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!

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!

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
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!

Valentine's Day and Your Pet: Keeping Everyone Healthy

Our dogs are our best friends, our cats demand to be spoiled and served like royalty. We can't help but cater to them! With Valentine's Day less than one week away on the 2012 calendar, here are some tips to help keep everyone safe and lovin' the healthy vibes this year.

PetMD.com has 5 Pet-Conscious Tips for Valentine's Day that bear repeating year after year. I chose this article to link to, because it also tells you the proper methods for artificial respiration and cardiopulmonary respiration (CPR) for your pets, should anything happen.

The AKC website has some great printable lists! For this holiday these are especially appropriate: dangerous household items and foods and hazardous plants.

You can still indulge your dog's sweet tooth - but do it with something that is healthy for him (and even delicious for you!). Here is a recipe from the good folks at Pawluxury for Homemade Valentine Peanut Butter and Carob Biscuit Treats. Yum! (note: these are made with whole wheat flour. I avoid wheat about 90% of the time in my Cocker Kids and 100% of the time in the dogs that have any wheat sensitivities. You can successfully substitute white flour in this recipe, although you might want to cut back on the liquid just a bit (-1/4 to 1/8 a cup) to help keep the denseness of the final cookie.

I didn't forget our feline friends! Kitty's love their special treats too. Take a look at three purr-fect treat recipes from Catster.com: Nik Nak's Valentine's Tuna Treats, Catnip Heart Cookies, and Kitty Valentine Sardine Treats.

If you are like me, you are a chocolate lover, and will outright swoon at just the right chocolate dessert. Here is one I just have to try ... I could almost eat it right off the screen: Chocolate Decorator Cookies as posted at Chocolate, Chocolate and More Chocolate.

I would be a bad bad friend if I didn't put up a recipe that combines chocolate and peanut butter (a combination my roommate loves). Give this one a try if you love PB&C: Peanut Butter Cup Brownies in a Jar. Easy to make, yet elegant to present!

Not a chocolate person (really, they do exist!)? Then try this to-die-for recipe from Apron of Grace and make some delectable Rose Bouquet Stawberry Cupcakes to sweeten up your Sweetest Person this Valentine's Day.

If you are into fun (easy!) hand-crafted goodies, this project really struck a chord in me: Stuffed Paper Hearts (special thanks to Michele at The Scrap Shoppe for telling me about this craft, and the cupcake recipe above)!

Do YOU have a favorite something-something for Valentine's Day? A recipe (for you or the pet in your life)? A tradition? A favorite memory? I'd love for you to share it in my comments section below! Happy Valentine's Day!

Top: Scottish Terrier Puppy; Bottom: Himalayan Cat

Butterflies, Dog Shows and other news

LIGHTNING ROUND: BUTTERFLIES

Papillons and Butterflies (and more)

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





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

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

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





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

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

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





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

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

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

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!

3 days left to vote - DogBreedz has been nominated

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

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

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

SHOW PHOTOS: NEXT STOP - VALLEY CENTER

Cabrillo Kennel Club

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

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

Siberian Husky

Basenji

Komondor

They must conform to breed standards, but they don't have to be show dogs - purebred pets and rescues are available for this offer as well. Contact me at DogBreedz (at) yahoo (dot) com to arrange your private sitting. If you are in the San Diego area and have a great house/yard to photograph in, then I may be able to come to you for the shoot. I would also love to do "lifestyle" shots and include the owner, if you are up to it. Does your dog do a job or fun activity? That is a possible shoot, as well. I look forward to hearing from you!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RECENT AND UPCOMING SHOWS/SHOOTS

Scottish Terrier Club of California and National Rotating Specialties

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

South Bay Kennel Club

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

Camp Bow Wow, El Cajon

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

Fundraiser Shoots for the National Canine Cancer Foundation

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

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

Siberian Huskies

Basenjis

Komondors

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

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

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

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

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

This Week: Meet the Breed - Labrador Retriever

Originating in Canada, the Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog breed in American homes since 1992 and keeps his first place ranking once again, according to the American Kennel Club Registration Statistics. The ancestor of the Labrador Retriever was the St. John's Retriever, a smaller version of the Newfoundland. These dogs were brought to England, probably on fishing boats. Gamekeepers crossed these Canadian imports with various breeds of gun dogs, always striving to improve the breed's hunting and retrieving instincts. By the middle of the 19th century, the Labrador's characteristic water-resistant coat and otter tail were already apparent. By the late 1880s, the breed was sufficiently distinctive that "Labrador Retriever" became the generally accepted name of the breed. Originally black in color, the first recorded yellow Labrador appeared in a litter born in 1899. Chocolates were also recorded at about the same time, but never achieved the same level of popularity as the blacks and yellows. Originally bred to retrieve from water, the modern Labrador Retriever has proven to be one of the most versatile breeds, excelling in hunt tests and field trials, in obedience and agility events, and also as service dogs. The Labrador Retriever is AKC recognized (since 1917) and is a member of the SPORTING group. The Labrador Retriever is UKC recognized (since 1947) and is a member of the GUN DOG group. The Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. is the official Parent Breed Club for the Labrador Retriever.

