Feb 15, 2013
So, this week found me driving the length and breadth of Arizona on a little vacation, enjoying the breathtaking Grand Canyon and Sedona. However, for this week’s Project 52 theme, I had to find a doggy that would “smile” for my camera. Fortunately, by the time we reached Lake Havasu City, it was a gorgeous spring day and I found a city full of people walking dogs…mostly in pairs. When I happened upon an off-leash dog park, I met Wally and Tyson, both who were willing to show me their great smiles!
Thanks so much to you both!
Next in the blog circle is Tara Lynn, owner of InBetween the Blinks Photography in Raleigh, NC. Please click through to see who she made smile this week!
Feb 6, 2013
I am a little late with getting this post up this week, but not to fear…we met some lovely furry faces this week! They are all available from TAS – North, so if you are interested in meeting one of them, give them a call directly to find out a little more. And, as always, a bit more information about each one of them is available on the Posh Pets Photography Facebook page.
Feb 1, 2013
I love action shots, so this week was fun! Sometimes at the shelter, we just let the dogs loose and they run themselves tired. The great thing about photographing running/action sequences are all of the great expressions that appear.
First of all, there is the “take off”. The eagerness and expectation of it all…
Then comes the “flat out run” face. Such concentration!
Sooner or later, the “crazy” face will appear …
And my personal favourite, the “Oof” face…the sound I believe they make when they land.
This is a blog circle, so please follow it around if you would like to see how all of the other photographers interpreted this week’s theme, starting with Connecticut Pet Photographer, Kathryn Schauer. See you next week!
Jan 29, 2013
Here is a smaller group of beautiful furry faces from this week – all looking for their forever homes! You can meet each and every one of them at Toronto Animal Services – North and, should you wish to arrange an appointment, please contact TAS directly. Looking for some additional details about these guys? Then, please come on over to the Posh Pets’ Facebook page and have a look!
Jan 22, 2013
It was a wee bit cold yesterday when I photographed these guys…not that any of them really noticed it! And the kitties were all warm and cuddly enjoying their day away from the elements.
This week we had 3 dogs and 3 cats to photograph…please take a look and share their beautiful furry faces far and wide! It would be nice to find them all their forever homes. They are all available at Toronto Animal Services – North and you can contact or visit them to meet these wonderful animals. There is also a little more about each guy or girl on the Posh Pets Facebook page (ID numbers and such).
See you next week!
Jan 18, 2013
When Sarah first called me to book a session with her puppy, I had no idea what a special dog I was about to meet. All owners gush about how great their dog is, and it goes without saying that each one is definitely special. But, Ryder is a little different – for he was the fulfillment of a wish Sarah has had since she was a little girl.
You see, a couple of years ago, Sarah was diagnosed with cancer. As she began to undergo treatment and take up the fight against the disease, her mother found a book where, as a little girl, she had written down her dreams for the future. One of those dreams was to have a golden retriever puppy. Truth be told, Sarah had never given up on that dream and now that it seemed that life had thrown her a curve ball, she was ready to make it happen.
And that, in short, is how Ryder joined Sarah and her family. Ryder may not be a puppy anymore, certainly not in the technical definition of the word, but he is definitely Sarah’s “heart-puppy”. RP (short for Ryder Puppy) has been with Sarah through everything and anything, and to witness the bond will give you goosebumps. It is often remarked that the strongest relationships are created through adversity, and I am told that Ryder would simply lie with Sarah as she went through endless treatments, offering the silent comfort that only a loyal dog can. In many ways, as Sarah’s mom says, “he saved us all”.
And so, one crisp autumn Saturday morning in Rouge Park, we all took a walk with Ryder and Sarah to document the relationship of a girl and her dog. Gratefully, Sarah is in remission now and therefore looks forward to many more beautiful walks with her RP, but it was important to her to capture the beauty of the relationship as it is today. We definitely created some gorgeous imagery, but I think you would agree that the most beautiful part of these images is the story that goes with it.
