1/28/2013 Sneak Peeks - Orange Empire Dog Show & the Traveling Tennis Ball (II)

Monday Morning Sneak Peeks

Ah, the sights and sounds of a dog show - how I love them! My first conformation show of 2013, the Orange Empire Dog Club "Orange Classic" in San Bernardino, California. On Saturday I sat ringside (braving a bit of rain) for the following breeds/classes: German Shorthaired Pointers, Obedience Open B, Swedish Vallhund, Finnish Lapphund, German Shepherd Dog, Collie (Smooth), Collie (Rough), Brittany, German Wirehaired Pointer, Vizsla and some random candids. Sunday found me enjoying the English Springer Spaniels and "my" breed, the Cocker Spaniels (ASCOB and Parti). A private shoot with Layla took me away from the Black variety this show. I had high hopes to be ringside at some of the indoor breeds, but the loaner camera that is supposed to rock the indoor lighting didn't pan out this time. Ringside Candids should be online and ready to go by this Friday in their own galleries at http://dogbreedz.smugmug.com/Dog-Shows.

Have you heard about the Traveling Tennis Ball (II)? A group of international Border Terrier friends have a specially marked tennis ball, affectionately known as the TTBII (the orginal TTB went through the Bermuda Triangle of a postal system and was never heard from again, so it was reincarnated). The TTBII travels the world and is seen through photographs enjoying all sorts of local tourist spots. It is currently being hosted by my roommate (you can find her on FaceBook - ask her to add you to the TTBII FaceBook group, if you are interested - tell her DogBreedz sent you). I get to participate as Official SoCal Photographer - fun!

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

(first photo: Swedish Vallhund #6: GCH Solborg Loven Katherine Maija LT. Orange Empire Dog Club 2013 All Breed Dog Show. January 27, 2013 in San Bernardino, California. Bred by Ivy Underdahl. Owned by Maria & Gary Gunderson and Ivy Underdahl. second photo: Obedience Dog #172 (Golden Retriever): OTCH Regal Gold's Diamond Girl UDX8, OGM, RE, AX, AXJ (call name Lyric). Orange Empire Dog Club 2013 All Breed Dog Show. January 27, 2013 in San Bernardino, California. Open B Obedience. Bred by/Owned by Mary Fry & Gerri Monohan. Handled by Gerri Monohan. third photo:Brussels Griffon #6: CH SleepyHollow You Can Do Magic Bear (call name Layla Rose). Orange Empire Dog Club 2013 All Breed Dog Show. January 27, 2013 in San Bernardino, California. Bred by Jaye Schultz. Owned by/Handled by Kira Schlesinger. fourth photo: The TTB(II) takes group at its first American show!)

1/22/2013: Model Call ... Bullmastiffs and more!

Free Photoshoots for Breeds Wanted to Photograph for January-February 2013

If you have one of the following breeds and would like a complimentary session before February 10, 2013, 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:

Bullmastiff

Australian Shepherd

Kooikerhondjeg

Barbet

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 County 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: Bullmastiff #6: Desert Winds Rain Dance Maggie. Orange Empire Dog Club 138th All Breed Dog Show. January 29, 2012 in San Bernardino, California. Owned by Doug Plemel and Bob Bauer. Bred by Doug Plemel.
Bottom Photo: Australian Shepherd Tucker Mayo, Olympia, Washington.

Facebook contest happening today - guess the breed!!

Have you become a Facebook Friend of DogBreedz.net yet? If not, hop over to my FB page and put in your Friend Request. I'll be checking in from my phone throughout the day and accepting your requests as I get breaks from work. If you are already a friend, head on over and check out the Mystery Breed - and enter to win a prize!

Monday 1/7/2013 Sneak Peeks - Dog Agility and Custom Pet Valentine's from DogBreedz.net

The FIRST Monday Sneak Peek for 2013!

