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!

2010 International Summer Photo Tour - Weekend 1

The 2010 Summer Tour has BEGUN! (pictured above: Indie Mundell testing out the 2010 Tour Set) 23 Fundraisers - 11 Rescue Groups - 3 Months - 2 Countries - 1 Photographer and her two pups ... add them all together, shake well, and you have the Summer Photo Tour from DogBreedz.net. The Tour has begun with our first two stops this past weekend. Saturday was in Carpenteria, California for the 2nd Annual Second Chance Cocker Rescue Reunion Picnic. Sunday found us set up at The Pet House in Goleta, California for a day-long shoot, also for SCCR. (pictured above: Hope Carvalho at Toro Canyon Park shoot) Saturday was beautiful! Toro Canyon Park was a wonderful setting for this early afternoon BBQ picnic. Second Chance had very tempting raffle items available as well as beautiful hand-crafted doggie blankets for sale. The food was beyond yummy and the dogs beyond gorgeous (but we all know that I'm partial to those Cocker kids, anyway). Indie and Bennett were perfect photographer's dogs - being patient in their private suites and greeting all the humans who came by. Sometimes I think they are more well-known than I am! (pictured above: Jax Van Orsdel at The Pet House shoot) Sunday - another gorgeous day (is there any other type in the Santa Barbara area?!) ... and Indie, Bennett and I headed out to The Pet House located in Goleta. The staff was friendly and the products were fun to browse, but I was there to work so I cut my shopping short. A nice variety of doggies paraded through, along with some Cocker Friends. Second Chance Cats was set up in the next area of the store for an adoption event, so I had a chance to play with some great cats and kittens on set too. Indie provided extra incentive for pups to perk their ears for me, as she was VERY hopeful for a chance to play with lovebirds and parrotlets that were on display in the store - and let us hear her enthusiasm when she thought it might prove worthwhile. (pictured above: Foster Kitten) Weekend 1 of the Summer Photo Tour is over, leaving great photos, wonderful memories, and two tired pups. Our next stop is Sunday June 13 at Dee O Gee's Grooming in San Pedro, CA. There are still sittings available - contact the photographer at dogbreedz @ yahoo.com and schedule YOUR pet for a photo session, benefiting Take Me Home Boxer rescue. See you in San Pedro! 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!

Cocker Spaniels are such Charmers!

The story went out on the Cocker Forum at Zim's. My friend Terri at American Cocker Spaniel Rescue in Washington State received a phone call from a SoCal shelter - a sweet Cocker that she had adopted out a couple of years ago was in their care, dropped off in the night box! We may never know how little Candy went from a loving home to the shelter, but one thing was certain - Candy was definitely going back to her Rescue group. Terri moved heaven and earth to find a way to get her home. In the meantime, a wonderful Cocker owner in Alaska had fallen for a 12 year old senior from Florida that was looking for a new home. I had volunteered to get Aussie to her in Alaska. Since I was going from San Diego to Seattle as a stop over, this adopter offered to pay for Candy's health certificate and flight with me! Problem solved! A dear friend from English Springer Rescue America lived in the same town as Candy's shelter, so she handled all the paperwork and the shelter went over and above to help us out. My flight landed in Seattle and Candy was home - after charming EVERYONE she met at Alaska Airlines! Last I heard she is convincing her Foster Daddy to make it official and become her FurEver Dad. Way to go, Candy! Back to Aussie - she was doing some charming of her own - between computers being down in Orlando at checkin and someone in Florida falling in love with her, I receieved a phone call letting me know that Aussie would not be joining me in Seattle. Cocker Spaniels are such Charmers! Yes, my laptop traveled with me, so I could continue editing photos from the recent shoots. Here is Lucy, a darling Schnoodle (Schnauzer/Poodle Mix) who sat for me at Yorba Regional Animal Hospital. Also working on the Rescue Parade photos and the Camp Bow Wow pix. Gotta get back to the editing - have a great week!

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!

New Guestbook Feature

Just in time for my International Tour - DogBreedz.net friends can sign the interactive Guestbook. Add a photo of your favorite pet, too!

Big News!

