Butterflies, Dog Shows and other news

LIGHTNING ROUND: BUTTERFLIES

Papillons and Butterflies (and more)

The GCU Community Blog at Greeting Card Universe is a wonderful corner where the Artists gather for fun and educational tips. Even the fun times are opportunities for us to expand our graphic art skills and marketing techniques! This last challenge was a Lightening Round with a subject of BUTTERFLIES. 9 artists took on the task of blogging about their interpretation of the topic. Read the roll call, click through and enjoy everyone's contribution!





A Bit of Fun with Colorful Butterflies
“Ever since I can remember, I've been intrigued with the beauty of butterflies…”
Sunshine’s Creative Explorations, Donna Lorello

Beautiful Butterflies
“I have noticed lots of butterflies lately...”
Dragonfire Graphics, Betsy Bush

Papillon: The Butterfly Dog
“The big dog in the small body...”
DogBreedz, Peggy Mundell





The Delicate Life of a Butterfly
“So you have a great love for butterflies?”
Sheryl Kasper Card Store, Sheryl Kasper

To a Butterfly
“I’ve watched you now a full half-hour...”
Photography TK Designs, Tracie

Greeting Card Universe & Butterfly Changes
“I started this blog as a way to promote greeting cards...”
Janet Lee Designs, Janet Palaggi





Monarch Butterflies
“The beauty and wonder of Monarch butterflies inspired me...”
It’s a Beautiful World, Catherine Sherman

Good Luck
“A most unusual thing happened this week when I was gardening...”
Painted Cottage, Judith Cheng

Butterflies
“Imagine, Dare, Do!”
Naquiaya’s Cards, Naquaiya

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!

3 days left to vote - DogBreedz has been nominated

Channel 10 sponsors the San Diego A-List and DogBreedz.net has been nominated this year! Thank you! We are joining the campaign a little late, but are moving up in the rankings quickly. Please take the time to vote for me at the following URL:

http://kgtv.cityvoter.com/dogbreedz-pet-photography/biz/623250

Hurry - voting closes on August 26! And feel free to spread the word. Locals who vote will be thanked with the option to purchase an $80 photo shoot deal (normally $150!) Thank you for your support!

SHOW PHOTOS: NEXT STOP - VALLEY CENTER

Cabrillo Kennel Club

Coming up in Valley Center on September 3rd and 4th - the Cabrillo Kennel Club All Breed shows at Bates Nut Farm. It should be great weather and a popular weekend packed with beautiful dogs doing their thing in the show rings! If you are an owner or a handler and want me to take ringside candids, please request either Priority ($35) or Regular Candids (FREE!) before the show weekend. For a look at what each option entails, take a look at my photo shoot pricing page for details. From my most recent show, this is one of my regular show clients, rendered as a digital oil painting: Toy Poodle GCH Hosanna Danica Dancing In The Rain (call name Tenley). South Bay Kennel Club 68th All Breed Show. August 13, 2011 in Torrance, California. Owned by/Bred by Patricia Stabler. Handled by Allan Chambers.

BREEDZ WANTED
If you have one of the following breeds and would like a complimentary session at my Santee studio before September 10, please do contact me. Your dog might appear in a national magazine or a calendar! I'm currently looking for:

Siberian Husky

Basenji

Komondor

They must conform to breed standards, but they don't have to be show dogs - purebred pets and rescues are available for this offer as well. Contact me at DogBreedz (at) yahoo (dot) com to arrange your private sitting. If you are in the San Diego 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. Does your dog do a job or fun activity? That is a possible shoot, as well. I look forward to hearing from you!

COMING UP
•Ongoing: Studio Portraits in Santee; •Through September 30: Smile For A Cure reduced price private shoots, benefiting National Canine Cancer Foundation; •September 3 & 4: Ringside Candids at Cabrillo Kennel Club at Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center, CA; •September 10 & 11: Ringside Candids at San Diego Poodle Club Specialty in Oceanside, CA; •September 24 & 25: Ringside Candids at Santa Ana Kennel Club in Cerritos, CA; •October 5: Fundraiser Portraits at Camp Bow Wow in El Cajon, CA; •October 8: Studio Portraits at The Blessing of the Animals in Balboa Park, San Diego, CA. Contact me if you would like me to capture your dog showing in the ring, for a private photo shoot or to participate in a mini-session in Santee. The full shooting schedule can be seen on my main website, or just take a look over in the right sidebar of this blog. I'll see you through the lens - because EVERY moment matters!

oh no - SKUNK!; Vote Now; Meet the Breed: Papillon, the Butterfly Dog; Show Photos

OH NO - SKUNK!

