July Card swap

[alsmouse]

Happy July. The time has arrived to consider the Theme options for the July card swap. This is a perfect time for all the newbies & lurkers to join this swap. The swap guidelines are simple. We pick a theme, Tucker picks your swap partner and you make a card that fits the monthly swap theme. All other perameters are open.
The suggestion deadline will be July 4, I’ll list the options for a vote that will end on July 7 and the tally will be posted July 8. As usual Tucker will pick the swap partners so unless you are bribing him with CheezWhiz you are at the mercy of his little paws.
There are many events listed for July and you can suggest others also.

July 3 Festival of Cerridwen- Celticism
July 4 Fourth of July Independence Day
July 9 Martyrdom of the Bab- Baha’i
July 11 World Population Day
July 13-17 O-Bon/Festival of Souls(lunar date)- Shinto
July 23 Birthday of Haile Selassie- Rastafarian
July 25 Papa Ogou(St. Jacques le Majeur)- Voudon
July 26 Gran’D Lai et Gran’ Aloumandia(Sainte Anne)- Voudon
July 29 Mailtresse Silverine- Voudon
July 31 Imbok/Oimelc/Brigid(Southern Hemisphere)- Paganism
Lunasa or Lammas(Northern Hemisphere)- Paganism

Fireworks Safety Month
Light the Night for Sight Month
Anti Boredom Month
Hot Dog Month
National Ice Cream Month
July Belongs to Berries Month
Purposeful Parenting Month
Recreation and Parks Month
Tennis Month
Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month
Dog Days of Summer
Therapeutic Recreation Week
Coral Reef Awareness Week

July 18 Names for the July Moons include Hay Moon, Wort Moon, Moon of Claiming, Moon of Blood (because of mosquitoes), Blessing Moon, Maedmonat (Meadow Month), Hewimanoth (Hay Month), Fallow Moon, Buck Moon, Thunder Moon.
~C8>

[StamPoor]

While I like the idea of a one-on-one card swap, I have to admit to being intimidated by the samples I've seen in the gallery. I haven't joined any of the swaps because I tend to do fairly simple, mainstream type cards and I'm worried that if Tucker pairs me with someone who is very artistic and puts a great deal of effort into their card, he/she will be disappointed with a simple card in return. Has this concern ever been discussed?

[piggy30]

I'm with you Ingrid. I've participated in the inchies swap, but I haven't gotten back the first swap so I don't know how mine will be perceived. I tend to do 'cutesy' and what I see in the galleries look so sophisticated. Maybe we can send Tucker some Cheez Whiz and he can pair us up!

[Inky Whiskers]

So far it hasn't been an issue. Those of us doing the bulk of the swaps are happy to get what the others have made because no matter what your style or level of experience, EVERYBODY has something to offer that is uniquely them. Sure, some of the gallery offerings are way mucho fantastique and people generally only upload their best efforts for show & tell. Why would you want to show everybody your projects that didn't quite come out how you wanted them too and show that you might need more practice? :lol:

As a 'professional' stamper I can honestly tell everybody that while high level 'art' pieces are great to look at for inspiration and showing what can be done and they certainly are worth the effort to make for those interested in stretching their creative muscles, most stampers just don't want to take that much time to do that much fussing when they sit down to stamp. They want nice results in under an hour, preferably in under 15 minutes. No matter how much time & effort goes into a project, every one you see offers you something new! It may be a stamp you've never seen & now gotta have, or a color combination you wouldn't have thought to try or sometimes even just a new way to use an adhesive or embellishment you didn't know about. The same goes for everything YOU stamp!!! Those who see your art learn something too.

Stamping & swapping are not a competitive sport! They're meant to be a sharing of what makes our muse's tick & an inspiration for future artistic endevors. i.e. we're supposed to enjoy both the making & receiving

Yes, some of us have been doing this a long time & like to use new techniques & products on our swaps; and some of us like to use a few select techniques over & over because they're fast, easy & always look nice even tho' they aren't fancy; and some of us are brand spanky new to stamping and don't have big stashes of stamps & supplies and our stamping is simple in style and full of enthusiasm. IT'S ALL GOOD!!!

