Samurai Update - 4pm Sat (East Coast Time)

From the Red Bank Veterinary Hospital Facebook page:

"Samurai Update:

Our friend, Samurai, definitely has a fighting spirit! He decided he did not like his NG (nasogastric) tube and essentially coughed it out! He is actually tolerating very small amounts of syringe feeding by mouth on his own. Dr. Lisa Weeth, our board certified nutritionist, has done a consult and we are working with her to slowly and safely reintroduce food to him (if fed too quickly he can become very ill). It is still going to be a very long process. Dr. Greg Griffeth, our board certified dermatologist, has also done a consult and Sammy is on the appropriate treatments for his skin at this time.

The attached photo (edit from DogBreedz: it's a darling photo, you'll have to check out their FB page to see it!) is of Samurai with his new bunny friend -- a gift left by an adoring member of his wide-reaching fan club. Thank you all for your love and support.

Thank you also to Chief Amato for the work that you do and for allowing us to post these updates."

Prayers for Samurai the Cocker Spaniel

Unless you live near New Jersey, or are a dog lover connected to others on Facebook, you might not have heard this story. WARNING: while I'm not including photos, there are pix/video included in my link and the story is heartwrenching. Even for me, having been deeply involved in Rescue since 2002. My post is a slightly watered-down version, for those who might be more faint of heart.

A seemingly Good Samaritan couple turned a Cocker Spaniel into their local SPCA, claiming to have found him after seeing a garbage bag moving on the side of the road. Their reign as local heros was short-lived however, when it was discovered that the dog (at that time being called Morgan) was actually registered to the couples' address since 2007, under the name Samurai. IT WAS THEIR OWN DOG! Now, the Rescue Person in me is trying VERY hard to say "at least they finally gave Samurai a chance". During owner relinquishments that is the mantra that I kept in my head so I could be as civil as possible until the papers were signed, giving Rescue legal ownership of the dog they could no longer care for, or in some cases have never taken care of. But, if you click thru to the news story, you'll see that darling Samurai is fighting for his life, at only 8 years old. The accused couple, Keith and Shauna Morgan of Brick Township, New Jersey, have been arrested and face multiple charges of animal cruelty, neglect and abandonment and hindering an investigation. If Samurai doesn't make it, the charges will increase.

KUDOS to the local police, SPCA and the Red Bank Veterinary Hospital where Samurai is being treated and has a chance at life - a chance at a good life. You are my heros today!

You can find many news reports on this horrific neglect/abuse case by googling key words. My link to the ABC Local news story came from googling: wall county nj cocker spaniel.

If you know of someone who isn't able to take proper care of their pet(s), get to know them. Kindly offer education without judging - maybe they don't know the basics of pet care. If that doesn't help the animal, let the owners know about the local SPCA and area Rescues (find out first if the Rescue takes owner relinquishments, not all of them do - do the research for the owner ... for the pet). If the owners aren't listening or improving their care - report them to the local authorities. We have to look out for the animals, they don't have a voice of their own. Maybe, just maybe, we can help the animal into a better home before the neglect reaches a point of cruelty.

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!

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!

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

1 Town + 2 Thrift Shops + $7.00 = 3 new Cocker Collectibles!

Wonderful Additions to My Cocker Spaniel Collection

I can't believe my new finds! Being from the East(ish) Coast (Upstate New York), I'm a little less than optimistic when entering an estate sale, yard sale or thrift shop in Southern California. Seriously - a super antique dresser on the east coast may be found at a garage sale for about $50 ... out here it would go for over $500. Collectibles also have the "West Coast markup", usually. And when I narrow my search for something even harder to find (Cocker Spaniel collectibles) - well, let's just say that in SoCal I usually end up not spending much money, since I usually can't locate anything in my teeny tiny interest range.

