Little Holly's Big Book Club: Interview With Sue Chipperton, Gidget the Dog's Pup-sonal Trainer!

As part of our first “Little Holly’s Big Book Club” series, I was incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to speak with Sue Chipperton, co-author of A Famous Dog's Life and trainer behind the "Yo Quiero Taco Bell" ad campaign's famous Chihuahua star, Gidget, around whom the book is centered. Sue was kind enough to take time out of her crazy training schedule to chat with me about Gidget, the book, life with dogs and her career.

The book was born out of a collaboration between Sue and her friend Rennie Dyball of People magazine. Shortly before Gidget’s death, Rennie put together a story about famous animals featuring stars such as Moondoggie (Bruiser from Legally Blonde, and another Sue trainee), Salem the Cat from Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and of course Gidget. After Gidget passed away, Sue reached out to Rennie to see if People would be interested in running an obituary for the little Chihuahua with the big personality, which they did (you can read it here).

Despite the fact that Gidget hadn’t been on TV in years, the article was met with overwhelming response. Sue recalls googling her shortly after the article ran and going through 45 pages of responses…with still more after. Realizing that there was still significant public interest in Gidget and that she had a number of personal photos, Sue spoke to Rennie again, this time about the possibility of a picture book. Rennie suggested they take it a step further, to a full memoir style book, of which she became the co-author. 

It is clear from the overwhelming response to the article that the “Yo Quiero Taco Bell” campaign is more than just an ad campaign: it was a defining moment in 90s popular culture, and cemented Gidget as an icon for generations to come. Though there is no telling whether the campaign would have had as wide of an impact without Gidget and Sue at the helm, there is no denying that Gidget became “a little personality,” and that she had something special that viewers responded to. I asked Sue if there was a specific “star quality” that they looked for in studio animals. In her 20 years at Studio Animal Services, Sue worked with everything from ducks to cats and squirrels, but when it came to dogs she was considering for studio work she always sought out those with "outgoing and borderline obnoxious behavior" in the shelter, knowing they could later channel that over the top energy into something that worked on camera. Although shy dogs in shelters can make wonderful pets, they aren't always the best to be on set, where there can be a lot of overwhelming components.

Of course, every once in a while a critter shows such megastar talent they simply can’t be denied. When Sue adopted her pup Beans from the shelter, she had no idea whether she would work as a studio animal, but she ultimately became one of the most requested stars at Studio Animal Services!

Outside of the famous coworkers (both two and four legged), Sue says the best thing about her job is the travel, and the fact that every day is different. However, it is this spontaneous aspect to the job that can make it difficult to maintain the elusive work-life balance. Many opportunities early in Sue’s career were based largely on the fact that she “had a passport and could leave the next morning at 10am,” and there are some days where she doesn’t get home until 3am. She admits that the unpredictability and long hours have taken a toll on her social life, since Friday night plans can often be derailed by a last minute commercial assignment coming in on a Wednesday. But I suspect when you are spending 12 hours on set with Brad Pitt, or strolling the red carpet of a Hollywood premiere, you don't mind missing that happy hour after all :)

Gidget and Sue on the red carpet at the Godzilla premiere. Photo by Ron Galella. Image courtesy of A Famous Dog's Life on Facebook.

For those who want to make a life out of the undeniable adventure that is studio animal work, Sue says the best place to be is in LA. There are markets in places like New York, Chicago, Detroit, or Miami, but they are often too small to offer much experience. Sue says the best thing she did for her career was making the move to LA, and being open to interning for no pay until she learned the craft. She was lucky that she had a background in training marine animals in Florida prior to moving to California, which helped her move through the ranks quickly, and says some prior knowledge of animal training can be a real asset. There are two year courses available that some trainers opt to take first, which can also lead to careers in zoos or as a veterinarian. Either way, experience is key, and, like many careers, a willingness to put in the grunt work at the beginning can pay off big down the road.

Even if you aren’t jetsetting to a movie set, it doesn’t mean your pooch can’t travel like a star! Since Gidget and Sue became adept at travelling throughout the Taco Bell campaign, I asked her about her own tips for travelling with a pet. She linked me to her own blog post on the subject here (jackpot!), which goes into detail on flying your pooch in the cabin, in cargo, and even internationally, but she also had a few basic tips worth mentioning.

For pups flying in the cabin with you, Sue cautions against opening the bag and taking your dog out en route to your destination, as it discourages them from sleeping (the ideal situation for a long flight). This is not only best for you and your pet, but also fellow passengers who might have an allergy or other concern about dogs that could make for an awkward flight. Sue often kept Gidget in her bag with a sweater covering it, and was so discreet many passengers didn't know there was a pooch on board at all!

Traveling in style. Photo by Sue Chipperton. Image courtesy of A Famous Dog's Life on Facebook.

Sue also recommends taking your pup out and about as much as possible prior to airline travel, to get them used to going places with you and being in their bag. Giving your pup exposure to more environments and situations contributes to a "more well-rounded, well balanced dog,” who will be less likely to be stressed and overwhelmed by the situation.