So please don't be intimidated to show us what you like to do! We want to see your art & learn from you and hopefully you'll get something out of the exchange too. :D

[Audreyrose]

Hey Girls,
Don't worry about your cards. I just started joining swaps and they are fun and you learn a ton of stuff. I also tend to not be that artsie, but do fairly decent art, simple I guess would be the key word for me. As I say simple things make simple people happy, but I do love to do the cards and sell some here in Mexico. There is a large Gringo population where I live and no English cards. So I kind of have the market cornered so to speak. Just do what you do and we all will love it!:clap:
God Bless,
Audrey;)

[Audreyrose]

By the way count mein for the swap-Audrey

[StamPoor]

I'm with you Ingrid. I've participated in the inchies swap, but I haven't gotten back the first swap so I don't know how mine will be perceived. I tend to do 'cutesy' and what I see in the galleries look so sophisticated. Maybe we can send Tucker some Cheez Whiz and he can pair us up!

I like the way you think, Piggy30. But I'm also encouraged by what the other swappers have had to say.

Okay, Alsmouse -- I vote for the ice-cream theme. See, I told you I was mainstream in my thinking :lol:

[piggy30]

All right, count me in. I vote for Dog Days of Summer!
Cathy

[marstamper]

I vote for Christmas in July. hahaha

[piecesandpom]

I missed doing this swap, so I guess I'll do this one instead of ATCs this month.

Please, no Christmas in July; I'm already making my poor brain work on holiday craft ideas and trying to use up last year's DP so I can get new stuff!

I like the idea of ice cream myself. . .

[alsmouse]

I'm glad you decided to join us in the card swap this month, Stampoor & Piggy30. Once you see how much fun these swaps are, it will be hard to give them up. (Why do you think I hostess so many? LOL)
As Inky said, this isn't a contest, it is to give yourself a reason to "play" with all your neat toys and to have a very basic guideline for the type of art your muse needs to include in her inspiration. You just happen to get a piece of art in return.
Always feel that you can ask these types of questions. If you are asking them then that means someone else is asking it but not where they can get the answer. As for bribing Tucker, You are more than welcome to try but he is a picky boy. I've been giving him regular sharp CheezWhiz and Sis brought home some roasted garlic CheezWhiz for him. Now he gets fussy if I don't use the garlic one. Spoiled Rat.:laugh: ~C8>

[Audreyrose]

I vote for Dog Days of Summer.

[alsmouse]

Hey Inky, Was that a yes to play also??? Theme vote???~C8>

[Inky Whiskers]

Nope, just a pep talk. :noway: I'm already feeling a bit swamped this month & will be cutting back my swaps. Just tags & inches for me right now. :sad:

[monkeykeeper]

I would like to give this a try! (Sounds like there will be pretty many "newbies"!) I like the ice cream idea - or the berry idea.
Thanks!

[wood veneer man]

Audreyrose ,
You definite have a way with words . What more can you say . I appreciate your words of "kindness" "encouragement " and enthusiasim Go new stampers go go go . I'm new at this to "stamping" "wood veneer" it to will soon show the best of me .
Thanks,
Wood veneer man

Hey wheres Xray Amy.Havent seen any signs of her lately.

