Modern Cat Magazine Cover

Modern Cat Magazine Cover

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Toronto cats rejoice!

I’m so thrilled to announce that one of my photos is on the cover of Modern Cat magazine! I could not be any more proud as this has been a dream of mine for quite some time. After all, there’s nothing quite like seeing your work in print for a major publication.

Now…if you are a cat mum or dad, you should know that this is a real, tangible, hold-in-your-hands print magazine that is the go-to source for all things feline. It’s also Canadian. So yes, you should be subscribed!

If you are dog mom or dog dad, then know that the sister publication is called – you guessed it – Modern Dog.

So there is something for everyone!

Modern Cat magazine

Inside the Magazine

As part of getting chosen for the cover, they needed a headshot of me and noted that it would be even better if it had a kitty in it. So, Bentley decided that if any cat was going to be in Modern Cat, it was going to be him. He’s a real cuddler which makes him a pretty good model. Look how cute he is!

Karen Weiler contributor to Modern Cat magazine and her cat, Bentley.

The Tear Sheet

In commercial and editorial photography, the final design and file is called a tear sheet. And it belongs on your website!

So, without any further delay…here is the Modern Cat magazine cover for Fall-Winter 2023-2024 up close:

Toronto's Posh Pets Photography cover for Modern Cat magazine.

Would you like your fabulous feline to look like ea cover model? A studio session might be just the thing. Check out our portfolio HERE and contact us when you are ready.

POSH PETS STUDIO™ SESSIONS

Classic studio portraiture

    • Studio portraits with a twist...we come to YOU! These sessions mean we are bringing the backdrop, the lights and all of the equipment necessary to set up a  photo studio in your home. Of course, if you prefer, you are welcome to come to our studio.
    • The result of this series is classic artwork with a timeless aesthetic that you will be proud to display on your walls.
    • Ideal for puppies, smaller breeds, cats or pets who are not comfortable travelling or spending time in the great outdoors.
    • Please note: The Creative Fee covers time and talent to photograph a maximum of four (4) subjects, which can be any combination of people and up to two (2) pets who live within the same household. Additional subjects may be photographed at a cost of $50 per subject.
    • Examples of portraits from Posh Pets Studio™ Sessions can be found here.
Two Dogs and a Cat | Starling, Duke and Kitt

Two Dogs and a Cat | Starling, Duke and Kitt

2 dogs and 1 cat in silhouette at sunrise in Toronto
We had picked the day and time and it was EARLY! Time was of the essence as Mum had let me know that Starling, her black labrador, was not feeling well and she really wanted to capture her first pup in the early morning light.

When we arrived at the location, my heart sank a little. The sky was ‘socked in’ and it was just a blanket of grey, featureless clouds.

There is no way we’re getting a visible sunrise, I thought.

Add to that, the location was over the water because I wanted an unobstructed view of the sky which meant it was windy. And cold.

But it was too late to postpone now – the two dogs and one cat (!) were already on the long drive from home to meet me.

And so I waited, hoping that the sky might clear.

By the time they arrived, the sky was still awful. We had only a few precious minutes to try and get the pets to settle and simply hope for the best when it came to the sky.

By the time we got our first dog in place, the ‘official’ sunrise time had passed. Nothing but grey, mournful sky.

However, above the horizon, I noticed a sliver of clear sky and I thought: What happens when the sun gets there?

Well, we found out.

For less than 2.5 minutes tops, the sky lit up with the most incredible orange-red hues!

We quickly got to work as we needed all three furry siblings in place to create our portraits. As quickly as the colour appeared, it disappeared when the sun went firmly behind the wall of clouds and we were once again enveloped in the grey, windy landscape.

But it was enough. Enough for this. Meet Duke, Starling and Kitt silhouetted against the incredible morning sky.

Professional photographer tip: A portrait like this involving multiple subjects takes some forethought and planning to execute well. This is an outcrop over the water and we simply cannot risk anyone slipping or falling. Thus, the humans are very close by and all of the pets are on leash at the time.  The editing and retouching process ensures that the final portraits are perfect.

Photographing Your (Pet) Family

Whenever you have a family involving dogs and cats, the question always arises as to whether we can get a portrait of everyone together. To which I say: we are going to do everything possible to set ourselves up for success.

Much of our approach will depend on the relationships with each other and the temperaments of the furry siblings. In this case, believe it or not, Kitt (the gorgeous cat you see) was the most ‘stable’. (Stable is the word I use to describe the subject most likely to get into and hold a position.) Kitt also loves his canine brother and sister which is a great plus.

The result is that this final portrait was taking in one frame – no compositing!