Of course the downside to being out and about in New York City is the unavoidable stressors that can spook a small pup. Sue says the key to dealing with these environmental stressors is to be aware of the situation around you. If you can cross the street to avoid the scary thing, then there is no reason to put your animal through the anxiety of encountering something that makes them nervous.

For situations like garbage trucks where you absolutely cannot avoid it, she recommends having a plan in place before you leave your house. Her top tip: have treats (or, for really scary things, really good treats, like cut up steak or chicken) to whip out when something scary happens to draw your pet's attention back to you. As a last resort with a small pooch, you can always pick them up and walk away, but be sure not to pet them and coo at them, as they can misinterpret that as a reward for acting scared. As soon as you are a comfortable distance away from the thing that spooked them, set them down and make them go through basic commands to redirect their focus (this is the time to use that steak!). And most importantly, set them up for success when you leave the house, "even if it means walking half a block and coming back."

Another downside to life in New York is that we aren’t blessed with the year round gorgeous weather that Los Angeles and Hawaii (two of the places Sue has been lucky enough to call home during her career) have. Luckily, Sue has a creative (indoor) way to wear out your pup on days the weather simply will not permit a walk. Since "mental stimulation is more exhausting than physical stimulation," she recommends hiding food or toys throughout the apartment for your pooch to find. Start out simple (under the coffee table, behind a couch cushion), and increase difficulty to make your pup use their brain (and their nose) to track down the reward. Sue played this game with a Jack Russell who could sniff out a toy at the top of a very tall dresser, and then would sit patiently while she retrieved it for him. Fun for two and four legged family members, and certainly more pleasant than a walk in 2 degree temps! 

For those readers who are considering adding a pup to their life but have not yet taken the plunge, Sue had a few tips to ensure you end up with the paw-fect relationship. Regardless of where you are in life or how big or small your home and outdoor space is, she cautions that "people need to be really cautious and responsible when getting a dog," and do the leg work in researching the breed and understanding their needs and natural "job" prior to bringing them home. For example, not all small dogs are well suited for apartment life, as "many smaller breeds are more active" and will require a fair amount of exercise to exert their energy on something other than chewing your collection of Ikea furniture. In fact, she said an Irish Wolfhound is less active than a Jack Russell, and is very well suited for life in your tiny studio...if there's room for the both of you, that is!

Irish Wolfhounds make excellent apartment dogs, despite their impressive stature. Image via Dog Breed Info.

No matter which breed you choose, "each dog is an investment in your time," and you owe it to yourself and your pup to look into what they were bred to do to ensure you can meet their activity needs. You are responsible for your pup's happiness, and taking the steps to make sure you get the right breed for your life and circumstances will make everyone happy! And when you do make the decision on the perfect pup, Sue gives great tips on housebreaking here. Consider your rugs AND furniture legs saved!

I would be remiss if I neglected to ask about Gidget's fave Mrs. Hedgehog toy (buy it from Amazon here, and yes, I bought one for Holly), and whether there are other toys that Sue has found to be favorites among her famous pooches. Antlers won out on pup-ularity for chewing, and plush toys with squeakers got the boot since studio pups with high energy and drive tend to un-stuff them rather quickly. She said if a dog shows a particular interest in one toy, she will keep buying that one over and over (my drawer full of Nylabone sticks says AMEN to that tactic), and that she will save extra special toys as motivation for big jobs, taking them from the pup for a day or two before and then producing them on set when they need an extra oomph (after food and treats have lost their appeal). And toys don't have to be Christian Loubarkin to make your pup flip--Sue has a Jack Russell who would do anything for a tennis ball.

Even Gidget's favorite Mrs. Hedgehod didn't make her happy during this photo shoot with William Wegman. Photo by William Wegman. Image courtesy of A Famous Dog's Life on Facebook.

As our interview was winding down, I knew I had to ask Sue the age old question: can you teach an old dog new tricks? She said not only can you teach an old dog, but an old squirrel, duck, rat, or cat..."as long as you find the motivation you can train any animal." Of course, some pets may be more motivated than others…I don’t suspect my parent’s 17 year old cat will find motivation beyond napping any time soon!

I had a wonderful time chatting with Sue and hearing her reminisce more about Gidget and her lifetime of studio work. If you still can't get enough (I know I can't), check out the most recent book she is featured in, available for pre order on Amazon here.

Until Next Time, Darlings!

The Dog Days of Summer

We can't believe Summer is FINALLY here! There were some days when it was 2 degrees outside when it seemed like we may never get warm weather again, but now we have the A/C blasting! I'm sure we'll be sick of the sticky humidity and praying for snow again by September, but in the meantime it's all early Summer spirit over at LHBW HQ!!

Maybe I was a little overzealous with the air conditioning this day.

Of course with Summer in New York comes an infinite number of pup-friendly activities, such as waiting in the Shakespeare in the Park line (we'll cover that after our first trek for Much Ado About Nothing tickets later this month!), sharing a couple licks of fro yo at Forty Carrots (or a pup friendly custard at Shake Shack), or just enjoying the sunshine with alfresco drinks or dining. But fun in the sun can also mean dehydration, irritated paws from the scalding pavement, and visits from biting insects like mosquitoes and ticks. Below are some of our tips on how to have fun in the sun while staying safe!

