This and That Thursday and Advent Calendar Day 5!

The Pet Blogger Gift Exchange

Last year, one of the sweetest holiday gifts I received was a post written by Kristine from Rescued Insanity.

I had been following Kristine and her adventures with Shiva for a long time on Twitter so her kind words and her most gracious "Loyalty Award" were a balm to my wounded holiday spirit.

That post and the social media love that came with it were the brain-child of Pamela from Something Wagging This Way Comes. Her idea of the "Pet Blogger Gift Exchange" where bloggers are paired up to give the gift of social affection to other bloggers is so unique only other bloggers would really get it.

And yet this year, I really didn't think I had it in me to commit to one. more. thing.

I'm glad I got over it and at the last minute signed up to participate. I was immediately matched with "Our Four-Legged Family" which features the very handsome canine Diggs as well as a beautiful kitty named Isis.

I now have the holiday task of getting to know these four-leggers and their family better and couldn't wish for a more lovely way to spend my holiday. If you haven't met them yet, hop on over to say hello. Diggs just had minor surgery and I know his Momma could use some words of commiseration.

The Blogville Christmas Card Exchange

'Tis also the season for the Blogville Christmas Card Exchange and we have been so smitten with all the cards and eGreetings we've been receiving. All our cards were sent out earlier this week so hopefully it's raining er, snowing Bella across the globe at this time. For those who didn't join in the fun, don't worry, we'll have lots of out-takes and the cards to share later this month.

The Advent Calendar for Dog Lovers Event

Finally, today is Day 5 of the Advent Calendar for Dog Lovers. Today is sponsored by Dog Lover Gift Baskets and is absolutely a dream-come-true for any dog lover. You do not want to miss entering this one.

It's time for the Advent Calendar for Dog Lovers hosted by Kol's Notes, Heart Like a Dog, My Brown Newfies, My GBGV Life & Bringing Up Bella! 24 giveaways in 24 days, plus a grand prize worth more than $500 - who wants to win?

Today's giveaway is sponsored by Dog Lover Gift Baskets. You could win dog-centric gift basket for pups & people. Click here to check out the Advent Calendar and enter today's giveaway!

This and That Thursday: A couple of announcements

First, we here at Bringing up Bella are pleased to share this special announcement from our friends over at Kol's Notes:

Art pieces make a unique and thoughtful gift.

With the holidays approaching, everyone is looking to find gifts that will show their loved ones how much they care. What better way to honour the pet lover in your life than with a custom drawing of their furry friend - past or present?

With only a few weeks left until the Holiday deadline (all orders must be placed by Dec. 1 in order to receive the finished piece before the holidays), AJ Emm wants to give you a gift:a custom portrait of the special pet (or person) in your life.

One lucky winner will receive a single pet illustration or a digital portrait, custom made based on their own loved ones pictures.

(If you have already ordered a portrait or want to order one to ensure holiday delivery, the cost will be refunded to you or you can choose to have a second custom piece created.)

Click here to order your portrait now and enter below for your chance to win.
(Save 25% by using coupon code UNICORN at the check out!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Next, we'd like to announce our own very special upcoming event: an auction to benefit Save a Sato rescue in Puerto Rico.

When I attended the BlogPaws conference in May, I was lucky enough to win a beautiful black diamond paw print pendant from the ASCPA.

Unfortunately, I don't really wear jewelry so I have decided, with approval from the ASCPA, to auction off the necklace and donate the proceeds to Bella's original rescue, Save a Sato.

I haven't worked out all the details yet but as soon as I do, I will post all the information here, so stay tuned. To sweeten the pot, I will double match the winning bid (up to $500). This would make a lovely holiday gift for you or the dog-lover in your life.

We are very excited to have this opportunity and most grateful to the ASCPA for their generosity. Bear with me as I work out the logistics of this. A full post with the details about it will be coming soon.

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This and That Thursday is brought to you by 2 Brown Dawgs and Ruckus the Eskie.