The Collar Queen

An afternoon of LLUURRVVEE

2006-11-28T10:47:00.000+01:00

High times, high times. Today little Modibodi becomes a MAN.

He will be bred to Kela, an African import that is a lovely girl. Brindle, sweet, she's coming all the way from Nürnberg to meet our boy.

He carries on the proud African tradition in our group of Azis, and KOAHS is dreadfully proud! (Thank goodness KOAHS has no more "cajones", shall we say, so he doesn't try to muscle in on the action!)

Woot!

2006-11-25T12:33:00.000+01:00

New design! Comments, too!

Been there...

2006-11-24T15:39:00.000+01:00

I know, I am so sorry. Here it is, been so long without a proper post, so I reckon I ought to bring you up to snuff on what's been going on here at the Collar Queen.

The dog/cat relationship: is actually, superb. I know you think I'm nuts, but it turned out almost exactly as I had hoped. Little HC still acts like a heathen to KOAHS, namely:

- attacking his tail when KOAHS wags it
- Leaping onto him from HC's "back of the couch" perch
- HC standing straight up and shadow boxing with KOAHS
but on the whole, they are great together. They even play!
- Attacking his feet as they poke out from underneath his bedcover.

Also - Modibodi the Great is in on the action. They have numerous threesomes (not that type, you dirty-minded thing) running through the house and playing. Sometimes HC is the turkey, sometimes Modibodi. KOAHS is never the turkey. He always leads the charge.

I recently took a trip to Leipzig, which is roughly 5.5 hours from here with HC. KOAHS stayed at Oma and Opas as he can't fit into the train seats anymore (big bones, I assure you) and he'd NEVER sit on the FLOOR. GASP.

Anyway, can I just tell you what a total trooper that cat was? Rode in his little bag like a champ, slept the entire way (I let him out of the bag and into his little fuzzy bed once the train was going) and acted like a fool when we got in the house...so much to explore! oops, there goes a dustbunny! Ack! Windows!

Of course, he had a Collarqueen body-collar on. Actually, the collar I made for Katinka back when I first went to pick the monster up. He was a little disgruntled - pink with pretty mollusc beads is NOT what a boy-cat wears, thank you - but he was absolutely great.

The people on the train were amazed that he was a cat. LOL

KOAHS is doing great, too...he's loving being near Oma and Opa everyday. He certainly doesn't get liver pate spread on bite-size pieces of handmade bread from *me*. But he does from them and he loves every minute. ;)

I think I'm going to go back to the black background without my lovely picture, as I've had some complaints that the text can't be read. I'll attempt that next week. Then you'll be able to leave COMMENTS.

I know you're still waiting on the serval. That'll come next week, too. It's just been so busy here, bringing up a business and taking care of everybody and learning new things, that I haven't had time. No excuse.

I'll get on it next week.

Birthday boy

2006-11-18T15:10:00.000+01:00

Seven years and four months ago, I drove four and a half hours to Dallas Texas to pick up a puppy. He was red, I knew his dad was from the desert, and had flown eleven hours to me from Germany. A friend of mine had vouched for me to his breeder (who normally never ever sent puppies to the US), and I had waited for him, feverishly, until that day.

I picked him up in a dark airport warehouse, papers fluttering in my hands from the brisk wind that day (and nerves, I'll admit it). He had soiled his crate - well, he was only four months old, and that was some long flight!

I crouched down to his level once the crate was safely stashed in the trunk and asked him to come out. He crept out, slowly, from that crate and straight into my heart. By the time he had sat in my lap for the trip home and told me his horrible flight story in whimpers and cries, I was in his.

Today's his seventh birthday, and through wild hog chases, flying halfway around the world (again), river dives and the joys of everyday, he's been at my right hand.

Happy birthday, my boy dog, and know the Holy Dogs broke the mold when they made you.

XOXO

First it was one kid, now it's one dog...

2006-11-08T16:00:00.000+01:00

True story, duckies... check this out:

China issues "one dog" ban.

I shake my virtual head.

Sorry for the late post

2006-10-26T10:19:00.000+02:00

We're settled in the house, everybody is playing with everybody else (regular love fest, it is), but trying to run your own (fledgling) business isn't a walk in the park.

Nevertheless, I have an interesting development over here...what does this cat have to do with my collars? Find out next week!

A Happy, Happy Birthday....

2006-10-17T19:00:00.000+02:00

To one of the Collar Queen, KOAHS', HCs' and DHs' favorite-est people in the whole wide world:

MARCIA!!!

We send you lots of b-day lurve, with hugs and kisses from all - two and four footed!

(PS KOAHS steals the HCs' toys....)

New bag

2006-10-13T12:53:00.000+02:00

So yesterday evening our little HC got a new bag, baby... it's quite chic, outside is faux fur (in a mink type) and inside a silky leopard print. He dug it, too, sneaking into it as soon as I had finished unpacking it.

Roawr....

Whatcha doin´?

He thought it *rocked*, especially when he was put in it and taken outside for the long tour with KOAHS. He completely loves going outside, but not if he is uncovered. Before, we had a snuggle-bed (with faux fur) sack that he would go in, but this feels much nicer and is designed to take him out (and leave hands free).

I really want to train him up to go outside in it without fear, so he'll be accompanying the KOAHS and I on our nightly peregrinations. No worries tho: at that time of the night, it's just drunks out anyways...

An exciting development

2006-10-12T13:55:00.000+02:00

Hello! I've got some very interesting news. In addition to remaking KOAHS' collar, I've had a request from a *small dog* owner to make a collar.

This is an interesting development. I've not yet made a collar for a small dog, but I'm interested in trying. Hopefully by the end of next week I'll have seen him (someone recommended me to his owner) and we'll know what we're working with.

I also almost have a new collar assignment for a completely different type of bird. Well, not a bird, but a cat. But not really a cat. More details will occur on Monday concerning this bird (not bird, but cat, but ... anyway...) and I'll let you know asap.

****

KOAHS' new collar develops slowly. I'm using a golden thread with bronze accents. I want to use more of the Fulani sun beads, so I've got to figure out a way to do that. I'm lovin' those beads.

****

Inter-racial relations

Both the HC and KOAHS are almost completely relaxed around each other now. HC has developed this slight impediment to peaceful nighttime relations, however.

KOAHS usually sleeps under the comforter at night, against the back of my knees. He doesn't hurt a flea once he's settled, and he doesn't move.

However, the top of the comforter moves as he breathes. And our little HC, as you probably know by now, has a rabid fascination with anything that moves. So he pounces, and KOAHS growls. He pounces again, and KOAHS growls. Again. HC then retires to the side of the bed. He *knows* that KOAHS has long feet, so he sticks his front legs under the blanket and rootles around until he finds a foot, whereupon he bites, claws, and generally makes an ass of himself.

This behaviour is not condoned by the KOAHS, and so the comforter roils around while KOAHS tries to get HC back (but he can't, 'cause he's just not that fast), HCs jumping, KOAHS is growling, and Yours Truly then has to pluck the hapless kitten up and away until both calm down.

Usually, after that, both fall asleep, peaceful once more.

Only problem is, *I'm* fully awake once more.

All right now

2006-10-10T18:20:00.000+02:00

Well, we had a bit of a health scare over the weekend. KOAHS had a suspicious lump on the bottom of his chest.

He's getting older slowly (he'll be 7 soon!) and naturally you've got to watch this sort of thing closely.

We found out (thankfully) this morning that it's nothing more than a fatty tumor. Holy dog were we a worried sort. We've just got to watch it and make sure it doesn't get bigger. Bl*ody well not, I saw. KOAHS will live fer-ever.

I was looking at his collar, too, and decided I needed to make him a new one. Perhaps in golden yellow, to register his kingly status...

Cat, Dog ... Craziness

2006-10-09T21:34:00.000+02:00

This weekend, KOAHS and Modibodi decided they *would* like to have a cat as a BFF.

The HC wasn't so sure....

C'mere and Fight Like A Man!

Hmmm...

Who will win the red mouse?

After both decided to tag-team HC, he decided to retire under the sofa. The boys are very interested in what he's doing under there...

Birds eye view

2006-10-05T21:57:00.000+02:00

The view from the desk...

HC wondered what I was doing...upside down or rightside up??

Awww...

2006-10-04T20:39:00.000+02:00

I know, I can't help it. I know this is a collar blog, but right now I am besotted by my two animals and their attempts to play with each other. It's like crossed wires...KOAHS goes into a play bow, HC hooks up like a Halloween cat, and it's on...

A couple nights ago HC thought that KOAHS' bed was nicer than his. So he laid on it. Up comes the KOAHS, you could just see the expression on his face: WTF?? So he gingerly steps onto his bed, and lays *as far away as possible* looking at the little 2 kilo kitten like he's going to get his arse whipped.

He knows we're looking at him:

This animal is going to eat me!

HC, for his part, just looked back. What a pack of dweebs.

Little HC enjoys his perch on the office desk. During the move he got an upgrade to a snuggle round bed with his furbag squished comfortably inside it. Doesn't he look nice and comfortable? (And in that first pic, doesn't he remind you of Humphrey Bogart? They both have big ears!)

I am *so* guilty of using my collar blog to showcase my animals. I am working on a collar, believe me! Sometime soon it'll be posted! I'll put a great interview with a posh collar maker in Canada in sometime in the next couple days.

The Mighty Hunter

2006-10-03T20:05:00.000+02:00

Finally! Back on track! (Almost)

This weekend was a nightmare of moving, moving, moving. Of course, little HC found some exciting things to do amoungst all the boxes, and actually, he made his first kill! Isn't that grand!

A gigantic fly. Seriously, the fly was huge. He saw it:

Whhhhhhhaaaaat is that?

Oh Holy Dog! It moves, free of human hands or little HC paws! It's not attached to a dog rear either!

Caught it!

He had a great time hunting his fleet prey, and eventually squished it into the window. Once he'd squished it, he was very disappointed that it didn't buzz or fly anymore. A total scream to watch, though...when the fly flew too high, he would "meaow-rowr-rowr" at it, telling it to come back and play.

Poor fly. Never had a chance.

Forgive me

2006-10-02T13:26:00.000+02:00

Moving cities, changing jobs and getting a cat and dog used to a new place...all of this is taking all of my time.

I'll be back, probably Wednesday, when my internet is up and running. Talk to you soon!

How many dogs... ?

2006-09-27T16:29:00.000+02:00

From Modern Pooch comes this cracker of a post. I've added the Azawakh...

How many dogs does it take to change one lightbulb?

1. Golden Retriever: The sun is shining, the day is young, we've got our whole lives ahead of us, and you're inside worrying about a stupid burned out bulb?

2. Border Collie: Just one. And then I'll replace any wiring that's not up to code.

3. Dachshund: You know I can't reach that stupid lamp!

4. Rottweiler: Make me.

5. Boxer: Who cares? I can still play with my squeaky toys in the dark.

6. Lab: Oh, me, me!!!!! Pleeeeeeeeeze let me change the light bulb! Can I? Can I? Huh? Huh? Huh? Can I? Pleeeeeeeeeze, please, please, please!

7. German Shepherd: I'll change it as soon as I've led these people from the dark, check to make sure I haven't missed any, and make just one more perimeter patrol to see that no one has tried to take advantage of the situation.

8. Jack Russell Terrier: I'll just pop it in while I'm bouncing off the walls and furniture.

9. Old English Sheep Dog: Light bulb? I'm sorry, but I don't see a light bulb!

10. Cocker Spaniel: Why change it? I can still pee on the carpet in the dark.

11. Chihuahua: Yo quiero Taco Bulb. Or "We don't need no stinking light bulb."

12. Greyhound: It isn't moving. Who cares?

13. Australian Shepherd: First, I'll put all the light bulbs in a little circle...

14. Poodle: I'll just blow in the Border Collie's ear and he'll do it. By the time he finishes rewiring the house, my nails will be dry.

aaaaaand::::::

15. Azawakh: Just get the Human to do it.

*****

Here is a picture of the lovely and talented Manani, who is a daughter of the KOAHS and living in Hamburg. Isn't she a beaut?

High white on her legs, just like I like 'em. Manani is a product of the mating of KOAHS to his German wife, Habashat n' shat-ehad here in Germany. (He had an American wife AND a French one, isn't he the lucky one?)

Interesting collar design from the UK

2006-09-27T13:18:00.000+02:00

I've mentioned it before, but Leeds Castle in the UK has the only dog collar collection in the world. One day I'm going to go there (and drag the DH too).

One design I'm particularly impressed with is a hunting dog design...a wide back (2 to 3 inches, it seems) with a slim strap of leather around the middle of the wide. Quite cool.

A collar-maker in the UK has upgraded this design and made it beautifully current. He's an Am Staff sort of guy, so if you have molossar types (or even poodles that dream of big-boned greatness), this is your chance! Here's a picture of my favourite:

Isn't it lovely? I'm really fond of it.

I had been originally worried about slippage between the wide part and the thin strap, but it turns out that the strap is sewn on with a double hand stitch (which means that every stitch has a half knot in the middle of the leather) which would definitely protect against slippage in the collar.

Another thing I particularly like about the website is that they have a page on how they create their collars.

Creating a Scratch made collar

Not enough collar-makers do this, in my opinion. I really like that they took the time to explain their method. It lends credibility to their claim of using only the best. The website is well-designed, too. All in all, a nice place to shop, especially for the bully- and am staff crowd. Go check it out!

Caught in the act...

2006-09-26T15:46:00.000+02:00

Captured on film! (Well, digital, but captured, anyway). Proof that HC is a KOAHS-tail-mad fiend. The lust for KOAHS' tail shows no sign of abating, unfortunately.

Here he is with his new little toy. How *did* that ball get in there, anyway?

Takin' a break. Being an only kitten is a hard life, it seems.

Ah, but back up. He is seriously interested in anything he can find anywhere that might ever have the possibility of moving. Even a hint of movement, if he has to make it, is enough to start the Mad Kitten Play.

He loves to help with the computer, and will watch intently for the mouse icon. He never harms it, he'll just rear up and stare intently. He adores the computer. And the camera. He is quite the ham.

I've set up a "kitten bed" on the desk so that he's able to watch what I'm doing from a safe place (i.e. not stepping on my keyboard, grr) and sometimes, just sometimes, it's great for a catnap.

Further collar news tomorrow!

Cats, cats everywhere

2006-09-21T23:52:00.000+02:00

Happy Friday!

*Finally* I get the pictures up from Karolina the wonder breeders! I was there last Friday picking up our little HC.

I was also in love with his little cream brother Sunny, who was an absolute doll and thought he was the chap coming home with me. It was hard to leave him behind. Here he is...isn't he a darling? (He's checking out my credentials)

HCs other brother is a red male tabby, and he was very fond of sleeping on my chest.

Here is little HC checking out the backpack that contained the FELIDAE...

HCs cousin, checking to see if there's room for him, too.

"mmmm....Felidae......"

"And you say I'm gonna go in *that*?"

Everyone checking out HCs new digs...

When I went to sleep, I was covered in hairless cats. You wouldn't believe how warm they were....

A couple of the kittens (HCs two brothers and the HCs cousin) are still available to exceptional homes. If you're interested, contact me and I'll put you through to Karolina.

You could never have a better cat.

Collar Queen's Little Helper

2006-09-21T12:36:00.000+02:00

When I got home yesterday evening, HC was still alive - bright, sassy and full of meows. So the two seem to have come to an agreement on their continued habitation, which is great. KOAHS allows HC everywhere; he is such a darling dog. I really have to say that he is the most even-tempered animal I've ever met. But with an AKC Temperament Test and an AKC Canine Good Citizen test behind him, I suppose I'm not surprised at all, really. What a dog!

What I wasn't fully prepared for beforehand was the level of attention I would get constantly from the HC. He is a helpin' fool, as my grandmama would have said. He helps me clean out his litter box (literally standing in the middle of it giving directions or something to me, I dunno what), helps me change the channel, *tries* to help KOAHS with his food (pulled away at the last minute by Yours Truly), helps me sleep at night by purring me to sleep (*grins*), helps helps helps. I guess it's safe to say that wherever I'm at he's there, crawling over something, submitting his opinion.

This morning I was taking a shower when up pops a black kitten head to the side of the tub. "What are you doing?" says I, and "Meow!" said the kitten, hopping INTO THE TUB and sniffing around. Mind you, they're used to baths; they get one about once a week, depending on their dirtyness level. But in the shower, with the warm water on, and he's padding around in it. It was rather odd, I must say.

Then he really cracked me up, jumping up to my shoulder (he regularly sits on it, it gives him a great view I suppose) and nonchalantly started licking his foot. Today he even sat through the blow-dryer (before the lone source of terror in his world besides for the washer), telling me what he thought of it from his perch on the (closed) toilet.