It's time to dive right into 2013 ... and by diving I mean: jumping, climbing, weaving, and all around agility FUN! I spent Saturday and Sunday on the grounds of Performance Dog Training's CPE agility trial combining two of my photographic loves - sports and dogs. The skies weren't as wonderfully overcast on Saturday as I had anticipated after listening to the weatherman and with the shadows cast from the trees it meant carefully planning my shots for each run. Sunday the rains held off until after I lost my light in the afternoon (yay!) and I found my brain and fingers challenged as the clouds streamed in front of the sun. In one second a jump in front of my lens changed exposure settings no less than 19 times (yep, I'm actually nerdy enough that I timed it)! Since I was shooting in manual mode, that meant a lot of dial sliding and setting changes for each dog. Good thing I like challenges! Here are 5 of my favorites to tide you over until all the images are culled through and posted to my agility gallery. Top Photo: Rory the Golden Retriever bursts out of a tunnel obstacle in Jumpers. Owned/Handled by Healther McAllister. Above photo: Zelda the Italian Greyhound flies through the air with the greatest of ease, taking the jump without thinking twice in Snooker. Owned/Handled by Debby Wheeler. Below: Gunner the German Shepherd Dog manuvers the weaves like a pro contortionist in Jackpot! Owned/Handled by Amy Lavoie.

Timing is everything in photography. I don't have a camera that takes a ga-zillion shots per second, so for me getting "the shot" comes down to timing, knowing the sport, understanding how different dogs move (breed and size does make a difference) and as in all types of photography: plain ol' dumb luck! Those graceful, classic shots like the ones above come with the sports experience I bring to the lens as well as my years of learning dogs. But some of my favorite shots include the "dumb luck" factor: those outtakes that capture a fleeting expression or the ones that just cry out for the perfect caption. Take a look below:

Cosmo the Miniature Schnauzer pushes with all his might to get that (Standards) teeter to go down! Owned/Handled by David & Janice Young

Brisbane the Miniature Australian Shepherd shoots a comical look while coming over the A-Frame in Jackpot. Owned/Handled by Carolyn (CJ) Fithian.

Before heading out to the trial, I spent the week tweaking a series of past Valentine's designs, updating them for 2013. Introducing the 3.5" x 5" mini valentine - perfect for handing out to your vet, dog walker, doggie day care, groomer, favorite dog aunt - the list goes on! Starting at 25 minis for $22.50 - envelope included, mix-n-match (with single photo image) allowed. Keep an eye here on the blog - the link will be live shortly for viewing in full size and for ordering.

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

The weekend ahead: 2013 begins!

I am very excited about my January lineup of photo sessions: 3 weekends of agility, a Valentine's Fundraiser studio portrait session at Camp Bow Wow El Cajon and finishing with a dog show on one of the most beautiful sites for ringside candids. Tonight I get my gear bag ready and tomorrow I head out to Performance Dog Sports' CPE agility trial. This morning's Weather Bug app on my iPhone tells me that it will be delightfully overcast (great photo weather!) and that the real rain should hold off until the trial ends on Sunday. That's enough to keep me from frowning over the lower temperatures that will surely be hit in the early am and later pm (hey, I grew up in the Snow Belt - I've had enough of the *real* cold and have earned the right to grouse about 50F temperatures - grin).

And I'm taking the 500 lens with me! I'll be able to get in good and tight for some great expressive action shots - I just can't wait! I should have some great sneak peeks for you on Monday. Have a great weekend and when you have a chance, leave me a comment and let me know what you are up to (with or without your pets) ...

photo: Australian Shepherd TRIGGER taking a jump in Standard Elite 20". Owned by Krystal Emery. May 20, 2012. La Jolla All-Breed ASCA Trial hosted by Performance Dog Sports. San Diego, CA.

January is Train Your Dog Month!

Did you know? January is Train Your Dog Month! Really, who knew?Brought to us by the fine folks at The Association of Pet Dog Trainers, this is the month of resolutions - so why not make one of those be something to do with your dog. Instead of a full year to meet this resolution goal, you have 31 days (well, for me it's now down to 28 days, but it can be done).

My cute blog buddy Kolchak is getting taught by his humans how to sleep in, instead of doing his usual full-throttle digging them out of bed at an ungodly hour (especially irritating on a weekend). That's how I firsst heard about Train Your Dog Month. And it got me thinking ...

Indie and Bennett both achieved their CGC titles and are now officially ThD (in training) puppers. Credit goes to my friend PeggyF for getting me off my rear and making this a reality. Having a training buddy really made a difference, not only for me but for the furkids, too. I have two tricks that I keep putting off, but would love for them to know: Wave and Take a Bow. Both would be a hit on our visits, I am sure of it! So here is my official "gonna give it a try" promise: I'm gonna give it a try! We'll see what the Cockers think about the goal (I haven't told them, yet).

And I can't talk about a training goal without mentioning Royal and Spice - they are our inspiration - take a look:


Linda has over 100 videos of tricks she has taught the dynamic duo - worth a look if you want to be inspired yourself!