2 dogs and a cat photographed outside in the Greater Toronto Area. (GTA)
Of course, individual portraits are important too. Here’s Kitt with his gorgeous colouring which matches the early winter tones of the forest.
brown cat photographed in tone on tone forest
Duke is the youngest and the most wiggly. But a head tilt and he got his portrait to match his feline brother.
boxer dog with headtilt photographed in brush
But this session was really for Starling, Mum’s baby. Starling had just recently been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing some treatments. Not knowing how much time they had left together, it was vital we had gorgeous photos of her.
black lab photographed in early winter forest

Celebrating the relationship

Given Starling’s diagnosis, we spent extra time and effort of photographing Starling and her Mum together. First in the early sky.
woman and her dog at sunrise during professional photography session in Toronto
girl and her dog at sunrise.
And together again later in the session. These unscripted moments are among the most precious. You can feel the love.
black lab and mum enjoying a quiet moment Toronto
senior dog giving mum kisses during photo sesion
dog mum hugging senior dog during photo session
Of course, we had to get a family portrait of everyone together!

Porfessional photographer tip: No one has to be in photographs during a session with me. But I always encourage someone to come dressed as if they might. It just gives you options during our time together.

family portrait of a couple, 2 dogs and 1 cat
Lastly, we ended up on the beach where again, we took a solo portrait of Starling.
black lab dog portrait on beach in Toronto
As well as Starling with her brother, Duke.
2 dogs on the beach

(Note: After I wrote this post and scheduled its publication, I found out from Mum that Starling had said her final goodbye.)

Starling, you have left a huge hole in your family’s lives. Your sweet spirit will be remembered by all who you touched. Run free, my brave girl.

And to Duke and Kitt, thank you for working with me during our session to celebrate Starling. It was like you knew that this was important for you were the most cooperative trio I have ever met. Thank you for giving me the honour. ♥

Looking to create meaningful portraits of your dog or cat during a Heritage Session? This is a special session to ‘celebrate the life, love and legacy of your pet.’™

POSH PETS® HERITAGE SESSIONS

Celebrating the life, love and legacy of your pet. ™

  • High-priority sessions are reserved for pets that become ill or are simply elderly. We make every effort to schedule these on short notice and work within their restrictions.
  • An opportunity to take time out of your busy schedule to spend some quality time together, celebrate the life you have shared and create images you will treasure forever.
  • Please note: The Creative Fee covers time and talent to photograph a maximum of four (4) subjects, which can be any combination of people and up to two (2) pets who live within the same household. Additional subjects may be photographed for a small additional fee.
  • More information can be found here.
Deva + Durga | Kitten Photographer in Toronto

Deva + Durga | Kitten Photographer in Toronto

two brown tabby cats posing on bed in Toronto

Meet Deva and Durga – two of the cutest little feline siblings. Originally rescue cats from Home At Last Rescue, they have really hit the jackpot in their forever home. So very loved and cared for now, they are lovely cuddly kittens. I could have photographed them all day! And look at their home – talk about colour harmony!

Meet the kittens!

Durga is the little girl. She’s spunky, affectionate and always interested in whatever you are currently doing. She even gave me her best ‘thinking face’, aka an adorable headtilt!

brown tabby sitting on bed with head tilt

Deva, on the other hand, was not a healthy boy on the day I met him. In fact, he is the reason why his mum contacted me for this session. He had just been diagnosed with an illness that did not have a great prognosis and she wanted to capture her potentially short time with him.

But, spoiler alert! Thankfully, he has responded well to the course of treatment and is doing great! In fact, there is hope that he can make a full recovery. By the time I delivered his and Durga’s final artwork, he was a completely different cat – curious, active, and everything a healthy kitten should be.

brown tabby cat on red bed at home

Indoor cat photography in Toronto

Cats are often photographed indoors (although I just had a session with a very solid, confident adventure cat outdoors) and people wonder how to get great portraits in their home. The first thing I would say is this: declutter the space where you want them photographed. Any time you see piles of random items in the background, it will detract from the most important piece of the portrait – your adorable furry family member.

The second thing to be very thoughtful of where the light falls in your home. In Deva and Durga’s case, their cat tree sits beside a bank of floor-to-ceiling windows. Coaxing them onto the furniture is really easy and creating engaging portraits becomes a wonderful experience.

tabby cat looking at camera on cat tree

We grabbed some lovely woven baskets, stuffed them with towels, and placed them in them. While there was some wiggling, they pretty much stayed put.

two tabby cats in woven baskets at home

We ended the session with Durga jumping. She’s a great athlete and was more than happy to show off her skills. As I mentioned, by the time I delivered the final portraits, Deva was feeling much better and is now quite willing to jump. Guess what we will be doing at our next session…?

tabby cat jumping at curtain

Need an indoor session for your deserving feline? Get the details and contact us below:

