HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUCCA!

It's truly amazing we have made it this far, but today is Lucca's 3rd birthday!! This past weekend Mike and I were talking about how we are probably those people who others say - "Here they all come again--what's with them and that dog?!?!" - And we admit it- we are shamefully in love with our big baby. He has been an integral part of Mimi & Lu as well as our personal lives. Who knew this big, slobbery, dumb creature could capture so much attention. A look back:

Almost immediately, Lucca used one of his nine lives. Here we are a week into owning Lucca at the Animal Hospital where he was treated for Parvo.

Well, 6 months later Lucca would fracture his front leg, leaving us trying to lift a 75lb dog up and down stairs for potty breaks. This was one of the most trying times with Lucca. Can't you see the sadness in his eyes!

and the Cancer scare.

Then of course there were the dog attacks.

He has joined me at boutiques

and bead stores

Brought a smile to those sick

And occasional gave someone  a hand.

Despite the slobber...

We love this guy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LUCCA!!

Drama Queen (or King)

My dog, Lucca, is dramatic. Actually, dramatic doesn't really say it well. Over-dramatic? Melodramatic? Ridiculous, is what I'd call it. Let's start with his yawn. This comes to mind because this morning he dragged himself off the couch, waltzed into our bedroom and in his downward dog yoga position let out the loudest, most over the top yawn I've ever heard. It's starts with low rumbling and sorta crescendos to the end - which is topped off with the highest pitch screeching squeal you can imagine. He's basically saying, HELLO EVERYBODY-I'M UP AND I'M TIRED AND I WANT EVERYONE TO KNOW IT.

His dramatic nature doesn't end there. It's everything. If he is excited to see you- he's on 10- usually on his tippy toes he lets out a low howl. With his lips together it's almost like a low grumbling "Im trying to talk" sound. If he is tired but can't get comfortable you can bet he will let out a HUGE sigh- expanding his chest up as far as it will go and then letting it deflate.  If he is scared? Well today, he jumped 5 feet & knocked me over all because he saw this terribly "frightening" statue on our walk. (see flower pic- part of the Urban Tree project at the Port of San Diego)

Is your dog this dramatic?? Or should I just go ahead and ship this dog to Hollywood for acting classes...

Look at that Horse!

Well, actually it's a dog.

Today a homeless woman yelled at me for having my dog in the 'city' (i hardly call where I live the city) and that he should be running in the 'wild'. This is a common misconception that we often encounter.  It's one of the top 10 questions we get- "You must have big house. Do you have a huge yard??" In fact, Lucca would much rather be sitting on the couch watching Animal Planet, than running loose in the 'wild'. That goes for many great danes. They are couch potatoes. We, in fact, do not have a big house and we do have a yard but unless I'm out there with him, he'd rather be inside-yes- back on the couch.

While I'm at it, I thought I'd address the other most commonly asked questions in no particular order:
10. No, we do not have a saddle for him (if you think you are the first person to say this, you are sorely mistaken)
9. Yes, you may take a picture of him (he loves the camera)
8. No, he does not sleep in the bed (although he does sleep on the couch)
7. Yes, we are glad we kept his ears floppy too. (there's really no logical point in cropping)
6. No, your kid can't ride him (although maybe for the right price...)
5. Yes, I knew he was going to get this big. (um....I hope that was apparent when I picked out a great dane)

4. No actually, I am walking HIM (although I know you think its funny to say he is walking ME.)
3. He needs the same amount of exercise as other dogs... in some cases less.
2. He is 16 months, 132lbs, eats 8 cups a kibble a day, it's called brindle and YES he is still growing.
1. No matter how many times you call him a horse, he still isn't a horse.

HOLIDAY HOOPLA (PART TWO)!

I walked Lucca past the neighborhood nursery today and the smell of fresh Christmas trees was overwhelming! I wanted to run in and drag one home with us, but I knew that would be a disaster- Lucca would have it on it's side, ornaments strewn about & lights tangled around his body in no time. I can just see the guilty, yet satisfied, look he'd have on his face.

Sorta the same look you might have after getting ridiculous holiday deals on moushart jewelry! (sad attempt at a segue) New pieces have been added to the SAMPLE SALE. This collection includes one of a kinds as well as some classic Moushart pieces- ALL at deeply discounted prices. But once they are gone, they are GONE! So hurry and get these pieces today!

You can also shop the Holiday Favorites- some of OUR favorites- at special prices for the rest of the year. Order soon so your gifts can arrive on time. Don't forget to visit the website- always a variety of designs where you are sure to find a piece for even the hardest to please.

And go ahead and get something for yourself. Holiday parties, dinners and dates could all use a little extra sparkle. Happy shopping.