Collectibulldogs

A few weeks ago, my human and I found a pawsomely cool artist on LinkedIn and want to share his story with you!

HI THIS IS MY STORY 

Used by permission of Collectibulldogs

Hi there avid readers of FROM THE DOGS PAW my name is Eiffion Ashdown I'm a English gent or cockney geeza as some might put, either way I'm from England and I live in a city on the south coast with my wife and daughter, we share our home with our second rescued bulldog "scruffy Louise" and a little cat called Bonnie (the biggest of mischief makers) and I'm here as I want to tell you my story.

Let's start a decade ago and move forward so, ok ten years back I was a plasterer I was 28 and care free with money coming in a lovely partner and a smart beautiful little girl life was good or even great for someone that age, this all changed after I contracted a heredity mental health disorder and I got even more ill as time went on.

My medication soon put a stop to my employment I was let go and let this eat away at my hopes and dreams not only ones I have but any future ones that my daughter may have because I couldn't afford to pay for future bills like her university and this caused great anxiety and sleepless nights until one day I had a brainwave.

COLLECTIBULLDOGS 
Great name do you not think? I came up with the name a few years after I started what is now one of the worlds largest most diverse antique bulldog memorabilia collections but let's go back a bit. Seven years ago I got the idea to start a collection that may one day be good enough to do well at auction, giving my daughter a fighting chance at becoming what she wants by going to university and getting a great vocation.

Used by permission of Collectibulldogs

When I started I was naive to many topics I thought my pieces were the bees knees and worth the world, I started buying bulldog pieces but had no knowledge at the time to what I was really doing. Then it just clicked one day I cannot explain it but my knowledge about this genre just sky rocketed and the collection started showing quality, and it was then that I realized there was a world of bulldog memorabilia collectors out there all with differing pieces in their collections and a wealth of knowledge to first learn from and now teach others.

ACHIEVING THE IMPOSSIBLE 
I was going to list my accolades and achievements last but there's not to many so I'll tell you how far I've taken Collectibulldogs and then tell you about the collection itself.  Ok so far I have appeared on the radio (Heart FM) I've been in the local Brighton paper, I appear on other websites like the Boston Terrier Rescue network and I know I'm bulldog related but like some others they believe in me and are very sincere in helping to promote my venture.

I'm waiting to appear in a national paper here in the UK it was meant to of been out at Christmas but a mix up meant I'm still waiting for that to be rectified, Here's where I really come into my own here regarding affirmative feelings for ones self.  Collectibulldogs (and me lol) only managed to pull off the impossible and get a museum listing that immortalizes my collection and the breed cementing the foundations for the very first museum listed bulldog collection.

Used by permission of Collectibulldogs

It does not stop there though, I mean I have two rooms with around 3500 pieces and no one can see it except my family and guests so I did the next best thing to collecting and I created Ccollectibulldogs, its only the very first website of its kind to produce an in-depth content driven layout for bulldog collectors,owners, any enthusiasm really is loved at Collectibulldogs we even have repeat visitors that do not even collect but just love the website.

The ending here is that I'm now seen as an online influence this happened unwittingly and I now have a combined social media presence with around 90k-110k followers on all my medias, I run a Facebook group with 7600 members and my page has about 8k likes, this lol came about with either people becoming fans or my endless promoting and great to know I have a little community of my own.

Everything we do at Collectibulldogs is free, liquidating help, assistance,researching,information, artist exposure, bulldog related swap help.

THE COLLECTION 
Well there wouldn't be a website if there was not this collection I've been talking about so why not slow things down a little as I tell you about what I have obtained these past six years, for the purpose of the website there are three main galleries and named as such this is because there is so much I had to narrow down the pigeonhole names for the site.

Used by permission of Collectibulldogs

The first of the main galleries is the ceramics and glass and this huge page shows all the ceramic, pottery, glass, Chrystal pieces I've bought from around the world, there are many countries that have made their own versions of bulldogs and hundreds can be found on this page. Wether you like English or European pottery or pieces from Asia and the states then it's here.  The three main countries to erupt my medium with beautiful collectibles are the uk Germany and Denmark with other countries having bulldog memorabilia just not lots. Collectibulldogs,Ceramics and Glass Gallery.

Out of the three I think describing metals and more Is the longest as it covers so many topics and would leave you thinking "is he ever going to stop", In this section are all my bronze pieces antique and modern, all my silver pieces (some pieces dating back 200 years), there's my metal figurines my antiques from yesteryear and this goes on from Victorian inkwells to little brass door knockers and everything else in between.