POSH PETS BOUTIQUE™ SESSIONS

Where it all begins

  • Pre-session Design Consult that ensures we create images you will be thrilled with.
  • The result is gorgeous custom artwork the life your pet shares with your family.
  • A personal Ordering Consultation to ensure you select the right images from the gallery.
  • Please note: The Creative Fee covers time and talent to photograph a maximum of four (4) subjects, which can be any combination of people and up to two (2) pets who live within the same household. Additional subjects may be photographed for a small additional fee.
  • Examples of portraits from Posh Pets Boutique™ Sessions can be found here.
Saying Goodbye to Baxter

Saying Goodbye to Baxter

I have tears in my eyes as I am writing this post. It’s the type of news I never expected to share; certainly not this soon.

Last Sunday, we had to say goodbye to the goodest of cats: our boy, Baxter.

silver tabby cat

Baxter came to us from Toronto Animal Services on a dark, rainy evening in November 2012. From the beginning, he was the best cat. Calm, confident and kind to all; there will never be another. (Read his coming home story here.)

He left us on a dark, rainy afternoon after 3 nights in the ICU ward. I hate to think that he spent his last nights in a hospital, but we were trying to save him. And I honestly thought we would be able to bring him home, even if it was for a short time.

His diagnosis was acute-on-chronic renal failure. Unbeknownst to us, his right kidney was small (from genetics or disease) and his left kidney had been picking up the slack for some time. That worked until sometime probably on Monday, when the left kidney became blocked. His creatinine levels shot up and by the time of his admission into ICU on Thursday evening, they were at 1300. (Normal levels are approximately 80-204).

Ultimately, he could not be stabilized and his little body could not recover. We, therefore, made the heart-rending decision to gently let him go. He was only 11 years old.

silver tabby lying on bed

His sudden decline has left us in shock. Especially his sister, Panda, who I would describe as bonded and whom he loved dearly. I would daily find them curled up somewhere sleeping. Or grooming. Or playing. Or quietly sitting experiencing the day together. He was a huge part of her life and his absence has left her disoriented and unsure.

two cats watching the snow

We are, of course, thankful to his vets Dr. Buller and Dr. Rosamund of Westbridge Veterinary Hospital in Mississauga who cared for Baxter during his life with us. And for the multitude of vets and staff in the ICU at Toronto Veterinary Emergency Hospital in Scarborough, that worked tirelessly to try and save him at the end.

Oh, Baxter…I thought we had years of adventures ahead of us. In the end, we had 9 years, 22 days, 20 hours, and 12 minutes. Every minute you were with us was precious.  We will take care of your favourite girl, Panda, and together, we will find a new rhythm. But the hole you have left cannot be filled and we will miss you and love you forever. At 1:12 p.m. on Sunday, December 5, 2021, my heart shattered into a million pieces. 

Goodbye, my boy. You were the best.

tabby sitting on red furniture

The photos of Baxter I have now are some of the most precious things I own, and really all that I have that is tangible from the incredible life he shared with us. If you too have a loved pet that you want beautiful portraits of, a Heritage Session may be for you.

POSH PETS® HERITAGE SESSIONS

Celebrating the life, love and legacy of your pet. ™

  • High-priority sessions are reserved for pets that become ill or are simply elderly. We make every effort to schedule these on short notice and work within their restrictions.
  • An opportunity to take time out of your busy schedule to spend some quality time together, celebrate the life you have shared and create images you will treasure forever.
  • Please note: The Creative Fee covers time and talent to photograph a maximum of four (4) subjects, which can be any combination of people and up to two (2) pets who live within the same household. Additional subjects may be photographed for a small additional fee.
  • More information can be found here.
Home Photography Studio Session with Helvetica | Cat Photographer

Home Photography Studio Session with Helvetica | Cat Photographer

Helvetica. If you have ever used a software program, you have heard of the font Helvetica. It has been described as ‘the little black dress of typefaces‘ for its versatility and seemingly unending uses for a wide range of projects.

In the world of Posh Pets® Photography, Helvetica is a well-loved feline. (It probably comes as no surprise that kitty’s mum is a graphic designer.) Mum wanted gorgeous photos of Helvetica in her prime as well as some beautiful portraits of her with her family. There was really only one issue: Helvie, as she is affectionately called, does not enjoy travelling. So, mum asked me to bring a studio photography session to their home. I was happy to do so and it is an extra service I offer for those special clients that have no need for little black dresses because they are not planning on going anywhere.

So, we made plans. The photo session was to capture a couple of portraits of Helvetica alone and then a few with mum and dad. We discussed where the artwork would be displayed in their home, their interior colour scheme, and with that information, decided upon a pink/grey theme for the photographs.