As many of you know, in June 2009 I stepped down as President of the Rescue I founded: San Diego Spaniel Rescue. It was my dream in 2002 to create a strong 501c3 organization, with a governing Board of Directors that would carry on long after I was gone. Most of the SoCal Rescues are individually run, with no Board - when Anita's husband retired and they moved to OK from SoCal, Temecula Valley Cocker Rescue closed it's doors (but OK's gain is Okie Dokie Cocker Rescue!). A couple of other SoCal Rescues have to take regular breaks, to keep from being overwhelmed, or burnt out. A Rescue with a full group of dedicated volunteers and a guiding Board of Directors would avoid these issues. Last summer, with my being burnt out, with physical issues as well, I wasn't being the strong leader that I had been in the past. It was beyond time to finally step aside and let a capable Board take the lead. Those of you that know me, know that once I was beyond my immediate personal challenges, I would be back in the world of Rescue once again. My massage practice is going well, my pet photography business is rockin' n rollin' and my health is back on track. Just in time ... Earlier this month my membership into American Spaniel Club was approved! I joined at the invitation of ASC members after they approached me at last summer's National. I am hopeful that I will be able to be a proactive part of National Cocker Rescue through the ASC Foundation - assisting member Rescues around the country as they work on behalf of our chosen breed. I am also committed to organizing and presenting the National Parade of Rescues at each year's National Specialty (this year in Richmond, VA). I'm looking forward to meeting more of my National friends and making new ones. And I am VERY excited to take my Rescue work to a National level!

Vistaprint to the Rescue!

I can't tell you how MUCH I love the folks at Vistaprint. I caught a spelling error on a promotional product that I had proofed and gave the a-ok to ... AFTER it had already printed and shipped to me. OH NO!! I called VP Customer Service to reorder, and they comp'd the complete order, including the faster shipping to get my product to me in time for February promotion - Vistaprint ROCKS! Click this link to save up to 80% on custom printed products at Vistaprint. Order today and they'll thank me with cash back on my next order!

Happy New Year!

A friend commented that it seems just last year we were worried about Y2K and the big computer crash that was inevitable. Where on earth did the last TEN years go? More importantly, what can I do to make 2010 better for myself and everyone I come into contact with? I tackle that question on a day-to-day basis, to make it much more managable. I hope the 2009 Holiday Season found you surrounded by furry friends and family. My year started off with a great fundraising photo shoot in Yelm, WA, hosted by Julie Hydro of K-9 Klips. Her stunning Ch. Hannon-Le New World For SoSly (Snow White) was our first photo subject for the day, and set the tone for the hours to come. My assistant proclaimed all the dogs perfect angels, and he had his face "washed" many times over by willing, friendly tongues. Almost $400 was raised to benefit American Cocker Spaniel Rescue of WA. Thank you to everyone who made this happen! Snow White I am booking now for January and February fundraiser and private shoots, with a lovely Valentine's theme available. I'll have sample shots up in a week or so. Non-holiday themes are available, as well. Contact me soon to get the time slot that works best for you. My photography gallery at DogBreedz.Smugmug.com has added a new feature, just for my customers - the ability to custom create your own greeting cards! From your gallery, as you look at the larger view of your chosen thumbnail, click on the BUY button - and choose "create a card". You have the choice of creating 5x7 folded cards (1 for $4.49, 10 for $34.99, 25 for $49.99) or 4x8 flat cards (20 for $39.99, 50 for $74.99, 100 for $99.99). They all come with envelopes, and the multiple quantities come boxed. As always, I can still create custom cards for you, in many different themes, at a lower price point. But for those of you (like me!) want to do things NOW! ... you can. You can experiement with card designs before deciding to add anything to the cart or enter payment information. Come play! Also, be sure to check out my seasonal specials at my Valentine's Goodies page. Mini-Valentines, 5x7 (flat) and 4x8 (flat) VDay greetings on professional-grade photo stock - many to choose from and all adorable! Besides being great for personal use, this is a fun way to raise money for Rescues and Breed Clubs. Here is one of my favorites (the text can be modified, but I loved this for the photo): pictured: Zhen Zhen the pug, from Su-Et's Kennels And, just for my Blog Followers, a special coupon! Blogger New Year Cheer Savings - $10.00 off any DogBreedz.SmugMug.com order over $30.00 - don't forget to check out the new Greeting Card options. Enter coupon code BlogNewYear2010 at check out. Valid until 01/31/2010 (tax/shipping not included). Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays from DogBreedz!

