Love & Laugh
The couple that laughs together stays together...for a very long time
Thank you to Jeku Arce photographer for above photos!
Now let's go back down memory lane shall we...this photo blog page will be great for our daughter to use to show her future boyfriend of what her parents are like before he decides if he should meet us or not...LOL Meet the Robbins! Kind of like Meet the Fockers only better! I'll add more pics as I find them in archived footage...most are before digital..shows our age eh? All photos are © Sophie Robbins property and may not be reproduced!
First dating...beach scene...this is like 20+ years ago...OMG!
Couple years later… the wedding cake kiss ...we made our living situation legal and we paid for our own little traditional wedding...words of wisdom to the younger generation...elope or just live together, skip this ceremonial madness and your money! LOL Two things I wish I had worn different for my wedding: a princess tiara and some high top hot pink sneakers and danced down the beach with sunglasses on!
Sweet Pickles Designs
HIGH FASHION DESIGNED CAT COLLARS
by SWEET PICKLES DESIGNS made in Portland, Oregon!
I had the opportunity to product review a lovely high quality handmade whimsical cat collar handmade in the USA in Portland, Oregon by a very talented artist Shana Freimark who is the founder & designer of Sweet Pickles Designs! Her cat is named Pickles and her number one model. However, my foster rescue kitten Evie, who's up for adoption got to help in further field research product testing of the Huckleberry design with a little promotional cat modeling of her own!
The Huckleberry cat collar is a lovely shade of purple with black polka dots and has a removable little tinkerbell that you see pictured here on Evie the kitten. I highly recommend this collar for your cats if you are seeking a breakaway buckle cat collar with lots of design choices to choose from! I support the high quality talented artists who create pet friendly products, this one passes my approval and my kittens approval! Also note that the 3/8" wide kitty collar also holds nicely the tiny Boomerang pet I.D. cat tag! which is the ONLY pet tag I reccommend on any pets collars!
Sweet Pickles Designs can be found on these social networking sites:
SPD on Twitter and SPD on Facebook and Google+
You can also find me on Facebook and Twitter and Google+ and Instagram
Visit Sweet pickles Designs and when placing your order use the code "ILOVEPICKLES" enter it at checkout to get FREE SHIPPING! Limited time offer! Or just click HERE TO ORDER YOUR SWEET PICKLES DESIGNS to redeem this code!
Interested in having me field research with my pets and then product review and blog and social network all about your pet friendly product? I prefer to help small companies, artists that create unique one of a kind high quaity items in the USA get noticed! Contact me today!
Email Sophie for product review inquires!
More information about product reviewing your product for a contest on my blog
Santa
My husband asks me via TXT if I would volunter to play the part of Mrs. Santa Claus for his Troop Command military FRG holiday kids party at the WAMC Army hospital. Next thing I know he arrives home with two different costumes for me to choose from!
I got dressed at home....then continued my transformation at the hospital...
The Santa you see here is a retired Army nurse and still working as a civilian nurse at a military clinic. He also moonlights as ...you guessed it SANTA! I'll have his contact info posted here soon if you should need to hire him. Meantime, enjoy the photos some of which are with my iPhone 3Gs and others with my Nikon D40 courtesy of my husbands quick draw of cameras on hand!
Frosty the Snowman and Mrs Santa...tweeting and instagraming! lol
Santa, me and one of our cute little helper elves...
Check out Rudolphs nose..it's oh so bright to guide the sleigh tonight!
A little boogie get down warm up excercise before making our grand appearance...
Here we go! Hospital escalator ...our loyal fans await! Rudolph leads the way of course!
After the Santa photo gig with the neverending line and my face hurting from smiling like Barbie in Toy Story...we get a big kid (my husband) to sit with me and my crew!
Have you ever seen Santa in an elevator? Well, here is your chance...we're going UP as in North
Elves with presents...
Santa making his rounds...this one was for a newborn baby!
Santa and I..candid shots in the elevator...
Now I go home...were cat meets Mrs. Santa for the first time...
and my dog meets Mrs. Santa for the first time too! It's my pets first Christmas holiday!
ALL PHOTOS ARE COPYRIGHT Sophie Robbins, do not use without my permission! If you are in these photos then you may use the photos for your own personal use but please make sure you let me know and that you link back to this particular blog post, thank you!
Some photos will be posted to a private photo album so if you were there and are seeking photos of yourself you do no see posted here simply contact me via all my links on the left of this blog and I will send you an email invite to view photos. Thank you to anyone who may have grabbed my iPhone at any given moment and offered to capture a photo! Much appreciated!