When I arrived, Helvetica spent some time watching me set up. Lighting tests were completed and we got down to the business of photographing this gorgeous cat.

Helvetica’s portraits

This was one of the first images we got of Helvetica looking regal. It can take some time for a feline to settle into a position that is comfortable for them and that is worthy of photographing, but Helvie gave us her best.

grey and white tabby on pink photography studio

By the time a cat is willing to lie down on their side, you know you have been bestowed with one of the greatest honours an animal can grant you – trust. By this point, Helvie was starting to think that the modeling gig was paying off as she was rewarded with copious amounts of praise, treats and pets.

(And, I will always think of this image’s title as paint me like one of your french girls.)

tabby cat laying down to be photographed

We also created a few sweet family portraits of Helvetica with her mum and dad, but we are keeping those under wraps. 🙂

Since I delivered the final images, I have been told that grandma and grandpa were thrilled, and everyone that has seen the photos has ooo’d and ahhh’d. As a result, we might even be meeting a couple of the other felines in the extended family for their own sessions! Best of all, Helvie’s family has beautiful prints that are going to be proudly displayed in their home.

 

Helvie, thank you so much for inviting us into your home and letting us photograph you and your family. It was a such an honour to meet you!

Interested in a Posh Pets Studio™ Session for your puppy or kitten? Find the details on how you can book, below.

POSH PETS STUDIO™ SESSIONS

Classic studio portraiture

    • Studio portraits with a twist...we come to YOU! These sessions mean we are bringing the backdrop, the lights and all of the equipment necessary to set up a  photo studio in your home. Of course, if you prefer, you are welcome to come to our studio.
    • The result of this series is classic artwork with a timeless aesthetic that you will be proud to display on your walls.
    • Ideal for puppies, smaller breeds, cats or pets who are not comfortable travelling or spending time in the great outdoors.
    • Please note: The Creative Fee covers time and talent to photograph a maximum of four (4) subjects, which can be any combination of people and up to two (2) pets who live within the same household. Additional subjects may be photographed at a cost of $50 per subject.
    • Examples of portraits from Posh Pets Studio™ Sessions can be found here.
Summer Safety Tips for Dogs + Cats | Toronto

Summer Safety Tips for Dogs + Cats | Toronto

Summer has finally arrived in Toronto and, with it, the heat! Despite any grumbling, it can be fairly simple for us humans to stay cool in the summer. Thanks to the gift of opposable thumbs, we have choices – we can turn on the air conditioning in our homes and cars, change our clothes, or alter our activities to be more comfortable.

For Toronto dogs and cats, it is much more difficult to adjust to the heat. Even when we find that we are uncomfortably warm and there is no option for air conditioning, our bodies help us to cool down by sweating. Our pets are not as fortunate; not only are they wearing fur, but their ability to sweat is limited to their paws and an open-mouthed pant. Summer safety is our responsibility.

While heat is the main cause for extra pet safety precautions in the summer, just staying out of the sun will not guarantee a safe pet. Here is how you can help your dog and cat stay safe this summer:

summer safety tips for dog in marina in Toronto

Keeping Pets Safe Outdoors

  • Pets should never ever be left in a car alone. Just do not do it. Please.
  • Clean, fresh water should always be accessible. Warmer temperatures cause water to evaporate more quickly, so check their water bowl more often.
  • If outside, pets need to have access to shade. Remember, just because a specific location is shady at 11 a.m., it does not mean it will be shady at 1 p.m.!
  • Protect your pets against fleas, ticks, mosquitos, and other pests.
cat looking out window in summer

Keeping Pets Safe Indoors

  • Again, ensure that clean, fresh, water should always be accessible.
  • If not air conditioned, homes should use fans and opened windows for circulation.
  • Open windows and doors should have screens to keep your pet from getting out without your knowledge. Strictly indoor kitties may be drawn to the breeze, but would not know how to survive on the street, so be extra vigilant with them.
grey cat lounging on car in the shade

Summer Safety for Cats

  • Know where your cat is before shutting doors to sheds, garages, car doors, etc. You would not want them to be trapped somewhere hot!
  • When possible, keep your kitty indoors during the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm). This helps to ensure that they will not get caught somewhere similar where you are not there to watch out for them.
golden doodle resting in the shade

Summer Safety for Dogs

  • Walk and exercise dogs in the morning and evening to avoid the full heat of the sun.
  • Check pavement with the back of your hand to determine if it’s too hot for dog paws. Burns hurt!
  • Carry extra water for long walks and/or particularly hot days.
  • Know the signs of when your dog is too hot and is in distress. Act quickly and take appropriate action.

