Monday, December 31, 2012

DogBreedz.net Sneak Peeks: 12/31/2012

Reilly the Glen of Imaal Terrier enjoys playing Santa Paws on this year's Christmas set for pet photography

The last Monday Morning Sneak Peek of 2012!

As I mentioned in my last Sneak Peek, December is a slow month for the studio as I turn my attentions to implementing my birthday resolutions and getting ready for Christmas celebrations. With the actual Holiday behind us it was time for a DogBreedz tradition: the Last Chance Holiday Shoot! For some, finding time to take Christmas photos of their pet just didn't happen during their own holiday preparations. For others, their new family member just joined the crew as part of the celebrations in their home. Whatever the reason, the Last Chance shoot has been popular through the years.

Grace and Merlin, the Scottish Terriers, pose for their annual Holiday tradition:  the family Christmas photo

The studio was busy with dogs wanting to keep celebrating the "howlidays". Here are a few sneak peeks from the day, while all the images are being prepared for proofing. Reilly (Glen of Imaal Terrier) was happy to open one more present. Grace and big brother Merlin (Scottish Terriers) snuggled for a family portrait, an annual tradition. Sunny (Cocker Spaniel) looks to be thinking "... and to all a good night!" on his first Christmas in his new fur-ever home.
Sunny the American Cocker Spaniel looks all cozy this Christmas in his brand new furever home.  And to all a good night!

And I can't seem to have a studio shoot without Indie and Bennett (Cocker Spaniels) wanting to get in on the action! They each model their new Christmas Collars (did you really think I could spend 4 days on a photo shoot fundraiser at PetSmart without coming home with something for them?!) and Indie breaks in a new Christmas prop.

Bennett the Cocker Spaniel loves his Christmas photo shoot, modeling a new Holiday collar and wondering what other goodies are under the tree for him!


Have a safe and happy New Year's Eve celebration! See you "next year" here on the DogBreedz.net blog!

Friday, December 28, 2012

Springer Spaniel Lap Blanket - one of a kind, on eBay

*** CLICK HERE to go to the live auction *** Only 7 hours (and assorted minutes) left at this writing! The one-of-a-kind English Springer Spaniel Lap Blanket/Afghan is in the final hours of an eBay auction and one lucky person will be the final winner. Although in reality, the Springers helped by English Springer Rescue America, Inc (ESRA) are REALLY the final winners - as all money raised from this auction is being donated to that Rescue group. ESRA was a mentor to me when I started San Diego Spaniel Rescue in September of 2002. I am currently not in a position to donate money for the cause, but I am able to design and craft a beautiful afghan to raise money.

Straight from the Canyonview Studios: Handmade - Dog Approved! Sized at approx 37" x 44" this hand-knit acrylic blanket will keep your lap warm when there isn't a Springer to do the job. Featuring a running black/white Springer Spaniel and celebrating English Springer Rescue America (ESRA) for 2012. This is a one-of-a-kind creation (intended to be the start of an annual tradition by the creator).

Designed in warm earth tones: set in a deep chocolate border the Springer is surrounded in a cream color with rich tan and frosty green accents.

Machine wash, gentle cycle, warm water. Can be tumble dried on low, but for best results, lay flat to dry.

Proceeds from the sale of this blanket benefit English Springer Spaniel Rescue America, Inc.

Friday, December 21, 2012

99 Authors ... 99 Books ... 99 Cents!

Complete Kitten Care, the book, by Amy ShojaiDear Readers -

Today's post is a special offer for YOU! One of my online Blog Friends has a book included in today's 99 cent sale ("Complete Kitten Care" by Amy Shojai) and there are so many other books that one is sure to catch your eye ... and they aren't only pet-related topics, either. All genres and age groups will be included. As if that wasn't incentive enough ... there will be rafflecopter giveaways that total $990 worth of prizes!

99 authors, 99 book, 99 cents - SALE!


These prices are available on Amazon only.

For a listing of books offered and to enter to win, click here!!

 


Why am I telling you about this neat offer? Well, I'm a reader (growing up I was glued to books more often than not), Amazon is a great way to shop (I love my Kindle!) and the folks behind the giveaway are entering the participating blogs in a $500 drawing. Wow! I know right off the top of my head some very deserving Rescues that I would be sharing that money with. Being a part of this one-day sale was an easy decision on my part. Have fun browsing the sale library - and post a comment, let me know what is on YOUR reading list this month. I'm always looking for a good recommendation (animal related content is always a bonus for me).

