It's never too early to start thinking about that holiday list.
Impossibles (people who don't need anything themselves)? For any occasion, a gift tagged to Ruff or Fluffy will be a hit. Gift certificates are always correct and probably actually better if you're not familiar with the recipient's play habits.

Chewapalooza3

What have we here?

Reincarnation of The Jolly Green Giant?

Could be ... I never know how, who or what these things will turn out to be. He's a big'un which I was just finishing when my sister came for a visit. Hadn't planned he'd be going home with her, just wanted to see how the fabric would work up. Plain old double-knit, first that was really pretty. Most I find looks like '70s pantsuits, not the greatest colors.

"Dixie and Jake love it, and it is holding up quite well."

Neither color in pics is true, doesn't matter - that was all of the fabric, can't make another toy. It was about four yards, 45 or 54 or so inches wide (who me remember?). Point being, a lotta fabric makes a big toy. If you happen to have yardage you changed your mind about, send it and I can use it. Or check retail sale bins, garage sales and even thrift stores. Thanks to all who offered fabric - I have plenty. Meant if anyone has fabric they really like, I can work with it instead of mine. Wherever material comes from, I wash and rinse thoroughly. While no germies or soap residue remain, even brand new fleece, flannel and a few other fabrics can get a little pilly in the process.

Six months later Jolly Green was still hanging together, although seriously disjointed. Of course Santa delivered a few more of Auntie's toys for distraction.

Miss Charlie (white) is Mr. Farley's new little sis, they're getting along just fine. The toy actually belongs to Charlie.

Side note: Since adopting Charlie, we have not been disappointed at all. She's a very loving pup and so glad to see you when you come home from a hard day at work.

The beautiful Miss Hannah is showing off her special order, the Sparky Hannah, named also for her tug partner. Sparky hides when the flash goes off, Mom's waiting for an outside shot opportunity.

The double-stitched jeans seams are very durable with or without the rubber tubing. This one didn't turn out exactly as planned, which is "normal." Particularly funny in this case because after several specs discussions, including exactly how apart the tug ends should be, it's mostly being chewed.

This thing is huge, close to 18 inches at widest tip to tip with knots and braids of every size. Color is more maroon than red. Suitable for Christmas or any time: $55.00 + postage.

Flip side, showing tubing braid. Somebody is going to have a quite a job working it all undone.

Doubtful another blanket like it will pop up right away. Look closely ... Baby's First Christmas wraps around the "head."

And, even has a little Teddy bear (middle left).

Order this one before it gets away! $32.50 + 5.50

http://www.therealmartha.com/cheworderform/index.htm

Order form isn't necessary, see directly below.

Questions: MarthaJones1@aol.com

Some of the below are still available, the others will give an idea of variety. Custom orders are always welcome. I need to know how each dog plays (tug, chew, fetch) and how tough their bite. Combo tubing and fabric styles are the safest bet for picky chewers. Some dogs prefer rubber, the odd one hates it.  Easiest starting point is telling me how much you want to spend. We will e-mail back and forth about choices until everybody's happy. I also have a good supply not pictured yet.

Please don't leave holiday orders 'til the last minute.

I've been meaning to tell you about our newest addition to the family. Chica, just loves the Chewapalooza.  She always gets it out of the toy basket first. :)

Chica's Chewa is a hand-me-down. Hey Mom, looks like you need to tie a few new knots in that long loose piece (~.*)

Mom's update: Chica has more fun with that chewy. It really is her favorite toy. We tied more knots and she loves to play tug-a-war with us. Little sneak will pull really hard and then let go and pop us a good one now and then.

Chica flips it up in the air now and then, too, and she and Fergie fight over it sometimes. Fergie doesn't particularly play with it, but she will get it and not let Chica have it just for the fun of it. :)

Chica and Fergie (at right) were tugging, but when I got the camera ... of course they quit. 

Poly knit (not as messy as woven fabric), about 11 inches tall including headdress which can be used as tug look. One "hand" is also a tug loop, arms and legs are different sized 4-ply braids and knots.

Cotton/poly knit, about 7 inches long (depends on how you look at it), headdress NOT a loop. Price tag is hiding the braid. "Feet" (4) are knotted tubing and doubled fabric (actually the cuffs on kid PJs).

Lightest weight tubing braided with poly knit.

Cotton/poly knit, extra knots in braid. 9-inch floppy piece can also be tied into a loop.

Denim fabric, no rubber. No tug loops but you can hand onto a fat knot. One "arm" is 3/4 inch in diameter braided, body is about 1 inch and 1/2, bottom appendages are all different size "hors d'oeuvres."

More rubber than fabric, green is next strength above yellow.

Shorty with fleece tug loop ~ $6 + postage.

About eight inches vertically, counting yarn "skirt" ~ $11 + postage.

3 & 1/2 feet (on tag) refers to length of tubing ~ $13.50 + postage.

Two lengths of belt canvas with rawhide danglies that cats love too ~ $12.50 + postage.

2 & 1/2 feet of blue tubing which is the second toughest and "lamb's wool" ~ great for a large, pretty young puppy ~ $12.50 + postage.

Double-knit denim look tough guy ~ $11.50 + postage.

All tubing sizes are available by the foot. Strongest (black) is $3, at least three or four feet are needed for tying a few plain knots. It's too thick to braid. Blue, next size down is $2.75, red is $2.50, green is $2.25 and yellow is $2 per foot. All except black can be braided. Most dogs chew the knots loose (rather than through) which sets "the snake" flopping ~ great fun. Then, tie new knots for whole new challenge.

That's all for now, stay tuned. Request updates: MarthaJones1@aol.com

Subject line must be Toy info or Toy update, too risky opening unknowns.  If I don't reply in a day or three, please try again - aol eats mail.

Follow links for more toy examples and lots of happy critters at play pics.

http://www.therealmartha.com/Chewapalooza/index.htm

http://www.therealmartha.com/Chewapalooza2/index.htm

http://www.therealmartha.com/Chewa4/index.htm

http://www.therealmartha.com/UKOsDogToys/

http://www.therealmartha.com/BostonsToy/ ~ Reserved for Bostons only

More critter pages, a little bit of everything from funnies to educational, including serious humane issues: http://www.therealmartha.com/CritterIndex/index.htm