Before you go…

Want to capture all the summer time fun with your pup and kitty? Sign up here for the Tips for Taking Drool-Worthy Pictures of Your Pet With Your Phone – a free pdf showing how to work with your phone to get great imagery. Have fun out there!

Spring Forward | Daylight Saving Time Guide for Pets

Spring Forward | Daylight Saving Time Guide for Pets

daylight saving time tips for dogs and cats

This Saturday evening, in Canada, we will officially begin daylight saving time (DST). Good news: That means Spring is just around the corner! 

Now, the bad news: if you are anything like me, being robbed of an hour of my sleep, even just once a year, has me moaning, groaning, and struggling for a few days.  At least we know why we are suddenly changing our schedule…what about the dogs and cats in our homes who see us alter our behaviours for no reason at all?

Why Daylight Savings Time affects us all, including pets

Dogs and cats will not be checking the clock, but they will certainly feel the effects. Why? Simply put, it is all about you. After all, a change in your routine, or a hiccup in your schedule, can affect your pets.

Our pets are creatures of habit and their habits keep them happy, calm, and comfortable. Their lives revolve around you; they love you, you are their world. Rising even 60 minutes earlier, where the natural cues of how much morning light is available, tell them something is different. Certainly, receiving breakfast earlier is a sure sign that something is off.

It’s also important to remember that our pets are are incredibly intuitive: your stress is their stress. Just a small amount of frustration or time-change slump can set your poor guy and girl reeling for the rest of the day feeding of your emotions and even thinking that he did something to upset you.

So, the best thing you can do to help your pets make it through daylight savings is to quickly and smoothly adjust your own schedule.

How to make the transition smoother

  1.  This is a hard one. Go to bed at least half an hour earlier. It will give you a leg up on the hour you’ll be robbed on Sunday morning. It might cramp your style on Saturday night, but you will be much happier come the next day.
  2.  Wake up when your alarm goes off even if you didn’t manage the extra sleep you were hoping for. It is easy to hit the snooze button thinking that it is only Sunday. But, you will only be delaying the pain until Monday morning, and no one wants that.
  3.  Eat breakfast and drink some coffee if that is your normal routine. The fuel gets your metabolism and brain going.
  4. Stick to your routine. Even if you feel the drag of that missed hour out of your day, actively think of your pet and how your decisions will affect them.
  5. Get a little exercise. Of course, take your dog for his normal walk. But adding just a few minutes of exercise, will have your heart pumping and energize you for the day ahead.
  6. Go to bed another extra half-hour on Sunday night. That will leave you ready to transition on Monday morning.

So, as appealing as it is to drag through the day blaming it all on that missed hour of sleep, don’t do it! Lace up your walking shoes, grab the pet toys, put a smile on your face. Daylight Saving Time is here…get ready to spring forward!

 

Mochi – An ‘Engaged’ Kitten | Posh Pets Studio™

Mochi – An ‘Engaged’ Kitten | Posh Pets Studio™

persian kitten playing with turquoise ribbon
Being a Toronto pet photographer has its perks. Quite often I get to celebrate the joy that comes along with the arrival of a new furry family member, which can be such fun. But TINY Mochi’s arrival was even more special because she got to be a BIG part of a very important day for her family – the day her humans got engaged! (Tell me, what you were doing when you were only 9-weeks old?) But yes, Mochi was the culmination of a very well-executed plan that her Dad had come up with in order to woo Mum into saying, ‘yes’. (She did!)

Given those happy circumstances, during their Design Consult, both Mum and Dad said that they were hoping to incorporate the ring into some of the final portraits. While they may have thought it might be impossible because well, it would require posing a kitten, Mochi showed that she can model like a star.

Toronto pet photographer and engagement photography
engagement photography by Toronto pet photographer, Posh Pets Photography
Of course, in our never-ending quest to create timeless artwork, we mainly photographed Mochi as herself at this very brief period in her life. Mochi is a ragdoll kitten and will therefore grow to be much larger than she was the day we had her in our studio. Her colouring will change and her ‘tips’ will darken, so it was important to photograph in a way that preserves her ‘kittenhood’ forever.
Toronto's premier pet photographer with portrait of ragdoll kitten
ragdoll kitten portrait with shawl
Contemporary pet portrait photography by Posh Pets Photography
There was one image that I envisioned in my mind before the session, believing that Mochi would be the perfect model. Reminiscent of fine art newborn photography, the beauty of this image is the colour, drape and texture of the fabric with an equally richly-coloured background. The monochromatic palette makes Mochi come alive. And just look at those stunning blue eyes!
ragdoll kitten hanging in hammock
In the end, Mochi went home with a gorgeous Posh Pets® Folio and a large piece of canvas wall art. I cannot wait until she returns for her second session…all grown up!