The KOAHS has no interest in anything that goes on outside of the kitchen and his bed, but this one will follow you everywhere.

***

The toned-down Reshmeh continues well. I'm using turquoise and dark blue again, which I find a striking combination. I can't precisely say when I will be finished with it - the kitten will probably have a say in that, too - but I'll post it as soon as I get it done.

In other plans, I'm preparing a new collar for KOAHS, and redoing the HCs' - his belly is too big for the one I originally made him. So a new one of salmon and dark blue will be created. Slow steps, slow steps. How are your collars looking?

An Unholy Passion

2006-09-20T12:39:00.000+02:00

Kitten and dog are continuing their increasingly relaxed relations with another night of sleep, everyone on the bed, happy and relaxed. All would almost be perfect, except for one thing:

HC has an unholy obsession with the KOAHS' tail.

The problem occurs when he (the dog) wags it. He's feeling happy, silly, whatever, and that tail goes. HC's eyes are drawn to it like a lodestone. He stares, gets down in his little attack panther crouch, whips the tail back and forth a couple times, wiggles his rear, and then !WHAMMY! he leaps on it, all claws extended. Before today KOAHS would just leap up (rather lacking in dignity, it must be said) and go somewhere else (at a rather high rate of speed).

I think he needed to assert himself...this morning when HC attempted his panther strike, the KOAHS was ready for him. One middle-decibel bark (nothing else, the good dog) and HC stopped, astonished. He then walked around the u-shape of KOAHS' bed, staring at him the entire time like "where did THAT come from?" He didn't act scared or nervous at all, and accepted that the KOAHS had reprimanded him.

The KOAHS, for his part, looked dignified and relaxed, shooting me a look that clearly said he had put the kitten in his place and KOAHS was mighty once more.

This in mind, the door between the species has been left cracked open today. We'll see how it went tonight.

The Reshmeh - First Attempt

2006-09-20T12:34:00.000+02:00

Here is the Reshmeh with the Arabian noseband. Not too horrible, although the KOAHS didn't rather like it. Here is one of my favourite pictures from the photo shoot...he hates it and knows I'm going to take a picture, so he's embarrassed...

Here is the back attachment that fits snugly to the back of the head. I used a Turkish evil eye bead to match. Nifty, huh?

Here is the collar from the back.

Here is the collar from above. The dagger noseband is to the right, the chain in the middle is what goes underneath the muzzle, and the back connection is to the left.

Here is a picture of it from the side. As you can see, KOAHS is *not* impressed, although I like it.

A front view..

I'm working on a "regular" reshmeh - without the dagger noseband - that I think KOAHS will like loads better. I'll put it on as soon as it's done.

A Collar Queen Apology

2006-09-19T12:42:00.000+02:00

Okay, I admit it. In this post I slammed people that said kitty when relating to their cat, and the myriad websites that used the smarmy word in their text. I was too hasty, or perhaps I didn't have a cat before (the last one was long long ago) that was deserving of such a sugar-coated name. We've got one of those type of cats now.

I have no excuse for it, but I've joined the "kitty" sayers. Therefore, I owe all of you an apology.

It's ever so much cuter to say kitty when relating to him. I think he would respond to anything that came out of our mouth, but somehow it's more satisfying to say kitty when he's so small and delicate.

When he bumps his head against your chin, purring madly.

When he curls up on your chest all warm and soft, kneading his paws.

When he runs up and stretches his paws as far as he can reach on our legs, wanting up.

I am such a sucker. The DH too.

I've joined "I Say the Word Kitty" Anonymous!

***

I really planned to get the pictures uploaded. I really did. But then I had little HC helping me in the kitchen, in the living room, in the bedroom, poking his nose where it didn't belong, pestering the dog (more on that in a minute), wanting up, wanting down, wanting to play...he exhausted me.

So I didn't get it done.

I hope to do it soon. I want to show the pictures from Karolina the wonder breeders' house, and HC in his new digs (holy DOG is he cute!)...I'm hoping soon.

Progress in little steps too: last night the KOAHS, HC, and I all slept in our bed happily and quietly, without fuss. I think it's a good sign. Both of them feel comfortable enough to sleep together in the same bed. V. good. HC also walked all over KOAHS, while our Fantastic Azawakh allowed it, only reaching over to sniff the little cat butt.

That's allowed.

He's anal-fixated, our KOAHS.

***

I continue work on the Reshmeh. I finished the one really ornate head collar, and will post that probably tomorrow. However, I think it was a flop. You can decide for yourself tomorrow. It's gorgeous, don't get me wrong, but I think the sharktooth noseband is too much. The KOAHS didn't particularly care for the dangly things on his nose. I think he'd be more amenable to a plainer version.

I'm working on a "regular" version of a head collar. Should have that done shortly, and then we can compare.

Handsome Gandhi in his Collar

2006-09-18T12:46:00.000+02:00

The handsome Gandhi (owned by Heinrich) won the white Bedouin collar and the 2006 Saluki Specialty in Gelsenkirchen. He was kind enough to send me pictures of handsome Gandhi and his son, Aladhin, modelling the collar. You can see more pictures of him at Hamebra Salukis.

Something about him reminds me of the KOAHS (which is perhaps why I find him so charming)

Here's the baby. Isn't he lovely? One of my favourite Saluki colors, black, and this boy wears it like he's born to it. A beautiful, beautiful puppy.

The Sweetest, Bestest cat in the World

2006-09-18T12:25:00.000+02:00

We have him! Little HC arrived on Saturday morning, thoroughly charmed the socks off the DH, was promptly renamed, consecrated his litter box, and generally acted as though he owned the place. How is the Azawakh taking it?

KOAHS is truly, madly, deeply, HORRIFIED of the tiny (2 kilo) kitten.

Out of all the possibilities I imagined, I never thought the KOAHS would be scared of him! I had thought the little HC would be scared of the big red azawakh! So plans are underway to desensify the KOAHS to his new little brother:

- Treats will be given to the KOAHS after he allows HC to touch him (the kitten is always following behind him like a typical little brother)
- KOAHS will be allowed on the couch and petted (HC's room is the living room with the couch right now) and made much of. (which is happening now).
- HC will be played with while the KOAHS watches.
- Nightly "bed sessions" of affection and treats with all parties on the bed will be enjoyed (?) by all.

I mean, much is already being made of KOAHS whenever he lets HC near him. It's only the third day, after all. We think KOAHS was a little depressed the first day, but yesterday (and even more today) he's going back to his regular self. I think, all in all, the signs are good for a happy pair of animals.

First thoughts of a Sphynx cat (for those of you who might consider taking the plunge):

- they are incredibly warm, and get even more so right before they go to sleep. It is really like holding a hot water bottle. And the purring!
- they eat like horses. A tiny little kitten (he can sit on my hand) is putting away as much dry food in a day as the KOAHS. (Remember, his kitten food is human grade quality FELIDAE) PLUS eating soft food in the mornings!
- they are possibly the most curious thing I've ever seen. HC followed us to the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, helped pack the DH for his trip back to Leipzig, investigated under the couch and the bed for intruders, followed us around like a little puppy (when his mummy or papa wasn't carrying him, *grin*), wanted to play, play, play, play and more play, and then investigated some more.
- Cat farts stink. Sorry for the graphic content, but it's the truth. A cat #2 is even worse. (I'm buying an air purifier today)
- so affectionate. I can tell you this little kitten has both his mummy and his papa wrapped around his little hairless paw. He is unbelievably darling.

Pictures of the visit will come tomorrow, and hopefully some pics of the two new brothers together!

Thank you thank you thank you, Karolina, for such an absolutely wonderful kitten! Your socialization and breeding skills are out of this world!

"T" Day has ARRIVED!

2006-09-15T10:46:00.000+02:00

The. Day. Is. Here. Everything is ready. Holy Dog. We get the Mighty Cat today.

I couldn't sleep a wink for excitement. THE CAT COMES! THE CAT COMES!

LA LA LA LA LAAAAAH!

***

In true cat-owner fashion (I guess) I have found the two coolest things ever.

An AMAZING cat tree

A NIFTY litter box idea

***

My colleagues at work tease me that our darling HC is u-g-l-y. They know about the cat coming (how can they not, I tell them all about it), and one made me a nice comparison chart last night of a Sphynx and a German cartoon character.

Wasn't that a nice thing to do?

Otherwise, just enjoy the handsome HC with his bros and sis, and have a great weekend! We'll be b-u-s-y!

The Countdown: Day 2

2006-09-14T12:25:00.000+02:00

Holy cow. Tomorrow's the day. Barring accidents, glitches or other problems, tomorrow evening I'll have HC - the new cat. Madness.

I've been searching and searching on the internet, preparing what to do for the coming days...for every twenty pieces of crap information out there on the internet, there are are least one or two pearls of wisdom. Most of which make sense, but did you ever think of some of these things? I sure didn't.

1. Pet the kitten and the dog with the same hand, mingling their scent to help them begin to know the other.

A sound agricultural tenet: you always rub the orphan foal or the calf with mum's scent to help mum realize they are hers now. A small but vibrant point. I'm going to carry this one step further and take one of the KOAHS' thin sheets with me to the cat place, so HC has it to sniff beforehand.

2. Give them each their space. In this case, the KOAHS still owns the entire house (we have two floors).

What we're doing for HC is using the living room for his new "get used to it" space - it's a really large room - putting his toys, bed, snuggle-bed, bathroom and food in there.

3. Keep them separated until you're absolutely certain everything will be okay.

Point taken, but pretty obvious here. I can believe that they will have their rough moments, but right when we bring HC home, he'll be a little thing - not big, strong and (fat) like the KOAHS. The door is shut when we're not there.

4. Feed them at the same time on opposite sides of the door.

An interesting point. The web explained this as the time when an accident would be most likely to happen - feeding time - and if you feed them together on opposite sides of the door the other's scent is mixed with a very pleasurable experience. Makes sense. I'm going to do it.

5. Introduce them for short periods three or four times a day.

We'll do this, depending on when the KOAHS comes down from the upstairs - he has a bed up there right under a big window, and spends his days sunning like a lizard. I don't know if a cat will be as interesting as his bed and the sun.

These are the main points. There were some random bits throughout the internet (rub the cat with bacon grease and stand back - kidding!) that I thought were bull. But I picked the most intelligent ones and will work with them (see above). I think the KOAHS will *really* start to appreciate his new little hot-water bag in the coming months, when we move - the new house is ccooolllddd, and our KOAHS is a warm-weather chap. I think the lurve will really start showing then.

***

Canidae and Felidae in Germany!

Guess what I found! Canidae was the only dog food KOAHS truly adored when we lived in the US. I was really bummed when we moved here and nobody supplied it. Why did I like it so much? All human grade materials, no crap preservatives, choc full of antioxidants and other healthful things...the KOAHS would hoover it up in no time flat, and beg for more.

But that HAS CHANGED! That's right, both Canidae and Felidae (cat and dog versions) are available here. They are such great foods. As soon as I saw them I ordered them. I should be getting them today, and tonight the KOAHS will feast on a meal that is right up his little dog alley.

Woot!

Want the link? EMAIL ME for it!

Link to your Collar Queen!

2006-09-13T13:49:00.000+02:00

I have had a couple questions about a banner to link from for the Collar Queen. For all you great people out there, here you go!

I'll have the link info up too for the html shortly.

The Countdown: Day 3

2006-09-13T11:59:00.000+02:00

Wednesday. Woot! By this time Friday I'll be preparing to catch the train to the Airport for the flight to Czech. La la laaaa!

Yesterday evening was devoted to another chat with Karolina the wonder breeder *and* looking up to make certain we have all import regulations covered. For if there is one thing in the world that I know, it is: make for Dog-well certain you have every import requirement covered when coming to Germany, or you are just S.O.L.

So tomorrow HC gets his stamp in his little cat-passport that he is healthy, he's had his rabies shot at least 30 days beforehand AND he's got a microchip for identification. He'll be flying in the cabin with me; you've got to inform the flight of the presence of a small animal beforehand: at least one month before, to be safe.

Airlines are normally only allowed one to two spots for carry-on animals, and they fill up fast. For Lufthansa, you've got an 8-kilo limit (including carry-on) and you pay by the kilo. Usually it's somewhere around a 30 euro charge.

***

Other collar news coming up! We've got today and tomorrow, and back to our normally-scheduled programming next week. Stay tuned for more!

The Countdown: Day 4

2006-09-12T12:09:00.000+02:00

La la laaah!

It's Tuesday - and Friday is only four days away! This morning Karolina the wonder breeder called me. We were chatting about logistics and whatnot, when up jumps

onto her lap.

I don't think he knows exactly what is happening but I'm certain he enjoys the attention. In the short time we talked (before the connection broke us off) he had:

. jumped onto her lap.
. jumped off her lap.
. jumped onto the window screen.
. caught and killed dangerous "invader bugs" into his domain,

and generally just charmed our socks off. He is quite a character, which is great.

But I can see that breakable things will be packed away until he is a little older and I'm more certain of his jumping abilities.

***

The KOAHS has had varying experiences with cats. The odd thing is, outside he will chase them (when allowed), but inside is another story.

When we lived in Kaiserslautern, we knew a family that had three kids and two cats. The one cat was totally harmless. Fat, lazy, you name it. Typical cat.

The other cat was the AntiChrist.

That cat would wait until everyone got into the living room, settled down and talking, the KOAHS lounging on the floor (without lead, and totally ignoring the cats because they were ignoring him) and then !SHAZAAAM! that cat was out from under the sofa and all over the KOAHS. That darn cat chased him throughout the house. After this of course, they threw the cats out of the living room whenever we would come to visit.

The Mighty Sighthound was reduced to quivering jelly by a five pound cat.

The KOAHS is an "equal opportunity" dog; that is, he's not going to bother you if you don't bother him (as another animal, in his space or not). And he's never had a cat want to actually *interact* with him. The Sphynxes are so incredibly interactive that the KOAHS will not know what hit him. He's been alone in the house as the only animal for four years now, and I'm glad we're finally fixing this situation.

***

Could you ever say no to THIS?

The Countdown Begins: Day 5

2006-09-11T12:18:00.000+02:00

In honor of our new addition, we're having "'Til the Kitten Comes Home Week" here on the Collar Queen blog. This week will primarily consist of a) our new kitten and how SOON he's coming home, and how to bamboozle the KOAHS into a) thinking this was all *his* idea and b) get him to like it.

Yesterday evening Karolina the wonder breeder sent me new pictures of our boy, His Catness. She reported that he wasn't very interested in having his picture taken (gasp!); he was much more interested in getting the feather toy and Killing. It. Dead.

This, of course, made me cringe: I had purchased nothing for him to play with that contained feathers! One quick trip to zooplus and this particular problem was solved. whew. I must admit, I'm a little out of my depth with a kitten. I haven't had one in a snail's age.

So, for Monday morning humor, regarde: Our little kitten and his fab hunting skills:

"Hmm, what is that luuuurvely thing over there?"

"Why, it's got F-E-A-T-H-E-R-S!"

"The mighty cat stalks his prey with gimlet eyes, padded paws soft on the tabletop"

Swipe with paw... "Drat! The blasted feathers dangle out of paw's reach!"

"The mighty cat *leaps* upwards, arms extended, frightening the wildlife photographer, who takes a gratuitous belly-shot in the shock of handling kitten, feather-duster and camera."

"Ah-HA! Success! This is not your momma's prey, oh no sirree."

"The prey attempts to escape, but the mighty cat holds firm, paws grasping for purchase on the slick plastic."

"MMMMmmm.....Feathers....."

A collar by any other name ...

2006-09-08T12:14:00.000+02:00

I think I've been snippy too often (says the Collar Queen). It might sound, if you didn't know me, like I hated every other collar possibility existing in the world - only my beautiful collars are good enough.

Not true (well, I feel only my collars are good enough for my hound and feline but that's just me).

Sometimes I find collars that intrigue me; collars that have interesting solutions to questions I myself struggle with. They've found other ways to deal with things that I can completely agree with and condone - isn't diversity grand?

This in mind, I'm going to introduce you to K9 Closet, who is the Collar Queen's "Collar of the Month" site.

The best collar-makers seem to be family-based, and this fact is borne out with K9 Closet. They deal with all types of dogs, from tiny to giant, which is good. They do cats as well, and Heidi and her husband own two Sphynxes, which boosts them even higher coolness-wise in my book. There's a nice big selection seems like. AND they have figured out a way to hide those dog-ugly plastic buckles that seem to be so common in our dog collars today.

They use these buckles, mind, but you don't *see* them. MAJOR BONUS. I can appreciate the problem of closing a collar, and I can salute their technique.

