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!

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!

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.

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.

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 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

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.

11/30/12 - the weekend ahead with DogBreedz.net

Friday! The weekend is almost here!

For most people that sounds like one more day until freedom from work - but for the dog show photographer and conformation, obedience, luring and agility people it means gearing up for another weekend of serious dog business. I have a rare weekend off, which leaves me chomping at the bit just a little. Now that I have the energy to trot off to a show, my slate is empty! However ... I have some Holiday photos to edit, a work Holiday Party on Saturday and Sunday is my birthday. So this is actually a good weekend to stay close to home, working images on the computer and playing with the Cocker Spaniels. You know THEY like the "stay close to home" part of that equation!

Today I have a personal ordering session set up for Huggy Bear's mom. Bear has visited my set numerous times over the last two years and is a favorite with my assistants. Even on his grumpy days (hey, we all have them!) he is photogenic. Pictured here, his Charger Spirit shines through during the 2010 Holiday Season. His last visit with me was on a recent Holiday shoot at Camp Bow Wow El Cajon. He told me his mom is thinking about sharing his photos with friends and family. What a great way to celebrate your furkid and keep a smile on others' faces! I know I'll enjoy my morning coffee with Bear's mom.

This is my last "weekend off" (even tho I am editing) for a while. My volunteering for ESRA (Springer Rescue) as photographer's assistant and head dog wrangler will keep me busy over the next couple of weekends. Then work at the Spa and a final "last chance" Holiday shoot in Santee (weather permitting) will wrap up December, as far as business goes.

What do YOU have planned for yourself this weekend?

***** ***** ***** ***** *****Don't forget to enter my Thursday Giveaway for a unique way to share your love of animals during your gifting this Holiday Season!

Thursday Giveaway - Pet Photo Holiday Gift Tags

Custom Gift Tags featuring your favorite Breed!

12/6/12: The WINNERS are announced here!

One of my top sellers is highlighted today, and I am giving away a set of Custom Gift Tags to up to 5 lucky blog readers! Read on for the Giveaway details.

This is a darling little add-on to make your gift-giving extra special. For paid orders I can help choose a breed from my photo files (cats, too!) or use one of your own digital photos. There are four tags in every set ready to be cut apart and used as a finishing touch on your gifts this year.



This is my newest design in the Gift Tag series and it has a matching Holiday Card as well. I started coordinating the Tags and Cards with last year's designs. I just love the wreath theme this year! You can see all the available Tags and Cards for purchase at my Christmas product page.

Now for the Giveaway! To enter, leave a comment below letting me know your favorite breed of dog (or cat). For every 20 valid entries in the comments section below, I'll choose a winner at random, up to 5 total winners. Random.org will be my number generator. I will choose the winners on Wednesday December 5 at 9pm (California time) and announce them on next Thursday's blog post - check back! If you win I'll need you to send me your mailing address so you can have yours in time for all those holiday parties coming up! I'll be choosing the image from my files based on your favorite breed - and if I don't have that breed in my files I'll ask you if you have a digital image available.

Spread the word, share the fun! The more people who enter means the more times I pull names. And more chances that YOUR name will be the one chosen!

Note: If you have trouble posting a comment below, you may enter via email using the "contact me" link at the top of the blog, using a subject line of "Gift Tag Giveaway"

Education Corner: Puppy Strangles

"Puppy Strangles" - it sounds like some weird psycho out stalking the pups, doesn't it? In fact, it is a not very uncommon medical condition that looks ugly yet is easy to treat. Juvenile cellulitis is it's proper name. As both names indicate, this condition is usually only found in puppies.

Over my 7 years of running San Diego Spaniel Rescue we had two cases come in, which provided my introduction to both the illness and the treatment. These two pups came into rescue via the shelter systems and were much too young to be away from their moms, let alone in a local shelter. The Strangles were obvious at this point - while there are earlier signs that a responsible breeder would have likely caught (and treated), these dogs had moved past those symptoms into full-blown cases of the condition. The Rescue vet recognized it right away - pus filled pockets covering the young ones' cheeks, lips and up close to the eyes. One of the most interesting facts that I learned was that the pus did not carry any infection - which meant home care was much easier during the recovery process for the foster parent!

