1/28/2014: Model Call ... Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and more!

Free Photoshoots for Breeds Wanted to Photograph for Jan/Feb 2014

If you have one of the following breeds and would like a complimentary session before February10, 2014, 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:

Chesapeake Bay Retriver

Giant Schnauzer

Beauceron

Canaan 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 inquire about a 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 (discount on first order only).

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: Chesapeake Bay Retriever: GCH Desert Winds Moroccan Sand (call name Jake). Skyline Dog Fanciers of San Mateo County 2011 All Breed Show. October 21, 2011 in Pleasanton, California. Owned by Laurie Schisler. Bred by Laurie Schisler and Patsy Barber. Handled by Lynda O'Connor Schneider.

Bottom Photo: Canaan Dog: River Rock Quite The Comedian (call name Piper). Orange Empire Dog Club 2014 All Breed Show. January 26, 2014 in San Bernardino, California. Bred by Christina Miller. Owned by Robin Prince and Noelle Renteria.

Monday Morning Sneak Peek - Orange Empire Dog Show 2014

What a wonderful year 2014 is starting off to be, complete with a gorgeous SoCal day for my first dog show outing for the year! Orange Empire Dog Show weekend for 2014 is completed. Little Liza (Bravo's It Started With A Whisper), Border Terrier, made her show debut with Sueannette Maniscalco on the end of the lead and proud momma Jeri Harrison hiding ringside. Liza went Reserve Winners Bitch both days.

Liza at 3 months old, learning how fun a photo session can be!
Darling Leia (Su-Ets A Midsummer Night's Dream), Scottish Terrier, had another great weekend enjoying herself strutting the ring, taking Winners Bitch both days, with proud mom Sueannette as owner/handler.

Leia at 2013 Great Western Terrier Association
The handsome Cannon (CH Derrydown Can Webe Frank), Dandie Dinmont Terrier, took Group 4 on Saturday and Breed on Sunday (handled by Sueannette with parents Kathy & Gary Myers and Karen Dorn cheering on from ringside). I melt every time I look into his big brown eyes. Congratulations to my nieces and nephew - and to their beaming parents!

Cannon showing his stuff at 2013 Great Western Terrier Association
This stunning boy is Bearded Collie #9: GCH Wigglesworth Thriller (call name Johnny). Bred by Sharon & Jeff Ipser. Owned by Anna Marie Yura, Dawn Symes and Sharon Ipser. He strutted his stuff all the way to Group 4 (Sat) and Group 3 (Sun). I sure enjoyed his look in front of my camera! You can see more of Johnny here on his web page.

GCH Wigglesworth Thriller. 2014 Orange Empire Dog Show. San Bernardino, CA.
Once finished with editing, all photos from this show will be posted online in their galleries at: http://dogbreedz.smugmug.com/Dog-Shows/OEDC-January-2014

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Due to the higher demand for my services 2014 is bringing a few changes to DogBreedz.net, hopefully to the benefit of my wonderful clients. I've been overstretching myself lately trying to honor everyone's requests and that has meant falling behind, even if only by a day, on self-imposed deadlines. Toss in the occasional techno-glitch and then the backup is painful for you AND for me. I love that my images are being sought after by so many and thank you all for making my success a "problem" to deal with! I do not want to raise my prices at this time so instead will be implementing the following changes.

New for 2014:
- I will continue to cover tax and shipping on print orders (my small way to thank you for choosing my images for your walls, albums and print ads).
- I will be accepting a limited number of ringside requests per show. Get your requests in to me ASAP to secure your spot in my shooting schedule!
- While at a show sight I will be limiting the number of private portrait shoots. Again, make your requests prior to running into me on the show grounds to secure your personal shoot.
- I will be expanding my availability for your private portfolio shoots, both in studio and on location. There will be a $30 reservation fee (non-refundable) that will be applied to the cost of your chosen session. Email for your appointment time.
- I am expanding my availability to shoot as official show photographer for Specialty Shows. If your club is in need of a photographer, please do let me know.
- I am on the lookout for some horse events to shoot at. If you are a hunter/jumper or rodeo person, please let me know - I'd love to attend your practices or competitive events!
- If you are a photographer in need of a second shooter or on-site assistant, let's talk!

My main website will be updated in February with these changes. THANK YOU for being a part of my success and I look forward to helping you showcase YOUR pets - cats, dogs, iguanas, tortoises, birds, horses and more!

