product and a quick internet search this morning found Amazon to have the best pricing.

You can thank me now.

Dog Product we have to Bark About

2011-02-10T12:32:00.000-06:00

* This is the start of a weekly feature showcasing an animal companion related product we adore and just have to bark about to all who will listen!

We love to share dog related Etsy shops that meet our picky standards of high quality hand made products.

We are proud to say all the dogs here at the Lucky Fiona studio wear these awesome customized hang tags from Sofa City Sweethearts!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/sofacitysweethearts?ref=seller_info

This gorgeous tags have met the setter challenge of

looking pristine on our Lucky Fiona collars after much rough and tumble play and the occasional puppy chomping. (thanks Pogue) They come in a dizzy array of patterns and shape combinations and can be customized to suit every taste. It is so important to have an ID tag on your dog, don't just rely on micro-chips to get your dog home to you. Since Pogue is deaf we wanted a tag to announce this without a pity-party, and the above tag did the trick. (Hello my name is Pogue and I Am Deaf) We always suggest having your cell phone on a tag as well as you

r home phone. Anybody that has had to go search the neighborhood for an escaped dog can attest having the phone number of the phone on your person is key to quick reunions.

We have found Carrie who lovingly runs this adorable shop to be super as far as customer service is concerned. Stop dilly-dallying, check out Sofa City Sweethearts and tag your dog with some style.

Snow It Goes

2011-02-07T11:22:00.000-06:00

"It's as if you are in quicksand and the same final 15 seconds of tragically getting pulled under keeps replaying."

This is my description of this winter.

Sure it was all magical and beautiful in December. (see photo of Alex and I smiling like fools on Christmas Eve at the dog park as we enjoyed the first few inches) We still had the holiday trance going on back then. But here in the light of February you kind of see things how they really are...frozen. I can't fully see the cul-de-sac in front of my house, the snow pile blocks us in like a prison wall. Trips to the mailbox have become hazardous expeditions requiring full winter gear, a keen sense of balance and treaded shoes. Giant Evil Icicles have become Angry Birds ready to clonk you in the head the moment you try to escape the house for even a minute. The dogs are even over it. Sure it was fun running and sliding into the powder the first few times, but when DogDad had to snow blow the deck and part of the yard to even get out the door the snow became less frolic worthy. It's hard to frolic in 20 plus inches with a frozen layer on top, it just is. The back yard which previously hosted hours of ball playing and romping as been diminished to a 6X8 trampled potty patch. No magic there folks. Just some hard yellow snow. Sigh.

If the non-stop snow and ice are not enough to keep you housebound, don't forget the arctic air! I mean how are you supposed to even get out of bed when the day time high in Chicagoland is 6 degrees? Don't forget the wind chill that make it feel like -21! Thank goodness for bones and chew toys. I see the dogs systematically gnaw away to get some energy spent and I wish there was a human equivalent. So far I bake, and that does not bode well for how my jeans are fitting.

Am I getting old? Or I am just really cold? The Winter Wonderlands of my youth don't seem so appealing anymore. All I do know is I wish I could fast forward the rest of this month and have March be here already. How will you find me? I'll be the crazy lady in the deep thaw chewing on a Kong toy counting the days till I can check the mail in flip flops again.

HALF OFF Everything in the shop Blizzard Sale!

2011-02-01T10:19:00.000-06:00

Blizzard Sale!

Chicagoland is under a State of Emergency due to 20 plus inches predicted by the weatherman! Yup, they are calling it the 2011 Blizzard. What to do? Well, we hope to be stuck inside sewing. TODAY ONLY - 50% OFF Everything in the Etsy shop. That's right, collars, leashes, cat collars, 1.5 & 2.0 Extra wide width upgrades, martingale upgrades, gift certificates...heck...even COLLAR OF THE MONTH subscriptions.

ALL 50% off today Feb. 1st. only. Put code BLIZZARD into the Etsy coupon code box to discount your order at check out.

