Garth is 2! Plus Create Your Own Paw Print Art

Our Dood turns two today! Yes, Garth the Goldendoodle, is growing up. In the last year, he's discovered the love of a tennis ball and squeaky toy. He gobbles cheese any chance he can get. He regularly tucks himself in at night whether we're ready to sleep or not. He's a fan of sitting on our mid-Century modern sofa (with a dog sheet of course!). And, he's still the worst car rider on the face of the planet. 

And if that's not enough, he's an artist too! 

Really, he is. See.

Because buying a house is expensive enough, we didn't want to spend a lot on artwork to grace our walls. So, taking inspiration from KC Pet Project's Animal Artists, we enlisted our pooches to help create some one-of-a-kind canvases. 

The project is quite simple. And, tyou can create your own in just a matter on minutes. 

1. Purchase a few basic canvases at your local craft store. I got mine on on super sale which makes it even better.
2. Select you paint colors. Use water-based, non-toxic acrylic paint (i.e. Apple Barrel brand). We picked four different colors so that we could use different colors on their front and back paws. Garth is teal and grey; Shaggy is yellow and tan.
3. Prepare the project area with a drop cloth. Set the canvases a bit apart so there's room to walk.
4. Pour the paint onto a flat surface that the pups can easily dip their paws into. 
5. Make sure the dogs' paws are clean and dry. Get the pups familiar with the project area. Let them walk around, sniff, etc. 
6. Dip the paws into the paint. It helps to have two people so you can dip the front and back paws in tandem. And we didn't let both pups paint at the same time. 
7. Let the pups walk on the canvases. Coax and reward (treats are highly encouraged!)
8. Once your satisfied, pick the canvases up and set aside. Wash their paws.
9. After they canvases are completely dry, hang in just the perfect place.

I hope Shaggy and Garth's art inspires you to engage your furry friends and family in a creative project or two. 
Now, as if you haven't had enough, cute dog pics, I'll provide you a gallery of some of our favorites from the past year. Despite all the muddy paws and slobbery mouths, I can't imagine our life without Shag and Garth.

That's enough for now. Our pup only turns two once and we've got celebrating to do. 
Until next time--
xoxo