Tell me: are you going to take part in Train Your Dog Month? What trick/habit are YOUR dogs going to work on?

Still looking for that perfect 2013 calendar?

No matter how many steps closer I get to being a "hi-tech" type of person, there are a few things "no-tech" that I just can't do without ... my clock on the wall easy to glance at from any place in my office ... a good-read paperback from the thrift store (I don't know about you, but I'm not about to bring my Kindle to the tub for a relaxing soak!) ... and my favorite wall calendar, chock full of glorious images! Okay, that last one is a little white lie - actually it should read my favorite wall calendars - one in my office for my work tasks, one in my kitchen that both my roomie and I reference for our schedules, and one in my bedroom with personal goals listed to keep me motivated and smiling as I start my days.

Long before I started my photography business my dad was the "calendar gifter" in our family. Every Christmas I knew I could count on a calendar from him, usually one with some good, subtle humor to it. Now that Dad has passed, and I have thousands of great dog images at my fingertips at the end of every year, I have my pick of calendars to choose from straight from my own store.

Did you get YOUR favorite calendar this year? While I usually have mine posted and ready for purchase in August, my extended "down time" this year kept me off goal. However I know there are a handful of devoted DogBreedz.net followers who are beyond ready for me to unveil my calendars for 2013.

No more waiting! If you are still looking for just the *right* wall calendar, then check out my six titles for 2013. Quality printing from Lulu combined with some of my favorite images from the year. Agility, Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Scottish Terriers and the ever popular All-Breed editions have rolled off the presses. An added bonus this year: both the Agility Addict and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel calendars raise money for deserving non-profits. Enjoy!

Happy New Year!

Wishing you all a happy, healthy and prosperous new year. Nubbie wags and smiles from Peggy, Indie and Bennett at DogBreedz.net!

1/1/2013 - Model Call: Berger Picard and more!

Model Call: reminder ... BREEDZ WANTED for January 2013

If you have one of the following breeds and would like a complimentary session before January 10, 2013, 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:

Pomeranian

American English Coonhound

Belgian Sheepdog

Berger Picard

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 County 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: Atticus the Pomeranian puppy

bottom photo: Pomeranian #41: CH Cliffrose Call Of The Dove (call name Woody). San Fernando Kennel Club. May 27, 2011 in Pomona, California. Owned by Krystal Morris and Ron & Merilyn Smith. Bred by Krystal Morris and Lana Price.

DogBreedz.net Sneak Peeks: 12/31/2012

The last Monday Morning Sneak Peek of 2012!

As I mentioned in my last Sneak Peek, December is a slow month for the studio as I turn my attentions to implementing my birthday resolutions and getting ready for Christmas celebrations. With the actual Holiday behind us it was time for a DogBreedz tradition: the Last Chance Holiday Shoot! For some, finding time to take Christmas photos of their pet just didn't happen during their own holiday preparations. For others, their new family member just joined the crew as part of the celebrations in their home. Whatever the reason, the Last Chance shoot has been popular through the years.

The studio was busy with dogs wanting to keep celebrating the "howlidays". Here are a few sneak peeks from the day, while all the images are being prepared for proofing. Reilly (Glen of Imaal Terrier) was happy to open one more present. Grace and big brother Merlin (Scottish Terriers) snuggled for a family portrait, an annual tradition. Sunny (Cocker Spaniel) looks to be thinking "... and to all a good night!" on his first Christmas in his new fur-ever home.

And I can't seem to have a studio shoot without Indie and Bennett (Cocker Spaniels) wanting to get in on the action! They each model their new Christmas Collars (did you really think I could spend 4 days on a photo shoot fundraiser at PetSmart without coming home with something for them?!) and Indie breaks in a new Christmas prop.

Have a safe and happy New Year's Eve celebration! See you "next year" here on the DogBreedz.net blog!

Springer Spaniel Lap Blanket - one of a kind, on eBay

*** CLICK HERE to go to the live auction *** Only 7 hours (and assorted minutes) left at this writing! The one-of-a-kind English Springer Spaniel Lap Blanket/Afghan is in the final hours of an eBay auction and one lucky person will be the final winner. Although in reality, the Springers helped by English Springer Rescue America, Inc (ESRA) are REALLY the final winners - as all money raised from this auction is being donated to that Rescue group. ESRA was a mentor to me when I started San Diego Spaniel Rescue in September of 2002. I am currently not in a position to donate money for the cause, but I am able to design and craft a beautiful afghan to raise money.