National Answer Your Cat's Question Day ... Today!

Guess what today is? Not much of a riddle, when I've already answered that question in the post title. Thanks to our friends over at DogKnobit, we found out that today, January 22, 2014, is National Answer Your Cat's Question Day! I wish I could tell you the origins of this unusual day, but I came up short in my Google-searching. The best I can offer is that it falls on the 22nd of January every year.

Instead of the intended explanation, I offer you a couple of photos to enjoy: an inquisitive kitten imporing "Oooh! Choose me! Choose ME!" and another little miss getting her question answered from a dog's point of view. Enjoy!

We would love to know in the comments below: what question did your cat ask you? And what was your answer?

Introducing: It's Just A Dog, by Russ Ryan. Check back later this month for my own review of this book. Read on to learn more, and enter to win a copy for yourself!

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This Dogtastic Giveaway has been brought to you by Beck Valley Books

Open Worldwide
Ending on Sunday 11th August at 11.59pm EST

What if your dog died and then came back as a ghost … that could talk? Would you welcome him back with open arms or run away scared to death?

This is the premise of IT’S JUST A DOG, a new novel about love, loss, and one man’s dog who rises up yapping from the grave.

Charlie Keefe is not just your typical dog lover –– he’s a world famous dog painter, a.k.a. “The Picasso of Pooch Portraits”. Unfortunately, Charlie’s beloved muse, Pete, his lovable Jack Russell terrier, has just died. And he’s totally devastated by the loss of his furry best friend.

So, after months of grieving over his dearly departed soulmate, Charlie reluctantly agrees to foster a new puppy -- a cute Cavalier King Charles spaniel named Brownie from the local animal shelter. Soon after, Charlie is surprised to find himself falling head over heels with this new puppy girl, his ‘Rebound Dog’, as he calls her –– as well as being romantically attracted to Janelle Jordan, the head hound at the dog rescue.

But then complications arise when the ghost of his old dog, Pete, mysteriously reappears one night and comes back to haunt him and the new puppy –– setting off a bizarre chain of events that throw Charlie’s life, career, and entire belief system into chaos

If you’ve enjoyed such classic dog books as The Art of Racing in the Rain and A Dog’s Purpose, then you are bound to find a place in your heart for IT’S JUST A DOG.

IT’S JUST A DOG is not just for dogs. It’s for anyone who has ever lost a pet –– and learned to love again. If you’re a feel-good fan of dog books, make IT’S JUST A DOG your special treat!

Enter Below and Good Luck !! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Therapy Dogs - Who Really Benefits?

Having Indie and Bennett certified as Therapy Dogs has been something I've wanted to do since they were pups. But life kept getting in the way and other things had to be higher on my priority list (or so I thought). Last summer a dear friend of mine reached out to me to help her stay on track in training her Cocker Spaniel and getting ready for their CGC (Canine Good Citizen) test. That was her first step on the way to her own goal of having a therapy dog. I am so happy she did! Making the commitment to spend one early morning a week together, seeing where progress had been made and where training could be strengthened, was just what I needed to get out of the house during a time when the heat of the summer had me physically drained. It wasn't much of a stretch to start bringing my own "kids" along and getting them ready for the test as well. Bennett studied his books and Indie practiced the "Appearance and Grooming" part of the test whenever they could.

Their friend Flirt took the testing procedures a little more seriously.

Testing day came and all three graduated! As you might be able to tell from this photo, from left to right: Indie is the class clown, Bennett tried hard to smile for mom and Flirt gave her best Commencement Pose. I love these dogs!

The next step was a little training in the things our chosen organization (Love On A Leash) wants their therapy dogs to know: how to crawl (so when they are on the bed with a patient they don't tromp on sensitive skin, or step on a tube or IV line and pull anything out), how to stay calm when someone falls in front of them, getting them familiar with wheelchairs and walkers, how to "pose" to present the best part of them for petting (for our smaller dogs, that means turning their back to a client for easy petting, so their faces and ears are safe from grasping hands), how to "paws up!" to say HI to someone in a bed - and so much more. After passing their controlled evaluation (all three with flying colors!) they were well on their way. One more step to go! Each dog/owner team had to complete 10 hours of "supervised" visits. That means going on the therapy visits with a Love On A Leash Visit Captain. Flirt and her mom flew through their hours. At first I was going to alternate each dog and try to finish them about the same time but I learned of some great volunteer opportunities (and needs) in the organization that requires a team to be completely certified. So after talking to my Chapter Leader I decided that Indie and I would complete our training hours first, then it would be Bennett's turn to get some hours under his belt. Last week Indie finished her supervised hours and passed her final evaluation! We are very excited by all that means to us.

