Friday, June 25, 2010

Happy
Take Your Dog to Work Day!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

A Trio of Colors (Hydrangea)

The colors of flowers in some species of hydrangeas are based
 on the conditions of the soil in which they are growing. 
Blue flowers are the result of acidic soil. 
Neutral soils may result in very pale cream flowers.
Pink or purple flowers are found in alkaline soils.
Some flowers have multiple colors...
like the one shown above from my Mom's hydrangea bush.
Carole
[Photos and text copyright Cloudk9.com   All rights reserved.]

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Hydrangeas In Bloom

The hydrangea bush at my Mom's house is in bloom and it is spectacular!


These are lovely blue-colored blooms!
Each bloom is perfectly amazing!

Carole
[Photos and Text copyright Cloudk9.com  All rights reserved.]


Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Monday, June 21, 2010

Mushrooms

These mushrooms are growing on a tree.
They almost look like they came from another planet!

Carole

[Photo and Text copyright CloudK9.com  All rights reserved.]

Friday, June 18, 2010

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Bunny in the Garden

I got a photo of the little fellow that has been living in the garden. 
Just born this year...he (or she) is no longer a baby, but an adolescent bunny rabbit!

Carole

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Daylily

The Daylily bloomed for the first time.
I am pleasantly surprised by the result!

Carole
[Photo and Text copyright Cloudk9.com  All rights reserved.]

Monday, June 14, 2010

More Animal Rescue Messages from the USPS

In addition to their "Adopt a Shelter Pet" Stamps featured in our earlier blog, the USPS is also using a special mark with the Animal Rescue theme.

This special mark (used as the cancelation mark on items being mailed) features a dog and cat along with the words "Animal Rescue."

Two paws up to the USPS for continuing to promote the message of adopting shelter pets!

Carole

Friday, June 11, 2010

The Pond in the Woods (Part 5)


These fabulous water liles are just beautiful!

What a peaceful and serene place.

As I turn to leave, I look back over my shoulder
and see someone waching me.
Almost looks like he is smiling!
Goodbye, Frogs! See you soon! :-)
Carole
[Photos and text copyright Cloudk9.com  All rights reserved.]

Thursday, June 10, 2010

The Pond in the Woods (Part 4)

The frogs! They are everywhere!
Here is one big fellow!





There are 2 frogs in this picture!

They must be having a great time in this pond!
I feel like Kermit the Frog should appear at any moment!
(To be continued in tomorrow's blog...)

Carole
[Photos and text copyright Cloudk9.com  All rights reserved.]

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

The Pond in the Woods (Part 3)

The first things I see moving are the mallard ducks.

Two male mallard ducks...swimming and "duck"ing
their heads underwater to find food.

I also see a turtle with his head just above the water...
He sees me, too, and quickly submerges!

I hear the frogs...where are they?

(To be continued in tomorrow's blog...)
Carole
[Photos and text copyright Cloudk9.com   All rights reserved.]


Tuesday, June 8, 2010

The Pond in the Woods (Part 2)

I have reached the pond...
What a peaceful place.


 
The beautiful trees surrounding the pond are reflected in the water.

I hear the bull frogs...can I actually locate any?
(To be continued in tomorrow's blog...)
Carole
[Photos and text copyright Cloudk9.com  All rights reserved.]


Monday, June 7, 2010

A Walk in the Woods

On a nice June day, I went for a walk in the woods near my house. My destination is the pond. There were some beautiful scenes along the way, so I stopped to take a few photos.

These white flowers are just lovely.

The tiger lilies are so vibrant!

I am almost to the pond...I can hear the bull frogs! (To be continued in tomorrow's blog...)
 
Carole
[Photos and text copyright Cloudk9.com  All rights reserved.]

Friday, June 4, 2010

Update on the Fish Pond

After the new liner was put in the fish pond (see previous blog)
various aquatic plants were added to the pond.

This blooming water hyacinth is enjoying its new home.

Carole
[Photo and text copyright Cloudk9.com  All rights reserved.]

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Monday, May 31, 2010

Friday, May 28, 2010

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Redbud in Bloom ~ Before and After

This is a "before and after" of sorts.
A previous post showed the Redbud tree in bloom with lovely flowers.
Seed pods developed where the flowers had been!

Carole
[Photos and text copyright Cloudk9.com  All rights reserved.]

Monday, May 24, 2010

Spirea in Bloom


The Spirea are in bloom!
The flowers are so delicate!