Walk in Sync
DOG HARNESS CONTEST via @WalkInSync post.ly/4FSPt post a VIDEO -> facebook.com/WalkInSync Tell them u heard about it via me!
— Sophie Robbins (@thedogsdish) January 28, 2012
**CONTEST**
Pictured here is what you recieve once you order your Walk in Sync, it arrives in a lovely tie travel storage bag! Classy!
My big orange dog and I, have personally spent numerous hours/days field researching and throughly testing out a new dog walking leash & harness combination set and here are my findings on this particular brand new pet product.
Product name, more info & how to order it: Walk In Sync
Does product do what it claims to be able to do: YES, it really does!
Do I use this on my own dog? YES, see all my field research photos as proof!
Would I reccommend this product to others: YES, I would because it works immediately, it is high quality workmanship, it is machine washable and includes an impressive 100% guarantee if not completely satisfied with this product!
Product description: Just look at the photos as they speak for me! Basically what this harness does is teach leash manners effectively and quickly to both the handler and canine! There is no strain on the dogs neck if dog pulls or lunges forward, instead if the dog pulls or lunges then the pressure is along the chest/shoulder to cause dog to want to not pull but rather go at a nice comfortable pace, read more on their website about the technique and watch the Walk in Sync founders video!
My personal findings on teaching leash manners:
Most dogs instinctly want to pull and/or lunge forward during walks on a leash and many want to lead the pack so to speak when going out for a walk. What we humans would like is a well behaved dog by our side loose leash walking with no tugging, no lunging, no pulling! We all want a stress free dog walk. This sporty harness leash set creates a winnning game! The problem with your average dog harness most people are familiar with but have no clue about are the ones with the d-ring on the dog's back. However, the problem with those type harnesses is that when you leash up this way it creates a pull and tug in which only enforces bad behavior of leash pulling! So unless you are practicing for sled dog races you probably should stay away from those type harnesses. Instead spend your money wisely and purchase a Walk in Sync harness that attaches the leash in the front of dogs chest, therefore effectively teaching dog NOT TO PULL but instead to have leash manners! What a relief! This is a must have item as much as taking your dog for a daily walk is! There are so many colors to choose from to!
What my dog thinks of this product:
He had to tell his friends about it!
He says it is comfortable and lightweight. He says it was very strange the first time I was placing it on his body because he had never worn a harness of any type before and was not familiar with anything other then a collar and regular leash. He of course was very curious but then caught on to the concept very fast that this was a fun item that led to going on a walk and now sits nicely while I harness him up within less then a minute...just over the head and then 2 snaps on the back and attach leash to front d-ring and off we go to enjoy our walk. Good boy!
MY PERSONAL DOG WALKING TIPS/INFO: Make sure to remember your poopy bags, hand sanitzer, treats, your DoodyDangler (which works just fine on the Walk in Sync leash) and of course your Boomerang pet I.D. tag which can still remain on your dogs neck collar and/or it can also fit nicely onto the Walk in Sync harness!
If you are having a playdate with friends then remove your dogs harness from his body to allow no restictions when he is playing nor to allow other dogs to pull on his harness, etc. as the harness is a training tool to be used only when out walking. Once indoors also remove the harness from your dog. Basically, keep in mind that the harness is like an extention of the leash. It should only be used on your dog when out walking, otherwise for when your dog is swimming, playing or hanging out around the house then remove the harness from the dogs body.
Your dog can still wear his cute bandana or dog collar with I.D. tag as you see my dog pictured here doing but it has nothing to do with the attachment of the Walk in Sync harness & leash combo set as you can see in these photos nor will the dog collar interfere with the leash training. My 1 year old Golden Retriever rescue BIG puppy is a slim 65+ lbs in this photo and therefore still growing in width/pounds/coat but already his height & length... he is sporting the black colored Walk in Sync, size MED harness with plenty of room to grow and resize in it.
Click here to order your Walk In Sync NOW!