Thursday, December 13, 2012

2012 Danbury Mint Cocker Spaniel Christmas Tree - Win YOURS!

Oh MY! I haven't been this excited over a giveaway in a long time! The discontinued, hard to find, Cocker Spaniel Christmas Tree from Danbury Mint has surfaced! The last one I saw available was in 2009 when I was proud to run an auction for Life's Little Paws Rescue - and that one's winning bid topped out at $700!



Well, Life's Little Paws has done it again - they found another Tree and this time it's up for RAFFLE! That's right, for a lot less than $700 YOU might be the lucky winner this year. But HURRY ... this raffle ends TOMORROW!

I am already so happy (and so envious) for whoever wins this tree, I've been wanting one for YEARS! And so have many other Cocker Spaniel enthusiasts ... read on for how to enter:

***** ***** ***** ***** *****
Cocker Christmas Tree Raffle to benefit Life's Little Paws cocker rescue.
Raffle will run until December 14, 2012.
Tree will then be shipped 2nd day to you in time for Christmas

1 Ticket $10.00
3 Tickets $25.00
8 Tickets $50.00
20 Tickets $100.00
50 Tickets $250.00
150 Tickets $500.00

Check it out and Good Luck!
Happy Holidays from LLP.


Click here to purchase raffle tickets:
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Cocker-Tree-Raffle-to-benefit-dogs-like-Nicholas--.html?soid=1103199739976&aid=B4L242qbr60


Life's Little Paws | 83 Eaton Road | Exeter | ME | 03855
http://www.lifeslittlepaws.com/



Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Personalized Bone Ornaments - limited time only


The Bones are back! (but only for a limited time, then they are gone for another year.)

This year the personalized Holiday ornaments come in Bone, Scottie/Westie and Angel shapes (the Angels are especially good to remember the pet who passed away this year).

The Bones are about 3" long, customized with the name of your choice and signed/dated on the back. Each ornament is individually handmade ... Hand-Made and Dog-Approved at the Canyonview Studio in Santee, California.

All ornaments are appropriate for Christmas, Valentines or even year-round to honor the pet in your life. Made of polymer clay, they have a slight "give" to them, making them much less breakable when the furries try to knock them off the Holiday tree ...

Best of all: it is not too late to order for the Holidays - all orders received and paid by Wednesday are shipped on Friday of the same week.

For more details about these darling touches for your decorating, check out the Bonez Ordering page!

Which shape is your favorite this year? What would you like to see added to next year's line?



Tuesday, December 11, 2012

12/11/2012 - Model Call: Pomeranian and more

Model Call: BREEDZ WANTED for December/January 2012/13

Hannah the Pomeranian on the photo set
If you have one of the following breeds and would like a complimentary session before January 10, 2013, please do contact me. Your dog might appear in a national magazine, on a greeting card or in a calendar! I'm currently looking for the following breeds:
  • Pomeranian

  • American English Coonhound

  • Belgian Sheepdog

  • Berger Picard

  • Puppies, adults and seniors - I need them all! They must conform to breed standards, but they don't have to be show dogs; purebred-looking pets and rescues are available for this offer as well.

    Contact me to arrange your free private photo sitting. Shoot participants that are chosen for a national magazine will receive a copy of the issue they are published in. All participants will receive 20% off any prints they wish to order from the free session.

    Studio sessions will be held at my Santee studio and location candids are available at San Diego County area parks or beaches. If you are in the SD, CA area and have a great house/yard to photograph in, then I may be able to come to you for the shoot. I would also love to do "lifestyle" shots and include the owner, if you are up to it (playing, walking, everyday life with your dog). Does your dog do a job, sport or fun activity? That is a possible shoot, as well. I look forward to hearing from you!
    Belgian Sheepdog:  GCH Sanderle Kindred R


    top photo: Hannah the Pomeranian on the photo set
    bottom photo: Belgian Sheepdog #5: GCH Sanderle Kindred R. South Bay Kennel Club 69th All Breed Show. August 13, 2011 in Torrance, California. Owned by Roxanne Chumbley and Richard Skinner. Bred by Sandra E King and Roxanne Chumbley. Handled by Tiffany Saxon.

