Wordless Wednesday - Bell and Boris - A New Friendship

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Oscar Jetson - Dog Artist with Unique Perspective

As we have waded into the world of Twitter, it has been fun to meet all of the dog and cat centric Tweeters!

One I am particularly fond of is an artist from the UK named Oscar Jetson. His cool and colorful art shows up in my Twitter feed and always catches my attention.

So I reached out to him to find out more about him.

Here's our interview. What do you think of his work?

Q: Your art is quite intriguing - what is your background and is this your full time career? 

Oscar: I was successful at art at my high school and was encouraged to pursue a career in art, even attend one of the prestigious art schools in London. At 18 years old I was not confident enough and felt that if I did not “make it as an artist” I would struggle to find work. I do some part-time lecturing but recently my reproduction prints and custom portraits are taking up a lot of my time. Prior to picking up the brushes again I was in the Merchant Navy and this is why I also love to paint the ocean.

Q: What got you started painting dogs? 

Oscar: I have always loved dogs even way before I owned one. I currently have a Border terrier and an English Working Cocker Spaniel. I think that dogs are such characters and are so expressive. They can be so amusing and have such a range of expressions and poses, often comical and always tend to resonate with other dog owners. I also love to paint human portraits, landscapes and seascapes.

Q: How do you choose your subjects? 

Oscar: I also love to take photos so when I get opportunity
and I am out walking my dogs I snap the dogs they meet with the owner's permission. I don't believe in replicating photographs in 2015 as although I respect and admire many traditional pet portraits, I think that with modern technology allowing photos to be reproduced on canvas etc..I would prefer to create something more unique and expressive. I therefore only use the photos to assist in capturing the character of the dog. Some of my paintings are more refined however and I do not always use vivid colours. I prefer commissioned work as I get to learn a bit about the dog and always receive great feedback as the painting progresses (I send photo updates at many stages).

I do get the chance to work from live subjects at times – naturally my two dogs and friend's dogs are willing models but if a client is local I am happy to visit them to make some sketches. I have done some paintings of my own dogs where they have sat for me but normally this is when they are staring at a squirrel out of the window.

Q: Any interesting stories about your subjects you can share? 

Oscar: There are too many stories to share, some heart breaking ones about dogs who have battled with long term illnesses and some celebratory ones when dogs have recovered after terrible accidents. One amusing one that stays with me was the Chihuahua and the Patterdale terrier whom I did a large watercolour of...the painting arrived and my client put it down after signing for it, popped upstairs only to find they had been so eager to open it they had torn it open and caused some damage!

Q: I find your color choices quite interesting - where do you get inspiration for the color choices in your art? 

Oscar: The colour choices I make are due to a number of factors...sometimes I just exaggerate the colours I see in a photo provided by a client, other times I include specific colours a client wants to match their décor. I sometimes request photos of the room in which they know they will hang it. Other times I just let the colour scheme develop as my painting progresses. I always pay attention to the science behind colour theory and refer to the colour wheel to ensure colours are contrasting or harmonious.

Q: How do you use social media to promote your art and how effective has it been?

Oscar: I share a lot of my art on both Twitter and Instagram, news and people also seem to like to see my artwork as it progresses. My followers can be quite interactive and all of the retweets and comments often lead to new people seeing my work. I have had commissions directly through both Twitter (@oscarjetson) and Instagram (Oscar Jetson) so I am happy that it is worthwhile.

Q: What is your plan long term with your dog painting? 

Oscar: I would love to continue as I am and considering I had an 11 year break I believe I am refining my style and technique, experimenting a lot and also improving. I would love to have my work in a large exhibition or to sell from a dedicated premises. At the moment I am exclusively online and work from my home studio.

Q: Where can your collection of artwork be found?

Oscar: My etsy site has mainly reproduction giclee prints in a selection of sizes. There are also some unstretched canvas prints. I plan to add to this by including panoramic long stretched prints of multiple dogs on canvas. I also can take enquiries on the etsy site for charcoal studies or custom paintings.

