Freedom To Bark

Blog Award & The Petties

2011-06-18T01:03:00.001-05:00

Many Thanks to Elka from The Elka Almanac for passing on the Versatile Blogger Award to our Blog. It's always an honor to receive one of these and we look forward to passing it on.

According to the rules, I must list seven things about myself, and then pass it on to fifteen new or newly discovered bloggers.

A little Bit About Me:

1. I love cooking and baking, especially Polish Food
2. I love birds and and I'm outside at 5 am usually filling all the feeders much to my husbands disgust.
3. I play the piano
4. Love reading Computer Tech Magazines and books
5. Used to teach How-To Craft Classes
6. I would love to own a Tarantula
7. Most dogs ever to grace my house at the same time was 8

I pass on this award to the following blogs:

1. Adventures of a Cattle Dog
2. Shiloh's Space
3. It's a Greyt Day
4. The Painter Pack
5. Kirby the Dorkie
6. 5 minutes for Fido
7. The Daily Oscar
8. I am Santa, a Miniature Schnauzer
9. Gardening with Wyatt
10. Snoopy's DogBlog
11. The Other Winnie Cooper
12. MUTTerings and Things
13. My Life in the Dog Lane
14. Puppy Kisses
15. Macho Minute

The 2011 Petties Award

The Petties Awards are Dogtime's annual celebration recognizing excellence among animal-loving bloggers of all stripes. The Petties are the only awards nominated by, voted for, and presented to individuals in the pet blogging community.

Between now and June 29, 2011 you can nominate your favorite blog to win 1 of eight awards. DogTime will honor winners with a $1000 donation to the shelter of their choice.

You can nominate a single blog/blogger for as many categories as you like, and you can nominate as many different blog/bloggers as you like for a single category — or as many categories as you like. (You may not, however, nominate the same blog/blogger in one category more than once. In the highly unlikely event of a tie, DogTime will choose the finalist.)

At the close of the nomination round, the four bloggers with the most nominations in each category will become finalists. The voting round then begins on July 5, 2011. Don’t miss out — mark your calendars for these important dates:

June 29, 2011: Nominations close

July 5, 2011: Voting for finalists open

July 29, 2011: Voting for finalists closes

August 26, 2011: 2nd Annual Petties Awards ceremony, held at the BlogPaws Conference in Tysons Corner, Virginia

We are up for nomination in the "Best Designed Blog" Category and would truly appreciate your support in nominating us.

You can nominate your favorite blogs HERE

Don't forget it's time for the Saturday Pet Blogger Blog Hop

Have a Great Weekend!

Cats and Dogs Fathers Day Freebie

2011-06-14T23:06:00.000-05:00

These freebies can be used as frames, quick pages or even a blog header. Each zip file contains two sizes. Just add you favorite photo and you will have a special memory to display and share for Fathers Day.

If you would like to use one of these and personalize it with your photo and name but don't have a graphic editing program or not comfortable doing it on your own? For a small fee I will add your photo and text to the desired graphic. Visit our Custom Graphics Page to purchase.
http://freedomtobark.blogspot.com/p/custom-graphic-services.html

Please remember all my freebies are Personal Use Only and a link back to my blog is required & appreciated if displayed on the web.

To see a larger sample click HERE

Download Fathers Day Cats Page HERE

4 files in zip file

Download Fathers Day ~ Schnauzers HERE

Download Fathers Day ~ Yorkies HERE

Download Fathers Day ~ Golden Retriever HERE

Credits:

Some elements created with scripts from
Joanne's Digital Designs

Enjoy!

Patriotic Pup Kit & Blog Background

2011-06-13T10:14:00.000-05:00

Created to match my Free Patriotic Collection, so you can easily mix and match to create numerous designs for yourself or to share with others. My Freebies are Personal Use Only which still allows you to share what you make as long as you offer it as a Freebie. I also require & appreciate a link back to this Blog in your post or credits.

Papers come in 2 sizes - 2000x2000 & 800x800 - 300dpi
Both sizes are included in the zip file.

Download Patriotic Pup Kit HERE

Blog Background comes in two sizes. You can download the backgrounds or use the code below.
Download Backgrounds HERE

1920x1300

1680x1138

Credits:
Some elements created with scripts from
Joanne's Digital Designs
Crazed's Creations

Keep updated on this Delicious Scandal and those involved. Warning! For Mature Pups Only!

foleymonsterandpocket.blogspot.com
http://foleymonsterandpocket.blogspot.com/2011/06/apology-from-foley-monster.html

kolchakpuggle.blogspot.com
http://kolchakpuggle.blogspot.com/2011/06/puggle-at-center-of-yorkiegate-responds.html

Newsandtales.com
Exclusive photo of Weiner’s weenie

Enjoy!

Patriotic Kit Scrapbooking Freebie

2011-06-10T13:32:00.000-05:00

This Digital Scrapbooking Patriotic Kit is perfect for your Independence Day Designs. Create tags, layouts, pages for yourself or others, ect. My Freebies are Personal Use Only which still allows you to share what you make as long as you offer it as a Freebie. I also require & appreciate a link back to this Blog in your post or credits.

Papers come in 2 sizes - 2000x2000 & 800x800 - 300dpi
Both sizes are included in the zip file.

Download Elements HERE
Download Papers HERE

There is an Patriotic Pup Addon I made to match which I will be posting soon!

Enjoy!

Join the Tanner Brigade - Guest Post

2011-06-04T00:45:00.000-05:00

An invitation to join the Tanner Brigade

I know many of my friends in the blogger community who have read my blog have noticed me reference the Tanner Brigade and may wonder what it is. The Brigade is an invitation only Ning social network. It has about 150 close knit members. We stick by each other in good times and bad. When one of us is sick the others rally for us, pray for us, give us advice, and most of all support. We share the best health advice we can, the best information about food, updates about recalls, work on placing homeless dog with no families, do transports, basically everything done here in the blogger community. We constantly make each other laugh with great blogs. And when we're lonely all we need to do is go online and see all our friends.

We have a number of friends in the blogger community who are members of the Tanner Brigade. Erin of Freedom to Bark is one of our administers and does all our layouts. We have, without a doubt, the prettiest dog site, or human site, on the web. Kolchak and Felix from Kol's notes are very active in helping dogs with heath and food treats. Jan Cabral who writes The Dogs of Brazil blog, Smoochy, who writes the brilliant Smoochy's Observations Blog, Abby the Yorkie who writes My Life in the Dog Lane, Silvie from the Silvieon4 blog, Nadia Rosin from the Healing Art of Pet Parenthood blog, Shiloh, our astrologer dog, who authors Shiloh's Space, and Hobo Hudson, who writes a blog at newsandtales are all valued members.
We have Zoe Boe and her mother Connie Gross who does the best pet portraits I have ever seen. For an example take a look at the drawing of Kolchak on Koli's Notes.

Our divas: the adorable Hattie Mae and Sydney can make you the best dressed dogs in town. Luca and Junior do wonderful writing contests, Ruggie Ruger and Cocoa do our graphics contests, and we do weekly beat this caption contests, plus we pick pups of the week, and ask questions of the week to help us either understand our dogs or learn how to better their lives.

There is a long story of how we came together as the Tanner Brigade. If you haven't read my last blog, which covers the history of the Brigade, and if you're interested, you can read it here. Some of our members still belong to big groups like Doggyspace, and others are just happy to be in a our small quiet village. Truly, some of my closest friends are here, and I have only met one: Laura, the mother of Pokey and Maggie, and who does many rescue transports on the 95 corridor.

Some members of our group are on site every day, some once a week, some once a month, and some pop in and out to check on their buddies. The Brigade is built on wood cut from the same tree. It's a tree just south of Rainbow Bridge. It's the tree where the humans meet their pets living at the Bridge when they pass from this world. The Tanner Brigade is built from the tree of Unconditional Love between humans and dogs; and the unconditional love we have for our friend's dogs, and their delightful owners.

We don't recruit members to be part of the Brigade. We only want members who reflect our views: that dogs, cats, any household pet that look at you with eyes filled with love, are one of our most precious resources, and together we need to explore how to make these little angels from heaven lives as perfect as possible while they are with us. They know, somehow, how to be the perfect companion to each of us, no matter how difficult we can be. The folks who hold this view a very select slice of the world's population. But I have found many of these people in the Blogging and Twitter communities.

So I am inviting my blogging friends and my Twitter friends to join the Tanner Brigade. Please don't think you are under any obligations to do so. Social communities are not for everyone. And I am sure some of you belong to other groups, and, as much as we would like to, we can't spend all day on the computer talking about dogs.

But if it sounds like this might be your brand of kibble then you can leave your e-mail in the comments section of this blog, or send me a message on Twitter with your e-mail, or e-mail me at Foleymonsterandpocket@gmail.com. We will send you an invite and you can take a look around. If you like the place you can set up a profile and play in our playground. While Ning is a pay site we are paid until July of 2012. After that we ask for a $5.00 contribution a year. And if you can't pay one of our friends would be more than happy to sponsor you.

So, if you would like to join, what us Tanner Brigade members believe is the best doggy social network on the net, let me know. And if not then keep us in mind. We'll leave the light on for you.

Foley Monster and Pocket's Blog: An invitation to join the Tanner Brigade

Dog Day Blue Blog Theme Freebies

2011-06-03T10:55:00.003-05:00

This is just a sample of a larger collection coming soon which you will be able to purchase. Here are a few freebies that will give you an idea of what you will be able to create with my "Dog Day Blue Collection"
Please remember all my freebies are Personal Use Only and a link back to my blog is required & appreciated.

We love visiting all our furfriends so if you use any of these I would really like to see how they look on your blog, email your link or leave it in a comment.

Grab what you want & Enjoy!

View Larger Sample HERE

Download Banners/Frames HERE

Download Backgrounds HERE

If you prefer to use the background code I supply, they will be at the bottom of this post.

QuickPages
Zip file includes 2 sizes
2400x2000 & 900x750

Download HERE

Blog Background Codes

For Help installing background, Read my tutorial here, http://freedomtobark.blogspot.com/2009/07/changing-your-background-on-your-blog.html Follow directions from where it directs you to add an Html Gadget.

1920x1300

1680x1138

Credits:
Some elements created with scripts from
Joanne's Digital Designs

Would you like to use one of my premade banners and personalize it with your photo and name but don't have a graphic editing program or not comfortable doing it on your own? For a small fee I will add your photo and text to the desired banner or quickpage. Visit our Custom Graphics Page to purchase.
http://freedomtobark.blogspot.com/p/custom-graphic-services.html

Memorial Day Blog Theme Freebie

2011-05-30T08:39:00.000-05:00

In honor of Memorial Day I created the following theme. Choice of two backgrounds in two sizes. The zip file contains the header in 3 different sizes including the size I used in this post. Please remember this is a Freebie and all my Freebies are for Personal Use Only.

If you do use this layout or the header alone, Please link back & credit my blog.

For Help installing background, Read my tutorial here, http://freedomtobark.blogspot.com/2009/07/changing-your-background-on-your-blog.html Follow directions from where it directs you to add an Html Gadget.

Download Headers HERE

Background Codes:

2000x1000

1680x840

2000x1000

1680x840

Have a Happy & Safe Memorial Day!

Blogger Woes & Help

2011-05-27T11:32:00.000-05:00

I've been using Blogger for 2 years now and never experienced the problems I had these past 2 weeks. Today is the first time I was able to get on my blog in days. The odd thing is that not everyone is experiencing the same problem either. Where I am extremely grateful to be able to get on today, many are still having problems. I know of alot of people switching over to Wordpress due to this but Be Warned Wordpress is not the Cure All. I started out on Wordpress years ago and was not impressed at all. No matter what Platform you choose there will be problems and you need to know what to do when it happens. Since we're talking about the Current Blogger Problems, the links below will help you when dealing with any Blogger Problems.

