DIY Dog-Inspired Floral Arrangements for Your Pet Lover Mum

By Guest Writer, Megan Larson

When I first heard the phrase "dog flower," I thought it was an actual type of flower (perhaps I was thinking of the dogwood flower) somehow related to Asiatic Lilies, with their floppy petals that could resemble a pooches ears. But upon first research, it is not, in fact, an actual flower but an arrangement that actually resembles a puppy. Must know more ...

Because it's coming up on some very fun spring and summer holidays and flowers are a-bloomin', I thought a dog flower bouquet would be a great Mother's Day gift for the eternal dog lover (you can cater this arrangement to any holiday by varying colors). Whether you use real flowers from FTD or get some fake ones at Michaels, you, my dog lover friend, are going to go gaga over this DIY project.

The Puppy Bouquet Ingredients

Colleen Griffin of Flowering Friends says you will need:

• a dozen white cushion mums (vary colors and add carnations for texture as well) with 1" to 2 1/2" of stem
• greens/two bunches of lilies for background filler
• a small opaque container (about 4") and tray
• wet foam brick (4"x3"x9")
• 12mm craft animal eyes and nose
• felt for tongue
• scissors
• hot glue gun
• glue
• flower pick or wooden skewers
• knife

The How To

As shown in video below, you need to:

1. Soak foam for 30 minutes in water so it gets nice and wet and then slide it into the 4" pot. It seems like it won't fit; it will. And it will be secure so you don't have to tape it and will last about 7 to 10 days without having to add water.

2. Punch holes in foam with flower pick or skewer and place stems into holes (not all the way down).

3. Place two same-sized flowers (the dog's ears) on the top of the foam block toward the front.

4. Place eyes and nose as a triangle just below ears with the nose sticking out a bit further than the eyes.

5. Round out foam edges. Add feet (three flowers on each side). Slice foam from behind the ears straight down to remove excess.

6. Add filler flowers to cover up foam and add color and personality.

7. Add animal craft eyes and nose with hot glue into the center of the allotted mums.

8. Add a little felt tongue and bows at the ears or between the ears and you have yourself a doggie flower bouquet.

Options

You can cater this bouquet to suit your gift recipients interests. For example, look for tan flowers if the dog lover has a similar colored pooch. For a Fourth of July party gift, mix in red, white and blue flowers and filler and put an American flag in the puppy's hand. This arrangement can be used for all and any occasion and is sure to make any animal lover swoon with delight.

About the author: A lover of all things DIY, Megan shares her crafts ideas with readers online.

Buckle Up Your Furry Companions in Dog-Friendly Vehicles

By Guest Writer, Sonny Rodriguez

Dogs are people too. Well, we love them just the same. If you have dogs, it's important to have the right kind of vehicle and interior accessories in place to be safe. And the importance of getting your family from one place to another unharmed should be at the top of your radar.

To your dog, an open window is all they need to get a joy ride. But there are other important features that should be addressed when it comes to dog ownership and transportation. Whether going on a road trip or simply to the dog park everyday, safety comes first. Then cleanliness, I would guess. Here are some dog-friendly vehicles to consider if you're in the market for a new car. Also highlighted are a few necessary products that will keep your pup safe and sound and give you one less distraction while driving.

Toyota FJ Cruiser

The FJ Cruiser might bring you back to the days when you and your brother loaded his toy truck beds with rocks and marbles, or when you would put Barbie and Ken in the front seat of his Tonka toys (Barb in the driver's seat). The colors are playful primaries that include, but are not limited to, calvary blue and sun fusion yellow. The Jean Knows Cars Guide gives it an eight on their Fun-O-Meter. The retro rugged SUV starts at $26.8K MSRP. It's ideal for animals because it is water-resistant fabric on the seats and the floor is rubber so it's very easy to wipe down and hose out. With a decent size cargo (big enough for a crate) and fold down seats, Toyota's FJ Cruiser is fun for the whole family.