1. If possible, try to do the most walking early in the morning or after dusk, when the temperatures aren't as hot and the sidewalks have a chance to cool down.

We love to take early Summer morning jaunts to the Park, where the "Central Pack" runs off leash until 9am (though we stay on leash to protect the New York squirrel population). The park even hosts "Bagel and Bark" events with breakfast for humans and pups during the warmer months, providing a chance to socialize in sweatpants, which isn't something that happens nearly often enough!

Holly loves Central Park on the weekends!

In hot pursuit of an unsuspecting squirrel.

2. If you must walk during the day, be sure to take frequent breaks for water and paw protection.

I was so excited when I saw these sandals at Petco, thinking that my Summer pavement meets paw problems were solved forever. Of course, if you have ever tried to put a sandal on a chihuahua, you can imagine how that ended (even if you haven't, I'm sure you can guess...not well). So in lieu of proper footwear to beat the heat, I make sure if I am out with Holly during the day that we stop into dog friendly stores en route to our destination to give her little paws a break from the scalding pavement. I also carry a water bottle with me to provide consistent hydration without having to rely on the yucky shared water bowls sitting outside of stores (though Holly, in true Holly fashion, immensely enjoyed the one inside the Ralph Lauren store and proceeded to splash water all over the marble floor). 

This Dog Is Good water bottle comes with a roller ball that allows dogs to lick for water without spilling (much).

3. Prepare for Summer rain with a lightweight, packable coat.

Just because it's warm out doesn't mean Holly enjoys going out in the rain anymore than usual! My mom found an adorable Fab Dog rain coat for her that is lightweight enough for hot Summer days and also folds into a handy pouch that can be tossed in our bag in case we are surprised with a sudden shower. 

Of course an added bonus is how snazzy Holly looks in it!

4. Be prepared for mosquitoes and ticks by protecting your dog before you leave home.

I have Holly on heartworm medication year round to protect her from the harmful parasites that are transmitted by mosquitoes. Once it warms up, I use a natural product for flea and tick defense rather than traditional pesticides, because I didn't like the idea of using chemicals on Holly given that she is only in areas with tick danger a few days out of the year. The spray I use is more high maintenance than the monthly application of chemical repellents (it must be re-applied every 3-4 days or after excessive sweating or bathing), but it's natural ingredients include cinnamon which smells incredible, so I don't mind giving Holly a quick spritz before we head out the door!  

Naturally pest free (and smelling like a Cinnabon!)

What are your Summer essentials for your pet? Do you have any tips for keeping them safe when the mercury rises?

Until Next Time, Darlings!

What's Cookin' Good Lookin'?

I noticed a few weeks ago that Holly was less interested in her dry food. While my mom guessed that she was merely changing her mindset from "I don't know when my next meal will be" to "I have a happy home and this will still be here later," I was still concerned about a possible underlying issue. I tried switching to a new brand to see if perhaps she had grown sick of the taste, and even added wet food and chicken broth as an incentive (all transitioning slowly of course so as not to upset her tummy).  Then, a week ago, she started to show symptoms of an upset stomach. When nothing changed after two days of chicken and rice, we decided it was time to visit the vet.

After taking her sample and looking her over, the vet remarked how unlike with issues such as Giardia (which can be a huge problem back here, since it lives in puddles and other unmentionables on the street and in the soil that pups love to lick and dig in), she seemed alert, energetic, and otherwise healthy. He asked what kind of dry food I had been feeding her and suggested that it was possible that rather than a specific illness, Holly might have fiber reactive colitis, a condition which reacts to low levels of fiber in dog food. After the sample confirmed that she did not have a parasite or other issue, he suggested either looking for a dry food that offered at least 5% dietary fiber (but cautioned that these levels can change often and I would need to be an obsessive label reader), supplementing the food we liked with canned pumpkin, or taking the step to transition Holly fully on to a home cooked diet.

I had been considering home cooking for Holly for a while, particularly when looking at the less than appetizing wet food I was trying to tempt her with. I like the idea of knowing exactly which ingredients are going into every meal for her, and that I can monitor that they are all natural, pesticide free, and prepared properly. The vet's suggestion was all I needed to push me fully into the home-cooking camp! That evening I went on to Amazon and purchased Home Cooking For Your Dog and started researching what meals I could start cooking up for Holly!

Our new answer to "dog food!"

What Holly seems to enjoy most is the variety in taste and texture provided by her home cooked meals. She loves hard boiled egg with mashed yams & plain yogurt, ground beef with peas, and grilled chicken with brown rice and beets (tonight I subbed in no salt added albacore tuna for the chicken and she went crazy!). I vary my ingredients based on store availability (she loves canned pumpkin, but it can be tricky to find), which allows her taste buds to try new things and keeps her interested! 

even though it's tough to find, canned pumpkin is a great source of natural fiber and can help with tummy issues! Make sure it is 100% pumpkin (not pie filling), and I like to make sure mine is organic and the can is BPA free.

