Tuesday, March 29, 2011

How old do you need to be to own a dog?

One of the reasons I'm "fabulous at fifty" is that I've finally become a really good dog owner. I think it takes a bit of maturity and commitment that I didn't really have when I was younger. I was thinking about that as I made today's art. It's a tag using the Tim Holtz technique featured this week by Linda of the Studio L3 blog (click on this link). I photographed it outside on my back deck, and I really like everything about it. What about you? When do you think you are old enough to have a dog? I'm thinking a lot about why I'm fabulous and fifty this year as part of an ongoing project. Since the beginning of the year, I have been running an online project to keep people on track with their 2011 resolutions, intentions and one little word projects. March is almost over, so I'll be checking in with everyone this weekend to see how you are doing and to give you a chance to link up and show off.  


I have three projects going (all in the form of art journals):
*my one little word ("health") journal (see e.g. here);
*my 2011 Resolutions Journal (see e.g. here); and
*my "Fifty an Fabulous" art journal (see e.g. here and read about my fabulous at fifty philosophy in this post).
If you click on the "2011 intentions" label below, it will bring up more pages and descriptions of my project.  Hope you can join me this weekend.

19 comments:

Amy said...

I have one here who would dare to say that four was plenty old enough!

I am so impressed with your upkeep of the various projects this year, I have not had the same stamina or enthusiasm. However, I have found considerable blogging inspiration from the re-run of BfS and I am looking forward to BBfS even though I will be away for a fair bit of it as it is running over part of our term break.

helena said...

Love your page - fabulous colours and the pawprints on the heart are so cute, without being overly cutesy !

I haven't had a dog since leaving home but hope to have one when I stop travelling so much for work - so I'm guessing 'old enough' for me will be in my 60s

Sian said...

I've never had a dog so I guess I'm not really qualified to say lol but I do know that TTO is hoping he will grow out of his allergy to dog hair because he would love a dog when he's older

Julie Shoemaker said...

Love your dog tag Rinda, gorgeous colors. Hmmm, I just laid to rest my faithful Golden, Ben, in October. He was the only dog in my life for 15 years. I always said it was like having another 2 year old in the house, regardless of how old they got. Nothing quite like puppy love. I enjoy sharing others adventures with their dogs, so keep on posting.

Cheri said...

I would have to agree that it takes a certain level of commitment and patience to own a dog - which I don't have - so we have two cats!

Irene said...

Growing up we always had a dog in the family. It takes alot of patience, care and money but a family dog gives so much more in return. I admire families who take on the responsibility of owning a dog. Gypsy is a lucky dog and you are lucky to have her too. Love the Tag.

Beverly said...

The tag is beautiful and I am so impressed with how you stay on track with all your projects. I find the dog question difficult, it requires so much from the human(s) but is such a wonderful experience for children and adults. I read the other day that having a dog in old age holds people much more accountable to walking exercise than having a human walking partner. Makes sense since you pay the price for a dog that doesn't expend energy. So I am thinking maybe in my old age but not as long as our Pearl (cat) is alive.

Caroline Hallett said...

very nice tag - and there are two types of people in the world - Dog lovers and those that just havent learnt how much fun they can be

GlorV1 said...

I love you tag. Great work. Actually I think one is old enough to have a dog when they are ready to accept the fact that this little poochie pie will now become a FAMILY PET MEMBER. That's what it amounts to, part of the household. I love my family pet members and could never again be without their neverending love.:D

Suzanne Bouchard said...

Well! happy fifties! I am in my late fifties and I am enjoying life! I don't think I have the Ceasar's touch though with dogs. I have one and he is spoiled a little but I love him as is. By the ways I love your tag and especially the background you have such a rich mix of colors.

donna said...

I would love to be fifty again. Glad you are giving it due attention. Life goes by too fast. Your tag is wonderful. I love the colors you have chosen and I am in agreement about maturity making for better pet owners. Young uns tend to change there mind a lot. Cheers..Donna

Ginger said...

I grew up on a farm where we had cats and dogs. I loved my dogs, but I really loved the cats more. Now as an adult owner of two cats and one dog, i have plenty of love to give to all. Prior to becoming a pet owner I never worried about staying out in the evenings, however now I prefer the life I have. Coming home to three pairs of eyes that give me lots of happiness. I wouldn't change it for the world :)

ComfyMom~Stacey said...

I think if you are old enough to be responsible for the full time care of a small child, then you are old enough for a dog. The basic care & training is surprising similar. Until then you are only old enough to 'help' with a dog.

Silvia(Barnie) said...

Fantastic, love the background and the colours.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous colors on this tag! We've decided our dog days are over. We had two loving dogs as the kids were growing up, but neither of us wants the daily responsibilities of a pet nor do we want to have to find good care for one when we travel. There are times, however, when I really miss our dogs.

Deb @ PaperTurtle said...

I love the first few lines of this post, Rinda, because I feel the same way! I've never really wanted a dog {just love my kitty-cats too much} but since Carrie got her dog Marcus about a year and a half ago I have really grown to appreciate the companionship a dog can bring. Doug and I are planning to adopt a dog in the near future. :o)

And I absolutely adore the tag book you've posted here. It will be fun to see the different projects you'll be making that will include your sweet little Gypsy dog. xo

humel said...

Great tag! Do I recognise the use of Tim Holtz masks there?

I don't think I'm old enough to have a dog yet....

Linda Ledbetter said...

Twos masterpiece from you in one challenge, and I can't think of a better treat! Rinda, this is as wonderful as your first Grungy Monday piece. I love the sunset feel of the background, and the Gypsy Dog theme with the little paw prints is BRILLIANT. I love everything about it, too!

Shelann said...

Very clever and I love the colors.