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!

Pony Boy - in June issue of Dog Fancy

This is Pony Boy - he came and did some cat-walking for the camera at the Barkin'dales fundraiser photo shoot (benefiting San Diego Spaniel Rescue and SoCal German Shepherd Rescue). His image was also chosen by my editor at Dog Fancy to be included in the June Issue. Pick yours up on newsstands, and look for the "What Kind of Dog Is This?" contest! What do YOU think he has in him?

Last Shoot - Next Shoot

Dogs and the City Daycare and Spa is a cozy, friendly business in downtown San Diego run by two wonderful ladies, Nicole and Rita. I had the pleasure of meeting them when Rita contacted me and offered to host a fundraiser shoot. Wednesday April 15 had me taking over a corner of their front lobby and transforming it into a studio. The schedule was packed and I had a busy day laid out for me! My clients ranged in size from a camera hog long-haired Chihuahua all the way to a gentle giant Irish Wolfhound. The personalities ran the range too and all kept me smiling throughout the day! Here are a couple of images to enjoy from the sessions: This is Jasmine, a 12 week old Miniature Schnauzer pup - and yes, she looks like a little stuffed bundle of joy in person too! The day of the shoot downtown SD felt like a blustery Chicago morning and Jasmine brought her mom into the Boutique to purchase this adorable purple jacket so she stayed for a photo session too. Meet Niamh (pronounced Neev) - the Irish Wolfhound I mentioned earlier. She started off on the shy side, but it wasn't long before her fun personality peeked out at me and her ears perked up. And finally, one of my favorite shots so far! This was such a classic look and pose, I just had to transform Jethro into a black & white image. He is a Redbone Coonhound. He looks majestic, doesn't he? Click on the photo to see the full image. Mark your calendar now - next Wednesday April 22 I'll be set up at Camp Bow Wow in El Cajon from 3pm - 7pm for another fundraising session. It's still all earmarked for our Frankie girl, so let's get that money in for her surgery! You can call me at 858/997-7135 to schedule a time for your shoot that day. Or to book a session all your own. I'm off to Pet Expo in Orange County now. This is the second largest Pet Expo in the United States and we are so lucky to have it in our own backyard. I'm not wearing my photographer hat, but will be helping out at the San Diego Spaniel Rescue booth for the weekend. Stop by and say hi!

Photo Shoot Scheduled to Help Frankie

Dogs in the City Day Care and Spa is hosting a photo fundraiser this Wednesday, the 15th of April. Come have your favorite pooch's photo taken by me between 3 pm - 7 pm. Sitting fees are by donation only and all money raised is going to help Frankie, the Cocker Spaniel with the unusual medical needs. Before I get into her story, the phone number to schedule your reserved sit time is 858/997-7135. Dogs in the City is located at 555 West C Street in downtown San Diego. This is Frankie's shelter photo. She knew how to use those hazel eyes to charm folks from the start! Frankie came to San Diego Spaniel Rescue from the Apple Valley Animal Shelter. Charming people has been one of her favorite past times ... her foster family will be adopting her when Rescue is finished with her medical needs.

That's where DogBreedz.net comes in - the photo shoots this week (Dogs in the City) and next week (Camp Bow Wow, El Cajon) are dedicated to raising funds to help Frankie out.

You can see from this next photo how happy she is in her foster home. This was sent to us from her Foster Mom, Alyce, pictured with Lucky, Frankie and Archie (left to right), last Christmas. Frankie loves to wear pink, and we just know she is looking forward to her surgery being completed soon. This little girl is really a little boy/girl. Frankie is a rare hermaphrodite Cocker Spaniel and her condition is complicated by more than just the regular "hermie" issues. Her foster mom has a crack team of veterinary specialists who have also been hypnotized by those pretty eyes and are working hard to bring their costs down as SDSR raises the funds that will be needed. Book your photo shoot today - see you at Doggie Day Care this week or next!

Barkin'dales Photos are all online

What pretty dogs! There were so many photos I enjoyed that it was hard to choose my favorites from each sitting for a public gallery, but I succeeded. It's fun to relive the shoot with each photo I edit. Speaking of fun ... while many of the dogs gave us classic poses there were quite a bit of personality shots as well. Take a look to the right and tell me Archie isn't enjoying himself! What a fun goofball. I first met Archie when he was just a couple of months old and in Rescue. He grew up to be quite handsome (and very much the jester in his home).

Camp Bow Wow in El Cajon is the sight of our next fundraiser. San Diego Spaniel Rescue is loaded with Cockers ready for medical care, and the vet bills are coming in. I imagine all the rescues are seeing more of this. In the current economy pet owners just can't afford medical needs the way they used to. SDSR has one dog in particular we are raising funds for. Archie's foster sister is Frankie, a very rare hermaphrodite dog (meaning she has both male and female organs). To make matters worse, she has extra plumbing on top of that and unusual placement. What would normally be a very expensive surgery is estimating out to be an EXTREMELY expensive surgery! Book a sitting at Camp Bow Wow's Wednesday April 22 fundraiser and help Frankie get the care she is looking for.

First Blog Entry!

The month has been busy with shoots, shoots and more shoots! March 7 was a fundraiser shoot, hosted by the Cocker Clubbers in Orange County. I have one more set of pix to edit from that day then they will all be ready for viewing by the participants. I'll be choosing my particular favorites for a public gallery - but in the meantime, here is one of Karlie that I just adore. This two hour event raised over $180.00 for San Diego Spaniel Rescue! I'm not near done after the last Cocker tho ... Barkin'dales hosted a day long fundraiser on March 15 and yesterday was two shoots dedicated to Miniature Schnauzers and Chinooks. When will I have time to shoot my own dogs?!?