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Adopt a Cat
Cat news as of Jan 1, 2012:
I have an adorable healthy foster kitten named Evie in North Carolina that seeks a good forever loving home. She knows several commands, is an indoor only cat, has been spayed and UTD on vaccines and gets along with dogs. She also loves food...a lot. She has peed outside her litter box 4 times since we rescued her July 9. 1 x on a bed while litter box was being cleaned, 1 x on another bed when we were playing then oops she was very embarrassed and then 2x on the couch blanket in which we think it was because dog came into the equation and her routine was upset cause we gave her more space to roam at night then her usual routine where she normally went into her own little bedroom for the night. Once she went back to her bedtime regimen no further accidents occured and otherwise she uses the littler box with no further issues and no health problems. Cats are sensitive creatures and react differently then dogs to situations and also as kittens are also leanring boundaries, etc. She comes to you when called, just like a dog! She also loves to play ball in the hallway like a dog and knows the word COOKIES like a dog! It's hiliraious she will come running ot sound of the word or sound of the cookie jar, very smart cat! She is a pancake monster and chicken is her favorite food! She has a routine and likes it. She is very affectionate and cuddly, She likes to be held like a baby being burped over your left shoulder. She lets you give her a bath although she does not like it. She also lets you clean her ears and trim her toenails although she does not like it. She has angel wings on her face and she is very comical! She is quiet until it is fedding time then she meows until fed. I think this sums it up for Evie the cat. Oh and she is a promotional model so you will find her on several of my blog pages modeling pet items, helping me field research cat products as well as almost daily instagram photos of her daily shenanigans! Transportation can be provided/arranged. There is a relocation fee and adoption interview for Evie. She will not go to anyone, she is very special and dear to my heart. I will want to know how the rest of her life turns out as I have spent time and money on saving and caring for her as well as training her. I do love her. It's just my household and my personal life is more set up for dogs. My daughter was the one whom saved her life from a small rural kill shelter were most of the cats/kittens there sadly do not get adopted. Now the time has arrived to find her a forever cat home, until then she is my foster puppy kitty. Knowing myself, she could very well end up being my forever foster cat LOL. Please network her information, thank you!
For more info on Evie the promotional modeling kitten CLICK HERE
My sister has a rescued outdoor FIV positive neutered cat that needs adopted in South Carolina. If you are in the area of Greater Columbia Florence area of SC and/or Shaw Air Force Base contact my sister for more information about Ninja the cat who needs adopted
Please do not abandon your pets, take them with you or find them good loving homes!
Rescue, foster, adopt and LOVE! Meow!
Odor Neutral
Some products just do not require many words and honestly these camera phone pictures are self explanatory...let's just say it's a good thing it is not stratch and sniff here but luckily I have my spray bottle of Odor Neutral handy!
Smelly cat butt & Odor Neutral. Any questions?
Potties & Odor Neutral. Any questions?
Wet dog & Odor Neutral. Any questions?
10 days worth of dog poopy bags in this poop bucket & Odor Neutral. Any questions?
DoodyDangler
CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR DOODYDANGLER
Doody: Something every single dog does daily.
Dangler: A little magic rope string thingamabob that attaches to your dog leash and it holds the doody bag so you don't have to!
Concept: Hands free poopybag holding! Brilliant!
Let me walk you through my product review where I truly had to go out into the field to conduct my research pooperly!
First you will need a dog...
that poops!
You will also need poop bags...to pick up the poop (see above pictured scenario)...
You WILL pick up the poop (cause there is no poop fairy)...and then you will use the DoodyDangler as shown in this photo where I was hands free to take a photo and hold a leash! Yippie!
DoodyDangler is such a simple concept and yet a must have item for anyone with a dog! I immediately was thrilled when trying out the DoodyDangler and wondered how did I ever live without it? I am such a handsfree type girl afterall... When I drive, if I get a phone call I only talk on my phone hands free, I even like to walk my dog hands free (I love waist leashes) and I like to keep my hands free of poop! I love animals but I do not like poop!
Once you try out the DoodyDangler, you'll soon realize you need more then one like I did!
CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR DOODYDANGLER
I have 5 leashes I keep stashed in different areas such as the entryway, the backporch, the garage and in my car so I soon realized (after forgetting my DoodyDangler) I needed more then just one! Trust me, you will want to order one DoodyDangler for each leash and dog you walk cause after you forget the DoodyDangler once you will miss it so much!
This will make a great anytime gift for:
Yourself - get one for each dog, each leash, each car doggie bag, mud room, entryway, etc.
Dog lovers in your life
Dog Walkers|Pet Sitters
Dog owners
Dog people with a sense of humor
Dog people with no sense of humor
People who need to get the hint to pick up their dogs poop, so give one to your dog neighbor along with a roll of poop bags
People who loath carrying poop bags
Dog lovers who have cars with a glovebox and dog goodie bag|dog travel bag
People who travel with their dogs
People who harness walk their cats|ferrets outside (hey they all poop too!)
