Helping Japan's animals

When I'm not spending time with the dogs I'm quilting or sewing. I run a shop on Etsy.com a website for folks who sell handmade goods like me.

I've made several novelty pillowcases, including two designs with dog prints, that I'm selling to raise money for World Vets, an organization that is helping to rescue companion animals displaced during Japan's earthquake and keep them in no-kill shelters until they can be reunited with their owners.

I'm donating 50 percent of the pillowcase purchase price to World Vets relief efforts in Japan. Click here to see the selection.

Or if you'd like to donate directly to World Vets, click here.

Things my dog ate: The prophylactic edition

"Please tell me this isn't the first time you've heard this?"

That was what I said when I called our local emergency veterinarian to ask what to do when Sophia ate a condom.

Thankfully Sophia is not the first dog to think a prophylactic would make a great snack. Unfortunately it's not something that moves through the digestive system very easily.

One tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and 15 minutes later my bathroom floor was covered in vomit. I really just don't know what was the most disgusting part about the whole experience, trying to pull a condom out of her mouth before she swallowed it, sifting through her puke to make sure it all came out or cleaning up the multiple piles of barf when it was all done.

But Sophia is fine now and is cuddling with me on the couch. I'm sure she'll be back to her normal, inquisitive self by morning.