[Audreyrose]

Thanks for the nice words Wood Veneer Man. I do the best I can do with what I've got. I can honestly say I have NEVER seen postcards on Wood. I think that is way too cool.:clap:
I am very fortunate to have some of my things in 2 areas here in Mexico. One a restaurant that makes the best burgers to die for, and I also have my things in a Gallery and she loves my "simple " things. Life is complicated enough! I like simple and I love the exchanges on this web. So many wonderful kind people. I have been blessed with my new friends. I shall count you as one of them!;)
Looking forward to seeing what you do!!:wave:

[Spideycindy]

Ms Mouse this is just a lurkers question but I need to ask it. Since you have so many varied options and nearly as many voters have you ever just let folks pick their choice and make it and mail to the partner Tucker picks for them...The theme would be a surprise to the recipient and fun too I would imagine...my fear would be signing up and not having anything that went with that particular theme if the vote went south from my choices...
If I were to sign up my passion would the July the month of Berries...it truly is my passion!
Oh heck sign me up and let's pray I can do it if the choice is not something stampwise that I own...be afraid, be very afraid! :))
spideycindy

[alsmouse]

Ms Mouse this is just a lurkers question but I need to ask it. Since you have so many varied options and nearly as many voters have you ever just let folks pick their choice and make it and mail to the partner Tucker picks for them...The theme would be a surprise to the recipient and fun too I would imagine...my fear would be signing up and not having anything that went with that particular theme if the vote went south from my choices...
spideycindy

Yes Spidey, we have done a surprise theme and it was a lot of fun. I have found that if there is a bit of a theme, it does help guide the muse. I have kept the surprise theme for the future if we can't get a decent concensus on theme during suggestions & voting. I have left the theme's to be interpeted as widely as possible.
I know that there have been themes that have been voted on where I haven't a proper stamp for it. I then start to move outside the box on thinking for a way to fit the theme but work within my stamp collection. I had a tough time with the mystic animal swap when I first started playing in the swaps. I didn't have a stamp that fit the theme, so I looked thru my stamps & finally found one that could be altered to fit the theme. It took some masking, some extra details but I fit the theme in the end.
As for the listing at the announcment each month, those are listed to offer a leaping off point for the theme choices. Most people may not know what each month has to offer in holiday & celebrations. I post the list for inspiration not to say "we must do this" theme. I would rather let the players pick the theme so the heart of the artist is moved by their own hand as much as possible.
As for Tucker picking the swap partners, that started as a game he started & evolved. The good thing now is that I have found a way for him to do the pick without getting chezwhiz all over the tags. It's easier now not having to try to grab the tags from his paws as he's trying to eat the chezwhiz off the tag, less chance of me getting nipped since he does love his nibbles. :lol: ~C8>

[StamPoor]

Ms Mouse, I have to say I love your Tucker stories. While I never had a pet rat (although we did have mice and gerbils), I did have a white lab rat in college to whom I became very attached. I named her Samantha. She was very intelligent, but I'm sure that comes as no surprise to you.

[alsmouse]

Ms Mouse, I have to say I love your Tucker stories. While I never had a pet rat (although we did have mice and gerbils), I did have a white lab rat in college to whom I became very attached. I named her Samantha. She was very intelligent, but I'm sure that comes as no surprise to you.

I'm glad you enjoy the Tucker Tales. He is an amusing little guy and gives me many hours of fun & companionship. I'm pleased that you had a little fuzzy friend in college. They are great pets and most intelligent, some times scary so.
A previous rat let me know that someone had been in my apartment by stareing at me after I came home. She never had done that before and was usually asleep whem I got home but that day she was on the "balcony" just stareing at me. So I started looking around the apt. I found a light on in the bathroom & asked her if that was what she was trying to tell me. as soon as I said about the light she went down her ramp & went back to sleep. I checked with my neighbors & the guy upstairs had had the maintance guy stop by while he was at work to fix something in the bathroom. So I called the maintance guy & asked if he had been in my place & he said he got the 2 apartments confused & after seeing my bathroom kenw it wasn't the right bathroom. That's my tale of the Watch Rat. More tales upon request. ~C8>

[alsmouse]

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"]I tallied the votes and we have a tie. It is between ice cream & berries. So, we have 3 options: we do ice cream, we do berries OR we do berry ice cream. Either we can do a re-vote on this or just work within the boundries of the current voting.
So, What would you like to do???