Ryder, thank you for letting me into your life and giving us the privilege of photographing you and your family. Your love, your loyalty, your being…you are a beautiful soul. I wish you many more romps in the park and beautiful walks with Sarah by your side…
There’s nothing like taking the time to make memories with your dog. If you too would like a session like Ryder’s, contact us below:
POSH PETS BOUTIQUE™ SESSIONS
- Pre-session Design Consult that ensures we create images you will be thrilled with.
- The result is gorgeous custom artwork showcasing the life your pet shares with your family.
- A personal Ordering Consultation to guide you in selecting 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.
Jan 15, 2013
Here are the results of my weekly visit to Toronto Animal Services – North. We were a little dirtier this week as the snow has all melted and left a field of grass and mud. But the dogs had so much fun!
These furry faces will soon be available for adoption, but you might not find them on the TAS site (yet!). If there is someone you would like to make an appointment to meet, please contact TAS directly. All of their ID numbers and stats are also on the Posh Pets’ Facebook page. See you next week!
Jan 11, 2013
Here is Posh Pets’ first edition of Project 52 for 2013, named Seasonal Fun!
Depending on where you live, you are in the throws of Winter or Summer. Or, maybe you enjoy something more temperate all year round. But, for those of us who enjoy seasons, I find that each one has its own, unique beauty. In Toronto, we have finally received a respectable amount of snow and I was determined to get out there and photograph it for this week’s theme!
While Posh Pets‘ has its wonderful private and commercial clients, I like to “give back” by volunteering to photograph adoptable dogs and cats at the local shelter each week. This is a work that I enjoy immensely! When it comes to the dogs at the shelter, I photograph them almost exclusively outside, no matter the weather! This is because, not only is natural light beautiful, but it gives the dogs an opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and feel the snow or grass between their paws. Those few minutes of attention, treats and the great outdoors often translate into moments of unbridled joy. And, there is always one dog who seems to love it more than any other.
This week, that dog was Rocky. He is a lovely 6 year old german shepherd who is available for adoption from Toronto Animal Services – North. The pent up energy created in the shelter environment means that walking him initially can be a bit of a challenge. He likes to pull a bit in anticipation of getting somewhere awesome. But, after a few minutes of exercise and love, he is a different dog – our return walk to the shelter had Rocky walking beautifully like a proper gentleman. If you are looking for a loyal companion, then please consider an older boy like Rocky – there are many ‘Rockies’ just waiting in shelters around the country, the continent and the world.
But, for now, please enjoy Rocky’s ‘mini-session’ highlighting all of fun of winter!
Here is Rocky when we first made it outside. At the sight of the snow, Rocky began to rub and roll in the snow in sheer delight! This was such a joy to watch!
Then, the running began. Dogs love to feel the wind in their fur and I love the look of the snow flying behind him and the look of happiness on Rocky’s face!
A little tired from his romp, Rocky stopped to listen and enjoy the world around him. Isn’t he gorgeous? This boy should be in pictures!
And, after some more rolling in the snow, a graceful portrait. I love his snow-covered muzzle in this one!
And finally, Rocky’s adoption photo which will help him find his forever home!
And there you have it – the beauty of winter through the eyes of a dog! Now, please continue through the blog circle to see what the other photographers in the group came up with. To start with, please check out Melbourne Dog Photographer, Ragamuffin Pet Photography and see what Caitlin has for seasonal fun in Australia!
Jan 9, 2013
Here are the beautiful furry faces from this week – all looking for their forever homes! You can meet each and every one of them at Toronto Animal Services – North and, should you wish to arrange an appointment, please contact TAS directly. Looking for some additional details about these guys? Then, please come on over to the Posh Pets’ Facebook page and have a look!
Jan 2, 2013
It was the last day of 2012 when I photographed this lovely bunch of furry faces! There are 6 dogs and 5 cats, all looking for their forever homes. If you would like to meet someone, please contact Toronto Animal Services – North Region directly and let them know who you are interested in. Identification numbers can be found on the Posh Pets’ facebook page!
