Christmas in July - custom pet portraits with SANTA!

It's almost here - Christmas in July! It is time for your pet's photo shoot with SANTA CLAUSE!

With special thanks to Tammy Ryan of T Ryan Photography in El Cajon, DogBreedz.net now has a wonderfully air-conditioned indoor studio hosting this special Holiday shoot in the middle of summer. This isn't your run of the mill Santa photo shoot however. Santa is making a special trip to join us and plans on just being the supporting actor - YOUR pet is the STAR in each photo!

Professional pet portraits with Santa

Mark your calendar - Santa is coming to town on JULY 20, 2013 and he is ready to let YOUR pets be the stars in these unique Christmas Portraits.

$59.00 Package includes: ~ mini-photo session with Santa ~ 1 free 8x10 print (photographer’s choice of image)

$89.00 Package includes: ~ mini-photo session with Santa ~ 1 free 8x10 print (your choice of image) ~ 25 custom Christmas Cards

DogBreedz.net pet photography hosted at T Ryan Photography Studio, 1456 North Magnolia Avenue, El Cajon, CA 92020. To reserve your private session call 858/997-7135 or email through the "contact me" button at the top of this page.

All pets accepted. Package fees good for up to 2 pets. Additional pets in same photo $5.00 each. Newborns, Infants and toddlers to age 5 accepted as well (with or without pets). Portrait Hours 10 am - 6 pm, by appointment only.

6/26/12: Breedz Wanted to Photograph

BREEDZ WANTED for June/July 2012 If you have one of the following breeds and would like a complimentary session before July 15, 2012, please do contact me. Your dog might appear in a national magazine, on a greeting card or in a calendar! I'm currently looking for the following breeds:

Bloodhound

Bolognese

Boston Terrier

Bullmastiff

Field Spaniel

Icelandic Sheepdog

Kangal Dog

Puppies, adults and seniors - I need them all! They must conform to breed standards, but they don't have to be show dogs; purebred-looking pets and rescues are available for this offer as well. Contact me to arrange your free private photo sitting. Shoot participants that are chosen for a national magazine will receive a copy of the issue they are published in. All participants will receive 20% off any prints they wish to order from the free session. Studio sessions will be held at my Santee studio and location candids are available at San Diego area parks or beaches. If you are in the SD, CA area and have a great house/yard to photograph in, then I may be able to come to you for the shoot. I would also love to do "lifestyle" shots and include the owner, if you are up to it (playing, walking, everyday life with your dog). Does your dog do a job, sport or fun activity? That is a possible shoot, as well. I look forward to hearing from you! Top Photo: Bloodhound - GCH Quiet Creek's Kiss And Tell at the Santa Ana Kennel Club 2011 Show. Sunday September 25, 2011 in Cerritos, California. Bottom Photo: Boston Terrier - Rio Johnson in Richmond, Virginia.

DogBreedz Weekend Roundup - 6/25/2012

Sunny Southern California - just meant for location Pet Photography!

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

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

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


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



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

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

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

Breedz Wanted to Photograph: 1/16/2012

Reminder: BREEDZ WANTED for Jan/Feb 2012

Just a reminder ... if you have one of the following breeds and would like a complimentary session at my Santee studio or on location before February 10, 2012, please do contact me. Your dog might appear in a national magazine, on a greeting card or in a calendar! I'm currently looking for the following breeds:

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Coton de Tulear

Curly-Coated Retriever

Chinook

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

English Springer Spaniel

Puppies, adults and seniors - I need them all! 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. Shoot participants that are chosen for the National Magazine will receive a copy of the issue they are published in. All participants will receive 20% off any prints they wish to order. I look forward to hearing from you!

Breedz Wanted to Photograph: 12/12/11

BREEDZ WANTED

If you have one of the following breeds and would like a complimentary session at my Santee studio this coming Wednesday, December 14, 2011, please do contact me. Your dog might appear in a national magazine or a calendar! I'm currently looking for:

Pug

Irish Setter

Alaskan Klee Kai

New Guinea Singing Dog

Welsh Springer Spaniel

Anatolian Shepherd

Puppies, adults and seniors - I need them all! 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!