Carole
[Photo and text copyright Cloudk9.com  All rights reserved.]

Friday, May 21, 2010

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Update on Stamps to the Rescue

On April 30th, the US Post Office released the "Stamps to the Rescue" to raise awareness of the need to adopt pets from animal shelters.  I bought my stamps when they first came out.

Today I inquired at the post office about buying more of these stamps, and the clerk told me that they had sold out of them within about five days! 

This is great news that so many people are interested in spreading the word about adopting shelter pets!

My branch of the post office expects to have the stamps back in stock in a day or so.

Carole

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Monday, May 17, 2010

Friday, May 14, 2010

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Wisteria (Lane)


I love Wisteria...the vines with these purple flower are so lovely!
Yes, this is the flower that the famous TV show is named after...
Wisteria Lane!

Carole
[Photo and text copyright Cloudk9.com  All rights reserved.]

Monday, May 10, 2010

Which bag of treats would you select
for your dog?
 














Packaging can have a huge impact on a potential customer’s perception of the product; using the right type of packaging can help increase sales!

Whether for treats from a dog biscuit bakery, a fund raiser for a rescue group, or pet-theme products at a craft show, Cello Bags are our most popular packaging product!  (Cello is pronounced “sell-o” like cellophane…not “chell-o” like the musical instrument.)

The two most basic aspects of packaging are:
1) Protection: to protect the product (e.g., from moisture and dirt)
2) Containment: to hold multiples of the same product (e.g., a dozen dog biscuits).

But our cello treat bags don’t stop there…they provide many more benefits! How does your packaging stack up against our list below?

Food Safe: our cello bags meet FDA requirements for direct food contact.

Shelf Appeal: eye-catching packaging makes the product stand out and alerts the customer that a pet-theme product is inside the package.

Transparency: products are visible through the packaging (which isn’t possible with cardboard or paper containers).

Reclosable: cello bags can be reclosed after opening (which isn't possible with shrink wrap).
[See Accessories (below) for products to close the cello bags.]

Versatile: cello bags can be used to hold a variety of products/items...from dog treats, to goodie bags with party favors for childrens' birthday parties, to other types of products.  (For example, we use these bags to package the handmade dog-shaped cookie cutters sold on our website.)

Dogs AND Cats Welcome: in addition to the "dog and bones" pattern cello bags (photo at beginning of this blog post), we also offer the black paw prints pattern which is appropriate for both dogs and cats!

Seasonal Selection: the red and green paw print cello bags are a great choice for the “howl-iday” season.

Accessories: the black paw print ribbon and the gold seal with black paw print  wrap things up with a fun touch!

Packaging speaks to your customers about the product inside. What is your packaging saying?

SPECIAL OFFER!  Free shipping within the US on any $25 (or more) order of packaging products at Cloudk9.com
Just enter:   blogwrap    as the coupon code in the online shopping cart. Orders must be placed by May 31st, 2010 for free shipping.

It's a Wrap!

Carole
[Text and photos copyright Cloudk9.com   All rights reserved.]

Friday, May 7, 2010

Happy Mother's Day! A Rose for the Moms

This Sunday is Mother's Day!

For all the Moms out there (whether you are a Mom of 2-legged or 4-legged kids)...

Happy Mother's Day!
This Rose is for you!


Carole
CloudK9.com

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Rhododendron in Bloom

The flowers are just gorgeous this year.  Maybe it is because of the recent rains that we had.  Whatever the reason, I want to share this beautiful Rhododendron.

Carole
[Text and photo copyright cloudk9.com  All rights reserved.]

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Celebrate with the Chihuahua Cookie Cutter!


I made this cute Chihuahua Cookie using the
Chihuahua cookie cutter from our Cloud K9® website.

1. Use the dog shaped cookie cutter to cut the cookie from the sugar cookie dough and bake according to your recipe or package instructions.
2. Let the cookie cool completely before icing it.
3. Spread the white decorating icing to the edges of the cookie and let it dry.
4. Add the eye and nose with black decorating icing as shown in the photo above. (It helps to use a toothpick for these features.)
5. Add the dog collar with red decorating icing and a plastic decorating tip (or an icing writer) as shown in the photo above.
6. Let the icing dry.

Adios!

Carole

We have over 80 different breeds of dog cookie cutters on our website.

[Text and photo copyright Carole of CloudK9.com All rights reserved.]

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

National Pet Week

This is National Pet Week!