This is not for your butch puppy or kitten, though. (Unless you get the Big Dog collection, more on that in a bit)

Rhinestones are used to cover the plastic buckle. Very cool idea. And it seems, from pictures, that the rhinestones completely cover this offending piece of plastic, thus giving a spiffy solution to the old, "but we don't WANT a plastic buckle!" option. They also don't use *any* uncovered nylon (another bonus) in their collars, and no real leather. This last point isn't so important to me, but various vegetarian pet owners might find this appealing. There are three main collar/leash types here I can approve of right now.

Granted, I've not held one in my hand, examined it too up close or actually used it, but maybe we'll get to that point.

1. Sphynx (Cat) Collar

This is quite spiffy. A collar that looks like a mop (literally, a colored mop) with a rhinestone buckle closure. Sounds weird, but very cool! Looks to be quite soft, and Heidi (the owner of K9 Closet) concurs with me - NYLON IS BAD. Scratches a tender cat neck like nothing else.

These look quite soft, and they've been cat-approved by her two Sphynxes, which is also nice. I'd like to get my hands on one of these babies - the collars - up close, so I could really examine it and test it. But it looks pretty darn good.

2. Satin-lined rhinestone collar

Another hit for the Collar Queen from K9 Closet, this collar is completely covered in satin (the actual part that touches the body, everything) and has a rhinestone closure. Looks like they are well-sewn, too. I can imagine these are nice and soft. Another I'd love to get my hands on. The former might stay cleaner-looking than this one, I dunno, I'd need to check it out. But undeniably posh-looking.

3. Family lead

A lead you can get attached to...this is a very interesting idea...for more than one dog (if you've got it), you can attach numerous little mini-leashes (purchased separately, looks like) to the one lead. No numerous leads, making for a tired hand - this handy thing puts everybody in the same boat, so to speak.

Big Dog Collar

For your butch dog or cat, finding a collar is sometimes an interesting problem. I mean, you can get the standard studded collar, but *sigh* who doesn't have one of these things? Aren't they so passe? In the opinion of the Collar Queen, they are.

Do not dispair! Heidi's husband is a tattoo artist and has numerous shops throughout Missouri...and so the idea was born for the Big Dog collar. He applies his cool tattoo-style art to the buckle, *once again hiding it*, and comes out with a nifty collar...you can either get your dog a self portrait, with name, or one of some other designs.

I particularly liked the rose pattern,

but the KOAHS is distinctly not butch, so I can only admire from afar. So, you see! the Collar Queen is an equal-opportunity collar surfer! I'll bring you others, slowly, as I find collars I like.

Learning to Fly?

2006-09-07T12:36:00.000+02:00

So this morning the KOAHS and I are walking our favourite route...by our little pond here. It's such a great pond, it's got ducks, swans, terns, and fish. It's normally quite active around there in the mornings, and the KOAHS loves checking out everything and of course leaving his marks everywhere.

The KOAHS stopped to check something in the grass right near a big cottonwood tree. The ground slopes rather steeply down to the water by this tree, and Abraham and his lady (the swans) were eating there. The KOAHS was still checking, so I just stopped and stood, enjoying the calm morning sun and general warm weather.

"Chuck chuck chuck." The KOAHS looked up, puzzled, at me. "No way man, it wasn't I", I said, and looked up myself at the tree, where the "chuck chuck" sounds were coming from. Three little baby squirrels were in the tree, practicing their tree-climbing skills. They were pretty funny, quite hesitant, and two of them scuttled down a little farther on the tree to stare in curiosity at the KOAHS and I. This was almost too much for him (the hound) to understand. He's got it in for squirrels, and would cheerfully do one in if he ever got the chance.

These little babies knew they were safe, though, so continued to have a staring contest with the KOAHS and I until our attention was stolen by a - no other way to describe it - squeal.

A little black thing plummeted out of the tallest point of the tree and somersaulted end over end into the water, landing between the startled swans with a "plop".

"WTF?" says I, when up pops an alert little squirrel head...evidently one of the babies thought he was a *flying* squirrel, and not the regular kind. He duck-paddled there in the water, waiting for the KOAHS and I to leave, which I immediately did, drag and gagging the KOAHS behind me. As I looked back, Abraham was swimming up to the baby. I swear his eyes were bugged out in shock. I had no idea squirrels could be so clumsy, lucky for that baby he had water and not ground to fall onto. *ouch*

***

Reshmeh Progress

The original Reshmeh is finished! Woot! I like it a lot, although I think I'm going to tone it down for Motzenberger, to a standard macrame front instead of the noseband dagger chain. The present design would be way to out there for Oma and Opa, and we do want him to wear it.

I'll try it on the KOAHS later tonight, when I get home, to take pictures and check the fit. It's quite fancy. I adore it.

What I can't decide is what to do next. I'd like to make the KOAHS a new collar, and a new tag holder - I've made some fairly good innovations (I do say so myself, modestly) on the collars, and would like to make him a version "2.0", if you know what I mean. Likewise, I had a good idea on the tag collars that I'd like to check into. But I still have this body collar dancing in my head for the KOAHS and I've got colors and all picked out already. I don't want to do more than one at a time, it takes all the fun out of it.

Maybe I'll start smallest to largest. So perhaps I'll begin with the tag collar. Can't hurt.

***

La, la la la laaaaa - 9 days to go!

Hopefully I'll get some pictures soon!

An ugly body collar

2006-09-06T12:52:00.000+02:00

Well,

So yesterday night I was surfing the web...it's always beneficial to see what your competitors (even if you aren't selling your collars) are doing with their creations. It's amazing what you'll find out there collar-wise. You see the great -

and the not-so-great.

Case in point: I came across some dog-awful body collars last night. Shudder. They are intended for sighthounds, which is a nice touch, but I challenge any sighthound to wear these and actually look good and feel comfortable. They gap in all the wrong places. These body collars are more set up for the physique of a giraffe than a long-bodied dog.

I think quality-wise, they're okay. Looks like she uses nice fleece for padding (especially over the shoulder region, important!) but the design of the collar is so off-putting I could hardly stand it.

It's a common problem though in body collars, I think. Standard materials are a nylon webbing with a ribbon sewn over the top of it "to be pretty". The body collars gap if they're not custom-made. Almost always. At least this woman had a little creativity and added some fleece underpadding to the nylon.

So effort gets her a 9, design gets her a null.

I believe that a body collar (unless you have a little ankle-biter dog - maybe next time a sighthound?) needs to be individually-fitted. You can only do soooo much with those self adjustable ones.

Plus, if you've been reading this blog at all, you'll know I *detest* those plastic connectors and buckle things. Yuck yuck yuck. Consider the collars (whether head, neck or body) you are putting on your dogs and cats! Ugly and ill-fitting is not the way to do it!

****
Oh my Dog - 10 days!

Tha's right...10 days until little HC comes home to us! He has everything:

- Bastet body collar with lead, especially made for him
- neck collar just for giggles
- litter box
- the Litter Locker
- scrunchy bag (to play in, evidently kittens and cats luuurve this thing)
- fancy food and drink bowl
- fancy cat carrier
- cat toys out the waazoo

and to keep Karolina the wonder breeder happy

- Katinka's new Bastet body collar

I am so ready to go and get him! DH too! Maybe not the KOAHS, tho...

Cat Collars

2006-09-04T20:23:00.000+02:00

Woot! Late but not dead, here are my present velcro options for a cat collar. The Blue front-velcro "Cheetie" collar: A back-of-the-neck view:

A side view:

A front view, showing the closure. I like this method: an X closure looks nice (especially with some beads or end decoration added) and is typically easier to get free from.

Here's a close-up of the Indian dancing bells I used at the ends of the bead clusters:

Secondly, there is the "Zulu" collar...inspired from the brass rings that the Ndebele women of South Africa wear when they marry. I think a hairless cat (*particularly* a hairless cat) would look striking in a wider-than-average cat neck collar.

From the front (*NOT* decorated at this time):

The closure:

Here is a picture of everybody together: The "Cheetie", "Zulu" and "Bastet" collars:

A sad day

2006-09-04T12:53:00.000+02:00

Crikey.

Goodbye, Crocodile Hunter.

The DH, KOAHS and I will miss ya.

Two More Weeks!

2006-09-01T12:09:00.000+02:00

The countdown is nigh! I'll be going to Czech to pick up our little Sphynx kitten His Catness on the 15th of September - two Fridays from now! So exciting. We can't wait to get him here.

***

***

The Reshmeh head halter

Well, creation is going well on the Reshmeh. I finished the back macrame part entirely, and it is now connected to the dagger noseband.

A nice thing: next time I do a head halter and need a noseband, Ahmed (the guy in Egypt I bought the noseband from) said he makes them there and can do them exactly to my specifications. Which was very cool. So I just tell him I need one row of chain with daggers attached to two round rings. I can even tell him the length of chain needed. *Quite* nifty.

Anyway, I finished the back and put it on the KOAHS to check the fit (I still need to add cowries). He stuck his head out on his neck like a goose and waited there for me to tire of my torturing and take it off. His eyes were staring at me with disgust - I had woken him up, after all. It fit well - the back part was flush against the top part of his neck, where the head and neck connect - so I was happy with the fit.

The daggers droop down like they're supposed to, and the round rings end up being in between his eyes and ears (a little lower), so I'm pretty pleased. I think for Motzenbergers I will fix the noseband to be somewhat smaller, and the neckband to be somewhat longer, so that we will need less connector underneath the nose.

Right now, for the KOAHS, I plan to use a chain and keyring connector, similar to the martingale collars. Once I add the cowries and bead design (I'm using a straight pattern instead of the flower cowry pattern) I'll post it. I'm interested myself to see how he handles it out on a walk. ('Cause you know I've got to test the thing beforehand).

Words or Tone?

2006-08-31T12:29:00.000+02:00

A new aquaintance and I were having a conversation last night. She had only recently found out I owned a dog (because I had known her a total of about 25 minutes and 15 seconds at that time) and asked me (as she's a linguistics major) if I thought dogs could understand words or phrases, or if they just followed tone.

At first, I was inclined to say "tone only" but then I got to thinking ... the KOAHS knows (I am absolutely certain of this) 14 word groups.

"sit"
"lay down"
"C'mere!"
"wait!" (said at all street crossings)
"Out"
"who's that?" (his indication to put his "watchdog" face on)
"Go out"
"Pig Ear"
"Breakfast"
"Modibo"
"Oma'n'Opas"
"get in the car" (Usually accompanied by a drooped tail and hangdog expression)
"lay down, damn*t!" (also in the car)

and, cutest of all,

"Where's Daddy?" (Always accompanied by an immediate set of perked up ears and tail, he searches eagerly through the people - usually at the Main train station, where we pick the DH up - for his beloved papa. Once found, there is a manic wagging of tail, grasping of legs and wild grins, showing papa how much he missed him)

However, the KOAHS is also a nuanced-tone sort of dog. Case in point: (one of the absolute funniest things I have ever seen) ...

There is a small creek that runs further down from where we live - about 10 minutes, walking. It's a free dog sort of area...only about a street wide on each side, one side bordered by houses, the other open grass. We often walk this way when he's feeling frisky. When the grass is high (and when I say high, I mean hip-level) in the summer as it normally is, you can't tell that there is a small creek running through it.

This particular time I'm remembering, we were walking with a person that also had dogs...two big hairy ugly creatures with no redeeming qualities whatsoever. I was trying to lose the owner by walking fast, but she stubbornly kept up with me (the woman wasn't that great either, and had even less redeeming qualities than her dogs, if that was possible), until I gave up and walked at a normal pace. The KOAHS had the same sort of view towards her dogs: a blatant disregard. He's rather snotty to dogs he feels are beneath him, and he was rocking this attitude towards these rotten dogs. Not that I could blame him at all.

He decided to start to run. He's a speedy sort, and was soon blasting past us running on the track, telling those dogs exactly what he thought of them. The dogs, slow but not dead, were finally starting to get the insults he was throwing at them as he went past. Suddenly, he changed direction and thought he'd be *real* snotty, and ran right in front of them, "rowr rowr rowr-yo-momma-is-dumb-and-you-were-born-in-a-pound" backtalk, when he shot off into the grass.

He didn't know the creek was there.

Before or since, I have never, ever, ever seen a dog look so very embarrassed. He crawled out of that creek (it had high sides) and saw me laughing my ass off at him. He shivered, grinned hugely, shivered again, shook himself, etc., grinning like mad the whole time. When I say grinning, I mean mouth completely open and sneezing through his nose, with his lips lifted off his teeth. He saw me laughing fit to kill, kept grinning and ran up to me, tried to crawl in my lap ("NO!" says I...he was covered in creek water, stank to high heaven - Dog knows what took a dump in that water *or worse*) and then stood, staring at me and grinning like a madman, until I finally had enough breath to get up.

The one thing I got from this: he knew he had made a total ass of himself and he *knew* I was laughing at him. The laughing continued in spurts the rest of that evening, and he kept throwing me glances when I would start to laugh again. Dude knew that I was cracking up at his expense. How nuanced is embarrassment? Pretty, I say.

The nice thing? The woman thought I had lost my mind (could have told her, it's already gone) and left me and the KOAHS there.

Dog, we must've looked a sight.

Dog Head Halter / Collar : Reshmeh

2006-08-30T12:20:00.000+02:00

Monday afternoon I received the noseband from Egypt. V. cool. It's bigger than I anticipated (heavier, I mean). The KOAHS had a time sniffing it and the tourist scarabs I received (as a thank-you gift), I'm sure he was checking it out b/c of the odd smells. I could even smell it ... a very dry, dusty smell. Quite cool!

Anyway, it's here.

I've gone through the internet looking at different head collars. Most important to remember from my research:

1. it is better to have the pressure be on the neck than the muzzle.
2. the muzzle piece doesn't have to be huge and bulky.
3. the fit is exact to the individual dog, and many people that decide on a head collar get their vet to fit it.

I also found a lot of good examples and reasons for using a head collar ... especially from the companies that sell them (natch). It makes sense, though. Think about horses. Do you actually think that you could lug your horse around by using a lariat rope around the neck? I mean, c'mon! Equally so for your show sheep, cattle, etc. All of these animals use a halter (head collar). Why not dogs?

Okay, okay, some dog types (if you don't have a sighthound, sniff) have very short faces. Most short faces belong to very small dogs, though, and there you can rock a body halter. Rotties and Boxers are very strong, but I've seen pictures of them using a head collar and it seemed to be okay. Obviously for these guys a thin strap around the nose is important. They've got it right, though. If you control the head, you control the animal. I don't know if this is enough of a reason to use a head collar every day, but it's an interesting thought.

Another interesting point is that, depending on the dog and their particular level of dominance, they will try with varying degrees of zeal to get the nose thing off. It's a real dominance question for some dogs. I'm not quite certain how KOAHS will react to it - I would like to think he easily accepts it, but I have the sneaky suspicion that he believes otherwise.

I had some requirements for our little head collar experiment as well:

1. must be easy-on, easy-off. My plan is to slip it on only when I have to get on a train with The Mighty Azawakh.
2. must still be beautiful. (hence the noseband chain).
3. must be comfy for him to wear. Otherwise fits will be thrown by the KOAHS.
4. must be lightweight, but that really isn't a problem.

I've already cut the noseband down to size - taken off the under-the-chin chain that would be wasted on the KOAHS, and taken off the additional noseband chain piece that goes over the nose - there were two chains, connected, with the dagger pieces attached to the bottom piece. Now there is only the chain with the daggers connected to the two rings at the ends of the chain.

I've measured the KOAHS (which consists of placing the noseband and then testing different lengths of cord for the neck part) and have started on it.

Many, many trainers recommend this for a dog that pulls. The KOAHS doesn't pull (dude, he's an angel, honestly) but Motzenberger the Wise does. Like a freight train. If it works, next head collar is for Motzi.

Of course, you are NOT able to use a collar of this type with a flexi-leash. Just FYI.

I've even got a nice little name for it: Reshmeh. In Arabic, it means head halter. Cool, huh?

***

Cat collar news

I know I wanted to set up a poll for two types of neck collars for a cat. However, as always, I got delayed...but I've pics of the one and the other should be done soon, so I'll post it when I can.

***

HC News

Two weeks and one and one-half days to go! Woot! The time is coming that KOAHS is no longer an only-animal. I'm sure he's sitting on eggshells waiting. We're excited, though (the humans in the family).

Monday, Monday...

2006-08-28T12:59:00.000+02:00

Well, we're alive and well and back in Duesseldorf. Leipzig is a great town. In fact, all in all, it's one of my top 1 or 2 favourites. (If you disregard the *horrible* accent the residents have. Really, it's bad. Think Bavarian accents on crack).

