Evelyn Morris Hecht, a basically self taught designer and artist, spent 15 years in the New York fashion industry but it was a rescue dog that got her started using her talent as an artist to do dog portraits.
Top Dog Art benefits a variety of rescue groups with donations of art. Evelyn has also been a member of the Pastel Society of North Carolina since 2001 and creates custom portraits solely in pastel.
Her Dear to My Heart Pendant is a perfect way to memorialize a special pet. The pendant front is rich red enamel on sleek, beveled, high polish sterling silver. The flip side, inscribed DEAR TO MY HEART, shows the picture of your beloved (photo easily inserted and protected under a clear plastic window) and rests close to your heart. Comes with a 30" black silk cord and bears the artist's signature and date of release.
Right now get a 10% discount (using the coupon code "swanky").
A great holiday gift while supporting stray animals!
I recently saw these adorable clay dog and cat figurines and a local craft show. The organization, Clays for Strays, raises money through the sale of handmade miniature clay figures for animal rescue, shelter, clinic, and sanctuary nonprofit organizations that service the needs of abandoned or unwanted animals. 100% of the proceeds goes to these animals!
Please support them by purchasing some dog and/or cat figurines for holiday gifts. These would make great stocking stuffers or a small gift for an animal lover! These would also make great gifts for kids to become their very own "pet"!
The animals are beautifully made with great detail and color. Check them out for yourself!
If you have a dog that has bad breath, bad gas or both, Happy Tails has created a product just for you!
Dog Smog Remedy gives you the power to quell the smell from both ends of your dog. The all natural formula contains peppermint and fennel to slay the fire breathing beast but it’s more than just a breath freshener, Dog Smog Remedy gets to the guts of the problem with digestive enzymes papain and bromelain. All of these ingredients help calm the bubbling brute below and provide a long-term solution to an embarrassing problem.
You can spritz some in their mouth for bad breath or spray their water to help relieve gas. What more could you ask for?
If your dogs are like mine, they come in with muddy paws. With the Paw Plunger you can eliminate paw prints all over your house and keep them where they belong, in your heart. The Paw Plunger gently cleans your dog's paws before they track mud and dirt across floors, rugs or upholstery. Just fill with warm water and plunge paws into the top, one-at-a-time. The water and soft, deep cleaning bristles do the work! Dry each paw with a towel, and your dog can have the run of the house or be ready to travel in the car mud-free. I think this is a great idea and they are reasonably prices at under $35. I liked that there were tons of excellent reviews as well.
Art by Aubrey does gorgeous, handmade artwork. The buyer can choose if they would like a square or rectangle canvas as well as the background color. Special things can be added such as the animal's name, birth date or date of death, the animals collar and tags, or any special item that the person would like to incorporate. If they are close to where she lives (Kansas City or Overland Park Kansas) she can even do a photo shoot with the animal to get the type of shot she needs. If not, you can e-mail me her a high resolution photograph. Her e-mail is ArtByAubrey@rocketmail.com They make great gifts!
One canvas (12x12) with picture is $40 plus shipping and handling. The larger the size, then the price changes accordingly.
One of my favorite holidays, Halloween, is coming up. Bring your dog in on the fun and join PetSmart with their Howloween costume contest and photo event, on October 20th from 6pm to 8pm at your local PetSmart. There will be a pet parade, prizes for contest winners, and a free goodie bag for the first 100 customers. You can also purchase a 4x6 picture of your pet in a cute Halloween frame for $4.95 (using your PetPerks card). Have fun!
(You can also enter an online contest here, if you want, too!)
Portraits by Colleen is a collection of beautiful artwork where your canine friend can be the subject. Right now she is offering 10% off on a commissioned portrait if you just mention that you found her here on Swanky Pup. She began doing portraits because she saw something in the subject (her own dog, relatives, friends, sanitation department workers) that she wanted to draw, sculpt or paint and the finished product is a special piece of art. You can browse all of her portraits and pick the style that you like best. Check out her site and tell her that Swanky Pup sent you.
