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!
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/623250Hurry - 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 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!
SHOW PHOTOS: UPDATE
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!
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:
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!
Smile For a Cure