Dog + Skunk = EWWWW!

Indie is almost 6 years, Bennett is 3.5 years ... and living where we do it was bound to happen sooner or later. A mid-evening skunk visitor to our front yard caught the kids in his spray. Luckily it wasn't a direct hit - more of how a woman walks thru a spray of perfume to apply it. But this "perfume" from what we call the Bad Kitty isn't one I enjoyed! The kids got their first skunk spray - and their first de-skunking baths.

One of the tricks to de-skunking your dog is to get to it sooner, rather than later. But no matter what you do, especially with a direct hit, expect the odor to reappear when your dog gets wet again - it just won't be quite as overpowering! Now that Spot is in the bathtub - what do you reach for to undo the smelly damage?

The first thing that comes to most folks' minds is the home remedy of a tomato juice bath. Save the juice for tomorrow's breakfast ... it really doesn't do the job unless you want to spend hours juicing, rinsing and repeating and that just isn't my idea of a good time. There are one or two Skunk Baths on the market - but if it's after retail hours and you don't have anything stocked up, don't despair! You likely have the perfect ingredients for a great remedy already at your fingertips!

Take a look through your supplies and gather up three simple supplies: Hydrogen Peroxide (1 quart - the larger bottle), Baking Soda (1/4 cup) and some Dawn dish washing liquid (1.5 - 2 tablespoons). Mix your solution together and apply it to your dog. Work it into the fur and skin, and leave it on. The original directions say to leave it for 15 minutes - but be warned: the Hydrogen Peroxide can start to highlight your dog's hair! Unless you want your pitch black Scottie to have red highlights, my groomer suggests to start your rinsing at about 8 - 9 minutes. Rinse well, get it all out. And after your blow dry, you too will have a de-skunked doggie, ready for more mischief!

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!

DogBreedz has been nominated

Channel 10 sponsors the San Diego A-List and DogBreedz.net has been nominated this year! Thank you! We are joining the campaign a little late, but are moving up in the rankings quickly. Please take the time to vote for me at the following URL: http://kgtv.cityvoter.com/dogbreedz-pet-photography/biz/623250

Hurry - voting closes on August 26! And feel free to spread the word. Locals who vote will be thanked with the option to purchase an $80 photo shoot deal (normally $150!) Thank you for your support!

MEET THE BREED: PAPILLON

The Butterfly Dog

The big dog in the small body, who thinks strangers are just friends he hasn't yet met ... that's the Papillon! This little butterfly dog is easily recognized by his beautiful ears, resembling the wings of a butterfly. Hailing from France, this breed doesn't suffer any Napolean complexes - he is happy and carefree no matter the setting. In the 16th/17th centuries, they were known as Dwarf Spaniels, and their unique ears were of the drooped variety (Phalene) and were a favorite among nobility. Over time the elegant erect ears became prominent and today both Papillons (erect eared) and Phalenes (drop-eared) can be born within the same litter. Happy, alert and friendly, the Papillon makes a great addition to the family. But he's a smart dog - give him lots of interactive toys and "jobs" to keep him from getting bored if alone for long periods of time. At home as a pet, in the agility ring and in the show ring - the Papillon is ready for anything!

The Papillon is AKC recognized (since 1915) and is a member of the Toy group.

The Papillon is UKC recognized (since 1950) and is a member of the Companion Dog group.

Papillon Club of America, Inc. is the official Parent Breed Club for the Papillon in the USA.

Shop for Papillon gifts at Zazzle: click here!

Shop for Spoiled Rotten Papillon on Board stickers: click here!

Shop for Papillon greeting cards at GCU: click here!