Per the Pet Week website, "National Pet Week was jointly founded in 1981 by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Auxiliary to the AVMA, and is widely celebrated throughout the United States and other parts of the world. In 2010, National Pet Week is celebrated from May 2-8."

The Pet Week website also explains that: "The goals of National Pet Week are to promote responsible pet ownership, celebrate the human-animal bond, and promote public awareness of veterinary medicine."

So do something extra special for your pet(s) this week!

For more information, visit www.petweek.org/index.cfm

Carole

Monday, May 3, 2010

Things are Just Ducky!

I saw a pair of Mallard Ducks land in the neighbor's yard a few days ago.  Now I see that the female duck is hanging out in the yard.

Is is correct to say that this duck
is pigeon toed? :-)

When she saw that I had some bread, she came running as fast as she could.


While she doesn't have the vivid geen coloring as does the
male mallard duck , I think she is very pretty!

Things are just ducky!
Carole
[Text and Photos copyrighted. All rights reserved.]

Friday, April 30, 2010

"Adopt a Shelter Pet" Stamps to Raise Awareness

Starting on April 30, 2010, the US Postal Service will be selling stamps to raise awareness of the need to adopt Shelter Pets. 

The USPS website states that the goal is for "more Americans to know about the millions of shelter pets that need good homes. Nearly half of the animals that enter animal shelters are euthanized. Many of these cats and dogs would have made a wonderful pet...if only given the chance."

They say:  "You can make a difference. Adopt a pet, volunteer at a shelter, or just get the word out by buying these stamps."

There are 10 different stamps.  All of these pets had been homeless.  At the time the pictures were taken, all but one had been adopted!  Featured on the stamps are:
Teddy Jack Russell Terrier
Willow Maltese Cat
Trevor Yellow Lab
Bianca Calico
Buddy Golden Retriever
Peaches Gray White and Tan Cat
Bindi Sue Aussie Shepherd
Frankie Black White and Tan Cat
Jake Boston Terrier
Lucas Orange Tabby

The USPS website offers a variety of products including stamps, mugs, artwork and notecards featuring these pets.

Ellen DeGeneres (Animal Advocate and co-owner of Halo Pet Food) is the spokeperson for this campaign.  Halo will be donating meals to feed 1 Million shelter pets.  You can visit stampstotherescue.com to see an update of how many meals Halo has donated to feed homeless pets.

I have my stamps! Do you have yours?

Carole

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Monday, April 26, 2010

Friday, April 23, 2010

Mother's Day Gift Idea!

Mother's Day is a little more than 2 weeks away! Cloud K9 ® has a great gift idea for Mom...especially for Dog Moms!

Let Mom keep a picture of her favorite kids and furkids in one of our locket necklaces.

Our locket necklaces are made from vintage molds and are available in over 35 different breeds of Dogs, plus a Paw Print, Rabbit, Cat, or Horse (with horseshoe).

A great gift idea that is sure to be treasured for years to come!

Carole
Cloud K9

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Happy Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day!
Please take care of the Earth!
It's the only one we have!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Save the Fishies ~ Part 2

We placed the liner in the pond.  I was suprised that the liner was far, far heavier than it looked!  Then we filled the pond with water (over 2,000 gallons)! YIKES!

As you can see, my friend reshaped the pond from its original "figure 8" shape to a "kidney bean" shape.

Then, the water needed to sit for 24 hours to adjust the temperature.  Water coming out of the hose is cold at this time of year.  Plus, chemicals (to remove chlorine, etc.) needed to be added to the water so it would be safe for the fish.

After 24 hours, the fish were ready to be transitioned to the pond.  First, they were put in a plastic bag with their original pond water (that they were living in during the time in the smaller container) and floated in the pond to adjust them to the new temperature.  Then, some new water from the pond needed to be put into the bag to adjust them to the new water.  I think each of these steps was for about 15 or 30 minutes for each step.  Note: Please consult an expert for the exact specifications of adjusting fish to a new location since these types of transitions can be fatal for fish.

Then, the fish were ready to be put into the pond!  Everything went well!  There were about 20 fish in all and ALL of them survived the move!

I can truly say the fish look so happy in the pond.  Maybe they are happy to be out of the small container and in the pond again.  Maybe they can tell they have more room to swim with the new shape of the pool.  Who knows!?!  But they were definitely swimming and playing joyfully!

Yes! Mission Accomplished! The fish are safe!

Carole
[Text and photos copyrighted. All rights reserved.]

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Save the Fishies ~ Part 1

My friend built a small pond in his backyard over 10 years ago.  The pond is really cool with the fish swimming in it! 