I was surprised by how much Holly loved beets, she practically inhaled them! I bought a frozen bag of organic sliced beets from Whole Foods and microwaved them for a few minutes (then made sure to let them cool completely before serving).

I will not post the amounts of each food item I provide for Holly, since my expertise is a far cry from that of a Veterinary professional. However, in the week that we have moved from traditional "dog food" to home cooking, her tummy problems have vanished and she has begun begging a bit less at the dinner table and picking up fewer things on the street (not everything, of course, there is no miracle cure to keep Holly from her beloved disgusting things on the street/whatever is on mommy's plate!). My vet warned me in advance that now Holly is on a home cooked diet, dog food is not going to appeal to her refined palate, so we are in this for the long haul :). We are ready to take the plunge, though, and I am excited to try more meals for her and inspired to incorporate more healthy & whole foods into my own diet as well. 

Unfortunately for Little Holly, macaroons are not included in the home cooked diet :)

If you are thinking about transitioning your pup to a home cooked diet, speak to your vet to see if it is a good idea. Though the time and money are more of an investment, I look at them as an investment into Holly's health, and I hope a savings in future vet bills for mysterious tummy troubles!

Happy & healthy Holly joined my friend and I on a 6 mile hike through Manhattan yesterday! Good thing she had all those yummy whole foods to keep her energized!

What do you think about cooking meals for your pet? Is it something you would ever consider committing to?

Until Next Time, Darlings!

Little Holly's Big Move!

Hello Darlings, and sorry for our long absence! Holly and I have a good reason though, I promise...we have been moving to a new apartment a whopping 10 blocks from our old one (what can I say, we heart the Upper East Side)!

Beyond the standard moving stress of packing, cleaning, and clearing out the remarkable amount of stuff I had managed to accumulate in my tiny studio over the past three years, I was very concerned about Holly's reaction to the move. Since she is a rescue, I knew that it could be potentially traumatic for her to see all the changes going on and to be transplanted from the only home she has known to a new and unfamiliar environment.

I was lucky enough to have some overlap in my leases, so I started bringing Holly to the new apartment regularly as I was slowly moving items up and having furniture delivered. I found a bed at Petco for $5 on clearance that I grabbed on a whim so she would have somewhere to sit while I put things together--it was intended as a purely temporary purchase until the official move happened, but wouldn't you know the little miss prefers it to the myriad of expensive (and more attractive) beds I have purchased her in the past! Despite having to work the "magic bed" into my decor (no easy feat), I was grateful to have it during the moving process, since like Holly's crate in the previous apartment, it gave her a home base where she felt safe & secure and could retreat during the chaos.

As long as we had the "magic bed" and her toys, Holly felt right at home!

I was still concerned about the transition for Holly between the two apartments, especially during the actual move of all my items from my old apartment to the new one. I decided to take a week off of work and have my dad help me so we could put everything in place and Holly could get used to the idea that this was our new house. Holly loved having my dad there and "helping" to put together all the furniture!

For the day of the big move from one apartment to the other, I had Holly's regular dog walker meet us at the old apartment prior to the movers arriving and take Holly on a 90 minute jaunt to the park, after which she met us at the new apartment. The timing worked out perfectly, with Holly missing out on the chaos of last minute packing and moving the old furniture out, and arriving just before the truck came to the new place (she especially liked howling at the movers as they brought items in, which I'm sure my new neighbors really appreciated!). 

Watchdog Holly enjoys her new view from the perch on the back of the daybed-turned-couch.

We would not have been able to make the transition as smoothly without Ruff City, who we have been working with for several months and absolutely love. In addition to the super long day of walk, our regular walker came several times during the week when I was home to adjust Holly slowly back into her typical walking routine. On top of that, Ruff City was able work with her schedule so she could continue walking Holly even at our new address! It brought Holly and I a lot of comfort knowing this integral part of her daily routine would not be changing, and I think it has helped to make the change even easier for her. 

We have now been officially living in our new apartment for just over 2 weeks, and Holly and I both feel right at home! 

Holly models our new living room, including custom Chihuahua pillow from Barking Bitches Denver!

Until Next Time, Darlings!

Paw-sitively Fabulous: New Puppy Guide

As the Polar Vortex continues to bring chilly temperatures all over the East Coast, many people seem to be making the decision to warm up their homes and their hearts with a new four legged family member.

Along with the major responsibility of new puppy ownership, the sheer number of items needed can be daunting. I have often heard having a pup is like having a new baby (even from people WITH babies!), so I decided to put together a list of the products Holly & I couldn't have lived without during our new puppy phase!

1. Four Paws Wee Wee Pads:

Look, it's not the most glamourous part of pup parenting, but the fact of the matter is depending on the age of your pup, you may just find yourself house training (or at least getting the occasional carpet "present") for the first few weeks after you bring your fur baby home. Holly had a major aversion to going to the bathroom outside for the first month or so after I rescued her, but she was very diligent about using her Wee Wee pads (a lot of rescues and some breeders will pre train pups to these pads, which have a built in enzyme that tells them this is the place to go!). Not only did these save my carpet at the time, they still come in handy in my New York apartment if Holly has an emergency in the middle of the night.

