Tuesday Topics #38 - Treat Pouch & Giveaway

It has been almost 3 months since I posted a Tuesday Topic! Not that I haven't had questions. But Tuesdays would go by before I could get the question posted, and then I'd miss my opportunity for the week, since heaven forbid I ask a question on Wednesday or Saturday. Because then it wouldn't be a Tuesday Topic!
Once again combining my love for sewing and for dogs, here are some treat pouches or bait bags that I made. A couple years ago, my puppy group gave out Gentle Leader/Premier pouches, and I loved it. Eventually, the French hinge wore out and broke, but I loved the stay-open convenience of that hinge.

I knew the hinge feature was one I wanted to incorporate in my own design because it's so easy to pop open and slap closed. But I also wanted to try to improve on the overall design, including other features that I personally found useful.

My pouches have enough room to hold a ball, in case Cabana ever wants to play. (She likes to retrieve when no other dogs are around to play with, kind of like, "Sure, Mom, I'll play with you IF there's no one better.")

The zipped outer pocket holds a cell phone or other items that you want to keep secure.

And on the back, there's another zipped compartment for keys and ID, with an open pocket for easy access to a poop bag. The design of the back panel also helps keep the pouch from flopping around too much when you're walking or running.

The webbing strap is adjustable and has a loop to insert a carabiner. I like to clip Cabana's leash onto the carabiner and go hands-free. (Mandy made me the pictured leather leash, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it--the color, the length, the texture. A number of volunteers at the shelter have commented on how nice it is.)

I am trying to decide whether to make and sell these treat pouches, before I invest in more supplies. But I need a little market research first, which is where this post and the GIVEAWAY comes in! I tried to incorporate features that I'd like in a treat pouch, but is there anything I've left out? Here are some questions I'd love to get feedback on.

• Which of the included features are most appealing to you?
• Are there other features that you think I should add?
• Is my color selection too boring? Should I be using bright colors and prints instead of solids? (I also have it in solid burgundy, but it's not pictured.)
• What would a reasonable price be for these pouches, remembering that they are a handmade item (no sweat shops or overseas production)?
• Are there already too many competing bait bags like this on the market?

I would appreciate constructive feedback with specific information (not just "those are nice" please). A random winner will be selected to receive a free treat pouch in the color of your choice. If possible, I will even try to incorporate your preferences into the design. I will announce a winner next Tuesday morning, May 10, 2011. Thank you in advance for your help, I really appreciate it!!

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What I Did on My Birthday

Thanks to all of you who filled out my questionnaire! If you didn't do it yet, you still have one more day. Deadline is October 3 at midnight. I'll randomly pick a winner on Monday, October 4.

It was really fun to read your answers. Amazing how many similar answers there were, although wanting to spend time with our dogs is probably not a surprising one, given that we're all crazy dog bloggers!

I had a great birthday and got to do all the things I most wanted. Here are my answers:

1. As you can guess from the photo, I spent the morning with Cabana at the beach (Ro and Cassie had the same idea). Do you see that dirty tummy? Pictures and more details coming tomorrow.

2. I spent the day with Cabana and the evening with my husband and daughters. Which is what I do just about everyday, so it's a good thing that's what I'd pick if I had a choice. Not that I don't have a choice, but you know what I mean. Anyway, thinking about this question made me realize how fortunate I am.

3. I went to Macy's in the afternoon, determined to splurge on something with my $100. But I couldn't find a thing I wanted. Does that happen to anyone else? So instead, I signed up for a month of boot camp, similar to Raiser Erin's idea. It normally costs over $300, but I got in on a special for only $97. Now I only have $3 burning a hole in my pocket.

4. I had eggplant tofu and fried rice from Panda Express.

5. The Italian restaurant where I wanted to eat was all booked up! So we ate at Mary's Pizza Shack, which isn't at all fancy, but they give you a salad with your entree--obviously a big plus. I had lobster ravioli--yummmmmm.

