Touch of a Paw

Knoxville garden newcomer, sago palm deadly to dogs and toxic to humans

2010-06-04T21:05:00.000-07:00

Knoxville garden newcomer, sago palm deadly to dogs and toxic to humans

Bring on the Dancin' Dogs!! We're BACK!!!

2010-02-24T12:16:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since we last posted. Much has happened to "Touch of a Paw" over that time.

Getting into my WABAC (pronounced way-back) machine (reference Mr. Peabody of Rocky & Bullwinkle ), I'll recap some of the things that have occurred for everyone.

November was filled with festivals and shows. One of the main ones was in downtown Wilmington. It was Art for the Masses held on 4 floors in the new Bank of America building.Every week we were able to meet more and more people who love their babies (puppies and dogs, of course). They, like us, enjoy talking about their dogs and sharing stories that touch our hearts.

We were as busy as ever in December. Touch of a Paw was in Carolina Beach at the arcade on the boardwalk every Saturday. Our favorite stop was probably at the Tar Heel Weimaraner Rescue Auction and Pictures with Santa at the Dog Club of Wilmington. We enjoyed the steady stream of owners and their dogs on the way to see Santa and have their pictures taken. I must tell you, some of the costumes were a hoot!

The response from everyone, everywhere, has been wonderful. We had people calling wanting us to customize prints for Christmas. Our artist was hard at work right up to Christmas Eve.
It was cool and busy. We mailed our final Christmas present prints as we were leaving to go to Charlotte to see our family. Everyone from the Touch of a Paw family hope you had a wonderful and very merry Christmas!

The New Year started well. The Touch of a Paw gang was invited to show at the Grand Opening for a new Vet's office. You can imagine the number of dogs we got to shake paws with that day. The sweetest sight of the day was when a very large,black mastiff tried to shrink himself to the size of a pug so she would play with him. He was as gentle a baby as you could ever imagine.

And then it happened....THE GREAT COMPUTER CRASH OF 2010!!!!
Gone. Everything was gone, up in smoke. Well, not literally up in smoke, but gone none the less. Dog and animal lover - Yes. Sports enthusiast - Yes. Loving husband - Oh yes! All of these are definitely the case. But, big pause here, Computer Technician - NOT! Late one Saturday night in early January, Swoop, the computer tech wannabe, while trying to clean up some files, overstepped his limits of computer knowledge. He hit the wrong button and ...

like a bolt of lightning, it was all gone. Months of work. Hundreds of files. GONE. I was sick, seriously sick. If you have ever had one, you can commiserate. If you have not, hug your I.T. guy...FAST!!

Well, life did go on. For all of you husbands/computer tech wannabes, find someone that really knows what they are doing. Wives that put as much time, sweat, passion and plain ol' hard work as mine does into her work, like Mother Nature, are not nice to fool around with.

"Puppies are nature's remedy for feeling unloved, plus numerous other ailments of life." - Richard Allan Palm

Special Friends

2009-11-03T14:07:00.001-08:00

We wanted to throw a shout at to our friends at Carolina Basset Hound Rescue. They, like every other rescue group, have beautiful babies, young and old, ready for adoption. A sweetheart of a lifelong companion is waiting on you at the CBHR.

"I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive." - Gilda Radner

Dog Fest and Festival by the Sea

2009-10-30T09:17:00.001-07:00

This past weekend, we once again showed our "Unconditional Love" for animals at two festivals. Karen was in Wilmington at Empie Park for "Dog Fest". Meanwhile, I was down at Holden Beach for their "Festival by the Sea".

Karen's booth space at "Dog Fest" was under a tree and on top of the tree's roots. So, she had a tough day navigating her area. Karen, as is par for the course at our festivals, met and saw tons of beautiful babies. The stories of them and their owners make each festival a time we look forward to. She says that at this festival she got a good, up close and personal look at all of the dogs in attendance. Early in the day, one male had marked a tree out in front of our tent. For the rest of the day, it was "dogs will be dogs". She had a steady stream of babies marking, then re-marking that "communal" tree.

While Karen was at "Dog Fest" on Saturday, I was flying solo in Holden Beach. The weather was magnificent throughout the day. The beautiful weather, coupled with a "glad you are here" spirit from everyone, produced a memorable festival.

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." - Roger Caras

Sand in My Shoes.....

2009-10-21T08:12:00.000-07:00

Wow! We had a busy weekend!

Saturday, Karen and I were at two different festivals because we wanted to make sure more people were introduced to our "Unconditional Love" portfolio. Karen went to Carolina Beach to participate in the 1st Annual "Salty Paws" Festival. The event's intent was to raise funds to benefit area animal rescue groups, particularly after disasters, such as hurricanes and other catastrophes. It was a huge success! Karen said she cannot wait for next year's follow up festival. She made many new friends, of the two and four-legged varieties. She and I are always amazed at how beautiful everyone's babies are. It is also wonderful to see and hear the love between pets and owners.

