My heart is heavy for you and your family. The love of a dog is like no other. Steadfast and unconditional. She will, no doubt, be by your side during your future runs. My Christmas wish is that all the dogs at the Humane Society of Western Montana should find a home as lovely as Alice, and live a life as long and rich.

I am so so sorry to hear about Alice. She had a wonderful life with your family. I hope the girls are doing okay. What a great way to honor her.

Sending love and strength. and hugs.

such great stuff!!! Sending love to you all. Alice had a great life with you guys!

What a nice idea! Fingers crossed I win.

I cried at work when I read your post about Alice. I too grieve the passing of my beloved fur child. Thanks for always providing such a heartfelt read, hope, and inspiration. Sending you strength and happy thoughts this holiday season.

My thoughts are with you and your family. Losing a pet is so hard! We adopted all our dogs from the Humane Society of Western Montana and I am so happy to see others giving back!

Sending lots of love to your family about Alice, looks like you have had some wonderful ways of celebrating her life. What a special gift she was to your family.
These are some amazing companies! Love Rainbow Friday!!! I would love to do this again with you next year! Thanks for giving back to the community everyone!!! **Love the new apron’s Nici!!!**

I’ve loved getting to know Alice through your words and pictures over the years. She will be missed.

So sorry to hear about Alice. May rainbow Friday bring love to all!

Sending hugs to you and your family!

You’ve inspired me in so many different ways and you continue to do so. You care so much about your family and friends, and give back in many forms. I hope to fulfill my life like you’re doing with yours. Sending love and prayers to your family, losing a dog is like losing your best friend. May God give you and your family the strength to get through this tough time!

Losing a pet is oh so hard. Love to your family & happy holidays…

I love this community of giving and receiving, and adore this collection of shops and your reminder to support each one this holiday season! thank you, Nici!

Sorry for you loss. I hope you and your family are holding up. I am sure it is particularly hard for the girls. 🙁

You are very inspiring Nici! This is a wonderful idea.

I am so sorry for the loss of Alice, I cried a few times that day as I have an aging lab with medical issues I am dealing with…..love to your family during the Holidays 🙂

My condolences to your and yours on the loss of Alice. The pictures of her always make me smile… She led such a grace filled life with her forever family! I’ve found a few things in your Rainbow Friday information that I’m pretty sure I need – thank you for sharing such a great way to give.

What a wonderful collection of shops full of beautiful gifts! Love this idea of giving back and also shopping small businesses. Trying to complete most Christmas shopping this year through small businesses.

So many beautiful things!

I’ve been thinking about your family’s loss of Alice for the past week. You gave her such a wonderful life. She reminds me so much of our boy, Darwin, who is 11 this year. He’s slowing down a little (which is to say, he now acts like he’s about 5), and it kills me to think he won’t be with our family forever. Sending love to you and your beautiful family.

So sorry to hear about Alice 🙁 We have an elderly cat we took in when my aunt died and I am dreading the day she passes… it’s the last real connection to my aunt that we have, you know?

This is such a beautiful way to honor Alice. Sending much love to your family as you celebrate her life this season and always.

Nici, I am so sorry for your loss. My family just got a puppy in July, before then I don’t think I could understand how much your dog becomes part of your family and your heart. Sending thoughts and good vibes your way. I love your blog and I especially love this giveaway. <3

Such a beautiful remembrance. Dogs are such great parts of our families… Sorry for your family’s loss.
Such wonderful collections of items to support rainbow Friday!

I am so sad to hear about Alice. My heart hurts for you all. Lovely pretty things to distract us for a moment though. I love that you’ve created Rainbow Friday and are honoring your loyal sweet Alice.

Sorry to hear about Alice. She sounds like she was an amazing dog. I’m happy that she was a part of the world and you and your family got to spend the best times with her.

Oh Alice. What a great way to incorporate her into this holiday. I love Alice and I love you. And cheers to small businesses and color!!!

This is so awesome.

Sending love your way for the loss of your Alice. It is easy to see that she was beloved.

I’m excited to click on these links and support a new to me small business. My husband is at work right now keeping our family’s small business afloat. I know the time, the dedication, the lifeblood well. Thanks for being a strong voice for the small business owner!