Tipping: Behind the Scenes at the Grooming Salon

TIPPING: BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE GROOMING SALON

Do you tip your groomer?

The Mirriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary defines the term TIP as "a gift or a usually small sum of money tendered in payment or often in excess of prescibed or suitable payment of a service performed or anticipated". In some situations, a tip can almost be expected: at a restaurant or retrieving your car from the valet, for example. Most people tip their hair stylists without thinking twice about it but do you tip your DOG'S hair stylist, the groomer? I talked to a small sampling of groomers at a few salons
recently, and found that most clients do tip. Around the San Diego area in the salons I spoke to, the gratuity seems to fall between $5 - $10. The current economy has affected the rate of tipping, just as it has affected the frequency of the grooming visits. The concensus among the groomers interviewed is that they would rather see you bring your dog in on a regular basis and scale back on the tip. Keeping your dog's coat in a good, healthy, unmatted condition is best for your pet, and makes future salon visits easier on both dog and groomer! But if you can't tip, do take a moment to let your groomer know - a simple "Fifi looks wonderful, I do wish I was in a position to tip you this visit!" offers the compliment and the regrets to your groomer, instead of just picking up your dog and racing out the door without a word. Take a couple of business cards with you and pass them out at the dog park, on walks, whenever you get that compliment on how good your pet looks - a referral to your favorite groomer, especially in these trying economic times, is the ultimate compliment you can give. If you find that extra $8 hard to come by at your next appointment, find out your groomer's favorite drink or treat - pick up a bottle of her preferred tea or soda - at the end of a hot summer day of grooming, that will always be welcome!

Why should you tip your groomer? Some people will think that the groomer did exactly what was asked for and didn't do anything over and beyond in any way. Why tip for what you are already paying for? This is a valid point ... in theory. If you have a well-behaved dog that has regularly scheduled appointments and who is brushed between salon visits, go ahead and show your appreciation with a $1-$3 tip. Those regular clients are the ones that keep your favorite salon in business. And remember: your groomer likely isn't only bathing, brushing and clipping your dog ... expressing the anal glands is not an enjoyable experience - that alone calls for a tip in my book! If your dog is difficult in any way (he shows up with three or more fleas/ticks on him, is a three month old that has never seen the groomer, is a senior dog that won't stand up for grooming, is a spaniel that screams when someone even thinks about touching his paws, is a dog that goes to the groomer only twice a year, is a biter, is a dog that has been "fired" from one or more salons already, the examples could go on!) then please think about handing over that $10 or $20 bill in your pocket in appreciation for the extra effort.

Holiday time is pretty much a no-brainer. A small gift, a plate of cookies, a fruit basket, or a card with extra cash. Gift giving is rampant at the Holidays. Don't forget your pet's groomer at this time of year. Even if you don't have an appointment, stop by and wish a Merry Holiday to the staff.

A good groomer is personable and she cares. If trusting your pet's groomer and appreciating her skill isn’t enough of a reason to tip I don’t know what is!




SHOW PHOTOS: NEXT STOP - VALLEY CENTER

Cabrillo Kennel Club

September 3rd and 4th is right around the corner and that means it's almost time for the Cabrillo Kennel Club All Breed shows at Bates Nut Farm. This is a great venue for ringside candids - the grass is actually GREEN at Bates Nut Farm! I am taking Ringside Requests now - email me at Dogbreedz (at) yahoo.com to have me keep an eye open for your dog in the ring. Priority Ringside Requests are $35 and Regular Ringside Requests are FREE! Get your requests in before the show weekend. For a look at what each option entails, take a look at my photo shoot pricing page for details. From an earlier show at this venue, this is one of my favorite parti cockers: Parti Cocker Spaniel #10: GCH Dal Mar's Pea Pickin Heart (call name Emily). Mt Palomar Kennel Club All Breed Show. May 21, 2011 in Valley Center, California. Owned by Brenda McManigle PhD and Stephanie McAliser-Hermann. Bred by Johnny Downing and Donna Harrington. Handled by Stephanie McAlister-Hermann.