Straight from the Canyonview Studios: Handmade - Dog Approved! Sized at approx 37" x 44" this hand-knit acrylic blanket will keep your lap warm when there isn't a Springer to do the job. Featuring a running black/white Springer Spaniel and celebrating English Springer Rescue America (ESRA) for 2012. This is a one-of-a-kind creation (intended to be the start of an annual tradition by the creator).

Designed in warm earth tones: set in a deep chocolate border the Springer is surrounded in a cream color with rich tan and frosty green accents.

Machine wash, gentle cycle, warm water. Can be tumble dried on low, but for best results, lay flat to dry.

Proceeds from the sale of this blanket benefit English Springer Spaniel Rescue America, Inc.

99 Authors ... 99 Books ... 99 Cents!

Dear Readers -

Today's post is a special offer for YOU! One of my online Blog Friends has a book included in today's 99 cent sale ("Complete Kitten Care" by Amy Shojai) and there are so many other books that one is sure to catch your eye ... and they aren't only pet-related topics, either. All genres and age groups will be included. As if that wasn't incentive enough ... there will be rafflecopter giveaways that total $990 worth of prizes!

These prices are available on Amazon only.

For a listing of books offered and to enter to win, click here!!

 

Why am I telling you about this neat offer? Well, I'm a reader (growing up I was glued to books more often than not), Amazon is a great way to shop (I love my Kindle!) and the folks behind the giveaway are entering the participating blogs in a $500 drawing. Wow! I know right off the top of my head some very deserving Rescues that I would be sharing that money with. Being a part of this one-day sale was an easy decision on my part. Have fun browsing the sale library - and post a comment, let me know what is on YOUR reading list this month. I'm always looking for a good recommendation (animal related content is always a bonus for me).

2012 Danbury Mint Cocker Spaniel Christmas Tree - Win YOURS!

Oh MY! I haven't been this excited over a giveaway in a long time! The discontinued, hard to find, Cocker Spaniel Christmas Tree from Danbury Mint has surfaced! The last one I saw available was in 2009 when I was proud to run an auction for Life's Little Paws Rescue - and that one's winning bid topped out at $700!



Well, Life's Little Paws has done it again - they found another Tree and this time it's up for RAFFLE! That's right, for a lot less than $700 YOU might be the lucky winner this year. But HURRY ... this raffle ends TOMORROW!

I am already so happy (and so envious) for whoever wins this tree, I've been wanting one for YEARS! And so have many other Cocker Spaniel enthusiasts ... read on for how to enter:

***** ***** ***** ***** *****Cocker Christmas Tree Raffle to benefit Life's Little Paws cocker rescue.
Raffle will run until December 14, 2012.
Tree will then be shipped 2nd day to you in time for Christmas

1 Ticket $10.00
3 Tickets $25.00
8 Tickets $50.00
20 Tickets $100.00
50 Tickets $250.00
150 Tickets $500.00

Check it out and Good Luck!
Happy Holidays from LLP.


Click here to purchase raffle tickets:
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Cocker-Tree-Raffle-to-benefit-dogs-like-Nicholas--.html?soid=1103199739976&aid=B4L242qbr60

Life's Little Paws | 83 Eaton Road | Exeter | ME | 03855
http://www.lifeslittlepaws.com/

Personalized Bone Ornaments - limited time only

The Bones are back! (but only for a limited time, then they are gone for another year.)

This year the personalized Holiday ornaments come in Bone, Scottie/Westie and Angel shapes (the Angels are especially good to remember the pet who passed away this year).

The Bones are about 3" long, customized with the name of your choice and signed/dated on the back. Each ornament is individually handmade ... Hand-Made and Dog-Approved at the Canyonview Studio in Santee, California.

All ornaments are appropriate for Christmas, Valentines or even year-round to honor the pet in your life. Made of polymer clay, they have a slight "give" to them, making them much less breakable when the furries try to knock them off the Holiday tree ...

Best of all: it is not too late to order for the Holidays - all orders received and paid by Wednesday are shipped on Friday of the same week.

For more details about these darling touches for your decorating, check out the Bonez Ordering page!

Which shape is your favorite this year? What would you like to see added to next year's line?

12/11/2012 - Model Call: Pomeranian and more

Model Call: BREEDZ WANTED for December/January 2012/13

If you have one of the following breeds and would like a complimentary session before January 10, 2013, 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:

Pomeranian

American English Coonhound

Belgian Sheepdog

Berger Picard

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 County 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: Hannah the Pomeranian on the photo set
bottom photo: Belgian Sheepdog #5: GCH Sanderle Kindred R. South Bay Kennel Club 69th All Breed Show. August 13, 2011 in Torrance, California. Owned by Roxanne Chumbley and Richard Skinner. Bred by Sandra E King and Roxanne Chumbley. Handled by Tiffany Saxon.