To my Blog Buddies and their Fur-kids: Wishing you holiday happiness to warm your heart and home with special joy! From Peggy, Indie and Bennett Mundell

Danbury Mint Cocker Spaniel Christmas Tree

Dec 2012 update: there is another tree available! Check out the current post HERE!

Original Blog Post:
Hurry! Read this post then click on the title - today is the last day for this wonderful opportunity for Cocker Spaniel lovers! A hard-to-find Danbury Mint Cocker Spaniel Christmas Tree is up for raffle - and the raffle ends today. This collectible item has been out of circulation for a few years, and The Mint has no plans to bring it back (according to them, they have lost their supplier for the Cocker figurines). The cause is a very deserving Cocker Spaniel Rescue named Life's Little Paws. Like me, they have a special place in their hearts for the sight-challenged Cockers that cross their paths - this raffle will kick-start funding for a dedicated medical account, and LLP already has three Cockers slated to be helped. You can read more about them, and the raffle, at http://www.lifeslittlepaws.com/treelights.html Oh how I long to have this in my personal collection! Beautiful!

Holiday Cheer Coupon!

Henry, a fun Vizsla from the Huntington Beach Shoot in November 2009 Holiday Cheer! Just for my blog followers: save $10.00 on all orders over $30.00 at DogBreedz on SmugMug! Stocking stuffers and great gifts with adorable dog faces to keep you smiling year 'round. Just enter the promo code at checkout - so easy to save! Code: BlogCheer200912 Valid 12/09/2009 → 12/31/2009 (23 days) All merchandise applies for discount - from prints, to prints on canvas, luggage/crate tags, 'fridge magnets, tshirts and so much more - enjoy!

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!

Bennett models the Holiday Set

The new backdrop arrived! It was an exciting day here at Canyonview as it was unfurled and hung for effect. Indie and Bennett were ready to help their Momma test out the lighting on the Holiday set and the results were enough to put me in the Chritmas spirit. Here is Bennett's offering, soon to be available in our greeting card section .. Today was a fun shopping trip - I came home with an adorable Winter Sleigh prop that the puppies are going to look adorable posing in. Cute! There are a couple of openings still for the shoot this Sunday in Santee - make your appointment now for a truly wonderful Holiday memory. The DogBreedz.net first newsletter went out this morning. It includes some great feature articles, a special subscriber-only sale, and information on the upcoming shoots. See you in Santee!

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!

Agility Photography and a Special Cocker Collectible

In between processing photos from the Su-Et's Kennel Shoot, I popped up to Murrieta for a Temecula Valley Agilty Club Trial and met some great folks! I am thrilled to announce my accepted membership in this club - another place to regularly practice my canine sport photography - YAY! This handsome boy is Charlie the Border Collie. He was being run that day by Lynn Hummel. BC's have such intensity when they are enjoying their runs, and Charlie is no exception! Sometimes the best shots are the ones that are just not quite perfect. This one of MacKenzy shows the Sheltie flying thru the air, already taking a look at what is next on the course. I'm new to the sport, but I would bet that this means her owner/handler Nancy Edwards was doing a great job coordinating the course with MacKenzy! My photograph just didn't get the crispness and sharper edges that I am going for. But it sure does translate to a beautiful piece of artwork. Printed out you can see the crosshatching details and mesmerizing texture! I have a strong art background and I like to think it came out in this next shot. Gigi, a happy little Rat Terrier and her mom, Deborah Davidson Harpur, reached their Agility Championship and were presented their pole and ribbon this day. Agility Judge Jim Hibbard said it was his first time awarding a Championship - so it seemed like an extra special occasion to me! This shot shows Jim signing his first Champ pole. After you check out my Agility Photo Gallery (hint - click on the blog post title!), take an e-stroll over to look at the photos Marty, my new photog friend, took on Sunday as well. Photography by M is his web site. We ended up making a pretty good team, even being with two different photography studios. I'm looking forward to seeing him at more trials! I am a strong supporter of animal rescue and one of my two main Rescues that I support is San Diego Spaniel Rescue (the other is English Springer Rescue America, in case you were wondering!). SDSR has come into possession of the ever elusive Danbury Mint Cocker Spaniel Christmas Tree - out of production for a few years and extremely hard to find. People who were lucky enough to score one usually hold it close! SDSR is offering their's up in an online auction hosted by Life's Little Paws. Check it out!