Ford Escape Hybrid

A greener option is the Escape Hybrid. With 22/31 mpg, this eco-friendly vehicle has the best automatic highway fuel economy in its class according to the Ford website. The interior seat cushion foam is derived from soybeans and the carpets are a blend that includes post-consumer fibers derived from recycled bottles. When it comes to taking your pooch for a cruise, there is room for a crate but you might consider getting a pet hammock to protect your back seats and a harness and tether so he/she can move around without the fear of a sudden stop throwing them to the car floor (or out of the window).

Mazda3 Hatchback

Do you have a little guy or older fellow that may need less room and an easier entry? In 2012, the Mazda3 Hatchback was named a top safety pick by IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). It's a fun, zippy little thing at the same time. The fifth door opens up to 42 in. of total cargo room, which helps when you are toting a dog and his supplies around. The interior is comfortable and it has style. Plus you can give your doggie kisses when stopped at a light.

What's Inside

Some necessary accessories to keep your pet safe and comfortable include a tether and harness ($24), crate, crate pads, handi-drink pet water bottles ($7.99), or go big with a booster seat with safety tether and pet harness that is all held in place by the backseat seat belt. Lastly, help save their delicate joints by adding a portable pet ramp.

About the Author: Sonny loves living in the country where she cares for her menagerie of six chickens, two goats and three llamas. Being a freelance writer for environmentally friendly cars and smartphone apps, Sonny feels that she gets to experience the best of both worlds; living in nature and writing about nature friendly technology.

Fur is Mandatory at These Events

By Guest Writer, Kirk Whitham

If you're like me, you think of your dog as your baby. So why wouldn't you want to bring your dog along with you every place you could? Here's a list of dog-friendly events welcoming your furry friends with open arms.

Church

Have you ever thought about bringing your dog to church? Well in Dallas, Texas one pastor in particular has welcomed canine companions to Sunday service. Ed Young, pastor of Fellowship Church, welcomed canines of all kinds to "Dog Days" a weekend event last April featuring pet-friendly activities. This dog-friendly event was part of his series "Wild" in which he talked about animals from the bible. Ed Young Fellowship patrons loved the dog event and have pictures on the church's Facebook page to prove it.

At First Christian Church in Brunswick, Ohio, dogs are accepted and welcome to attend services with their owners. According to lifewithdogs.tv, the pastor got the idea when his dog sat beside a church member who sat alone on Christmas Eve.

Dog Park

If you've wanted to find your dog a play date, there's no better place than a dog park. Easy going pet owners let their canine friends run free in a grassy dog heaven, but if you have a cute little Yorkie, don't worry. All dog parks have separate areas for large dogs and small dogs, so no harm will come to them. The best part about dog parks is you get to make new friends as well! This is especially great to do if you've moved to a new neighborhood and have yet to make friends.

Paws in the Park 2013

On March 24 in Escondido, California, people and their canine companions are welcome to the Escondido Humane Society's Paws in the Park dog walk. Located at Kit Carson Park, this event helps raise funding and awareness for animals in need. Registration for the event is free and all registrants receive prizes based on the amount of pledges raised. After the walk there will be fun activities and contests for you and your dog, including a paw-parazzi parade. Event is scheduled from 8 a.m. till Noon.

Doggie Olympic Games

Long Beach, Washington is home to the Doggie Olympic Games. From June 28-29, dog owners come together and have their furry friends compete in fun games. All dogs are welcome in this friendly, competitive environment. Ever wanted to compete in a dog show but couldn't due to your dog's type? The Olympic Games are a fun alternative! The line up includes:

• "What, No Ducks?" ball toss.
• "Nadia Comaneci" agility course.
• "RIP Van Winkle Sleep Off" lying down contest.
• "Dunking for (Hot) Dogs" hotdog eating contest
• "Filla Fuller Brush Shedding" hair shedding competition.
• "Luciano Pavarotti Commemorative Sing-Off" singing competition.
• "Babe Ruth Obedience Baseball" course.
• "I've Got Rhythm Musical Sit" musical chairs.
• "Peanut Butter Lick" peanut butter eating competition.
• "Frisbee Throw"
• "Who's  Your Daddy" popularity contest.
• "Doggie Dash" running competition.

About the author: A huge bluegrass fan and animal rights activist, Kirk supports the movement toward a more sustainable planet. He shares his ideas with readers online.