Don't forget those Valentine styles - last day available in the shop!

Questions prior to ordering? Sure! Email: info@luckyfiona.com

The Head Bitch

New Style ALERT and COUPON CODE

Weekend SALE

Thank you

Products we want to HOWL about!

Winter is here finally...is your pooch stylin'? Coupon Code!

A dog's eye view of my recent illness...

Breakin' The Cycle - Today is Beatrix's Spay Day

Show us some Jolly!

Whip It. Whip It Good.

Cyber Monday Dealios

ONE DAY SALE 50% off Entire SHop

Loving us, loving our dogs...

Say Cheese! Silly Photo Contest

New Styles and Holiday Collars!

2012 Friends of Lucky Fiona Calendar Winners

Dugan Finn

Photo Finalist #25 - Yoshi

Photo Finalist #24 - Teddy

Photo Finalist #23 - Susan of OESR's Rescue Setter ~ Molly

Photo Finalist #22 - Sonny Boy

Photo Finalist #21 - Scout & Sheriff

Photo Finalist #20 - Prank

Photo Finalist #19 - Piper

Photo Finalist #18 - Ouija

Photo Finalist #17 - Oskar

Photo Finalist #16 - Maximillion

Photo Finalist #15 - Mary

Photo Finalist #14 - Maizy

Photo Finalist #13 - Mabel

Photo Finalist #12 - Klepto

Photo Finalist #11 - Juliet

Photo Finalist #10 - Humphrey

Photo Finalist #9 - Ginger

Photo Finalist #8 - George

Photo Finalist #7 - Finny

Photo Finalist #6 - Finnegan

Photo Finalist #5 - The Denny Dog Trio

Photo Finalist #4 - Carter

Photo Finalist #3 - Briley

Photo Finalist #2 - Thomas & Bailey

Photo Finalist #1 - Apollo

Photo Finalists for the 2012 Friends of Fiona Wall Calendar

Studio Closed ~

2012 Friends of Lucky Fiona Photo Contest - Entries WANTED

BUY any product in the shop and GET AN OKAYDOKEYARTICHOKEY Collar for $1

Howl -o- Ween

Refer a Pal and Get A Gift Certificate! Win-Win!

Collar of the Month Deal!

Foster Failure and Damn Proud of it!

New Collar Styles Released and COUPON CODE for $5 Off

What's the Sign?

Shannon Barry‎Danica Barreau ? What's the sign language sign for "Pogue it's pouring rain and almost midnight. Drop the live possum you have in your mouth and stop flipping it in the air across the backyard."My screaming was obviously ineffective due to his deafness.

Setter Showdown

FosterDogMom Woes

Oh Ye Of Little Faith

Dog Events Bring Out All Kinds of Dog People

Now let's pause for some great photos...

Pogue & Pillows...A Photo Essay

Relax people...it's just mud.

We Love a Rave!

We Love a Rave!

Please stop talking...

Hooray! Foster Home has been Found! Brandy has a Future.

Buddy Up to Buddy Biscuits Now at Target!

2 Dog Park Trips in 2 Days = Bath in the Baby Pool

* New Feature* The Man Behind the Bitch

When it Comes to Dog People Good Prevails...

Lucky Fiona Bottom of the Barrel CLEARANCE

Go Wide!

Blog Follower Contest Winner!

Magical Moments with Our Dogs

Let's hear your ideas bitches!

Finding a Needle in a Haystack Would be Simpler

The Bitch is Back. My New Blog.

We Love a Rave!

We care about Dogs...

Easter Setters Make Me Smile

We Love a Rave!

Help Heart of Texas Lab Rescue - Your $5 donation turns into $10

Shannon Barry
‎Danica Barreau ? What's the sign language sign for "Pogue it's pouring rain and almost midnight. Drop the live possum you have in your mouth and stop flipping it in the air across the backyard."
My screaming was obviously ineffective due to his deafness.