Pet Costume Contestant No. 11

These adorable photos of Pitty Pat, the three year old Chihuahua*, were submitted by her owner, Marcel of AuntPittyPatsFun. Thank you very much for entering your little Pitty Pat in my Pet Costume Contest. "Pitty Pat's Party Duds" Marcel says that Pitty Pat loves to be with her every minute.. she lays in her bed beside her while she sews clothing for Pitty Pat. Look at this adorable fish costume: "Fishing for Compliments" Pitty Pat says: "Hello, my name is Pitty Pat. I love to drive mommy's truck.. and I love to travel. Mommy says I am such a great traveling companion. I know how to dance on my hind feet, sit up and lay down. I give high 5's. I even sit and stay. When mommy asks for a hug, I lay my head on her shoulder. But mostly, I chatter to mommy in my low little growly voice...when I want her attention. Then if she doesn't pay attention, I pat pat pat her on her leg with my front paw. That is how I got my nick name Pitty Pat." *Chihuahua: A swift little dog with a quick response, the Chihuahua can run circles around dogs twice his size. He has a lot of heart and a lot of energy contained in one handy-sized canine companion. (The Mini-Atlas of Dog Breeds by A. DePrisco and J.B. Johnson)

Pet Costume Contestant No. 10

Ubu is a six year old Cocker Spaniel. His photos where submitted by his owner, Tina of Beansie Babbles. Ubu is dressed as Frankenstein, albeit he's anything but a monster. Thank you so much for letting Ubu play along in my Pet Costume Contest. "Franken-pooch" I was told they did not own, nor name him as a puppy, but the family got him when he was already three years old. He came from an abusive home and his name is from the TV show that ends with: "Sit Ubu, Sit." Tina continues to say: "...that when Ubu came to us, he was clearly confused, and we did not have the hearts to go changing his name too. So he goes by Ubu, Boo-Boo, and various other nicknames we have all come up with! He will be six years old this November, and he is a pure-bred Cocker Spaniel*. He is VERY good natured, very excitable, but a very good-hearted dog. He has been a wonderful addition to our family!" Don't you just love happy endings? I do! Good dog, Ubu, good dog! *The Cocker Spaniel: Although still called an effective hunter's helper, the Cocker certainly makes more vocation of companionship and showmanship than field work. His outstanding attributes are intelligence and affection. (The Mini-Atlas of Dog Breeds by A. DePrisco and J.B. Johnson)

Magical Disney Sunday

I decided to play along with "Magical Disney Sunday" that is hosted by my friend Heidi of Fairy Footprints in the Sand. I'd like to share some early childhood memories of my first exposure to the Disney characters Bambi and Thumper. No, it was not by seeing a movie in the cinema, nor watching it on TV, because way back then, we did not yet have a television. (I know, I'm THAT old!) My Oma (German for Granny) had these porcelain figurines (I wish I had them) of Bambi and Thumper amongst her nick-knacks and she told me the story about Bambi and Thumper as she had seen it in the cinema. You see, my late Oma was born back in 1901 and when I was a little girl growing up in Germany, we didn't have a TV for a very long time and stories were told or read. She loved her figurines of Thumper and Bambi with the butterfly on it's tail and they looked somewhat like this: My Oma told me when she was young, she watched the movie in a movie theater and there were soldiers in there too (she grew up during World War II) and she said there was not a dry eye in the place and that even the soldiers cried when Bambi's mom got, well, you know the rest... I have a VHS tape of Bambi and whenever I play the movie, I remember my Oma and her love for the deer and his silly friend, the Thumper. When I was already living in the United States, I used to watch Disney Sunday on TV and looked forward to the show all day, because I think all of Disney's movies are fantastic. While living in California, I have visited Disneyland in Anaheim several times when my daughter was young and will always remember the magical place that makes you feel like a kid again. I once had a German friend named Robert, who had cancer and his last wish was to come to America. While visiting me in California, my roommate and I took him to Disneyland one day. I never forget watching him with his eyes wide open, just like a child, trying to take it all in. He looked around in awe and finally said (more to himself than anyone else): "Die Amis uebertreiben mit Allem, sogar mit der Schoenheit" which means: The Americans exaggerate (or out-do themselves) in everything - even beauty!" ...He died several months later in Germany and I'm so glad to have helped make his last wish come true!

