D is for Dog

It seems only appropriate that the first of my new stamp sets that I would use is “D is for Dog”. As a dog lover, this was a “must have” set for me. The fun paper that I used is from the Autumn Traditions Designer Series Paper, and it seemed to work perfectly for this week’s Mojo Monday sketch.
  • Prepare a standard card base from textured Ruby Red and score at the top.
  • Use the Corner Rounder on the bottom corners.
  • Layer with “Multicolor Striped” paper from Autumn Traditions, once again rounding the lower two corners.
  • The vertical block is “Elegant Eggplant Dotted” paper, once again from Autumn Traditions, matted with Eggplant.
  • The horizontal strips are textured Elegant Eggplant card stock and a snippet of one of the new Orchard Ribbon Originals.
  • Ink the “Dog” image from the D is for Dog stamp set with Soft Suede and stamp onto Whisper White. Mat with More Mustard.
  • Ink the “D is for Dog” sentiment with Elegant Eggplant and stamp onto Whisper White. Punch with 1-1/4″ Circle Punch, and “pop” onto a Ruby Red circle by using a Stampin’ Dimensional.
  • Ink the “Bone” with Soft Suede and stamp onto Whisper White. Cut out with Paper Snips. Using Linen Thread, tie onto a round Clear Button.
  • Position all of the elements according to the illustration, and adhere to the card base.
It has been difficult getting my “mojo” going. Over the past few weeks, our beloved Boxer, Missy, started developing some health problems. After a series of testing, the vet ruled out diabetes as well as liver and kidney dysfunctions. However, a few days ago I noticed that her right eye was beginning to bulge. Further diagnostic tests have concluded that she has a tumor on her pituitary gland. My family and I have agonized for the past two days over what decisions we will make. Missy is 11, and at her age is not considered a candidate for brain surgery. Currently we are administering eye drops to reduce the pressure in her eye, and according to the vet she is not in any pain. She will be monitored by the vet on a weekly basis, and when her quality of life slips, we will do what we must do…It’s hard knowing that the time you have left with a loved one is coming to an end. Rationally, you know that pets do not live forever, but that does not prepare you for when their time comes. I know that this is not what people what to read when they come to stamping blog, but it is something that I needed to share with you as I try to get over the emotional roller coaster that I have been on for the past few days…
As always, I do appreciate your comments. Until next time…


Order Your Stampin’ Up! Supplies Now!
Stamp Set: D is for Dog (115784)
Ink: Soft Suede (115657), Elegant Eggplant (105210)
Designer Series Paper: Autumn Traditions (115668)
Card Stock: Ruby Red Textured (108697—Earth Elements Assorted Pack), More Mustard (100946), Elegant Eggplant Textured (108696—Rich Regals Assorted Pack), Whisper White (100730)
Tools: Corner Rounder Punch (109047), 1-1/4” Circle Punch (104403), 1-3/8 Circle Punch (104401)
Embellishments: Orchard Ribbon Originals (116232), Clear Buttons (105447), Linen Thread (104199)

13 Comments

  1. Ann, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, including Missy. Having a pet as a family member is such a joy and I wouldn’t give up a single memory, but it’s so hard when the time comes to say goodbye. Last fall we lost 2 of our cats within 4 days of each other. So I understand what you are going through. Please know that I’m here if you need anything.

    Your card is adorable, you always do such a nice job on your cards!

  2. Love this. I am dog lover. I need that stamp set.

  3. This set is on my “maybe” list…with your gorgeous sample I just might have to move it on over to the “must have” list! Love what you gid this this! It looks fabulous with that DP too! {SMILES}

  4. I forgot to add that your card is fantastic.

    So glad to see this set in action.

  5. Ann, I am so very sorry to hear about your Missy.

    Know that my thoughts and heart is with you at this time.

  6. Ann, I’m so glad you created a card with a dog theme and I’m sure you were thinking of Missy all the while. Thanks for sharing with everyone. We all sympathize and offer our thoughts and prayers. Missy is one lucky pooch to have so much love in her life.

    PS, your card is fantastic! Those colors really stand out and I love the bone!

  7. Oh, I so know what your going thru. My heart and prayers are with you, your family and Missy too. If you need to chat, I’m here anytime. I love your card… its so cute! The colors are great. Hugs to you…

  8. I have a senior dog as well. I know how you feel. I have had many fur babies come and go, and it never gets easier.

    Enjoy the time you have left. Have you seen Marley & Me? I cried my eyes out. It was so good – esp knowing how old my girl is and all the roads we have taken together.

    It’s a sweet journey. Your girl is lucky to have you!

    I am thinking about you!

    PS…Your card is so adorable! I love that paper. It is the first card I have seen with it! Gotta get it now! Your cards are always great!

  9. Ann, I love coming to your blog every morning to see what you’ve created and shared with all of us. I think it’s the best medicine to open up and write about anything that you’re going through. We are all human and in order to truly know the beauty and joy of life, we, unfortunately, have to witness the sadness, hurt, and pain as well…and we all go through it, at one time or another. Please know I’m here for you. All best, Gina

  10. Ann,
    I have a twelve year old dog who means everything to me. He has a massive non malignent tumor in his chest that is not operable.It is making it hard for him to walk. He is not in pain but I know everyday that could change and we will loose him soon.
    It is so hard to look and him and know I will have to say goodbye.
    I know what you are going through.
    You are in my prayers.

  11. OH! My heart goes out to you having experienced similar times with our precious Sophie(Yorkie) last summer! These pets are part of our families; You are in my thoughts and prayers!

  12. Ann, I have enjoyed my visits to your blog EACH AND EVERY TIME that I’ve stopped by! Your creativity is inspiring and your step-by-step instructions are written with OBVIOUS intelligence and attention to detail.

    It is MORE than “okay with me” that you ALSO reveal both a loving heart and a glimpse of the real-life challenges that you face!

    In fact, let me say, “Thank you” for sharing.

    God bless and comfort you and your family and give you SPECIAL days with your beloved pet.

  13. I can so relate. My lab-mix is my first dog (was raised with nothing but cats), and he’s quickly approaching age 11. I have absolutely no idea how I’ll part with him. Hugs and prayers for you, your family, and your sweet Missy.

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