My Etsy : https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/OjsDogPaintings

My website which will have dog news, my art news and hopefully a forum: http://www.oscarjetson.com

Q: In addition to your art, how do dogs show up in your life? 

Oscar: My dogs are spoilt like so many are. They sleep on my bed. They go with me pretty much everywhere and they even like going fishing with me. All holidays have to be dog friendly so I usually take them to the south coast of England. The cocker is an amazing swimmer due to his webbed feet. The Border terrier thinks he is but tires himself out when he is chasing a ball to bring back. I have only had to go in after him once though! Even in the car the terrier likes to have his head out of the window in the front when there is a passengers lap for him to sit on and do so safely (He has however worked out the window controls so the child lock now has to be on)

Oscar does lots of original, commissionable work for clients and can turn your dog's awesome and sweet face into a timeless and unique piece of art. All artwork shown in this blog post is just a small sample of some of my favorites. They can all be found on his Etsy site AT THIS LINK. They are all shared here with Artist's permission.

You can contact Oscar via his website, Etsy site, Twitter or Instagram.

What's your favorite of Oscar's work? Would you want your dog in unique colors to hang in your home?

BlogPaws Wordless Wednesday: 2015 A Bella Retrospective

December 7, 2014
First Car Ride with My New Family
I think I'm gonna like them!
#foreverhome #adoptdontshop

December 25, 2014
My First Christmas
My First Forever Family
My First Person
#whatsbiggerthanhappy

January 2015
I <3 snow! But if you throw another snow ball and pretend
it's a real ball, we are going to have a problem.

February 2015
My Favorite Nap Partner
Best Valentine Ever

March 2015
I just love sticks. There's nothing I love more.
Except cardboard boxes with food in them...And treats...
And getting my way...
What were we talking about? Oh, yea...I love sticks!

April 2015
This is my hammiest. And it's fabulous.

May 2015
I love to catch things in mid air. You would too if you
were as fast and strong as I am.

June 2015
Things got a bit crazy at the dog park. All that happened is
my face got in the way of someone's paw.
Dominance fighting between two males?
All I saw was wrestling! #mybad

July 2015
This is my favorite stick. It's rubber. And orange. And fabulous.

August 2015
When she is working and I am waiting. I do not like waiting.

September 2015
A DIY Scavenger Hunt for me and cup of coffee for her.
We both win. :0P

October 2015
This is Henry. He was my first Foster visitor. He was awesome.
You never forget your first. Happy Tails Henry!

November 2015
Bike riding with my humans. It's the best!

November 26, 2015
First Thanksgiving with my Forever Family!

December 2015
So. Much. Win.

December 25, 2015
Merry Christmas Everyone!
From a clothes adverse Cattle Dog


It's been a year since I found my forever home. Happy Adoptaversary to my family and to me!
Thanks for sharing my first year in my forever home with me!

What was your favorite part of 2015?

FREE PRIZE Giveaway - Help Bella Pick Out Her Human's New Cross Body Bag from Kohl's

It's Contest Time!

We're giving away this PAWsome Pet Prize Pack:

Pet Health Hypoallergenic Shampoo
Tomlyn Relax & Calm Chews
TropiClean Fresh Breath +Plus Dental Chew
PetNaturals of Vermont Scoot Bar
Aspenpet MaxGlow Glow in the Dark Leash
Halo Grain-Free Cat Formula Spot's Stew
KC's Labs All Natural Dog Treat
TLC Dog Food $10 Savings Voucher

 Here are the details:

My hu-mom needs a purse but she just can't decide! We went to Marshall's and Kohl's and found lots to choose from but she (FINALLY lol) narrowed it down to the Relic Evie Flap Cross Body Bag.

Here's the trouble - it comes in lots of colors and she can't choose between them! 

So I said we should get help choosing. The new bag will be featured in lots of shopping sprees with me and my hu-mom, so we want to make sure YOU like it too! I do have my favorite but I don't want to influence your vote.

Here are the choices, the voting steps and the prizes - 

 

There's TEAL, TILED, STRIPED and FLOWERED 

All so pretty! But which one, which one!?