We advise to go with the 100 or 150 pack and subscribing on Amazon or Wag.com. This is one thing you don't want to run out of!

2. Petco Collapsible 2 Door Crate & Pendleton Blankets:

People have different opinions on crates for pups, but after doing extensive research about how new puppies like to have a space of their own, I decided to have Holly crated initially. The key to crate training is not to leave your puppy for more than a few hours at a time (I have a dog walker who comes to take Holly out halfway through the day for an hour long romp, which not only helps keep her weight healthy but leaves her nice and tired until I come home), and to make the crate a happy, secure place. Holly loves her crate so much we have brought it with us on road trips so she has a "home base" in a new location--and whenever she gets nervous or insecure, it's the first place she heads to. Now we leave the doors open and keep her in a baby gated section of the apartment, but often I will come home and she is sound asleep in her crate anyway!

We went through several types of bedding (Holly will chew or shred bedding when she gets bored or nervous, and most plush bedding is dangerous when ingested), before discovering the one thing impervious to Little Holly's Big Teeth. It may be non conventional, but we have been using blankets from Pendleton Woolen Mills to line Holly's crate for several months now, and coupled with a more vigorous walk routine, the destruction of bedding has come to an end! For a less expensive but still durable option, I recommend checking out your local Army/Navy supply store for vintage woolen camp blankets. They are made from the same thick wool as Pendleton's blankets and can even be thrown in the washing machine so long as you don't mind a bit of shrinking!

Pendleton blankets may seem pricey for pup bedding, but compared to the cost of buying a new bed every few days they seem very reasonable!

3. The Art of Raising a Puppy by The Monks of New Skete:

Largely considered one of the best books on early pup training on the market, and written by some of the most respected breeders and trainers of puppies in the nation, The Art of Raising a Puppy goes into detail about each of the stages of puppyhood and describes how best to ensure your pup grows up into a secure, well mannered adult. I enjoyed reading it because I was able to see how some of Holly's difficult behaviors early on may have been a result of her having been a stray separated from her mother (puppies learn a lot of behaviors from their parents as they grow up); and made me even more in awe of her happy go lucky persona given her tough start!

The Monks use story of one litter to help explain stages of puppyhood clearly.

4. Oster Gentle Paws Cordless Nail Trimmer:

I am very nervous about the possibility of hitting Holly's quick when I trim her nails, but I also know the serious health risks that can come with letting her nails get too long. That's why I was thrilled to discover this product from Oster, which features a motorized grinder that rapidly files down your pup's nails rather than trimming them. The plastic safety guard further ensures you won't get too close to the quick. I keep mine by the bed and give Holly a quick paw-dicure while we watch TV in the evening!

5. Pawz Dog Booties:

We have a huge amount of salt on the streets right now thanks to the Polar Vortex bringing tons of snow to the East Coast, and in addition to being drying, stinging, and irritating to your pup's paws, it can be poisonous when ingested. All in all, it's not something I want Holly to come into frequent contact with, so we use these tiny balloon like booties to protect her little feet on her walks. I will warn you: from my experiences and those I have had with other puppy parents I have encountered, these are not something your pup will immediately adapt to. Since they are made of plastic, I am sure they feel a little funny on their paws, but rest assured that with a little time and a lot of patience your fur baby will be prancing through the snow and getting compliments left and right on their snazzy footwear! Pro tip: we had our local Petco trainer help with the sizing so we knew they were just right.

Little Holly loves how many compliments she gets on her orange booties! 

6. Firefighter Pet Rescue Stickers:

Essentials if you live in an apartment, these inexpensive adhesives let local rescue teams know that you have an animal inside and who to contact (you, your vet, etc) in the event of an emergency. I hope that mine never get put to use, but it brings me peace of mind knowing they are there when I am not.

7. Petco Puppy Training Courses:

Words cannot describe how much Holly and I have loved our time in Petco's Puppy Training Courses. We began with the basics in Puppy 1 and had so much fun bonding and working together that we are now enrolled in our fourth level, the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen prep course. Apart from providing a useful foundation of tricks and skills for puppyhood, the courses also give us a chance to work together and to have playtime with other owners and pups for an hour each week. Holly loves "school" so much she will whine when we are in the vicinity of our local Petco and try to pull me inside, even if we don't have class that day (FYI, this kind of behavior is NOT what we are supposed to be encouraging...haha!). In fact, the only thing Holly seems not to enjoy about school is the graduation hat I purchased for her on Etsy--or maybe she looks so unhappy in her grad pics because she knows the fun is over!

Do you have any new puppy must haves? 

Until Next Time, Darlings!

Paw-sitively Fabulous: Decorating for the Dog Lover

Holly and I are very excited to have signed a lease on a new one bedroom apartment. Currently we are living in a studio, so with the extra space comes extra design opportunities!

