A Paws-itively Awesome Interview with May’s Doll of the Month Leslie

Who loves going for long walks with a furry friend, and understands how to speak fluently in “dog language”? It’s May’s Doll of the Month Leslie!

Leslie loves all types of animals, but has a soft spot for mammals* of the canine* variety!

She is a professional dog walker, and spends most of her evenings and weekends at her local dog park.

We caught up with Leslie for an interview with her. Let’s learn more about what it takes to look after dogs!

(PS – Look for definitions of words with a * at the end of the interview!)

 

 

 

 

We’re looking forward to chatting with you today, Leslie!

Thank you! I’m looking forward to it too.

 

We’ve never talked to a dog walker before… How did you get into this profession?

I’ve always loved dogs, and since I have one of my own (an adorable Husky with really unique tan-colored fur!), my neighbors would often ask me to dog sit while they were away on vacation. Word got out, and soon more of my neighbors started reaching out and asking for me to take their dogs on walks or to the park when they were too busy or away from home for extended periods.

Honestly, it seemed to have happened naturally! And I’m so glad it did, because I really enjoy the time I spend with my furry friends!

 

Did you take any courses or training classes along the way? Or ddid you just know instinctively* how to take care of dogs with different temperaments* and personalities?

That’s a really great question!

Although I do have a natural ability to communicate and get along with animals, I realized early on that additional training could be beneficial* for my clients… in this case, my clients being the dogs (*she laughs*).

Not all dogs react the same way to the same things or environments. I had to learn how to adjust my approach with each one so they felt safe and trusted me.

I’ve taken online classes and in-person classes with my own dog, and even some of my clients’ dogs! I’ve also had an expert come along with me on my walks to help me improve how I interact with my dogs.

 

Do you have any specific products that you use, or games and toys that you would recommend to dog owners?

Definitely! I’ve used my share of products to know the difference between good and bad ones.

My favorite leashes for small dogs are actually harnesses*. They make sure to keep the dog’s neck safe. Small dogs are more fragile and could get hurt easily from a quick tug or an accidental pull, like when they suddenly chase after something. Some pet owners with small dogs don’t realize how dangerous it can be to walk their pets with a simple collar and leash system!

I also really love to purchase classic rubber toys for all sizes of dogs. When you bounce them, they go in unpredictable directions, which is fun for dogs to jump or run after. They can also be used to hide treats or peanut butter, which will keep a dog occupied for a little while. Or they can prevent a dog from eating too quickly, especially if they have digestive issues. They’re incredibly robust* and made to last, even with large sharp teeth and regular use.

Most importantly though, I always strongly recommend that all pet owners invest in dog tags for their pets! Including a cell phone number on the tag is always ideal, so if someone finds your lost pup, they’re able to contact you immediately.

Even if a dog is microchipped, the person who finds them would have to bring the dog into a facility like a vet clinic in order to read the chip, which can waste precious time. And that time could be spent not worrying about your pet and having them home safely with you!(Not to mention that you will have to catch the dog to bring them to the vet, and that can be hard if the dog is scared or panicked!)

 

That’s some really great advice; thank you for sharing those tips!

Apart from spending time with your canine friends, do you have any other hobbies or interests?

I have so many hobbies and interests! I love to go skating in the winter, and roller skating in the summer. Anything that allows me to spend more time outside is a plus for me. I try to incorporate winter and summer sports in my life so I can enjoy all seasons.

Every year I also go camping with my dog in the mountains. We spend at least a week together, fishing, hiking and playing guitar. My dog’s not very good at playing the guitar, but I’m getting better at it (*she laughs*). I’m also really great at telling terrible jokes! Hahahaha!

 

We love your sense of humor, Leslie! Thanks so much for the wonderful chat. It definitely sounds like you’ve found your calling*! 

Thank you for your time and for allowing me to share one of my greatest passions!

 

Definitions:

Words can sometimes mean different things. Within this interview, these words mean the following:

*mammal: “a warm-blooded animal that typically has hair or fur, and provides milk to their young”

*canine: “a dog”

*temperament: “a dog’s natural personality or character”

*instinctively: “naturally”

*beneficial: “being good for”

*harness: “straps that loop around the body of an animal instead of just around the neck”

*robust: “strong”

*calling: “a strong urge or push in a particular direction or profession”

 

Leslie comes with a Husky Pup, her very own pet. Is your Our Generation doll looking for the perfect pet to adopt? Discover all kinds of great pet-themed dolls, pets, and accessories in the Our Generation Pet-Themed Gift Guide, and explore all of the pet-themed items in the Our Generation Pet Theme Collection!

Learn how to make a great DIY Dog Tag that you can hang on your pet’s collar, and use the extra materials to make a gift with the DIY Mother’s Day Keychains tutorial!

For even more ways to have fun with your Our Generation dolls and pets, check out the Pup Adoption Certificate, the Veterinarian Pup Check-Up, and the Furry Friends Word Search in our Fun Stuff – OG Activities section, and share your doll’s pet stories with us on Facebook and Instagram (@ogdolls)!

 

Gift Guide: Pet-Themed Our Generation Dolls and Accessories!