The KOAHS, DH and I went around the city...the KOAHS saw the St. Nikolaikirche, (St Nicholas Church), Bach's grave (from the outside, they don't allow dogs in) and demonstrated his superiority over Leipzig dogs by liberally sprinkling KOAHS pee every place he could. I took a pic of the KOAHS by St Nikolaikirche, but the DH felt KOAHS wasn't appreciating the sights properly so we stopped taking pictures.

One of my favourite things is to drive on German autobahns (highways). Vroom vroom! Although I had rented an Opel (the European Chevy) it toodled along at a satisfactory rate of speed (160-180 km/100 MPH). It was big fun to turn the music up and drive fast. The KOAHS is never fond of car trips, though, so next time we take the train.

Actually, I probably could have finished a collar in the time it would have taken to take a train. Bugger. It took 5.5 hours to drive there, but I caught a stau (traffic jam), so it took longer. But oh well.

In actual COLLAR news (sorry), the Saluki Specialty went off this weekend, apparently a success. I'm hoping that Ruth (my Saluki contact) took some pictures...I'd love to see the Specialty winner in the collar...he's a bronze grizzle, very handsome. I'm waiting on news, so you'll know as soon as I do.

***

HC is growing and growing. Karolina the wonder breeder said his purr machine is back, so that's good. I can't wait to see him and pet him and bring him home. The DH can't wait either. I think KOAHS could wait. LOL

More pictures soon!

It's Friday!

2006-08-25T13:07:00.000+02:00

As such, I'm leveling with you : last night work intruded in my great and shining plan to make my poll. Rather than post it half-ass, I decided to do it on Monday. The KOAHS and I are going on a road trip to Leipzig this weekend, to the DH. I'm looking forward to it...I'm of course going to take a *little* bit of collar stuff to work on, but not much. This is a pure leisure trip. Boy am I looking forward to that!

In other collar news, I got the tiny beads from the US I had waited for (although not yet the KOAHS noseband). They'll go great on the cat collars, and I'm working on the details.

I managed to completely finish one collar last night...the one with the velcro. It's spiffy. At the end (in deference to all these people that want a bell) I put groups of three Indian anklet bells on the ends of the beads. Looks okay, and sounds ... well ... very bell-y. Perfect for the sort of person that likes bells on their cat.

***

What is it about KITTY and DOGGIE? Altho I must say, I see it much more with cats than I do with dogs. Why would you want to demean your cat by calling him a kitty? Maybe it's just a personal thing...I'm a writer and editor and certain things make me cringe. SUCH AS KITTY. Might as well pop me across the head with a two-by-four.

I've seen it on many sites...trying to be cute, they throw in a "kitty" into the mix. Stick with cat or kitten and give the animal the respect it deserves. Once tamed, always tamed, okay, but at least don't turn it into a Sesame Street character by calling it a kitty. Good Dog.

Don't even get me started on DOGGIE.

I want your opinion!

2006-08-24T12:42:00.000+02:00

Could I ask you all a favor?

I'm almost finished with two different designs for a "normal" neck cat collar (for ID wear only).

I'd like your opinion on them. Tomorrow I'm going to post pictures of them each and a poll. Could you look at them (even if you're a dog person, I'm just looking for your opinion) and tell me which you like better? I'd really like your input. Additionally, if you want to add particular comments, you can always email me at qabilacollars (at) yahoo (dot) com. I'll lay out my specifics for the collars tomorrow morning.

Thank you!

***

HC continues his growing. Karolina the wonder breeder reports that he starts to finally eat dry cat food now (and not only the moist, spoiled little kitten) and that he chases the other kittens around when he plays. Perhaps he's a sighthound kitten? (I'm sure hoping so!) Tomorrow is three weeks!

***

I received an email from the head of the Saluki Specialty here in Gelsenkirchen...she received the collars (I sent a Bedu and an Issa collar) and loved them. She needed a little direction on what exactly the Issa collar was for (tags only, attached by a keyring inside the small bag) but thought it was an awesome idea. ;) Gotta love those positive statements.

In other specialty related news, somehow (don't ask me) they've decided to cancel the Azawakh Specialty in California for this year. It's bizarre. I guess that means I've got to find another use for this exceptionally girly-collar I've been working on (remember the "flapper" design?). I'm bummed...it seemed like such a good idea.

I think I'll see what other sighthounds are having their specialties still, and shoot for one of those. Possibilities include Ibizan Hounds, Pharoah Hounds, Italian Greyhounds (now wouldn't THAT be cute! Got to get on that), Whippets, Podencos (altho I dunno if they are so popular over there as compared to here), Sloughi, Afghans, Borzois, Chart Polskis (ditto on the popularity thing)...the list is small but FULL of quality. If you don't have a sighthound .... why not??

***

The KOAHS has returned from his Spa Oma trip fat, sassy, and full of beans. The weather starts to turn colder here in the evenings now, and often I'll wake up in the night as the KOAHS tries to sneak in. Sometimes he's successful...if I leave a pocket of the comforter hanging over the bed, it's almost assured he'll weasle his way underneath the covers AND THEN HOG THE BED. He's such a twerp. But I'm very happy to have him home.

Success comes in small steps

2006-08-23T12:25:00.000+02:00

I think I figured out a way for my cat collar to close! Incorporating an interesting front attachment pattern, I think I'll have a prototype done by tomorrow evening. My only questions still remaining are whether I can wrangle a tag holder on it somehow. It's got to be smaller and lighter (we're talking about a cat collar here) and attachable... I'm thinking to the back of the collar...around which surrounded by beads...

I can tell you my prototype is a very light blue as the main color with accents of navy. It's nice to see it turn out the way I envisioned it in my mind, but I can tell you, yesterday I was pretty disgusted - I couldn't figure out a way to close the darn thing using velcro, which is really the only option I'll consider right now, so I was pretty frustrated. But all is better now.

Tonight I go by our local keymaker to see if I can find out if he has access to these great keyrings. I use them on the chain part of the martingale, to ensure that the chain is adjustable (and also to add tags to for our peeps that don't mind jingling).

In other news ... the KOAHS' noseband has been shipped (from Egypt). He had a bit of a delay (I won it quite some time ago), but finally it's on the way and I should have it shortly. And ... I've been approached by a horse-show dealer (small, she does handmade stuff) about her taking some of my collars to her next show! She thinks they'll be quite successful with the horsey crowd. All I know is, they've a lot of runty little dogs (don't worry, I call anything not an Azawakh a runty little dog...if you've ever seen an Azawakh, you'd understand) so at least creation time will be short! They can't have more than 8-9 inch necks. If that. I got the email late late last night, so I've got to talk to her more, but that was a nice one to wake up to.

So that news is goooood.

Body Collars ... for Dogs?

The Mozenberger needs to have a body collar, as his mum thinks his neck gets jerked too much (he's a tiny wee thing) so I took measurements last night when Modi, his mum and dad (the KOAHS' Oma and Opa) were over. He's got a chest on him! 30 inches, that's something. I've located (out of my hoard of D rings and round rings) two nice large welded round rings that I'll use to hold it at the top. Right now I'm torn between making it a sort of "Martingale-Body Collar", but I think I'll worry about that when I come to it.

What's most important with the body collar is its staying power. Modi often goes to the dog park near the house, and runs madly with anybody around there. So staying in place will be an important consideration during the making of it.

It's great tho - I've wanted to make the KOAHS a body collar for some time now, and NOW I have an excuse! Woot!

One step forward, two steps back

2006-08-22T12:51:00.000+02:00

Blech. If you have a mental image of a blech, then that's how I'm feeling today. Why?

- I can't find the proper type of keyring for my dog collars. Blech.

- I'm having problems figuring out a fool-proof safe method of finishing the ends of the fancy neck cat collar idea. Big Blech.

- I went to the craft shop and they are DISCONTINUING my favourite brand of thread. Discontinuing! I couldn't believe it. Big BIG Blech.

On the plus side, (I'm a glass-is-half-full kind of person) the DH gave me a good idea on the keyrings, and there must be *some* way of finishing the ends of the collar. I just don't want to make it too bulky. About the thread, I don't know what to do...go to a specialty store, perhaps. I have enough for the time being, it just makes me mad. Oh, and the (presumably slimmer) KOAHS comes back to us today from Spa Oma.

Blech.

Back tomorrow with more favourable collar coverage. Somes days I just want to kick a tire or something.

Cat Collar Conundrum

2006-08-21T12:29:00.000+02:00

So I've turned my attention to the problems inherent in a cat neck collar (for now). I've been informed that some cat people like to leave them on when travelling, or at shows, to keep "track o' da cat", so to say. I have no problem with this at all. HC will need one, not because he will not be outside unaccompanied (he won't), but because sometimes we might travel, and he'd need his ID on him in a situation like that. About my animals, I'm paranoid. I had to do some quick boning up on cat collars, so I turned to the trusty internet and found loads of really helpful groups and forums that talked about their cat collars with me.

From my research, I've found cat neck collars run into some basic types. You'd find these at your average pet store. (and sadly, at upmarket stores as well!)

1. "Break-away" collars - These collars have a small plastic buckle that is designed to break open should the cat get caught in something. I've found good and bad points to these collars - most of the people (on forums and by question) seem to be 50-50 for them, against them. They say that sometimes the collar breaks open too easily, sometimes the collar doesn't break open when it should...so I was a little leery of this closure option. And - they have a bell. Sigh. My cat is not a *kitty*, why does he need a *bell*. Ugh.

2. "Buckle" collars - These collars have a small metal buckle that is used to push through a loosely-woven band (usually nylon and USUALLY UGLY). I have a problem with the buckle option as it does seem that most cats get caught on something and a buckle isn't going to "give" much at all. Plus they have (usually attached) a damn BELL. Ugh.

3. "Velcro" collars. A small patch of velcro attaches the two ends together. Most of the people I found used a variation of a velcro collar on cats outside. Most of the cat collars featuring velcro have a particular problem, though - the material used for the collar band is very stretchy - which means they can get a leg through or very easily get off the collar ... shifty creatures can get out of almost anything, I've read. Regardless, I've decided to go with this type of cat collar in my line-without the stretchy fabric.

Now these velcro collars are something I can really sink my teeth into. The problem will be to get the right amount of velcro on the collar to keep it on, without the potential of too strong of velcro attachment. Right now I'm working on a prototype and I think that I'll use a one inch strip of velcro to attach. That's not too big, not too small, and we'll see how His Catness gets through it. I'm going to make also two different sizes - Sphynx have extraordinarily long necks, so I'm creating a 1-1/4 inch collar, as well as a standard small 1/2 inch collar. I think the 1-1/4 inch collar will be for those lovely photo sessions with the Sphynx, while the normal 1/2 size will be for travelling.

Tonight I go to the shop to get a little strip of Velcro. Results of the experiement will be posted soon!

Bastet Cat Collar

2006-08-20T17:40:00.000+02:00

Katinka's gonna be one happy cat. Here's her picture.

Isn't she a pretty girl?

Anyway, I finished her collar and lead. With the Sphynx cat collars and leads in particular I need to remember that they are particularly wrinkly around their elbows. This could be a serious problem with those horrible nylon things.

Most cats are being carried (even when they have their body collar/leash on) so the leash doesn't have to be so long and cumbersome. I intentionally made Katinka's leash very short, as Karolina carries her around (little princess doesn't touch the ground!)

I like also the decoration on the neck part better than HCs. I think on his next collar set (as he's a growing boy, and this one might not fit for long) I'll do the same with some cool beads.

I dig the pink.

In other cat-related collar news, I'm really excited - I think I might have found the perfect closure for a cat collar (bypassing these rancid "breakaway" buckles - that don't).

More on that soon!

Who we are

2006-08-18T13:02:00.000+02:00

An Explanation

I have had a couple inquiries, and as the blog gets longer, I want an easy-access explanation for the abbreviations used within the blog. So, without further ado, an introduction to the players within:

The Collar Queen: Me. A typical Taurus. Artist, writer, animal person. From the US, living in Germany. The*authoritative* voice on dog and cat collars.

DH: The Dear Husband. A brilliant character. Puts up regularly with hare-brained ideas and tolerates collar-making materials strewn through the house.

KOAHS: The King of All He Surveys. Azawakh. Collar Model supreme. A scorpio - emotional and intuitive, magnetic and exciting, the KOAHS is truly the boss. Can wrangle food from a potential sucker at 20 paces.

HC: His Catness. A tuxedo Sphynx. A Gemini, he's adaptable and versatile, communicative and witty. A good combination, and the newest Collar Model addition to our household.

Rollin' Rollin' Rollin'

2006-08-17T12:29:00.000+02:00

And a happy day to you, too.

Yesterday evening I sent the Saluki Specialty collars off. It's glad I am to be finished with them, as time is running out for the Azawakh one in the states - I've got to get it finished soon, Dog knows when it'll get there with the quality of service the overseas mail providers give.

***

Katinka's Cat Collar

Her collar is a very girlish hot pink, with bright red accents. It sounds like it would clash like mad, but it actually looks pretty cool. She is a very light-coloured cat (I'll ask Karolina the wonder breeder for a picture) so I think pink is just the thing for her. I've made the top half of the collar and started on the belly part.

The bead attachment came along very well, I made it relatively simple but I think I could really get some outlandish decoration going on the neck part of the collar. I'll have to keep that in mind for HC for when he's all grown up.

The one thing I'll have to see about is the space between the neck part and the belly part on larger cats...I don't want to have too much of a "V" pattern to the wearing of it-that might be uncomfortable, so I'm thinking I might need to add a small connecting line (macrame'd of course) from the neck bottom to the belly top. I'm still not sure yet. I've got to actually get it on a cat to see. But soon HC comes - 28 days!

Instead of a double lead, as HC had in his turquoise collar (see below), I'm going with a single length of leash. It will go with her more delicate look, *and* it's what I think I'll end up doing with the cat collars anyway. I just need to find a nice small snap for the end of the leash that will accomodate the base material.

It fills me with hope to see these nice cat collars. Not tacky nylon, or revolting plastic.

NO BELLS.

Just a nice, solid, colourful collar. Pretty. Tonight I have given myself off, (which I planned for yesterday night but didn't happen,) so I'll try and finish it this evening. I'm really happy with these.

***

Qabila Dog Collar Updates

I WON the auction for the first part of the KOAHS' head collar! Here is the "Arabian Halb-mond Nasenkette" (half-moon nose-chain) I won. Isn't it pretty? If you weren't there for that discussion, I talked about it here.

I really think this will be based off (again) the Arabian show halter, but in a dog halter way. I'm going to use my larger base material (8 mm parachute cord) and only do two or three rounds, and use small cowries and blue beads to decorate it.

It will need to fit under the KOAHS' ears in a smooth fashion, or the dog will be throwing a fit. And you don't want to see the KOAHS throw a fit. It's ugly.

I've also done a lot of looking online at head collars and muzzles, and thinking about what one would entail. I've got some links still to check, but I'll be discussing this aspect coming up - probably as soon as I get the nose-chain, as then I'll have no excuse to not talk about it. Woot!

I also heard from a craft friend that the local shop where I get my wool thread is having a sale. Guess where I'm going tonight?

Short but Sweet

2006-08-16T12:39:00.000+02:00

I search a *lot* on the internet. I do. Some would say I'm a junkie. I wouldn't deny it. I work on my collars, I spoil the King of all he Surveys, I do my work, and I hang out with the DH. But when the DH and the KOAHS aren't there, and no Sphynx cat yet here, and work is done, and collars are going well, I *really* search on the internet. So there.

In my searches last night (mostly on collar things and work things) I found a blog. A blog written by a cat. Stick with me here (it has absolutely nothing to do with collars, sorry) this is one of the best blogs I've found. The cat is Abbie, and here is the link: Abbie has a possie.

Do me a favour. Go to it, read the first page of entries. I'm even sticking his blog (Abbie is a he) onto my links, so you can go to it again and again.

Forgive the mistypings on the blog, the cat has large paws. It's probably got something to do with all that hair, too.

More collar stuff tomorrow.

***

Under one month until His Catness arrives!

HC Creates a Stir

2006-08-15T12:28:00.000+02:00

Karolina the wonder breeder sent me pictures of the lovely and talented His Catness over the weekend. After marvelling at his beauty and laughing at his expression, I'm putting them on the blog for your viewing pleasure.

Here is HC in his best "British Lord of the Manor" (as the DH says) Pose:

"Take me to your leader"

"Honest, man, they turned me backwards and stuck my head on wrong" That can't be comfortable.

"Hear the mighty lion roar"

"See my profile...isn't it lovely?"

"Leaving the scene of the crime"

Isn't he handsome. His body seems to finally be catching up with his ears, which are still big enough to paraglide with.

His breeder says he is turning out to be a very handsome boy (AS suspected!). I just hope that he doesn't mind having his picture taken (he doesn't appear to), as his modelling skills are needed.