The silver itself could be seen as a collection I have so many pieces then there's the jewellery the trophies the medals rosettes ribbons, I'm not making all this up I really have been a very busy dad collecting all this with that one sole purpose in mind, other pieces include Mack trucks memorabilia, Bergman bronzes, lots of miniature bulldog figurines and there's even more but I feel we should stop there, we have a saying in the uk it goes 'the proof is in the pudding' it basically means once you have looked you will believe this far fetched of tales even I think WOW sometimes. Collectibulldogs, Metals

Used by permission of Collectibulldogs

I maybe wrong here I sometimes am!, but I think the last of the galleries will be the most interesting out of them all to a big proportion of the FROM THE DOGS PAW readers and that's my Books and Art section of galleries, this is jam packed with paintings signed and unsigned some known some unknown and a couple of artists I've even helped.  There's sketches, drawings, postcards, photos,Clippings,old documents, though to painted tiles, wall plaques and even fridge magnets we are that diverse.

Books are a plenty in the collection we have books pre world war there's a selection from America and even rare books like the bulldog standard from 1913 a bible if you will to the proper breeding of the bulldog, so important even the English kennel club were interested.  If I didn't have my own dream of own day owning/ opening my own museum I would of gave them it, my latest book is by two time World bulldog judge and a winner himself 149 times mr Norman Davis whom is now a friend of mine a great advocate to my venture and signed my book and sent it as a gift so I put it in the collection.

Used by permission of Collectibulldogs

From the top of my head I can say Collectibulldogs owns artworks from the likes of Pollyanna Pickering, Dick Twinney, Tom Wilcox and more current artworks from new artists like loulabelle hales and her sugar skull creations to monty bower a Facebook favourite that I've helped and is now an accomplished colours artist, whereas before she only had the confidence to use plain pencil until I sold her first pieces and she now has orders all the time.

The other two names I know of that are here are Boris o Kline and Cecil Aldin, both of these artists are what I call cartoony in style, Boris painted / illustrated the dirty dogs of Paris! A series of funny pictures where a bunch of different breeds are getting into trouble with his story centring around a small white bulldog and Cecil Aldin is famous for he's illustrations and for the book The Little Rascal where many of his works can be seen.  All artists mentioned are easy to obtain and affordable I may have some corkers here but without time for researching knowledge on art it's a chore I will have to put to one side for now Collectibulldogs, Books Art.

EXTRAS

Used by permission of Collectibulldogs

The website is brand new I had this done when my collection gained museum status it has a live twitter feed, a forum, a brilliant blog archive, Utube, a funny pics page where you the reader can submit pictures to be added, I've added my own bulldog to the header she's so cute it was a no brainer and since the last website that I made I now have Ts and Cs as well as translate and my most important aspect THE SHARE BUTTONS.  I'm a stay at home dad I cannot afford promotion so when people go on recognise a media they are on and share my site it's like gold dust and very much appreciated.

Before I go I would like to say that the next step for us is a local exhibition this year I will be displaying my collection as part of a bigger project I'm in and after that with some hard work and god willing I will be having my very own exhibition which I'm hoping Is the start of a social enterprise. I'm not about money so I want to stick with museums that way the collection get loaned out, stays together, and my daughter has a long term nest egg all I need to sort out is trustees.

Thank you all FROM THE DOGS PAW It was lovely of Noah to invite me to guest post I hope some will check out my little website but I hope more that Noah allows me back again and as I say to my readers stay safe everyone and until next time happy collecting

About the Author:
THIS GUEST BLOG IS DEDICATED TO MY FALLEN COMRADE SCRUFFY LOUISE GOD BLESS HER FOR CHANGING MY LIFE....

E Ashdown curator at Collectibulldogs.

Used by permission of Collectibulldogs

Used by permission of Collectibulldogs

Used by permission of Collectibulldogs

Friday's Friend! Dog Adoption, Operation Paws for Homes

WOOF!! My friend "Miss Ashley" brought by a fun dog for you to meet- Whit!

"Whit"
(C) Operation Paws for Homes

If you are looking for a dog who is ready to play fetch, loves the outdoors and living the active lifestyle, Whit is the girl for you.  At 9-months-old, a Shepherd mix, she is looking for an active human to have fun with but will make her slow down and enjoy the scenery too! She has a pawsome passion for life!

