Monday 2/11/2013 Sneak Peeks - Camp Bow Wow Fundraiser and SMRTDog Agility Training

Monday Morning Sneak Peeks

One of my 2013 goals is to hold one fundraiser photo shoot per calendar month (February's shoot was unfortunately scheduled for Superbowl Sunday - ! - and was cancelled, so it looks like there will only be 11 for this year instead of 12). January's charity was the Bow Wow Buddy Foundation, supported by the franchise chain of doggy day care/boarding facilities called Camp Bow Wow. I've loved the folks at all three Camps that I've been to (El Cajon, Livermore and Memphis) and the dog-customers of those businesses have all been happy well-adjusted fur-kids on set. Between a personal relationship with the local El Cajon facility from my Rescue days and the fact that they are a short .75 miles away from me, they are my main charity again this year - we'll be setting up there 5 times throughout 2013, each time with a different seasonal set theme. January's set was preparing for the upcoming Valentine's Holiday and the dogs definitely brought their Sweet on! All photos are posted and ready for viewing in their online gallery.

After my visit to Dan Roy's Performance Dog Training CPE Agility Trial in January I had the pleasure of working closely with Jamie Bozzi via emails to find her just the photos of her Toy Fox Terrier Emi that she was hoping for, from the hundreds that I took that weekend. They had 9 Qualifying scores out of 10 runs and 7 of those 9 were first places and she *really* wanted memories of that day. I only had a couple of photos that made the cut after looking them over with my critical eye and she was very disappointed to see only a couple of photos posted. No matter how wonderfully crisp and action packed, she had hoped for more! In my portrait work, my "less than perfects" are gone forever and not able to be seen, but in my sporting events I hold on to them for a while, for times just as this. In portrait work, where the shoot is under tight control, my outtakes are usually eyes half closed, noses being licked, a head whipping around to hear something off set, maybe a face unattractively wrinkled as a sneeze hits. No one want to see those (unless they are hilarious out-takes ... I do keep those fun ones!). But in event photography maybe it's just a slight focus issue, catching a dog at almost-but-not-quite perfect stride, a handler's shadow falling across the frame - any number of things. Some of my event clients are more than happy to have those available to purchase - especially early in their show or agility careers when they don't have a boat-load of images yet (or when their dogs haven't mastered the perfect tuck at a jump or a perfect drive/reach in the show ring). Jamie was thrilled with my one-off photos and they are now proudly a part of her image collection.

I had a delightful ordering session with Megan the Toy Poodle's mom. Megan flew over the same CPE course in January taking every obstacle with apparent glee. My time with mom at a local Starbucks was another example of why I love offering the free sessions. Not only do I get to meet the human behind the dog, but I get to hear first-hand what people REALLY want out of their photos, to make them personal - to make them their favorites of all time. In Megan's case, mom loved that the photos showcased her fur-daughter, but where was the atmosphere? How could anyone tell these were agility performance photos? Like the one I have featured here, my final creations were highlighting only the dog, and mom wanted some of the agility in the photos as well. Taking her words home with me, I reworked her favorites and they are now exactly what was desired. And will have a proud place on Megan's Wall Of Fame in the home!

Back to Jamie - not only does she compete in the trials but as it turns out she teaches agility as well. Jamie is the driving force behind SMRTDog Training. She extended a generous offer for me to head out to one of her group classes and photograph the students while their humans put them through their training paces. I joined the beginning agility class over the weekend (before my real winter cold finally got the best of me) and captured images. Those will be up soon in their own gallery for proofing. I do hope to be able to continue visiting with future classes - not only do the students get a head start on their agility photos, but it helps desensitize the dogs to the sound of the camera ringside.

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

(first photo: Charlie the Corgi Mix at Camp Bow Wow's 2013 Valentine Shoot. second photo: Toy Fox Terrier #807: Emi. Performance Dog Training CPE Agility Trial January 6, 2013 in San Diego, California. Colors Round 1 - Levels 1/2 8 inch. Owned/Handled by Jamie Bozzi. third photo:Poodle #1206: Megan. Performance Dog Training CPE Agility Trial January 6, 2013 in San Diego, California. Standard Round 1 - Levels 2/3 12 inch. Owned/Handled by Sheryn Scherer. fourth photo: Uriel the Border Collie, owned by Jessica Koester

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.

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!

