Waggleview with artist Cari Jansen

 

The Dog Owner: Cari Jansen is an artist and animal lover. Cari recently opened FUNKY STUFF the Collective in Oakville, Connecticut. It’s an artists collective that features the work of about 30 local artists and artisans. Her newest product, Rescue Blossoms, was created by using the paw prints of her own rescued dogs. She has custom kits so dog parents can take their own dog prints to send to her. She will then create a personalized mug or small matted original piece of art using the paw prints. A portion of the proceeds will go to animal related causes. Cari is very involved in volunteering for her community. You can find her collecting food for Watertown animal control, supporting Hidden Acres Therapeutic Riding Center, or fundraising for the Watertown Dog Park.

 

Dog type and Name:

Lily- Beagle 12 years old

Ivy– Border Collie 3 years old

Rose– Lab Mix 3 years old

Daisy– Dane Mix 2 years old

Q: Why did you choose these dogs?

We have four dogs! They choose us!

Q: Do you talk to your dogs? If so, what do you talk about?

I talk to my dogs about everything!

Q: If they could talk to you, what would they say?

Stop talking and throw the ball.

Q: If your dogs had a job or career, what would they be doing?

Lily-a retired night watchman on a pension.

Ivy- search and rescue specialist

Rose- Baker and Business owner

Daisy- Still in school. Aspires to be a social worker

Q: What lesson in life have your dogs taught you?

Patience! And it’s not how much you have, it’s how much you give that counts.

Q: How do your dogs inspire you?

My dogs are the core of most of my artistic inspirations. Their constant approval makes me persevere. 

Q: Where are your dogs favorite places to go with you?

Ice cream runs.

Q: Who or what does your dogs find the most interesting?

Daddy- why, oh why, is Daddy such a novelty?

Q: What is the most annoying thing other dog owners do?

Dogs running free in not-so-safe situations. 

Q:  What does being a responsible dog owner mean to you?

100% of your commitment, like kids- dogs are not a part time thing.

Q:  Do you ever dress up your dogs? If so, as what?

Oh, Yes, but they are embarrassed!

Q:  How have your dogs changed your life?

I would never have developed Rescue Blossoms if it wasn’t for their paw prints.

Q:  Do your dogs have a philosophy of life?

They all say “Be humble, be kind.”

Q:  I love my dogs because they are my kids.

Q:  Have you ever made dog treats for your dogs? If so, please share your recipe.

Rosie has her own gourmet dog biscuits. They are her secret, so I can’t share!

 

WAGGLEVIEW®: These interviews are focused on leaders in business, the arts, the community, or at home. My hope in doing this is to present remarkable and respected people in their community with their beloved pets. Who can resist reading about pets and what these people do? This is a platform for people to display their talents; their own business, a new book, a deeply loved passion for a charity or their own job. It also shows their love for their pet!

Thank you Cari for taking the time to participate in the Waggleview®.

Who or what does your dog find the most interesting?

Please comment below.

Please follow Lori Pelikan Strobel on Facebook or subscribe, so you can learn about our next dog owner and her lovable pet.

To read some other waggleviews, please check out this one with freelance writer and blogger, Helene Cohen Bludman or Colleen Bridgeman, Assistant Dean School of Fine Arts, UCONN.blogger Allison Hill.

To read the latest weekly photo challenge of the word nostalgia, click HERE.

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