6. My husband brought home a HUGE cookie dough ice cream cake from Cold Stone. We will be enjoying it all week!

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A Little Q & A Giveaway

Today is my birthday, bringing me to the ripe age of 46. Here's a photo of my family when I was about 2-3 years old (before my brother was born). I'm the short one. That hasn't changed much, since now my daughters are both much taller than me, so I'm the shortest again.

Today, I could have stayed home, worked and done laundry, but since it was my birthday, I asked myself, "Self, what you you REALLY like to do?" Throughout the day, I've asked myself several more questions of the same genre.

I decided it would be fun to pose these questions to my readers and see what your thoughts are. I will give you my answers in a post tomorrow.

And since birthdays are for giving and receiving gifts, one random responder will win a prize! You can choose from the following: a Guide Dogs 2011 calendar (featuring Cabana on the May page), a custom-made dog collar, or one item from my Sheekoo store, max value $30 (although it's a bit embarrassing because I haven't updated my Sheekoo site in quite a long time--but the winner and I will work something out). I look forward to hearing your answers!

1. If you could have done anything you wanted today (or tomorrow, since tomorrow is Saturday, and that might make a difference in your response), what would you choose to do?

2. If you could spend the day with anyone you wanted, who would you spend it with?

3. If your mother-in-law sent you $100, what would you spend it on?

4. If you went to the food court at the mall, what would you choose to eat for lunch?

5. If you could pick any restaurant for your birthday dinner, which restaurant would you choose?

6. If you could have any kind of birthday cake, what kind would you prefer?

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Giveaway - The Art of Racing in the Rain CDs

I just finished listening to The Art of Racing in the Rain. I enjoy books about dogs, so when my younger daughter brought this book home from the library, I immediately ordered it on CD. How was I going to resist a book with a photo of a Cabana-esque dog on the cover?!

The book is told from the perspective of a dog named Enzo, who lives with a race car driver. Although the book got very good reviews on Amazon, I personally found it disappointing. I didn't think it was a compelling story, it was fraught with inconsistencies, and I just couldn't wrap my mind around a dog who watches AND understands television and who cares so deeply about car racing.

After my incredibly scathing review, IF you are still interested in listening to this book, I'd like to offer you my copy! My daughter felt that the book had its moments, and when I complained about it after listening to the first CD, she encouraged me to keep going, saying that the book gets better. And it did--slightly.

If by some miracle, more than one person leaves me a comment, I will randomly select the winner. BUT I need some recommendations for other GOOD books to read, so please comment with a title or two that you think I'd like. They don't have to be dog-related, and either fiction or non-fiction would be appreciated.

Deadline for giveaway: Wednesday, May 26, 2010. Thank you!

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Free Dog Treats!

Click here to enter Becky and Cricket's giveaway! Enter to win the most delectable looking dog treats I've ever seen, made by Star Spangled Pet Treats. Plus, they are made from all natural ingredients in the U.S.A.

The winner can also choose from a selection of dog soaps--the lavender soap sounds heavenly!


At the writing of this post, I am the SOLE entrant, guaranteeing me the grand prize. But unselfish blogger that I am, I encourage other dog lovers to enter. The deadline is Wednesday, January 6, so don't delay!

While you're at the Star Spangled site, don't miss Becky's beautiful tribute to her 1st guide dog, Pantera.

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Becky's Guide Dog Etiquette Contest

Many of you may already be familiar with Becky's blog, Cruisin' with Cricket. Becky's goal is to raise awareness about blindness, retinitis pigmentosa, and guide dog etiquette. I have learned so much from following her blog. And as a puppy raiser, I am motivated to do my best for Cabana's future partner by reading about Becky's experiences with Cricket.

Becky and I are supporting and promoting one another in her current Giveaway. She will be giving away a cork wristlet with matching key fob and coin pouch. These are all items that I made personally, using cork fabric, a beautiful leather-like fabric that is animal- and eco-friendly. (Cork fabric is also a great vegan alternative to leather, in addition to being stain- and water-resistant.)



Please stop by her site and leave a comment or question about your experience with guide dogs or guide dog etiquette. She's hoping to get at least 50 comments, so please add your input! A random winner will be chosen to receive my handmade items.

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