I just placed an order for #23 for my mom. She has expressed several times that she has no interest in a Today doll. I am hoping to change her mind, a little bit anyway.

I am going to turn #23 into Brenda. My mom was born 10/19/52, and in the early 60s (and now) she was bangless with blue eyes, light brown hair and freckles. My grandma and I went through several photo albums yesterday, so I have ideas for at least three garments. The "meet" outfit will be a replica from Christmas picture from 1961. The picture is black & white, but my grandma remembers the dress clearly, as she made it. It had a pink taffeta skirt. The bodice was sleeveless, white with tiny pink embroidered flowers. She is wearing a darker pink angora cardigan over it. And of course, white lacy socks and black patent Mary Janes.

I am going to have the picture copied to include with the doll. I purchased a replacement historical collection doll box several weeks ago. The one thing I have to find is a tiny black puppy. Just a week or so before Christmas, my mom crawled under the house to rescue this little puppy, who she named Spike. In the picture with the pink dress, Spike is tucked under my mom's arm.

So, if anyone has ideas or finds a source for a black puppy (no particular breed, but lab or Cocker type would fit the bill well), please let me know. Judging by using my step-mom's Steiff animals & Marlot, I need something between 3-4" to be the correct proportions.

Thanks for any help! Pictures coming after Christmas, of course!
Heather