We can't decide. We can't choose. We need the help from all of you!

To vote:

1 - Fill out THIS FORM

2 - SHARE the following post on Facebook or Twitter: I just VOTED (Choice) for #bellasbags You can vote too at http://bit.ly/votebellasbags
3 - COMMENT in this post with your favorite

You can do one, 2 or all three! Each vote counts toward the total and counts as an ENTRY TO WIN OUR PET PRIZE PACK.

Do ALL THREE and get DOUBLE your contest entries! YAY!

Voting closes January 4, 2016 at 11:59pm and winner will be announced Wednesday, January 6, 2016.

Let's talk about what's in the awesome PET PRIZE PACK!

Post a selfie of you, your pup and your favorite handbag! What do you love most about it? Use #bellasbags so we see your selfies!


This post contains affiliate links. 🐶

Dog Friendly Stores with In Store Pick Up - A Holiday Miracle for Last Minute Dog Loving Shoppers! (and a Holiday poem!)

Dogs Gone Shopping - A Christmas Poem by Bella Victoria

Where ya goin? Can I come too? 

Yes, Yes said she! We're headed to bed. Curl up on the quilt and lay down your soft head.

Were you leavin'? Can I come with you?

Yes, Yes said she! We're going to friends'. With Calico and Cricket the fun never ends!

What's up with your feet? Can my paws follow suit?

Yes, Yes said she! We're PetSmart bound! We ordered online now we head into town!

Who you seein'? Will my leash surely do?

Yes, Yes said she! To the Groomer and Vet! They can't wait to see you and give you a pet!

But what about shopping, it's Holiday bliss! The stores are all filled for both Mr. and Miss!

No, no silly girl. That's for Service Dogs working. Not Cattle Dogs leashed, and sniffing and jerking. 

But wait, what is this? There is good news afoot! Stores don't just approve Santa covered in soot...

They also rejoice at your four furry paws and your tail wagging round and your clackity claws!

This is great, this is cool! I'm a dog on the town! You just wait there, we are coming right down!

Tis a holiday story wrapped up in a bow! Last minute shopping with furry friend in tow.

You ordered online, and they shopped just for you. I won't tell a soul of what's green and what's blue.

We'll go down the aisles...we'll walk and we'll run! The children and staff will get licks just for fun!

So when you get your presents from under the tree. Don't mind the  paw prints from my wrapping spree.

I helped pick it out. I can help unwrap it too. Merry Christmas to she and to him and to you!

The Full Story - A Holiday Miracle for Last Minute Dog Lovers - by Trista Polo

Bella is an active Cattle Dog mix and needs 3 hours of activity per day - a mix of physical and mental work is best for her. She's a working dog breed and she really needs a job. The daylight is shorter, the weather is cooler and my schedule is fuller. All of that adds up to limited work/play time for Bella and me.

In the car, ready to shop!

I have been racking my brain with how to juggle my busy schedule and Bella's need for activity. How to get it all done - the running around that seems to fill the Holiday season - and still keep Bella's mental and physical well being in tact.

If only I could kill two birds with one stone! There are so many hours in a day, Christmas is fast approaching and there is still so much to do!

I'm happy to say that I found a great way to get everything done, spend plenty of time with Bella and leverage the little amount of time I have.

Here's my sure fire Holiday Miracle for Last Minute Dog Loving Shoppers in 3 easy steps:

1st - Occupy Puppy!
Make sure you have fully stocked food puzzles, frozen Kongs or other indoor activities that keep your dog busy.

Home Depot, Here We Come!

2nd - Shop Online!
Leverage ONLINE SHOPPING at your favorite stores that meet the following criteria: They have in store pick up AND they let you bring your dog into the store. (More on this later!)

3rd - Leash up and head out!
You and your BFF (Best Furry Friend) can have fun adventures at stores all around town wracking up curious stares, big smiles and happy children everywhere you go!