    Monday, December 10, 2012

    Monday Morning Sneak Peeks 12/10/2012

    The DogBreedz studio is quiet until just after Christmas, but I've been keeping busy in the meantime. Don Osborne was the photographer for the annual ESRA Santa Shoot at PetSmart (I step into the role of photographer's assistant and do the doggie posing for him). But during some of the "down time" over the weekend I was able to snap some photos with my own camera. Read on ...

    Last week I announced the winners in the Gift Tag give-a-way. One of the two winners is a SoCal Springer friend. His dog was our Ambass-a-dog at this last weekend's event so I was able to take a good Holiday photo of Calvin to make dad's gift tags uber-personalized ... not only his favorite breed, but his best buddy, too!

    Calvin the English Springer Spaniel poses on the Holiday photo set
    Calvin the English Springer Spaniel poses on the Holiday photo set

    The PetSmart shoot isn't just for the animals in our lives! Children and adults alike enjoy some one-on-one time with Santa. Just ask Wendy ...
    Wendy tells Santa what she wants for Christmas!
    Wendy tells Santa what she wants for Christmas!

    And one image - the Cocker Spaniel Lap Blanket wasn't my only doggie related knit project. My next endeavor was a creation for the annual Volunteer dinner auction for English Springer Rescue America. However it wasn't finished in time for that event. Now that all the finishing touches are complete we are trying to decide if it should be raffled or auctioned. What do YOU think?

    Hand Knit/Dog Approved!  English Springer Spaniel hand knit afghan - ready to be auctioned or raffled for Rescue!
    Hand Knit/Dog Approved! English Springer Spaniel hand knit afghan - ready to be auctioned or raffled for Rescue!






    The Cocker Spaniel Lap Blanket Found a Home!


    Last week I posted about a hand made/dog approved lap blanket that I designed and knit. It was donated for auction to help raise money for the ASC National Obedience and Rally trials in Reno next year. The Cockers "helped" me in the creation process - they chased yarn balls and slept in my lap, and sometimes they just shot me intense, guilt-inducing looks proving how neglected they were while I worked (nine times out of ten I put down the knitting and we went outside to play ... they know how to get what they want out of me)!

    Today I am happy to say that a fellow on-line Cocker Spaniel friend, Ginny, is the proud owner of the blanket! With a winning bid of $58.00 she now has the blanket to keep her warm when her own two Cocker Spaniels (Vivi and Sky) aren't being lap warmers themselves.

    Congratulations, Ginny! And *thank you* for supporting the American Spaniel Club's 2013 National show!

    Thursday, December 6, 2012

    eBay auction for a Cocker Spaniel adorned Lap Blanket

    As many of my Blog Followers know, I'm a confirmed Cocker Spaniel person. I grew up with one (and a darling Westie, and cats, frogs, turtles, guinea pigs and a horse, pony and rabbit. Oh yeah, there were three human sisters in the home too!). As an adult I started a Cocker Spaniel Rescue. And I love to be ringside with my camera when the Cockers hit the show ring. My two furry kids, Indie and Bennett, are from Rescue and have completed their CGC titles. They are working on their ThD certificates and the next step for us will be Rally Obedience. I am very excited to say that the 2013 ASC (American Spaniel Club) Cocker National show will be held "close" to home, in Reno Nevada. Just maybe there will be a title in my kids' future while at the National show!

    The chair for the Rally and Obedience portion of National is still raising much needed money to get kick-butt new title ribbons AND to cover the basic operating costs of holding those events. Since I don't have an abundance of extra money floating around to send her way, I instead sat down, designed and knitted an original Lap Blanket for her to auction off. It is now LIVE on eBay and the auction will run through December 8th - only two days left to get your bid in! This photo is a better representation of the colors than the feature photo on the auction site.


    Cocker Spaniel Lap Blanket Handmade - Cocker Approved!

    Sized at 29" x 36" this hand knitted acrylic blanket will keep your lap warm when there isn't a cocker to do the job. Featuring four popular colors of the merry breed (Black, Buff, Black/White Parti and Red/White Parti) ... one is sure to be your favorite!

