WendyDarling wrote:

Do I really have to spend 120 gold on the cat just so I can buy a collar for it? 

If you don't buy the cat, you will have a difficult time finding the missing paintings.  Buy the cat and the stupid collar.  It counts towards achievements.  The dogs can't wear teh collar, BTW, only the cat.
 

I just bought my cat and it's Egyptian collar.  I renamed her "Expensive Pussy"

My DQ was for the WW2 Republic of China Service Medal.  Managed to get one very cheaply.  The big event is not so big.  I already owed the flag for the antique shop, had a flag for Dinhammer Alley and figured we'd be asked to buy flags for the other two areas so I've already done so.

I keep getting the same two keepsakes in the treasure chest.  I think tonight I'll see how far I can get using my energy (it's almost at max) and play all the cities and use one of the keepsakes.

wendy - did you upgrade the building next to the auction house?  You also have to go to the wharf and talk to chris.  When he leaves, a box will parachute down.  You have to click on the box.  That should trigger the new items being available in the mini games using 3 to 10 resources.  When you have all 5 pices, you assemble it and get a star.  There will be a clue on a piece of paper.  Click on the paper to trigger a quest for a painting.

Wendy -- Click right on the writing on the clue.  I clicked on the edge of the paper a few times and had to recollect, assemble, etc the collectible bits.  And the ART forum on BFG has a list of where you can find all the bits. (they're in minigames).  I'd advise buying the cat too.  The bits seem to drop more frequently when you have the cat.