Interested in a Posh Pets Studio™ Session for your puppy or kitten? Find the details on how you can book, below.

POSH PETS STUDIO™ SESSIONS

Classic studio portraiture

    • Studio portraits with a twist...we come to YOU! These sessions mean we are bringing the backdrop, the lights and all of the equipment necessary to set up a  photo studio in your home. Of course, if you prefer, you are welcome to come to our studio.
    • The result of this series is classic artwork with a timeless aesthetic that you will be proud to display on your walls.
    • Ideal for puppies, smaller breeds, cats or pets who are not comfortable travelling or spending time in the great outdoors.
    • Please note: The Creative Fee covers time and talent to photograph a maximum of four (4) subjects, which can be any combination of people and up to two (2) pets who live within the same household. Additional subjects may be photographed at a cost of $50 per subject.
    • Examples of portraits from Posh Pets Studio™ Sessions can be found here.

June is Adopt A Shelter Cat Month | Five Reasons to Adopt a Cat

June is Adopt A Shelter Cat Month | Five Reasons to Adopt a Cat

Why adopt a shelter cat? We’d love to tell you! June has been declared Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat-Month and we at Posh Pets are huge kitty lovers. Our resident cats, Baxter and Panda both came from Toronto Animal Services and they are absolutely wonderful! Baxter has been with us for three years and Panda for two and we cannot possibly imagine life without them. Every night I’m reminded, as my legs are pinned together in one place because they sleep on opposite sides, that a purr in the house makes it a home.

toronto-cat-photographer

So obviously, we are big supporters of adoption. Maybe you’re thinking about it, but maybe you’ve heard stories. So, here are five reasons to consider a shelter cat:

1. There’s a cat personality that’s just right for everyone.

I find it is a huge myth that all cats are aloof and shun human interaction. Baxter and Panda are proof-positive. I often call them my ‘puppy-cats’ because they greet us when we come home, respond to their names, love to be petted, brushed and will often cuddle up on my lap when I am working. There’s no doubt that my husband and I have created an environment where that type of behaviour flourishes, but the fact is, they were very sociable while still in the shelter. And it showed. That’s probably one of the great things of visiting a shelter to choose a kitty – there are many different breeds and personalities to choose from all in one place. Add to that, the staff usually have a good idea of the personalities, and can help you choose the perfect cat for you and your lifestyle.

toronto pet photographer

2. You’re saving a life.

Many shelters are overrun with cats looking for homes. It’s a harsh world for a cat or a kitten on the streets. Fifty percent of feral cats die within their first year and are considered ‘lucky’ if they make it past 2 years of age. Whereas, a well-cared for indoor kitty has an average lifespan of 15 years! Adopting a cat not only gives them a great life, but also saves the life of the one who now has a ‘spot’ at the shelter. That second cat now has their own chance at a forever home which, when they find it, leaves a spot for one more. Believe me, hearing the thankful, content purr of a feline friend that you share your home with, is simply amazing.

relaxing brown tabby cat pet photographer

3. Shelter and rescue cats are a good financial decision.

If you have weighed the benefits and costs of cat ownership, then getting your furry feline from a rescue or shelter makes sense. When you adopt an animal from a shelter, you are receiving the benefits of all of the work has been done before. They have had a health check, received necessary vaccines, are often spayed or neutered and have passed a behavioural assessment. They are also often sent home with a ‘starter kit’ consisting of lots of information, food, some health insurance. Plus, your adoption fee is a donation towards the medical needs of yet other animals in the rescue’s care. It all makes perfect cents!

brown tabby kitten sitting on scratching post

4. There are health benefits to owning a cat

Having a pet has shown to minimize our health risks. Everything from lowering the risk of stroke, high blood pressure, heart disease and heart attacks. Much has even been written on the health benefits of a cat’s purr – it’s certainly calming to listen to a happy kitty purring by your side. So, you’re saving a life and they, in turn, are lengthening yours.

Posh Pets Photography - Toronto's Best Cat Photographer

5. It’s a great way to support a great cause.

Rescues and shelter are doing great work helping cats live better lives. Your adoption sets a great example for those who believe that a shelter cat is somehow damaged or unhealthy. You’re helping get the word out that they are indeed loveable pets and can give so much back in return. If you are unable to adopt at this time, you can consider making a donation to a shelter or rescue that you believe in. As they say:

orange cat in tree house

Adopt. If you can’t adopt, foster. If you can’t foster, volunteer. If you can’t volunteer, donate. If you can’t donate, educate.