As for swappers & swappies, Here is the breakdown:
swapper----swappie
audreyrose-----stampoor
pieces&pom-----spidey
marstamper-----monkeykeeper
piggy30-----marstamper
stampoor-----alsmouse
alsmouse-----audreyrose
monkeykeeper-----pieces&pom
spidey-----piggy30

Please make sure that your partner has your address and the cards must mail by July 25th.
[/COLOR

[Audreyrose]

I'm voting for ice cream! But what ever is fine with me. I just enjoy the cards I get in return!:clap: Let us know the final vote.

[piecesandpom]

Well, if we do berries and ice cream everyone will be happy. Those that want to do berries can; those that want ice cream can or folks may combine them together?

[Spideycindy]

I vote both either, or...hehehe I can do it!
Spideycindy

[StamPoor]

I'm good with either ice-cream or berries or a combination

[alsmouse]

The response is following the path of using either or both. That means do a berry card or an ice creqam card or somehow combine the both. Works for me, Have fun creating. ~C8>

[Spideycindy]

I worked on my card today and had a blast! I played with some new to me materials and as soon as this card is dry I will mail it out! I ran across some of those polished pigments and picked up some of the solution to blend them with and like Nancy from Flourishes said they are really beautiful. I really liked the opportunity to explore them with my card.<3
spideycindy

[Spideycindy]

Ms Piggy30 be on the look out for a pm as I sent you a request for mailing address. Please reply :
"in" the pm I sent to you. Thanks so much.
Spideycindy

[piecesandpom]

My thoughts have been scattered so I haven't yet come up with a design for this card!

This weekend was spent on pantry moth clean up, freezing newer goods, buying containers (airtight and waterproof!), and restocking some of what was so old it had to be thrown out. Ugh! I have new shelf liner adorning the crafing table, too!

As if that wasn't bad enough I'm about to call the dishwasher repair folks. . .it's not draining properly, 'cause of numerous dish not-rinsed properly teen-type folks. :o Rinsing in cold water does not get the same results as hot water. . .and what did Mama say?

"Mama said there'd be days like this, there'd be days like this my Mama said"

[Spideycindy]

My thoughts have been scattered so I haven't yet come up with a design for this card!

This weekend was spent on pantry moth clean up, freezing newer goods, buying containers (airtight and waterproof!), and restocking some of what was so old it had to be thrown out. Ugh! I have new shelf liner adorning the crafing table, too!

"Mama said there'd be days like this, there'd be days like this my Mama said"

Oh boy I've had the moth woes and I can relate not fun at all! I brought it on myself. I had picked up off the ground some lovely ornamental tree seed pods thinking I would do some sort of arrangement with them one of these days and put them in a paper bag and promptly forgot about them until low and behold critters take flight!:confusion:
You have my sympathy and not to stress re the card. I am the lucky recipient and I am totally patient upon your muse.
Spideycindy

[Spideycindy]

My card went postal today so hopefully you will be getting it out within a week?
Spideycindy
PS I put it into an oversized envy so you can use it any way you wish!

[piecesandpom]

Got the card designed and done but won't be able to get to address items until I take my lunch break. I'm not sure when that will be today so I may miss the post person early afternoon. . .need to get a birthday card off to my Mom as well.

[StamPoor]

This being my first RSC swap, please tell me if we are supposed to post when we send out our card to the swapee and when we receive ours from the swaper. I'm assuming we need to post to say thanks but didn't know if the recipient should be notified or "surprised". Thanks.

[alsmouse]

This being my first RSC swap, please tell me if we are supposed to post when we send out our card to the swapee and when we receive ours from the swaper. I'm assuming we need to post to say thanks but didn't know if the recipient should be notified or "surprised". Thanks.