    Designed in warm earth tones: set in a deep chocolate border the cocker spaniels are surrounded in a cream color with rich tan and frosty green accents.

    Machine wash, gentle cycle, warm water. Can be tumble dried on low, but for best results, lay flat to dry.

    Proceeds from the sale of this blanket benefit Obedience and Rally at the ASC Cocker National Show 2013.

    CLICK HERE to see the auction listing on eBay and enter a bid of your own!

    A wonderful Cocker Spaniel friend took my lead and donated some other great items for the cause:

    Pink and Chocolate Dog Bed - So soft and comfy! Different fabrics on each side create a whimsical, yet useful, bed for your dog (and we think cats will like it too!) Bed measures about 36" x 24" x 10".

    Wahl Arco SE Cordless Professional Dog Clipper Set - NEW in box - DON'T BE CONFUSED WITH OTHER MODELS -- THIS IS THE CLIPPERS USED BY DOG SHOW PROFESSIONALS! Wahl Arco SE Cordless Clipper -- Professional (Model 8786-451A). Never used - box opened. This set includes:
    * Professional cordless clipper with indicator light * 5 in 1 adjustable blade (goes from #9, #10, #15, #30, & #40) with blade guard * 2 drop-in NiMh rechargeable battery packs * Recharging base * Four snap-on guide combs: #3 (3mm) 1/8" cut, #6 (6.5 mm) 1/4" cut, #9 (9.6mm) 3/8" cut, #12 (12.2mm) 1/2" cut * Cleaning brush, lubricating oil.

    All auctions end on December 8th - get your bidding hat on and thank you for supporting ASC Rally and Obedience!

    We have a winner of the Gift Tag Set!

    Last Thursday I announced the start of a cute giveaway item. It was my first giveaway on the blog and I wanted to begin small - yet unique and one-of-a-kind. One of my clients' favorite little goodies at Holiday time are my exclusively designed Gift Tags - you know, those fun ways to dress up a gift that say To/From on them.

    Drum roll please - we have a winner! Scratch that - we have two winners! I promised that for every 20 comments on the blog I'd pull another winner. What I didn't tell you is that I was counting my reply comments too - I do sneaky upgrades like that to surprise people in my life. So back to that drum roll if you will ... the winners of this giveaway are: Kolchak Puggle and Terry Sprague! CONGRATULATIONS!

    KP and Terry - take a moment to email me (use the "contact me" button link at the top of the blog) and let me know the following information. KP: mailing address and confirm Puggle as your breed (or let me know a different one). Terry: let me know your favorite Springer coloring, and bench or field bred while you are at it. I might even be able to give yours to Santa this weekend, Terry!

    Thank you everyone for participating! I am a member of the Blog Paws Community and with their expert advice I hope to have more giveaways and product reviews from Indie and Bennett in 2013. Now is a good time to subscribe to the DogBreedz Blog so you don't miss out on any of the fun.

    A blog post isn't any fun without a photo - here's a look at last year's design, expertly modeled by Mila the Dalmatian.

    Wednesday, December 5, 2012

    DogBreedz and YOU - December news from behind the scenes

    Good Morning, Friends, Clients and Fans!

    Last Sunday was my birthday and for me it marked the start of a brand new year. I've made it a habit for many years now to do my new year's resolutions at the beginning of MY personal "new year". It makes them more "mine". And I've found that I am less likely to stray from them since I'm already in the throes of my new habits by the time the calendar new year comes along and others are doing their annual tradition of back-sliding from their resolutions. I've been musing over goals for DogBreedz as well.

    One of the things I'll be working on over the next few months is something that won't be obvious to my clients, but will make a difference to you: weeding out my unreliable product suppliers. It's great to find a product that is well made with less cost, but if the delivery time is stretched out all that does is increase frustration with every walk to the mail box!

    Testing out new products is a must before I start offering them. Recently one of my overseas companies started offering oval stickers at a great price. I was excited about that, as I have a little thank you that I've started doing for clients to go with their orders, and the overseas price is considerably less than my US provider's price on this product - and they ship at no charge. I skipped that quality control step of testing the product (a sticker is a sticker, right?!) and started sending them out. BAD idea!