I am so sorry to hear about Alice.

Our lives are so different from one another’s but the thread of family and love makes me feel so at home with your writing.

Thank you for being a true, honest, funny, loving voice.

Thinking of you in your loss of Alice. Thanks for the great give a ways!

Your blog has brought me many smiles. Sending you love and light on the loss of your beloved Alice. Thanks for hosting such an amazing giveaway – everything is awesome!

Such a great way to turn awfull consumerism into a great shopping day from handmades!

So sorry to hear about Alice – I can imagine how empty your home feels without her by your side. It is a lovely touch to make the giveaway in her honour, wishing you a peaceful Xmas and many happy memories.

Thanks for the chance at winning such fabulous stuff!

Nici-I’m so sorry about Alice, and can only think about how your life, and your kids’!, was blessed to have her in it and vice versa. This one way you’re honoring her life is awesome. I wish you patience and grace as you move through the healing process.

My dog Bela wants to give a big thanks to You and Alice for all the extra love she has gotten this past week. Reading about you losing Alice broke my heart and has been a much needed reminder of how much I love my pup and am actually THANKFUL for her 100lb shadow following my every move around my tiny house.

I am so sad for your family with the loss of Alice. I cried when I read the news on Instagram last week. Hugs to you.

beautiful things!!

Alice was a soul-dog, those are the hardest to lose. Love to you and your family.

What a wonderful collection! Thanks for bringing all that goodness together!

So sorry about your sweet pup. It’s always so sad to lose a furry loved one.

So sorry to hear of your loss. I’m excited to do a little shopping for some unique gifts and really awesome give back causes!

please enter me in the giveaway

I’m so sorry about Alice. She was such a beautiful part of your family.

The picture of you and Alice brings tears to my eyes. I have not met either of you, but your love for each other is palpable. I am sure that she will live on in your memories forever. And what a lovely honour to donate money in her name. All of the goods mentioned above look amazing! Happy Christmas shopping!

<3 for Alice.
Reading that, made me look over at my snoring lab on the other end of the couch and wonder what life would be life without his "helping", shadowing me ways.

Hugs to you and your family.

Such a lovely idea! Some of my favorite handmade shops and a few new to check out :). This appeals to me so much more than the Black Friday big box store madness, so thank you for the breath of fresh air!

I love these products! Would love to win!

Thanks for another wonderful rainbow Friday.

So sorry for the loss of your beloved Alice.

Sweet Alice, I’ll miss hearing about her here in your space!

I am sorry about your beloved Alice. Thank you for caring about animals and children and this world. It inspires others.

I’m so sorry for your loss Nici and family…

What a great tribute to a special dog…

I am so, so sorry about Alice. I hope this family-holiday time is a little bit healing. Somehow staying all cozy sounds lovely during such a hard loss time.
Thanks for the lovely contest… 🙂
Much love to all!

Beautiful goods from talented artisans! So sorry about your wonderful doggy.

You are so inspirational..

I’m so sorry about Alice but happy that she had eleven beautiful years with your family x

Simply beautiful items with a simple beautiful gesture of giveaways during this holiday. The calendar is amazing….hoping to win it!

So pleased you are doing this again this year! My heart goes out to you guys with the loss of sweet Alice. Xo

sweet alice will be missed near and far. what a lovely collection to share to honor her life.

So many wonderful shops listed here! Thanks for the chance at the giveaways.

Sorry about your sweet dog. It is the kindest thing that she was home with her family when she passed away. Wishing you all well!

So many wonderful companies and products. So sorry for your loss…we are so blessed that our pets spend their entire life with us while we only get to spend a small portion of our life with them. But her spirit will stay with you forever.

Beautiful bowls, I just ordered some! We love supporting local shops, even from out here in CA. So sorry about Alice.