Get a Twitter Account! Even if you don't want to post any tweets this is a great medium for networking and getting the latest updates from friends, businesses, schools,ect... Set it up that you receive updates on your mobile phone if desired.

On Twitter Follow @Blogger

In the Search Box type "Blogger", read what others are tweeting about and see if others are having issues too.

Use the Google Help Forums!
Start here for a list of ongoing problems - http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/blogger/label?lid=0271191b4249689a&hl=en

This specific thread deals with the current issues. I linked it to the last page because these are the most recent replies. Go HERE

If your having problems, post on this thread so that they are aware of your problem. Read the past posts from any Google Employee and do as they suggest. If they tell you to Empty your Cache and Cookies - Do It! When I pulled up my blog this morning it had the same problem as the past few days. I read the latest advice from Google and cleared my cache & cookies, closed down my browser, opened my browser again & I was able to Login! Now as I said, This worked for me but there are many still having problems so it's alot of Trial & Error. For some just switching browsers works for them But I don't want to be switching browsers back and forth plus this doesn't fix the problem. Above all keep on top of it until they fix it.

What's the old saying? If it isn't Broke - Don't Fix it. Well all of this seems to have started when they did that major update a few weeks ago,They ended up reverting to the previous version and things just never worked the same after that, this is my opinion only.

Preventative Measures:
We all love our blogs, we take pride in our posts, design, followers and comments. No matter which is most important to you, it didn't happen without alot of time and effort. To save yourself alot of grief and frustration, learn to backup your blog. As a designer I always backup my clients blog BEFORE and AFTER I add their new design. I save a copy of these files and give my client a copy incase of any major problems they might have. It only takes a few seconds and will save you hours of work. This really is a Must if you have a custom design!

Just sign into your Blog and follow the screenshots below.

Stay organized and create a folder for your XML Files. I make a main folder with subfolders in it. Also make sure you label your xml files so you know what your uploading. Below is just an example of how I do it.

Need to upload an XML File? Just choose the xml file you saved on your computer and click Upload. Make sure you click Save afterward. Don't like the changes then go back to this page and upload the saved xml file of your Old Blog (hoping that you saved it!)

Gadgets:

I only backup my HTML Gadgets. I list and save the codes I added into a Notepad so I can easily copy/paste into an HTML Gadget if needed. This is a huge timesaver if you have a gadget with a lot of links in it.

Hope this helps some of you out.

Before we sign off we'd like to give a Shout Out & Huge Thank You to Foley Monster and Pockets Blog for the beautiful tribute they wrote about Erin, Buck & our blog here. We are so grateful for our friendship with these 2 incorrigible Yorkies & their Mom. Your really missing out on some great adventures if your not following their blog.

Have a Great Weekend!

Coffee With a Canine

2011-05-17T09:56:00.000-05:00

Want to know a little more about Erin & Buck? Well they are featured on Coffee With a Canine. This was a great way to start the week after a cold and rainy weekend. While your there, take some time to read some of the interviews posted there. Great stories and so many gorgeous photos!

Have a Great Week!

Meet and Greet Blog Hop

2011-05-01T08:48:00.001-05:00

Our friends at DogTipper.com now have a sister site Cattipper.com. To celebrate Cattipper.com's grand opening they are hosting a Meet and Greet Blog Hop. If you never joined a blog hop before your missing out in making new friends, networking with people in your field, discover pet related causes that desperately need your help with a donation or bringing awareness to the cause on your blog or website. Blog Hops are great for keeping in touch with old friends and making new friends alike.We are huge fans of DogTipper.com and have been tweeting about this Blog Hop which runs through May 6th, so you still have plenty of time to join.

For those that don't know us already, Erin is our five year old German Shepherd. She is the official mascot for Freedom To Bark and was my inspiration for creating this blog. I have been designing graphics and websites for the past 14 years. When we created our blog the first thing we wanted to do was personalize it and was amazed at the lack of pet related designs available, that was all the nudge we needed to make that the main focus of our blog. We offer custom services for blog and website owners, lots of freebies and tutorials to help you customize your pets blog.

We love visiting other blogs and making new friends. There is always something going on in Pet Blogger Land so join the Meet & Greet Blog Hop and start making new friends.

Coming out of Hibernation

2011-04-26T22:57:00.000-05:00

Officially we came out of hibernation back in February but have been too busy to get to our own blog and update it. This past winter was more depressing then most with all the snow and cold weather. Springs finally here and all we are seeing is rain. Almost everyday it seems to rain. I'm really curious how this summer will be. One good outcome of all of this dreary weather is that business has really picked up. I have gone over the entire blog and fixed alot of links, updated the slider under our header, updated the layout a little, and added a few more pages with New Services we offer. I knew I was really neglecting our blog when a reader wrote and asked if I still do design work because there hasn't been any updates since December.

If anyone really enjoyed this past winter it was Erin & Buck. After the blizzard we had snow drifts that reached the top of the back fence. Once Erin figured out she could climb it without falling in she made it her lookout post into the neighbors yard. Thankfully the Yorkie behind us was never out when she was up there or Erin would of gone over the wall in an instant. Now they lay around the house most of the time due to the rain. Buck turned 11 in January and got a clean bill of health from the Vet this week. Erin is as nuts as ever.

You can now order a Custom Facebook Landing Page for your Facebook Fan Page. You could see a Live example by clicking on our Facebook Button on the sidebar. You can read more about this service here.
http://freedomtobark.blogspot.com/p/facebook-landing-page.html

Another New Service we offer is Custom Twitter Pages. Instead of using one of their default backgrounds, have one created to match your blog or website. Below is a sample of one of our latest designs.

News and Tales Twitter Page

Visit News and Tales website for inspiring stories and Doggy Humor

Happy Birthday Erin!

2010-12-17T11:19:00.000-06:00

Our little Erin turned 5 years old this week. Hard to believe how fast these past five years went by. With every birthday we hope to see her settle down more but she's still as fast, inquisitive, & playful as she was when she was a puppy. If anyone has aged it's us trying to keep up with her! Happy Birthday to our baby girl!

Waiting for Santa Paws Blog Layout

2010-11-28T11:59:00.001-06:00

This is a complete layout, you have everything you need to create a Pawsome Holiday Blog for your pet. The winzip file contains 1 background, 2 header images, 1 post divider image, 1 blank button and 19 premade buttons. If you are new to Blogger or just can't figure out how to change your background, I have posted the code for the background below.

Please Remember ~ This is a Freebie and all my Freebies are for Personal Use Only!

If you do use this layout Please link back & credit my blog.

For Help installing background, Read my tutorial HERE

View larger sample HERE

Download Complete Layout HERE

Use code below if you only want to use the background.

Credits:
This layout was created using graphics from the HappyHowl-a-days Collection I purchased by: designed by stina. Visit her blog HERE

Enjoy!

Lot's to be Thankful for! Saturday Blog Hop

2010-11-27T07:54:00.005-06:00

It's been a very busy week here and I know it won't slow down much now until January. First we had a lot of fun participating in the Holiday Hop Giveaway for Pets and can't wait to enter the next one. The lucky winner of the Gift Certificate to Best Bully Sticks was 'afFURmation" and we were very surprised to find out that we won too, not once but 3 times!

Many Thanks to DogTipper.com, we are one of the lucky winners to receive a free signed copy of:
Barkonomics: Tips for Frugal Fidos!

Many Thanks to Doggie Stylish, Erin is one of the lucky winners of their giveaway which is a leather collar set from their website doggiestylish.com

Many Thanks to PetsJubilee, Erin is the lucky winner of the Pet Sampler box for dogs filled with wonderful handmade items for dogs and pet lovers all made by the members of the PetsJubilee Team on Etsy.

And what could top all this? Erin is Dog of the Day at Dogtipper.com and she is in total holiday mode! Her photo is featured HERE.

Please help the Santa Paws Drive. Donate Money or Gifts, spread the word by placing their banner or widget on your blog or website. Tweet about it to your followers. Christmas will be here before you know it and they need a lot of help in reaching their goal.

Looking for a Christmas layout for your blog? We have all kinds of goodies HERE that you can download for free.

Have a Great Week!

Holiday Giveaway Hop for Pets Winner!

2010-11-26T10:42:00.000-06:00

First I want to Thank everyone that participated in the Holiday Giveaway Hop for Pets which was our first time in participating and holding a Giveaway. Congratulations to 'afFURmation" for being the lucky winner of the $20.00 Gift Certificate for "Best Bully Sticks". We will contact you on how to redeem your prize and hope you enjoy it.!

Hope to see everyone at the next Giveaway!

Christmas Kitty Blog Layout Freebie

2010-11-23T17:33:00.003-06:00

Our first Christmas Blog Layout for 2010 is a Purrrr-fect layout for our Kitty Furfriends & Cat Lovers. The winzip file contains 2 backgrounds and header image. If you are new to Blogger or just can't figure out how to change your background, I have posted the codes to use for each background below.

Please Remember ~ This is a Freebie and all my Freebies are for Personal Use Only!

If you do use this layout Please link back & credit my blog.

For Help installing background, Read my tutorial HERE

View larger sample HERE

Download Backgrounds and Banner HERE

Use codes below if you only want to use the background.

Background 1

Background 2

Credits:
Santa Kitty, Christmas Lights, Snowflakes & Mouse in Stocking were all created using Scripts purchased from: Joanne's Digital Designs

Enjoy!

Holiday Hop Pets Giveaway!

2010-11-17T23:52:00.000-06:00

We are participating in the Holiday Hop For Pets Giveaway and we're really excited because this is our First Giveaway. This Giveaway starts on November 18 and ends November 25 2010. The winner will be chosen randomly and notified by email.

Our Giveaway is a $20.00 Gift Certificate for "Best Bully Sticks". Best known for their popular Bully Sticks, they also carry toys, dog & cat supplies and a lot more goodies for pet owners.

Giveaway Conditions:

Mandatory - Leave a Comment and Follow "Freedom to Bark"

Optional: Please leave a separate comment for each entry.

Join our Facebook Fan Page - Freedom To Bark

Follow us on Twitter

Make sure you visit all the participating sites below, there are lots of great giveaways for your pet and pet owners.

Memory Lane

2010-11-04T09:14:00.001-05:00

It's hard to believe Erin will turn 5 years old next month and in January Buck will turn 11 years old. It got me thinking of all the dogs that have blessed our home. In the home I was raised in we always had dogs, my husband came from a home that never had pets so talking him into getting a dog was not easy. Once I did get him to agree I figured we'd be lucky to be a one dog family. But that quickly changed,we went from one dog to having four in the house for some years, not including the birds, hamsters, and fish. Willow, a Siberian Husky was our first dog followed a year later by Irish our first German Shepherd. We got them a year apart and when Willow passed on Irish followed 2 years later. We are reminded of Willow daily through her son Buck. Below are a few photos I scanned of Willow & Irish, wish we had more but this is before we had our digital camera and getting photos developed was just a hassle.

Have a Great Day!

Ghostly Tails, Happy Howl-a-ween!

2010-10-30T10:58:00.001-05:00

I was recently asked by a friend if I ever experienced anything that made me believe that spirits do exist. I know this was brought up being the season that it is but when I thought about it every example I gave him involved one of our dogs. I'm not saying I do or don't believe but there have been a few experiences in my life that are sort of creepy to say the least. I've heard many times that animals are in tune with spirits and from my own experience I'm becoming more of a believer then skeptic. These are the three occasions that always stick in my mind.