Shouldn't be a problem, says he.

***

The KOAHS is at Spa Oma (the DH parents) for a week or so. He's losing weight well now, and we thought the boot camp there would be beneficial to him (multiple walks, dog park, etc., all through the day and not just at night, as he gets at home) and his weight issues. It's probably the last of these little trips for him at this time, as once HC is here, the KOAHS will have to become acclimatized to another animal in his house, and that could take some time.

I'm pretty sure that they both will settle in nicely, and will be best friends by the end of the year. Not that there won't be bumps, but the KOAHS is a pretty open sort of dog, and I'm sure HC is a spectacular cat, so we'll see.

***

Collars: I'm presently working on a Bastet cat collar/leash combination for Katinka. Hers is a little more difficult, as I've got to figure out how to attach the beads before doing the threading. The good news is Karolina the wonder breeder reports that the pins came out of Katinka's leg, and she is beginning to use it again. I can't wait to see them all when I go to visit and pick up HC...you can be sure I'll take pictures.

***

Great quote of the day:

"I know that dogs are pack animals, but it's difficult to imagine a pack of standard poodles . . . and if there was such a thing as a pack of standard poodles, where would they rove to? Bloomingdales?"

- Yvonne Clifford

Me-wow

2006-08-14T12:15:00.000+02:00

Well, the "Bastet" cat collar is finished! And not a moment too soon. Only a month or so now left, you know.

I had an interesting time designing this collar. It had some prerequisites:

- *must* be secure - no Free Willy moments
- *must* be safe - I don't want mah cat strung up because I flubbed a design
- *must* be a slick design - well, maybe not sexy, but definitely hot - he's a hairless, man, he craves the limelight

When beginning, I made sure to quiz the members of a lovely group of Sphynx owners and breeders - two groups, actually - who helped me with their particular likes and dislikes. Coincidentally, I found that no one on those lists (that responded to me, anyway) used a collar in the house. All used them *when outside*. It was split on body collar vs. regular collar, so I'll need to look into a regular collar at some point. The interesting bit about the regular collar was that people used them for identifications' sake...tags and so on...hmmm...."issa" cat collar? I dunno, maybe later.

I then went online and checked out the different collars I could find for cats. Be prepared to be depressed, amigo. Horrible glitter-covered plastic with rhinestones, dog help us, nylon flabs that were crying out for the skin of my tender cat, collars that would make a laughing-stock of the animal wearing it, collars for the amusement of the owner, the list goes on in a nightmarish fashion.

I then went to the petstore (never fear, KOAHS had some lovely pig ears when I left) and looked at the options there. My eyes are still smarting. Neon - multicoloured neon - multicoloured neon nylon - good dog, it was 'orrible. The others weren't much better.

I left, shaking my head (pig ears firmly in hand). Is it just that cat people have no taste?

NO. It's that they don't realize there are any other options. After all, the DH and I are practically cat owners, and I stand certain of my own taste and opinions. I know the DH has his opinions (while somewhat skewed) he believes in them as well. SO - the Qabila mission will be to awaken cat-land to the possibility of a beautiful, functional collar. Why should the dogs get all the nice ones and Fluffy the cat be relegated to a nasty little number with a BELL!

So here is the Bastet. Complete with lead. This is for HC, as I thought the turquoise should play very well off his midnight-black skin and yellowy-green eyes.

(Thanks to the KOAHS for his generous model donation of his favourite elephant toy, Ellie)

Since the collar surface itself is rather small (little HC has only a 13 cm neck!) I added hang-down decoration instead of putting it on the collar surface. It, of course, remains to be seen if the collar hang-downs actually stay on with a crazy playful kitten.

As you can also notice, I made it Easy-On. I can't imagine at first HC will be happy about something holding him back, so a simple slip-on (clipping the top together with the snap) was essential. These will certainly have to be measured well, so that there is minimal sliding and it fits snug.

But all in all, it rocked! I now have to make (not have, it's really so much fun) a beautiful Bastet set for Katinka, who is a new kitten of Karolina the wonder breeder. Then I'm going to try out my design on a couple "hairy" cats ... the two darlings of my friend Mel.

Afterwards, I'm working on an interesting "jewelry" design for our lovely cats. I'll keep you posted.

Great Big New Design!

2006-08-13T21:46:00.000+02:00

The last couple days I've been obsessed with a new design template for the Collar Queen blog...with a little help from Tequila Red and Maystar, I've got it.

Ain't computers grand!

Now that I've got the background done, I'll begin posting again tomorrow. Drop me a line and let me know what you think of the new design!

Woot!

We are the chhhhhampions

2006-08-11T13:20:00.000+02:00

Although the Azawakh Specialty in Sweden happened some time ago, (end of July) we had a bit of a time tracking down the photographer of the event. Turns out he did take a picture, but just one, though. (I am promised further pictures of the BOB bitch showing off her collar tho)

The hounds in their collars:

BOB was Multi CH Mouli de Garde-Epee (one of my favourite Azawakh bitches ever)
BOS was (a lovely dog from the breeding of a friend of mine, Erika Tönder)

Doesn't the blue look dashing against his coat! And our Mouli looks quite demure and lovely with her beautiful black collar.

I'm very proud of them both, AND very pleased with my collars!

On a related note, Susannah Thyni has graciously offered up her beauties to be my "EDAWI" show dog collar testers. I'm very pleased, as she has some excellent examples of Azawakh from her breeding that will be shown in them. Once we have the details worked out, I'll be letting you know.

It's a rather new design, and taken off the "Bastet" body collar for cats, so I'm interested to see how they pan out.

Oh - the Bastet comes to the blog tomorrow! Mark your calendar!

Saluki Specialty Gelsenkirchen Germany

2006-08-10T13:16:00.000+02:00

The Saluki Collars are DONE! A very nice white "Bedu" collar, as well as an exquisite "Issa" tag collar, are being sent tonight to the lady in charge of prizes for the German Specialty. Here are pictures.

The white:

For this collar I brought in some luminescent beads I found at a now-defunct bead shop some time ago. In this picture you can see the opal-ness of the teardrop shape within the black resin bead.

I also used only two tassels in this design. The ancient scarab is quite heavy and large, and the two tassels really highlight the scarab and its background.

I'm quite happy with it.

The orange Issa collar also utilizes one tassel to bring the weight of the collar down.

I am a big fan of the nice large tassels, and so had fun putting a nice fancy tassel on the end of this tag collar. I also really enjoy the orange color. When you see it in the light, it's rather a pumpkin-color of orange, quite nice. Not so bright as other colors I have access to, but I like its muted tone. I believe it will fit almost everybody color-wise.

News and Updates

2006-08-10T13:12:00.000+02:00

Wow. Back from the dead. And without further ado, cruising onward through the world of dog and cat collars. Much happened over the weekend, although I was too out of sorts the past three days to handle updating.

***

News Flash! Qabila collars will soon be coming to an Arabian show near you! (If you live in Germany, I mean). A supplier of horse gear got in touch with me over the weekend to ask if I'd be interested in sending my collars with her to shows. She also sells other artists' work - lovely macrame show halters for arabians - from a friend of mine. It's a great opportunity to get my collars out and being seen. I'm very happy about it. I'll give you more details as we go along.

***

BBDC Part III will shortly be out...hopefully by the end of next week. Our topic: Grecian and Roman dog collars. Woot!

***

HC Update

His Catness goes for his second vaccination over the weekend. Little kitten is growing all up! 2,5 months old and eating, sleeping and playing merrily along! We have exactly 36 days until he's here, although all his loot arrives! What a spoiled monkey we'll have.

Speaking of spoiled monkey, hopefully by tomorrow evening I'll have the prototype done of my new Bastet cat body collar. It's turned out quite well. I'm already devising ways to make it "big-dog" size...first one I make is for HC, and the second for Katinka, a new kitten of Karolina the wonder breeder.

***

I did get a picture of the two winners from the Swedish Azawakh Specialty (and their collars). I will post more on their situation and reaction to the collars tomorrow.

Sorry -

2006-08-07T19:16:00.000+02:00

Gone til Thursday. See you then.

Friday Madness

2006-08-03T19:09:00.000+02:00

Hi, everybody!

I think we've got some new visitors from up in the cold north...from the Specialty. Heya. I wanted to give an overview of different collar options Qabila collars give the truly discerning sighthound (and other dog) owners.

The "Bedu" Collar:

In Navy Blue:

Turquoise and tassels:

Electric blue (with "Issa" Tag collar):

In white with black accents (my favourite):

The black tasseled collar from the 2006 Swedish Azawakh Specialty:

And the "Issa" Tag collar, good for holding those tags, in electric blue:

That's it for now. Have a great weekend.

Details details

2006-08-03T12:36:00.000+02:00

Good news! The Saluki Specialty collar difficult part is finally finished: the background. A lot of time goes into the background to make certain that the individual connections are strong and secure, the knots are smoothly tied, and the rows are even. Of course there will be little blips in the background, that's the beauty of an individually made collar, but it should look as gorgeous as possible. I think so far, the white with black accents is my absolute favourite color.

A beeyotch to make (gloves to keep the wool string white!) but definitely the most beautiful. Now comes the easy part: strengthening the ends and adding the decorations and tassels. It shouldn't be so much longer now. This one seems to have taken some extra time, mainly because I've had to search for suppliers and had that sort of stress. Looks like I'm reaching the end of that, hopefully, so all is well.

The Issa collar will be made out of a light orange color I found, very beautiful I think, with electric blue accents. It seems like it would be nice.

A new friend of mine, Petra and I will possibly hit some Arabian horse shows in the near future to promote her halters and my collars (she does macrame as well). I look forward to exposing my collars to the whims of Arab people - they are all possessed of such fine taste. My collars should fit right in.

I haven't heard anything yet about the Swedish Specialty, but I'll provide pictures when I can!

***

Mee-wow

HC's cat carrier came yesterday. And when I tell you it is .one.tacky.creation. you better believe me. It's so tacky it's awesome.

Imagine: red ruby crocodile (faux) covered by a protective clear plastic coat - including mobile holder - soft sheepskin interior - sunroof with mesh cutout for those peekaboo moments - sides that look like they came out of a dominatrix' chamber - priceless.

Absolutely priceless. It totally fits a naked cat.

Dog Muzzles, Oh My

2006-08-02T12:37:00.000+02:00

At times, the KOAHS (and presumably HC) and I will trek to Leipzig and back on some weekends. A fact I never worried about until yesterday, when I realized what my DH said was true - there, in Saxony, a dog has to wear a muzzle on the city trains and outside. It must hark back to the DDR or something, I dunno.

I find this a little disturbing, especially since I've lived in very large cities here (as well as small) and the KOAHS was admired and allowed to walk around freely (on leash!) wherever he wanted. I guess it just smacks a little too much of the US and lack of dog freedom for my liking.

Now, on the regional and over-state-line trains, you have to *carry* a muzzle with you (and only have to put it on if you're on an Eastern-bound train OR a train using Eastern personnel-for some reason, the majority don't dig dogs), and I'm okay with that. Carrying it around. But to actually put one on? They are discommodious and fugly to boot. Plus imagine trying to explain to KOAHS exactly why he needs the equivalent to a hand around his muzzle whenever we're walking around. Uncool.

This muzzle thing of course doesn't count the "dangerous" dogs that were outed in the "Dangerous Dogs" act some years back. Dogs such as the Pit Bull, Staffordshire Terrier, Dobes, Rotts, etc...they all (unfortunately) have to wear a muzzle all the time. I'd never have a dog of these types just because I'd never want to subject my dog to this shizz. But it sounds like in the East it'll be like that, even for my innocent skinny (well, he's getting there) Azawakh.

I've got to figure out some muzzle idea *before* we have this problem staring us in the face. Ugh. Time for internet research!

Qabila Cat Collars?

2006-08-01T12:48:00.000+02:00

Cats get a bum rap in the collar sweepstakes. Outside cats even worse. All I've found available for cats that go outside are nylon (ugh) collars with ridiculous little bells attached to them. When I looked further into "why bells?" it appears the bells are used to warn the birds of an impending cat attack. It also looks like there are studies currently being done to see if the bells actually help anything...

I'd concur on the side of "bells are rather stoopid", as I don't think some cat is going to allow a ridiculous bell to ruin his bird stalking party. I've seen some cats outside here, and well, they are awful still, so I don't think that they'd be be-bopping around letting the bell ring for all it's worth.

I understand that a cat that goes outside needs some sort of identification (although I feel letting them outside *unsupervised* is a not responsible choice for cat owners). I also understand that you have to watch it with the cats - a fitted collar is absolutely necessary, as they seem to get their legs caught inside their collars a bunch more than dogs do (KOAHS sniffs in superiority).

However, I'm going to speak to the responsible, committed cat owners here - the ones that leave their cats inside, or take them outside *supervised*. These cat owners don't necessarily have to have a collar on their cat every minute of the day - unless their cat is a Houdini at attempting to get outside. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that most cats don't wear collars inside.

So when should a cat wear something (in the opinion of the Collar Queen) around his or her (or its) neck? Easy.

When you take it outside. Even cats that live inside the whole day occasionally go outside (to the vet, whatever.) Cats need some restraint, just as your dog does. What works best in this situation (from a logical point of view?): body collars.

I've found body collars, and while the ones I've found are absolutely only utility-level (nylon, ugh), the design of a body collar works for me. I don't believe you should put a leash to just a cat collar - they're way too easy for a cat to choke himself trying to get out of. That gives me the heebee jeebees.

Now look: when I say body collars, I *do* mean *my* body collars, not some nylon mess. Nope, for little HC he gets only the softest wool to caress his skin. He's naked, after all.

I'm working (around the Saluki and other dog collars) on a new body collar design for Qabila, tentatively named "Bastet" for the Egyptian cat goddess. Hopefully soon I'll have a prototype and I'll post it here. I think (from looking at the cats that *do* go out here with their owners) it might be a handsome change of pace for cat people. A beautiful, functional body collar, specially made for a cat. We have to see how it goes, of course, but I'm optimistic - as always.

I have to get Karolina the wonder breeder to give me an idea of HCs neck and chest size, but I'm on it. I'll keep you updated.

It's official! 46 Days!

2006-07-31T12:38:00.000+02:00

Well, the ticket is reserved and the airline is notified!

His Catness arrives in Germany on the 16th of September! Woot! And do you think we're excited? I'll pick him up Friday night and we'll fly back Saturday morning to be met by DH, and the KOAHS will get the shock of his life when we arrive at the house. I keep telling him he has a "new baby brother", but he looks at me, sighs, and lays his head back down. Not sooo interested.

Karolina the wonder breeder says that HC is a purring machine...you just have to pick him up and it switches on, just like a motor. She, interestingly, compares Sphynx cats to potato chips - you can't have just one. We'll see how HC pulls his charm over on the DH, and judge the potato chip comment from that.

Hopefully his transition to us will be smooth and easy, and not horrified and disbelieving. All his little kitten things (and a few KOAHS things, to keep the KOAHS in the spirit of it) should show up this week or next week, and then it's just a matter of waiting, waiting, waiting.

***

The Saluki collar is almost done. I will attempt to finish it tonight.

I've been a little slow getting it done, as work keeps getting in the way. But what's a girl to do?

***

In a little light Monday humor, here is a rather large bug crawling on the windowscreen. Meet Star.

She can't really pull off the innocent "who, me??" look hanging off something she shouldn't be on in the first place.

Breaking Down the Dog Collar, Part II - Wear it like an Egyptian

2006-07-28T13:03:00.000+02:00

I'll admit it. I dig Egyptian style. They were rockin' gold and jewels and sophistication back when Rome was still a dirty little city full of dirty little men. In fact, I've been heavily influenced by Egyptian art all throughout my life, and you can't tell me that some of these sighthound collar designers didn't get a little "recognition ping" when they saw those nifty grave paintings. If they didn't, shame on them! Since the Egyptians had many types of sighthounds and lots of nice drawings of the dogs with their collars, we're going to start our little trek through time here. It's my favourite part of ancient history, by far.

How could you guess?

In Ancient Egypt, the birth of a hound pup was second only in importance to the birth of a human son. (cool!) The Egyptians called the dog "iwiw" for the sound of his bark.

The Egyptologists begin (at earliest) to find dogs with collars included on the Asmolean Palette and the Hunting Palette (British Museum), which date from the predynastic era during the Naqada II period.

According to several sources, dogs really started getting into their grave art heyday in the First Intermediate Period, which includes the first half of the 11th Dynasty. When I say heyday, I mean, they're being pictured in grave art and included as mummies themselves during this time. Why this particular time?

Evidently the First Intermediate Period was the "Wild West" period of Egyptian history, so the dogs would have given their protection to their owners and been, presumably, rewarded for it. Additionally, the Egyptians were mad for hunting, so action photos would have displayed their dogs and horses to best advantage.