2010 International Summer Photo Tour - Weekend 4

Oklahoma is OK! (pictured above: Indie and Bennett, American Cocker Spaniels and official Tour Mascots, let their hair down and dirty before their next bath) Weekend #4 of the DogBreedz.net Summer Photo Tour happened in Oklahoma - three full days of shooting, benefiting Okie Dokie Cocker Rescue. This was a very special stop for me. The director of this Rescue used to run Temecula Valley Cocker Spaniel Rescue in Southern California. By the time I began San Diego Spaniel Rescue in 2002, TVCSR had closed it doors when Anita Powers moved to OK, but her stellar reputation lived on. After 8 years of being e-friends, we finally met in person! It was like meeting up with an old friend - what a wonderful way to start the weekend! First order of business, tho, was to let Indie and Bennett drop their official duties and "just be dogs". Running in the local dog park was even better with the addition of swimming in the lake - so much fun for them! (pictured above: Charley Walker, the Pittie, throws a huge Holiday Hello your way) We had dogs galore and a kittie, too. A1 Pet Emporium hosted and developed a grand Rescue Event around our arrival. Saturday had 20 Rescue groups showing in the parking lot, with food vendors and "dunk the DJ" from a local radio station. We sure were glad to be inside in the AC however. And spending our time taking pictures - what could be better than that? A1 knows how to throw a party, that's for sure! (pictured above: Maggie Dickerson, the American Cocker Spaniel - it's so EASY to be a diva with Dogbreedz.net) I was fortunate enough to meet some more online friends. There's a great Cocker Spaniel community called Zim Family Cockers, with a very active online Forum. Two more e-friends, now are additions to my real-life Cocker Spaniel family! It's hard to remember the days before the Web, Forums, Facebook ... remember dialing a telephone and winding your watch?! (pictured above: Bailey Madoux the Miniature Schnauzer puppy, celebrating his first ever Fourth of July) With all the techno-things in our lives, it's easy to start depending on them. This blog post is a week late due to my not updating my virus protection in a timely manner. The bugs are gone from my 'puter and ESET is back in place, doing it's thing (and doing it quite well, I might add). I can concentrate on the dogs once again! Oklahoma was a wonderful stop on The Tour and I am looking forward to working the images and to coming back again next year. On to Weekend #5 - Memphis, Tennessee! (pictured above: Indie the Tour Mascot gives OK a full-nubbie salute) NOTE: The Summer Photo Fundraising Tour is a 3-month coast-to-coast International Tour to raise money for animal rescue organizations across the country. My biggest expenses on the Tour are hotel and gasoline costs ... if you or you business would like to help sponsor the Tour, contact the photographer at dogbreedz @ yahoo.com - sponsor one or more hotel stays or donate a gas card to help with expenses - your support would help multiple Rescues! Stops and sponsorships are also being accepted now for the 2011 Tour - let me know if you are interested.

2010 International Summer Photo Tour - Weekend 3

DogBreedz hits the road! (pictured above: Lilly Ehrhardt the Yorkshire Terrier goes high for a better view of the fireworks) Weekend #3 of the DogBreedz.net Summer Photo Tour flew by in a whirlwind of activity. This stop benefited Cocker Spaniel Rescue of East Texas and was hosted at the Sugar Land store of Natural Pawz. The Fourth of July/Americana set was a huge hit while the plain backdrops came in handy for folks who are planning ahead for ... Christmas Cards! (pictured above: Chad Trahan the Great Dane puppy, ready for his close-up) This two-day shoot was packed to the max with dogs of all breeds and sizes. Singles, pairs and foursomes, they paraded in and did their best "good dog!" poses. The Rescue volunteers came out in force to play with the dogs (and owners) and to help keep things running like clockwork. No cats or other critters this weekend, but the canine variety was awesome! (pictured above: Cabo Meeks welcomes me to The Yard) We had openings for private shoots while I was in the Houston area, and I also made a stop in Austin for a private sitting on my way out here. These shoots are fun and relaxed, allowing me to capture the dogs in their own homes, where they are most comfortable. A handful of props and some portable backdrops come along for the animals that are ready for something a little more formal. (pictured above: Sweetie Stanley strikes a demure pose in a private sitting) Basic private shoots are an hour to two hours, with my mobile lighting. On location at the pets' homes or out and about, I end up being everyone's favorite "Aunt Peggy" when I show up with my special treat bag. Although, sometimes the ducks at the pond are a bit more interesting than I am! (pictured above: Lucky Joliloeve keeps one eye on the ducks - no funny business, Quackers!) Weekend 3 of the Summer Photo Tour is now a happy memory. I'm busy at the computer editing some fun photos (Santa Barbara - almost finished!) and getting ready to head north. Our next stop is a three-day shoot at A-1 Pet Emporium in Oklahoma City, OK, benefiting Okie Dokie Cocker Rescue. Private shoots will be available on Thursday June 24 and Monday June 28. Catch you in Oklahoma! (pictured above: McDuff Collins snuggles with some special friends at home) NOTE: The Summer Photo Fundraising Tour is a 3-month coast-to-coast International Tour to raise money for animal rescue organizations across the country. My biggest expenses on the Tour are hotel and gasoline costs ... if you or you business would like to help sponsor the Tour, contact the photographer at dogbreedz @ yahoo.com - sponsor one or more hotel stays or donate a gas card to help with expenses - your support would help multiple Rescues! Stops and sponsorships are also being accepted now for the 2011 Tour - let me know if you are interested.