Willow's Story - This happened when Willow was still with us. One day I walked into the kitchen and willow was sitting all alert and happy just staring at the wall. Tail was wagging and she was looking up as if being petted or waiting for something. She stayed like that for a few minutes, didn't even answer to us calling her name.

Irish's Story - Irish was our first German Shepherd and was my constant companion. One day I heard her whining and went to see what's wrong. She was sitting at the bottom of the stairs going to our second level with all the bedrooms and just staring upstairs. I sat down in the kitchen watching and listening to see if I heard anything. I sat and watched her for about five minutes and finally decided to investigate. She followed me up and went from room to room sniffing. My mom lived with us for years and was really close to Irish. If there are spirits I'd really like to believe that it was her spirit Irish sensed that day. Even till this day when I'm home alone I will hear the bed squeak in her old room and at times I think I'm loosing it but Erin will look up as if she heard it too.

Erin's Story - Now Erin's really gave me goosebumps because I woke up in the middle of the night to see her standing on the stairs just growling and all her hairs up. I fell asleep in the basement and had a clear view of the stairs and kitchen. My heart was beating like crazy watching her. It was one of those low growls that she kept giving. Finally I couldn't take it and went to look with Erin slowly following me. Again nothing, went back downstairs and Erin went to lay down right at the foot of the stairs. Every few minutes she would look up again but finally settled down.
No idea what that was about but it sure got my heart racing that night.

Ghost? Spirits? only my dogs know for sure....

Happy Howl-A-Ween!

Cats and Dogs Halloween Buttons

2010-10-16T01:02:00.000-05:00

Following the theme from the Halloween Blog Layout I created these matching buttons. These are perfect to add to any of your personal creations or any creations that you offer as a Freebie. Or you can use them as is and add them to your blogs sidebar. All I ask is for credit and a link back to my blog if you do use them in any of your own creations.

Enjoy!

Download Dog Buttons HERE

Download Cat Buttons HERE

Fall Journal Page Freebie

2010-10-15T11:54:00.000-05:00

These can be used as Journal Pages, Quick Pages or frames. There are two different versions. Each collection includes 4 different sizes ranging from 3600X3600 to 540x540. All are in Png Format and 300Dpi. Personal Use Only and a link back to this blog is appreciated.

Enjoy!

Download Set 1 HERE

Download set 2 (Dog House Theme) HERE

Halloween Blog Layout and Ning Theme

2010-10-13T18:06:00.000-05:00

I know it's kind of late but I really wanted to make a Pet Themed Halloween Layout since I never got around to it last year. Below you will find a Blog Background and 2 banners in a zip file to download. One banner is perfect to use as a Blog header and the much smaller one can be used where you wish. Also using the same layout I converted it into a theme for your Ning Group profile page.

For Help installing background, Read my tutorial HERE

Download Background and Banners HERE

Use code below if you only want to use the background.

Ning Theme - Download HERE

If this is the first time your using one of my Ning Themes, you can find out how to apply them to your Ning Profile HERE. If your comfortable with editing CSS, feel free to change any values in the CSS Code.

If you would prefer to use a different banner, photograph in the themes, all it takes is a little editing to the css code. You will find banner help HERE

Enjoy!

Time to Put Away the Basketball Plus an Award

2010-09-11T07:44:00.005-05:00

September has Finally arrived. Hello 70's & Goodbye 90 degree weather! Honestly this had to be the worst summer I experienced in a long time. Finally we can turn off the air conditioner and enjoy sitting outside again. Almost time to put away Erin's pool and her basketball. Even though this is Football Season Erin is a Basketball Girl at heart, Just like Mom!

And while Erin is enjoying her favorite pastime, Buck is enjoying his!

Many Thanks to Miley from Curious Cavorting Cavoodle for our latest award.

Time for the Saturday Pet Blogger Blog Hop

For some reason the code isn't working right for me this week, You can still view all the participating blogs at Life With Dogs.

Enjoy!

Football and Saturday Blog Hop

2010-08-28T08:09:00.001-05:00

Are you ready for some Football?
Erin is! Naturally she is a Chicago Bears Fan too.

Enjoy today's Saturdays Pet Bloggers Blog Hop!

Blog Hopping Saturday

2010-08-21T15:00:00.001-05:00

Third week in a row for us doing the blog hop. We encourage all our visitors and followers to participate in the Pet Bloggers Blog Hop. Even if you don't have a blog visit the participating blogs. There are so many great stories & photos out there that it's a shame to miss out on them. Grab the button code from the Life With Dogs blog, add your blog to the bottom of the list and grab the Blog Hop Code by clicking on the link. You can get more information on the Blog Hop at Life With dogs blog.

We finally joined Twitter. If you have a Twitter Account we'd love for you to follow us. Just Click on the Twitter Button on the sidebar or Follow Us by clicking HERE

Have a Great Week!

Doggie Days Freebies

2010-08-17T08:05:00.000-05:00

A few more freebies for you made from my "Doggie Days Kit" which you can purchase HERE. Please remember my Freebies are for Personal Use Only. They cannot be used in any creations that you will profit from. If your site or group is a Paid Membership Site, you Cannot use these in any of your designs or tutorials. If you would like to use them in your creations or tutorials on a Pay To Subscribe Site you need to purchase our License HERE.

Free Dogbone Tags - 2 Sizes
Tags that are 180x120 are perfect for your sidebars

Download 600x400 Tags HERE

Download 180x120 Tags HERE

Download Collars HERE

Need a good Free graphic editing program? Try Paint.net which you can find HERE. This is a great program with a forum that offers tons of tutorials from the basics to advanced projects. This program is perfect for personalizing freebies, adding photos to frames or quick pages, editing blog headers, ect. I created a few tutorials to help with some basics HERE but you can find many more on their forum.

Enjoy!

Woot! An Award and we're passing it on

2010-08-16T22:35:00.000-05:00

Many thanks to our new furfriend George the Lad for gifting our blog with this award. Following the rules that came with the award, I need to Thank the person that presented this award to us, tell you 7 things about me that you don't know, pass it on to 15 bloggers whom I have recently discovered and think are fantastic and notify them that they received an award. So here goes.....

Since I don't post too much about Erin herself I decided to tell you 7 interesting facts about her.

Erin was the runt of her litter and is smaller then most female German Shepherd Dogs.
Erin is an attention hog! If she sees Buck getting attention she pulls out all the stunts to get it back on her.
She loves water and nudges her pool to get our attention & fill it up.
She sits at the table with us on the kitchen chair. Blame the husband for teaching her this bad habit!
Loves playing "Keep Away"
Erin only likes to cuddle at night.
Not very social with visitors to our home. As long as they stay seated while visiting shes okay with them but she does keep her eyes on them the whole time. As soon as they stand up & try to walk around she starts barking at them endlessly until they sit down again.

Now to name 15 recently discovered blogs. This is the hardest part because all the blogs I recently discovered are from the Saturday Pet Blogger Blog Hop & I know alot of you already received this award. So if you already have it please forgive me for not noticing it on your blog.

Paws Up to all the blogs listed above!

Remembering Honee

2010-08-15T11:09:00.000-05:00

A year ago today we said goodbye to our beloved Honee. I still look for her every morning when I first let the dogs out or when I'm sitting at the computer I find myself looking under the desk expecting to see her laying in her favorite spot. Many paws have crossed our doorstep, for many we were their second chance & Honee was one of them. Honee came to us when she was a little over one year old and quickly became our Golden Girl. She was the most well behaved dog we ever had with a heart of gold that didn't discriminate when it came to her showing affection, She loved everybody! When she turned ten age started taking it's toll and we kept denying to ourselves what was very obvious to others. We knew it was time to say goodbye when she couldn't get up anymore and didn't even recognize us. I still remember the phone call from my friend many years ago asking me if I want her and debating if we should take her or not. Now it's hard to believe I even debated the issue. When I think of Honee today, I picture her running and playing with youthful energy and her eyes are clear and full of love again. I think if Honee could talk she would quote Dr. Seuss - “Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.”

Saturday Pet Blog Hop and a Freebie

2010-08-14T09:31:00.001-05:00

Last week I joined the "Saturday Pet Blogger Blog Hop" for the first time And I truly enjoyed participating. Erin & I made some new FurFriends and visited a lot of Great Blogs. If you would like to add your pets blog you can get all the information at "Life With Dogs" Blog.

Todays Freebie

These buttons were created using elements from my Doggie Days Kit that you can purchase HERE.
These are perfect to add to any of your personal creations or any creations that you offer as a Freebie. Or you can use them as is and add them to your blogs sidebar. More freebies coming this week. All I ask is for credit and a link back to my blog if you do use them in any of your own creations.

Download Buttons HERE

Enjoy!

Saturday Pet Blogger Blog Hop

2010-08-07T11:45:00.001-05:00

I've been checking out the Saturday Pet blog Hop for a few weeks now and decided to jump on board this week. There are so many great pet blogs out there and the blog hop gives you a chance to visit blogs you might never of come across just browsing friend lists on the blogs of your friends. Make new FURfiends by following some of the new blogs you visit. Great stories, Beautiful Photos, take a break from your Saturday routine and visit a few, you won't regret it.

You can add your blog to the list and grab the Saturday Pet Blogger Blog Hop button from Life With Dogs.

Enjoy!

Pool Pawty Frames Freebie

2010-07-19T11:36:00.000-05:00

With so many of us experiencing Hot & Sticky weather lately and watching Erin cooling off in her pool, I was inspired to make the following frame. Face it, most of us have photos of our beloved pets enjoying their time in their pool and this frame is perfect to showcase them.

Use as is or create & use in a quickpage, great for a blog header too. As always my freebies are Personal Use Only and if you place on your blog or website a link back is Truly Appreciated.

Frame was created with elements from my "Melon Collection" which will be available for purchase soon.

Download Frames HERE

Credits:
Scripts by:
CancerMoon Creations
Heavendreams

Enjoy & Stay Cool!

We're Pet Blog of The Week!

2010-07-17T13:25:00.000-05:00

What a Nice Surprise we got today when we learned that Erin's "Freedom To Bark Blog" was picked for Pet Blog of The Week by Lookie Lou & The TPPC.tv Crew - The Pet Podcast Channel.. If your an avid pet lover you really should visit their site. You'll find Cat and Dog stories, Pet News, Celebrity Pet Gossip and more. Join the Pet Blogger Support and add your blog to the blog roll. We first met Lookie lou when we were on Doggyspace. These are wonderful people that support the pet community. Join them on Facebook and keep up with whats going on in the pet community with their daily posts. Thanks Again for picking our blog. We hope to gain some new friends and hope some old friends drop by for a visit too.

Bandanas, An Award and Updates

2010-07-13T11:01:00.001-05:00

Erin and Buck are walking advertisements for moms blog!
Looking for a Custom Bandana for your pet? You can get yours from "Bauser's Bandanas" at 3 Labs And A Beagle. Christine is a sweet woman from The Tanners Brigade Group that I belong to that makes all these adorable bandanas. Just click on Bauser's Bandanas Link on 3 Labs And a Beagle Website and you will find a huge variety of fabrics to choose from. She charges $5.00 for Regular and $7.00 for a Custom Bandana. A portion of all sales goes to an Animal Related Charity. She started making and selling these to cover Bausers surgery and now tries to help other dogs in need. Advertise your website, shop, or purchase as a gift for your furiends, Remember Christmas is not far away and these are great Secret Paws Gifts.

Find Bauser's Bandanas at - 3 Labs And A Beagle

Coming Soon....

This is my latest project I'm working on and hope to have it up soon. This is just a small sample of what the set will include. The Collection will be Purchase Only but I will be putting up some matching Freebies.