Another little interesting point: in Egyptian art, the size of the subject indicates importance: size does matter. Take a look at King Tut and his dogs attacking some Nubians to see what I mean:

King Tut and his chariot and dogs are very large, showing massive superiority over the poor skinny little nubians. At least, that's how the Egyptologists explain it...no breed has been found in Egypt that would have been as massive as these hounds (should they be proper size). Only the Molossars from Rome and Greece would have been as large at this time...

Most collars in Egypt appear to be of leather, with copper, bronze and gold added for emphasis or structure. From the pictures I've managed to locate, the collars were made in one long strip, then glued or sewn together to make one round collar - no buckles here! All of the grave art showing dogs with leashes just show the leashes attached to the collar - unfortunately it's difficult to determine exactly how the leashes attached. Did they have the beauty collars, then a basic P-leash that went around the dogs' neck in a loop? Just tie it around the collar itself? Hard to say.

(Khuw and his dog, 12th Dynasty)

The French exploret Loret discovered the tomb of Maiherpri in the 1800's. In it, he found two lovely pinkish-coloured leather collars, both with hunting scenes embossed into the leather. One collar had brass bobs through the middle.

Maiherpri was a dog lover and a royal fan bearer to the King, so you know his dogs were probably quite spoiled. One of the collars had the dog's name on it: Tantanuit. But check out the collars:

Pink seems to have been in *big* in Egyptian dog collars. Interesting change to now - well, if you don't count the ankle-biters, I don't see much pink as a basis for dog collars in my travels.

The KOAHS would think I'd lost it if I stuck a pink collar on his Holy Body.

If we look on the Ashmolean Plate, we see an example, possibly, of these collars on the hounds. Can you tell which is the hound and which the ibex?

In the tomb of Tutankhamun (King Tut) a single leather collar was found. It's currently on travels with the King Tut show, although it wasn't shown when I went to the show almost a year ago in Bonn. A fellow hobby-egyptologist (thanks Rozette) described it for me from her viewing:

"The one that I saw there was made of three differently-coloured leather layers, each measuring approximately 40 cm. These were glued together to form a ring. The outer layer is dyed pink, the middle one white and the inner one green. The motif of the lotus blossom between two horses facing each other is shown four times. The horses' silhouettes have been cut out from the outer layer so that the underlaying white leather layer becomes visible, in the case of the green lotus blossom the white middle strip has been excised as well."

"The upper and lower ornamental edges displaying waves and stripes in two colours were stuck on. They consist of fine, partly-dyed leather layers. A further decorative element are the 16 pair-pair-wise-arranged ornamental studs made of gilded copper alloy, which were sewn onto the outer strip between each horse."

Here's a picture, thanks to the great people over at the Egyptian Dreams Forum.

Very cool idea here: layered leather, dyed, and glued together. It reminds me of an inlaid-cowboy boot - they too use a basic color leather and put the appliques on. However, they sew and glue it on, not just glue. But man, look what the Egyptians had to work with! Imagine the beauty of what they could have created today, with all the options we have! It just boggles the mind really.

The nice thing about these collars is that they were created for the beauty of the animal. Dog collars haven't changed much throughout history. They have always been needed to direct the animal and show them off. The Egyptians hunted, and they went to war, but these just help to show the simple beauty of a dog.

From them, you can almost imagine a crisp bright Egyptian morning when they went out to hunt - chariot jingling merrily, shouts of the beaters behind, horses prancing, the mutters of the falcons and the dogs trotting along, panting, whining for the chase...wearing their fancy collars.

Old Egyptians, I salute you!

Sources:
Tour Egypt!
Animal Mummies
Brookyln Museum
Webhotep

Plans plans plans

2006-07-28T13:01:00.000+02:00

So - the *new* Saluki collar goes well. I use the bending technique on this collar, which will make it funny to send, but it lays just so much better... I'm using one of my precious scarabs for the main decoration instead of the sun beads - it's a little more authentic. Since these particular scarabs were created in Egypt (cairo) it's quite special. I'm excited to see the result - they're a little bigger than other scarabs I've seen, and don't have a shiny glaze on them, but they're gorgeous, just the same. I hope to have the collar done this weekend.

As I felt bad about the finished collar going off to the Swedish specialty instead of the Saluki specialty here, I've additionally volunteered an "Issa" collar for best desert-bred dog. I think probably in red. With all the colors a Saluki can come in, and the headache of matching the perfect color, red should match well to most of them.

The new "Bastet" cat collar is also in the works, although my model won't be here until middle September! I think I'll have to ask a friend of mine (Mel, I'm looking at you) to volunteer her British shorthair for the modelling duties. I'm really looking forward to working on that collar,although I've got some in front of it - the Saluki "Bedu" and "Issa" collars, the US Azawakh specialty "Flapper" collar, and Christianes Saluki collar, but I'll get to it.

***

Hopefully by the end of this weekend I'll have pics of the new Best Azawakhs of the North (from the Swedish Specialty) and his and her new collars. I'm excited to post them.

***

The first of our articles on Ancient Dog Collars should be up next week. I'm waiting on an answer from Cairo. (woot!)

***

HCs inoculations went well. Karolina the wonder breeder reports that His Catness was a model of Sphynx friendliness, purring madly, crazy friendly to everyone (even after the HUGE microchip needle was stuck through his little hide! Ouch!) I'm still getting prices on shipping him, so no new news as to when he's coming yet.

***

Friday!!!

Countdown 5,

2006-07-26T12:22:00.000+02:00

His Catness is 2 & 1/4 months old today.

Karolina the wonder breeder said that if HC doesn't have any problems with his shots we can look at the end of August as a "Coming Home" date. With this firmly in mind, I ask for my days off (holiday to acclimatize the cat - rock on!) and look for a spot on a plane. HC lives in Czech (Prague) and I live in Germany, and this part will need to be discussed with DH beforehand of course, once I get prices. But that'll be this week, as I want to get everything all ready for HC to be here.

Have you ever noticed (especially if you're a dog person) the sheer amount of crap one cat has to have? I feel (in defense of my dog) rather affronted: Cat toys abound! (Do they really need a little la-zer toy?) Litter boxes! Fancy litter holders! (More on that in a minute) Little - or HUGE - "cat" trees! Holy Dog, they even have cat grass! It's like Candyland for new cat owners, but if you are not planning enough ahead, it's Candyland in a money-sink.

Happily enough - I have been carefully purchasing what *I* determine he needs for three months (now it just needs to get here), and am now down to the final bits. But SUCH final bits! Feast your eyes on:

The Cat-carrier! (with specials hugs to the DH - I know you're going to love THIS!)

Oh yes - RED crocodile faux leather! I roll on the floor laughing.

Then I found: The LitterLocker! (purchased especially with the DH in mind)

This handy little treat stores the cat "by-products" out of harms way - no dog can get in it (which I suspect the KOAHS might be tempted to do), the by-products aren't in the kitchen or bathroom rubbish (also gooood) and it's supposed to keep *any* odor out.

I've looked and looked online, and it seems to be quite the cat thing. So of course he got it.

I even broke it down and got him a little mat for in front of his bathroom, so his feet stay nice and clean. And this cat litter! I mean honestly, why so many types? "Clumping" and "non-clumping", it even smells of baby powder. Holy dog.

Note: maybe all the dog toys and treats are bigger, or maybe I only get the posh stuff for KOAHS, but this cat stuff seems to be awfully inexpensive. I guess we'll see as we get more used to it.

The KOAHS is not a big "playing with toys" type of dog. His son plays soccer with the DH and his brother, but the KOAHS would prefer to watch from the sidelines, if you know what I mean. It should be very interesting to bring a crazy, playful kitten into the house. I know I keep saying this, but it's true: KOAHS is in for a nasty shock.

Other animals move during the day! They come and hang on the couch! Interaction! Gasp! Shudder!

I haven't had a cat in years and years, the DH: never. But I'm so excited to bring in such a handsome baby to be ours. I'll probably say it again, but thanks Karolina, for our little Cat Highness.

***
Something we will never even consider:

Breaking down the Dog Collar: Part 1

2006-07-25T12:25:00.000+02:00

In my new mini-series of writings on dog collars, I will dive in-depth into the shady world of dog collars. (It's not really a shady world, but doesn't that sound like what they say on telly?) What makes you want one? What works best with your dog? Is there such a thing as dog collar fashion? God forbid, trends?

Oh yes my friends, yes, all this and more will be answered. First up in our group: a historical article.

I'm working on it slowly around other projects, and hope to have one article up every week or so on my little mini-series.

***

His Catness Update

Well, His Catness had his first round of shots over the weekend, AND his microchip. Karolina the wonder breeder said that he took the torturing very well. She says he also starts to retrieve balls thrown and bring them back, just like a proper little dog ... er, I mean...well...cat.

So now, we have a cat that acts like a dog and a dog that acts like a cat. Severe species misalignment going on here.

***

Qabila Sighthound Collar Martingale News (usw)

The new white collar for the Germany Saluki Specialty goes well. I dig the white and black combination.

Regarding other news on the collar front, I think my d-ring and chain provider has fallen off the deep end or something - I've not heard hide nor hair from her in weeks. So, giving up, I attempt to make my own combination. (This has actually been going on for some time slowly, behind the scenes, but I'm only now starting to take it in earnest - otherwise I'm out of martingale d rings. Not good.)

I have found some welded d rings, and also some nice key rings (as they need to be a certain thickness and strength to be considered). I am waiting for them to be delivered. The good thing is, stuff like this is inexpensive until you buy in bulk (which I'm certainly not doing at this point). So little steps along the way. The only thing I'm worried about is the dog chain that connects the two d rings with the key ring. I am at a loss, I admit. I've been to the handyman stores here, but since I'm looking for such a specialized type, it takes some time. I think it's about time to bring in the DH on this issue...I'm certain he'd luuuurve to contribute to the collars by helping me find chain.

The website keeps plugging on. My designer Tim-my has the end of semester going on now, and that's a difficult thing to do, around everything else he has. So it will happen. Someday. (/FIT I WANT IT NOW I WANT IT NOW WHHHYYY MUST I WAIT I WANT IT NOW! /END FIT)

I have a nifty idea for a cat collar for His Catness...find out shortly what it looks like...

Duck Pond Diving

2006-07-23T14:45:00.000+02:00

Today is *yet* another hot day. The KOAHS rolled up out of bed (in front of the fan) about 12 pm, so I took him to our little park here.

It's such a nice park, with a big pond (almost up to lake size) and lots of big old trees that cover the sanded walkways going throughout the park. The pond is a favourite haunt of about 75 ducks, some canadian geese, and Abrahams family (the swan mum and dad and their three babies).

We stuck to the shade, and I took the KOAHS down to the water.

A disclaimer: He's normally not much for water. Being a desert dog, he normally shudders away from any water actually touching his August Hide, including rain, mist or dew. Let's not even go into bath water.

However, today, he *leaped* into the duck pond - scaring both me and the fifteen or so ducks perched on a local submerged tree trunk. The ducks flapped, I jumped, and KOAHS didn't even care.

I watched in amazement as my normally water-hating dog paddled around in murky water up to his chest, lapping it (EEE) up with relish.

After climbing out, he proceeded to race around in eccentric circles, rather like an elephant in charge mode.

Will wonders never cease.

Cheating but in a good way

2006-07-20T23:10:00.000+02:00

Hello all,

I've made a slight switch to the lineup for the Swedish and German Specialty collars:

As I've got to make the mail tomorrow for the Swedish club, I'm sending the black collar for the male winner and my navy Issa tag collar to the best female.

That means the white Bedu collar will go for the Saluki Germany specialty. I don't think they'll mind - both the black and the white collars are exceptional, so they should be happy.

In other Qabila news, take a look at the new logo. Isn't it great? (Thanks Tim-my!)

Bwah! Heiss!

2006-07-20T20:40:00.000+02:00

Back when I lived in the states, this weather rocked. 95, 100 degrees - so? Big deal was ... ? But then again, I had:

1. An automobile with air conditioning
2. A workplace and a house with air conditioning
3. A country that believed air conditioning was part of the Human Rights Act.

Now that I live in good 'ole Europa, I have:

No air conditioning. None. Almost no air movement at all - they don't have much wind here, you know. Practically no fans. The city trains and buses with air con? Please get yourself a life, girl. NO AIR! GASP! GURGLE! (I won't complain too much, though - it's much better here overall)

Now, I'm not some kind of sissy, but day in and day out hot hot hot (at night too, eee) makes for a cranky group of people. And dogs. I think that the KOAHS is doing his best impression of a castle and drawbridge, because his mouth is never shut.

The diet is helping him, but we still can't go out before 9-10 pm at night without his tongue scraping the ground and walking like a zombie. It's simply too hot. Even inside, with a fan (that bizarrely not so many Germans have, I dunno why) we are still baking.

So the collars are coming, but I'm struggling through the heatwave. It's a shame to think I've fallen out of love with my favourite season, but c'mon! Sweat is GROSS! Thank you, global warming!

The one navy "Issa" tag collar was finished last night. I've got to jet to get the second done in time to ship on Saturday. Eee.

***

Here is His Highness, German Beauty Champion Motzenberger, showing off his best method of cooling off: airing it all out on the sofa. He's lucky - that place is built like a brick house (get it??), and is almost always stone cool. Luuuuurvley (except in winter).

***

The KOAHS: Once I was the knight,

now I am the castle:

See the resemblance?

***

Ugh. HOT HOT HOT! I give up. More tomorrow.

His Catness and the Two Month Mark

2006-07-18T12:11:00.000+02:00

I am pleased to say that His Catness has reached the ripe old age of two months. I've got new pics to prove it!

As I suspected, the ears are growing bigger and BIGGER and BIGGER ... But isn't he sweet ...

With his big green eyes ...

And his handsome white feet ...

His little bat-wings...

Here's a pic of the entire brother/sister group packed like apples. That black one's looking pretty ripe to me!

He's probably going to come in the middle of September. We're all so excited! KOAHS won't know what hit him!

Yippee!

2006-07-17T20:39:00.000+02:00

I started the "Issa" tag collar last night - it's well on its way to being finished. As an interesting side note, I thought I would show you a pic of all that goes into a Qabila "Bedu" collar, for your edification. Some people like looking at the "guts" of something, and I've not ever seen a pic like this before. So .. here it is:

Additionally, I am totally excited to report I finally found a turquoise bead of the necessary size and hue for my collars. I'll not lie to you - it's been a real struggle to find some things for the collars, with these turquoise beads being the absolute worst of the lot. Like my Fulani beads, I found the turquoise beads in America. The Bedouin decorate their halters with turquoise, as it's *big* good luck and imparts good fortune on the wearer. As I want to make sure that all "my" hounds that wear my collars are safe through charms, I searched until I found the perfect type!

As my friend Hamad says, "do not attempt to place something on your animal that is not containing a turquoise bead."

***

He is the chaaaaampion! (Cue Queen!!)

Today, the Motzenberger received his official German Championship Certificate in the mail. Woot!

So now, you've got to address him as "His highness, German Beauty Champion Modibo" !! Royalty is *so* contained in this family line.

The KOAHS is proud, proud, proud.

Recap

2006-07-17T12:13:00.000+02:00

I will be providing the following collars for the Azawakh / Saluki Swedish Specialty show:

1. Best Adult Female - "Bedu" Martingale collar - white, with black and turquoise accents, Fulani sun beads
2. Best Adult Male - "Issa" tag collar, navy blue with red accents, cowry shells.

I have colors, verified my sizes, and start tonight. It'll probably take at least a week of travel for the collars to reach Sweden, so it's full speed ahead.

***

We got a couple extra photos of the KOAHS at his judging duties Saturday. He wore his white Bedu collar, and received many compliments - which he, of course, only felt he deserved.

Before the show started:

When I went into the ring to judge, he stayed outside, but soon weasled his way into the ring as well.

KOAHS with his favourite "by-product":

Amazingly enough, he got along with *every* horse out there, routinely sniffing noses after they were finished. About halfway through, he was absolutely wiped out:

The entire next day he snoozed in his bed downstairs, out of the heat. He finally roused himself about 6 pm to go outside.

So long

2006-07-17T12:07:00.000+02:00

Goodbye, Nuna

KOAHS Goes to the Horse Show

2006-07-16T16:19:00.000+02:00

Howdy, as we with the horses say.

Yesterday, the KOAHS and I went to a horse show, as I would be a judge there. It was by far the nicest barn I've visited yet in Germany, and the KOAHS gave a hearty "thumbs up!!" to the horse caa-caa in the stall we stood by...a thumbs up that entailed rolling,

Twisting,

and twirling, IN A CIRCLE, madly, with drool hanging, for about 15 minutes, halted only at my insistence. Of course, he had his blo*dy collar on, stupid me. The fancy white pretty one.