Below are the details that we learned through trial and error, so your first trip out is as worry and stress free as possible. =)

Occupy Puppy! - This may not be necessary for your pup, but if I'm home, Bella looks for more attention than your average dog. "A tired Cattle Dog is a good Cattle Dog" is an expression quite apropos. Unfortunately, since I don't work a typical office job where I can do my shopping online at work (I know YOU don't do that either!) I have to find time at home to do it. And if I'm home, I should be playing with Bella right? We use food puzzles as our main way to feed Bella. I'll be doing a review soon on many of the available puzzles out there. In the meantime, a Frozen Kong is always a good bet. You can watch my How To video for this option - it's been a a great option to keep Bella busy all year round.

Now that your pup is occupied, it's time to...

These lines are long!

Shop Online! - Imagine you are going into a store with your pup in tow for the first time. You have your car keys, purse, phone, leash, poop bags (definitely don't forget these! ;-)  ) and now you need to deal with shopping cart, buying things, standing in line at check out, having your things rung up, getting out your credit card...and you are still expected to have holiday spirit! By the way, they don't have those handy-dandy dog leash hooks at every cashier that are so conveniently located at the Vet counter. So at least when you are a shopping spree with dog newbie, get the bulk of your shopping done first. We love to shop at www.ShopWithBella.com - We can still shop at our favorite dog-friendly stores PLUS AND we get up to 50% Cash Back every time we shop. And bonus - we feed our #shoppingannuity with each purchase. If you want to see if your favorite dog-friendly stores offer cash back - you can check that here: http://bit.ly/bellastores. One more tip about shopping at www.ShopWithBella.com - I recommend you download Shop Buddy, a free widget that will get you cash back, current coupon codes and the best price all around the internet even if you forget to ShopWithBella.com. There's a full list of stores that offer the Trifec-dog below (In Store Pick Up + Dog Friendly + Cash Back).

I'll Take This one!

Leash Up and Head Out! - You'll get the hang of this after a few trips, I promise! It's very odd the first time you go to a store like Macy's and walk in with your dog on a leash. I kept wondering when someone would yell at me. I was defensive waiting for a hard time from an employee. It never happened though! We got lots of smiles and even some friendly pets. =) It's definitely worth a little stress and uncertainty at first because once you and your BFF start shopping together you won't want to shop anywhere that says "Service Dogs Only." Here are some things to keep in mind when heading out with your pup. It's not just about pet stores! Yes, PetSmart and Pet Co welcome your furry family and friends. And you may have heard that Home Depot is also a great place to take your pup along. But did you know that Macy's, Lowes and Gap do too? Popsugar.com wrote an article and some great dog-friendly stores made the list. See their full list here. Before you shop, take these tips to heart.

Barnes & Noble Poughkeepsie
Is No Place for Dogs =(

- Call first! Even though Barnes and Noble is on the NICE list in the Popsugar article, our local B&N is Service Dogs only.

- Consider a leash/harness combo for more control in the stores! There are a lot of people walking around the store and you want to maintain the best and most humane control possible. No long leashes and keep a tight reign on your pup when shopping.

- Go during off-peak hours! It's not just about fewer feet in the stores...you also have less parking lot traffic to navigate. It's safer and will ultimately be less stressful.

A $320 toy from MK -  I can has it?

- Seriously! Poop bags! You just never know. Pet stores are great about cleaning up after your pet. Don't expect a Macy's employee to run to your rescue. Be prepared to deal with whatever comes your way.

- Keep your purchases to a minimum or bring another set of hands along! Remember, if you bring your pup into the store, you will be bringing your pup out of the store with whatever else you purchase. So bring a friend along to carry the bags or keep your purchases to a minimum.

Home Depot is a great "Find It" spot!

- Training Treats optional! If your dog responds well to them, as Bella does, you can use them to distract your pup from the merchandise, frightened children and other things that may catch her attention. They are also a great way to grab some fun photo ops or even play a game of "Find It" in Home Depot!

- Be patient and have fun! This is a great option for spending time with your pup and getting some last minute holiday shopping done. Be prepared, be patient and have fun!