An Award!

Many Thanks to Jordyalan Border Collies for the award!
Thinking of getting a Border Collie? check out their website.

Stay Cool!

Earth Day Ning Theme & Banner Help

2010-04-15T21:07:00.013-05:00

If this is the first time your using one of my Ning Themes, you can find out how to apply them to your Ning Profile HERE. If your comfortable with editing CSS, feel free to change any values in the CSS Code.

Download Theme HERE

~Changing The Banner in My Themes~

If you would prefer to use a different banner, photograph in one of my themes, all it takes is a little editing to the css code. First make sure you have your New Banner/Photo uploaded to an image hosting site such as Photobucket or Tinypic.com. You will need the URL Address to the new banner. On Photobucket, look for & copy the "Direct Link" code. I usually copy this address into a Notepad, also you need the Width & Height of the new banner/photo.

On Ning you will go to My Page - Appearance - Advanced, you will now find & edit the few lines of code. You will add your new banner & have to change the distance between the banner & your groups name. This is something that you will need to play with until you get it right. Just follow the screenshot below. Don't worry if you mess up, just go back & try again.

View Larger Version HERE

Now for those that Don't use my themes, your either using one of the premade ones on Ning or using your own background & would like to add a banner to your page, you can do this by adding the code below. You will copy/paste the snippet of code below into the Advanced Page where you picked your theme from. Just add it to the top of any codes that are already there. Remember you will need to make the same edits that I explained above.

Hint - If this is the first time your attempting this I Highly Recommend you first copy the entire code you see there before adding the code below. Just Select All - Copy into a Notepad. This is just insurance incase things go wrong, you can then just paste the old code in & be back to normal.

#xg_masthead /*Top Image*/
{margin: auto; display: block;height:
600px; width: 620px; background-color: transparent; background-image:
url(http://i671.photobucket.com/albums/vv76/ahcpics/blogger/ahc_edbanner2.jpg); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: top center
}
#xg_masthead p#xg_sitename {
padding:625px 0 0 0px;
font-size:3.5em;
color: #326D84;
font-family: Monotype Corsiva;
line-height:1.0em;
font-style:italic;
font-weight:none;
}
#xg_masthead p#xg_sitedesc {
margin-left:50px;
font-weight:bold;
font-size:1.8em;
}

Earth Day Scrapbooking Freebies

2010-04-14T07:31:00.004-05:00

Two more freebies today. Please remember these are for Personal Use Only and a link back to my blog is truly appreciated. These are perfect add-ons to my Earth Day Collection which you can purchase HERE.

Enjoy!

Download HERE

Download HERE

Earth Day Blog Headers & Background

2010-04-12T08:47:00.008-05:00

Lots of Goodies coming this week to help you celebrate Earth Day which is on April 22, 2010. All were created using my Earth Day Collection which you can purchase HERE. All are Personal Use Only. Create & offer freebies with them but Please link back to & Credit my Blog on your site & in your TOU.

Download HERE

Download HERE

Download HERE

Graphics must be uploaded to an Image Hosting site.

For Help installing background, Read my tutorial HERE

If after uploading to Photobucket or Tinypic.com the background still doesn't fill your screen, Use the code below following the tutorial link above on how to install a blog background.

I'll be adding the CSS Code for Ning Users in a day or so.

Enjoy!

Earth Day Collection

2010-04-08T09:21:00.006-05:00

View Larger Preview HERE

Earth Day is just around the corner on April 22 2010. This is also the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day. To celebrate I created this collection which includes 25 Backgrounds and over 70 Elements. Create Tags, Incredimail Letters, Scrap Pages, Web Sets, Forum & Blog Skins, ect.... Use for your Personal Projects or Professional Projects - Commercial Use Allowed.

This is a large collection, total of 10 Zip Files. All graphics are 300 DPI, in Png & Jpeg format. Please read My Terms of Use text file that is included.

Please allow up to 24 hours for your purchase to be emailed to you.

Earth Day Collection - $10.00

Commercial CU4CU Use Allowed with the purchase of my Commercial License.

Three New Ning Themes

2010-03-20T07:56:00.005-05:00

I finally had time to convert some of my blog layouts into Ning Themes. Each zip file contains the CSS code and screenshots of the colors I used. The background and any banners used are hosted on my Photobucket so you don't have to worry about adding any image urls.

There is a short tutorial HERE for those that have never used my themes before.

Enjoy!

"Paws Up" Theme

Original Blog Post HERE
Download HERE

"Pet Luv" Theme

Original Blog Post HERE

Download HERE

"A Squirrelly" Theme
Includes two CSS Codes, each one with a different banner.

Original Blog Post HERE

Download HERE

"Squirrelly" Premade Blog Headers

2010-03-17T11:23:00.003-05:00

In keeping with my Squirrelly Theme I made two headers for those that prefer a premade blog header. There are a choice of two sayings, each in four different sizes. Sizes range from large to small enough to use in your sidebar. Just upload to your favorite image hosting site and use on any of your sites. Please Credit & Link back to my site!

Enjoy!

Download Graphics HERE

A "Squirrelly" Blog Background and Frames

2010-03-16T17:30:00.006-05:00

Spring is just around the corner. With the warmer weather we're already seeing more and more squirrels in our yard. Erin and Buck are on alert and ready for the chase after a long winter cooped up in the house. Watching them give chase to our little visitors was the inspiration for this blog layout.

Download Blog Background HERE

Download Frames HERE

For Help installing background, Read my tutorial HERE

Please credit my site for the layout somewhere on your blog. Link to:
http://freedomtobark.blogspot.com/

If after uploading to Photobucket or Tinypic.com the background still doesn't fill your screen, Use the code below following the tutorial link above on how to install a blog background.

I'll be adding the CSS Code for Ning Users in a day or so.

Enjoy!

Using Bloggers New Template Designer

2010-03-12T08:41:00.012-06:00

Blogger has launched it's New Template Designer. You can now customize the type of template you want to use, one, two or three column, change the width, choose from a large assortment of backgrounds without worrying about adding any html or css. Use any of the supplied backgrounds and customize it to your taste changing background colors for your tabs, posts, gadgets. This is a long awaited addition and for those that have created a blog and just let it sit there because you weren't happy with the limited theme selections and do not want to venture into the html and css.

Want to use your own background? No problem. There is a CSS section to add your own background. After applying your background you can further customize your page using the Designer. I will supply the Background Code to use at the end of this post.

This is just a quick example of the page I created using the Designer and my own background.

Log into your Blog. Go to Http://Draft.Blogger.Com
Click on the Layout Tab - Click on Template Designer Tab

Before you start experimenting and are currently using a custom layout, Back Up your current layout under the Edit Html Tab.

Start by picking a template

Choose a Background

Clicking on the background thumbnail will open the Background Selections

Choose the type of Layout you want

Using the Advanced Section

To see how your new blog design will look, click on Apply To Blog - View Blog

Adding Custom CSS

After adding your CSS, hit Enter on your Keyboard to apply the changes. You will then see the changes in the preview below in your Designer.

When your done creating your new blog design, click on Appy Changes - Back to Blogger. Now you can click on the Layout Tab and rearrange your gadgets, add content, add your Header Picture.

Adding your own Background:

To use the Designer but want to use your own background, you will need to add some CSS as shown above. First make sure your background is hosted on Photobucket or Tinypic.com or where you usually upload and host your backgrounds. You will need the URL Address to the background for the code.

If you are using one of my blog layout codes or from another site, you can still use the same background. You will need to go to the code that was supplied by the website and look for the images URL Address. Just copy the address to a notepad so you can easily copy and paste it into the new code. Don't know what to look for? The background url will start with HTTP and end in jpg, png, or gif.

There are two codes below. The first is your basic background code. The second is used if your using one of my backgrounds or any custom background that needs to be centered on your page.

Just remember to change the URL Address in the code to the URL Address of your own background.

Code 1.

.body-fauxcolumn-outer {
background: url(PLACE BACKGROUND ADDRESS HERE); }
.body-fauxcolumn-outer div {
background: none;
}

Code2:

.body-fauxcolumn-outer {
background: url(PLACE BACKGROUND ADDRESS HERE); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; }
.body-fauxcolumn-outer div {
background: none;
}

Hope this will help you create your own blog design and for some,the inspiration to pull out those blogs you created and abandoned due to the lack of design options available to you.

Adding & Customizing Your Static Pages

2010-02-08T08:47:00.020-06:00

In January Blogger came out with their Static Pages which is a great addition for those that don't want to go in & edit your templates html. Now you can add links to your static pages under your header in a navigation bar style or to your sidebar. Create all those pages you were wishing to add but didn't know how or were afraid to go into the html code and make edits. I'm not going to explain how to add these pages because there is an excellent tutorial HERE. Very easy to understand with plenty of screenshots to guide you. Before making any changes to your blog, I highly advise Backing Up your current template. Following the screenshot below, make a folder on your computer, such as "Blogger Xml files" and save your current template there incase your not happy with the new changes. You should do this everytime you make any major changes & especially if your editing the blogger code.

Following the tutorial HERE, you can have your "About Me", "Contact Me" ect.. pages up in short amount of time without any hassles.

Want to customize your link bar to match your blog theme? Then you will need to go into the blogger template code and make some changes. For those that have never done this before but would love to experiment and apply all those little add-ons you read about but are afraid to mess up your blog, I strongly suggest making a second blog which will be your Test Blog. I test out everything first on my test blog before applying it here. You can make it private in the Settings so your the only one that can see the blog if you prefer. On your main blog, download & save your current template as instructed above. On your test blog you will upload & apply the saved .xml file from your computer. This way you will see how any changes you make will look on your main blog.

On my test blog I added the Static Pages under my header. Without any edits, my bar looked like this.

After adding the css style codes to the template my links looked like this.

All I did was add a background color, border & changed my link colors.

This is the code I used:

#PageList1 {
background:#ffffff;
font-size: 12px;
font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana;
color: #162D3F;
font-weight: bold;
margin: 0px auto 0px;
padding: 0px;
border: 2px dotted #162D3F;
overflow: hidden;
}
#PageList1 a, #PageList1 a:visited {
color: #162D3F;
font-size: 12px;
text-decoration: none;
text-transform: uppercase;
padding: 0px 0px 0px 3px;
}
#PageList1 a:hover {
color: #5693A7;
text-decoration: underline;
padding: 0px 0px 0px 3px;
}

This code should be placed above the in your template.

Click Preview after adding code to see how it looks, if your happy with it then click Save Template. If not? continue editing the code until it looks right.

Now after you get your pages added & decide that you don't want the sidebars showing on certain pages which depending on how many gadgets you have on your sidebars, can really clutter up a page. You can add a few lines of code to the template that will hide your sidebars on these pages.

This code should be placed above the in your template. Easiest way of finding the code your looking for is click on Ctrl+F on your keyboard, type in the character/code your looking for & it will highlight it on the page. Make sure Expand Template is checked.

Use the following code:

<b:if cond='data:blog.url == "http://erinsownblog.blogspot.com/p/testing-1.html"'>
<style>
.comments-block{display:none;}
.comment-form{display:none;}
.comment-footer{display:none;}
.blog-pager{display:none;}
.feed-links{display:none;}
.comments{display:none;}
.sidebar-wrapper{display:none;}
.sidebar{display:none;}
.newsidebar-wrapper{display:none;}
.newsidebar{display:none;}
#main-wrapper {
float:center;
overflow:hidden;
width:810px;
word-wrap:break-word;
}
</style>
</b:if>

View Larger Screenshot HERE

To get the address of the static page you want to edit, just go to that page & copy the url address at the top of your page. You need to replace the address in the code with your page address.