Our vet told us that juvenile cellulitis is thought to be an immune-mediated disease. It is NOT caused by a lack of sanitary conditions at a breeder's home.

Best In Show Daily recently ran a great article on Puppy Strangles. That post has more information than I learned in my limited experience with the disease, including some of the very early signs that a responsible breeder might notice while the pup is still in his care. You can learn more by checking it out HERE.

I don't have photos of Potter when he had his Strangles, but you can see from this bio photo that he recovered perfecly well!

***** ***** ***** ***** *****What would YOU like to see as future Education Corner topics? Send me an email (link at the top of the Blog) and let me know!

11/27/2012: Breedz Wanted to Photograph (free photo sessions!)

BREEDZ WANTED for December 2012

If you have one of the following breeds and would like a complimentary session before December 10, 2012, 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:

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: Boxer - CH Telstar's All That Gitters At Cinnibon
Crystal is a GCH now and a Multiple BISS winner, too!

bottom photo: Whippet - Kelly Wilson

Sneak Peeks: Camp Bow Wow 2012 Holiday Pet Photo Shoot

It's been a l-o-n-g four (and then some) months of not feeling well, but look out pups 'cause I'm back in action! Are those tails I see wagging at the news? I appreciate all the emails in support while I was down for the count and am looking forward to seeing all the furries, and their parents, who are lined up to spend time with my camera.

Easing back into the action included spending time with my friends at El Cajon Camp Bow Wow and raising some money for their Bow Wow Buddies Foundation. Tis the Season, and the Holiday set was ready for the action. Beautiful Flirt (Cocker Spaniel) had a special reason for striking her pose. She is a Therapy Dog now and wanted some special Holiday goodies to hand out on her December visits.

Stoney (Irish Terrier) preferred to go with a classic look without the Holiday touches when he visited on set at Su-Et's Kennel in Santee, CA. Wednesday November 28th will be the last Holiday shoot before Christmas (there are a few spots left). And if the weather holds, there will be a Last Chance shoot with the Holiday theme between Christmas and New Year's for a "pet's first Christmas" if any new fur-kids join your home over the Holiday. Just use the "Contact Me" button at the top of the Blog to inquire about joining a shoot.

Meanwhile, back on the show grounds, the Del Sur Kennel Club held their Fall Puppy Match on a beautiful sunny Sunday in El Cajon, CA. This little Pug shows that even puppies can float on air, when they are a natural for the show ring!

Coming up next: the final Holiday shoot before Christmas, a trip up to Orange County to play with the dogs and some on-set time volunteering for English Springer Rescue America, Inc, one of my favorite rescue organizations!

I hope you enjoyed the sneak peeks into my return to the pet photo studio (and the healthy life). Thanks for the visit - please hug your pet for me today!

Indie gets ready for The Big Surprise

Indie shows how she is preparing for The Big Surprise. She is certain that her favorite collar and looking good is the key! In my last blog post, we saw how Bennett chose to prepare.

Are these two Cockers really getting ready for the same event?!

Indie: it's all about how you look!
Bennett: no it's not, Indie! It's about what you know!
Indie: and about how you look.
Bennett: no.
Indie: uh-HUH! Look right here: #3 - Appearance and Grooming!
Bennett: (rolls his eyes) that's not what that means, Silly!
Indie: then why do they say it, if it's not what it means?
Bennett: (big sigh) OK, Indie, whatever you say ...
Indie: See - I told you!
Bennett: SQUIRREL!
Special thanks to Classy Critter Collars for Indie's wonderful wardrobe!

The Cockers Are Up To Something ...