All this to lead up to a fantastic couple of hours spent with my room-mate (and my Cockers' favorite groomer!) at two different thrift shops in our small-ish town of Santee, California last week. I'm seriously watching my spending while I catch up on some unexpected debts (a wonderful Rescue supporter was the Sponsor on a 3-month fundraising tour I scheduled in 2010 - and his life was cut short by a drunk driver before he could fulfill his part of our quest). I had $10 in my pocket, saved up designated as "mad money" and I was thinking it would be spent on a dinner out with a dear friend of mine. Until I entered these local thrift shops, that is!

The photo above is of a wall ornament - unfortunately a previous owner had used some sort of spackle on it, and any maker's mark on the back was no longer visable. But other than a speck on the nose (and the spackle-stuff on the back) it was in great shape. It wasn't priced, so I added it to my basket to ask about it at the front counter.

This adorable planter was at the same thrift shop as the wall ornament. The little guy on the right has a small nick in his outer ear, but other than that, it is in pretty nice shape. If any of my blog readers know anything about Napcoware, this Cocker planter is marked C7201 - I'd love to hear more about this piece! An initial search online gave me only limited information. The planter and the wall hanging together ran me $4.00 - who could say no to that?!

Rusty, written by Nason H Arnold. Published in 1930 by Lothrop, Lee & Shephard, Co. - Rusty is a Cocker Spaniel, and even tho this book is in poor condition, for $3.00 it happily found a place in my collection as a starter issue. As I find better quality editions, I'll trade up, offering the lesser book to another Cocker collector. Gotta start somewhere, right?

As I mentioned, I really don't expect to make many "finds" in Southern California. While on that Tour I mentioned, I loved stopping at various thrift and antique shops along the way. In Ohio, one stop yielded 5 Cocker items ... all with great prices! A beautiful red/white parti Cocker stayed with my friend Julie in Minnesota. She provided a wonderful working vacation for me (and Indie and Bennett!) while I did some healing from a broken foot. Her dining room table became my "office" every day and she was SO diligent about not bothering me while I worked on photos that needed to go out. Her nursing instincts helped me to not over-do things (which I am prone to do) and allow the healing process to do its thing. And Julie's two beautiful Cocker Spaniels were so patient about sharing their home with my kids (the cats, not so thrilled ...).

This wonderful pair was also a part of my Central Ohio jackpot. I'm hoping to find an artist friend to paint them up to match my parti babies, Indie and Bennett. There are no maker marks on them, so their history is bound to remain out of my reach. But they just had to come home with me!

What are some of YOUR favorite dog collectible items? What breed do you look out for? I'd love to hear from you - and I thank you for enjoying my new finds with me!

Project 52-12: Vintage

I am a member of a network of professional pet photographers from around the world. We have a challenge project: a blog roll (Project 52) where once a week we take a photo to fit the week's theme, and then link to the next participating photographer. This week's theme is RETRO/VINTAGE. I hope you enjoy this blog post with photos and feel like leaving a comment at the end. I love visitors! After you are finished reading, please do take a moment to click the link at the bottom and see what the photographer after me came up with for the theme. In fact, sit back and take five minutes, and keep clicking thru until you come back here - I think you'll enjoy yourself!

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Well, it's been a busy month behind the camera ... busy enough that I've had to let my blog lag and now it's time to start making up for that! I've been playing with some layers, textures and overlays for retro effects and when this challenge theme came up, it seemed a perfect match for getting back in the game. With Easter right around the corner, Indie gave me a great idea for my photo to match the theme of the week. Here's a scrapbook page, starring Kodak's Canyonview Little Miss Independent herself, replicating what we think an Easter photo from years gone past would look like. Complete with antique lace and pearls!

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Thanks for visiting the Project 52 Blog Roll for Week #12. Now, please do take a moment and click thru to the blog of Nashville Pet Photographer, Kelly Coyle of Sweet Silver Photography. If you keep clicking through to the next photographer, you'll end up right back here. Enjoy the photos and give YOUR pets a hug from me. Remember: Every Moment Matters!^TM

Project 52-7: Mood

I am a member of a network of professional pet photographers from around the world. We have a challenge project: a blog roll (Project 52) where once a week we take a photo to fit the week's theme, and then link to the next participating photographer. This week's theme is MOOD. I hope you enjoy this blog post with photos and feel like leaving a comment at the end. I love visitors! After you are finished reading, please do take a moment to click the link at the bottom and see what the photographer after me came up with for the theme. In fact, sit back and take five minutes, and keep clicking thru until you come back here - I think you'll enjoy yourself!