Now this is the way that I did this, there are other ways but I wanted to keep it simple because I know if this is your first attempt at going in and adding or editing codes you still might feel overwhelmed. This is why it's best to have a Test Blog to work on & as long as you back up your original template, you can always upload the original template and start over.

Once you understand where most codes are added in the code, you'll feel more at ease trying to add other goodies like images as your post divider or images to replace commands on your blog, ect.... Below are some Blogs that are very helpful and full of additions to add to your blog as long as your willing to go in and edit the code.

bloggerplugins.org

simplebloggertutorials.com

blogbulk.com

Blogger Resources

lawnydesigns.com

Lastly I just want to add that there is No Promise this will work on all templates, there might be problems if you made certain edits to the code already & depending on the kind of template your using. I have applied many changes to my template code and had no problem. The only way you'll find out is by trying it and see if it works.

Irresistibly Irish Blog Background and Frames

2010-02-01T20:05:00.004-06:00

St.Patricks Day is just around the corner. This blog background and any one of the frames are perfect for your Cheeky Lad or Lassie!

Download Blog Background HERE

For Help installing background, Read my tutorial HERE

Please credit my site for the layout somewhere on your blog. Link to:
http://freedomtobark.blogspot.com/

If after uploading to Photobucket or Tinypic.com the background still doesn't fill your screen, Use the code below following the tutorial link above on how to install a blog background.

Download Frames HERE

Commercial Use Allowed with the purchase of my Commercial License.

Enjoy!

Using My Blog Layouts on Ning Group Pages

2010-01-26T20:52:00.004-06:00

Many in the pet community belong to or own a Ning Network (Group). Being a member of The Tanners Brigade on Ning I immediately started experimenting with their layouts. Out of curiosity I tried one of my blog backgrounds & headers for my page and they worked out fine. If you own a group they can easily be used as your groups default layout. I took a few of my layouts and created screenshots with the color codes to follow and the CSS Code you will need to use. The background and header in the code is hosted on my Photobucket account. If you want to use a different header just change the address in the code to the picture you want to use and make sure you adjust the height and width in the code for the new picture.

Start by going to your profile page & click on Manage My Page.
Click on Change Your Appearance on the Appearance Page.
On the Basic Theme & All Options change the colors to the samples I included in the zip file.
Click on Advanced - this is your CSS Code. Right click inside the box & Select All - Delete
Copy the entire code in the Notepad I included & Paste into the box - Save Changes!

View a larger & more detailed screenshot HERE

Check out your new layout.

Download Furever Home Ning Code HERE

Download Winter Luv Ning Code HERE

Download The Pack Ning Code HERE

Download Mans Best Friend Ning Code HERE

Enjoy!

Show Your Support with these Buttons

2010-01-23T22:36:00.005-06:00

Below are some buttons to use on your blogs, forum posts, website, ect.... The button below comes in two sizes, the smaller one is perfect for your blog sidebar. I also included a notepad with the html code to use if you want to link the button to a Shelter or Website you support. Just change the link url & the image address in the code where stated in the code. In Blogger just use a Html/Javascript Gadget to insert the code & drag to where you want it on your sidebar. This is totally optional, you don't have to link it if you don't want to.

Download HERE

Help put an end to Dog Fighting. Zip file includes 18 buttons - Six different buttons in three sizes each. Credit goes to some creative members in The Tanners Brigade for coming up with the button logos.

Download HERE

Pet Luv Blog Backgrounds

2010-01-22T11:15:00.004-06:00

Zip file includes both backgrounds.
Download Blog Backgrounds

For Help installing background, Read my tutorial HERE

Please credit my site for the layout somewhere on your blog. Link to:
http://freedomtobark.blogspot.com/

If after uploading to Photobucket or Tinypic.com & the background still doesn't fill your screen, Use the code below following the tutorial link above on how to install a blog background.

Puppy Luv Background

Kitty Kisses Background

Commercial Use Allowed with the purchase of my Commercial License.

Enjoy!

Puppy Luv Valentine Papers

2010-01-21T11:24:00.002-06:00

This is a set of 16 papers. Use as is or resize & use in your creations. This is a big file and will take a bit to download.

Enjoy!

Download Papers HERE

Puppy Luv Valentine Frames & Bones

2010-01-13T11:16:00.003-06:00

Hard to believe Valentines Day is just a month from tomorrow. To help you show off your Best Friend & Furbabies, I created a frame and some Valentine doggie bones in various patterns. Frames are in two sizes, with & without a drop shadow. The large one is the perfect size for a blog header. Use the bones as is or add to your creations, personalize, use to create backgrounds, or blog layouts. Just remember to link back to my blog & anything you make & want to share with others, must remain a Freebie.

Download Frames HERE

Download Bones HERE

Be sure to visit TaggerPaws Blog for an adorable Pet Themed Valentines QP!

Enjoy!

Creating a Custom Scrolling Text Area Box

2010-01-10T10:02:00.015-06:00

This little tutorial will show you how to create & add a scrolling text area to your blog, webpage, or social network profiles that allow you to enter custom HTML. I am supplying you with three different codes and the screenshots below will show you how & where to edit the code to fit the page you want it on. These are perfect for adding links, images or just text. I am keeping it very basic so even those that say they will not touch anything that requires editing html might give it a try. At the end of this tutorial I added a zip file with 49 semi transparent color tiles. They are in png format, tiled, perfect to use as backgrounds in your text area. Just upload to Photobucket or Tinypic.com & use in the code if desired.

Using the code that allows you to change the background color as an example, sign into your account on blogger - click on Layout - add gadget - add the html/javascript gadget. Copy and paste the html code I provided into the gadget. Now you need to edit it to your preference. All the highlighted areas in the screenshot below can be edited. I highly suggest having another tab open that contains a color chart or have the colors you have in mind copied to a notepad for easy editing. What I like to do is pasting the code into a notepad & doing all my editing there, then I just copy & paste the code into my gadget.

After editing the code - click Preview - Do Not Save anything yet. You will notice that you don't see a scroll bar & that the height doesn't match your edits. Don't worry about that, first get the width, text, colors all correct. Now click on "Edit Html" on your gadget. You will see how it will look on your blog. Click on Rich Text on your gadget & it will take you back to the html. You will notice that the html has changed a little.

If your happy with your text area, then just click on save on your gadget and place the gadget where you want it on your layout page. Save Page - Check your blog. If you need to change the colors in your font, background or border, then just follow the instructions on the screenshot above. Very easy to do. Now if it got messed up or you don't like it just go back to your layout page & delete/remove that gadget & try again if so desired.

If your adding this to your sidebar, I suggest keeping the width at 200. If your adding this to your Footer or under your Header, ect.... You can play with the width size.

Adding a Background Image to your text box - code you need to edit.

Replacing text with images in the content, An example would be adding buttons to your stores, favorite blogs, ect... Make sure the images you add do not exceed the width of the text box!

Larger sample HERE

Download Codes HERE
Zip File contains the three codes in individual Notepads.

Download Background Tiles HERE

If you are comfortable with editing the CSS in your Blogger Template, instead of editing the the font, border and background in your gadget, you can add & change the attributes in the CSS section. Personally I would only suggest this if you usually stay with the same layout theme. I don't want to get into the how & where for this because many don't like to edit the main template.

Hope you will try this tutorial and find it useful.

Enjoy!

"Winter Love" Blog Layout and Frames

2010-01-08T10:12:00.005-06:00

I've been reminiscing about all the dogs that I was blessed to have in my life. Some were with us for many years, a few went to the bridge way too early. Tuesday was the 4th death anniversary of the first GSD we ever owned, Our Beloved Irish. We were so broken hearted when she left us that we got Erin a month later. When I compare the two, the only trait they have in common is that they are both German Shepherd dogs. Erin is the total opposite of Irish! Then I started thinking about all the others and how each was unique in their own way. They say no two snowflakes are alike & the same applies to all Gods creatures. Some people see & appreciate the beauty of freshly falling snow, others see it as a burden, interfering in their daily plans. Sadly this also applies to all the animals that are abandoned, neglected, abused, waiting for someone to see their true beauty & give them a second chance & a furever home.

Download Blog Layout HERE

Download Frames HERE

Remember these are all Personal Use Only. Use them on your blogs, websites, ect...
For Help installing background, Read my tutorial HERE

Please credit my site for the layout somewhere on your blog. Link to:
http://freedomtobark.blogspot.com/

If after uploading to Photobucket or Tinypic.com & the background still doesn't fill your screen, Use the code below following the tutorial link above on how to install a blog background.

Background with Blue center

Background with White center

Credits:
Scripts by Cancer Moon Creations

Commercial Use Allowed with the purchase of my Commercial License.

Enjoy!

An Award and a New Year Freebie

2009-12-27T09:19:00.005-06:00

Thank You!!!
What a nice surprise to open my email this morning and receive this award from Judy of Taggerpaws. Taggerpaws was the first blog I ever came across that was dedicated to pet related graphics. Besides the rare pet related blog trains, it is very hard to find blog layouts and graphics that cater to us animal lovers. Judys blog was my inspiration for creating the pet related graphics I share on Erins Blog.

Thanks to Judy for sending me a picture of her Lily Rose in the frame I created using her Peace & Pawliday Freebie Set which you can find HERE. She looks Adorable!

This is the last of my New Year Freebies. Create tags, sets, blog layouts, ect...to create for yourself or share with others as long as you keep it FREE. Credit & a link is all I request. The backgrounds are all 1680 x 1050 which is the standard size I use in my blog layouts. Just upload to Photobucket or Tinypic.com if you want to use them "as is" for your blog background. Tinypic is free and you might not have the problem of the background not filling your screen which many have using Photobuckets free account.

Download Elements

Download Backgrounds

Credits:
Scripts by Heaven Dreams which you can purchase at scrap-wishes.com
Scripts by Cancer Moon Creations

Commercial Use Allowed with the purchase of my Commercial License.

Enjoy!

Happy New Year Freebies

2009-12-26T10:13:00.006-06:00

Time to break out the Foley-Tinis! Thanks to Foley Monster for allowing me to borrow the phrase for my New Year graphics. Foley Monster is the owner of the Tanner Brigade Group I belong to and the creator of the Foley-Tini. You can follow Foley Monsters & Pockets adventures on their blog HERE.

Remember these are all Personal Use Only. Use them on your blogs, websites, ect...

Download Headers HERE

Download Graphics HERE

Download Blog Layout HERE

For Help installing background, Read my tutorial HERE

Please credit my site for the layout somewhere on your blog. Link to:
http://freedomtobark.blogspot.com/

If after uploading to Photobucket the background still doesn't fill your screen, Use the code below following the tutorial link above on how to install a blog background.

Credits:
Scripts by Heaven Dreams which you can purchase at scrap-wishes.com
Scripts by Cancer Moon Creations

Enjoy!

Merry Christmas! Paws for Peace Frame Gift

2009-12-24T09:05:00.003-06:00

I know everybody is busy, busy, busy including myself, but I wanted to extend my Warmest Wishes to all my visitors for a Beautiful & Blessed Christmas. Sending out a Special Shout Out to Judy of Taggerpaws, Shiloh of K9Horoscopes, Foley Monster & Pocket & all the Great members in the Tanners Brigade.

I fell in love with Judys Paws For Peace ornament on her blog, a simple message that speaks volumes. Erins frame was created using her Peace & Pawliday Set Freebie which you can download HERE.

This is also my freebie for today.

Download HERE

Download Judys Peace & Pawliday Set HERE

Saturday I will be posting my New Year Freebies. There will be a pet themed New Years Blog layout, graphics, headers and one large collection.

Merry Christmas & Happy Howlidays!