 

In the Pet-Themed Gift Guide, we highlight some of the dolls, outfits, and accessories that are part of the Our Generation Pet Theme Collection! There are lots of different pets to choose from, and adopting a new pet for your dolls is just the beginning!

OG kids know that great friends come in all shapes and sizes – some of them even have feathers, fins, and fur! Caring for a pet is a great way to bring love and happiness to your doll’s life and provide them with their own loyal pal to snuggle.

Pretend-play with dolls is a great way to encourage kids to learn all about animals, including how to care for them, what they eat, and how to communicate effectively.

 

Whether they are tiny critters like turtles and guinea pigs or larger animals like pups and kittens, your dolls will have so much fun caring for their pets and taking them on adventures!

 

Pups and Dolls Make Great BFFs (Best Furry Friends)!

 

Leslie sitting with Husky in her lap
                  Leslie & Pet Husky
                    Candice & Pet Chic

 

Meet Leslie and Candice, two Our Generation Dolls who are passionate about their pups!

Leslie has a pet Husky who loves to play fetch with her favorite ball. While Candice and her pet (named Chic) love twinning in their favorite fashion!

 

 

 

 

“Paws” for a Rest in the Perfect Place for Pups!

pitbull Pup sleeping in OG Puppy House
OG Puppy House
(Pups sold separately)

 

Every pet needs a loving home with a great friend to care for them, but it’s also nice to give them a little home of their own!

Check out the OG Puppy House, a super-cool dog house for 6-inch Our Generation Pups!

It comes with a pillow and lots of accessories, and it even has a roof that can lift up!

(Pssst! This house can be used for kittens or other pets too! This is your story, and you make the rules!)

 

 

 

 

 

Adopt the Perfect Pal for your Dolls!

 

What are your favorite kinds of animals? What type of pets would your dolls like to have? With the collection of Our Generation Loyal Pals, there are lots to choose from!

"6-inch
Posable Scottish Terrier Pup
Our Generation 6-inch American Shorthair Kitten Cat Plush Posable Legs
Posable American Shorthair Kitten

 

 

Posable pals like the Scottish Terrier Pup and American Shorthair Kitten have bendable legs, so you really can teach them new tricks like shaking paws, stretching, sitting, and traveling with friends!

 

 

 

 

 

Pet Ferret, Pet Bunny, Pet Turtle, and Pet Bird
(Sets sold separately)

 

And of course, sometimes the cutest friends come in the smallest sizes, like the Pet Ferret, Pet Bunny, Pet Bird, and Pet Turtle!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Help Keep Pets Healthy from Nose to Tail!

 

       Noemie – Vet Doll
(Hamster assistant Rupert included!)
Anais holding plush pup
Anais – Vet Doll
(Pups sold separately)

 

 

 

Noemie and Anais, two Our Generation dolls who are living their career dreams as Veterinarians!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Both Noemie and Anais are passionate about helping animals feel their best. Noemie has long blonde hair and beautiful brown eyes that open and close. And Anais has long, strawberry-blonde hair with bright green eyes that also open and close. Both of these Vet Dolls arrive wearing fun scrubs outfits, a helpful uniform for their work at the Vet Clinic. They also come with realistic vet tools to perform fun checkups! When they’re not busy at the vet clinic, these dolls love dressing up in all kinds of fun and stylish outfits!

 

Healthy Paws Are Happy Paws at the Vet Clinic

Electronic Healthy Paws Vet Clinic Playset Pink for 18-inch Dolls
Healthy Paws Vet Clinic in Pink

 

 

Comfort and care for animals is the name of the game at the
Healthy Paws Vet Clinic!

This fully stocked clinic playset has everything your dolls need to help all animals feel their very best. It features a light-up x-ray box, 2 kennels for overnight stays, and an exam table where your pets can relax during their check-ups!

 

 

 

Healthy Paws Vet Outfit Naya
Healthy Paws Vet Uniform
(Dolls sold separately)

 

 

Any doll can follow their dreams of being a veterinarian when you dress them in the Healthy Paws Vet Uniform!

These colorful vet scrubs have a cute animal print, and include a stethoscope, notepad, and more, so your dolls will be ready to help out their next furry, finned, or feathered patient!

 

 

 

 

 

Cassie using the Pet Grooming Set
(Dolls and Pets sold separately)
Our Generation Pet Store Set with 18-inch Doll Noemie
Noemie setting up the Pet Store Set
(Dolls sold separately)

 

 

Looking to expand your doll’s pet-themed business? There are lots of great additions to the Healthy Paws Vet Clinic that are also a ton of fun to play with on their own!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use the Pet Store Set and open for business with a counter and cash register where your dolls can sell pet supplies and toys!

The Pet Grooming Set has everything they need to groom all kinds of animals and help them shine, including a hair dryer with a realistic sound!

 

These are just some of the ways your dolls can find fun and adventure with Our Generation Pets!
For more inspiration, visit the Pup Adoption CertificateVeterinarian Check-Up, and Furry Friends Word Search in our  OG Activities section!

We hope this Pet-Themed Gift Guide has provided some fun ideas for the animal lovers in your life. Discover more exciting products from Our Generation’s Pet Theme and share your stories with us on Facebook and Instagram (@ogdolls)!