Monday Morning Sneak Peeks 12/10/2012

The DogBreedz studio is quiet until just after Christmas, but I've been keeping busy in the meantime. Don Osborne was the photographer for the annual ESRA Santa Shoot at PetSmart (I step into the role of photographer's assistant and do the doggie posing for him). But during some of the "down time" over the weekend I was able to snap some photos with my own camera. Read on ...

Last week I announced the winners in the Gift Tag give-a-way. One of the two winners is a SoCal Springer friend. His dog was our Ambass-a-dog at this last weekend's event so I was able to take a good Holiday photo of Calvin to make dad's gift tags uber-personalized ... not only his favorite breed, but his best buddy, too!

Calvin the English Springer Spaniel poses on the Holiday photo set
The PetSmart shoot isn't just for the animals in our lives! Children and adults alike enjoy some one-on-one time with Santa. Just ask Wendy ...

Wendy tells Santa what she wants for Christmas!
And one image - the Cocker Spaniel Lap Blanket wasn't my only doggie related knit project. My next endeavor was a creation for the annual Volunteer dinner auction for English Springer Rescue America. However it wasn't finished in time for that event. Now that all the finishing touches are complete we are trying to decide if it should be raffled or auctioned. What do YOU think?

Hand Knit/Dog Approved! English Springer Spaniel hand knit afghan - ready to be auctioned or raffled for Rescue!

The Cocker Spaniel Lap Blanket Found a Home!

Last week I posted about a hand made/dog approved lap blanket that I designed and knit. It was donated for auction to help raise money for the ASC National Obedience and Rally trials in Reno next year. The Cockers "helped" me in the creation process - they chased yarn balls and slept in my lap, and sometimes they just shot me intense, guilt-inducing looks proving how neglected they were while I worked (nine times out of ten I put down the knitting and we went outside to play ... they know how to get what they want out of me)!

Today I am happy to say that a fellow on-line Cocker Spaniel friend, Ginny, is the proud owner of the blanket! With a winning bid of $58.00 she now has the blanket to keep her warm when her own two Cocker Spaniels (Vivi and Sky) aren't being lap warmers themselves.

Congratulations, Ginny! And *thank you* for supporting the American Spaniel Club's 2013 National show!

eBay auction for a Cocker Spaniel adorned Lap Blanket

As many of my Blog Followers know, I'm a confirmed Cocker Spaniel person. I grew up with one (and a darling Westie, and cats, frogs, turtles, guinea pigs and a horse, pony and rabbit. Oh yeah, there were three human sisters in the home too!). As an adult I started a Cocker Spaniel Rescue. And I love to be ringside with my camera when the Cockers hit the show ring. My two furry kids, Indie and Bennett, are from Rescue and have completed their CGC titles. They are working on their ThD certificates and the next step for us will be Rally Obedience. I am very excited to say that the 2013 ASC (American Spaniel Club) Cocker National show will be held "close" to home, in Reno Nevada. Just maybe there will be a title in my kids' future while at the National show!

The chair for the Rally and Obedience portion of National is still raising much needed money to get kick-butt new title ribbons AND to cover the basic operating costs of holding those events. Since I don't have an abundance of extra money floating around to send her way, I instead sat down, designed and knitted an original Lap Blanket for her to auction off. It is now LIVE on eBay and the auction will run through December 8th - only two days left to get your bid in! This photo is a better representation of the colors than the feature photo on the auction site.

Cocker Spaniel Lap Blanket Handmade - Cocker Approved!

Sized at 29" x 36" this hand knitted acrylic blanket will keep your lap warm when there isn't a cocker to do the job. Featuring four popular colors of the merry breed (Black, Buff, Black/White Parti and Red/White Parti) ... one is sure to be your favorite!

Designed in warm earth tones: set in a deep chocolate border the cocker spaniels are surrounded in a cream color with rich tan and frosty green accents.

Machine wash, gentle cycle, warm water. Can be tumble dried on low, but for best results, lay flat to dry.

Proceeds from the sale of this blanket benefit Obedience and Rally at the ASC Cocker National Show 2013.

CLICK HERE to see the auction listing on eBay and enter a bid of your own!