It's up to you. You can post when you send it so they can keep an eye out for it or you can just let it go unannounced. It is always nice to let the sender know when you receive the card. They know that you have received it & let you know their response to the sent item. ~C8>

[alsmouse]

Stampoor, I got your card today. A neighbor had it & dropped it by. Address was right, silly postperson put it in the wrong box.
It is lovely, wonderful to look at & yummy too. Who makes the cone stamp? I also love my little tucked Tucker on the front. It is so sweet of you to include him on the card. I hope you scanned it before you sent it. It deserves to be in the gallery. Thank you again.~C8>

[piggy30]

I got my card today from Spideycindy! It's gorgeous! Thank you so much. The ice cream looks good enough to eat!
Cathy

[StamPoor]

Hi Alsmouse, I am so glad you (and Tucker) liked the card although I'm sorry it was slightly delayed. That was why I posted my question about letting the recipient know the card was in the mail; I was a little worried because it went out on Monday and I hadn't heard from you. But now you have it, so yay. :clap: The ice-cream cone is by Impression Obsession, one of my favorite companies. I bought it last year. If you want more information, let me know.

I did not scan the card before I sent it because my computer died last week. Besides, I don't really know how to scan very well. Everything comes out too big. One of these days, I'll have to learn that, but right now i have too many other things that take priority... like learning to use a Mac after 20 years of being a PC/Windows user. I just got the new computer this afternoon and I'm actually feeling rather proud of myself for getting everything connected and being able to get to this site -- my first web site visit with the new computer. :blush:

[Audreyrose]

Hi Ingrid:wave:, I had your card addressed and ready to send and I cannot find the darn thing so I will make another. You know when I do that I will find the other one. Actually it will be better for me to make another one as I was not very proud of the first one i made you. I am very limited on the ice cream items so I'll really work harder on this one. So sorry it will go to be mailed out next week, but I have no control of when it will actually get to the states.:confusion:
Audrey

[alsmouse]

Hi Alsmouse, I am so glad you (and Tucker) liked the card although I'm sorry it was slightly delayed. That was why I posted my question about letting the recipient know the card was in the mail; I was a little worried because it went out on Monday and I hadn't heard from you. Actually that time frame is just about right from you to me. But now you have it, so yay. :clap: The ice-cream cone is by Impression Obsession, one of my favorite companies. I bought it last year. If you want more information, let me know. I LOVE her stuff. Did you get her pumpkin? I love it since it can be done as a pumpkin or a peony if you flip it & add leaves. I also got her "weeds", the one with the three types of grass heads. Another one I can run with. Do you see the Bird??

I did not scan the card before I sent it because my computer died last week. Sorry Besides, I don't really know how to scan very well. Everything comes out too big. One of these days, I'll have to learn that, but right now i have too many other things that take priority... like learning to use a Mac after 20 years of being a PC/Windows user. I just got the new computer this afternoon and I'm actually feeling rather proud of myself for getting everything connected and being able to get to this site -- my first web site visit with the new computer. :blush:
Congratulations on the new computer. I always feel good if I can just turn it on & it lights up. I'm not a Techie. :eyeroll:
As for the scan, I'm hoping to master that some day too. :o ~C8>

[Spideycindy]

Since My recipient received her card already I posted it in the gallery. I hope that was ok? If not oops, I am sorry...
Spideycindy

[piggy30]

Spideycindy
Of course it's ok to post your masterpiece! It's now on my wall in my craft room in a frame!

StamPoor
I'm a MAC user so if you have any questions, I can help!

[marstamper]

I got my card. Thank you Piggy, you did a great job!!

[StamPoor]

StamPoor
I'm a MAC user so if you have any questions, I can help!

Thanks so much for the offer. I may be taking you up on that. There are fewer Mac users, but for years they've been raving about that system, so I wanted to give it a try.

[StamPoor]

AudreyRose, I'm sure I'll be delighted with your card whenever it comes and I understand about losing it and the mail system between countries. Right now, i'm just happy to have a working computer again. :clap:

[Audreyrose]

I am happy for you too:clap: I do not know how I would survive without my computer. It was down for a week last year and I was going nuts as I ge4t on it all the time to check mail and get on this board. Card will beint he mail this week, I promise!
Love ya

[piecesandpom]

Yummy! I got a delicious ice cream sundae card.

