Dog Days
Ever since the five miniature dogs that accompanied me to BlytheCon London in 2018, there haven't been any other canines spotted among the "Vagabond Strays". Because after those lucky pups were adopted that day, I reckoned that, however I loved having them around, there were already so many sweet, funny, and amazing little dogs 'out there' looking for a loving home, I better concentrated on other animals that showed up on my doorstep.
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But when I introduced my 'Cats-in-a-Box' project this Spring, and thereby mentioned my firm belief that a box = cat, someone subtly pointed out in a comment: "DOGS like boxes, too!" I smirked, because it's commonly known that cats OWN boxes. Boxes are solely made for cats, period. Dogs are no match to cats when it comes to boxes!
And besides, I stopped sheltering dogs anyway..
Still, the comment struck a chord. I realized it was clearly a hint! Are the "Vagabond Strays" not known for, and most proud of, accepting ALL foundlings into their circle? Who was I to wilfully exclude an entire species from this safe haven, plus deprive them from the opportunity to find a forever family?
The answer was simple: that was unfair. Dogs should be welcomed again! And to compensate for the neglect, I would invent a pull cart especially for them!
But, as box = cat (sorry), I had to come up with something different but similar that would be just as much fun for a dog to ride. And what exactly does a dog love to sit and play and sleep in? My first thought was a wicker bed basket, and though I enjoyed envisioning *that* on wheels, it would be rather impossible to make. The next pondering was a metal crate - but as with everything, it should have to fit into our Bohemian modus operandi, ie. resembling something obviously handmade, upcycled, or vintage - and I disliked the idea of an old-fashioned cage. A little wooden dog house would have been fantastic, but not very practical for an animal pull toy, as the dog inside would be hardly visible.
I couldn't think up anything else. I started to lose sleep over it 😭
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And then suddenly one night, I knew. So simple, so perfect.
Hence, without any further ado: please meet Shep, our little crash test dummy and dog pioneer, trying out the new cart design for my future 'Dogs-in-a-Crate' project!
Zolala! Blog
Mostly musings and meanderings about my work as a seamstress and miniaturist, with all of the joy and struggle that comes with it.
Hello!
My name is Zo, and I'm endlessly fascinated with all things small: dolls, animals, miniatures, dioramas..
I feel very fortunate to be able to combine them all in my work!
Sewing doll clothes and bringing little critters to life allows me to do what I love every day - and connects me with some really amazing people all over the world.