Dog gift basket item
Shelter promotions
Veterinarians offices welcome bag to new clients
CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR DOODYDANGLER
DoodyDangler on Twitter
DoodyDangler on Facebook
Phone orders 913-481-5065
CLICK HERE TO MAKE A PERSONALIZED PET CONSULTATION APPOINTMENT WITH SOPHIE
Pilots N Paws
As a volunteer in the realm of animal rescue I was fortunate to be able to meet a special dog loving volunteer recently who happens to own a plane. Probably the smallest plane I have ever seen a man fly without a remote control! Meet Pete the landscaping dog loving rescue pilot!
I got to network with and briefly meet-thank-hug both foster moms of both puppies that handed over pups to me, then I transported those little furbabies in my Land Rover for Saveadogaday Rescue where I then met up at a rural airport to greet Pete & his UK co-pilot Graham of PilotsNPaws who then took over to fly these babies up to NY to begin their new chapters in life. Guess you could say these puppies were being escorted in style!
So you are probably wondering, how did these little beings end up in rescue right? Well, the little Black Lab pup was abandoned in the woods but luckily found by a K9 unit then placed into foster care before her transport day. The little tan pup was dumped at a high kill NC shelter and pulled by the rescue Pete & I both volunteer with then put into foster care before her transport day.
Here is a glimpse into what we do...with our spare time and resources...and our hearts.
meeting foster moms and puppies... getting info for transport...
loading up puppies for transport...
get to airport, stretch legs, go potty...play a bit...
The plane, the plane!
Pete with Ally pup & Sophie with Lula pup...
Time to load up the precious cargo...
Puppy transporter...
Thank goodness I didn't have Newfoundlands or Great Danes to deliver to Pete! lol
Pilots...being pilots
My shadow being itself...
Good luck puppies & bon voyage!
Handful of compassionate people, two lives saved, mission accomplished...but our work is never done.
Be the voice for animals...they depend on you to help them so how about using your resouces to help animals in need in your area. It's called networking and you can make lots of like minded friends, four legged & human alike!
This concludes my interview with Pete. Network with Pete and I to help animals:
French Chats
Once upon a time, just outside Paris lived three French cats....
Wait a minute...this is not a fairy tale! Here is how it went down. I rented a French villa where I could park my Land Rover right outside the front door and have a gated security guard 24/7 and a free shuttle to Disney cause my mother-in-law from Florida was visiting France for her first time and she was a fan of the mouse. It was also an affordable and central location to get to Normandy coast sightseeing (or so I thought) as well as into the city of Paris. In all fairness, I must admit that it was an American Marriott my American neighbor also stationed in Germany told me about but hey it was still in France and designed with French attributes but with the American tourist in mind! Besides villa sounds nice and we were in France so I am not calling it a townhouse although that is exactly what it was...to an American anyway.
I shall continue my story....I am upstairs getting myself together in the bathroom for the day's sightseeing when I sense a message being sent my way through a small porthole type window...I look out and sure enough I see an orange and white cat starting up at me! The message was "Bonjour, madam, spare some food s'il vous plait? Of course I run down the wooden villa stairs in delight waking everyone else up in the villa (they needed to get up anyway & get ready!) exclaiming out loud in my best broken childlike French "Oh lala mon amie les chats sont ici" and grab my camera off the stand in the downstairs entry and go to the French doors to my villas backpatio and peer out through the safety of the glass doors because this is not a pet friendly unit and I do not know these cats...what I see is not only the orange cat but apparrently he had quickly summoned 2 of his friends! Now I not only have two eyes staring at me but six! Of course I fetch all I had that might even slightly interest a cat's tastebuds. I figured if they were hungry they would appreciate anything I had on hand. I found coffee creamers and cheese flavored goldfish crackers. They enjoyed their little meal but I kept my distance because they seemed a tad wild if you will and asked I not touch them! I think I heard them say Merci just as they were leaving....
Here are some pics of the villa
Straw Art
I first began to see haybales turned into art while residing in southern rural Germany. Ironically upon returning to USA I soon began to see more straw art in NC where we got stationed next! So this shall be my revised straw art blog page where I will post all creatively decorated haybales I find along my travels that I capture with whatever camera I happen to have on hand!
Sighting location: Sand, Germany (near Landstuhl/Ramstein)
My first ever haybale straw art sighting...
This might be the worlds largest straw teddy bear!
a straw pig selling potatoes
Sighting location: Pinehurst, NC
Sports...a straw basketball
Halloween...a vampire straw spider
Thanksgiving...a mad straw turkey
Christmas..a snowman strawman with tophat
another Christmas season...strawman being attacked by a birdhouse? ouch!