Recycle Your Old Sweaters, Donations Needed.

2009-12-17T22:38:00.004-06:00

I received an email today asking me to help this cause. The best way I know of is by spreading the word. Almost all of us have old sweaters that we no longer wear or our children have outgrown. Here is your chance to give back for the holidays and help save thousands of dogs from a freezing winter! You can read all about this cause and get the details on where to send the sweaters at:
"Help Spare Shelter Dogs From The Winter Chill"

If you can't help by sending any sweaters, please spread the word on your blog, facebook, myspace, website, pet communities, ect...

Thank You!

Blog Award...WOOT!!!

2009-12-17T06:58:00.005-06:00

This had to be the nicest way to start my day, receiving a blog award from
Kyra at "With a Russian-Dutch Heart Design"
Thank You Kyra!

Rules are very simple, put a link on your blog of the one from which you received the award and nominate 5 others.

My five nominees are fellow scrappers that have created and shared beautiful pet related designs for all the pet lovers out there.

taggerpaws.blogspot.com

twistedscrapper.blogspot.com

terisscrappinplaytime.blogspot.com

snappyscrappy.blogspot.com

eyeopeningdesigns.blogspot.com

Paws Up from Erin to Five Pawsome Blogs!

Happy Fourth Barkday Erin

2009-12-16T09:00:00.004-06:00

Hard to believe Erin is already four! She turned four on Monday but we've been busy with Christmas preparations & didn't get a chance to post this until now. Thanks to our furfriend Shiloh for the Great Birthday Card. Quick spirited & Adventurous? That's Our Erin! I don't think Erin has matured one bit in the past four years. She has a LOT of puppy still in her. If anything she has only become more Bossy toward all of us. Doesn't get her way? she just sits and barks at us until we do her bidding. Personally I don't see her slowing down & acting more mature until she's ten or more. Erin has brought back life into our house after our beloved Irish passed on & we hope to share many more Barkdays with her.

Would you like your furbaby to get a personalized card for their Barkday? Join Shilohs Barkday Club HERE

This beautiful drawing was a gift to us a few months back from a furfriend in The Tanner Brigade Group I belong to. The original is much larger. She truly captured Erins intelligence & eagerness. Connie is a professional artist that specializes in portraits of people and the animals they love. Her prices are truly reasonable when compared to others online. If your interested in getting a portrait done, you can consult with her & get an estimate by contacting her HERE.

"Waiting For Santa" Frame

2009-12-10T17:08:00.004-06:00

Perfect size to use as a blog header. Remember if you don't have a graphic program such as Paint Shop Pro, you can still use these by downloading the Free Program Paint.Net. Follow my tutorial HERE to use any of my frames or any frames from other sites.

Credits:
Doghouse Template from - SmurfysZoo Created

Clipart from - digiscrapkits.com

Some Elements from - Candy's Treats

Download Frame HERE

Enjoy!

Purr-Fect Christmas Blog Layout

2009-12-10T11:59:00.007-06:00

Download Blog Layout
(Replaced Zip File with the correct one) sorry!

For Help installing background, Read my tutorial HERE

Please credit my site for the layout somewhere on your blog. Link to:
http://freedomtobark.blogspot.com/

If after uploading to Photobucket the background still doesn't fill your screen, Use the code below following the tutorial link above on how to install a blog background.

Commercial Use Allowed with the purchase of my Commercial License.

Enjoy!

"Happy Howladay!" Gift Bag and Bones Freebie

2009-12-08T07:43:00.004-06:00

Just a small set to play with. Free to use in your personal creations, tags, ect...There is one filled gift bag and one empty one to create your own. Hope you can use these.

Gift Bags are 444 x 693
Bones are 546 x 352

Please link back and credit my blog whenever you use my freebies.

Download Gift Bag Set

Credit - Script from Heaven Dreams

Happy Howladays!

Blue Christmas Blog Layout and Frames

2009-12-07T11:48:00.005-06:00

Download Frames

View Larger Sample HERE
Download Blog Layout

For Help installing background, Read my tutorial HERE

Please credit my site for the layout somewhere on your blog. Link to:
http://freedomtobark.blogspot.com/

If after uploading to Photobucket the background still doesn't fill your screen, Use the code below following the tutorial link above on how to install a blog background.

Some graphics created using artwork by Trina Clark
Clipart Purchased from - digiscrapkits.com

Commercial Use Allowed with the purchase of my Commercial License.

Enjoy!

Dear Santa...All I want for Christmas Collection

2009-12-06T11:23:00.004-06:00

Recently I came across the short story "A Christmas Rescue Story" and was inspired to come up with the following collection. There is a Blog Layout, Blog Header, Frames & Individual Graphics. Use in your creations or as is, Please credit & Link back to my blog.

View larger sample HERE
Download Header

Download Frames

Download Graphics

View larger sample Here

Commercial Use Allowed with the purchase of my Commercial License.

Download Blog Layout
Zip File includes blog background and header

For Help installing background, Read my tutorial HERE

Please credit my site for the layout somewhere on your blog. Link to:
http://freedomtobark.blogspot.com/

If after uploading to Photobucket the background still doesn't fill your screen, Use the code below following the tutorial link above on how to install a blog background.

Enjoy!

Blue Christmas Collection Pt 2 - Freebie

2009-12-04T19:33:00.004-06:00

Below is part 2 of the Blue Christmas Set.

All are 300 Dpi, Png format, in various sizes.

Feel free to use in any of your creations. Use for scrapbooking, websets, blog layouts, tags, ect... All I ask is that if you use these items to create a kit of your own, Please get my permission first. Credit must be given to this site for any items used. Also any creation you offer to others using any of these items must be offered For Free!

Credit:
Some graphics created using artwork by Trina Clark
Clipart purchased from digiscrapkits.com

Scripts by:
http://www.joannes-digital-designs.com
http://cancermooncreations.blogspot.com
http://pspgirlplace.blogspot.com/

Commercial Use Allowed with the purchase of my Commercial License.

Downloads:
Backgrounds Pt 1
Backgrounds Pt 2
Extras

Enjoy!

Blue Christmas Collection Part 1 - Freebie

2009-12-03T10:17:00.004-06:00

This is part one of my pet themed Blue Christmas Digital Scrapbooking Collection. Set includes: Stockings, Bead Cascade Border, Ornaments, Christmas Trees, Dangling Snowflakes, Matching Gradient Papers to create your own backgrounds, Light Strands, & Bows.

All are 300 Dpi, Png format, in various sizes.

Feel free to use in any of your creations. Use for scrapbooking, websets, blog layouts, tags, ect... All I ask is that if you use these items to create a kit of your own, Please get my permission first. Credit must be given to this site for any items used. Also any creation you offer to others using any of these items must be offered For Free!

Part Two will be coming soon.

Credit:
Some graphics created using artwork by Trina Clark
Clipart purchased from digiscrapkits.com

Scripts by:
http://www.joannes-digital-designs.com
http://cancermooncreations.blogspot.com
http://pspgirlplace.blogspot.com/

Commercial Use Allowed with the purchase of my Commercial License.

Downloads:
Beaded Drape Border
Bows
Snowflakes
Gradient Papers
Lights
Ornaments
Stockings
Trees

Enjoy!

"I Believe in Santa Paws" Blog Layout Freebie

2009-12-02T16:17:00.004-06:00

View larger sample HERE

It's been a long time since I last posted & I really had hopes to create a lot more seasonal items but my home life has been really busy lately and this month won't be much different. But I'm still hoping to add some Christmas items for you pet lovers. My first Christmas Freebie is this blog layout "I Believe in Santa Paws".

Set Includes:
1680x1050 Background
1 Header

Download Blog Layout HERE

Graphics must be uploaded to an Image Hosting site such as Photobucket.com or Tinypic.com
If you upload the background to your Photobucket Account make sure you click on "More Options" before uploading. Click on the largest size available if you have a Free account. Then upload background. If you have a Premium account, Click on "2048x1536".

For Help installing background, Read my tutorial HERE

Please credit my site for the layout somewhere on your blog. Link to:
http://freedomtobark.blogspot.com/

If after uploading to Photobucket the background still doesn't fill your screen, Use the code below following the tutorial link above on how to install a blog background.

Credit - Clipart purchased from digiscrapkits.com
Some graphics created using artwork by Whimsy Primsy

Commercial Use Allowed with the purchase of my Commercial License.

Enjoy!

Halloween "Boo" Frames Freebie

2009-10-01T21:19:00.003-05:00

Set of 16 500px frames, you get a choice of 8 with a drop shadow added & 8 without a shadow. Use as is to frame your favorite Halloween Photo or add elements to it to create something new. Personal Use Only & Please credit my blog if you use them. In addition to the free frames is a free Cluster Frame to download created using one of the frames.

Enjoy!

Download HERE

Download HERE

Free Pumpkin-Carving Stencils of Favorite Dog Breeds

2009-09-30T07:28:00.003-05:00

Stencil designs by Diane Starkey

Now this is a cute idea courtesy of the Better Homes and Gardens website. You can download stencils of your favorite breeds: German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Jack Russell Terrier, Labrador Retriever, Poodle and many more. You will need to become a member of their site to download the stencils which only takes a minute to sign up.

~Thanks to cali & hurley for posting this link in the TB~

Free Pumpkin-Carving Stencils of Favorite Dog Breeds

Shared via AddThis

Halloween Treatbags for your Furiends

2009-09-27T08:20:00.002-05:00

These Howlween Treatbags and the Bonbons were created using a script from Heavens Dreams. There are two separate downloads. One contains the treatbags, the second is a cluster that comes in three sizes. The 240px is perfect for your sidebar, remind all your furiends to take a bag after visiting! Personal Use Only! Please Credit & link back to my blog if you use these in any of your creations.

View Large Sample HERE

Download HERE

Download HERE

Enjoy!

Find More Digital Scrapbooking Freebies at:

digifree.blogspot.com
cbhscrapbookfreebiessearch.blogspot.com
scrap-gratuit.fr

Halloween Pet Theme Cluster Frame

2009-09-25T12:02:00.002-05:00

Next to the Fourth of July, Halloween is another holiday Erin can do without. She doesn't like all the strangers coming to the door which usually ends up with her & Buck waiting it out in the family room so they don't scare the kids. Thinking about how it will be this year again was the inspiration for my latest Howlween Treat.

Enjoy!

Zipfile includes cluster with frame & the cluster alone to use as you wish.
View larger sample HERE

Download HERE

Three Halloween Frames Freebie

2009-09-23T21:54:00.003-05:00

Just in time to show off your pets in their "Howlween" Costumes. Three different downloads. For those that like to get creative there is the Basic Bones Frame with individual Bones to use in your own designs. Add text to them, add to treat bags or jars, use your imagination.

The other two are the perfect size to create & use as a Blog Header. One is a cluster frame that you can add a background, photos, text, ect to. With the other all you need to do is add your favorite pet photo.

If your looking for & need a free graphic program to be able to use and edit these files, be sure to check out Paint.Net. I have two tutorials explaining how to work with Paint.Net that will help you get started on personalizing your blog with your creations.

Remember all my freebies are "Personal Use Only" and please credit & link back to my blog if you use them.

Hope you can find a use for them.

Enjoy!

Download HERE

Download HERE

Download HERE

Halloween Pet Treats Cluster

2009-09-20T23:34:00.002-05:00

Here's another Howlween Goodie for you. File consists of 4 files. Two with a blank sign to personalize as you wish. Use as you wish, but remember Personal Use Only. Create something for yourself or a freebie for others. Hope you can find a use for them.

Enjoy!

