Make a Scrapbook for Your Puppy

Puppies grow quickly, so making a scrapbook for your new family member is a great way to capture memories while your dog is still young. Just like children, your puppy will experience many 'firsts', so have a camera ready to chronicle the events, and collect other memorabilia that would be appropriate for your puppy's scrapbook.

You've chosen puppy-related scrapbooking paper, layouts and embellishments, but now what do you do? The items below may spark ideas on what to include in your puppy's scrapbook.

Puppy's Birth Announcement

If you purchased your pet from a breeder, they may have photos of your puppy with his littermates. Make a scrapbook layout in the form of a birth announcement and include your puppy's first picture and reserve a spot for a paw print. Did you answer an ad for a puppy? Print the text of the ad to include as part of the announcement layout. If available, a photo of his sire and dam would be appropriate on a facing page.

Scrapbook Puppy's Homecoming

Make a scrapbook page for puppy's first day in his new home. Did he sleep all the way home, or get sick from the car ride? Add some text to the layout about that first day; list what food he's eating and how many times you got up to check on him through the night. Include a photo in his new bed with all the toys you bought him.

What's in a Name?

How did you name your puppy? If the pup was given a 'people' name, write or print out some text about the meaning of the name. Did the kids get involved in choosing a name? Journal about how your furry friend was named.

Characteristics of Your Puppy's Breed

If your dog is purebred, research the breed and type or journal a few characteristics. Make comments about your pet's behavior or appearance that seem to fit the breed standard.

Mixed breed dogs have special qualities of their own, so don't leave them out!

First Trip to the Vet

Your puppy will likely get shots and a physical exam soon after you bring him home. Make a scrapbook layout page that lists his weight, and add pertinent comments from the veterinarian or about the experience in general. How did the puppy tolerate the visit? Piddle on the floor? Bite the vet?

Your little ball of fluff will be grown before you know it so grab those special moments while you can. Use these ideas to inspire more of your own - and don't forget to make Grandma's Brag Book.