There's really only a couple of rules you'll need to keep in mind when shopping for dog clothes. One is that if dog in question is an avid chewer, you should avoid buying him anything too tempting. Shiny buttons, fringe, and feathers are examples that come to mind. An object that can easily be chewed off and swallowed becomes a choking hazard or can get stuck in dog's digestive tract. 

The other rule is that any dog, no matter how tolerant, will be more comfortable wearing clothes that fit. Proper fit typically requires measuring from dog's collar to base of her tail for length. Most garment's girth can be adjusted with velcro tabs, but could still be an issue with a barrel-chested breed such as a bulldog. Measurements are in inches.

Remember that a dog will never "diet down" into an outfit that's too small , or -- unless you're shopping for a puppy or a pregnant female -- "grow into" an item that's too big. (Sorry, Grandma.)

Oh, and one more thing--if you're handy with a sewing machine, you can make your own dog clothes creations. Just don't forget to include an opening for dog to relieve himself. Don't laugh, it happens a lot!

Now, if you're shopping for your own dog, you're all set. If you're buying clothes for someone else's dog, I've got a few more tips for you.

Surveys conducted on subject of gift preferences of men and women have shown that men prefer gifts that are more playful or practical. So, if dog's owner is male this might translate into a doggie Harley jacket or a reflective hunting vest (more on practical clothing in another article!).

Women, on other hand, prefer gifts that are beautiful, memorable, and personal--except if woman is someone you don't know well. The more distant relationship between giver and receiver, riskier it is to give a personal gift. So, be they man or woman, if you don't know dog owner very well, you probably shouldn't be buying dog clothes. This leaves us with woman who's a loved one, dear friend, or close personal acquaintance. It shouldn't be hard to find an item for her dog that's either beautiful or memorable or both, and it will of course be personal!

Well, I hope you'll have fun picking out something nice for canine on your shopping list. If you get a chance, send me a photo. I love cute doggie pics and I'll add them to my site. Think of it as a gift that I'm sure to appreciate!

Think of distractions your mind inherits once you find out you are pregnant - all those things that could go wrong before baby comes, plus you have to eat for you and for baby. During childbirth, you may turn down painkillers or epidurals - for baby. Zero to six months are dedicated to avoiding newborn dangers and providing comfort for baby. Toddlerhood is your period of safety precautions (aka - 'more and more dangers') for baby. Kindergarten yields its own new discoveries of parental inadequacy and so on. One friend who is currently tormented by her oldest son's first year of middle school, says that not only does she worry about her own peaks and valleys, but now her son's middle school insecurities are fed directly into her as well. Till you are smiling down from heaven above, you will be worrying about your children and how to keep them safe, healthy and happy. Obvious, right? Well, if it is so obvious why do we as moms, wonder why our ability to focus, process information and remember things has gone to birds? Why are we secretly wondering what is wrong with us and whether or not we are clinically losing it or just showing early signs of senility? Why do moms begin to label themselves as stupid (a common occurance in chatroom scripts I read), less than adequate or incapable of furthering themselves in an intellectual manner, with intellectual people?

I am encouraging all of you once fiercely sharp women to forgive this phase of your mental life. The distraction of raising children is reason enough to miss a couple cues during your daily routine. Add any type of medical matter to this package and you are to be given extra allowance of compassion. While we are so lucky to experience our children's delight and victories as they grow, so must we endure their pain and sorrow. In doing so, it can overwhelm, divert and consume our every thought. While I would love to give you timetable of recovery, I cannot. I can only look at many other moms and grandmothers who are still thriving and be inspired that no matter how much ‘matter’ you lose, there is still a chance to live a wonderfully fruitful life well into your golden years, kids included!