As an avid devotee of HGTV, I am never one to shy away from a DIY project or a home decor Pinterest page. I have spent the past year combing through the web looking for the perfect items to dress my new apartment, from throw pillows to picture frames to door stops. Put simply, I have never met a decorative accessory I dislike.

That said, it can be difficult as a dog and design lover to find ways to incorporate your pet into your decor without things getting too cheesy or theme-y. Below are some of my favorite decorative items that will reflect your puppy love without sacrificing style!

Heather Galler Art Chihuahua Tile:

A dear friend picked up a collection of these colorful tiles for me for Christmas, and I can't wait to use them in my new place. The artist has an Etsy page full of bright portraits of a variety of breeds and species on products ranging from shower curtains to posters to throw pillows. I will use the tiles representing my animal pals as coasters in my living room, where I am planning on featuring bright, bold patterns and colors reminiscent of the Southwest.

Dean Russo Art Chihuahua Print:

Also being featured in the living room is this Dean Russo Art Chihuahua Print, which I first discovered on Joss & Main and fell so in love with it I tracked it down on the artist's website after the sale had ended. The Brooklyn based artist also offers up portraits of Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Bull Terriers, and Huskies on a variety of products. Each print comes individually signed by the artist, making an 8x10 a steal at $25. I plan on framing mine in a Pottery Barn frame with an extra large mat so it really stands out on the wall. 

Story People "Chihuahua" Story:

Story People has been a favorite source of art for me for many years. They create whimsical, irreverent "stories" featuring hand lettering and a wacky picture on crisp white mats. As soon as I got Holly, I knew I needed to add the "Chihuahua" story to my collection, the story reads: "I remember once I went to my great-grandmother's house. It was a big white house & it always smelled like slightly burned toast & raspberry jam. She had a picture of Jesus on the wall in her living room. She told me his eyes would follow you around when you walked. I told a friend about it a while ago. He nodded & said he used to have a Chihuahua that did the same thing." Knowing the way Holly looks at me when I have even a crumb of food in my possession, I can certainly relate!

Vintage Kandy Dog Teepee:

This is by far the piece I am most excited to purchase for my apartment. Etsy store Vintage Kandy sells pet beds in the shapes of teepees, eliminating the concern about tucking a ratty pet bed somewhere it won't clash with your decor. I was inspired by my friend Molly's beautiful canvas teepee in her children's playroom, and I immediately scoured the internet to see if a similar creation existed for Holly. The pet bed is ideally suited for pups and kitties 25lbs and under, and features a cushion upholstered in outdoor fabric for easy upkeep and a heavy duty canvas shell. The $95 price tag is on par with high quality pet beds, though this one goes above and beyond in terms of uniqueness and style. 

Earth Studio Metal Art Chihuahua Bookends:

In case you haven't noticed, my decorating style is heavily influenced by the bright colors and bold prints of the Southwest, with a dash of pop art whimsy. These bookends from Etsy store Earth Studio Metal Art combine the best of both worlds, with whimsical Chihuahuas cut from rough metal adding a fun touch to any bookshelf. A far cry from the standard ceramic doggie bookends, these are sure to be a conversation starter and to last in my home for many years to come.

Until Next Time, Darlings! 

A Holly Jolly Christmas!

Christmas is nearly here, and the past month has gone by in a blur of buying and wrapping and trekking to Fifth Ave more times than perhaps was strictly necessary, but I feel like I can say confidently that Holly and I have fully soaked up the holiday cheer and are ready to take our annual Christmas trip to Colorado to see my family.

We have been delighted to receive some ah-mazing presents (and to give some ourselves, we hope!), but I couldn't sign off for the season without sharing the couple of things I decided to gift myself this year.

Today we stopped for what I hope is our final last minute gift-buying adventure to Henri Bendel. Holly was so excited about the 70+ degree weather and our upcoming vacation that she took it upon herself to spread holiday love in the form of muddy paw prints on the pant legs of nearly every person we met! Luckily the staff and folks shopping at Bendel's were feeling the spirit of the season and took it in stride.

While at Bendel's I decided to gift myself with something from their Heritage Collection, which is currently on sale for 30% off. These are items designed exclusively for Henri Bendel and featured mainly on their second floor, including those featuring the illustrations of Izak, many of which feature a Henri Bendel "It Girl" and her little brown pup, which bear a striking resemblance to a certain blogger and her shopping bestie if I do say so myself ;)

This Izak holiday design mirrors my many adventures with Holly this holiday season!

 I have been coveting the Henri Bendel phone cases for some time now, and with 30% off and a likeness to Holly to boot, it was impossible to say no. The selection for my older iPhone 4s was not huge, but I did manage to snag one with plenty of girls and their pups to match our every mood!

This "It Girls" phone case was impossible to resist!

Pleased with the last of our holiday purchases, Holly and I came home to pack for our trip home. Of course, packing can be exhausting, especially with so many mommy & me outfits to coordinate (and this funky warm weather that makes the festive sweaters obsolete), so we took a break to do some online shopping.