 

 

DIY Mother’s Day Keychains!

Learn how to make DIY Mother’s Day keychains with our easy tutorial!

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and it’s a great time to show your mom how much she means to you with a special gift!

It doesn’t have to be something complicated or expensive, the most important thing is that you show your mom you care! Handmade gifts are great because they come straight from the heart – and we know OG Kids have some of the biggest hearts around!

Because our Doll of the Month for May is Leslie and her Pet Husky, we decided to make keychains with cute drawings of animals on them…but you can show off your creativity with whichever style of keychain you want!

Did you know?

Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be just for biological moms! You can celebrate this day with anyone who plays an important nurturing or guiding role in your life.

Some children have more than one mom, and some have none at all! Everyone is different, and that’s okay! What’s important is to honor the people who are positive influences in your life and show them your love and gratitude with a kind word or gift.

 

Supplies:

  • Shrinky Dinks® Bright White Creative Pack
  • Permanent Markers (black and various colors)
  • Scissors (ideally very sharp)
  • Keychain rings

**Safety First! These DIY Dog Tags require the use of sharp scissors and a hot oven. Please get help from and adult to make sure that you can do this craft project safely!**

Instructions:

1. Draw or trace any design of your choice onto the Shrinky Dinks® paper (making sure it’s 2-3 times larger than the final size you desire, as they shrink after baking)

2. Write a message for your mom

3. Punch a hole in the keychain before placing it in the oven

4. Put the final pieces into a preheated 325°F oven on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper for 1-3 minutes

5. The designs will start to curl in the oven, and then magically lay flat again. Once flattened, wait 30 more seconds for them to set completely and remove from the oven

6. Add a keychain ring and it’s ready to be gifted!

 

We want to see your amazing creativity! Share your DIY Mother’s Day Keychains with us on Facebook and Instagram (@ogdolls)!

 

If you have extra materials from this craft and are looking for a fun and creative way to use them, why not make a cool, DIY Dog Tag for your OG Pup or your favorite pet! The tutorial shows you just how to do it!

 

Our theme for May is pets, and you can explore all of the pet-themed items in the Our Generation Pet Theme Collection!

 

For even more ways to have fun with your Our Generation dolls and pets, check out the Pup Adoption Certificate, the Veterinarian Pup Check-Up, and the Furry Friends Word Search in our Fun Stuff – OG Activities section!

 

 

 

DIY Dog Tags for Your Pups and OG Loyal Pals!

Get creative and show some love to your pets this spring by making them one of these easy DIY Dog Tags!

Whether they are real pets or made of cuddly plush (or even if they are imaginary!), they will look great wearing the handmade pet collar tags that you created with love!

Did you know?

Dog tags make it much easier for your pet to be returned to you if they should get lost!

Even if your pet is microchipped, vets suggest that you include your cell phone number on your tag to make it much easier and faster for people to contact you.

Afterall, we love our pets like family, and we never want to be away from them for very long!

 

 

DIY Dog Tags for OG Pets!

This tutorial will show you how to make colorful and fun tags that you can draw yourself!

They are perfect for your doll’s pets, and you can add them to your real pet’s collar, too!

(Just remember, you might need to keep your pet’s official, metal pet tags in place as well. If you’re not sure, check with an adult!)

 

**Safety First! These DIY Dog Tags require the use of sharp scissors and a hot oven. Please get help from and adult to make sure that you can do this craft project safely!**

Supplies:

 

  • Shrinky Dinks® Bright White Creative Pack (available in craft department of your local department store)
  • Permanent markers (black and various colors)
  • Scissors (ideally very sharp – get an adult to help you!)
  • A hole punch
  • Jump rings (to secure to pet collars)

 

Instructions:

 

1. Draw or trace your bone design (or any design of your choice) onto the Shrinky Dinks® paper (making sure it’s 2-3 times larger than the final size you desire, because they shrink after baking)

 

2. Punch a hole in the tag before placing it in the oven

3. Put the final tags into a preheated 325oF oven on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper for 1-3 minutes

4. The tags will start to curl in the oven, and then magically lay flat again.
Wait 30 more seconds and remove from the oven.

5. Add a jump ring so you can secure it to your pet’s collar.

 

You now have a cool, handmade tag for your pet!!

 

If you have extra materials from this craft and are looking for a fun and creative way to use them, why not make a gift for the special adult in your life with the DIY Mother’s Day Keychains tutorial!

 

Looking for the perfect pet to adopt for your Our Generation Dolls? Discover all kinds of great pet-themed dolls, pets, and accessories in the Our Generation Pet-Themed Gift Guide,
and explore all of the pet-themed items in the Our Generation Pet Theme Collection!

Read all about our Leslie, featured Doll of the Month, in her Pawsitively Awesome Interview with Leslie!

For even more ways to have fun with your Our Generation dolls and pets, check out the Pup Adoption Certificate, the Veterinarian Pup Check-Up, and the Furry Friends Word Search in our Fun Stuff – OG Activities section, and share your doll’s pet stories with us on Facebook and Instagram (@ogdolls)!