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You'd think that with a topic as wide-ranging as "mood" it would be easy to come up with some images to fit. I can easily look thru galleries of past photo sessions and find finished images that would be perfect. But that would be cheating - besides sharing great images with you, my Blog Followers, the goal of this project is to take NEW pictures to fit a pre-chosen theme and to grow as a photographer. But ... looking thru those galleries gave me just the inspiration I needed to get me going. The dogs and I went off to play at the local dog park and the mood was:

... PLAYFUL!

... and FRIENDLY!

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Thanks for visiting the Project 52 Blog Roll for Week #7. Now, please do take a moment and click thru to the blog of Karen Weiler of Posh Pets Photography, located in Toronto. If you keep clicking through to the next photographer, you'll end up right back here. Enjoy the photos and give YOUR pets a hug from me. Remember: Every Moment Matters!^TM

2/14/2012 - Specials of the Valentine Week!

CURRENT SPECIALS

Shop and Save!
Have you been wanting to get a DogBreedz Cotton Blanket, Greeting Card or other fun goodies? Now is the time with these current specials.

***** Dog Breedz Cotton Throw Blanket: Save $40 on either size! Expires 2/21/2012. Use one of my images or submit one of your own.

***** DogBreedz Photo Galleries: 10% off orders of $20 or more (tax and shipping excluded). Use coupon code Feb142012 at checkout (enter it on the same screen you enter your payment information). This offer is good for prints and gift items at DogBreedz.SmugMug.com. Coupon expires 2/28/2012.

***** DogBreedz 2012 Wall Calendars and all items at Lulu: Free Ground Shipping. Save up to $50 on your next order through February 17, 2012. The fine print from Lulu: Enter coupon code FLIGHTLESS at checkout to receive this deal. The maximum savings for this offer is $50. Sorry, but this offer is only valid in US Dollars and cannot be applied to previous orders. You can only use this code once per account, and unfortunately you can't use this coupon in combination with other coupon codes. This great offer expires on February 17, 2012 at 11:59 PM PST, so don't miss out! While very unlikely, we do reserve the right to change or revoke this offer at anytime, and of course we cannot offer this coupon where it is against the law to do so.

***** DogBreedz Gift Items from Zazzle: 14.02% off all orders for one day only (today)! The fine print from Zazzle: Enter coupon code HAPPYLOVEDAY at checkout in the "Zazzle Coupons/Gift Certificates" box 14.02% of the product net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying products are purchased and the coupon code HAPPYLOVEDAY is applied at checkout. For most products, the net sale price is the price of the product (excluding shipping and taxes). For Zazzle Custom Stamps, the net sale price is the difference between the price of the Zazzle Custom Stamps (excluding shipping and taxes) and the face value of the postage. Offer is valid until February 14, 2012 at 11:59pm PT. This offer does not apply to past purchases and may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or volume discount offers. If a volume discount applies to your order, you will receive either the discount set forth in this offer or the standard volume discount, whichever is greater. Offer valid on Zazzle.com only.

***** DogBreedz Gift Items from Zazzle: Free Shipping on all orders over $50 through March 31, 2012! The fine print from Zazzle: enter coupon code FREESHIPFORU at checkout in the "Zazzle Coupons/Gift Certificates" box To qualify for this free shipping offer, one or more Zazzle products must be purchased with a net sale price equal to or greater than 50.00 dollars. The coupon code FREESHIPFORU must be entered during checkout to receive the offer. The free shipping offer is for standard shipping to U.S. addresses only. Shipping charges will apply to oversized orders and orders being shipped on an expedited basis or outside the U.S. Offer is valid through March 31, 2012 at 11:59pm PT. Your order must be placed during that time to qualify for this special offer. This promotional offer may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or discount offers. Offer valid on Zazzle.com only.