I clicked onto Piperlime, which is one of my most frequented sites, especially now with all of the holiday sales, and gasped when I saw the Marc By Marc Jacobs Friends Of Mine Puppy Slippers on sale for over 50%, and in my size! I have been eyeing these flats for a while--sure, the Boston Terrier may not look much like Holly (a typical prerequisite for any pup themed items), but they are so happy and cute, and I know Marc By Marc Jacobs flats fit me perfectly. These babies are so pup-ular on Piperlime they are backordered until March, but a few months wait seems worth it to have them in my closet at this price.

I couldn't believe it when I saw these adorable flats on major sale!

Of course, it wouldn't be the holidays without some quality time with friends & family, so we will be taking a blogging hiatus while we eat too many sweets and share laughter and fun with our loved ones both here and Colorado. We will see you in the New Year--I can't wait to see what adventures it brings!

Until Next Year, Darlings!

Holly's Holly-day Gift Guide

With only 2 weeks until Christmas (we can't believe how quickly it came!), Holly and I have been busy elves getting together gifts for everyone on our list. This year, no surprise, many of our gifts are pup themed! Here are some of our favorites that we picked up:

For our dog walker: We are very thankful for our dog walker, who comes to take Holly out for about an hour every day and makes her nice and tired while I'm at work! Since it has been especially blustery these past couple days, I ordered her an adorable paw print coffee cozy from Jumping and Jellybean on Etsy to wrap around post walk lattes and cups of cocoa.

Super talented fellow blogger Molly runs Jumping and Jellybean, and I am in love with her gorgeous handmade designs!

 To keep her warm while Holly drags her through the snowy park, I chose the Textural Bobble Hat and matching Bobble Cowl Scarf from the Gap. The set was so cute I also picked up the hat in pink for myself, and may need to go back for the matching scarf!

The faux fur detail at the top of this hat makes the set feel expensive (and adds whimsy)!

I have to admit it was tough to gift this cozy scarf, and I may need to order my own before the season ends!

For my dad: We always joke that my dad is Holly's "Grandpa," so when I saw this hilarious frame on Amazon, I knew I had to pick it up for him. Now he can proudly show off his furry grandchild in the office when his coworkers brag about their human grandchildren!

We will include a picture from my dad's recent visit to New York so he can brag about Holly in style!

For Holly's Pup Friends: Holly has made several friends in the neighborhood over this past year. Since our test run with Puppycake Pup Cake mix went so well, we plan on making some of our closest puppy friends a sweet treat, and maybe baking up a little something for their parents as well! Holly is not keen on sharing treats, but something tells me she won't mind sharing a few with our neighbor, Jake, a Pitbull mix she loves to play with and snapped a hilarious picture with outside of Bloomingdale's.

Holly with her "boyfriend" Jake...the one pup she is willing to share treats with!

Until Next Time, Darlings!

Paw-sitively Fabulous: Wallyware (Plus a Discount!)

When I was younger, my parents sold their condo in Southern California and packed up to move to Colorado, where my dad's family had a small Summer cabin. That year, while staying at said cabin, my dad noticed a plate at a local gallery featuring a yellow dog named Wally, in a convertible, packing up after selling his dog house in California to move to Colorado.

This was the first piece in my parent's collection of "Wallyware," the wacky, irreverent, topical, and sometimes off-color brainchild of Tom Edwards, a Colorado Artisan who himself is a California transplant. Wally started as a simple goofy sketch on a few plates at a craft fair that were interspersed with the pretty, "functional pottery" Tom was creating in the early 80s. The plates garnered so much attention (including a massive order for a dinner service for 12!), that Tom took his little cartoon dog and leveraged it into a brand with a dedicated cult following, soon celebrating its 30th year. Custom orders have been commissioned for wrap parties for Jackass films, The Grateful Dead's Bob Weir, and even as a retirement gift for former Secretary Of State Hillary Rodham Clinton! Suffice it to say--Little Wally has had MANY big adventures.

"Wally learns the true meaning of horror when his Mom joins Facebook."

"Wally becomes a vegetarian simply because he likes being asked stupid questions."

"Wally learns that on Etsy, 'hand drawn on ironic vintage tableware' means a Sharpie drawing on an old paper plate."

The beauty of Wally, says Tom, is he can be inserted into almost any joke. My parent's collection of Wallyware can attest to that; Wally has been to Catholic School, met Martha Stewart and Harry Potter, run for political office, and visited Jackson Pollock's studio, just to name a few. The pottery my parents have collected over the decades serves as a mini time capsule, showing many of the major political, social, and economic events through Wally's (and Tom's) very unique perspective.

In addition to Wallyware, Tom offers other lines of unique and funny gifts, from ornaments (new designs out next week!) to pins, funny dishes and mugs, and a whole line of intricately detailed mugs based on David Bowie and Iggy Pop Lyrics (available exclusively on his Etsy page).

Of course the thing I am dying to get my hands on is Tom's line of custom dog bowls and milk bone jars. Like everything on Tom's site, the pots are hand thrown and hand drawn, but with the added bonus of your pup's personality being uniquely represented in the design.