I am so very sorry about the loss of your sweet Alice. What a wonderful and amazing companion and family member she has been. I am so thankful there are people like you in the world who value the lives of these amazing animals and provide them with more than just a place to sleep and food to eat. She truly was a part of your family. We have lost two of our furry family members this year – Hannah who was 16 and Copper who was 14. I miss them every single day. To honor them, we adopted another rescue from our local animal shelter (which sadly is not a no-kill shelter). I hope when the time is right, Alice will lead another wonderful companion into your lives.
With heartfelt sympathy to all of you,
Michelle

I love the idea of Rainbow Friday. Thank you for bringing this and all these wonderful companies to our awareness.

I am so very sorry for your loss.

I am so sorry for your loss. I always loved reading about her adventures with your family. I know she was deeply cherished and will be greatly missed.

A dogs only fault is that they don’t live as long as we do.

sorry for your loss. sending lots of love your family’s way!
rainbow friday is so rad!

I’m so sorry about your sweet Alice. Hugs to you and your family, who must be missing her terribly.

So rough to lose a family member like a wonderful dog. She was certainly loved. <3

I’m so sorry for the loss of Alice. I remember like yesterday the loss of my dogs when I was younger. What a wonderful way to honour her memory.

I’m so sorry for your families loss! Alice had a beautiful life with you guys and this a wonderful way to pay to it forward!

Thinking of you and your family. I’m so sorry for your loss. xo.

Ah! Just came across your blog through my friends at The Dharma Door. Love what you are doing here. Keep it up:)

Long time reader who has never commented before. My breath caught in my throat when I read about Alice. I am so very sorry, Nici. What a wonderful life you gave her, and what a wonderful life she gave you. xx

What great businesses to give back! So sorry to hear about Alice hugs to your famiy.

I’m sorry for your loss, I know she was your sweet friend, she is going to love my Jessie and Mags in heaven.

I’m sorry to hear about Alice, I have 3 special dogs in our lives and two are 10+ years.

I love a the products shown and love supporting my own local businesses.

such a great idea! and so so sorry for the loss of alice – what an incredible creature and family member she was. looking forward to supporting small businesses – especially those giving back!

Very sad to hear about Alice – she will be greatly missed. It’s good to see so many small/local businesses spotlighted here. Everything shown is just beautiful.

I am blown away the abundance of generosity, kindness and thoughtfulness that every business has put forward. Thank you.

So sorry to hear about Alice. My daughter’s middle name is Alice- solid and strong and kind. So much love to you during this time of loss.

So sorry to hear about Alice. She was a beauty. Our dog dies 2 years ago at 15. We are still looking for another, but she has huge shoes to fill. We share stories and laugh about her everyday.

Oh Nici. My heart is so heavy for you and your family. Please know my family is sending your family love and strength. Alice will be missed. I always enjoyed seeing and reading your adventures with her. Blessings beautiful Alice.

Sending love and comforting thoughts to you and your family. Alice was so lucky to have you all.

Such an amazing list of items! Wow!!

Again, so sorry to hear about Alice. Our pets are truly parts of our families and we grieve for them after their way too short lives on earth end.
Rainbow Friday is such a wonderful idea, and a great way to honor Alice.

What a wonderful group of companies giving back!

I’m very sorry for you and your family, which must feel greatly diminished just now. I enjoyed seeing her as part of your family; it always reminded me, in the very best of lonely ways, of my girl, who died three years ago. There is nothing quite like a great dog, and I’m sure Alice will be missed as such.

The idea of Rainbow Friday makes me smile, I love it. These are some amazing companies!

I’m so sorry that Alice has left you, but so glad that you gave her a happy place to live for so many years. I still think about your kitty, Olive, as I similarly lost my own cat and don’t know where she ended up. I’m imagining Alice and Olive, two buddies reunited, having an adventure together.

Be well, this is a lovely event!

Sending love to your family for the loss of such a loved family member! Thank you for offering such an incredible give away.

I’m so sorry for the loss of your pup Alice. The picture of her frolicking in the golden grass with the sun illuminating her is just pure joy and makes me smile.

Thanks for the giveaways. New Belgium Brewery, just a mile or so from my house, recently hosted a makers fair and I picked up some beautiful one of a kind creative gifts.

What a fabulous giveaway! Excited to support these great shops!

I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope your family finds solace in each other!

