I have a new morning routine.

I walk a dog!

If you know how much I’ve always wanted a dog of my own, you’ll understand why this is such a big deal for me.

His name is Pemi, he’s a red Labrador, and he’s my neighbor. He moved in about a year ago, and shortly after he arrived, Zélia painted one of her first pet portraits of him.

Now Pemi has a new little human in his family! His owners just welcomed a baby, and with a newborn at home, they could use a little help walking Pemi. I was more than happy to volunteer.

So, every morning, I get to take him for a walk. He gets just as excited to see me as I am to see him!

It’s not quite the same as having my own dog, but it’s pretty close!

And speaking of dogs, we have two more dog stories to share this week.

A Halloween dog parade

This Saturday, October 31, Mission Blue Gifts & Coffee is hosting a Halloween Doggy Costume Parade & Contest in Visitacion Valley.

There will be dogs in costumes, a parade, and prizes. And we’ll be there! Zélia will be drawing pet portraits, and I’ll be selling our greeting cards (in costume as well!).

If you live in San Francisco, come say hello! We’d love to see you, with or without a dog (or a costume!).

Dogs on our greeting cards

Quite a few dogs have made their way onto our greeting cards, too.

We have birthday cards featuring dogs, including one with dogs howling to wish someone a happy birthday.And there’s our I’m holding you in my heart card, for when someone needs a little extra love or encouragement.

Do you have a dog lover in your life who has a birthday coming up? Or someone who could use a little handwritten note to brighten their day?

Sometimes, finding a card that reminds you of someone is all the inspiration you need to write to them.

Woof!

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