Bella is a high energy dog who is still learning to be on a leash and LOVES dogs and people. These tips are based on our own trial and error experiences and we quickly got the hang of it. No teeth marks on leather, no accidents and no embarrassing stories. We'll definitely be doing lots more shopping together!

These 12 Stores make the Trifec-Dog List!

They offer In Store Pick Up, Cash Back and are Dog Friendly! (Plus all of these stores have lots of great coupon savings you'll find when you click the store link)

• Pet Smart (Bella Tested!) 4% Cash Back
• Home Depot - (Bella Tested!) 2% Cash Back
• Macy's - (Bella Tested!) 2% Cash Back
• Bass Pro Shops - 3% Cash Back
• Bloomingdale's - Currently no Cash Back 
• Nordstrom - 2% Cash Back
• Urban Outfitters - 4% Cash Back 
• Gander Mountain - 2% Cash Back
• Michaels - 2% Cash Back (Ship to Store)
• Foot Locker - 3% Cash Back
• Tractor Supply - 2% Cash Back
• Apple Store - Currently no Cash Back

Where have you shopped with your BFF? Any other tips you can share to make these outings awesome?

This post contains affiliate links. 🐶

More Holiday Gifts for Your Furry Friends

Most animal lovers will tell you, pets are part of the family. Whether you wrap their gifts and place them under the tree or they have their very own personalized stocking, chances are your furry friend will be receiving gifts for Christmas as well. ShopWithBella.com has millions of products to choose from to spoil your furry friends so that they don’t feel left out on Christmas morning! Read on for this year’s holiday gift ideas for pets!


Pet Lounger

This Lazy Zebra Pet Lounger is a purr-fect gift for the feline in your life. Not only does it feature machine washable orthopedic foam, it also comes with a Manufacturer’s 1-year warranty. If zebra print isn’t your pet’s style or you would like a larger one to accommodate your dog, shop from a wide variety of additional pet beds HERE.





PetHealth™ Products

PetHealth offers 6 great products that make great stocking stuffers! Enjoy hypoallergenic, medicated shampoos and ear washes, Pad and Palm Balm for cold climates or hot pavements and a MulitVitamin and OPC formula to protect your pet from the inside out! View the whole line of PetHealth products HERE.

Personalized Treat Jar

This personalized treat jar is a delightful way to store your pet’s favorite treats. Personalize it with your pet’s name, plus earn 4% Cashback from Miles Kimball. Your pet may not be a fan of an empty treat jar- find pet treats to fill up the new jar HERE.

Toys for Playtime

Your cats will love being able to play and explore in their very own Kong Interactive Tunnel. Earn 4% Cashback when you purchase this interactive cat tunnel sold by PetSmart, the nation’s largest pet supply retailer. Discover more exciting toys for your cats and/or dogs HERE.

Warm Apparel

Nothing says “trendy pup” like this Klippo Pet Argyle Pattern Turtleneck Sweater. Not only will it keep your dog warm and snuggly in those cold winter winds, it’s also very stylish. Not a fan of argyle? Take a look at other apparel options HERE.







Bella provided her own list a few posts ago. Check it out here.

Have you already picked out the perfect gift for your pet? Comment below and add to our gift list! Or you can tweet us your gift picks using the hashtags #accordingtobella #shopwithbella

This post contains affiliate links. 🐶

Dutchess County SPCA "12 Days of Holiday Giving" Donation Drive

By Trista Polo

DECEMBER 17, 2015 UPDATE:
The 12 Days of Holiday Giving has concluded but you can still help them reach their goal! http://bit.ly/1k4oTs5

This past Saturday, December 5th, Bella got to meet Santa Paws! We headed out to the Dutchess County SPCA in Hyde Park, NY for their "12 Days of Holiday Giving" event! This is their first “12 Days of Holiday Giving,” donation drive to benefit animals in need beginning December 1 through December 12. Written to the tune of the popular “12 Days of Christmas” carol, the DCSPCA is asking for pet-related items on its wish list, including monetary gifts toward a new SUV for Humane Law Enforcement, to be donated at designated drop-off locations or the donation drive page on Giving Grid at www.givinggrid.com/dcspca. 

