Whippet Snippets

Something Special for the Ladies

Handsome Ribsy dedicates today's post to all the hard workin', brainy, and lady-man-ladies in the world.

Paper Dolls

Ribsy and Mirabel have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the mailman every day this week. And not because they want to bite him, but because they've been expecting the delivery of a very important package.

And today it came! They ordered a customized set of greeting cards, plus a frameable art piece, featuring none other than - wait for it: themselves! Guess who's who:

I know, I know, thought Ribsy. How vain of us. But at least we didn't spend $155,000 cloning ourselves.

Huge wags of thanks goes to the wonderful Jan of Expressive Papers for her exceptional artistry and attention to detail.

She captured us perfectly, agreed Mirabel.

From her own excitable eyebrows to Ribsy's whiskers and slightly domey head, each and every paper piece is just like the real thing. It's a whole litter of likeness:

If you're interested in a custom card order for your whippet or greyhound, Ribsy and Mirabel encourage you to get in touch with Jan. Or stop by her Etsy shop to see her current paper offerings and past work.

Wordless Whippet Wednesday

Whippets and the giant beach

On a sunny Easter Sunday, the pack headed out to Long Point for a run on the beach.

A truly special whippet, Ribsy decided he wanted to go swimming. What compels this skinny dog with no insulation to go splashing into waters hovering around 0 degrees just to grab a stick is beyond Boy and Girl. Those swimming lessons have sure paid off.

With a pleading look in his eyes, a post-swim Ribsy requests a hot drink, towel, and soothing massage.

Mirabel, meanwhile, prefers to stay on the sand, catching - what else - the frisbee, with her usual dramatic flair.

But the thing they like to do the most at Long Point: zooming up and down along the shoreline together...

...mixed in with the occasional squabbling over the frisbee, of course:

Locked in thought

"You know what I think," said Mirabel. "The fact that we've both got our mouths completely locked on this frisbee together means we actually do quite fancy each other. I mean, we're practically kissing."

"Get a grip, Mirabel," Ribsy retorted. "No, not that kind of grip. Let go!"

Blanket coverage

Ribsy and Mirabel luxuriate in their birthday present from RNOF: plush Lug blankets. Perfect for sunning in the backyard.

Mirabel is a wee miffed that she's not the one in the foreground. Note evil eye.

"If you had cooperated by wearing your birthday ribbon-tag like Ribsy, maybe I would have posed you side-by-side," said Girl.

Home Sweet Home

Girl went on a quick trip home to Vancouver, and had a fabulous time amidst family, fine food, and fresh air.

And her visit was made extra sweet when her friend surprised her with a box of chocolates...whippet chocolates!

Slightly battered but still deliciously intact after surviving a flight to the Hammer.

Okay, they're officially greyhound bon bons, but when they come in a 'vodka and candied grapefruit peel in dark chocolate ganache in dark chocolate' variety, it doesn't really matter, does it?

These luxurious hand-crafted delectables are available exclusively from Mink Chocolates. If you're in downtown Vancouver, you can visit their cafe and try their fondue bar experience.

Whimsical Whippet by Angie

Jasper the whimsical whippet

Artist Angie Ketelhut's latest piece is a fine example of her playful style, with its vibrant colors, parade of cyclists and bright smiling sun.  The portrait, which also features a tribute to Jasper's beloved whippet pal who recently passed away, will be hanging in a newborn baby boy's room.

Love is truly all around you when your life includes a pet, and Angie's work effortlessly reflects the bond between pet and owner. She goes to great lengths to capture the personality of her furry subjects, by interviewing their owners about their quirks, energy level, and activities, and they are only too happy to talk (read: gush) about their companions. 

"To make the paintings even more meaningful, I add personalized backgrounds, such as their pet's favorite lounging area or a cityscape of their hometown," Angie explains.

Angie has been drawing pictures of animals for as long as she can remember, but began painting people's pets approximately four years ago. "I love painting animals because they bring us such joy and happiness, and really brighten up our lives."

"For me, the entire process of creating a custom painting is extremely rewarding, from reading the incredible stories of each pet, to the end result and the smiles on the faces of the humans who love them. I wouldn’t trade painting pictures of pets for anything in the world."

To see more of Angie's work, including portraits of cats, people, and horses, visit her website.

Whip My Ride

Ribsy and Mirabel love riding in "The E" - aka the Honda Element. It's a spacious kennel on wheels. The back seats easily come out, the waterproof seat fabric is a major bonus, and the low-maintenance urethane interior is a cinch to clean and wipe down. Plus it makes for a comfortable and roomy camping car, as its four seats fold down completely into a cushy bed platform.

But their 2007 model simply doesn't compare to the all-new, dog-friendly Element unveiled at the New York International Auto Show today.

AP Photo

The added canine perks? Behind the rear seats is a cushioned pet bed that's elevated for the all-important sightseeing. Also in the back to keep your dog comfortable is a rear ventilation fan. Pet restraints in the back and cargo areas keep pooches still and safe. For easy clean up, all-season rubber floor mats and a built-in spill-resistant water bowl are included. And to remind people that it's a dog's world, er car? The mats, along with the seat covers in the rear sport - what else - a dog bone pattern design, and dog emblems on the exterior further flaunt your love for your canine.

For the owner of an older dog, the extendable loading ramp might just be exactly what your elder pooch needs.

This ultimutt Element is expected to be available this fall. Check out the micro site - there's even a whippet on it!

And watch this hilarious ad for the Element that depicts a Pointer's love for his ride:

Happy birthday Ribsy

Happy birthday to the loveliest, surliest whippet in the whole wide world. It's hard to believe that you're turning the grand old age of five today. It seems like only yesterday you were a scared little puppy in our arms. And now you sleep a whole lot more. Don't run quite as fast. Have retired your spin-o-rama moves. You eat your kibble a lot more slowly and avoid living life in the speed lane all the time.

But you're still our Ribsy, and we wouldn't have it any other way.

Love,
Girl, Boy & Mirabel