Condolences. Losing the pets who own us is so hard but the cost of all that love -and so worth the pain. Thank you for supporting your local humane organization. I foster for mine and it’s a joy.

Two things I loved about this post…..the wonderful memories your shared and the amazing local artisans and people in this fine state. Thanks for putting this all together and sharing something so close to your families heart.

I cried when I read of Alice’s passing on Instagram. This is an amazing way to honor her.

We lost our family dog Cosmo at Thanksgiving time last year too, he was almost 17. I’m sorry to hear about your dog Alice!

I’m so sorry to hear about Alice. It is amazing what these pets bring into our lives that we never even realize until they are gone. What a beautiful giveaway in tribute to her. 🙂

So sorry about your Alice. What a beautiful way to honor the love she has given you for all those years!

Thinking of you and so very, very sorry for your loss.

I lost my sweet Pug a year ago in October, and it still hurts. I like to think of Alistair welcoming the pets and family members of those I love. Maybe he and Alice are snuggling right now…

Oh I am so sorry for your loss!:( This is such a beautiful thing you’re doing in honor of Alice!

That apron and those bowls! I’m in love!!!

Thank you for the opportunity to support these small businesses.
Enjoy the tender moments of a life just passed.
Love to each of you.

I’m heartbroken to hear of Alice’s passing. So very sorry for your loss. What a wonderful idea – to make a donation in her honor! Light and hugs in what I am sure is a dark time for your family.

Oh Little Mizz Alice… she will be missed.
Thanks for supporting small business entrepreneurs!

So sorry for your loss.
And, thanks for information about these great companies!

So sorry and shocked to hear about Alice. Loved reading about the happiness she clearly added to your lives. An awesome idea to give back from whence she came..my order is in:)
Next time you are out for a run think of her beside you (if it doesn’t hurt too much) and about all the fun adventures you and she had! She was blessed to have you as her mom for the all too short time she was here!

Oh, Nici. I’m so, so sorry and saddened to hear about Alice. I feel fortunate to have shared all those warm summer days in your studio with that sweet girl. I’m so happy that she and your family were able to find each other. xo

Very sorry to hear of your loss.

So sorry to hear about your sweet pup. What a nice way to honor her.
Looks like some lovely shops and giveaways. Thank you!

I’ve read your posts off and on for a couple of years now and have always love your inclusion of Alice in your stories about family, love, and change. My dog is also 11 and has slowed down so incredibly much in the last year. I am sorry for your loss but know your family will always hold her dear in your hearts.

In honor of Alice…thank you…

What a wonderful tradition and perfect way to remember Alice and honor her life. Thank you!

I’m so sorry to hear about Alice. Dogs are family members. So sorry!

Prayers for dear Alice and for you all… I lost my 14 year old dog this summer and the grief is still so tangible, a needle buried in my heart. Thanks for linking us up with these local businesses- I’m excited to check them out.

Rainbow friday ia awesome- I am thankful I stopped by tonight. So sorry about Alice.

I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our dogs (& cats) become such a good part of our lives. We lost 2 to old age and disease this summer, and looking back at the photos we’d taken over the years helped us. Alice knew your family’s love just as you knew hers. Thank you for the giveaways.

What a wonderful way to honor sweet Alice!

What a wonderful, generous giveaway. Definitely off to check out these business’ pages after this.

Words are inadequate, but I’m so sorry about your loss if Alice. What a big paw print she has left on the world. Through your family, through sharing her life through your blog, she has left this world a better place.

I’m so sorry about Alice. We lost our beloved cat this past May. He was my constant companion for 14 years, and I don’t think I have ever cried so much in my life. I’m sure she knew how much she was loved!

I was so sorry to hear about your loss. I admire you and always enjoy reading your blog posts. I was devastated for your and your family when I heard that Alice was no longer with you. I got my first dog at the age of 35 and I cannot imagine not having him in my life. May you cherish your memories of your sweet Alice.

I am so so sorry about sweet Alice, Nici. She was such a wonderful dog and you guys brought so much joy and love into each others’ lives. What a tremendous loss and I’m so sorry for the pain you and your family are experiencing. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to support local businesses and encouraging giving to nonprofits doing such important work for our communities.

