Meet Kino, our Year of the Dog mascot

Ren was born in 2006, the Year of the Dog. Coincidentally, Ren's future godparents Kelley and Paul have a beautiful Alaskan Malamute who was also born in the year of the dog. In honour of Ren's year of birth and his future godparents, we asked them if we could use Kino's image in some of Ren's room decorations.

We were totally blown away by the beautiful pictures they sent us of Kino to use in the decorating! He is a gorgeous dog, and Kelley and Paul take amazing photos of him. Here are a couple of beautiful shots:

I mulled over several ways to use Kino's image but finally settled on this, a canvas print, with a 'painted' effect to the photo:
My friend Marianne had the great idea to embellish the 'painting' with a ribbon resembling a collar or leash and a little doggie name tag:

I'm really happy with how this turned out. The red really picks up the red in Ren's quilt, too. I just hope Ren's not afraid of dogs!

Claire was born in the Year of the Dog as well. It is said that peope born in the Year of the Dog have the best traits of human nature. They make good leaders and are honest, intelligent, straightforward, loyal, friendly, and affectionate. I think Claire definitely has many of these qualities. I can't wait to see how well these descriptions fit Ren. Best of all? Dogs are compatible with those born in the Year of the Tiger - which I was!