So it's time to see how the collars handle being washed. I'll keep you posted. When he got home, the KOAHS was repaid for his naughtiness with a nice cold bath, and retreated to his bed to sulk in high style.

My friend Mel (shout OUT!) showed her Haflinger Henry (Semper Fi) in a dressage test for all the barn sissies - in Western! That is certainly the first time I've seen that happen, but the horse did great. I was quite impressed.

***
In other related collar news, I am now to donate a collar to the great Azawakh and Saluki Specialty in Sweden! I am so pumped! It's needed the last weekend of July, though, so I've got to get on it. Planning begins this evening and preparation as well.

Details on color tomorrow morning.

(Thanks Susannah!)

KOAHS Gives a Shout-out to Killer Yap!

2006-07-14T12:07:00.000+02:00

I know that this is a collar blog, but sometimes I read something in my "normal" research that is so d*mn funny, I've got to share it. This is one of those times. Mrs Snark is a literary agent in New York, and had a post last night that had me crying with laughter. Mrs Snark also has a poodle named Killer Yap that reminds me very much of my KOAHS. Turns out English teachers have a contest every year where they can submit actual writing from their students. These are my personal favourites:

Favourite dog-related: She had a deep, throaty, genuine laugh, like that sound a dog makes just before it throws up.

Favourite other: It was an American tradition, like fathers chasing kids around with power tools.

A Very Honorable Mention: He was as lame as a duck. Not the metaphorical lame duck, either, but a real duck that was actually lame, maybe from stepping on a land mine or something.

How do they keep their faces still when they read this? Go see the others.

Qabila Collars Riches!

2006-07-13T17:45:00.000+02:00

Ah, the gorgeousness of it. Happy Friday.

I just received these from the states, after tracking them down. They're blessed hard to find, but I wanted them, lusted after them, for my collars. Thankfully, the auction I won had two strands, so I'm rolling around in the luxuriousness of having so many to play with.

What are they? Sun king beads from the Fulani in Niger. Oh mah dawg, they are so pretty. As there's not much of an industrial market for these, the tribes still make them in the old, sand-cast method. Which means they started with wax, some warm bronze, and sand, and ended up with my beads. MY beads! Woot!

Here's a pic. Aren't they great?

Yet another. This one gets the richness of the bronze better than the first one. So cool.

It was great. They were in a closed-ziplock bag, and when I opened them, a little whiff of the Sahara crept out and said "salaam".

Well, not really, but in my imagination it did.

I'll be using them shortly, but as I don't have a huge supply, I'll be quite stingy with my nifty beads. They are so cool.

Naturally, KOAHS has first dibs, and now sports one on his regular navy/blue collar. I'll take a pic of it tonight for your viewing pleasure.

Thees and that

2006-07-13T12:52:00.000+02:00

I have to take a temporary break from the martingale collars, as the supplier for my d ring/chain combination is on a lengthy, extended holiday. Hopefully she'll be back soon, and I can go forward.

***

In the meantime, I am preparing a turquoise Bedu show leash/collar for Modibo. I got some cool pressed glass lotus flower beads from Egypt, and I plan to accent with these. We'll see how they turn out - they are the perfect size for a show collar. With the size and daintyness of a true show collar, the only thing that might take a little time to make is the leash, but I don't anticipate a show collar/lead taking any longer than three or so days. I'll keep you updated of course.

Amoung the other interesting bits of collar lore I struggle with, right now I'm attempting to imagine a take on a buckle-type collar that would satisfy my artistic sense while still being a viable option for those dog owners that insist on buckle collars. I give a disclaimer: I *do not* normally like buckle collars (see earlier posts), but if I have to make one, I want to make it in a style that I'M happy with. Otherwise, we stick with martingales.

I surf a lot on the web for different collar styles, and I actually found a mid-15th century idea that doesn't seem too shabby. So in the meantime, know that my mind is working over a buckle collar for you folks out there that can't change. Although I say, just try the martingales. You'll never have another type again! But whatever. It's your choice.

***

In watching the Twink progress in his growing, two main things stick out - HIS EARS. In the next couple days I should be getting new pictures of him, which is always a hoot, because of the ear:body proportions. Somewhere, the DH and his parents shudder in horror - they have the misguided notion that our little Twinkie-dink is UGLY! Simply because of his poor lack of hair! Can you imagine? I will keep it a secret from the Twink, as I don't want him scarred for life.

In honor of his exuberant personality, today (as he is 1 3/4 months old, you know...) he will be christened with his new "Nom de Plume", as the KOAHS already has his and we felt it inappropriate that Twink didn't have his own. So now, Twinkie, aka Tyrell Tokyo Banana, is:

"His Insidious Catness", or "His Catness", for short.

Until I get him here (sometime in September) and learn what his favorite foods are, I am unable to spoil him in a hands-on method. Since everyone ought to have a Nom de Plume, I am spoiling him in this way. (However, as KOAHS acts more like a cat than it sounds like Twink acts like one, I should name KOAHS "His Catness". But I digress.)

We will proceed with appropriate, species-specific Nom de Plume(s), and hope that His Catness agrees with his new name.

His breeder ends her messages "Twink waves with his little elephant ears". How cute is that? Next Tuesday we find out when His Catness gets to pack his bags for Germany. Keep your fingers crossed for the option "ASAP".

Ode to Nuna

2006-07-12T16:53:00.000+02:00

Nuna isn't long for this world.

He's one of two dogs of a friend of mine. Nuna was a product of a broken, abusive home, and was rescued from this home by my buddy a long time ago. They've been through thick and thin - bites and scrapes - fights and training - but through it all, Nuna's been a tried and true friend. For over 12 years (although Nuna himself is 15).

You can see it from his wise, old face: he's got problems inside, heart palpations and liver - and although they've tried everything, he continues to fight, and go downhill, fighting all the way.

How do you make this kind of decision for a dog you've had forever (it seems like) and not feel horribly guilty?

By knowing that Nuna would fight until the end, and then be in horrible pain. It's close now, he's not eating, and they've made the decision to let him go.

I've done it with my darling Gus, and Lali, and D'art, and I know how it is. Wrenching pain. You don't feel like you've got an inch left of your heart, it's just a raw, quivering mess.

But they are doing the right, honorable thing. We are here to protect our animals as much as they protect us, and I firmly believe they are making the correct choice. I hope the DH and I are as strong and good when it comes time for the KOAHS to go (although my hope is he will live forever).

So tonight, when you look into the trusting, funny face of your cat or dog (or parrot, fish, whatever) give him or her a hug - tight - and tell them that you love them.

You might not have another day to do it.

Monday, Monday...

2006-07-10T20:17:00.000+02:00

Well, the black 2006 Saluki Specialty collar is finished. The black turned out really well. I ended up using one main amber bead in the middle, and standard cool cowries around it.

Here's a side view...

A close up of the cowries...

The ender...

***
Twinkle-news

Twink-aye is better from his little virus, thank you very much. Karolina the wonder breeder said that he is now officially the wildest of the litter, and madly fetches cat toys and bites his brothers and sister. Her official word of the day for him??

insidious

Makes you glad you're a dog person, hmmm?? Boy oh boy, is the KOAHS in for a nasty shock.

***

And, as a little funny, I've got a nice poll today. I've caught some flack recently as well as some mad encouragement, and I thought I'd plainly set up a vote. What's yours?

Spa Oma

2006-07-04T21:42:00.000+02:00

The KOAHS is currently on holiday for the rest of the week at Oma and Opa (the DH parents) house. He adores this on many levels:

- He gets to lay on the couch and sleep.
- He gets leberwurst (liver pate) and sliced bread for breakfast.
- He has his son there, all day, every day, to play with - or bully, take your pick.
- Opa lives to take the boys out for walks, which is right up KOAHS' alley. Dude loves being adored.

It's a little mini-holiday for da boy, and why not? Enjoy it while he can, I say. He has one heck of a life, our KOAHS.

When I went to drop him off, I got some pics of his son in his fancy-pants collar. I thought earlier that Modibodi was flirting with the camera, but I wonder - is this going to be a common look for him? You decide.

"Eh, whassat?"

"Go on, admit it. You love me".

I stand by my colour choices. The turquoise looks hot.

The KOAHS, of course, had to have a couple pics. Since we were right off the train, I didn't have to give him his pig ear. He'll come back from Spa Oma with about five extra kilos, anyway.

This is all so beneath him.

I hope by the end of the week to have the Saluki collar done. It's blody hot here (intentionally misspelled) and I have about enough energy to collapse in front of the computer. Some days I'd kill for airconditioning. This week happens to be one of those days.

Hmph

2006-07-03T12:04:00.000+02:00

Start Rant

Most of the time, I must say, living with a dog in Germany is absolute bliss. You can take him anywhere - even on the train! - and people just accept the fact that the dog is there, and you go on with your life.

But then sometimes ...

What I CAN'T STAND are the normal, everyday folks walking their dogs without a leash - and these dogs are AGGRESSIVE. I've had pit bulls, golden retrievers, dobermanns, big dogs - rush up to the KOAHS and myself, exhibiting dominant behaviour. What does their owner do? "Oh sparky, come, sparky, naughty"...passive behaviour by the owner, and not even a BLINK when their dog is circling the KOAHS and I, rumbling with threatening growls and stalking stiff legged around us. I put myself between the dogs, say something to the owner, but they are so damn OBLIVIOUS to it! How much more obvious should it be - if the city says keep your dog on a leash, keep him on the friggin' leash, especially if he's of questionable temperament!

I don't care if Sparky is a darling at home. He's not acting like it here!

I don't care if Sparky would "never in a million years" do something like that. He's acting like it, so take his word for it.

I don't care if Sparky doesn't like his damn leash. You're not going to like my suing your butt when he hurts my dog.

I don't care if Sparky wants to run right now. There's an enclosed dog area about five minutes away. Boost your butt and get to it.

Take this morning. Normal, happy morning. The KOAHS lugs his rear out of his fancy bedcovers, and wanders over to the door. He's in a pretty good mood - sometimes when I have to wake him up early to go out he's a bugger. But not today. Tail wagging, ears pricked, we set out to our favourite morning walk, by the pond with the baby swans and their parents, Abraham and Abby. We're walking, when up runs a big Rhodesian - you got it - without leash. BIG DOG. What's he doing? Hackles up, lips raised, front legs braced, looking aggressive. I pull the KOAHS behind me, he's starting to get angry and defensive, and I look up angrily at the dog owner. I'm like, "Hello, um, LEASH??" He doesn't meet my eye, do s-q-u-a-t, just walks past. But what does Evil Dog do then? Follow the KOAHS and I! Then the owner is like, "sparky, sparky"...Is Sparky listening? No frigging way. Sparky wants to try and kick some Azawakh ass. But I can say Sparky's going to get a boot in the side if he continues this shizz. I finally end up yelling at the dog and making "shoo" gestures. He goes. What does his lump of an owner do? Still nada. So typical of these owners with these kind of dogs - they just don't want to accept it. Denial. Morons. But honestly, first it's a dog and then before you know it, a kid is hurt. Matter of time.

Is it any wonder that the KOAHS is slowly turning from a dog that loves every other dog he meets into a dog that has fear for other big dogs? I don't think so. He's running out of patience, and so am I. Next time I'm calling the Polizei.

End Rant.

Back to collars tomorrow.

Wenn wir Weltmeisters sein

2006-07-01T14:20:00.000+02:00

Go Deutschland!!

Qabila Collars News!

2006-06-30T12:07:00.000+02:00

Well, the black 2006 Saluki Specialty collar's background is almost completely finished. I'm also exceeding satisfied with it, so far - I tried a different sort of parachute cord, which is a little larger than what I'd used previously. It gives a roundness and fullness to the collar - a luxuriousness, if you will - that I had only on the first blue collar I made (as I ran out of this particular size of cord for the following collars). Not to fear: I now have a steady supply of this size of cord, and I fully plan to use it from now on. I'm very satisfied with it. I know I said that, but I really mean it.

I also used hand-dyed black wool for the collar, and the black is quite spiffy. Most dogs can carry off black, and Salukis certainly will look dashing in it - red accent colors are planned, with large bronze-foil beads and cowries as accents. Should look HOT. As it's a donation collar, the KOAHS can't wear it around, but I will take a picture of him wearing it so you can see the black and red combo. It's hot.

Hopefully by the end of this weekend it'll be up on the blog. Then I start the 2006 Azawakh Specialty "Flapper" collar, and then I think I'll try my hand at a large-size buckle collar. In the meantime, I'm hoping to get the website up - still ... I had to send him the logo I had worked up, so that it could be included. It'll have a great look, too. I'm excited.

Good Times, Good Times

2006-06-29T12:08:00.000+02:00

Every half year the KOAHS goes through a process where it seems that he sheds every remaining hair on his body - the dust bunnies arrive in the house (you can hear them tussling under the bed), you go to pet him and pull away a hand with hair, his bed (and ours, mysteriously) all covered in short red hairs, I could go on - all from a skinny (well...) short-haired Azawakh!

During this time I normally have to brush him good four or five times to get all the darn little hairs out. This doesn't guarantee he doesn't continue to shed, but it helps. As there are simply clouds of hair (you really wouldn't believe it) I do it outside.

Last night was no exception. After his nice long walk, wherein he played madly with some bizarre little dog with an absolutely HORRIBLE body collar, we arrived "back at the ranch" and ready to brush. Of course, he doesn't know this - for good reason. He'd go and hide. When he was younger and fitter, he didn't like it at all. Now that he's a little, hmm, tubbier, it's not so bad.

So we go out into the front garden. I take his collar off - no point getting that covered in hair, too - and grab the currycomb. We always start at the head and move back, because he does adore his neck being brushed. Get to the shoulder, and then something happens.

Have you ever seen the demolition of a big building? First the back goes, then middle, then front. So it was with the KOAHS - first the rear went down. I thought to make him get up, but I was at the shoulder - no need make him yet. The clouds of hair are still coming where I'm working! Then the middle - he lays in the Sphinx position. Ok, I thought, this can be handled. By now I was to the space inbetween his shoulder blades and just starting to go back.

Then - BOOM! Over he goes. Flat as a pancake. Looks up at me like, "Well, you have to brush back there anyway, might as well be comfortable!" He then stretched out his head, and closed his eyes. I felt like a spa service. It was hysterical. His "extra skin" (fat) rolled him over the grass and he laid there, content, as I scrubbed away on his sides and rear end. We did get odd looks from people walking past.

When it was done, he shook himself briskly, and then wanted in. What a weird dog he sometimes is.

***

Twinkle-toes is 5 weeks old! Here he is, solicitously cleaning his little sister's ear. What a great brother he is! Share and share alike, he always says.

Also with mummy...

Twinkie is now in the "big cat" playpen room, and is having a ball learning how to deal with everything. He's such a little doll-kitten.

Modibodi the Showstopper

2006-06-27T12:54:00.000+02:00

I am pleased to present "Modibo", aka Modibodi, Mo, Motzenberger, Mozilla, Modi, No No Bad Dog, Stop Barking, Be Nice to the Kitty, etc. The list does go on.

Motzinberger is the proud new recipient of a Bedouin collar with all ze trimmings, in turquoise with dark blue accents. Cowries and miniature indian bells complete his posh look. If you want a close up of the collar, please see blog entry "Casanova in Qabila".

Isn't he a doll. Playing shy for the camera...

The turqouise shows up better against his color than KOAHS, and I really like this color on him. The tassels are a little longer than KOAHS'...but overall a good fit.

***

The KOAHS had a little issue with his modelling contract for "Casanova in Qabila", two entries below this one ... turns out he is tired of showing off for nothing. Ungrateful wretch.

So now he starts to get one pig ear slice per show. Have you ever heard of such a thing?

King of the Jungle

2006-06-26T21:11:00.000+02:00

Be happy you're not in Czech. Poor Karolina and her baby kittens have been subjected to 33 degree celsius heat for the past week. She says everybody just lays, listlessly, waiting for the winter. Poor things.

She managed to catch Twink in a moment of non-heat. Isn't he growing??

Everytime I see him, his ears seem to get bigger. I think I've purchased Dumbo in cat form. "I think I seen, all I seen, when I see a kittie-cat flyyyyyyyyy"

Mercy!

***

Modibodi, the great showstopper, had some fancy-pants pics taken in his new collar tonight. Tomorrow you'll see them.

A Casanova in Qabila

2006-06-25T12:44:00.000+02:00

Here is the darling KOAHS in his new, white with turquoise and black accents collar. This is my favorite.

