Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Quilting vs. the dog

I haven’t done a bit of stitching in the past month, but I have had a lot of time to think about how much owning a dog is like making a quilt.  Here’s a few thoughts I have on the subject:

     Quiltmaker        Dog Lover
Social outlet Quilters socialize with other quilters at guilds, classes and each other’s homes. A dog is a great opening for a conversation with someone new.
Room for growth Each quilt provides new challenges and adds to your body of experience Every day my dog teaches me something new, and I marvel at how much he has learned.
Therapy The act of quiltmaking  soothes the mind. Wrapping up in a finished quilt warms the soul. Petting a dog gives me a sense of calm, in fact, studies show that it lowers your blood pressure.
Repetitive motion Needle in,
Needle out.
Let the dog in,
Let the dog out.   ;-)
Retail therapy shopping at quilt stores shopping at PetCo
Classes quilt classes to learn new techniques Dog classes to learn manners,  obedience or service
Mental stimulation Looking at quilts and trying to figure out block patterns and techniques Looking at my dog and trying to figure out what he’s trying to tell me
Tactile satisfaction smooth, soft cotton soft, velvety fur

$$$ fabric, tools, gadgets, batting all add up quickly crate, bedding,  food, toys and vet bills all add up quickly
Special interest items quilt magazines, quilt shows, quilt TV programs Dog magazines, dog shows, dog TV shows
Return on your investment Priceless! Priceless!
F is for Fetch Toby absolutely LOVES to play “Fetch”!

5 comments:

  1. Great comparison! Life is what you make it and anything you enjoy can be a hobby. Enjoy!!! Lane

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  2. I think you are on to something there Em. You know they say the dog goes to obedience classes, but I always felt like the person goes to classes to learn how the dog wants to be treated. This is the first time in my whole life that I have not had a pet, so I just consider Jay mine. Dogs are so nice to talk too, they are also good listeners. The best part is they are full of unconditional love, what more could you ask for? Have fun with Toby and enjoy your adventures.

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  3. Hello Auntie Em, I am visiting from the hexalong group. I loved seeing your boy, I had a dog exactly like him, who was also called Toby, how weird is that? Come over sometime and see my 2 dogs, best wishes Kath www.railwaycottage.blogspot.com

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  4. Great thoughts Em. We had a dog for my son when he was on suicide watch. The dog did wonders for him. He doesn't socialize but taking the dog for a walk had him talking to people even though he'd come home and tell me "Vinny met a friend." Unfortunately we lost the dog 3 years ago but I keep asking for a puppy for Christmas and it sounds like this year he might be ready to have a dog again.

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