Date With Your Dog On July 4th

Reposted from Lilburn Patch. com.

I received an e-mail invitation a few weeks ago from a stranger that caught my attention. I am freaky about deleting items I consider SPAM, but this seemed different at first glance, so I opened it.

The email said:

“I edit a blog called COFFEE WITH A CANINE. Clicking around, I learned that you have a dog or two. [Truth is, I have five! Excuse me for cutting in, but I want to get the record straight.] I wonder if you'd be game for a Q & A at my blog. It's pretty simple: you take your dogs for a ‘coffee date’ (at a park, cafe, your backyard, wherever), answer some emailed questions, and share a few photos. Any interest?”

How could a dog lover refuse? How could a java addict say no?

I immediately Googled his blog and loved what he is doing! I wrote back. “I’m in!”

The weather, and work at the shop, have slowed me down. My date is next week. The location is my yard. I can't take my dogs anywhere! This could be mass confusion with a capital C.  Instead of a cup of coffee with one charming canine, I will be juggling a pack and trying not to tip my cup! Note to myself: don’t wear white — coffee stains.

The fellow behind the blog is Marshal Zernigue. I wrote and asked how he came up with this great idea. His blog is amazingly fun.

“I started ‘Coffee with a Canine’ when I noticed two things. One, a couple of my friends had just adopted dogs and I realized that I had more friends who had dogs than didn't. Two, I noticed that so many writers with websites that I visited went out of their way to mention their dogs.  That's the 'canine' part. The 'coffee' part is a bit more random...”

He has a point! Dog lovers love to talk about their dogs. If you visit my “widow” blog, the blog that was started to promote my book, what catches your eye are my dog photos. Then there is my dog blog about living with dogs. If you talk to me you notice I sneak in stories of my dogs whenever I can!

Bingo. He has me pegged!

In anticipation of my own dog date next week, I've decided to make July 4th a day for you to date your dog!

The Little Shop Of Arts And Antiques, in the heart of Old Town, at 94 Main Street NW, will open from noon to 5 with a special dog event. All dogs who bring their owners to my shop on July 4, will have their photos taken. Tell me a little about your pet and I will post the photos on my own dog blog 'Writer With Dogs' and perhaps here on 'Patch'. These will be digital photos and I will be happy to e-mail to each owner as a holiday treat.

Free dog biscuits for dogs, free bottled water for humans, and I hope I get some free dog kisses. For every dog that shows up sporting a bandana or other dress item, they will receive a $5 shop gift certificate. The first dog on the scene receives a yellow size large dog sweater that says "Bite Me"!

July 4th I’m going to the dogs. Care to join me? It is the perfect day to have a date with your dog!

Jane Harmon Book Signing, Author "Pip", April 2nd, 2011

Author Jane Harmon and Cole, the dog that inspired the character of "Pip"

Jane and Cole were a smash sensation at The Little Shop of Arts And Antiques on April 2nd. "Pip" is a young adult novel about a boy and his dog living in Tennesee during the "Trail Of Tears". Her book can be purchased on Amazon. Photos of the event taken by Lilburn photographer, Richard Ferris, who is seen below talking to Jane. (I took that photo!)



Photographer Richard Ferris and Jane and Cole



Jesse and Jane having a heart to heart!

Linda Newton and grandson Jesse with Jane's book. You may remember Jesse, his cat story was published on this blog a few weeks ago. He is an aspiring young writer!

Me and good friend and fellow antique dealer Cheryl!

Cole liked to pose for the camera!

It was a beautiful day for a book signing!

Becky Kidd, Pet Portrait Artist, And My New Garden Shop Sign

Becky working away on my back deck at The Little Shop Of Arts And Antiques! Garden shop opens April 2nd!

April 2nd will be the opening of the Garden Shop on the back deck of 94 Main Street! The Little Shop Of Arts And Antiques is gearing up for the garden spot and the new building, which will house antiques, meeting rooms for rent, event space for the shop, art studio for classes and a little snack bar cafe in the front enclosed porch.

That same Saturday, Jane Harmon will have her book signing. "Pip" is the story of a boy and his dog (you got it, the dog is named "Pip") during the Trail of Tears.Cole, her dog that inspired Pip's character will be with Jane! More on that event next week!

Right now I want to share the garden shop sign painted today by Becky Kidd! Becky is the Pet Portrait Artist who had her gallery opening at the shop a few weeks ago. She donated a custom portrait in a raffle to benefit Animal Action Rescue. We will see the final product soon!

Meanwhile, look at my wonderful sign. I LOVE IT! Thanks Becky! I can't wait to have the garden spot ready for you and eveyone to visit! Check out Becky's blog for some cool dog portraits!

Winning Ticket Drawn For Becky Kidd Custom Pet Portrait!

A work in progress.

This evening the winning raffle ticket was drawn for a custom pet portrait by Becky Kidd. Becky so generously offered her talent to help raise money for Animal Action Rescue. Tickets were purchased from AAR's web site and also at the shop. The shop raised $100 for AAR, in addition to the tickets purchased on their web site. All names were tossed in the jar and the winner is..................
Alyse Monticello, who purchased her ticket via AAR's web site.
Thanks to everyone for a fun time at the shop and for helping raise a little money for Animal Action Rescue. A big hug to Becky for sharing her talent to help this worthy group of great animal folks!

Shop Opens Sat Jan 22nd!