While Karen was in Carolina Beach, I was down at one of the best kept secrets in the area, Ocean Isle Beach, for the 29th Annual North Carolina Oyster Festival. What a beautiful little community. A beautiful little community that has an equally beautiful little festival. Karen joined me Sunday and concurred that the quality of the exhibitors was outstanding. Our range was broadened substantially over the weekend. We sold prints to people from North and South Carolina, north to Pennsylvania, and west to Colorado. Once again, it touches our hearts to feel and see the love for their pets that animal lovers share with us daily. Thank you to all of you who dropped by and spoke with us.

"A dog is one of the remaining reasons why some people can be persuaded to go for a walk." - O.A. Battista

Can you say Oyster?

2009-10-14T21:08:00.000-07:00

This coming weekend we are going to be in two places at one time. Karen will be at "Salty Paws" in Carolina Beach. While she is getting salt and sand in her shoes at Carolina Beach, I will be in Ocean Isle eating and shucking at the 29th Annual North Carolina Oyster Festival.

Once again, at these festivals, we will be sponsoring a local rescue in need of a home. Last week, we raised over $100 to help defray some of Harley's large vet bills. Harley is a sweet female Weimaraner at Tarheel Weimaraner Rescue in Wilmington. It is a pleasure for us to sponsor a dog for a rescue group in the area.

If you are going to either of these festivals, drop by and say hello. We would love to hear about your babies.

A few more new prints....

Bulldog - White Paw - Rectangular

Bulldog - White Paw - Oval

Bulldog - Red Brindle - Rectangular

Bulldog - Red Brindle - Oval

Chesapeake Bay Retriever - Dark - Rectangular

Chesapeake Bay Retriever - Dark - Oval

Chesapeake Bay Retriever - Light - Rectangular

Chesapeake Bay Retriever - Light - Oval

Questions? Email us touchofapaw@aol.com

"Happiness is a warm puppy." - Charles Schultz

Fun time in New Bern

2009-10-14T07:17:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, we were at the "Mumfest Festival" in New Bern, NC. Our "Unconditional Love" series of prints enjoyed our best weekend yet. Big crowds and lots of babies (of the human and canine varieties) were everywhere both days.

I think the most fun we have is hearing everyone's stories about their dogs. We love the, seemingly, automatic bond between animal lovers. I know what an important part of our family our pets are. It is wonderful to share with other dog, cat, and other pet owners how important their animals are too.

Karen has been steadily working to add more and more breeds to our collection. Below are a few more. Don't forget, these are available in 3 sizes; Small Oval, Large Oval, and Rectangular.

Want a different message on your print? No problem. Just let us know and we will gladly customize to suit your request.

Don't see your breed or the breed you are interested in? Let us know by leaving a comment or keep checking back. We are trying to eventually cover almost all of the breeds.

And now, some of our new pieces.....

Basset Hound - Rectangular

Basset Hound - Oval

German Shepherd - Black - Rectangular

German Shepherd - Black - Oval

Beagle - White Paw - Rectangular

Beagle - White Paw - Oval

Beagle - Fawn/White Paw - Rectangular

Beagle - Fawn/White Paw - Oval

Bulldog - Light Fawn - Rectangular

Bulldog - Light Fawn - Oval

Bulldog - Dark Brindle - Rectangular

Bulldog - Dark Brindle - Oval

Questions about ordering or customizing a print? Email us touchofapaw@aol.com

"If you pick up a starving Dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference a dog and a man...." - Mark Twain

Another weekend ... another festival

2009-10-05T17:04:00.000-07:00

Yes, we set up our wares once again this weekend. This time the venue was Wilmington's Riverfest. It was a long weekend and both of us are whooped. The crowds were large with a lot of traffic in and out of our "Touch of a Paw" and DogPerils booth/tent.

We are dog lovers but we love all animal lovers. We met so many babies this weekend and heard most of their owners' stories. It was great! Once again, customizing our "Touch of a Paw" prints was a big hit. We can do whatever you would like on your print! Change the mat color (limited colors), color of the paper, and/or the wording. Just let us know. Karen or I are usually there. We want your special print to be the way you wish. Remember, there is a small up-charge for the customization.

Back in the Spring, at the Azalea Festival (also in Wilmington), we met a sweet and beautiful golden retriever, Honey, and her owner, Paul. We talked with Paul and shared some special treats with Honey. Yesterday, while we were breaking down, Paul did not see us as he and Honey were going on their regular evening jog. Well, Honey sure did! She looked over, saw Karen and almost pulled Paul to the ground when she bolted toward Karen. She knew Karen had some more of those special treats hidden away. I do not know who was more excited to see who. Of course, we did have more treats hidden and Honey's enthusiasm and memory were rewarded...several times. That made our weekend. It was good to see old friends.

Questions about ordering or customizing a print? Email us touchofapaw@aol.com

"We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare, and love we can share. And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made." - M. Facklam

Did you know?

2009-09-28T14:49:00.000-07:00

Did you know that we can make our "Unconditional Love" print say anything you wish? We will gladly change the wording on any print you order to say whatever you would like. We have sold our prints as gifts for friends and family. We have also personalized prints. If you or someone you know has lost your special friend, our "Unconditional Love" print can and has been used as a memorial piece.