Happy Holidays to you! Thanks for sharing the links to great gifts ideas! I already purchased some fun new stuff!!

Rainbow Holiday Giving! my favorite. Love to you, Nici. Your Alice has been on my mind, with love, frequently over the last weeks. xo, Erin

The love of a good dog is such a treasure. My childhood dog loves hold such a special place in my memory. Much love to you during this time.

These shops look incredible. Thank you for sharing them!

Did some shopping on the sites you’re partnering with. they are all awesome!

My heart goes out to you for the loss of Alice. Your words about her over the years showed the special devotion you and your family gave to her, and recieved. With the giveaway, as always, I’m impressed by the tremendous heart you bring to everything – the thoughtfulness of bringing together wonderful makers and special charities, and sharing them with us.. Thanks.

heart-breaking news about your faithful pup. much love and light to your family.

Rainbow Friday > Black Friday in every way possible. My heart is heavy still thinking of the loss of your Alice but this is a lovely way to honor her memory. Hugs! Xo

Nici, I am so very sad for you … tears immediately streamed when I read the terrible news … I’m so very sorry for you and your family. Sending virtual hugs and love!

Beautiful collection of products and companies! Thank you for sharing!

Fun fun! Would love to win:)

I hope Rainbow Friday is a success for the business and charities. I already received my Year in the Garden calendar for myself and am going to order a few more for gifts.

Wow…so cool to see all these local businesses! I’m proud to say I’ve purchased gifts from so many of them (Tart is my go-to store here in Bozeman for gifts!!)
Also, sorry to hear about Alice. Our dog is coming on her 11th year and we are grateful for each day we have with her…
Love the Rainbow Friday!!!

Nici sorry to hear about your pup. I’ve read your blog for a while now and am amazed at the garden you can craft…I also live in Missoula and am far from a green thumb so your greens elicit envy!

Additionally, because of your “directions” on how to make soup from scratch I can confidently say I am getting pretty damn good at not letting things go to waste! My mom hates to cook so never passed any culinary skill my way- those directions were a great way to help an amateur get started. Thank you!

So, so sad for you and your family. Our own family said goodbye to our husky as she neared 16, my heart knows the ache and sorrow. May your memories always be strong of Alice, and as my daughter says… ‘Mom, she’s still running by us, it’s just her spirit now.’

So sorry to hear about Alice. Sending my condolences to you, the girls & Andy. I hope you raised lots of money for the Humane Society. You are so inspiring. Thank you for the chance to participate in Rainbow Friday and for always sharing your world so openly and honestly with your readers. xoxo

Oh Nici, my deepest, deepest sympathies for you and your family as you grieve your beloved Alice. I have loved each and every photo you have posted of her and know this pain is very deep for you. Much love to you all during this difficult time. Xoxo

Ps- I bought myself an early Xmas present from b. handmade designs during this sale and I’m so excited to get it!

With love in my heart and tears in my eyes, I am so sorry for your loss! Our truest loves are our hardest to lose.

Im so sorry to hear of Alice. Just know she felt your love as much as you felt hers. She had a beautiful life with you and your family. A lucky dog and lucky family to know such a love.

I also absolutely love this idea of Rainbow Friday. Thank you!

How amazing and generous. I will definitely be combining cyber Monday with some local shopping tonight when I get home from work. Sorry for the last minute order I’ll be placing later tonight. I just can’t imagine sending my brother and his wife on their new adventure in Minnesota without some Montana swag.

Oh no, I’m so sorry to read about Alice.

I am so sorry to hear about your Alice. She was such a powerful part of your family, I could feel that through your words and pictures. Sending love and strength to you tonight

So many beautiful items, but the most beautiful is your Alice. I’ve already left you a comment on IG, but my heart goes out to your family. There is no purer love than that from an animal.

-Jennifer

nici, I’m so sorry to hear that alice is gone. thank you so much for sharing her with all of us. I loved her thru your pictures and words for years. one favorite pic that comes to mind was sweet alice in the snow, a perfect snowflake on her dark furry head. 🙂 and that last pic of her running, smiling, through that golden sunlit field…perfection. tears for your loss, friend.