SHOW PHOTOS: UPDATE

South Bay Kennel Club

It was a gorgeous weekend in Torrance, California and I welcomed the opportunity to get back out to a show again. Priority Ringside Candid Requests and Regular Ringside Candid Requests from both days are already finished (ahead of schedule - yes!) and posted to my online gallery. I am working the General Candids now. This photo is Bouvier des Flandres GCH Bon Idee's Great Expectations (call name Garrison). South Bay Kennel Club 69th All Breed Show. August 14, 2011 in Torrance, California. Owned by Pilar Kuhn and Angie Motta. Bred by Angie Motta of Bon Idee Bouviers. Handled by Pilar Kuhn. Garrison took Best In Breed on Sunday - congratulations!

Cabrillo Kennel Club

Coming up in Valley Center on September 3rd and 4th - the Cabrillo Kennel Club All Breed shows at Bates Nut Farm. It should be great weather and a popular weekend packed with beautiful dogs doing their thing in the show rings! If you are an owner or a handler and want me to take ringside candids, please request either Priority ($35) or Regular Candids (FREE!) before the show weekend. For a look at what each option entails, take a look at my photo shoot pricing page for details. From my last time out at Bates Nut Farm, this is one of my FAVORITE Afghans: GCH Countrywinds Calico Queen. Del Sur Kennel Club, March 20, 2011 - Valley Center, CA. Owned by Catherine Harker. Handled by Sara Lopez.

BREEDZ WANTED
If you have one of the following breeds and would like a complimentary session at my Santee studio before September 10, please do contact me. Your dog might appear in a national magazine or a calendar! I'm currently looking for:

Siberian Husky

Basenji

Komondor

They must conform to breed standards, but they don't have to be show dogs - purebred pets and rescues are available for this offer as well. Contact me at DogBreedz (at) yahoo (dot) com to arrange your private sitting. If you are in the San Diego 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. Does your dog do a job or fun activity? That is a possible shoot, as well. I look forward to hearing from you!

COMING UP:
•Ongoing: Studio Portraits in Santee; •Through September 30: Smile For A Cure reduced price private shoots, benefiting National Canine Cancer Foundation; •September 3 & 4: Ringside Candids at Cabrillo Kennel Club at Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center, CA; •September 10 & 11: Ringside Candids at San Diego Poodle Club Specialty in Oceanside, CA; •September 24 & 25: Ringside Candids at Santa Ana Kennel Club in Cerritos, CA. Contact me if you would like me to capture your dog showing in the ring, for a private photo shoot or to participate in a mini-session in Santee. The full shooting schedule can be seen on my main website. See you at the shows!

San Diego A-List, National Canine Cancer Foundation, Dog Shows, Bow Wow Buddies - and more!

How do I fit in the time to blog?! I know it needs to be done and I know I LOVE to share with you what's been going on ... but the time? Where do I find it? I am still working double shifts at my non-photo job to raise the money to pay off the debts from last summer's Tour. The death of my sponsor dealt a blow, but I hate complaining - after all *I* am still alive! All of my hard work to improve my photo skills and get the word out by way of local reputation (to bring in the finances and to spread the joy of the pet photographs) is starting to pay off. People are starting to reach out to me, letting me know when they will be at shows. Dog Fancy
is using my images more regularly. The feedback from the studio shoots is wonderful to hear. It is gratifying to know that the work I love can bring such joy to others!

So ... what HAVE I been up to? Read on!

SAN DIEGO A-LIST
Channel 10 sponsors the San Diego A-List and DogBreedz.net has been nominated this year! Thank you! We are joining the campaign a little late, but are moving up in the rankings quickly. Please take the time to vote for me at the following URL:

http://kgtv.cityvoter.com/dogbreedz-pet-photography/biz/623250

Hurry - voting closes on August 26! And feel free to spread the word. Locals who vote will be thanked with the option to purchase an $80 photo shoot deal (normally $150!) Thank you for your support!

I SEE SPOTS!
I've been on a Dalmation shooting spree! The owners and breeders of this fine breed have been teaching me about the history and the characteristics of the Dalmatian. From puppies to seniors, I'm meeting quite the cast of characters - and loving every minute! Pictured below is young Dillon, just 30 days old. Already he is campaigning his daddy to keep HIM from the litter - he knows how to strike a pose! Owned by Scott A Crispell, Neil Malmquist and Nancy Dandrea.