The bowls come in two sizes, 5.5" and 7" diameter, with four style options for the inside, and four color options for their name on the outside. Holly is a fan of "Feed The !#!@&!! Dog Already" design, since my kitty had the cat version of the bowl when I was younger.

A sample of a custom dog dish

Our favorite interior option. Others include a heart, doggie bone,  and meat (seen above).

The custom Milk Bone jar is definitely #1 on Holly's Holiday Wishlist this year. Tom will create a custom design using your dog's name and breed, and the examples online are hysterical. I would love to see Tom's take on Little Holly's Big World, especially since her big yellow ears remind me of a certain pup he's been drawing for the past 30 years...

Some of the adorable and hilarious Milk Bone jars for other lucky pups!

With both the custom bowls and Milk Bone jars coming in under $50, I think there is a strong possibility Santa can bring some Wallyware to Holly this year. And if you are feeling inspired to add some Wally to your life, or gift some Wally to your favorite person (or pup), Tom has offered an EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT to readers of Little Holly's Big World. Just enter "HOLLY" at checkout to receive 10% off your Wallyware order!!

Until Next Time, Darlings!

Paw-sitively Fabulous: Holly's Adopt-A-Versary!

One year ago today, I brought home my best friend, partner in crime, and confidante from The Humane Society of New York. In order to have a celebration worthy of the occasion, I took the day off from work so Holly and I could spend our anniversary partaking in some of our most favorite Upper East Side activities!

We started the day off with a trip to Central Park, which was cut a little short by the unseasonably cool weather. Holly still managed to make the most of the time we were there, though; she had a blast rolling in the fall foliage and picking up sticks to play with!

Total goofball rolling in the fall leaves!

Next up we donned our matching anniversary outfits for a day out on the town. Holly wore her new Smoochie Pooch sweater with leopard collar, and I had a black sweater and leopard scarf to match. For extra fun, I sported my "I Love My Chihuahua" socks (you can find them here).

She may not be 100% Chihuahua, but she is 100% a fan of the socks!

Matching outfits on Madison Ave.

Our first stop was Ralph Lauren, where we wanted to check out the offerings from the newest "Dog Walk" campaign, which presented the latest accessories and pup line for the brand using rescue pups as models. We were already RL fans, but the super cute video for the campaign sold us even more!

I have my eye on the Striped Reversible Dog Vest for Holly now that it is getting chilly again, and I also fell in love with a Getty Images print featuring Audrey Hepburn holding a little Yorkie on the set of Funny Face, but we had to leave them both in the home department because we had more shopping to do!

Next up was a trip to our favorite store, Henri Bendel. They feature a dog on many of their products that looks exactly like Holly, and their offerings for pups are so glam and frequently come studded in Swarovski crystals. As usual, the store did not disappoint, and we will absolutely be returning come the holidays for the Heart Shaped puppy bowl, Crystal Rivet dog collar, and Scene Stealer 2014 Desk Diary. Somehow I managed to leave with just a notepad featuring the girl and her pup and the phrase "More Is More," but I don't know if my willpower will be so strong on our next visit.

My anniversary gifts to myself were this Henri Bendel "More Is More" notepad and an adorable "Dog Worries" Guatemalan Worry Doll from local boutique Alex & Lorenzo Home.

Since we were in the area and it was our special day, I decided it was the perfect time to take Holly on her first trip to Tiffany & Co. The sales people were so excited that her name was Holly Golightly, but unfortunately Holly was a bit less than thrilled with that leg of the adventure, likely because breakfast was not actually provided.

Holly is annoyed "Breakfast At Tiffany's" isn't something that really happens.

Finally we swung by Bloomingdale's to check on their latest pet offerings. When we reached the home floor, Holly and I were thrilled to see Christmas has come early! Our friend at Bendel's explained that a lot of the stores are "pushing the season" since Hanukkah begins on Thanksgiving day this year, so people are gift buying a bit earlier. Whatever the reasoning, we loved checking out all the decorations and dancing around to "All I Want For Christmas Is You," while taking in the offerings in the pet section.

These Bloomingdale's themed "Little Dog Treats" (a riff on the "Little Brown Bag") are definitely on Holly's
Christmas wishlist!

Checking out the ornament selection at Bloomingdale's. The conclusion? Fabulous, but not enough dogs.

Finally we came home for treats and gifts. In addition to her adorable leopard trim sweater, Holly got a new Multipet Lamb Chop toy, a Kong Beaver (with removable squeaker for safety), and a Haute Diggity Dog "Arfie Woofhall" Lithograph toy. She also got a special puppy cake pop from our local Petco (because anniversary calories don't count!).

Holly's anniversary gifts!

It was so special getting to spend the day celebrating having Holly in my life for the past year. Even after witnessing it every day for the past 365 days, it is amazing to me how she has the ability to put a smile on the face of every person she meets, be they a good friend or just a stranger passing on the street. She has been the best part of my day every day for the past year, and I can't wait for our many more adventures and antics and fun in the years to come!

Until Next Time, Darlings!