If you are looking to adopt a shelter cat because you want the companionship of a great cat or kitten, there are many shelter and rescue organizations within the GTA. Here are some of them:

Toronto Animal Services

Toronto Humane Society

Annex Cat Rescue

Toronto Cat Rescue

Team Cat Rescue

 

Five Business (and Life) Lessons from Lil BUB

Five Business (and Life) Lessons from Lil BUB

Last week, I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Lil BUB as part of the CFHS Just for Cats Video Festival. She is just shy of 5 years old and weighs a mere 4.5 lbs. In other words, she is tiny. But, the little dynamo has a loyal following of millions of fans across the globe, including Posh Pets® Photography.

As part of the event, I got to sit down at Toronto’s Chelsea Hotel (who are totally pet-friendly, by the way!) with her human, Mike Bridavsky, and speak with him about the phenomenon that is Lil BUB. I really expected to write a nice post about a cute cat with a perpetual smile on her face. (I’m sure I said, “she’s adorable”, twenty times during the interview.) Instead, I came away with five lessons I think we can all apply to our personal and professional lives. So, sit back and learn something from Lil BUB…

Lil BUB smiling

 

1. Do what you do. Know why you do it. And don’t compromise. Especially for ‘success’ or fame.

I asked Mike how much of the public persona BUB now has was originally planned out. His answer? Nothing. “This is who she is”, he said, “we never set out to be famous.” It seems that BUB has always just been herself, spreading her positive energy with everyone she meets. If the comments on her various social media outlets are any indication, she has helped people who have faced tragedy, sickness or other challenges to have a positive attitude and face those challenges with dignity. The fact that she has now become a brand is just a bonus.

For those who would like to have the goal of making their pet famous, Mike’s advice is simple: get a better goal. “BUB is a one in a billion cat. I have five other cats who never became famous. I have a recording studio and the music is not as famous. You can’t force stuff. It just comes to you. Or not.”

These days, BUB receives many requests and opportunities from various organizations. It can be anything from endorsing a product, to appearing with a local politician at an event. But BUB and her people take her influence very seriously and have great respect for her following. She knows her mission – it is to spread positivity, to encourage empathy for others, to be proud of what makes us unique, and to throw a light on animal welfare as well as the challenges of caring for a pet with special needs. If an opportunity falls outside of that, it is turned down.

2. Know what you can’t do and surround yourself with people who can.

I was touched by how much Mike loves and cares for Lil BUB. “Her health and safety come first,” explains Mike. Obviously, BUB cannot always communicate her needs to everyone, so Mike advocates for her. Prior to our interview, I was told that any photography would need to be taken without flash because flash bothers her. During her interviews on the evening’s red carpet, I watched as Mike asked camera operators to dim their lights so as to reduce the effect it would have on BUB. Mike views his role as simply interpreting for BUB and translating it for the public. But, it’s a vital role and pivotal to her health, happiness, and success.

Mike is not the only one who takes care of Lil BUB’s growing empire. There are now three full-time employees, including Mike. They are all family and friends who care for her and ensure her business stays true to its mission.

Even in the little things, BUB has people to do what she cannot do. I discovered that she loves unsweetened yogourt. But not just any kind of yogourt. “The good stuff”, Mike quips. BUB obviously will not be heading to the store to purchase her favourite type of yogourt anytime soon. But that’s alright. She has people who can.

Lil BUB on the red carpet in Toronto

3. Be willing to be different. In fact, embrace it.

BUB is a traveller. She’s flown over 100,000 miles at this point. (“Always in the cabin. It’s an extra expense, but it is worth it.”) Considering that most people find that their cats can barely tolerate the drive to the local vet clinic once a year, she is remarkable. Mike assures me that she loves to travel and does not find it a stress at all. Interestingly, it’s been discovered that the vibrations from moving vehicles actually help her with her bone condition and makes her feel better. Her ability and ease with which she travels has opened up opportunities not normally available to her fellow felines. BUB is different and it has allowed her to do what she does.

4. Give back to something you care about.

Success opens up opportunities to give back to something you care about. BUB is using her influence to throw a light on animal welfare, especially for those with special needs like herself.  BUB’s BIG Fund in partnership with the ASPCA was started in 2014 and has, to date, raised over $125,000 for animals who need extra help. And it is not just lending her name to a cause so that funds can be raised. BUB spends her time and energy traveling to appear at events like the one in Toronto to spread awareness of animals in need. It’s her way helping those less fortunate than herself. No wonder she oozes happiness and positivity!

5. When you are true to yourself, you attract the right people and opportunities.

Mike is adamant that they have never chased opportunities, and that they never will. Everything has happened organically as BUB’s sphere of influence has increased. “I have a pretty good gut instinct,” says Mike, “and can quickly decide if something is going to fit or not.” It’s not always right, but when it is, they seize it and BUB heads off to share her message again.