RECENT AND UPCOMING SHOWS/SHOOTS

Scottish Terrier Club of California and National Rotating Specialties

I knew these would take a while - there were so many beautiful and handsome Scotties, strutting their stuff! I admit to still having to work the Best In Terrier Group for Great Western, however. The Scottish Terriers (and a couple Wire Fox Terriers and Border Terriers) are online at my proofing galleries. From Friday's Scottish Terrier Club of California 2011 Specialty, here is GCH McVan's Be Bop Baby (call name Betsy). Owned by Victor Malzoni, Jerson Valle and Vandra Huber. Bred by Vandra Huber and Michael Krolewski. Handled by Rebecca Cross. You can visit McVan's Scottie's at their web site.

South Bay Kennel Club

I'll be ringside at South Bay Kennel Club capturing candids of many breeds, seeing old friends and making new ones! If your dog will be showing on the West Coast and you would like some moving candids, just let me know. Details of Ringside Shoots are at my
Pricing page. Pictured next is Wire Fox Terrier Warwick Kiss Me Kate at the Western Fox Terrier Breeders Association Specialty Show at Great Western Terrier Association. June 25, 2011 in Long Beach, California. Owned by/Bred by Michael and Carol Nemeth. Handled by Jennifer Wornall.

Camp Bow Wow, El Cajon

I love my partnership with Camp Bow Wow. Every facility I've visited has been clean, orderly, and staffed with the nicest people who really love the dogs! Last month I had another fundraiser booked with the El Cajon location - we raised funds for Bow Wow Buddies. You may remember previous images of Scruffy, the lovable Terrier Mix. He is so photogenic and LOVES visiting the set! This is his third time in front of my camera, and he is definitely a natural! Owned and loved by Linda Toussaint.

Fundraiser Shoots for the National Canine Cancer Foundation

Smile For a Cure is a National campaign, featuring talented photographers from across the US and Canada. Thru September 30, 2011 you can book a private session with me at a reduced price - and ALL proceeds are donated to the National Canine Cancer Foundation! After we book your session time, you make your donation directly to the NCCF and then we have a blast shooting together. You can read details of the shoot at my Pricing Page.

BREEDZ WANTED
If you have one of the following breeds and would like a complimentary session at my Santee studio before September 10, please do contact me. Your dog might appear in a national magazine or a calendar! I'm currently looking for:

Siberian Huskies

Basenjis

Komondors

They must conform to breed standards, but they don't have to be show dogs - purebred pets and rescues are available for this offer as well. Contact me at DogBreedz (at) yahoo.com to arrange your private sitting. If you are in the San Diego area and have a great house/yard to photograph in, or want to visit a nearby beach or park, 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. Does your dog do a job or fun activity? That is a possible shoot, as well. I look forward to hearing from you!

COMING UP
•Ongoing: Studio Portraits in Santee; •Through September 30: Smile For A Cure reduced price private shoots, benefiting National Canine Cancer Foundation; •August 13 & 14: Ringside Candids at South Bay Kennel Club in Torrance, CA; •September 3 & 4: Ringside Candids at Cabrillo Kennel Club at Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center, CA; •September 10 & 11: Ringside Candids at San Diego Poodle Club Specialty in Oceanside, CA; •September 24 & 25: Ringside Candids at Santa Ana Kennel Club in Cerritos, CA. Contact me if you would like me to capture your dog showing in the ring, for a private photo shoot or to participate in a mini-session in Santee. The full shooting schedule can be seen on my main website - or just take a look on the right-hand side of this blog page.

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!
Channel 10 sponsors the San Diego A-List and DogBreedz.net has been nominated this year! Thank you! We are joining the campaign a little late, but are moving up in the rankings quickly. Please take the time to vote for me at the following URL:

http://kgtv.cityvoter.com/dogbreedz-pet-photography/biz/623250

Hurry - voting closes on August 26! And feel free to spread the word. Locals who vote will be thanked with the option to purchase an $80 photo shoot deal (normally $150!) Thank you for your support!