Scottie Mom: November 2016

Meet the Scottie Dog Behind Vera Bradley's New Pattern

I have to admit: I'm kind of obsessed with Vera Bradley's Scottie Dog pattern. A collector of sorts and owner of a few dozen Vera Bradley bags myself, I've wondered for years when they were going to come out with a Scottie dog pattern (and also dreaded it knowing my purse strings would loosen if they ever did!). So when I opened the mail to find a handsome, black Scottish Terrier posed with a large Vera Bradley duffel bag on the cover of their holiday 2016 gift guide, I squealed with excitement and couldn't help but wonder who that lucky Scottie dog was.

Dylan with his new modeling portfolio pieces. Image Courtesy +Jen Moser

It turns out that handsome Scottish Terrier is Dylan from Indiana. He's been one of very few to be "in the know" about the new Vera Bradley Scottie Dog pattern since early this year when he was asked to take the stage at a company event in March announcing the new pattern. Dylan must have made quite the impression because the team at Vera Bradley asked to have him back for a full-day photo shoot with the new merchandise in August. And so, the images in the holiday guide were born.

This was Dylan's first professional modeling gig. Having spent many hours of his life posing for the camera for his human sister Jen Moser (now a professional photographer), he was ready to take his talents to the national stage. And the team at Vera Bradley made sure to treat Dylan like the star he is! They pampered him, had his favorite food and snacks prepared before he arrived on set and gave him all the attention, ear scratches and pats on the head a Scottie dog could want. They even sent him home with a monogrammed Vera Bradley bag filled with goodies.

Duncan and Dylan with their Scottie Mom and Dad. Image Courtesy +Jen Moser

When he's not answering fan mail for his growing number of admirers, Dylan can be found at home with his litter mate Duncan and their Scottie Mom Betsy and Scottie Dad Mike. Human sister Jen still comes over to take fur family photos, too. Dylan, who will turn 8 years old in December, has been able to stay pretty down-to-Earth considering his newfound fame. He loves to destroy toys - especially those plush kinds with an empty water bottle inside. And he still makes time to have fun with Duncan when he's not posing for the camera (after all, it is hard work being so cute!).

Human sister Jen with Duncan and Dylan. Image Courtesy +Jen Moser

For an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at Dylan's photo shoot for Vera Bradley, check out his human sister Jen's photography blog. While this may have been his first professional modeling gig, something tells me this won't be Dylan's last. Way to go, handsome pup! Tell us: what is your favorite piece from the new collection of Vera Bradley Scottie Dog patterned stuff?

Scottish Terriers of Instagram

There is much for which I am thankful, particularly within our Scottie Mom community. I am thankful for each and every Scottie Mom (and Dad!) who always strive to do what's best for their fur kids and I am thankful for all the rescue organizations committed to saving the Scotties. And I know we're all thankful for these Scottish Terriers of Instagram who help us start our week with a smile! Share your Instagram photos with us using #ScottishTerriersofInstagram and tag @TheScottieMom.

Still looking for more Scottie Love? Check out other Scottish Terriers of Instagram on Pinterest!

This Week's Scottie Finds

'Tis the Season of Scotties that keeps on giving! I was blown away by the variety of Scottie stuff I found at Charming Charlie and Talbots this week. In fact, Talbots had so much Scottie stuff that the items featured are just some of their offerings. To see the full collection, I recommend checking out their holiday catalog online. Also, I learned yesterday that our friends at Vera Bradley are giving away a Scottie dog-patterned So Organized Jewelry Case for online orders greater than $100. Sale ends this Sunday. See details here. Where have you found Scottie stuff this year?

Scottie Dog Notebook at Charming Charlie, $10.00

Scottie Dog Shirt at Talbots, $79.50

Scottie Dog Napkins at HomeGoods, $3.99

Scottie Dog Key Chain at Charming Charlie, $10.00

Scottie Dog Watch at Charming Charlie, $15.00

Small Scottie Dog Bag at Charming Charlie, $18.00

Scottie Dog Earrings at Charming Charlie, $8.00

Scottie Dog Pouch at Charming Charlie, $10.00

Scottie Dog Bracelet at Charming Charlie, $13.00

Scottie Dog Necklace at Charming Charlie, $10.00

Scottie Dog Wrapping Paper at Hallmark, $4.99

Shortbread Cookie Mix with Scottie Dog Cookie Cutter at HomeGoods, $5.99

Scottie Dog Wine Stopper at Talbots, $12.50

Scottie Dog Pajama Set at Talbots, $69.50

Scottie Dog Ornament at Talbots, $14.50

Scottie Dog Mugs ($14.50), Socks ($9.50) and Pillows ($49.50) at Talbots

Why My Scotties Deserve the #BestofBLUE

It is no secret that my Scottish Terriers aren't "just dogs." To me, they are family - my fur kids. I see them as any proud mom sees her children. I talk about them all the time and share pictures of them too often (you know this to be true by now!). I take care of them, protect them and provide them with everything they need. I bathe them, I clothe them in ridiculously cute outfits (even if it takes a treat bribe every once in a while) and, of course, I feed them like I would any other member of the Scottie Mom family.

This post is sponsored by Blue Buffalo™ and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Blue Buffalo’s extensive product offering for cats and dogs available at PetSmart® but this Scottie Mom only shares information I feel is relevant to our readers. Blue Buffalo is not responsible for the content of this article.

For years, I've fed the Scottie crew Blue Buffalo products. Salmon always has been the protein of choice since our vet recommended it for Mr. K's allergies. So when I had a chance to learn more about the BLUE™ Wilderness line of products at PetSmart that offers a higher concentration of the real meats dogs love, I was pleased to learn of the grain-free salmon recipe. So was Mr. K. He and I had a mommy-and-me date at PetSmart this weekend to pick out a variety of BLUE Wilderness products to try, including the healthy holistic pet food, treats and Wild Cuts Trail Toppers - a fan favorite among the Scottie crew.

With Thanksgiving around the corner, I wanted to treat the Scottie crew to a meal they would never forget. After all, I have so much to thank them for this year. They all have played a role in helping me cope with the recent loss of sweet Heather. Nibbles has become resident cuddle bug. Pudley has emerged as the Scottie House jester. And handsome Mr. K continues to be my rock, always there when I need him. I mixed the BLUE Wilderness Wild Cuts Trail Toppers with their regular food the first night. The next time, I mixed in the BLUE Wilderness salmon recipe dry food. And then, it was time for the big reveal: an early Thanksgiving dinner!

I whipped up a special, meat-rich recipe for dogs, adding in the Wild Cuts Trail Toppers. I kid you not: all of it was gone in 60 seconds. Of course, no meal is ever complete without a little dessert. I bet you can pick out which dessert the Scottie crew chose from this lineup of Blue Buffalo treats. (Hint: there are blueberries in it!). With their tummies full, all three Scotties jumped atop the couch pillows and settled in for a quick snooze. As I listened to those silly Scottie snores, I smiled. It felt good to give them the same happiness they give me and the rest of the Scottie Mom community every day.

Interested in trying Blue Buffalo products? Visit PetSmart to check out the extensive line of Blue Buffalo products for cats and dogs. Not sure which product is right for you? Every weekend, BLUE sends their Pet Detectives to your local store to help you make the best decision for your family.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of BLUE. The opinions and text are all mine.

This Week's Scottie Finds

The search for Scottie stuff continues and I'm pleased to report back from today's shopping excursion with this week's Scottie finds at Target, Stein Mart, Cracker Barrel (yes, you read that right!) and more. What Scottie stuff have you spotted in stores lately?