Whit is house and crate trained.

A note from my friends at Operation Paws for Homes: Barkingly, Whit was tested positive for heartworm disease before she arrived at the rescue.  Heartworm disease is transmitted to a dog through a bite from an infected mosquito producing a positive test in six months. Operation Paws for Homes will treat the dog and provide two weeks’ recovery time prior to adoption. Potential adopters will receive detailed information on the disease and their role in completing the recovery process from OPH’s heartworm coordinator. With monthly preventatives, the disease is completely preventable.

Read about heartworm disease here: The Heartworm Society, Pet Owner Resources, Heartworm Basics.

"Whit"
(C) Operation Paws for Homes

Friday's Friend! Dog Adoption, Operation Paws for Homes

"Vivienne"
(C) Operation Paws for Homes

BARKS!  What a beautiful young lady!  Meet Vivienne! A 1-year-old Hound and maybe Boxer mix.  She is looking for her "Forever Home!"

I have to paw, a look into this girls beautiful soulful eyes and you will to take her home! BARK.

Vivienne is a quiet, classy, and reserved pup who would be eternally grateful to find a family who will give her the time she needs to adjust to new enviornments and build her confidence. She is a curious one about all new things who likes to explore.

Vivienne loves other dogs.  She's enjoyed learning for her foster siblings who are teaching her what it’s like to be a dog in a human home. She would really love to have a dog companion in her new home to play with and help her continue to build her confidence. She does get a bit nervous in new surroundings so she'd appreciate a crate she can go to when needing a break.

BARKS! er, maybe MEOWS!  She seems to not mind the fosters resident cat.

With Vivienne's gentle disposition, she gets along well with everyone, including mini-humans, but is slow to trust.  She will need slow introductions to new humans.  Barkingly, she can be won over with a few tasty treats and scratches under her chin.  BARKS!! Works for me too!

Vivienne will be a best friend for life to the human who provides her a safe and loving home.

Interested in meeting Vivienne? Please complete the Operation Paws for Homes Dog Adoption Application.

If you would like to learn more about dog adoption, please visit the Operation Paws for Homes Adoption Guide!

Friday's Friend! Cat Adoption, PetConnect Rescue

I barkingly enjoy when my friend "Cat Lady" stops by for a visit. This week, she's brought two incredibly cool kittens for you to meet.

"Lex and Luther!"
(C) PetConnect Rescue

These two handsome characters, Lex and Luther, were rescued by PetConnect Rescue from a shelter in South Carolina. When "Cat Lady's" cat volunteers saw these adorable fella hugging each other in a crate anxious for cuddling and loving, they just had to rescue them both! MEOW!!!

"Lex"
(C) PetConnect Rescue

Lex is the curious inquisitive one who loves exploring and pouncing on new toys!  When he's not on an adventure, he will happily sit on his human's lap for cuddle time or settle down for a nap with his brother Luther!

MEOWs!  Luther is a pawsitively champion snuggler who loves attention! Other than snuggling, he happily chases toy mice or settling down to a nap with his brother Lex.

Lex and Luther want to be adopted together so they can spend the rest of their lives being "forever cute" together and for you! PURRRRR!!!

These characters have gentleman litterbox manners and are up to date with shots and vaccinations! 

A few notes from my friends at PetConnect Rescue: Adoption fees helps with the cost of routine vet care. Cats adopted through PetConnect Rescue

"Luther"
(C) PetConnect Rescue

must be indoor only, and may not be declawed (unless already declawed at the time of rescue). The first step in approving adoption applicants is to complete a vet check. Vetting of current and past pets is very important to PetConnect Rescue, thus we will be speaking with​ the vet(s) listed on your application to ensure​ that your ​current and previous ​pet(s) are kept up to date on vaccines​ (including​ rabies​)​, spayed or neutered and ​examined annually by your vet.​
If you would like to meet Lex and Luther, please complete the PetConnect Rescue Cat Adoption Application.

If you would like to learn more about cat adoption, please visit the PetConnect Rescue Cat Adoption Guide!

Friday's Friend! Dog Adoption, Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.

"Mason"
(C) Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.

Meet Mason, my friend "Lab Lady" brought him by this week for you to meet.  He reminds me of myself when I was a young spry 2-year-old Black Labrador pup!

Barks, Mason is looking for humans who do not live in the midst of crazy city noise of traffic and groups of humans!  He would like his home to be in a single-family house located in a suburban or rural area with a fenced backyard!  BARK! BARK! WOOF!

