Surprise! Sit Stay Read is Published!

Yesterday's weather was perfect for strolling along Michigan Ave and enjoying the holiday cheer downtown. As we passed the Cultural Center we noticed a sign we couldn't resist--an exhibit at the Tourism Gallery across the street on Randolph--"Sidewalks: Photographs by Charles Osgood and Stories by Rick Kogan". Of course we had to check it out and, boy, what a surprise we got!

The photos on display are from the "Sidewalks" column in the Tribune Magazine. As you may recall, Sit Stay Read was featured in March 2008. Well, look who's now in the latest book, "Sidewalks II"--that's Lisa Wiersma with her SSR dog, Turner! How cool is that!!

Be sure to drop by the gallery to see the exhibit and, if you time it right, you can even join Rick for a lunchtime discussion.

Shandy's Portrait Unveiling

We couldn't resist inviting some friends over on Friday for the unveiling of Shandy's incredible oil portrait! That's Cody and Tish posing in the background with Bandit.

Our friend John painted Bandit's portrait last year and then recently surprised us with one of Shandy. Aren't we lucky to have a friend with such talent?!

You can click on the photo for a closer view but it really doesn't do the paintings justice. John did a great job of capturing the personalities of both pups and the texture of the oil on Shandy's chest looks just like her fur. Amazing!

Shandy's Kidlet Visitors

Shandy might be an old gal but she still wanted to be right in the middle of the action when Mike and Gracie Murphy visited the office this morning.

Mom, Sarah Murphy, is SSR's co-founder so, of course, Mike and Gracie are book lovers. At this point Gracie prefers to eat books rather than read them but it's a start.

Spooky Pooch Was a Blast

Pooch Parade 2009

Sarah Scott and her team, Debbie, Stacy, Sarah, and, of course, Milo and Lulu had a great time talking with folks at the Botanic Gardens' first Spooky Pooch parade on Halloween.

The costumes were a riot and everyone had a smile on their face. I think we have a new Halloween tradition! Click on the photo to see the full album. You won't believe the creativity.