Mike never even set out to find Lil BUB. He already had other pets, but a friend texted him urging him to come and see a cat that “he knew was just the type I would fall in love with”. That chance meeting, along with the determined spirit of a little cat has changed Mike’s life completely. One that he could not possibly have imagined.

Lil BUB at the Toronto Chelsea Hotel

So there you have it! Our interview wrapped up with me taking a couple of images of Lil BUB and giving her a gentle scratch between her ears.  I absolutely loved meeting her and listening to her little mews and could have stayed there all morning. But she’s a busy girl and had more people to meet. So, I said good-bye and was on my way. As I left, all I could think was: she’s adorable.

 

 

An Event for Toronto’s Cat Lovers!

An Event for Toronto’s Cat Lovers!

We know that Toronto is a great city of pet lovers. There is no doubt that we have lots of Posh Pups, but did you know that there are more than 25,000 licensed cats in our fair City? That is a whole lot of cat lovers! So, it only makes sense that the national launch of the 2016 CFHS Just for Cats Video Festival happens right here in Toronto. And, it all takes place on Thursday, April 14, 2016.

According the press release for the event, “The CFHS Just for Cats Video Festival was created in 2014 as a national initiative to increase the welfare of Canada’s Cats and enhance the human-cat bond. It is the only series of national festivals exclusively dedicated to cats and their welfare and is set to take place in 16+ locations across Canada in 2016. Since its inception, the Just for Cats Video Festival has raised $210,000 for cat welfare in Canada.”

So, if you love your cat and spend your days watching cute cat videos on the internet, then you should mark April 14, 2016 as a date with lots of other like-minded people in the City. And, just in case you didn’t think it could get any better…

Photo courtesy of www.lilbub.com

Lil BUB will make her first-ever Canadian appearance in Toronto!

VIP headliner this year is none other than Lil BUB who is travelling (with her Dude, Mike Bridavsky) all the way from Indiana to Toronto for her first-ever Canadian appearance to help raise money for shelter animals in Canada. This little lady is one remarkable kitty. She has raised over $400,000 for shelter and rescue animals and has 1.2 million completely smitten followers on Instagram who know it.

Her story is one that needs to be told. Born to a feral mother in rural Indiana, she was diagnosed with dwarfism, which gives her the appearance of being a ‘perma-kitty’.  Her lower jaw is smaller than her upper jaw and she has no teeth. She was then diagnosed with the only case of Osteopetrosis in a cat, an extremely rare bone condition. But, she has overcome all of that to be able to tell her story, author two books, star in her own talk show and TV special, participate in ground-breaking genetic research, become a recording artist, and…help her fellow felines!

Photo courtesy of www.lilbub.com

Photo courtesy of www.lilbub.com

Got Questions? Tell me!

It seems that Lil BUB is pretty excited to be visiting Canada for the first time. The press release quotes her human companion, Mike, as saying,

“BUB and I have been wanting to make a trip to Canada for many years now, and this will be her first international appearance. We are thrilled to finally be able to meet BUB’s Canadian fans, help raise funds to help as many Canadian cats as possible, and of course to watch brilliant cat videos on the big screen.”

I will have the opportunity to meet and interview Lil BUB herself (well, I do expect Mike to do most of the talking). Any burning questions you would want to know the answer to? Leave your questions in the comments below and I’ll do my best to get those answered.

So….do you want a chance to screen some awesome cat videos, meet Lil BUB, take a selfie, and receive some great swag? Then get over here to purchase your VIP Tickets for the main event. There are only 100 tickets available and when they are gone, they are gone! See you all there!

Posh Pets goes North…to the Northwest Territories!

Posh Pets goes North…to the Northwest Territories!

When I found out I would be travelling to the Canadian arctic, I offered my Posh Pets’ services to the local shelter in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. As a result, I had the opportunity to photograph some adoptables in what is probably the second most northern shelter in North America last Friday.

The Northwest Territories SPCA has a beautiful facility and the animals are cared for by some amazing staff.

yellowknife animal shelter

It was much colder than the temperatures we usually experience in Toronto, but we were still able to take the larger dogs out for a quick portrait or two.

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This sweetheart has some health challenges but absolutely loves the shelter manager. As a result, he spends most of his time in the office, sometimes serenading her with song.

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These four week litter of puppies could not be taken outside, so we photographed them in their kennel. It was tight quarters, but we made it work.

german shepherd puppy portrait

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And, of course, some lovely black beauties. Incidentally, Yellowknife doesn’t have a cat population problem – the cats they do have available are transferred from southern shelter. The elements and the wildlife ensure that cats here, are indoor cats.

black cat with raised pawblack shelter cat

It was just over an hour of time to have these furry little souls photographed. Although the temperatures were frigid outside, we left with nice, warm hearts. I hope they all find their forever homes soon!