*****Visa and Mastercard Gift Cards: FREE shipping on all gift card orders of $75 or more! The fine print from GiftCards.com: Get free 1st Class shipping on all Mastercard and Visa gift card orders of $75 or more! Use code CUPID2012 at checkout. Offer good until February 14, 2012. Happy Valentine's Day from GiftCards.com!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Project 52-6: Noses

I am a member of a network of professional pet photographers from around the world. We have a challenge project: a blog roll (Project 52) where once a week we take a photo to fit the week's theme, and then link to the next participating photographer. This week's theme is NOSES. I hope you enjoy this blog post with photos and feel like leaving a comment at the end. I love visitors! After you are finished reading, please take a moment to click the link at the bottom and see what the photographer after me came up with for the theme. In fact, sit back and take five minutes, and keep clicking thru until you come around full circle back to here - I think you'll enjoy yourself!
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As soon as I heard the topic for this week (Noses) I just knew Bennett was the dog for the job! I really don't know if the image even NEEDS me to patter away about it. I tend to think it speaks for itself ...

Working on this assignment reminded me of two foster dog photos in particular from years' past, so I thought I'd share them with you as well. Enjoy!

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Thanks for visiting the Project 52 Blog Roll for Week #6. Now, please do take a moment and click thru to the blog of Terran Bayer of Westway Studio - just up the road from me here in Southern California. Enjoy the photos and give YOUR pets a hug from me!

2/7/2012 - Specials of the Week!

CURRENT SPECIALS

Shop and Save!
Have you been wanting to get a DogBreedz calendar, greeting card or other fun goodies? Now is the time with these current specials.

***** DogBreedz Greeting Cards at Greeting Card Universe: All Valentine's Day Cards $1.99 each - Use code 2012VAL199 - ends TOMORROW February 8th, 2012. (regular price $3.00/each)!

***** DogBreedz 2012 Wall Calendars and all items at Lulu: BOGO - Buy One, Get One 50% off. Save up to $50 on your next order through February 12, 2012. The fine print from Lulu: Enter coupon code DOUBLEBOOKED at checkout to receive this deal. The maximum savings for this offer is $50. Sorry, but this offer is only valid in US Dollars and cannot be applied to previous orders. You can only use this code once per account, and unfortunately you can't use this coupon in combination with other coupon codes. This great offer expires on February 12, 2012 at 11:59 PM PST, so don't miss out! While very unlikely, we do reserve the right to change or revoke this offer at anytime, and of course we cannot offer this coupon where it is against the law to do so.

***** DogBreedz Gift Items from Zazzle: Free Shipping on all orders over $50 through March 31, 2012! The fine print from Zazzle: FREESHIPFORU at checkout in the "Zazzle Coupons/Gift Certificates" box To qualify for this free shipping offer, one or more Zazzle products must be purchased with a net sale price equal to or greater than 50.00 dollars. The coupon code FREESHIPFORU must be entered during checkout to receive the offer. The free shipping offer is for standard shipping to U.S. addresses only. Shipping charges will apply to oversized orders and orders being shipped on an expedited basis or outside the U.S. Offer is valid through March 31, 2012 at 11:59pm PT. Your order must be placed during that time to qualify for this special offer. This promotional offer may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or discount offers. Offer valid on Zazzle.com only.

*****Visa and Mastercard Gift Cards: FREE shipping on all gift card orders of $75 or more! The fine print from GiftCards.com: Get free 1st Class shipping on all Mastercard and Visa gift card orders of $75 or more! Use code CUPID2012 at checkout. Offer good until February 14, 2012. Happy Valentine's Day from GiftCards.com!