Here are a couple of more breeds for you to consider...

Dalmatian - Rectangular

Dalmatian - Oval

Pug - Rectangular

Pug - Oval

Yorkie - Silver - Rectangular

Yorkie - Silver - Oval

Yorkie - Red - Rectangular

Yorkie - Red - Oval

Questions about or problems with ordering a print? Email us touchofapaw@aol.com

"The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog." - George Graham Vest

Festivals and more festivals...

2009-09-28T12:57:00.000-07:00

We have entered the world of art festivals, street festivals, art shows and town festivals. Everywhere we go, our "Unconditional Love" prints garner praise. Thank you to all who have been so gracious. We will continue to add more breeds as we grow. Please check back on this blog for new breeds and our new web site when our Web designer gets it ready for publishing.

And now... a few more new breeds.

Saint Bernard - Rectangular

Saint Bernard - Oval

Jack Russell - Rectangular

Jack Russell - Oval

Dachshund - Rectangular

Dachshund - Oval

Questions about or problems with ordering a print? Email us touchofapaw@aol.com

"No matter how little money and how few possessions, having a dog makes you rich." - Louis Sabin

Back at last!

2009-09-23T19:47:00.000-07:00

It has been a while but we are finally back! Here come more breeds in our "Unconditional Love" Series. We are working hard to get more and more breeds here for you to see. We have been to several festivals recently. Our prints are big hits with other dog lovers.

Doberman Pinscher - Dark - Rectangular

Doberman Pinscher - Dark - Oval

Doberman Pinscher - Light - Rectangular

Doberman Pinscher - Light - Oval

Golden Retriever - Light - Rectangular

Golden Retriever - Light - Oval

Golden Retriever - Dark - Rectangular

Golden Retriever - Dark - Oval

German Shepherd - Rectangular

German Shepherd - Oval

Chihuahua - Black - Rectangular

Chihuahua - Black - Oval

Chihuahua - Chocolate - Rectangular

Chihuahua - Chocolate - Oval

Chihuahua - Fawn - Rectangular

Chihuahua - Fawn - Oval

Questions about or problems with ordering a print? Email us touchofapaw@aol.com

"No animal I know of can consistently be more of a friend and companion than a dog." - Stanley Leinwoll

More LABS!...

2009-08-11T08:41:00.001-07:00

We are trying to finish all of the Labs. Here are a few more.

Lighter Chocolate Labrador Retriever - Oval Mat

Yellow Labrador Retriever - Rectangular Mat

Yellow Labrador Retriever - Oval Mat

Questions about or problems with ordering a print? Email us touchofapaw@aol.com

"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face." - Ben Williams

New Breeds - LABS

2009-08-10T09:03:00.000-07:00

We have finished a few more breeds. Artistic Prints are displayed with black mats. Mat colors may vary depending on design. We are attempting to add "Buy It Now" buttons here. Please be patient with us while we learn.

Lighter Chocolate Labrador Reteiever - Rectangular Mat

Darker Chocolate Labrador Retriever - Oval Mat

Black Labrador Retriever - Rectangular Mat

Black Labrador Retriever - Oval Mat

Questions about or problems with ordering a print? Email us touchofapaw@aol.com

"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go to where they went." -Will Rogers

3 or 2 Styles available...

2009-08-04T11:11:00.000-07:00

The prints may be ordered matted in three and sometimes 2 different ways -
rectangular, large oval, and small oval. For some of the smaller breeds and breeds with very short legs, only the small oval is available.
If you have questions - comment here for now

Weimaraner - Oval Mat

Weimaraner - Rectangular Mat

If you would like to order a print, have questions for us, or have problems with the blog - email us: touchofapaw@aol.com

Remember - "To err is human, to forgive is canine." - Anonymous

And now..... Weimaraners

2009-08-04T05:54:00.000-07:00

As promised, we will add different breeds when we have them ready for production. Here is our breed (we have 6 of them) - Weimaraner.

Remember, a percentage of each sale goes to a rescue group of the breed you purchase. Please keep rescue groups close to your heart. Donate anything you can to this wonderful group of people. As always, money is wonderful but they can also use used items as well. A good used bed might be a treasure to a scared rescue baby.

Keep checking back. Thanks.

"Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot little puppies." - Gene Hill

Working on other breeds

2009-08-03T09:32:00.000-07:00

Thank you for checking back. We are hard at work trying to prepare artwork of other breeds to add to our colection. We have contacted many rescue groups across the country in an effort to set them up to use these as fundraisers. So far, the response and comments have been great. Our "Touch of Heaven" concept will be here shortly for you to order for yourself. Keep checking.

Remember, your babies are gifts. One of my favorite sayings is - "I wish I could be half of the person my dog thinks I am." - Anonymous

Thanks again.

And we're off...

2009-08-02T09:43:00.000-07:00

After weeks of setting this project up and drawing and re-drawing, fine tuning, then fine tuning some more, we sold our first print!

The Beginning of "Touch of a Paw"

2009-07-31T20:05:00.000-07:00

Thank you for visiting. We are just getting started. Please continue to check back with us as we grow.