During the supervised visits the dog/owner teams are encouraged to try many different types of therapy environments. Indie and Flirt were naturals at a Health Fair, since they are used to being at events and "on display" to the public. Doesn't Flirt have a great smile?

Bennett really enjoys the quiet time at the library with his little friends. (please forgive the photo quality ... cell phone shot!)

This week another friend of mine underwent hip replacement surgery and I was so happy to find that the facility she is in for her physical therapy recovery is just up the street from me. I've been popping in on a regular basis to bring her news of the outside world. I found out from the front desk what would be needed for me to bring in one of my dogs (not as a Love On A Leash representative yet, just as a friend bringing a dog to visit another friend). The Activities Person was so happy that I was doing this - we are set up to talk about regular LOAL visits as soon as Indie's official paperwork arrives and I clear it with my Chapter Leader. My friend has Springer Spaniels at home and she has a soft spot for my Cocker kids, too.

Yesterday was a hard day for me. I just received very disappointing news that meant I wouldn't be able to attend the National Cocker Spaniel Specialty show in Reno later this month. I was crushed - this was something that I had been looking forward to for a few months, and was a chance to see some wonderful friends from other states/other parts of CA that I can't see regularly. I decided that sitting at home crying (yes, I was that disappointed!) was pretty useless and I believe that when someone is down, the best thing to get past that feeling is to get "out of self" and help someone else. So, Bennett had a good brush-out and trim (thanks to his fab groomer who did this on her day off!) and off we went to the PT facility to visit Vicki.

We stopped at the front desk to drop off shot records and a photo and were given a very warm welcome. Walking down the entry hall we were stopped by everyone for a pet and a talk. I mean everyone - staff and patients alike! This is going to be a wonderful addition to the LOAL rotation, when it is all set up! No one smiled bigger than Vicki as we entered the room - some canine snuggles was just what she needed that night! (again - cell phone photo!)

As I left to go home that night after our visit, I felt better. Still disappointed, but better. My dashed expectations for a small vacation were nothing compared to what other people are going through. I can still celebrate with my friends through their own photos and facebook posts. And I had to wonder - who benefits from these therapy dog visits? Not just the patients and the staff, but the human part of the therapy teams as well. Going to visit Vicki lifted my own spirits and put things in perspective. Today, as I look at the photo of Bennett snuggled up on Vicki's lap, I noticed the big smile on his own face and realized that this is great for him as well.

Who really benefits from a dog therapy visit? EVERYONE!

(PS: I arrived home after the visit to find out that yet another wonderful person in my life has reached out to me and I will be able to attend the Cocker Spaniel National show after all! I am grateful for the good KARMA in my life!)

Weekend Roundup: Bahia Sur Kennel Club

It was a day of seeing old friends and making new ones. The show grounds for Bahia Sur Kennel Club's annual show is always so pretty in photographs. The weather on the other hand can be either oppressive (hot hot hot!) or summery (still hot, but with a very comfortable breeze). Luckily for me on my Sunday visit the show grounds were very summery and breezy. Ahhhh!

Beckham (GCH Winfree Dream Boy At Rosecliffe)is now officially a favorite of mine. What a darling ECS he is. So ready for smoochies and hugs. Of course, he is a "parti" in my mind (but in reality, he is a very handsome orange roan). English or American, I just love me some Parti Cockers (swoon)! Moving over to the Herding Group, I got to spend time with Paladin Artemis Nike Clayfield (pictured), who was a friend of beautiful Indy who I got to cuddle up to in West Covina in April. Demi (GCH Derrydown Double Indemnity) the Dandie Dinmont Terrier strutted her stuff for me again, all the way into the Terrier Group Ring. Layla (Brussels Griffon GCH Sleepyhollow You Can Do Magic Bear) was very happy to just let her hair down and play with me in the shade when she was done in the ring. Also pictured is Dalmatian Milla (Tateland Sandlapper's Good Fortune) and Scottish Terrier Shelly (GCH Blueberry Shall We Dance). Border Terrier Tatum and Scottie Pieter were my puppy nephews in attendance, getting the feel for the show ring and getting ready to show the world what they are made of.