Just before I turned the computer off last night, I looked over my shoulder and found Indie sound asleep (beauty sleep, I am sure) tuckered out from the day's duties of preparing for The Big Surprise. And Bennett, bookworm that he is, was still up, studying hard. I just had to capture a photo of his efforts to share!

Indie and Bennett - planning a Big Surprise!

Welcome back to the DogBreedz.net Blog. As many of you already know, Indie and Bennett are my own furkids, and they light up my life every single day. Although they are both adopted from a wonderful Rescue as puppies, they have "formal" names as well as their more familiar "call" names. Indie is Kodak's Canyonview Little Miss Independant and Bennett's big-boy name is Kodak's Canyonview The Best Is Yet To Come.

Indie and Bennett have been working undercover for many weeks now on a Big Surprise. They've been getting me up early, before the heat of the day, going to a Top Secret Location and putting their heads together with one of their Cocker Friends named Flirt (is it any surprise that she is a Parti, too?!). Flirt's parents, Peggy and Joe, have been put through their paces as well.

The Big Reveal is scheduled for August 3, 2012. And let me tell you, they are excited! And a little apprehensive - they want the news that day to be that their hard work has paid off. Stay tuned for more - and keep your paws crossed!

Let Indie and Bennett know through the comment section below - what do YOU think their Big Surprise is going to be?

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** Indie (bottom photo) and Bennett (top photo) are modeling the July Beach set, celebrating the Dog Days of Summer. This is all done in studio - no sand in the fur or paws scorched by the hot pavement walking to the shore! The set is suitable for large dogs and other species too, so book your July Beach Session now. $35.00 for 15-30 minutes on set (whatever your pet needs to get comfortable and have fun!) and that includes a print credit that will pay for a 5x7 or it can be applied to other sizes, as well.

Have you signed up for the DogBreedz.net monthly Newsletter? It comes direct to your inbox and you can learn about all sorts of great things before they are posted to the blog - like the Beach Set (modeled in the newsletter by Salsa the Border Terrier). Click HERE to learn more.

Thanks for the visit - please hug your pet for me today!

Connecting with my Clients and Online Friends

Did you receive the DogBreedz.net July Newsletter in your email this morning? It's a wonderful way to sit back and "visit" with me online! This month's newsletter features a new product, announces the Christmas in July special sale, gives you a first look at the July Beach set in studio, talks about keeping your pets safe in the heat of the summer, announces the TWO July Facebook Give-a-way Winners and talks about behind-the-scenes improvements here at DogBreedz. Don't miss out on this valuable tool - and there are photos to enjoy (of course)! Check your spam folder and if you still don't see it - sign up here so future issues will come direct to your in-box:
~ your email address will never be sold or shared ~
When I'm in a photo session with one of your pets, even a 15 minute mini-session, I feel a connection with your fur-kid. I work hard to "listen" to them not only to help them feel comfortable faster but also to get a feel for their unique personality and for what makes them who their are. It helps that I've had a knack for "talking" with the animals since I was a toddler (I count our Westie and our Cocker as being two of my sisters as I grew up and our cats taught me a lot about life!) and that I am certified in Animal Reiki Healing. These bring an extra "something" to my animal sessions and it shows!

But connecting with the PEOPLE that adore their pets - that is harder to do! With longer private sessions, I do have time to get to know the "two-leggers" but in a fundraising or 15-minute session, it has to be all about the pets in order to get that image you will fall in love with. Through my blog and my monthly newsletter I can give you ideas about who I am and how I work. Facebook is more of a two-way street (when it is working correctly and loading!) and has been a valuable resource - I love reading your pages and getting a glimpse of who you are!

I offer a new service to my pet parents, and there is no charge for it: in-person ordering sessions after your studio or on-location shoot. I knew it would be good for business but I LOVE that it gives me time to really connect with YOU! Now you can enjoy the photographic process as much as your pet enjoyed his time with me on set! In about an hour of time, at a local coffee shop or even in your own living room, we meet and this is YOUR time. You are in charge and I sit back and listen. Yes, it's about looking at your proofs and showing you samples of products and photo finishes as you ask your questions, but it's also about listening to your stories about your pets and really getting to know YOU. I so have enjoyed the sessions I've had and I'm looking forward to more! If you enjoy the ease of just ordering online, in your pajamas at 1 am, don't worry: online ordering is not going away - but I am here for you if you have any questions.

Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter - it shows up no more than once a month in your inbox and if you have anything in particular YOU would like to know about me or DogBreedz.net or have a special product you wish you could find for your favorite images - just let me know! Thank you for reading, and please - hug your pet for me today! Top Photo: Indie my Cocker Spaniel receives Animal Reiki in a training class
Bottom Photo: Bisuit Cromelin the Boston Terrier loves the camera
while at a fundraiser hosted by Yorba Regional Animal Hospital

6/26/12: Breedz Wanted to Photograph

BREEDZ WANTED for June/July 2012 If you have one of the following breeds and would like a complimentary session before July 15, 2012, 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:

Bloodhound

Bolognese

Boston Terrier

Bullmastiff

Field Spaniel

Icelandic Sheepdog

Kangal 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 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: Bloodhound - GCH Quiet Creek's Kiss And Tell at the Santa Ana Kennel Club 2011 Show. Sunday September 25, 2011 in Cerritos, California. Bottom Photo: Boston Terrier - Rio Johnson in Richmond, Virginia.

DogBreedz Weekend Roundup - 6/25/2012

Sunny Southern California - just meant for location Pet Photography!

What a great week I've had - nothing like beautiful weather to make my time with your pets even MORE enjoyable! It may be challenging trying to make a living working for myself in California, but after growing up in the snow it sure is worth the extra effort it takes to call Southern California HOME.

On most Wednesdays I offer free mini-shoots for clients of Su-Et's Kennel (free with a groom, bath or nail trim, scheduled in advance). I get to see so many wonderful dogs throughout the year at this location! So here's a question for you ... what do you get when you cross a Chihuahua with a Scottish Terrier? No, not some exotic designer dog - but you do get 100% grade-A Stinkin' Cuteness! Take a look at Daisy as she strikes a patriotic pose and tell me if you don't agree!

Bennett has been refreshing his basic training by joining his Cocker Spaniel friend Flirt for weekly sessions, training with a CGC test in mind. I enjoy spending time with Flirt's parents and a morning in the park (in spite of the fact that we are working) is a great way to start the day. Flirt just received her "Therapy Dog In Training" vest and a photo session with her modeling it was in order.


I was visited on-set by two darling young Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. I originally met these two at a fundraiser shoot earlier in the month so I knew what to expect. They were perfect models for their less distracting private shoot at my studio in Santee. Here is a sneak peek of Harry, the younger of the two:



On Sunday I trekked up to Long Beach and enjoyed a day with my roommate where we were surrounded by Terriers of all kinds at Great Western. My main clients this day were Border Terriers and Scottish Terriers, but I had some time to visit the American Staffordshire Terriers in the ring as well. Pictured here is Best of Breed - American Staffordshire Terrier #25: GCH Alpine's Highwayman (call name Jelly). Great Western Terrier Association of Southern California Terrier Group Show 2012. June 24, 2012 in Long Beach, California. Owned by Zane Smith, Ed & Karen Thompson, CI Lefloch, J Branch and S Janga. Bred by Ed & Karen Thompson, Dan Nechemias and Lois Claus.

I'm also re-working some organizational tricks to help me stay on more on-track with phone calls and projects. I'll be getting back to sending out my newsletter on a monthly basis and am wondering: what would YOU like to see in a regular newsletter? You can let me know on this page: http://dogbreedz.net/NewsletterInfo.htm (and thank you in advance for taking the time to let me know your thoughts).

What did you do this last week with your pet? I'd love to know, feel free to leave a comment! I have a full plate of at-the-computer editing to do, so I had better wrap this post up and get to it ...