Pet Costume Contestant No. 9

"Baby Blues" Baby is this kitty's name and being dressed in style is her game. Her owner, Stephanie, bottle raised her, which is why they have formed such a strong bond. Baby appears to be a "tabby-point" Siamese, a part Siamese, silver/gray Tabby* cat with the most fetching blue eyes. Baby is the best dressed cat in town! She lives with her mommy in California and is one of my dearest customers. I never have seen a kitty wear accessories with such confidence and ease. *Tabby: The tabby cat has a distinctive coat that features stripes, dots, or swirling patterns. Tabbies are sometimes erroneously assumed to be a breed of cat. In fact, the tabby pattern is a naturally occurring feature that may be related to the coloration of the domestic cat's distant ancestor, the African Wildcat. Tabby color is found in many breeds of cat, as well as among the general mixed-breed population. The tabby usually has an "M" mark on its forehead *Siamese: Siamese are a very intelligent, lively, entertaining cat. They can be very demanding and become totally involved in their owner's life. Siamese do not like to be ignored and always have to be the centre of attention. They usually regard themselves as people rather than cats. You will never be bored if you own a Siamese cat. Siamese have a strong personality and are usually very talkative, often with a loud voice. The Siamese voice is quite legendary and they use it well to communicate with humans. Their meow has been compared to the cries of a human baby. They enjoy being with people and have a great need for human companionship. Siamese cats are sometimes described as extroverts. Often they bond strongly to a single person.

Pet Costume Contestant No. 8

"Spiffy Dresser" This is Mitzy, my neighbor's dog, modeling one of the doggy coats that I crocheted. Mitzy is an 11-year old Peek-a-Poo* that thinks she is a person. As of late, she has also assumed the role of "Cat Herder" since there is a common feeding station of our stray cat's near Mitzy's home. She makes sure they are all present and accounted for during feeding time. *Pekingese: The Peke, despite his petiteness, is courageous and bold. His independence and confidence should imply combativeness rather than delicacy. The dog is accustomed to being unchallenged and foremost in his master's eyes. His coat requires extensive grooming. *Miniature Poodle: The Miniature Poodle makes the ideal home companion; his small size and lively disposition make him both easy to keep and easy to enjoy. Grooming and coat care are required, but not to the extent that many overboard enthusiasts venture. (The Mini-Atlas of Dog Breeds by A. DePrisco and J.B. Johnson)

Pet Costume Contestant No. 7

"The Pirate" The photos of Eddie in his "skull and cross bone"* sweater and his Christmas collar, were submitted by Pam of Bags and More by Pam, who crocheted these clothes for him. Eddie is a three year old Boston Terrier who loves to sleep with a toy in his mouth and is very affectionate. I'm sure that Eddie "The Pirate" has stolen Pam's heart ;-) *Skull and Cross Bone: (aka Jolly Roger) The Jolly Roger is the name given to any of various flags flown to identify a ship's crew as pirates. The flag most usually identified as the Jolly Roger today is the skull and crossbones, being a flag consisting of a skull above two long bones set in an x-mark arrangement on a black field.

Pet Costume Contestant No. 6

"Prisoner" This photo of Bruiser was submitted by Heidi of Fairy Footprints in the Sand. This little Boston Terrier belongs to her mom and he's eight years old. Bruiser loves sitting pretty for treats; he enjoys having a morning roll in the grass and loves playing with his toys...not bad for being a little "prisoner" - a prisoner of love, no doubt! Prisoner of Love (a song by Foreigner) "In your book of broken hearts You had my name, now the story starts We'll never be the same again, I know I'm a victim of circumstance I'm the one that got the second chance One chance...that's all I need, and I wont let go..." (Lyrics Freak)