Thanks Becky!

[Audreyrose]

Ms Mouse,
Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!:applause: I received my July card in the mail today and I think Tucker might be in trouble for getting into those yummy looking berries!! I love the ring for my tags and thank you for the June challenge Tags. You sure know how to keep my interested and I get to see new things too. What a talented bunch of people are on this site!! Also thank you for the on the go lemonade. I cannot get such luxuries here and lemonade is my favorite!!
Ingrid, My hubbie took your card to be mailed. Hopefully it will go out this week sometime.
I am going in to start my August tags now.
What funn!!!!!:applause::applause:
Audrey<3

[alsmouse]

Audrey,
Tucker didn't get into any trouble for getting into the berries since I usually give him some so he doesn't try to pry my mouth open & grab them out of it. I used to have a rat that would come over, sniff my mouth, then if it sniffed yummy, would pry my mouth open & start snackin away while it was still in my mouth. (go ahead say yuck) He was most insistant & would try it often, even after each attempt he got put away. The yummies were too much of a temptation for him. :))
I'm glad you liked these tags, the next ones are super too. I did get word that one of the players had their tags returned to them so that will be a bit of a delay. I sent the mini ring so it would give you an idea of the large one that I suggest to hold your tags. I know they are $$$ to ship so I hope that you can locate one there. If you can't maybe having an example will make it easier for the next person who shops for you in the US to locate. I usually find the 3" ones in stationery/office stores.
I thought with the lemonade it was a good way to relax & enjoy our wonderful tags. It's summer after all. ~C8>

[Audreyrose]

I am so glad Tucker doesn't get in trouble! I had bird that wanted to pick your teath so I understand about the rat taking hte food out of your mouth. Most things don't gross me out especially when it comes to those we love! I have my August tags done so I will be sending them out hopefully some time this week. I told you you keep me motivated.:clap:

[monkeykeeper]

Yummy! I got a delicious ice cream sundae card.

Thanks Becky!

I'm so glad it got to you safe and sound! :)

[Inky Whiskers]

Fiver (now RIP) used to grab food from my mouth & Opus still does, sort of. :lol: Whenever we have burgers in front of the telly, Opus parks his furry black & white tuckus on the arm of my chair & not so patiently waits for his share & will try to grab either my hand or the burger itself if I'm not feeding him promptly enough to suit. The BEST cat grab tho' was when Luna was a kitten and just walked from the arm of the chair right out onto DH's arm and sat down on the plate he was holding. She fully expected him to share that ham & cheese sandwich! :))

[Audreyrose]

I would have loved to have seen that!:)) My little dog waits patiently? for me to give her something and if I seem to be forgetting she will put her paws on my leg to remind me she is patiently? waiting. Aren't our fur babies the best?!!<3

[Inky Whiskers]

You betcha!!! And no college to pay for either. :))

We had just gotten Luna & she was all of 12 weeks old & tiny enough that the sandwich DH was holding in the other hand might have weighed more than she did. :lol: She's now a wonkin' 14 pounds & would probably sprain DH's arm if she tried to walk down it. :D

[Audreyrose]

:laugh:Jenna,
You make me smile with the thought of that. My stepdaughter had cats like that and the elderly lady I take care of has a Siamese that is about 15 yrs old and must weigh at least that. When my elderly lady (who weighs about 100 lbs soaking wet) picks her up she can only carry her about 5 steps thenh as to put her down. By the way my elderly lady is 94 and will be 95 in another week! She is a tough old bird!!:laugh:

[Spideycindy]

Oh Karen aka Piecesandpom I received your lucscious lemony double dip cone card! Very refreshing and I LOVE it!!!!
If you did not scan it let me know!
I am very impressed with how you attached the ribbon! I have been wondering how folks do that with wider ribbon!
Thank you very, very much!
Spideycindy

[Inky Whiskers]

She is a tough old bird!!:laugh:

WOW!!! And she still wrangles her moose of a cat? I'm impressed!

