Regardless of which dog registry you are considering, it is important for you to understand the benefits of dog registration. For example, registering your dog provides valid proof that you are his owner. Obtaining this proof is one of the first steps towards becoming a responsible pet owner.  If your dog is purebred, registering him helps ensure that his pedigree remains intact from one generation to the next.  Purebred dog registries provide other benefits, such as maintenance of birth records.  You can still enjoy the benefits of dog registration even if your dog is not purebred. Registries such as the Dog Registry of America and the National Hybrid Registry accept non-purebred dogs.  Remember that registration is  not  proof of breed quality. This is more applicable if you are looking to purchase a purebred dog, rather than registering your own. If you are only interested in registering your dog for proof of ownership, then getting an Identichip/microchip implanted in your dog is best. If your dog gets lost and is picked up by a rescue, the shelter will scan the chip, pick up the unique number, and be able to reunite the two of you. The three most reputable and well-known all-breed registries in North America are the AKC, the United Kennel Club, and the Canadian Kennel Club. It may be helpful to start your search with these registries to determine if your dog is eligible for registration.  The website http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/dogregistry/dogclubsregistries.htm provides a comprehensive list of dog registries for both purebred and non-purebred dogs. If you have a service dog, consider registering him with a service dog registry, such as the United States Service Dog Registry.  Some dog breeds are so rare that they are not listed on the more common dog registries. The American Rare Breed Association has a registry for rare dog breeds (e.g., wirehaired Vizsla, miniature American shepherd).  There are also breed-specific registries, such as the registry associated with the Australian Shepherd Club of America. Not all dog registries are created equal. Dog registries that primarily cater to puppy mills are not reputable and should be avoided. Also, be suspicious of dog registries that do not require a valid proof of pedigree.  Do not use dog registries that require only a photo of your dog as proof of his pedigree. Reputable dog registries are non-profit organizations. Be wary of dog registries that are for-profit companies. Avoid dog registries that do not have a code of ethics or set of standards that registrants must follow. Some online registries may be especially unscrupulous by charging unreasonably high fees or disappearing after receiving your payment.  Consider speaking with your veterinarian, other dog owners, or a reputable breeder for recommendations on respectable registries.

Summary: Learn why you should register your dog. Determine where you want to register your dog. Avoid suspicious or non-reputable dog registries.


Don’t be tempted to read the letter before it is time. Seal it in an envelope or tape it closed. This will also help preserve the letter, especially if you don’t plan to read it for 10-20 years. If your letter is digital, archive it or move it to a folder that you can find when it is time to read the letter. If you’ve chosen to write or print a hardcopy of your letter, you need to keep it somewhere that is both readily accessible and safe from the elements. If the letter itself isn’t easy to spot in your everyday life, you’ll need to write yourself a note that will be; otherwise, you may forget about the letter when it’s finally time to read it. You can store the letter in a memory box or even put it in a time capsule. If you keep a journal, consider writing the letter directly in your journal and marking the page, or writing the letter separately and tucking it in between the pages of your journal. Search out and use a program, website, or application that will let you send emails/texts to your future self. Note, though, that this option works better for short-term letters than long-term ones since you can’t be certain that the website or application you use will still be around 20 years into the future. You might consider using a digital calendar (like Google Calendars), note-taking software (like Evernote), or a letter-writing website (like FutureMe).

Summary: Seal the letter. Store the letter in a safe place. Use technology to send your letter.


Cut the front of the card away from the back. Next, cut the front of the card into puzzle shapes; draw the lines out first if you need to. Try to put them back together again when you are done.  Cards with full images, such as a Christmas scene, work better than cards with a single image or word. Keep your puzzle inside an envelope or empty candy tin. Cut a card in half using the crease as a guide. Cut 25 sheets of paper down to the same size as the card. Sandwich the paper between the front and back covers of the card. Staple the card along the edge: once at each end and once in the middle.  You can use printer paper, binder paper, or sketchbook paper. If you want a nicer finish, use cardstock or thin cardboard for the back of the notebook instead of the back of the card. For a nicer finish, wrap patterned washi tape over the top edge of the notebook to hide the staples. Cut the covers off of 4 vertically-oriented cards. Use an awl or a mini hole punch to poke a series of holes along each of the long edges. Thread a yarn needle with yarn or twine, then sew the long edges together with a blanket or whipstitch to make a block. Use the luminary with LED candles.  Use cards that are from the same event or holiday. Don't mix and match cards, such as birthday and Christmas. Make sure that the cards are all the same size and height, otherwise, the luminary will turn out crooked. Take cards from an event, such as a wedding, and cut the covers off. Glue the cards together to create a rectangle or square. Use a craft blade to cut a hole from the middle a little smaller than a photograph. Choose a photo from the event, then glue it to the back of the frame, so that it shows through the hole. Overlap the cards to create a collaged effect. Choose a ceramic or cork tile, then trace it onto a card. Cut your tracing out, then glue it to the front of the tile with waterproof decoupage glue. Seal the top and edges of the card with more decoupage glue. Let the glue dry, then add a second coat.  If you are using a ceramic tile, glue felt or cork dots to the back so you don't scratch your table. Some glues need to cure for several days. Read the label on the bottle for complete drying instructions. You can use this technique to decoupage the cards onto other items, such as boxes or notebooks.
Summary: Cut a fancy card up to make a puzzle. Staple paper to the back of a card to make a mini notebook. Cut apart 4 cards, then stitch them together to make a luminary. Make a frame out of cards from a memorable event. Decoupage cards onto tiles to make coasters.