Here's a full frontal:

Now a full frontal, bent:

A nice view of one of the turquoise scarabs. I purchased them at the King Tut museum exhibition a while back...didn't know what I'd do with them THEN...but we're set now!

Here's a more up close view of the front of the collar:

I managed to get Modibos' collar finished as well, altho I gave the dog show a miss. His luck evidently didn't need me there to win, tho - he won his class and the CAC for the show, for Azawakhs. V. good, little Modi!

Altho you can't see it, his collar is a bright turquoise. I find it very beautiful, myself.

Here's an up close of the side decor ... the golden things in the middle of the cowries are tiny Indian ankle bells...for a chime without the chink, actually.

I'm sending it with the DH tomorrow night to Modibodi...hopefully I can get his slaves (i.e., owners) to take some pictures of him in it. He really is a handsome boy.

Here's one last of mah KOAHS...isn't he a love.

****
Hopefully Twink is doing okay. Karolina the wonder breeder is in the midst of sending out her first litter to their new homes, and hasn't had a chance to send me new pics. We all look forward to him coming!

Bye for now!

Down to the wire

2006-06-23T13:04:00.000+02:00

Well, KOAHS white Bedouin collar is finished. It is great. The turquoise/white/black grouping is awesome. I managed to find a set of three more scarabs, but you can be sure I will not make so many of those. It is easily the nicest one I've made so far. Modis is done as well ... except for attaching the cowries and beads. That will hopefully happen tonight, after I meet with a new client. Tomorrow morning I go to a show where Modi is showing, and he will have his new collar on!

I'll then post some pics, after the show. I'm looking forward to it.

Here's looking at you, kid

2006-06-21T12:26:00.000+02:00

The Fab Twink is one month old TODAY!

Woot!

Good Day

2006-06-20T12:59:00.000+02:00

Well, I won (and paid for) my auction today, containing the necessary miniature shells for KOAHS' collar. Modibos carries on as well, although I was lazy (horror!) yesterday and didn't do much on it. I anticipate being more productive this evening. I've decided to go with a dark blue/turquoise mix for Modis.

The dyed wool turned out wonderfully. I fully anticipate the Saluki Specialty collar to be the next finished collar. So, to date, the order is:

1. KOAHS - adding cowries, miniature shells, scarabs (White with black and turquoise accents; tassels)
2. Modi - finishing background, adding cowries, shells, and beads (Turquoise with royal blue accents; tassels)
3. Saluki Specialty collar - making and finishing background, adding beads and cowries. (Black with red and amber accents, tassels)
4. Azawakh Specialty collar - making and finishing background, adding cowries ("flapper" collar, see below, turquoise with royal blue accents)
5. Yours?

Unfortunately we didn't get the website up this weekend as I had hoped. It should be up shortly; you know I'll tell you when it's available. I did, however, put up a link to the KOAHS and Modis breeder - the fab Ursula Arnold, in Germany. To the right, under "The best Azawakh breeder out there". By popular request.

Success...

2006-06-18T19:43:00.000+02:00

I've finished all but attaching KOAHS white Bedouin collar. It looks gooood. Modibo's begins now, as he has such a skinny little neck, it should be no problem to finish it by Saturday (his show day).

Today I dyed black a wool group, for the Saluki Specialty (German-Gelsenkirchen) collar. It went relatively painlessly, and so far it's safely drying out of the light for the required 24 hours. I'll have to check and see the strength of the line after. I'll report soon on that.

I've also implemented step one in my great and shining plan. Next is to finish the two collars - I'm thinking one brilliant red and a bright yellow - and then step 2 is finished.

I'll have pictures either Tuesday or Wednesday of the white Bedouin. More soon!

Jeetjet?

2006-06-17T18:46:00.000+02:00

Well, progress on the white collar goes remarkably well. I believe I have enough experience now to easily churn one out in a few days...as long as I have the time to do it in the evening. The background is completely done, the colors are already chosen (turquoise scarabs on a black background with tiny shells surrounding) and all that remains is to sew all that on. I'm waiting on a new shipment of miniature shells (cowry-like) that will surround the scarabs. I should win those on Monday. Hopefully.

Today I was downtown in Dortmund searching through their shops. I found the best, coolest thing, something that will change the American Azawakh Association trophy. As the trophy goes to the top female, this is perfect. I'm going to call it a "flapper" collar, and it's only going to be for this one time (probably, as I bought the remaining ribbon that they had). This ribbon (turquoise, I seem to be going through a turquoise phase) has thin lines of tiny beads attached that dangle, like a flapper dress. Oh so cool.

So my idea? Incorporate this into the background of the collar, put a line of miniature shells at the very top, add dark blue (with, possibly, turquoise foil glass beads if I can find them) at the ends, and voila! A collar I can guarantee that you can find nowhere else in the world. Tres Sheik.

So...I'm presently finishing the white collar (for KOAHS), a turquoise for Modibo the wonder dog, a black with red and bronze accents for the Saluki specialty, and the flapper collar.

I have to finish two others as well, for a secret project I'll tell you about shortly. Fingers crossed!

Hopefully I'll have the website up this weekend as well. Tim-my has promised.

News and Updates ...

2006-06-16T09:52:00.000+02:00

News, dear reader!

I am over the moon to report that I will be donating a Bedouin collar to the 2006 German Saluki Specialty in Gelsenkirchen. I'm completely chuffed, as this is a great step for my collars ...

Now, with the 2006 American Azawakh Specialty, I've got two absolutely great breeds, and I'm giving a collar to each! Hoo-ah!

My new website is also under construction by the fab Tim-my, who promises to have it finished by this weekend. This will contain vital stats for the collars, as well as personal information (how to contact me, order, etc). I'm so excited!

Suffering from Twinkie-withdrawal...Karolina the wonder breeder is presently having to supplement her second litter (as mummy doesn't have enough milk - well, with like nine babies, you wouldn't either!) and so can't send any pictures right now. Please keep your fingers crossed for the babies, as I'm needing me some Twink pics!

***

In honor of the World Cup ... soccer ... füßball ... however you want to say it ... here is a prime example of how soccer corrupts the young.

First the foul ...

Then the bribing of the umpire!

Makes sense that the umpire is the Azawakh!

Thanks, Daniela! (Hadi el Basher Amazing Salukis)

***

Oh Lord, it's hard, to be humble....

2006-06-15T15:35:00.000+02:00

You remember that old song? I'm from the south, and I can remember my dad singing it. What does this have to do with this post? It's the KOAHS' new song. (For those of you who don't know it, the rest of the sentence is, 'when you're perfect in every way)

***

Pictures are here! Here are the two Bedouin (without tassels) out in by the Düssel river. It was a little hot, we had to work around his water breaks, but we got 'em!

First is the light - I'm calling it electric, 'cause it sure stands out! - blue. With tag collar, so you get an idea of how they lay on the neck.

Saw another dog...

wanted you to admire his beautiful head.

Saw the soccer players.

Next is the dark blue, 'cause this one is my favourite right now. I'm lovin' it. The dark blue along with the brilliant red are a total hit. This first one, I forgot the flash, but it shows the side...

Here is an "oh, ducky?" shot. He thought the duck was coming into our space, and wasn't digging it.

I put this in so you can see a close up of how the tag collar hangs. This had been worn only one time before, and already is laying properly, along his neck. When heads go down to sniff, the tag collar stays put where it should be, which is great.

Here's as much action shot as I could get. The KOAHS thought I was out of my friggin' mind, trying to get him to run. So we got a walk.

Here's a laying down after water break. Isn't he a doll, and ISN'T that a nice collar combination!!

I was compulsively shopping yesterday...as I am starting the white Bedouin with numerous small (manageable) tassels, I was looking into the bead options for around the cowries. I'm going with black accents on this collar, and turquoise Scarab beads from Egypt as the main accent on the black. It looks hot. I found two tuareg-looking beads, and promptly snapped them up for between the large accent and smaller accents. You'll know what I mean when you see it.

I think I'm going to attempt to keep every collar as pure and unique as possible. The options for your dog are absolutely endless, within reason. I don't think I'll ever go back to a leather or nylon (backed, duckies, I HATE nylon being shown on the collar, seriously) sighthound martingale. These are just too comfy for him, and are absolutely strong.

I'm so happy with them. Back to work on the white one.

2006-06-14T12:53:00.000+02:00

I've started work on a white tasseled Bedouin collar. It looks like my good friends over at Arabian Fancy are going to put up a page on their excellent arabian site for fellow Arabian enthusiasts to see the Bedu collars.

As my bedouin collars are a) such a great fit with the Arabian horse native costume, and b) such a soft, form-fitting option to a "regular" collar, I'm sure I'll soon be talking with more great Arab people to outfit their dogs! I'll be happy to serve as "flavour of the month"!

Arabian horse people are much like sighthound people. They own animals that aren't quite animals, that aren't ever really owned, per se. These people are just lucky to share their territory with these...can't call 'em pets, really...companions. In their giddiness at having such companions, they tend to splurge lavishly, and really dig the occasional new "toy" they can get.

Splurge! Splurge! Your dog will thank you for it!

**

I haven't forgotten the pictures in the forest promise. Camera is charged, the weather is nice, and KOAHS and I will be snapping away this evening. Bound to get some rather funny looks,
probably.

**

Twinkie dink is three weeks old today! Mum and siblings were all moved into the "big girl and big boy" playpen, to start living in the real world. Karolina the wonder breeder said they all sat there for a minute - "WTF is going on??" - but then happily started to pull their fat bodies all over their new domain.

Looks like the playpen is a hit.

Here's a close-up of everybody chillin' in the bed. Too cute!

Whoah! Hot!

2006-06-13T20:28:00.000+02:00

It is wayyy warm here in good old Deutschland today...30 degrees Celsius. As it hasn't been above 14 degrees all year, and then switched within a day, you see lots of red faces on humans and panting tongues on dogs.

As he gets older, the KOAHS becomes less into the heat. Today I drenched him under the cold water, and now he's laying ("Reviewing" I'm sure he's thinking) on the wooden floor by my desk under the fan. Rough life.

I finished the felt and wool tag bag, and it's nifty. I think I like the original best so far, although I can really embellish the felt with cowries, etc., galore. I'll have it with and without tassels...the tassel one is just the coolest thing, though. Here's a picture of that for your edification...

As soon as I can get the pancake-like KOAHS off his flabby side, I'll take some pictures of the felt tag collar. Probably tomorrow...we hear through the grapevine it's supposed to storm.

A big shout-out to Candis, who is our Collar Site of the Month. She owns and creates for Posh Pawz, and I fully anticipate to get a short talk with her on the blog this week. Possibly Thursday...

New pictures soon!

Nicks and Nacks...

2006-06-12T12:34:00.000+02:00

Interesting and Entertaining Dog Collar Sites

I found a funny link on the web this weekend. Did you know that there is actually a dog collar museum in the world? **True story** A dog collar museum! I have to check it out.

It's at Leeds Castle, in Eng-el-and, and seems to be quite hip, with plenty of wide-collar brass and silver contraptions. Some of those collars look downright kinky, though. Unfortunately, they don't have a lot of information up on their website, but I'll see about visiting at some point and writing up some info...it's really unfortunate that they don't have more pictures online. Here's a link to the page:

Leeds Castle

Another interesting link is an auction house that has some fabulous old collars for sale. They are wayy cool...chock-full of brass and silver. The KOAHS would have a hissy fit if I tried to stick him in one of those. He is, at times, a reluctant model.

Cool Antique Collars

***

TO: GOD: FROM: KOAHS

Dear God: Why do humans smell the flowers, but seldom, if ever, smell one another?
Dear God: When we get to heaven, can we sit on your couch? Or is it still the same old story?
Dear God: Why are there cars named after the jaguar, the cougar, the mustang, the colt, the stingray, and the rabbit, but not ONE named for a dog? How often do you see a cougar riding around? We do love a nice ride! Would it be so hard to rename the "Chrysler Eagle" the " Chrysler Beagle"? Well, BEAGLE, but it's still a good example.
Dear God: If a dog barks his head off in the forest and no human hears him, is he still a bad dog?
Dear God: We dogs can understand human verbal instructions, hand signals, whistles, horns, clickers, beepers, scent ID's, electromagnetic energy fields, and Frisbee flight paths. What do humans understand?
Dear God: More meatballs, less spaghetti, please.
Dear God: Are there mailmen in Heaven? If there are, will I have to apologize?

***

So the Twinkie fans aren't disappointed - Now you see the great inspiration behind Tokyo's name. As an editor and writer, this totally cracked me up.

Here is a visual from the Tokyo Banana page for chocolate Twinkies!

A Macrame Sighthound Collar that ROCKS

2006-06-11T12:46:00.000+02:00

Finally! Pics of the blue "Bedouin Idi" collar...I made this one without tassels and with beads closing the bottom. I used a palm tree design for the cowry shell additions.

We've been using it since yesterday, so far it's a hit. I also made a tag bag, altho I'm not completely happy with it. I'm by far fonder of the tag collar, as it's so handy and nice. I'm making him a dark blue tag collar to match the blue.

A close-up view of the back.

I'm starting work on a white Bedouin now, with tassels and bells. Modibo (the KOAHS son) gets a fancy new collar of turquoise in time for his next show, so I've got to get on it.

The 2006 American Azawakh Specialty will have a white Bedouin with tassels donated in a small size, for the top female. I'm very happy to provide such a nice collar to such a nice breed. ;) But then again, I'm a little biased.

Dark Blue Success!

2006-06-09T23:53:00.000+02:00

Welp, I finished the blue collar this afternoon/evening, after the dogsitter came by. I tried a different technique during the main macrame creation - bending it around my knee. It actually turned out quite great, and I'm real fond of the dark blue/bright red combination. I know it sounds bizarre, but trust me...it's hot.

It looks like KOAHS likes it too. The absolute best part about these collars, I'm finding, is that they break in in about two seconds. There's no stiffness, bulky edges, etc. Right from the first they're comfortable. They drape around the neck wonderfully, and are **really** strong.

We actually had a test of the strength tonight. There is an evil kitty (that Twinkie's gonna whoop ass on from behind the bedroom window, just wait) that sits on the steps outside and drives the KOAHS bonkers.

Evil kitty (a yellow bottlebrush cat, so ordinary, but the ordinary-ness hides a sick, devious mind) was sitting out on the normal spot and was giving KOAHS "the eye." Our Mighty Azawakh is not one to take stuff like this lying down, so of course he took off after the cat - whereupon he was drag and gagged back to the side of my leg. He's been pouting since.

I had been (up to now) a little worried about the strength, but it appears all the extra binding I've used makes it phenominally strong. This Evil Kitty moment was certainly one of those spur of the moment things, and the collar held.

I am so excited.

I'd create pics, but the DH is in Dortmund WITH MY FRICKING CAMERA and so you've just got to wait. I'm taking KOAHS to the forest tomorrow with all the collars to get some "action shots".

Stay tuned.

Skin is IN

2006-06-09T13:02:00.000+02:00

Karolina the wonder breeder sent me a couple darling new shots of Twinkie-dink...he's really workin' it for the camera...

Streeeetchin' out for a nap ---

If he grows into that skin he's going to be a monster. A gigantic, hairless monster.

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As promised, here is the link to the sad story of O'Tarat. It looks like he's going to make it, though!

http://www.republika.pl/azawakhs/nasz_tarat_gb.html

Kudos to Judyta for keeping him and going through all of this, at 6 months pregnant!

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More later!

2,5 months and counting...

2006-06-07T12:45:00.000+02:00

News, dear reader!

I'm happy to report that the Bedouin dark blue collar is presently on the last lap to being finished. Only now to add the baubles, close the bottom, decorate the sides, and it's done. The DH is in Dortmund and Leipzig the next couple nights, so I've time. I aim for either Thursday night or Friday to bring you first glimpses of the Dark Blue Bedouin. V. cool.

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In a couple days I'm going to also bring you a link that you won't believe. It's about a little Azawakh-boy named O'Tarat Aulad al Sahra and his mum, Judyta, and what happened when he developed a genetic disease. It's a darn good reason to keep bringing in these Azawakhs from their country of origin (Africa) and using them to deepen our gene pool. Beauty so isn't everything.

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I found an excellent dog poem when searching through Arabic art. I've changed the breed from Saluki to Hound, but you can see, the sentiments behind this poem are a perfect reflection of having a sighthound (or other type of dog...).

I will sing the praises of my Hound...
All the good things they have come from him...
My Hound's excellent conformation is pleasing to the eye,
also the receding corners of his mouth and his long muzzle,
Deers are in trouble when he is hunting...
What a fine Hound you are, without equal! (- Abu Nawa)

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Everybody party!

Today the Fab Twinkie is two weeks' old! He is thriving, and as his breeder Karolina reports, "he is very fat".

He also has his eyes open. Take a look at our little Casanova.