View Larger Sample HERE

Download HERE

Find more Great Digital Scrapbooking Freebies at:
digifree.blogspot.com
cbhscrapbookfreebiessearch.blogspot.com

Halloween Dog Treat Jars Freebie

2009-09-18T07:05:00.006-05:00

Another Howlween Treat for you. I had to break this down into four zip files due to the size of the files. Each zip file includes a transparent jar, orange tinted jar and a white tinted jar. They are all in Png Format & 300dpi. Use as you wish, just remember these are for Personal Use Only! Hope you can find a use for them.

Sample of one in which the jar is transparent.

Download Large Jars HERE
Download Small Jars HERE

Jars with Plain Labels - To Personalize

Download Large Jars HERE
Download Small Jars HERE

Remember if you don't have a purchased graphic program, Paint.Net is a great free program that will allow you to use and create using all the digital freebies you find on the web.

For a Free Scrapbooking Program try - Scrapbook Flair

Credits:
Bottle Script from - Cancer Moon Creations

Enjoy!

Halloween Cluster Frame Freebie

2009-09-16T21:07:00.004-05:00

"Howlween" is just around the corner. This is the first of my Howlween Freebies. Feel free to use as you wish as long as it's for "Personal Use Only". Please link back to my Blog when using any of my freebies.

Download Frame HERE

Credits:
Dog House Template from - smurfycreated.blogspot.com

Find more Digital Scrapbooking Freebies at:

digifree.blogspot.com
cbhscrapbookfreebiessearch.blogspot.com

Enjoy!

Creating a Drop Shadow Effect in Paint.Net

2009-09-06T16:02:00.002-05:00

Want to add a Drop Shadow Effect to your Header that you created in Paint.Net? Unlike Paintshop Pro & other graphic programs there is no Drop Shadow Plugin in Paint.net. You can still accomplish this effect but it will take a little more work.

I'm Using the same Header Graphic as my example from my Tutorial HERE

First find your header/banner you want to add a drop shadow to & hover over the image to see its dimentions. My original graphic is 602x467. We are going to start a new project in Paint.Net and want the backgrund layer to be about 30pix larger in width & height then the original. So your going to creat a New graphic that is 632x497. Can be larger if you want.

Your going to notice that your canvas is White which we don't want. We need the background to be transparent. On the layer module, click on Properties & Uncheck the box next to "Visible"

As in the previous tutorial you will go to Layers - Import File - Find the graphic you want to use.
click on your new layer you added and center your graphic on the canvas. On the bottom of the layer module click on duplicate so that there are two layers with your graphic.

Now you want to be on your Middle Layer, like in the screenshot above, and go to Adjustments - Hue/Saturation

Next - Adjustments - Brightness/Contrast

Next Effects - Blurs - Add Gaussian Blur - You can follow my settings below or play around until you find the effect you like. This completes the drop shadow effect.

You should see a drop shadow under your top layer. If your happy with the effect you can now save your graphic.

To save you first have to Merge all the layers. Start on top layer & choose Merge Down on the layer module. You will have to repeat the process again to finally merge all the layers.

After merging all your layers you might be left with a lot of blank space around your graphic. Use the selection tool & form a selection around your graphic being careful not to get to close to the drop shadow you added.

Go to File - Save As - Save as a PNG

Should look like this.

Remember you do not have to use my settings for the effects. You might want a stronger shadow, so just play around with the effects until you like what you see.

Hope you found this tutorial useful!

Credits:
Graphics used in my layout from the "I LUV My Dog Kit" courtesy of Xena Princess Warrior
Download Paint.Net HERE

Love your pooch and having a hard time finding Scrapbooking Elements or Quickpages that are pet related? Visit TaggerPaws Blog. You will find adorable quickpages and pawsome kits to create your own digital graphics to feature your pet. Please read her TOU before downloading & using her graphics!

Enjoy!

Using Paint.Net to Edit Your Blog Header or Digital Scrapbooking Quickpages

2009-09-06T15:28:00.004-05:00

Want to use one of the many adorable digital scrapbooking Quick Pages available to download on the web, or you download a blog layout that includes a header to personalize with your own photo? If your new to graphic editing or you want to create your own site banner or header and don't use Paint Shop Pro or Adobe Photoshop, you still can use those quick pages or create your banners using Paint.Net. Paint.Net is a free graphic program that allows you to work with layers which you will find in most purchased programs. Easy to use once you get accustomed to all the tools and learn all you can do in the program. Like any graphic program, purchased or free, it takes time and a lot of practice to feel comfortable using a new program. On the Paint.Net website, click on Forum - Tutorials - Publishing ONLY - Subforums - choose a subforum and you will find many great tutorials to help and direct you in creating your own graphics to use on your sites or share with others.

I'm using the header that I included in my Blog Layout - "Mans Best Friend" which included a premade header and one to personalize. You can download the layout here. Just download & unzip file. Remember where you downloaded it to on your computer!

Download Paint.net HERE, Unzip & Install.

Follow the screenshots below:

Open Paint.net - Click on Find - Find and choose a photo to use in the header. You will most likely need to resize it first, so go to Image - Resize. I wanted my photo to be around 400px, so I changed the width to 400px. This is just for this example, the size will all depend on the size of the area you are inserting the photo into.

If there is a lot of extra background in the photo that you don't want, use the selection tool and form a selection around the part of the photo you want to use.

View larger sample HERE

Crop - Crop to Selection

Go to Effects - Photo - Sharpen - chose 2 or 3 for the amount to sharpen.

Now your going to import your header or quickpage that you downloaded and it will be imported as a New Layer.

On the layer module you see on the screen, click on the background layer which is your photo. Position the photo to where you want it. In the screenshot below you will see there is excess poking out of the frame which you will fix next.

Your first going to merge your layers so that there is only one layer.

On the merged layer, your going to choose the selection tool and form a selection around the header cutting out the excess that is protruding from the frame.

Go to Edit - Invert Selection & you should see a double row of moving dots.

Go to Edit - Cut - This will delete any excess pixels.

Now you have your new header and it's ready to save.
Go to File - Save As - in drop down list choose PNG

A new window will pop up and make sure settings are as below.

Remember where you save your completed graphic. Upload to an image hosting site such as Photobucket.com or Tinypic.com

Hope you found this tutorial useful!

Credits:
Graphics used in my layout from the "I LUV My Dog Kit" courtesy of Xena Princess Warrior
She has an assortment of Adorable quickpages to Download. Please Read her TOU before Downloading and using any of her graphics!
Download Paint.Net HERE

You can find numerous Free Digital Scrapbooking Quickpages at the links below:

cbhscrapbookfreebiessearch.blogspot.com
digifree.blogspot.com
scrap-gratuit.fr

Text Area Box to Display HTML Codes on Your Blog

2009-09-01T08:53:00.003-05:00

Need to display Html or Css codes for your banner, background, premade layouts ect... on your blog or website for the public to use? There are two ways you can add a text area box to your Blogger post. The first one is the most common & the one I use on my website, blogs, ect. You need to be in HTML Mode to add the code to your blog or website.

Screenshots of Text Box

View Code HERE
*Tip* Save this code in a notepad on your desktop for easy access.

The second way is for those that aren't afraid to Edit Bloggers Html Code. You will insert the code as directed to your Bloggers Templates Html Code. You will only need to do this once & it also allows you to edit the CSS so that your text box matches your background. Just follow the directions from here, Display HTML/CSS Codes On Coloured Background In Blogger Posts.

"Mans Best Friend" Blog Layout Freebie

2009-09-01T07:42:00.006-05:00

View Larger Sample HERE

Special Thanks to Xena Princess Warrior for allowing me to use her "I LUV My Dog Kit" to create this blog layout. Be sure to visit her blog for some Amazing Digiscrap Freebies. Be sure to read her Terms of Use before downloading any of her kits.

Layout Includes:
1680x1050 Background - works well with 3 column templates
1 Premade Header
1 Header to personalize with your own photo

If you upload the background to your Photobucket Account make sure you click on "More Options" before uploading. Click on the largest size available if you have a Free account. Then upload background. If you have a Premium account, Click on "2048x1536".

If the background still doesn't cover your entire screen using your Free Account limitations, try uploading the background to Tinypic.com

Still doesn't work? let me know & I'll put up the code for the background.

For Help installing background, Read my tutorial HERE

Please credit my site for the layout somewhere on your blog. Link to:
http://freedomtobark.blogspot.com/

Download "My Best Friend Blog Layout"

Enjoy

"Life in the Pack" Free Blog Layout

2009-08-23T22:31:00.003-05:00

With the passing of our Honee last week it made us realize that Buck (front & center) is the only one left from our Pack. We lost Willow in 2004, Irish in 2005 & Honee this past week. Sadly this is the only picture we have of the whole gang together. For a pack of 4 large dogs, 3 that came to us from different homes, they got along great & were very well behaved. The only problem we ever had was trying not to trip over them. When people would come to visit they would point out how they all laid in a circle around me & how intimidating it was. Now there is only Erin & Buck & it's a very strange feeling not having the gang following me around everywhere, but memories of them are always with me.

The Blog Layout I created was inspired by a members "Pack" from a group I belong to. With the owners permission I was able to use them in this layout. A link to their blog is listed below in the credits, where you can see & follow their real life adventures.

This was going to be a basic layout but in honor of Honees passing I am giving you everything you need to create your blog.

View larger sample here.

Zip File Contains:
Blog Background 1680x1050
2 Header Graphics, two sizes
Post Divider Graphic
2 Flairs
14 Premade Buttons

Graphics must be uploaded to an Image Hosting site such as Photobucket.com or Tinypic.com

For Help installing background, Read my tutorial HERE

Please credit my site for the layout somewhere on your blog. Link to:
http://freedomtobark.blogspot.com/

If after uploading to Photobucket the background still doesn't fill your screen, Use the code below following the tutorial link above.

Credits:
The Original Packs Blog - Puppy Weekly Digest

Digiscrap Elements:
thescrappincop.blogspot.com/
www.storeide.se/gunhild/

Tutorial on how to insert post divider graphic in your html code - HERE

Download Blog Layout Set

Enjoy!

Pawprints on our Heart, R.I.P Honee

2009-08-21T09:29:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow will be one week since we said Goodbye to Honee. I still find myself looking under my desk for her everytime I let the other dogs outside. Honee came to our house when she was a little over one year old. We only had our GSD Irish back then. Honee was full of energy and had the sweetest nature out of all the dogs we've ever owned. Honee became more quiet & stayed to herself more after Irish passed on. She never took to the other dogs living with us as much as she did with Irish. She turned 12 just a few weeks ago but her health has been steadily declining since spring. She could barely walk these past few weeks & her food & water was brought to her. Last Saturday she couldn't even stand on her own anymore & didn't show any recognition of us or her surroundings. Honee is now running free with her best pal Irish again, her eyes are clear & lively again. Her days of suffering are now just a memory and she has left her pawprint on my heart forever.

credits:
Glitter Bracket from - Farrah's Creations

Update for "Paws Up" Blog Layout

2009-08-11T10:58:00.003-05:00

For those that downloaded the "Paws Up" Blog Layout and are having problems with the background not covering your entire screen, please use the code below. Make sure you delete the original background first. This background should work with most larger monitors.

Thank You

Thanks again to Taggerpaws, Make sure you visit her new site SugarPaw Scraps for some great freebies!

Free "Furever Home" Blog Layout

2009-08-11T09:31:00.005-05:00

*View Larger Sample HERE*

***Blog Layout Freebie***
This layout was created from the 'Can We Keep Him, Mommy?' kit by Capricious Scraps. You can find their blog here - capricious-scraps.blogspot.com. Special Thanks to Amy of Capricious Scraps for granting me permission to use her Pawsome Graphics to create this layout & allowing me to share it with the public. You can download the kit 'Can we Keep Him, Mommy?' from her blog, and as always, Please Read & Follow her TOU before using her graphics.