The pond liner has been leaking since last Fall...so the obvious was coming.  Eventually the pond liner would need to be replaced...which means draining the pond and temporarily relocating the fish!

Lately, the water level in the pond was getting much lower, so I volunteered to help with the project to save the fishies (Koi and goldfish).  The fish spend the winter in the pond, since it is deep enough for the fish to survive the cold Midwest winters by hunkering down in the bottom of the pond.  It was important that we completed the project before the temperatures get too hot.

Replacing the pond liner is a major project!  The fish needed to be caught with a net and relocated into another container (which has the original pond water and also an air pump to aerate the water).  The water content and water temperature need to be very similar to that in the pond so they don't die.

Then, over 2,000 gallons of water needed to be drained from the pond!!!  YIKES! 

The sediment had to be removed (yes! I was in the bottom of the pond dredging out the sediment) and then we removed the liner.  The pond has several different levels to allow for different types of water plants (which lives at different depths in the pond).  This is what is looked like after the liner was removed:



This is Part 1! Stay tuned for Part 2!

Please Note:  Fish need special conditions to survive while a pond is being fixed.  Please consult an expert if you are relocating fish for this type of project.

Carole
[Text and photos copyrighted.  All rights reserved.]

Monday, April 19, 2010

In the Pink





These gorgeous pink Azaleas deserve to be seen!
They are fantastic!
The flowers this Spring are absolutely spectacular!











Carole
Cloud K9
[Photo copyright Cloudk9.com   All rights reserved.]

Friday, April 16, 2010

Tulips

Spring wouldn't be complete without the beautiful flowers that come from bulbs...like tulips!

A Trio of Tulips


This purple tulip is spectacular.
With its muliple petals, it almost doesn't even look like a tulip!

Carole
[Photos copyright CloudK9.com  All rights reserved.]

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Reds and Pinks

A few more lovely spring blooms in reds and pinks!

A beautiful Azalea to enjoy!



Friday's weather is supposed to be much cooler.  Back to regular temperatures.  It was fun while it lasted!
Carole
[Photos copyright CloudK9.com   All rights reserved.]

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Flowers in White

More flower pictures! Today's theme is Flowers in White!

The Dogwood Tree in bloom!


Another view!


From Viburnum......to Lily of the Valley.....a beautiful contrast with green foliage and white flowers!

Enjoy!
Carole
[Photos copyright Cloudk9.com  All rights reserved.]

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Can't Seem to Get Enough of the Spring Flowers!

This weather for this week is also predicted to be amazing...with temperatures warmer than average for this time of year!

It seems like everywhere you look, the flowers are in bloom!

These wild violets look so sweet!

Happy Spring!
Carole
[Text and photo copyright CloudK9.com  All rights reserved.]

Monday, April 12, 2010

Busy Bee

Well, the little finches that were on the porch earlier, looking like they may build another nest, did not return.  So apparently they are building their new house elsewhere.
















However, a carpenter bee made an appearance! Yikes!
Talk about a busy bee!

Carole
[Text and photo copyright. All rights reserved.]

Friday, April 9, 2010

Trees in Bloom

Although we are all enduring lots of pollen as the trees bloom in Spring, the trees are truly spectacular!

The plum-colored leaves and
delicate pink flowers
make this tree one of my favs!


I adore the beautiful flowers of the red bud tree.
Even the tree trunk has a profusion of blooms!

I hope that your Spring is as lovely as ours is in the Midwest!
Carole
[Text and photos copyrighted. All rights reserved.]

Thursday, April 8, 2010

More from the Garden

Textures and patterns are always interesting elements in any garden. 


This plant is called "Lamb's Ear."  As you can see from the shape, the name is appropriate.  In addition, the leaves also feel "furry" and soft!  This texture makes the name even more appropriate!

Years ago, the Missouri Botanical Garden created a special garden for the blind.  This plant was included in that garden because its texture appeals to the sense of touch.






This plant is a new addition to the garden as of last year.
A friend gave me some extra from his garden.

He calls it "Ribbon Grass."  Likewise, this is an appropriate name since it is long and narrow like a ribbon.

I like the varigated pattern on the leaves of the Ribbon Grass. 


While the Ribbon Grass and the Lamb's Ear are both variations of green and white, they are each very different...and add their own special charm to the garden.



Happy Spring to all the Green Thumbs...and Not So Green Thumbs out there!

Carole
[Text and pictures copyrighted.  All rights reserved.]