"Mason"
(C) Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.

When I was a young spat, many dog years ago, full of energy and puppy youthfulness, I was like Mason who is playful, fun, likes to fetch, plays ball, runs in the yard, enjoys bones and gets along with other dogs!  WOOF!!   

My human loves all of those pawsome traits about me, and still does, as I haven't slowed down much with age- I made a pawsome addition to my human's family - much like Mason will be to yours.  

Mason is a silly guy, like most young pups, he's crate and house trained, who gets along well with other dogs.  And, barking, like most Labs, and humans too, he enjoys mealtime! 

Mason can use some work on his leash walking and not jumping on humans. 

He is a sweet, happy, active boy and will be a blast to his "Forever Family!"

Watch him play at: Mason Having a Ball!

If you like to meet Mason, and learn more about dog adoption, please complete the Lab Rescue Dog Adoption Application.

Friday's Friend! Dog Adoption, Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League

"Murdock"
(C) Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League

WOOF!!! My friend the "Great Dane Dame" has had too much fun caring for Great Danes these days. Seems she's got several to look after and since they are so large, they look after her- BARK! BARK! She was escorted by a handsome older gentleman to meet you!

Meet Mr. Murdock! He is a Brindle Great Dane with natural ears with a kind and sweet face!

Though Murdock will turn 10 in December, he is healthy and loves to go for walks, car rides and hanging out with his buddies, a Miniature Schnauzer, a few mid-size mixed breed dogs, two older cats and two rabbits in his foster home.

"Murdock"
(C) Mid-Atlantic
Great Dane Rescue League

When he first arrived at his foster home, Murdock had difficulty getting up and down but after a few acupuncture sessions, good food and some quality supplements he is doing much better!

Murdock seems to enjoy the attention of mini-humans when out walking but not so much medium sized dogs. Barkingly, he is great with the one in his foster home, but not when leashed.

Murdock just loves to be petted, brushed and loved on. In return, he will give you the most pawsome "Dane Leans" and gentle nudges!

Murdock is looking for pawsome humans to open their heart to a sweet, older gentleman- you won’t regret one minute of the love a senior Dane can give.

Interested in meeting Murdock and learning more about dog adoption? Please complete the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League Dog Adoption Application.

"Murdock"
(C) Mid-Atlantic
Great Dane Rescue League

Friday's Friend! Cat Adoption, Prince William Humane Society

"Monti"
(C) Prince William Humane Society

 WOOF!! Meet my new friend "Monti" from the Prince William Humane Society.  He is very affectionate, 15 years old, has pawcellent litterbox manners and healthy.

Monti is looking for a "Forever Home" and humans to love!  If you are interested, he will be happy to interview you and review your application to adoption him at the Prince William County Animal Shelter, 14807 Bristow Road, Manassas, VA.  Shelter hours are Tuesday - Friday, 11 a.m. –5 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sunday 12 – 4 p.m.

This fella is sure to win your heart! Monti's cat adoption fees are sponsored by a human friend so they are waived for you.

"Monti"
(C) Prince William Humane Society

Dog Breeds! Rottweiler and Rottweiler Mixes

BARKS! Each month, I like to share about a dog breed so humans can have more detail about dogs when they are ready to begin looking for one adopt.  My girlfriend, don't tell my human I don't think he knows yet, is a beautiful Rottweiler!  She is a purebred and an awesome angel.  BARK!!!

Anyway, be sure to research the breeds you're interested in so you'll make a pawsome choice!

Do you have a Rottweiler as a family member?  What do you like or dislike?  Please share in the comments below!  WOOF!!!!!!

 

Looking for a Rottweiler Dog or Puppy? Why Not Adopt!

Presidents Day: Top-10 Presidential Pet Names

With Presidents’ Day yesterday, I want to paw with you Petplan’s top-10 list of Presidential themed names.

Using Petplan data, we found that more pets are named after past Republican presidents than Democrats—by almost double! The Commander-in-Chief commanding the most copycat names? Theodore Roosevelt, of course (that’s Teddy for short).

Here’s our top-10 Presidential pet names:

Used by Permission, Petplan Pet Insurance

Honorable mention for originality goes to Catvin Coolidge!

First Lady names are also in fashion—from Mary Todd Lincoln to Eleanor Roosevelt, pet parents love paying tribute to the women of the White House.


To learn more about Petplan Pet Insurance and it's products, visit, See How Petplan Stacks Up Against Other Insurance Providers.