The background is 1680x1050 which should solve the problem of "empty space" on larger monitors. For those that use Photobucket.com, when uploading the background make sure you first set the "Reduce to:" size to the largest option available to you, then upload the background. If your still seeing empty space on your screen, then use the code below. For Help installing background, Read my tutorial HERE.

Included in this set is a Header/Banner that can be personalized with your pets picture. You will need a graphic program to accomplish this.

Please credit my site for the layout somewhere on your blog. Link to:
http://freedomtobark.blogspot.com/

Download HERE

Enjoy!

technorati

2009-07-21T08:09:00.000-05:00

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Free "Paws Up" Blog Layout

2009-07-17T12:20:00.005-05:00

***Blog Layout Freebie***
This layout was created from the "Dirty Paw Mini Kit" which you can find Here.
Special Thanks to TaggerPaws for granting me permission to share the layout I created with her graphics. It's very hard to find free graphics related to dogs, but Taggerpaws has created some Pawsome Graphics which she generously shares with the public. If you do download any of her graphics, Please read & follow her TOU for usage.

Zipfile includes:
Background
Banner
2 Blank Buttons for Sidebar (2 different styles)
1 Credits Button ( should be used if your using this layout on your blog)

Graphics must be uploaded to an Image Hosting site.

For Help installing background, Read my tutorial HERE

Please credit my site for the layout somewhere on your blog. Link to:
http://freedomtobark.blogspot.com/

Download HERE

Enjoy!

Changing your Background on your Blog

2009-07-17T11:24:00.006-05:00

There are many blogs and websites offering pre-made blog layouts to use on your blog. Some sites host the image themselves and give you the URL Address to use in your code. Others do not & you will need to save the background to your computer & upload it to an image hosting site such as Photobucket.com or Tinypic.com. The easiest way to do this without having to edit the HTML of your blog is by following the screenshots below. Remember to change the Background URL Address in the code.

Code you will need:

Only Replace - background url here - Do Not Delete the Quotation Marks!

Start Here

You Need to select the Minima Template - Save Changes!

Go back to Layout - Page Elements

Click on Add a Gadget

You will paste the code in here and edit the background url address.
Save your changes!

Once you save your gadget it will appear on top of the sidebar. Leave it here for easy access for when you want to change the background again. When you do want to change it, just click edit and change the URL to the new backgrounds address.

You should now see your new layout. This inserts a background only. You will need to go back to "Layout", click on "Fonts & Colors", change your colors to match your new theme.

*Tips & Links*

The width of your background should range from 1280 - 1500, otherwise it will not cover your entire screen.

You can find some very nice Free Blog Backgrounds by visiting the following links:
joyfulblogskins.blogspot.com
daisygraydesign.blogspot.com
bloggerboutiquebackgrounds.blogspot.com
shabbyblogs.com

Adding Text Area Box to Display HTML Code

2009-07-17T10:30:00.009-05:00

This tutorial will show you how to add a text area box to display & share any HTML code with those that visit your site. If you would like to share your sites blinkie button, logo, graphics you made for sharing and offer a quick Copy/Paste code for your visitors to use, just follow the directions below. Your visitors will be more likely to place your button on their site when all they have to do is copy/paste the code then having to save & link the image by themselves.

Start by clicking on the links below to get the codes. Make sure you copy entire code, just right click - select all - copy the code.
Paste it directly into the text gadget ( in Edit HTML Mode ) or paste into a notepad on your computer & edit it there first. Then just copy/paste into the text gadget.

Text area box only code - HERE
Your graphic with textbox underneath code - HERE

Go to Layout - Page Elements - Add Gadget
You can add a Text Gadget or the HTML/Javascript Gadget. The choice is yours. Both allow you to toggle between Rich Text & Html Mode

Creating a text area box only:
(First Code)

Displaying graphic your sharing with text area box beneath it.
(Second Code)

Freedom to Bark, Freedom to Choose

2009-07-04T09:32:00.012-05:00

Freedom, one simple word that encompasses a broad range of interpretation, emotion, and a necessity in our daily lives. Unfortunately, it is a concept (or a gift) that is often taken for granted or overlooked in our society. It is an idea that entices great action amongst the people and in the name of freedom, great things can be achieved. We all live with this idea that we are free no matter what - we can say what we want, do what we please, and write about anything. At least, this is how it appears.

Under our great flag, we presume the facade of absolute freedom - but are we really free? In a country that is deemed "free" and "progressive", people have to fight for their basic rights. Is it really progress when the gay community have to fight for the right to be joined in holy matrimony? Are we really such a progressive country when women have only recently earned equal pay as their male co-workers? And yet with these problems, the government decides to stick their unprecedented noses into the subject of our pets.

Freedom does not dictate that we need to neuter/spay our pets. Freedom does not insinuate the idea that breeders are unable to continue their beloved profession. Freedom does not include the practice of fining people for not having their pets removed of their natural ability to breed. Why is it that the United States has still yet to withdraw from Iraq, but all of a sudden it has become of utmost importance to limit pets? Freedom, hah! I think not.

To be free, we should be allowed to make our own choices. It should be up to the owner to neuter/spay their pets. It shouldn't be up to the government to dictate that puppy mills and respectable breeders are in the same league, and thus put them down all together. Choices are what allow us to dictate our own lives. To be dictated what our choices should be... Almost hints communism.

Without any connotation to the abortion argument, to be free, we need to be pro-choice. As Shiloh put, "But that's what America is all about; the FREEDOM TO MAKE CHOICES. So why is it, I ask, that Doggy Space does not share these same beliefs?" And though some may argue that DoggySpace is not even relevant to this topic, I say nay. Any internet community is a community where freedom should be practiced and it relates definitely to that of the American society.

You may completely disagree with me. You may totally agree. Heck, maybe you just don't know. But this is what freedom is about - to express yourself. The views I listed above may not be my own. Maybe they are. But they all provide examples as to how we still fight for our rights as American - free - citizens.

Credits:
Shilohs Journal
Flair Template from ziggyfanscraps

Click on the link below for a truly memorable Ecard
The people from GoDaddy.com made a beautiful video
honoring our Independence Day.
Happy Independence Day from GoDaddy.com!

Erin's Swan Song

2009-05-08T17:15:00.013-05:00

Never thought this day would come that I would be leaving Doggyspace. I have been a member of so many communities over the years and never spent so much time on one exclusively as I did here. The only reason I have been here so long are the people on this site. I have never met so many nice people in one community. I was never very social on the site but I enjoyed reading so many posts and learned a lot too. I've had dogs all my life & never heard of a Kong until I joined DS, which Erin was very greatful for. Really thought we found a toy she couldn't destroy but that was only wishful thinking, lasted 3 months & she tore it in half. I've been designing websites for years & naturally the first thing I looked into was seeing what I could accomplish with Erin's profile. I shared whatever knowledge I had & helped others with their profiles whenever I could. For some, they never imagined at their age they would be learning about CSS & HTML & actually attempting it on their own. I know how they feel because I was in their shoes too years ago.

Nobody influenced my decision to leave DS. This was in my mind for awhile & the "Drama" had nothing to do with it. I have owned forums in the past & would expect my rules to be adhered to also. A site that is this large & growing daily needs rules or your looking at chaos. I might step on some toes here, but I can't please everybody: I do believe some people think the rules do not apply to them. Everyone's entitled to make their own choices, including actions that result in being banned, deleted, etc. DS fault here is not instilling their Code of Conduct right from the start & reinforcing them to the fullest degree. Also want to run a site this large successfully? Do Not show favoritism. I know DS & some members deny this but yes it is there to the observant eye. The owner or owners should stay out of any problems & should have trained moderators that are monitoring post's around the clock & enforcing their Code of Conduct & Site Rules. For some of you this is your first time on a community this large. Believe me if you were to join some of the ones I belong to, you would never see what's going on here. They are very strict & moderators are always there enforcing the rules & everything runs smoothly.

What bothers me the most? A few things & lately the list has started growing daily.
First is that paying members get all the updates & free members haven't seen anything since we joined back in August last year. I had a business on the web & anytime I added new products I always offered freebies too. It's Good Business. I'd be more inclined to subscribe if I saw us non-paying members getting some perks along with the subscribers.

My main reason is they are not running this site intelligently for the size it is. If this was a small community their changes wouldn't be such an upset. But with the size it is & what they are aspiring it to become, they really need to look at all the angles before instilling their new rules on how posts will be. When they initiated the Tagging System months ago, I thought this was a productive move, especially for groups. Some people did not understand it & tagged all their post's to all the groups they belonged to. A lot of group owners didn't like this but all they had to do was Delete them from the group. I do it constantly & never had anyone ask me why I took their post off the group. And if they say "We never thought it would become this big...." just Google Doggyspace & you will see plenty of articles directly stating their aspirations for this site & so far they haven't come close to what they thought it would be by now.

Today's change to the tagging system just blew me away. In my opinion another move that was not well thought out. Groups are a big part of DS, I took pride in mine & they just made them worthless now. Sure they are going to roll out an update for groups next week, I wouldn't get too excited if they are following the same route they seem to take recently. But maybe now that I'm gone it will be helpful & members will benefit from the changes. But what they did today was a step backwards. Groups are going to fall apart, people are never going to have their post's seen let alone answered unless your friends with almost everyone on the site. The Newbies, who don't know how this site works, will remain in the dark for a long time. Think about it...When
a new member joins, they don't even know how to make friends yet & rely on those that befriend them. I'm sorry I am not going to spend half my time here making friends with all the new members & making sure their posts are seen & hopefully answered. I'm all for making new friends, that's what this site is about but now what was fun has become more of a hassle, no offense intended. Members come online to converse with their friends & not follow an agenda.
What this says to me? More Page views for Doggyspace. More Page views= an incentive for advertiser to want to advertise on DS = more dollars for DS.

Groups should of been an entire different platform then journals. Too many problems because this was not well thought out. Closing group threads after 30 days of no activity? Another move not well thought out. The usual for this is 6 months or longer. This also should not of been applied to groups. Using the Customizing Doggyspace Group as an example - I make a post explaining installing backgrounds. For a month nobody posts a question in it. Then some new member reads it and has a question & can't post in it anymore because it's closed. So let's just start some more new post on a subject that has been dealt with already & hope it's seen & answered. Heck I can't even Edit or Delete any post I made if they are over 30 days old. Complete Ignorance on running a site like this.

Parties, Virtual Pregnancies, Family Oriented Site? Am I the only one seeing something wrong here? I'm pretty liberal but even in my eyes this does not belong on a post that children can read. And yes a thirteen year old is still a child. Anyone that is a parent knows the fears we live with everyday being a parent to a teenager & trying to keep our kids on the right track.

Lastly admitting to reading our Private Messages. You guys should have never admitted to that one! For those of us that are forum users or own one know all PM's can be read by the administrator. BUT every forum has a warning explaining this in clear view & leaves the choice up to you knowing full well there could be retributions. As of right now members are sending private messages with the assumption that they are private. Not good, not good!

Doggyspace has so much potential. But in my honest opinion they need to regroup, rethink & reformat the whole site.

Well that's it. You can agree or disagree with my opinions, that is your God given right.

You can contact me through my website using the contact form. I am on MySpace but rarely spend much time there. I just joined FaceBook and right now I am so lost there but my kids are showing me the ropes

For those that remain on Doggyspace, I wish you many long lasting friendships & don't be afraid to voice your opinions. Fight for your site & the changes that are needed there.

Hug's to All!!!