Enjoy these sneak peeks while I work hard at all of my images for the day - and be sure to let me know when YOUR beautiful show dog will be in a California ring!

Top Photo: BEST OF BREED - German Shepherd Dog #6: Paladin Artemis Nike Clayfield. Bahia Sur Kennel Club 2013 All Breed Dog Show. June 16, 2013 in Chula Vista, California. Bred by/Owned by Hazel Maloney, Dr Gloria Rice and Sharlonna C McGhaha. Handled by Sharlonna C McGaha.
Middle Photo: BEST OF OPPOSITE SEX - Dalmatian # 8: Tateland Sandlapper's Good Cortune, RN (call name Milla). Bahia Sur Kennel Club 2013 All Breed Dog Show. June 16, 2013 in Chula Vista, California. Bred by Dr Anita L Tate and Kimberly Humphries. Owned by Heather Appleman and Tristan Davis. Handled by Tristan Davis.
Last Photo: BEST OF BREED - Scottish Terrier #8: GCH Blueberry Shall We Dance (call name Shelly). Bahia Sur Kennel Club 2013 All Breed Dog Show. June 16, 2013 in Chula Vista, California. Bred by Kathi Brown and Susan Getgood. Owned by Sueannette and Andrew Maniscalco. Handled by Sueannette Maniscalco.

Christmas in July - custom pet portraits with SANTA!

It's almost here - Christmas in July! It is time for your pet's photo shoot with SANTA CLAUSE!

With special thanks to Tammy Ryan of T Ryan Photography in El Cajon, DogBreedz.net now has a wonderfully air-conditioned indoor studio hosting this special Holiday shoot in the middle of summer. This isn't your run of the mill Santa photo shoot however. Santa is making a special trip to join us and plans on just being the supporting actor - YOUR pet is the STAR in each photo!

Professional pet portraits with Santa

Mark your calendar - Santa is coming to town on JULY 20, 2013 and he is ready to let YOUR pets be the stars in these unique Christmas Portraits.

$59.00 Package includes: ~ mini-photo session with Santa ~ 1 free 8x10 print (photographer’s choice of image)

$89.00 Package includes: ~ mini-photo session with Santa ~ 1 free 8x10 print (your choice of image) ~ 25 custom Christmas Cards

DogBreedz.net pet photography hosted at T Ryan Photography Studio, 1456 North Magnolia Avenue, El Cajon, CA 92020. To reserve your private session call 858/997-7135 or email through the "contact me" button at the top of this page.

All pets accepted. Package fees good for up to 2 pets. Additional pets in same photo $5.00 each. Newborns, Infants and toddlers to age 5 accepted as well (with or without pets). Portrait Hours 10 am - 6 pm, by appointment only.

3/27/2013: Model Call ... Wire Fox Terriers and more!

Free Photoshoots for Breeds Wanted to Photograph for March/April 2013

If you have one of the following breeds and would like a complimentary session before March 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:

Wire Fox Terrier

Xoloitzcuintli

Borzoi

Russell Terrier

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 inquire about a 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: Wire Fox Terrier Bella

Bottom Photo: Unidentified Xoloitzcuintli

Thursday Giveaway - AromaPAWtherapy Necklace

Brand new from the Canyonview Studio at DogBreedz.net - the AromaPAWtherapy Necklace!

This beautiful terra-cotta pendant will compliment almost any outfit and will show your love for the animals in your life. Just under 1.5" in diameter, the charm features a bold paw print and is held on a satin tie. The "clasp" is a matching terra-cotta bead and loop closure.

A handsome piece on its own - but it gets even better when you realize it is also a piece of original aromatherapy jewelry. Just add ONE drop of your favorite essential oil to the FRONT of the necklace and rub it in. The oil absorbs into the clay and allows you to experience the power of essential oil aromatherapy throughout your day. It’s like having your own personal diffuser! One drop is all it takes and you can change essences each time you apply - the most recent application will be the strongest essence. I suggest you only apply it to the front so there won't be any oils rubbing against delicate fabrics.

To purchase one Necklace ($16) (plus $3 shipping to USA and Canada) just use this paypal button:

To purchase multiple Necklaces or to ship to a country other than USA/Canada or to inquire about wholesale pricing, just email me (use the "contact me" button at the top of this page).

I use, love and rep doTERRA Essential Oils - you can find the full line of essential oils online here.


