This is our little Gracie. She was Olie’s little sister and what a handful she was. Today her face is getting as white as can be. She came to us as a puppy- a large puppy who was too much for her elderly owner. Here on the farm she could use up some of that supernatural puppy superpower. Oliver was patient and kind and taught her the boundaries. She was always over the top- joyful. I frequently thought that she was joy-puppified.

This is Gracie helping in the garden.

This is gracie looking for her keys in the snow.

This is gracie playing in the mud.

This is gracie in her happiest of places- the middle of the pond next door. Oh, how this dog loves to swim.

I have never had a dog that likes vegetables as she does. She picks cherries off of the tree….

she picks peas off the vine…

and she pulls carrots out of the garden before I get to them!

She was kind when Olie got older and finally respected his space. Much to her chagrin after Oliver passed away Theo came along and he was all the puppy that she was- stealing toys, herding, nipping and basically being a pesky younger sibling.

Now she’s the grandma to Lil Roux- a Weimaraner/German Shepherd mix.

She is patient when Roux wants to chew on her ears and steals her bone. She is sweet and loving but still a bull in a china shop. She doesn’t bound across the yard like the joyful gazelle she once was when we drive up the driveway. Now she just walks slowly out of the garage with her tail wagging and stalls in front of the car. Her happiest days are filled with riding up or down the driveway in the UPS truck or waiting for a treat from the mailman. She was my model for the Yellow Lab design. She is truly a love and ever so joyful.

Many of you know that I am an animal person. Since this blog started we have lost and gained a share of lifetimes. Each with a special place for us. What joy I have known to host and love these souls for this short time. Thank you to everyone who has shared their loves and their losses with me over the years. I consider it a great honor.

Update: This was written in January but not posted. Since then we have had to say good-bye to this sweet girl. Her presence in our family is greatly missed…

it’s an understatement but I don’t have the words…

These little guys are so cute… this design was inspired by a friend over on Instagram…. @FiveFabulousFrenchies! Aren’t they precious!? Their mom gave me permission to use them as my models for the new design. Wasn’t that generous?! I was having trouble picking what color to show this sweet, clownish little breed.  After seeing these charming dogs and their fabulous poses it became clear! What is better than a plethora of pretty, posing Frenchies??  Not a thing.

This design is available on notecards, linens, prints, marble coasters and pillows. For ordering information click here.

A beautiful day for a ride at lunchtime! Queenie the Pony is a surefooted, sassy pony. Yesterday we rode to the hounds… Oliver and Gracie, that is. Good for the mind and even better for the soul.

There was significant water play and creek-crossing practice. Sorry for the tilt-a-world… it’s not easy trying to take pictures on the back of a fidgety pony.

Heading home.

I found out about these beautiful dog bed duvet covers from my bloggy friend Lisa Porter and her pup Gracie. They are a stylish bunch over there at the LisaPorterCollection. I couldn’t wait to order one of these covers for Oliver who insists on coming up to the studio with me when I’m working. He loves to look out over his domain as you can tell.

My sweet dog is getting some grey in his muzzle and beginning to slow down a bit. He needed a soft, stylish spot for his sweet-self. I love the concept behind these duvet covers too… recycle, reuse!

Doesn’t he look comfy?

Sometimes he has to share with his little sister Gracie. I think she will get her own too.

Click here for more information on ordering your dog (or cat) duvet cover.

Happy Fabulous Find Friday!  : )

Did someone say “walk”?

Come on… let’s go! How can you resist this face? It’s been a long of week of getting settled after the Clothesline Festival in Rochester (highlights to come). I have slowly been unpacking my trailer and getting reorganized. I needed an energetic walk this morning with my bouncy dogs. So why not join me?

First, on our way out we have to stop at the barn to feed the Hungry Hippos, the barn kitties and sing a morning song to Ruby the Rabbit.

Now, on to our walk.

Down the trail.

Gracie scrambles to catch up to Olie.

The corn is starting to turn that lovely color of light yellow ochre.

The leaves are starting to turn!

Catching their breath.

My favorite tree on these 300 acres. An old Sugar Maple that lights up the landscape in the Fall.

The gorge with a Fall trickle of water from the fields.

Heading back.

Horses turned out.

Couldn’t resist photographing this lovely Pee Gee Hydrangea by the front steps.

Thanks for joining me! Come again!

: ) Michelle

Are these guys the cutest things you have ever seen?! What personality in those little faces and bodies. The lovely and talented landscape designer Deborah Silver from Detroit Garden Works contacted me regarding doing some custom work featuring her two little scamps. I went ga-ga over Deborah’s beautiful gardens, Italian pots and charming pups. I think my exact words were “Drool, drool”. Poetic, I know. Art is my gift, words… perhaps, are not.

If you are in the Detroit area you should stop by Detroit Garden Works and meet the celebrities, Milo and Howard. I hear they are quite a hit. Customers often visit the store with their dogs… don’t you just love that! I wish I lived closer. They would totally have to kick me out at closing time. Be sure to visit Deborah’s blog Dirt Simple filled with lots of info and garden eye candy. I loved the before and after Riverside landscape project and the Spring pots with pansies and lettuce. Great idea!

The Corgi design will be soon be available in notecards, limited edition prints, limited edition pillows, linen towels, lavender sachets and linen cocktail napkins. See pictures below for references of Deborah’s beautiful gardens and Corgis!

I got alittle crazy and put it all together! Couldn’t help it.

My newest Posh Pet Digs design: Cutting hedge portraiture of your favorite pets! This is a sweet Sheltie named Gracie. The rings and bars on the pillows are little graphic hints of Gracies’ fun with agility training. Her owner likes chickadees and goldfinches and, well, I just got carried away with the whole thing. Can you tell?

This design is available on notecards, linen guest towels, linen cocktail napkins, lavender sachets, limited edition pillows and limited edition prints at michellemasters.com