CURRENT SPECIALS

Shop and Save!

Been wanting to get a DogBreedz calendar, greeting card or other fun goodies? Now is the time with these current specials!
***** DogBreedz 2012 Wall Calendars at Lulu: Purchase 2012 Merry Cocker Spaniel Calendar or any other title with 15% off with coupon code SEPTSAVE305. Hurry ... offer ends this Friday.
***** DogBreedz Greeting Cards at Greeting Card Universe: FREE SHIPPING when you order 10+ cards - use code 2011HOLSHIP10 - Ends Sept. 1st (U.S. only).

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!

oh no - SKUNK!; Vote Now; Meet the Breed: Papillon, the Butterfly Dog; Show Photos

OH NO - SKUNK!

Dog + Skunk = EWWWW!

Indie is almost 6 years, Bennett is 3.5 years ... and living where we do it was bound to happen sooner or later. A mid-evening skunk visitor to our front yard caught the kids in his spray. Luckily it wasn't a direct hit - more of how a woman walks thru a spray of perfume to apply it. But this "perfume" from what we call the Bad Kitty isn't one I enjoyed! The kids got their first skunk spray - and their first de-skunking baths.

One of the tricks to de-skunking your dog is to get to it sooner, rather than later. But no matter what you do, especially with a direct hit, expect the odor to reappear when your dog gets wet again - it just won't be quite as overpowering! Now that Spot is in the bathtub - what do you reach for to undo the smelly damage?

The first thing that comes to most folks' minds is the home remedy of a tomato juice bath. Save the juice for tomorrow's breakfast ... it really doesn't do the job unless you want to spend hours juicing, rinsing and repeating and that just isn't my idea of a good time. There are one or two Skunk Baths on the market - but if it's after retail hours and you don't have anything stocked up, don't despair! You likely have the perfect ingredients for a great remedy already at your fingertips!

Take a look through your supplies and gather up three simple supplies: Hydrogen Peroxide (1 quart - the larger bottle), Baking Soda (1/4 cup) and some Dawn dish washing liquid (1.5 - 2 tablespoons). Mix your solution together and apply it to your dog. Work it into the fur and skin, and leave it on. The original directions say to leave it for 15 minutes - but be warned: the Hydrogen Peroxide can start to highlight your dog's hair! Unless you want your pitch black Scottie to have red highlights, my groomer suggests to start your rinsing at about 8 - 9 minutes. Rinse well, get it all out. And after your blow dry, you too will have a de-skunked doggie, ready for more mischief!

DON'T FORGET 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!

MEET THE BREED: PAPILLON

The Butterfly Dog

The big dog in the small body, who thinks strangers are just friends he hasn't yet met ... that's the Papillon! This little butterfly dog is easily recognized by his beautiful ears, resembling the wings of a butterfly. Hailing from France, this breed doesn't suffer any Napolean complexes - he is happy and carefree no matter the setting. In the 16th/17th centuries, they were known as Dwarf Spaniels, and their unique ears were of the drooped variety (Phalene) and were a favorite among nobility. Over time the elegant erect ears became prominent and today both Papillons (erect eared) and Phalenes (drop-eared) can be born within the same litter. Happy, alert and friendly, the Papillon makes a great addition to the family. But he's a smart dog - give him lots of interactive toys and "jobs" to keep him from getting bored if alone for long periods of time. At home as a pet, in the agility ring and in the show ring - the Papillon is ready for anything!

The Papillon is AKC recognized (since 1915) and is a member of the Toy group.

The Papillon is UKC recognized (since 1950) and is a member of the Companion Dog group.

Papillon Club of America, Inc. is the official Parent Breed Club for the Papillon in the USA.

Shop for Papillon gifts at Zazzle: click here!

Shop for Spoiled Rotten Papillon on Board stickers: click here!

Shop for Papillon greeting cards at GCU: click here!