Last night on the news there was a story about a very large, 40lb cat found & taken to the vet. If the owner doesn't claim her in the next week, she'll be offered for adoption. I think the story was from the east coast. That cat would be huge even if she lost the extra weight, at least an 18-20 pounder!!! :shock:

[piecesandpom]

East coast and large cats. . .hubby's niece has huge cats, around 25 lbs. We struggle to keep Taffy on her feline restricted diet. She was around 18 lbs and overweight per the vet, got to around 17 lbs after a year of dieting and now loves to snitch pom's food whenever possible. She is, however, a very, v e r y long cat and I've had plenty of cats in my lifetime; never one as long as she!

So how do they know whether cats need to go on diets? ? ? Isn't part of the problem exercise? That's another story in our house - pom has to know where the cats are at all times (downstairs family or laundry room or outside, but not in the main living areas if he's awake 'cause then it's HIS territory!).

[Inky Whiskers]

They use a % of body fat to total body weigh ratio. If your cat's feet disappear under their belly fat when they sit down, they need to loose weight! :lol: They do diets because it's really hard to force a cat to do aerobics, but you can limit their food intake. A slightly saggy belly is normal for a cat, especially if they had kittens, but it should be mostly loose skin, not a roll of fat. Even my hunting cat, who spends most of his time outside climbing fences & stalking prey in the woods, has a lil loose skin hanging under his lean tummy.

Our Luna is fat, but she can still move quickly when she wants to. Unfortunatley, if she has to run too far the momentum of her swinging belly knocks her over! :))

When our tiny Frau Meyer was overweight, she was all of 12 lbs. She was also basketball round from shoulders to hips when looked at from an aerial view. She's now a trim 7 lbs and can run faster than Luna, who likes to intimidate Meyer with her bulk.

Furbabies are the best! Everyday with an animal brings at least a smile if not outright laughter! :D

[Audreyrose]

:wave:I sooooo agree. I love my furbaby and have loved those I was fortunate enough to have from the past that have gone to animal heaven.

[piecesandpom]

If their feet disappear under their bellies then they sit they are fat!? What a ridiculous concept! If pieces is sitting you can't see her feet for her fur, not that her belly is large - she's not. She's perfect according to the vet and her humble owner.:))

[Audreyrose]

I think my little dog may be getting there I read where papillons are only suppose to weigh between 7-10 pounds and she weighs 14 on last visit to the vet. Guess I better start walking her more.

[Inky Whiskers]

You're right, Karen. Its not long fur or loose skin covering the feet when sitting that's the problem. Shar-pei's are a prime example of the disappearing feet trick without the animal being over weight. :lol:

Its when the fat layer is thick enough to keep their furry toes warm when sitting that is a problem. That's when cutting back on nibbles & increasing exercise is required. Meyer used to have & Luna still has a layer of fat that starts over the hips and flows down the sides (padding the ribs so they can't easily be felt) and covers not only the lower belly but the lower chest, upper chest & shoulders as well. I couldn't even see Meyer's hips, knees or shoulders due to her fat. Barring really thick or long fur (like Poms have), both cats & dogs should have fairly clear definition between their legs & sides. If their elbows & knees are hidden by fat, they may indeed need to loose weight. Even with extra furry pets, you should be able to easily feel the joints and the slight ridges of the ribs thru' the fur when you run your hands over them. The ribs shouldn't be really obvious, just slightly feelable. I can't feel Luna's ribs without pressing & she finds the effort required to find her rib cage uncomfortable. :lol: Granted, some breeds (especially with dogs) are stocky or have loose skin by nature so figuring out if they need to lose weight is best done with your vet's help. Just like with people, obesity can seriously affect an animal's quality of life & potentially shorten their life expectancy. Maybe I should have DS chase Luna around the house more often? :D