Ready for the really FUN part of this post? I thought so! I am giving away FIVE necklaces to my readers! Just leave a comment below before 4:00 pm (California time) on 3/14/2013. I will run Random.org for five numbers and the corresponding commenters will win. If you live outside of USA or Canada, I ask that you cover actual shipping costs.

Want better odds? Comment on my Health Blog and increase your chances of winning - I am giving away five MORE necklaces over there, too!

NOTE: if you have any problems commenting below, just send me an email at DogBreedz (at) yahoo (dot) com and I'll post for you.

2/12/2013: Model Call ... Toy Poodles and more!

Free Photoshoots for Breeds Wanted to Photograph for February/March 2013

If you have one of the following breeds and would like a complimentary session before March 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:

Toy Poodle

Dogue de Bordeaux

Ibizan Hound

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

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 inquire about a 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: Toy Poodle Itty Bitty
Bottom Photo: Ibizan Hound GCH Harehill's Ace In The Hold (Jackie)

1/28/2013 Sneak Peeks - Orange Empire Dog Show & the Traveling Tennis Ball (II)

Monday Morning Sneak Peeks

Ah, the sights and sounds of a dog show - how I love them! My first conformation show of 2013, the Orange Empire Dog Club "Orange Classic" in San Bernardino, California. On Saturday I sat ringside (braving a bit of rain) for the following breeds/classes: German Shorthaired Pointers, Obedience Open B, Swedish Vallhund, Finnish Lapphund, German Shepherd Dog, Collie (Smooth), Collie (Rough), Brittany, German Wirehaired Pointer, Vizsla and some random candids. Sunday found me enjoying the English Springer Spaniels and "my" breed, the Cocker Spaniels (ASCOB and Parti). A private shoot with Layla took me away from the Black variety this show. I had high hopes to be ringside at some of the indoor breeds, but the loaner camera that is supposed to rock the indoor lighting didn't pan out this time. Ringside Candids should be online and ready to go by this Friday in their own galleries at http://dogbreedz.smugmug.com/Dog-Shows.

Have you heard about the Traveling Tennis Ball (II)? A group of international Border Terrier friends have a specially marked tennis ball, affectionately known as the TTBII (the orginal TTB went through the Bermuda Triangle of a postal system and was never heard from again, so it was reincarnated). The TTBII travels the world and is seen through photographs enjoying all sorts of local tourist spots. It is currently being hosted by my roommate (you can find her on FaceBook - ask her to add you to the TTBII FaceBook group, if you are interested - tell her DogBreedz sent you). I get to participate as Official SoCal Photographer - fun!

That's it for this past week's sneak peeks - enjoy the photos and let me know what happened over your weekend. Hug a dog for me!

(first photo: Swedish Vallhund #6: GCH Solborg Loven Katherine Maija LT. Orange Empire Dog Club 2013 All Breed Dog Show. January 27, 2013 in San Bernardino, California. Bred by Ivy Underdahl. Owned by Maria & Gary Gunderson and Ivy Underdahl. second photo: Obedience Dog #172 (Golden Retriever): OTCH Regal Gold's Diamond Girl UDX8, OGM, RE, AX, AXJ (call name Lyric). Orange Empire Dog Club 2013 All Breed Dog Show. January 27, 2013 in San Bernardino, California. Open B Obedience. Bred by/Owned by Mary Fry & Gerri Monohan. Handled by Gerri Monohan. third photo:Brussels Griffon #6: CH SleepyHollow You Can Do Magic Bear (call name Layla Rose). Orange Empire Dog Club 2013 All Breed Dog Show. January 27, 2013 in San Bernardino, California. Bred by Jaye Schultz. Owned by/Handled by Kira Schlesinger. fourth photo: The TTB(II) takes group at its first American show!)

1/1/2013 - Model Call: Berger Picard and more!

Model Call: reminder ... BREEDZ WANTED for January 2013

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!

top photo: Atticus the Pomeranian puppy

bottom photo: Pomeranian #41: CH Cliffrose Call Of The Dove (call name Woody). San Fernando Kennel Club. May 27, 2011 in Pomona, California. Owned by Krystal Morris and Ron & Merilyn Smith. Bred by Krystal Morris and Lana Price.

DogBreedz.net Sneak Peeks: 12/31/2012

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Dear 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!

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).

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/

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?

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

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

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!

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 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
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!
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!