2010 International Summer Photo Tour - Weekend 2

DogBreedz' final SoCal shoot for the Tour! (pictured above: Chevy Fasani showing his American support) Weekend #2 of the DogBreedz.net Summer Photo Tour was a relaxing, entertaining day in San Pedro, CA. This stop, at Dee O'Gee's Grooming on South Weymouth, raised funds for Take Me Home, an LA-based Boxer Rescue. We had a variety of sets and some fun new props to test out before hitting the road to continue touring. (pictured above: Frankie Reynolds - you're never too old to love the Summer holiday) Some of our doggies and their pet parents came down from Santa Barbara for this shoot: they wanted to capture some great portraits of their fur-kids while I was still shooting in Southern California. Everyone stayed for lunch and we had a wonderful day socializing while raising money for another deserving animal organization. It is always heart-warming when on-line friends from out of the area make the trip for one of my photo sessions. (pictured above: Gracie Reynolds - she's addicted! At only 12 weeks old, this was already her 5th DogBreedz.net photo shoot!) Weekend 2 of the Summer Photo Tour is over now - it was a great way to wish Indie, Bennett and I "Bon Voyage" as we turn the truck east. Our next stop is Saturday June 19 and Sunday June 20 at Natural Pawz in Sugar Land (Houston) Texas, with an opportunity for some private shoots in Austin Texas on June 17 & 18. The Sugar Land shoots are in support of Cocker Spaniel Rescue of East Texas. See you in Texas! NOTE: The Summer Photo Fundraising Tour is a 3-month coast-to-coast International Tour to raise money for animal rescue organizations across the country. My biggest expenses on the Tour are hotel and gasoline costs ... if you or you business would like to help sponsor the Tour, contact the photographer at dogbreedz @ yahoo.com - sponsor one hotel stay or donate a gas card to help with expenses! Stops and sponsorships are also being accepted now for the 2011 Tour - let me know if you are interested!

Busy Busy Busy!

What a fun month April was! If this is any head's up on what the Tour schedule is going to be like, I'll be hopping all summer long! So what HAVE I been up to? Take a look ... April started off with a private shoot, won at an English Springer Rescue America fundraising auction last December. Springer Grace and English Cocker Annie (my God-furDaughter!) were wonderful subjects for the day. Here is Grace in a pensive moment: Next I went down to Chula Vista where Doggie Days in Paradise hosted a shoot to benefit Greyhounds2Go. This day care has such nice clients and the staff is tops! One of my favorites from the day, here is Scuffy the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel loving on her momma: Then it was time to pack up the car and head thru the Eastern Sierras, destination: Reno, Nevada. This was my first multi-group adoption event - the Karen DeSouza Memorial Super Pet Adoption Event and Festival. It was a great day with wonderful ESRA friends and animals galore! At this venue I hosted free photo shoots. Between my time in the booth I roamed the event and took candids. Photos are still uploading (it was quite a day!), but here is one of my favorites - a 5 month Boxer pup looking for his new forever home that weekend: Back in Southern California, next up was a visit to Yorba Regional Animal Hospital in Anaheim Hills. What a facility - wow! My assistant for the day set up this shoot, and the beneficiaries were Boston Buddies and Angels Under Our Wings - two groups that I have a fondness for. We were busy from start to finish with just enough time to take in a quick lunch. This is Sadie, a Cocker Spaniel girl who was adopted from Angels Under Our Wings. She loves to pose for my camera (I've lost count of how many sittings we've had since she picked her new family!): You'd think I'd be ready to hang up the camera bag by this point - but nope ... I was due in El Cajon with one of my regular haunts with my friends at Camp Bow Wow. We (Indie, Bennett and I) enjoy going there! Meet this character - Eddie the Bichon/Shih Tzu mix: May kicked off with a booth in Walnut, CA at the Gateway Cities ESS Club annual Specialty. This was an ESRA fundraiser and a free shoot for the rescue dogs participating in the ESRA Parade of Rescue. Meet Coco, a gal who is thrilled to be in a home with a family who loves her as much as she loves them: Tomorrow has me off to Seattle and Anchorage to deliver Cocker Spaniels to their new homes. Back to San Diego to love on my own fur-kids and then east to MN for a great Cocker Spaniel event: the 2010 Upper MidWest Puppalooza!