SHOW PHOTOS: UPDATE

South Bay Kennel Club

It was a gorgeous weekend in Torrance, California and I welcomed the opportunity to get back out to a show again. Priority Ringside Candid Requests and Regular Ringside Candid Requests from both days are already finished (ahead of schedule - yes!) and posted to my online gallery. I am working the General Candids now. This photo is Bouvier des Flandres GCH Bon Idee's Great Expectations (call name Garrison). South Bay Kennel Club 69th All Breed Show. August 14, 2011 in Torrance, California. Owned by Pilar Kuhn and Angie Motta. Bred by Angie Motta of Bon Idee Bouviers. Handled by Pilar Kuhn. Garrison took Best In Breed on Sunday - congratulations!

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 last time out at Bates Nut Farm, this is one of my FAVORITE Afghans: GCH Countrywinds Calico Queen. Del Sur Kennel Club, March 20, 2011 - Valley Center, CA. Owned by Catherine Harker. Handled by Sara Lopez.

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. 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. See you at the shows!

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!

Valentine's Day!

Indie and Bennett enjoyed their Valentine's Day - many of their doggie friends sent sweet greetings and I read every one to them. Here are their official Valentine's Portraits for 2011 ... It was another great week of shooting. Camp Bow Wow El Cajon hosted a fundraiser benefiting Bow Wow Buddies Foundation and there were some very handsome campers who made time to come for portraits. This is Charlie, who loves his daddy very much and was such a darling on set for us! Saturday was another beautiful day in Santee, so the studio was open at Su-Et's Kennel. Bronson came for a sitting, and if you know Bulldogs, you KNOW that any photo session with this breed is a fun session full of laughter and love! Meet Cyndle - a sweet teenage West Highland White Terrier. Those that know me know that Cocker Spaniels are my heart dogs, but the Westie is a close second, as I grew up with both breeds. This one is a darling and loved posing for the camera. And no photo shoot at Su-Et's is really complete without a Scottish Terrier sitting for the camera! Meet Duncan and Angus - yes, they are related to many of the other lovely Su-Et's-bred Scotties that you've met through my photos. Such characters, these two! As much fun as the Valentine's set has been, it's time to pack it away until next year. For the rest of February I'll be featuring classic portraits on set, and I might come up with some fun surprises for the pets and owners who want to celebrate a bit of the Irish. Speaking of St. Patrick's Day, the ornaments are available - 50 breeds are up and more to come! You can see them at my Zazzle Store by clicking HERE. Here's a sample, featuring an American Staffordshire Terrier. And I'd like to end with a special tribute to a very special kitty. This is Sylvia's senior portrait, taken in 2009 when she was 20 years old. Sylvia was the Grand Mistress of the kennel, greeting all who came and showering disdain upon the canine world. After a slow physical decline - all the while with her mind sharp and her purr-motor strong - she made her final trip to the vet and is now at The Rainbow Bridge. She is very missed around here! THIS WEEK'S SHOOT SCHEDULE: Rain is in the forcast for the week. If Friday holds at a drizzle, then the Santee Studio will be open from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. It is looking as though Saturday will be too rainy for shooting, however. Location: Su-Et's Kennel, 10631 Prospect Avenue, Santee, CA 92071.

On Sale for this week - Photo Business Card Holders - save $11.00!

The Tour was great - in spite of a broken foot and a major computer crash ... photos are still being edited and then I'll be booking locations for next year's fundraising photo tour. I have a very special sale this week for my pet friends - custom Business Card Holders in two styles - choose your favorite photo and have it stand alone or add a text embellishment: your pet's name, your kennel name, or your family name are all great suggestions! Our silver-plated business card holder measures 3 1/2" x 2 3/8" and its slim design is sized to fit comfortably in a pocket, grooming apron or purse. It is ideal for a thank you gift, holidays and more. Made from durable aluminum, it can hold up to 12 business cards. The photo is printed out on a high quality photo paper and coated with a waterproof enamel that is crystal clear and lasting. Regular Price: $24.99 plus $6.00 shipping to any country. SPECIAL PRICE: until Sunday September 19th you can order yours for only $19.99 and no shipping charge - that's $11.00 saved! To order, email DogBreedz @ yahoo.com and be sure to put BUSINESS CARD HOLDER in the subject line. I'll contact you to find out your preferred photo and style. Approximately 7 - 14 days for delivery.