*****Sale Items at Dog Is Good: Check out these current items on sale at Dog Is Good: Hoodie: Property of Dog; Jewelry: Bolo Necklace; Jewelry: Dogvergnügen Necklace; Tee: Never Surf Alone (Pink); and Tee: Never Surf Alone (Sapphire).

stay tuned for tomorrow's post where you will find healthy ways to
Treat Your Pets this Valentine's Day!
pictured above: Bennett the American Cocker Spaniel

Project 52-2: Newness

I am a member of a network of professional pet photographers from around the world. We have a challenge project: a blog roll (Project 52) where once a week we take a photo to fit the week's theme, and then link to the next participating photographer. This week's theme is NEWNESS. I hope you enjoy this blog post with photos and feel like leaving a comment at the end. I love visitors! After you are finished reading, please do take a moment to click the link at the bottom and see what the photographer after me came up with for the theme. In fact, sit back and take five minutes, and keep clicking thru until you come back here - I think you'll enjoy yourself!

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It was l-o-n-g overdue. Bennett had been patient far too long. To his credit, he was happily patient, and would have gone on being so (he is SUCH a good boy). But let's be honest ... his Busy Buddy Bouncy Bone from the wonderful company Premier had seen better days! As you can see from the photo above, he sure is proud to model off his brand new replacement. It's a new year, and for Bennett and his BBBB, it was time to say "out with the old, in with the new"!

Now the back story - I founded San Diego Spaniel Rescue back in September 2002 and ran it until 2009 when I stepped down to concentrate on my pet photography. During my time with the Rescue, I fostered many wonderful Cocker Spaniels. Whether they were fosters learning their house manners or youngsters learning everything in life, quite a few of those Cockers were Power Chewers. My all time favorite go-to chew toy for these PCs was the Busy Buddy Bouncy Bone. It saved many a sofa cushion (and cell phones, shoes, and furniture, too) in my foster life-time.

As you can see from the photo at the left - it is well-chewed! This is about a year and a half of Power Chewing by Bennett, and it stood the test of time, as it always does. The BBBB isn't really bouncy (Bennie's favorite thing to do in our last home was to sit on the sofa and drop it onto the ceramic tile floor - thunk! Then he'd pick it up, get back on the sofa, and drop it THUNK! again. It was a little annoying, but not as annoying as heading out for more sofa cushions). It comes with a few pressed rawhide rings that you can insert on either side of the center ball, to encourage chewing (and you can inexpensively purchase replacement rings, too, if you'd like). I never bothered with the replacements - the bone-shaped insert and the ball were all that Bennett (and many others) needed to stay interested in the toy.

Out with the old: saying goodbye!

And in with the NEW!

Thanks for visiting the Project 52 Blog Roll for Week #2. Now, please do take a moment and click thru to the blog of Ali Peterson (of Skyy Blue Photography - also located right here in beautiful Southern California). Enjoy the photos and give YOUR pet a hug from me!

Big News!

As many of you know, in June 2009 I stepped down as President of the Rescue I founded: San Diego Spaniel Rescue. It was my dream in 2002 to create a strong 501c3 organization, with a governing Board of Directors that would carry on long after I was gone. Most of the SoCal Rescues are individually run, with no Board - when Anita's husband retired and they moved to OK from SoCal, Temecula Valley Cocker Rescue closed it's doors (but OK's gain is Okie Dokie Cocker Rescue!). A couple of other SoCal Rescues have to take regular breaks, to keep from being overwhelmed, or burnt out. A Rescue with a full group of dedicated volunteers and a guiding Board of Directors would avoid these issues. Last summer, with my being burnt out, with physical issues as well, I wasn't being the strong leader that I had been in the past. It was beyond time to finally step aside and let a capable Board take the lead. Those of you that know me, know that once I was beyond my immediate personal challenges, I would be back in the world of Rescue once again. My massage practice is going well, my pet photography business is rockin' n rollin' and my health is back on track. Just in time ... Earlier this month my membership into American Spaniel Club was approved! I joined at the invitation of ASC members after they approached me at last summer's National. I am hopeful that I will be able to be a proactive part of National Cocker Rescue through the ASC Foundation - assisting member Rescues around the country as they work on behalf of our chosen breed. I am also committed to organizing and presenting the National Parade of Rescues at each year's National Specialty (this year in Richmond, VA). I'm looking forward to meeting more of my National friends and making new ones. And I am VERY excited to take my Rescue work to a National level!