Shoot News and San Diego Photographers

Take a look at these cuties! Jackson and Atticus are two Pomeranian puppies who joined me at the most recent photo shoot. We met at Su-Et's Kennel in Santee and raised some bucks for Scottish Terrier Rescue of Southern California. These pups have a great life ahead of them - only 4 and 6 months old and they already have such great manners (way to go Pom Parents)! The day brought something new my way. Sylvia is the grand matriarch of the kennel, she makes sure things run smooth and that everyone takes a moment to send some adoration her way. You can't tell from looking at this beauty, but she is going to be TWENTY YEARS OLD in August! Wow! As I was surfing the search engines, checking my web sites' placements, I came across an interesting surprise. There's another Mundell in San Diego - and he is a photographer too! Mike is a dog lover as well, but his photography is usually centered on the humans around us rather than the four-leggers. If you are looking for a wedding or event photographer, you might want to check out his website at MundellStudios.com. While I'm tossing about local photographer names, I have to include Julie Edwards, Alicia McGraw and Jen Petit. I first came across Julie's photos when I started my relationship with Dogs and the City Day Care in downtown San Diego. She also does doggie shoots there and has a great style. Her human shots are just incredible! Take a look for yourself at her website: JEdwardsPhotographer.com. Alicia is a fun photographer! She is incredibly patient, as she didn't blink when *my* Indie went on a 40 minute run in the middle of a park shoot. She had Bennett, Spencer and Tara to keep her company while I went to corner and collect the Diva. Alicia does some great "retro" work too. Check out her site at AlishaMcGrawPhotography.com. My all-time hands-down paws-up favorite pet photographer (other than myself, of course!) in San Diego is Jen Petit at Fuzzle.info. Jen is a wonderful supporter of local animal rescue and takes some awesome luring photos as well at LurePix. I have some great role models and someday hope to see my name on a photographer's list of "faves"!

Greeting Cards are HERE!

Imagine an image like this on full color, glossy greeting cards. Then click the linked title to this post and you are there! My new greeting card store features my favorite photos from each shoot - which means it's growing every day! Happy Shopping!

Ups 'N Downs Agility Club at Skydance Ranch

This is Kora. Kora's human mom hosted a shoot in her beautiful back yard last month that featured the Chinook breed. What fun that afternoon - wonderful dogs and some new friends! It turns out that Kora is in Intermediate Agility Class at Ups 'N Downs Agility Club. When Kora (and her mom) found out that I was searching for opportunities to improve my agility photography, she arranged for me to join in and watch a class this week. It was an easy drive to Oceanside and Skydance Ranch, home to the classes, is an awesome destination! While the evening light was disappearing too quickly for me take any decent photos, I did get a feel for the class and met the Club's VP. I can't say enough nice things about this organization from what I saw that night. I am lucky enough to now be invited to do my practicing at any training, fun trial or competition trial they host. THANK YOU Ups 'N Downs! I hope to improve my agility shots enough to provide you with some great shots soon! In the meantime, here is an unknown Bearded Collie - one of my successful shots from a Trial in Rohr Park, Bonita, CA last year. I can't wait to nail the moments like this consistently!

May Special at Photo Site

For the month of May, I've chosen custom JIGSAW PUZZLES for the super secret special (click on this post's link to get to that gallery). I've picked my favorite photos in a horizontal layout (landscape layout, in photographer-speak) to be included in this gallery. Large, 252-piece puzzle measures 14 inches by 10 inches and has a glossy finish. It comes in a black box with a 5 x 7 print of the image on top of the box. Box measures 5.625" x 7.625" x 1.2". Color reproduction is excellent.

Imagine suprising your favorite dog owner with a photo of their beloved breed on one of these puzzles! Normally priced at $41.72, you can get your custom puzzles this month from this exclusive collection for only $34.99.