    About a month and a half later I ordered one to come to my house to thank a friend who has been assisting me on the studio sets. She loved it! A week later when we met to spend time training our pooches I noticed the sticker on the back of her car - faded and peeling! In only one week! A sticker is a sticker? Nope! Mortified I quickly ordered a replacement from my regular company for her and it is displayed proudly on her car, in sturdy, colorful glory! Now it's time to go through my records and see who I sent the other stickers to, so I can replace them with the quality that people can expect when they order from me online.

    That overseas company has some wonderful products - my lens cloths and lightweight fleece blankets come from them. But for my stickers - I'm sticking with my domestic provider!

    What custom photo products do YOU love? Are there any that you've often thought "I wish I could find ..." Let me know in the COMMENTS section below or through my CONTACT ME email link at the top of the page - I'd love to hear from you.


    Tuesday, December 4, 2012

    Dog Photo Contest Hosted by Fidose Of Reality

    Don't think I'd forget the canines in our lives! Here's a link to the Annual Howliday Photo Contest from Dexter and the humans over at Fidose Of Reality. Entries are accepted through December 20, 2012. And get this: SEVENTEEN (17) winners will be chosen who exemplify the spirit of the holidays that occur between now and the end of the year (examples: Hanukkah, Christmas, New Years, snowy days, etc)! Have fun with this one!

    (PS - if I took a photo of your dog on one of my Christmas sets and you'd like permission to submit it, just let me know. Contact me at DogBreedz (at) yahoo.com. Indie and Bennett are huge Dexter fans!)

    Cat Photo Contest hosted by Cokie the Cat

    Cokie the Cat buttonCokie the Cat is hosting a Cat Holiday Photo Contest on his blog! Entries are accepted through Dec 9, 2012 - take a look: by clicking here. Cat-egories for Traditional Holiday Cat and Silly Holiday Cat. Have fun!

    Breedz Wanted to Photograph: Boxer and more

    Reminder ... BREEDZ WANTED for December 2012

    If you have one of the following breeds and would like a complimentary session before December 14, 2012, please do contact me (NOTE: new extended deadline!). Your dog might appear in a national magazine, on a greeting card or in a calendar! I'm currently looking for the following breeds:

  • Boxer

  • Whippet

  • Havana Silk

  • Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

  • and a special freebie session: kids and pets! Looking for children under age 10 and any breed of dog

  • Puppies, adults and seniors - I need them all! They must conform to breed standards, but they don't have to be show dogs; purebred-looking pets and rescues are available for this offer as well.

    Contact me to arrange your free private photo sitting. Shoot participants that are chosen for a national magazine will receive a copy of the issue they are published in. All participants will receive 20% off any prints they wish to order from the free session.

    Studio sessions will be held at my Santee studio and location candids are available at San Diego County area parks or beaches. If you are in the SD, CA area and have a great house/yard to photograph in, then I may be able to come to you for the shoot. I would also love to do "lifestyle" shots and include the owner, if you are up to it (playing, walking, everyday life with your dog). Does your dog do a job, sport or fun activity? That is a possible shoot, as well. I look forward to hearing from you!

    top photo: Desert Winds King Of The Gods (Boxer)

    bottom photo: kids and puppies can be a perfect fit

    Monday, December 3, 2012

    RIP Dear Pepe

    Pepe has been reigning King of the Kennel, expertly taking over the repected title when Sylvia passed 2 years ago (she made it to 21!). At age 19, Pepe fought his physical challenges bravely. Regular blood panels to monitor his thyroid issues were our first clue that something was amiss; he sure wasn't acting sick! After the blood numbers indicated something going on, a followup chest xray showed the severity of his condition. The vet was surprised that Pepe was still alive! However, with the amount of damage already done, the decline would be quick - within one or two days the vet thought. The decision was made by Pepe's mom to let him go while he still had great memories of health and happiness.

    Pepe on the photo set in December 2010

    Spunky Ivan is now the head of the kennel - will he grow up enough to become the King?

    Ivan playing Camouflage Kitty, February 2012

    Soon we'll be on the lookout for a sweet black/white tuxedo long haired female kitten to bring home to help Ivan run the greeting room in the kennel. But for today, we stay home and fondly remember handsome Pepe, running free at the Rainbow Bridge.