Okay everybody - here's the official gift-swap sign-up thread!

Lisa Marie (PofiMia) has agreed to coordinate everything, I just wanted to post the details for this year's swap.

Here's how it will work:

Please copy and pate the questionnaire below into an email, answer all the questions, and then send it to LisaMarie. Once the deadline for sign-up has passed, Lisa Marie will swap the names on her list and then send you a message with the information of the person you will send your gift to.

This year's rules:

Who is eligible to participate
* You have been an ODO member for at least 6 months, which means you registered on or before April 28, 2008.
* You have been active on the forum on a regular basis since then - not just posting once or twice a month to ask a question about a dog-related topic, but being active in the ODO community on a weekly basis. This doesn't mean you need to worry about your 2-week vacation during which you were absent, but it matters that you be a visible, contributing member of our forum - you get the idea.
* You are 18 years or older, or provide permission of a parent.

Swapping Details
* Please do not sign up unless you absolutely intend to send the items, no matter what person you receive. (Note that we have and item in the questionnaire that will allow you to specify if there's anyone you don't wish to send gifts to.)
* The swap is intended for the dogs, but gifts for non-dog pets and/or humans are permitted.
* Remember mail service can be a bit funky at times. If you send a pacage out of the country, please check with customs whether certain dog treats are allowed. Also, you may want to insure/track your package.
* In the case your package gets lost in the mail and does not reach its recipient, it is requested that you send a replacement.
* Please do not sign up if you plan to change locations within the timeframe of the swap. You may not receive your package if you do!
* The price range for this swap is $15-$25 worth in gifts. (Note that this does not yet include your shipping cost!) You may exceed this limit if you wish.
* If you do not follow these rules, fail to send a package, etc. you will not be allowed to participate in future swaps.

Deadlines
The deadline to sign up is Saturday, November 15th, 2008.
The deadline to send your package is Monday, December 15th, 2008.
This should give everyone enough time to shop and send out their gift package.
Please do send your package in time of the deadline. It's not fair to the other particpants if you don't.

Do do not sign up if you cannot afford, don't want to take the time, have no motivation to send, or do not agree with the rules.

Email your fully answered questionnaire to: PofiMia@aol.com
The deadline to fill out and email the questionnaire is: Saturday, November 15th, 2008. (You may of course send it in today if you wish!


The subject line of your email should be your (displayed) ODO Member name.

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1. Your full mailing Address (Include First & Last name as well as your country):

2. Are there any special instructions required for shipping your package so it will actually reach you? (We've had some issues with this during past gift swaps, so please provide any necessary details.)

3. Email address and ODO Username:

4. Number of dogs:

5. Dogs names, ages, breeds:

6. What are your dogs favorite types of toys, treats, etc. ?

7. Does your dog ever wear clothing (sweaters, bandanas, etc.)? If so, please list what sizes.

8. Is there anything you have really been meaning to get your dog(s)?

9. Is there any type of toy/treat your dog really does not like or you prefer not to give to them?

10. What are your hobbies, collections, favorite colors, etc?

11. If you were to receive a shirt, what size would you need?

12. Do you celebrate Christmas or mind holiday related items?

13. Is there anything else about yourself or dogs you'd like to add?


Questions that only Lisa Marie will see (these are not passed on to swappers)

1. Do you mind sending a gift to a person outside of the "Lower 48" or another country?

2. Please let me know if there is anyone you prefer not to swap with. (This request will be honored.)

3. Is there someone you'd especially like to send your package to? (This request will be honored if it can be accommodated.)

4. If you have any specific requests or questions please address them here.

5. If you participated in previous gift swaps, who have you swapped with?


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Remember to e-mail a fully answered questionnaire to PofiMia@aol.com - do not send questionnaires by PM!

This post will be updated with the names of everyone who signed up. Please give Lisa Marie and me some time to get things done, but do check in with her if you sent an email and your name isn't added within a few days.

Confirmed entries so far:
1. Mordanna
2. PofiMia
3. BeccaIFBC
4. sfbowers
5. Bari
6. SherriA
7. Calypso
8. BionicMlle
9. Jeano
10. agilebcs
11. Jen
12. Pchan
13. Amyzon
14. catherinec
15. Aubergine
16. Carson Crazies
17. Ruffysdad
18. RobinS
19. angel51431
20. CJS
21. Ellabella
22. PaulaS

================ Signup is closed now ================

I'm in

I'd like to be in this year. Thank you!

I'd like to do it also.

I sent in my questionnaire! Woo hoo! This was so much fun last year.

I sent in my questionnaire!Yippeeee!

And don't forget that I'm organizing a holiday snail mail card swap. It's in the NDR section, so check it out! I did this with my elkhound group last year and my house was decorated with dogs for the holidays!

I sent in my questionaire! Looking forward to it.

Ditto!

I just sent mine in - I'm excited!

Woo hoo! I'm in!

I sentin my questionaire! Thank you all for organizing.

I'm in, too. I'll have to get back to the questionaire, though.

I'm in too

I haven't looked into this too closely, but I saw that the teachers on the teacher board were organizing an ornament exchange with it. It's supposed to make "secret santa" exchanges easier.

http://www.elfster.com/helpOrganizer.aspx

Ok, I just sent my questionnaire in!!!!

Today's the 15th, right?

yes it is. According to my doggie calendar.

I'm anxious to see who my person is already

I'm working through it!! I think I'll have to you all later today - tomorrow morning at the latest!

We did have entries right through the 15th and I have an IM out to someone who posted on this thread, but their questionaire is MIA. So just a little patience - all will be revealed shortly!!

All righty then! E-mails with your recipients info have been sent to all of you via the e-mail addy you provided in the questionaire.

If there are any questions or need for clarification on items in the questionaire, I can facilitate asking for more info to keep the air of mystery in this!!

If you need further info OR you don't receive your e-mail you can let me know via PofiMia@aol.com.

Happy swapping!!

Yippee! Got mine and am ready to shop!

Ditto and ditto!

Woo hoo! I'm stoked! Thanks for arranging this, Lisa Marie!

Yippeee! I love LOVE LOVE LOVE who I got!!! hee hee hee hee

YAY! Thank you PofiMia!! I love who I got! I'm excited to start shopping.

I got mine - yay! Can't wait to start shopping! Thanks for organizing, Lisa Marie.

i'm excited about mine, and have already started shopping, hehe!

I'm sad that I couldn't do it this year. Between baby and holiday travels I was afraid I'd be late sending a package. Have fun guys!

OK, OK. I admit it, that was me. But I'm in!

Ready, set, shop!!

Woohoo!!! I'm ready to shop! Thanks for organizing this!