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!

Where's Peggy?

When is this blog going to be updated? What has DogBreedz been doing? Is she still taking pictures? Did you hear, Peggy's been abducted by aliens! And such was the word on the streets throughout San Diego and Orange Counties. Never fear - the camera has been hard at work! It's been an eventful summer, complete with computer issues galore (no, no photos were lost in the melee, thank Goodness!), a trip to the Cocker Spaniel Nationals (where I chaired the National Parade of Rescues), a changing of the guards at San Diego Spaniel Rescue (after 7 years as fearless leader, I've finally been able to realize my original vision and turn the operation over to a very capable Board of Directors) and so much more. My poor blog has languished! What's worse than going to a blog and reading someone thinking out loud "I thought this little table should go by the front door, but decided it was a better fit in the upstairs hall"? I'll tell you - going to visit a blog you are looking forward to reading and finding NO updates since May! I'm guilty of that last category, I must admit. But - back to the business at hand! DogBreedz.net has been busy with fundraisers all over California. Most recently a trip to Brentwood and Livermore and what a weekend it was! Over $700 raised for Camp Cocker Rescue and SO many good looking dogs striking a pose for the camera! To see all the dogs from the Camp Bow Wow Livermore shoot, click HERE. To see all the dogs from the Grooming Lounge and More shoot, click HERE. ABOVE: Geisha the chocolate Labrador Retriever - at Camp Bow Wow Livermore on October 9, 2009 BELOW: Henry the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and his human sister Hailey at The Grooming Lounge and More in Brentwood on October 10, 2009
Don of Scoundrel Photographics has been busy gathering new equipment for us to use at the shoots - he has a brand new Christmas backdrop coming in today that will be featured at two fundraising shoots later this month (Huntington Beach, benefiting Second Chance Cocker Rescue; and Su-Et's Kennel in Santee, benefiting the Scottish Terrier Club of America's Health Trust) as well as at FOUR days of fundraising at the PetSmart on 17th Street in Santa Ana in December (to benefit English Springer Rescue America). Wow! Speaking of ESRA, I just finished shooting for their annual Holiday card, my first year doing it as Don (Scoundrel Photographics) wasn't able to fit it into his shoot schedule this year. Thanks for the referral, Don! They liked it so much that they asked me to work up ANOTHER card for them, for their online storefront. They should be up soon at their website How could I ever say no to ESRA? They are my dear friends and Rescue mentors! As long as we are talking about Holiday cards - I have created a gorgeous one for Thanksgiving, featuring one of the top ASCOB Cockers in the US. Check it out at my DogBreedz Card Shop. INSIDE TEXT: May your day be filled with joy, grace and love. Happy Thanksgiving! The Holidays are almost here! From my main website you can access a new link called: Holiday Goodies. Order gift tags with one of your images from a DogBreedz photo shoot! Scroll down a little more and you can access a full online catalog of Christmas and Hanukkah cards that you have your photo added to for a one-of-a-kind printed Holiday greeting this year. Off to update the upcoming shoots - and remember, custom photo items make great Holiday gifts!

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.

Barkin'dales Photos - how cute!

The Cocker Clubbers' photos are finished, and I chose my favorites for a public gallery. I admit to having a bias for the Cocker Spaniels but WOW! What glamour dogs these were! After being down for a few days with the stomach flu I'm back working fast and furious on editing the shots from the Barkin'dales fundraiser of March 15. What good looking dogs we had there! The look this day was a bit of a dramatic one, and the models all knew how to catch their light. Here's one from the day - Mya is a very pretty little Puggle girl, and I am proud to be her God Mother.

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?!?