We’ve been known to hand-make some pretty intricate Holiday cards in the past.
But, I’ve had this particular picture in my “Next Christmas” folder for years now…Looks like perfect inspiration for this year’s Christmas card.
Isn’t he just charming?
John Dunfee is the photographer. I can’t find much about him…. I think this is him.
You know how they say, “People look like their dogs”? – Looks to me like they both need a good brushing.
Anyhoo, great jumping off point for this year’s card.
We have a dog.
We have a wreath.
We enjoy the challenge of getting an un-drugged dog to pose for pictures.
All’s we had to do was paint the white gate section, that I’ve been shooting pictures on for the past year & 1/2, red.
Took a few tries to get the color right…….I prefer my colors straight out of the crayon box…….but we landed on Ralph Lauren Stateroom Red. RL4025
Then we simply threw a scratchy wreath around Harley’s neck, forced her to sit on the freezing garage floor and yelled at her to “Look at Daddy with the camera!” for half an hour.
What could be simpler?
Took about 100 pictures…..no lie.
…4 of which might, actually, be usable. (In most of them she was either moving or looked humiliated)
We settled on this one.
That one floppy ear melts my heart every time I look at her.
Using my rudimentary Photoshop skills;…….. I cropped, lightened the wreath, brightened her face, color enhanced the red and even removed some unpainted boards and a few little blemishes.
Then added a little verbiage……..in my 2 favorite fonts.
Yeah, I think we found the one.
Headed to Vistaprint.com , and ordered us up some Christmas Holiday cards. (Not all our friends are Christians, ya know)
Only took about 5 days to get them into our hands…..
…..and 2 more days to get them addressed and mailed.
Nothing says “Happy Holidays” quite like documenting a humiliated Doberman suffering through a photo session in a cold garage.
On a similar note, I was thumbing through the December issue of Country Living Magazine the other day ……and what do they have on the last page?
(Looks like they did a little Photoshop magic as well – lightened the wreath, made the wall red)
Now, get out of my head, Country Living.
Happy Holidays
THE CAVENDER DIARY 
Oh my gosh, love this card! (We are dog people too). Hope to see how you’ve decorated your house as well. AND– we just bought the Ikea shelves this morning to try to do our own version of your flag wall. Love love your style. You are so talented!
Hi Christa, We couldn’t wait to share this card. We even framed a poster of it. The house is almost complete (Most years we are still decorating on Christmas eve) But this year we’re hosting 3 holiday parties…and taking a week in NY……so the pressure is on. But even with all the activity, I promise to post a “Holiday House Tour” this year. Happy Holidays!
Love the floppy ear! ❤️ Turned out great!
When we saw that floppy ear the very first time, we just knew that she was the dog for us….
Since my kids call me a crazy dog lady (dog rescue), you know I absolutely love this card! Y’all are just so talented. I must say, the floppy ear makes it. Merry Christmas!
We love it too Tracie, Merry Christmas back at ya!
Love the card! Wishing the 3 of you the most wonderful Christmas!😊🎄🐾
Awwww thanks Kim, right back at ya!
I agree… the floppy ear just makes it. Your choice of fonts are great too. So funny that it showed up in the magazine, after you had been saving the idea for years. I prefer your version!
I know I’m biased, but yeah, I like our version much better too…..
You guys are rock! Especially Harley! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas back at ya Mary!
The effort was well worth it! To me, there’s nothing better than a ‘Screaming Kid Santa’ pic, but Harley’s curious ear has caused me to create a new favorites category, ‘Floppy Dog Ear.’
Aww thanks Angela, When we talk to her, she lifts that one ear and cocks her head to the side…..that’s our baby girl…..
Adorable, Now i’m wondering if my dogs will let me do this to them (probably not)
I’m pretty amazed that our dog did…….took a lot of patience…..but we couldn’t be happier with the results.
I love this! And what a sweet face! There’s no way our spoiled little cockapoo would tolerate the wreath. She’s such a diva. Merry Christmas, y’all!
Merry Christmas back at ya Nikki!
Wondering where you have been. Glad to see the adorable floppy ear Doberman. Way too cute. Now I’m chasing the cat with a wreath in hand ( copycat.,tee hee..pun) , Carole
Hi Carole, sorry about the silence, November is a very busy work month for me, 5 cities in 6 weeks. Also, been working on a big project for the blog. We’re still here……and anxious to show off all the December decor. (Now leave that cat alone)
Love the floppy ear…now I am chasing the cat with a wreath in my hand for a ” copycat” picture.
LOL! Good luck with that
Brilliant!
Awww shucks…..It’s not like I invented a dog in a wreath…..I just made it better.
NO way!! What a hoot that y’all are sharing a brain!! Love this, as always, your posts make me laugh. And your doggie is a doll. (Don’t tell her I called her that.) Have a great Christmas (holiday).
They should just hire me….I mean, really. Hope you have a great Christmas too. AND she IS a doll.
Absolutely! It would just save them a lot of time!
What a beautiful holiday card of Harley. Our holiday photo cards were always well received since they included a lovely photo of Marcy our beloved pup. Losing her several months ago has prompted me to send out traditional cards this year. Photos of our pets or better still our special family member always manage to bring on the smiles. May the three of you have have a most blessed holiday seasons.
I enjoy the cards with my friend’s kids best….LOVE watching them grow up every year in a Holiday card. (and pups too, of course)
absolutely LOVE this idea…adorable!!
Thanks Jeanette!!!
Very nice. Makes me wish I was on your holiday card list!
Wish I had a extra to send you….but they went fast. We have a big list!
Oh my goodness … my melting heart. Awwwwwwww. She’s such a good girl. Good girl Harley! Your daddies love you. Bring on the Christmas decor gentlemen!
Still tweaking the decor this year….(Hosting 3 holiday parties…so the pressure is on)But don’t worry. We’ll show it off as soon as were done.
We have a new rescue Golden Retriever, Molly. Great minds think alike. I decided to place her in front of our gate with a big red bow tied around her neck. She always looks straight at me and smiles! Not this time! Finally got a card made, but I don’t have photo shop. Harley looks great!! Thanks for sharing…..it looks a lot better than mine. Sorry I am so late commenting, just got back from Ohio and Graeter’s ice cream!
Chris
Always teasing with that Graeter’s Ice Cream…..hhhmmmm. Try this website, http://ipiccy.com/ It’s not officially Photoshop, but it’s free, and you don’t have to download it to your PC. I use it a lot…mostly to make my…I mean, Jamie’s…. teeth whiter in pictures.
This is so great I can hardly stand it! I think Harley’s pic turned out great. And the writing! “Humiliated Doberman” – you kill me. Just all-around fantastic, guys!
You’re too sweet……I’m even funner in person. (At least, I think so)
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