Read on about our day and how you can help the DCSPCA reach their fundraising goal of $50,000 by Saturday!

When we arrived to the DCSPCA it was electric with activity and holiday spirit. Vendors stood at the entrance with so many wonderful gifts for dogs and humans alike! Yvette Yeomans, from Pampered Chef, was in a great spot to see the parade of dogs - and cats! - arriving throughout the day. Yvette says, "My favorite...was the enclosed carriage that came in carrying a cat. I looked over and saw a cat peeking through the mesh. As they went by, I could see the cat was wearing a dress. I found out later that the dress was hand made." 

A photo with Santa, taken by local pet (and people) photographer Al Nowak of On Location Studios, was the main attraction for most that attended. There was also plenty of time to shop and visit the resident "Adoptables" in Cat Land and Dog Village. According to Peggy O'Brien Jones of the DCSPCA, there are approximately 25-30 dogs and over 100 cats in residence at any one time.

Bella was definitely excited to see Santa...but being a dog's dog, she was much more interested in the many new faces (and butts) roaming around on four paws. There was a band of 6 Corgis, a group of 4 Greyhounds, a trio of 3 Cockers, a pair of Bernese Mountain Dogs, a Great Dane and even a Crate Escape alum.

Santa Paws, or Keith Jones as he is known the other 364 days per year, is a regular at the DCSPCA. Now that he is retired from his IT job at Avon, Keith volunteers regularly as a dog walker there. He has donned the Santa hat 4 or 5 times for pups and is wonderful with them. He was having a ball and it was no surprise to me when he told me he is quite an animal lover. The thing he loves most about volunteering at the DCSPCA is that despite their hard life, the rescues are "still trusting and affectionate. They have been abused but still seek out humans."

Keith and his wife Peggy (the DCSPCA employee mentioned above) have 3 dogs of their own at home. A 5 year old Golden named Dylan, a 2 1/2 Golden named Abby and a recent addition of Jessie (formerly Sweetie) a lab mix that chose Peggy's desk as the favorite place to nap during her short stint as a resident of the DCSPCA. 

I asked Peggy how things have been going with the fundraising efforts of the "12 Days of Holiday Giving" and it sounds like they have a way to go to meet their goal. They are 100% donation funded with no support from Government funding or grants. If you can help by dropping a donation at any of the locations below, it would be a huge step toward helping them reach their goal. You can also SHARE this article far and wide to your family and friends and help them get the word out for a last push toward helping them reach their goal.

Donation drop-off locations include:

· Ulster Savings Bank – 7296 South Broadway in Red Hook
· Rondout Savings Bank – 4269 Albany Post Road in Hyde Park
· Adams Fairacre Farms – 765 Dutchess Turnpike in Poughkeepsie
· A Cat’s Place – 738 U.S. 9 #15 in Fishkill
· Snug Harbor – 38 Main St. in New Paltz
· PetSmart – 2534 South Road in Poughkeepsie
· Iseman, Cunningham, Riester & Hyde, LLP – 3208 Franklin Ave. in Millbrook
· Senator Sue Serino’s office – 4254 Albany Post Road in Hyde Park
· All Sport – 17 Old Main in Fishkill
· Healey Chevrolet – 1960 South Road in Poughkeepsie

“Donations from the community are vital to the success of our organization,” said Hope Gamble, Executive Director of the DCSPCA. “Our goal is to raise the funds and necessities we need through the ‘12 Days of Holiday Giving’ drive that will help us to continue our mission work in the new year and increase awareness on all the ways we serve the community. In 2016, we seek to expand our programs and services to offer more low cost medical services for community pet owners, as well as update our popular animal welfare educational curriculum throughout Dutchess County.”

We had a wonderful time meeting all the dogs and their humans. Bella was worn out when we got home - a very unusual state for her active mind and body! We were glad to support such a great cause and organization. 

What is a favorite memory you have of the DCSPCA and its adoptables? Please share with me and share this article with your friends and family. Let's spread some holiday cheer for the animals at the DCSPCA!