Shop my exclusive line of greeting cards, featuring your favorite: the Labrador Retriever: click here! Shop for Labrador Retriever gifts at Zazzle: click here! Shop for Spoiled Rotten Labrador Retrievers on Board stickers: click here!

The Lakeside Rodeo photos are all posted! I've decided that barrel racing (for the sportsmanship and horse/rider atheletic abilities) and bull riding (because the bull is big enough to fend for itself!) are my favorite events to watch. You can view all of the 2011 Rodeo photos by clicking here. The final Easter shoot of the year was held last weekend, and thanks to Su-Et's Kennel in Santee, this was a FREE shoot for participants. We had a great turnout and it was hard to pack away the Easter props - they were so much fun! Photos are being worked and should be online in their own gallery soon. This cutie is Bella Woods, a regular visiter to the set. She is a Cairn Terrier. Coming up: April 30 - Fundraising photos at the Springer Specialty and Parade of Rescue in Walnut, CA; May 1 - Ringside Candids and private photo shoots at Lake Matthews Kennel Club Show in Chino, CA; May 7 & 8 - Ringside Candids at Rio Hondo Kennel Club in Pomona, CA. Contact me if you would like me to capture your dog showing in the ring or for a private photo shoot. The full shooting schedule can be seen on my main website. See you at the shows!

April 2011 at DogBreedz.net

There is so much to do in San Diego County on any given weekend - and I suspect that it is due, in part, to the wonderful weather we tend to have. I grew up in Upstate NY in what is known as the Snow Belt. Cold isn't something I enjoy, so it should be no surprise that I relocated out to SoCal! I am very excited to announce that I am now a contributing photographer to Brown Trout Calendars. I'm busy gathering images to submit for their 2013 breed lines and we all have our paws crossed here that some of my clients are chosen for publication. If you haven't yet found your perfect calendar for this year, take a look at some of my privately published offerings from Lulu. My friends at Camp Bow Wow El Cajon scheduled another fundraiser day to benefit Bow Wow Buddies Foundation. This is one of my favorite locations - the animals are always so well-behaved, the camp workers are fun, and the owners are true animal lovers. I love supporting Bow Wow Buddies Foundation - I think it is wonderful that all the Camp Bow Wow locations across the US support their local rescue groups with foster spots. This is Buddy, a darling Basset Hound who sat for me at Camp Bow Wow. My next stop was in Orange County for a very fun day spent at the Papillon Club of Southern California Specialty. I spent some time with my Cocker friends watching the obedience, then turned my attention to the afternoon classes in the main Papillon ring. Such wonderful cuties parading in front of me! This is Adfams Mighty Aphrodite. She is looking at her mom with absolute devotion and intensity while stacking in the ring! The next day I headed a little further north to West Covina, CA for my turn as official photographer for the Scottish Terrier Club of California's Spring Puppy Match. Besides ring candids and winners photos, I also had my portrait booth set up and was able to meet some of these feisty darlings one on one. Congratulations to Morgan's Tam O' Shanter for the Best In Match win! I can't remember the last time I attended a rodeo - and it was time for the famous Lakeside Rodeo, practically in my own backyard. To make it even better, all workers at the event were volunteers and all the money raised was for local charities. The skill of these riders was awe-inspiring! And while the excellent riders were definitely caught on film, sometimes the great shots are of the "oops!" moments. I can't decide if I aspire to be one of the official photographers or if I would be too scared to be IN the ring with all the action! I don't have my photos finished an in a gallery yet, but here are two of my favorites in the meantime. And then back to Orange County for The Hound Classic (photos still being worked ...)! I had a chance to meet a breed that is new to me. In the AKC Miscellaneous Class, meet the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno. This cutie is Gabriela Da Casa De Maio. I spent most of my time with the Borzois (Russian Wolfhounds) as I arrived too late to hang with a couple of my favorite breeds (Beagles and Ibizan Hounds). This is Zabava Atlantis. What a graceful breed! Easter is only a few days away - have you sent your Easter Greetings yet? With Greeting Card Universe, it's not too late! Order your cards online, and pay regular postal shipping costs - the fine folks at GCU will drop it in the mail for you! And if you've waited just a little TOO long ... you can change the inside of any card easily yourself. For example, my DogBreedz Easter cards by default read "Somebunny special is thinking of you - Hoppy Easter!" You can order yours, and change the inside to something like: I got distracted hunting for chocolate bunnies - Happy Belated Easter! Here are a few breed samples: Or you can take a look at some of these cards from other artists - designed especially for the procrastinator! Upcoming Shoots: Ongoing studio portraits at Su-Et's Kennel in Santee, CA, April 30: Fundraising Portraits at the English Springer Specialty in Walnut, CA. May 1: Ringside Candids and Scheduled Private Shoots at Lake Matthews Kennel Club show in Chino, CA. May 7 & 8: Ringside Candids at Rio Hondo Kennel Club in Pomona, CA. May 21 & 22: Ringside Candids at Mt. Palomar Kennel Club show in Valley Center, CA. All events are listed on my Shoot Schedule. Contact DogBreedz (at) yahoo.com for more information.