Friday's Friend! Cat Adoption, Homeless Animals Rescue Team

"Ash"
(C) Homeless Animals Rescue Team

WOOF!! I was pawleasantly surprised this week by a friend at Homeless Animals Rescue Team who brought by these pawsome meowingly grand twin brothers, Ash and Cinder- they were so cool!!

These two twin brothers will win your heart fast!  They are full of personality, completely stunning, and very playful!  MEOW!! BARK!  Ash and Cinder have a lot to offer.

Do you have questions about Ash and Cinder or about cat adoption?  Please contact Kim!

If you are interested in adopting Ash and Cinder, please complete the Homeless Animals Rescue Team Cat Adoption Application.

"Cinder"(C) Homeless Animals Rescue Team

Friday's Friend, Dog Adoption, Operation Paws for Homes

"Kalei"
(C) Operation Paws for Homes

My pawsome friend "Miss Ashley" shared some pawcellent detail about Operation Paws for Homes she wants you to know about-!

"Well Noah, Thanks to our wonderful network of volunteers and supporters, Operation Paws for Homes rescued 107 dogs in January! Also in January: 88 dogs were adopted! 12 beds, 2 bags of dog jackets, 3 bags of toys, 6 bags/boxes of treats and about 400 lbs. of food were sent to underfunded shelters in NC and SC!" says "Miss Ashley!"

My friend, "Miss Joanne" brought by her friend Kalei for you to meet!

Kalei is a 40 lbs. Labrador/Terrier mix who loves snuggling, going on adventures walking or running, going on car rides, socializing with humans and other dogs, loves going everywhere with her human and watching TV!  WOOFs! BARK!

Kalei will benefit from a basic obedience course to learn basic manners and how to properly act during crate time.

Interested in meeting Kalei?  Please complete the Operation Paws for Homes Dog Adoption Application.

If you would like to learn more about dog adoption, please visit the Operation Paws for Homes Adoption Guide.

Friday's Friend! Dog Adoption, Prince William Humane Society

"Aurora"
(C) Prince William Humane Society

My human and I are barkingly happy to be partnering with the Prince William Humane Society in Dumfries, VA assisting them in their work of helping dogs and cats get adopted! WOOF!!  We have had the oppawtunity to photograph and write for them- it's so pawsome!  BARKS!!!  I got to go to work with my human one day and meet the pawsome humans working here.  WOOFs!

Paws, I'd like you to meet Aurora.  She has been a the Prince William County Animal Shelter since the day after Christmas looking for humans to love and a "Forever Home!"

Are you looking for a lifelong furry companion?  Aurora might be the gal for you - she have a pawsitively lovely nature and pawcellent manners.  She is good on a leash and takes her treats from humans very gently.  She isn't one for fetching though.   She will love her way into your heart!

Aurora wants to be your one and only- dog that is- so she doesn't have to share your lovin's with anyone else- can't blame her as that's what I like too!  WOOFs!!!

Pawsingly, Aurora is being sponsored by some pawsome humans so her adoption fees are waived!

If you would like to meet Aurora and learn more about dog adoption, please contact the Prince William Humane Society.  Barkingly, you can stop the Prince William County Shelter, 14807 Bristow Road, Manassas, to visit with her. Shelter hours are Tuesday through Friday 11 AM – 5 PM, Saturday 10 AM – 4 PM, and Sunday 12 – 4 PM. The shelter is closed on Mondays and all county holidays. BARKS!!

Friday's Friend, Dog Adoption, Operation Paws for Homes

"Lemonade Momma!"
(C) Operation Paws for Homes

My friend "Miss Ashley" from Operation Paws for Homes brought by a sweet gal for you to meet this week.  Lemonade Momma, a Hound mix is one cool lady- she raised her two litters of puppies, found them good homes and is now looking a "Forever Home!"

Lemonade Momma is house and crate trained.   She loves her toys and playing alone or with her human.  She would love to learn agility too!  She is working on obedience which includes leash walking.

Lemonade Momma loves other dogs, is good with mini-humans and no history of cats!

Interested in meeting "Lemonade Momma" and learning more about dog adoption?  Please complete the Operation Paws for Homes Dog Adoption Application,or mail: adopt@ophrescue.org.

If you would like to learn more about dog adoption, please visit the Operation Paws for Homes Adoption Guide,

"Lemonade Momma!"
(C) Operation Paws for Homes