A wonderful Cocker Spaniel friend took my lead and donated some other great items for the cause:

Pink and Chocolate Dog Bed - So soft and comfy! Different fabrics on each side create a whimsical, yet useful, bed for your dog (and we think cats will like it too!) Bed measures about 36" x 24" x 10".

Wahl Arco SE Cordless Professional Dog Clipper Set - NEW in box - DON'T BE CONFUSED WITH OTHER MODELS -- THIS IS THE CLIPPERS USED BY DOG SHOW PROFESSIONALS! Wahl Arco SE Cordless Clipper -- Professional (Model 8786-451A). Never used - box opened. This set includes:
* Professional cordless clipper with indicator light * 5 in 1 adjustable blade (goes from #9, #10, #15, #30, & #40) with blade guard * 2 drop-in NiMh rechargeable battery packs * Recharging base * Four snap-on guide combs: #3 (3mm) 1/8" cut, #6 (6.5 mm) 1/4" cut, #9 (9.6mm) 3/8" cut, #12 (12.2mm) 1/2" cut * Cleaning brush, lubricating oil.

All auctions end on December 8th - get your bidding hat on and thank you for supporting ASC Rally and Obedience!

We have a winner of the Gift Tag Set!

Last Thursday I announced the start of a cute giveaway item. It was my first giveaway on the blog and I wanted to begin small - yet unique and one-of-a-kind. One of my clients' favorite little goodies at Holiday time are my exclusively designed Gift Tags - you know, those fun ways to dress up a gift that say To/From on them.

Drum roll please - we have a winner! Scratch that - we have two winners! I promised that for every 20 comments on the blog I'd pull another winner. What I didn't tell you is that I was counting my reply comments too - I do sneaky upgrades like that to surprise people in my life. So back to that drum roll if you will ... the winners of this giveaway are: Kolchak Puggle and Terry Sprague! CONGRATULATIONS!

KP and Terry - take a moment to email me (use the "contact me" button link at the top of the blog) and let me know the following information. KP: mailing address and confirm Puggle as your breed (or let me know a different one). Terry: let me know your favorite Springer coloring, and bench or field bred while you are at it. I might even be able to give yours to Santa this weekend, Terry!

Thank you everyone for participating! I am a member of the Blog Paws Community and with their expert advice I hope to have more giveaways and product reviews from Indie and Bennett in 2013. Now is a good time to subscribe to the DogBreedz Blog so you don't miss out on any of the fun.

A blog post isn't any fun without a photo - here's a look at last year's design, expertly modeled by Mila the Dalmatian.

DogBreedz and YOU - December news from behind the scenes

Good Morning, Friends, Clients and Fans!

Last Sunday was my birthday and for me it marked the start of a brand new year. I've made it a habit for many years now to do my new year's resolutions at the beginning of MY personal "new year". It makes them more "mine". And I've found that I am less likely to stray from them since I'm already in the throes of my new habits by the time the calendar new year comes along and others are doing their annual tradition of back-sliding from their resolutions. I've been musing over goals for DogBreedz as well.

One of the things I'll be working on over the next few months is something that won't be obvious to my clients, but will make a difference to you: weeding out my unreliable product suppliers. It's great to find a product that is well made with less cost, but if the delivery time is stretched out all that does is increase frustration with every walk to the mail box!

Testing out new products is a must before I start offering them. Recently one of my overseas companies started offering oval stickers at a great price. I was excited about that, as I have a little thank you that I've started doing for clients to go with their orders, and the overseas price is considerably less than my US provider's price on this product - and they ship at no charge. I skipped that quality control step of testing the product (a sticker is a sticker, right?!) and started sending them out. BAD idea!

About a month and a half later I ordered one to come to my house to thank a friend who has been assisting me on the studio sets. She loved it! A week later when we met to spend time training our pooches I noticed the sticker on the back of her car - faded and peeling! In only one week! A sticker is a sticker? Nope! Mortified I quickly ordered a replacement from my regular company for her and it is displayed proudly on her car, in sturdy, colorful glory! Now it's time to go through my records and see who I sent the other stickers to, so I can replace them with the quality that people can expect when they order from me online.

That overseas company has some wonderful products - my lens cloths and lightweight fleece blankets come from them. But for my stickers - I'm sticking with my domestic provider!

What custom photo products do YOU love? Are there any that you've often thought "I wish I could find ..." Let me know in the COMMENTS section below or through my CONTACT ME email link at the top of the page - I'd love to hear from you.