Happy New Year!

A friend commented that it seems just last year we were worried about Y2K and the big computer crash that was inevitable. Where on earth did the last TEN years go? More importantly, what can I do to make 2010 better for myself and everyone I come into contact with? I tackle that question on a day-to-day basis, to make it much more managable. I hope the 2009 Holiday Season found you surrounded by furry friends and family. My year started off with a great fundraising photo shoot in Yelm, WA, hosted by Julie Hydro of K-9 Klips. Her stunning Ch. Hannon-Le New World For SoSly (Snow White) was our first photo subject for the day, and set the tone for the hours to come. My assistant proclaimed all the dogs perfect angels, and he had his face "washed" many times over by willing, friendly tongues. Almost $400 was raised to benefit American Cocker Spaniel Rescue of WA. Thank you to everyone who made this happen! Snow White I am booking now for January and February fundraiser and private shoots, with a lovely Valentine's theme available. I'll have sample shots up in a week or so. Non-holiday themes are available, as well. Contact me soon to get the time slot that works best for you. My photography gallery at DogBreedz.Smugmug.com has added a new feature, just for my customers - the ability to custom create your own greeting cards! From your gallery, as you look at the larger view of your chosen thumbnail, click on the BUY button - and choose "create a card". You have the choice of creating 5x7 folded cards (1 for $4.49, 10 for $34.99, 25 for $49.99) or 4x8 flat cards (20 for $39.99, 50 for $74.99, 100 for $99.99). They all come with envelopes, and the multiple quantities come boxed. As always, I can still create custom cards for you, in many different themes, at a lower price point. But for those of you (like me!) want to do things NOW! ... you can. You can experiement with card designs before deciding to add anything to the cart or enter payment information. Come play! Also, be sure to check out my seasonal specials at my Valentine's Goodies page. Mini-Valentines, 5x7 (flat) and 4x8 (flat) VDay greetings on professional-grade photo stock - many to choose from and all adorable! Besides being great for personal use, this is a fun way to raise money for Rescues and Breed Clubs. Here is one of my favorites (the text can be modified, but I loved this for the photo): pictured: Zhen Zhen the pug, from Su-Et's Kennels And, just for my Blog Followers, a special coupon! Blogger New Year Cheer Savings - $10.00 off any DogBreedz.SmugMug.com order over $30.00 - don't forget to check out the new Greeting Card options. Enter coupon code BlogNewYear2010 at check out. Valid until 01/31/2010 (tax/shipping not included). Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays from DogBreedz!

To my Blog Buddies and their Fur-kids: Wishing you holiday happiness to warm your heart and home with special joy! From Peggy, Indie and Bennett Mundell

Huntington Beach Photo Shoot - a barking success!

What a great weekend this was! Organized by Tricia Pratto and benefitting Second Chance Cocker Rescue, DogBreedz was invited to help raise money money for the organization that Tricia's Crosby was adopted through. 43 good-looking dogs paraded in front of my lens, striking poses on the Holiday backdrop and gathering oohs and aahs from their parents and admirers. Lilly, a tri-colored American Cocker Spaniel, is Tricia's other fur-kid Paco was the first to model our newest Holiday prop - the wicker Santa Sleigh. We had enough of the smaller dogs that we made good use of this one! Paco Opalewski, Chihuahua I'd better hustle back to my online darkroom and continue with my photo processing - seven galleries are done so I have 36 patient doggie-parents waiting for their images to be posted! You can see all the photos as they are ready in their online galleries at http://dogbreedz.smugmug.com/Charity-Fundraiser-Shoots/Huntington-Beach-Shoot. Oh! Before I forget, my greeting card service is offering a sale through tomorrow (11/25). Order 10 or more cards (mix and match, even) and pay only $2.29 per card. Details on my card site: http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/dogbreedz. Happy Thanksgiving, Fellow Animal Lovers!