First, are the kitties…
Next, are the doggies (who enjoyed the snow!)…
Dec 26, 2012
This week had quite a variety – 4 dogs, 2 cats, a hamster, a rabbit and a bird! They are all available from Toronto Animal Services (North), so contact them to arrange a meet-and-greet. There is more information on the TAS website as well as the Posh Pets’ Facebook page…so please have a look!
First up was the hamster! Cookie Dough is obviously quite tame and enjoys human interaction.
Then I met the appropriately named Birdie, a little budgie.
Then there was Ginny, a beautiful brown tabby cat.
Pepsi is one curious kitty cat, and loves to climb all over you to get to the treats!
Whitley is great, even though he is in need of a haircut. His eyes practically disappear!
Thoughtful little Plato is here contemplating the secret to happiness in life. And he thinks it probably has to do with having a home of one’s own.
Dorrie is a sweetheart! She is a little timid and shy when you meet her, but warms up within 20 minutes. She plays “fetch” with her balls and hoards her toys in her bed. She needs someone worth of the loyalty and devotion she has to give!
And here is Jingles, looking magnificent against his royal blue background!
Last, but not least is Monroe, the Westie on high-octane gas. This guy likes to go, go, go! During his photo session, there was no getting him to sit for a picture, so we simply let him loose and had him run straight at me!
Dec 18, 2012
This was a very special session, so much so that it was featured on the Hair of the Dog blog – a blog exclusively for pet photographers. Please read on to find out why…
I photographed Scooter as part of my weekly volunteer work at Toronto Animal Services (North Region). That photograph was spied by a lovely couple who just had to have him!
A few weeks later, his mom contacted me to arrange for his photo session which we scheduled for the Fall when the autumn colours would be out. And so, on a glorious fall afternoon, I had the absolute privilege of photographing Scooter again as the newly named Harris. What a joy that was! In the time I had seen him last, he had had a complete make-over…grooming sessions, obedience classes, a better diet, and lovely days spent going for walks and snuggling up on the bed with his new family. He is obviously adored and is simply enjoying all the happiness a loving forever home brings!
His mom and I talked about the experience of adopting Harris and I asked her to put down a few words as what it had been like. I’d like to share those words here as I think she says it far better than I ever could.
As middle aged couple with no children, our home was peaceful but we missed having a frolicking companion to come home to.
“It’s not that you can’t get over his death, it’s simply that you no longer have a dog to give love to”. The light went on as the wise words of an acquaintance rang true and I knew it was time to get over the sorrow of losing my beloved Westie
Three weeks later, I spied Scooter on Posh Pets TAS Adoptables and I was determined to have him. TAS informed us that he was a work in progress but we were prepared to deal with this five year old Scottie with the dog aggression who wasn’t housetrained and did not understand simple commands. On May 26 we adopted him and quickly realized that the newly named Harris must have been absolutely miserable in the shelter as he did not possess all of the traits he had presented at TAS.
He seemed to understand right away that our home was also his and he was housetrained to some degree, take away a couple of forgivable accidents. We enrolled in obedience classes and he learned quickly.
Harris is fond of other dogs and is extremely playful with them. So playful in fact, that we found it hard to believe that he was five. Two vets that had checked him both feel that he is about two.
The feisty and loyal Harris is a good natured, comical and extremely loving boy. His noble head rests against my leg each night as he sleeps contentedly on his back. I often catch myself smiling in the dark, happy to be sharing my life with a wonderful companion once again.
I will always remember dogs like Harris as they represent all of the ‘happy endings’ I imagine ‘my’ adoptables have. These little furry faces waiting patiently for someone to see beyond the circumstances of a shelter environment and give them a second chance at happiness. Often times though, in the process of what we view as ‘rescuing’ such a pet, we find that they do indeed, rescue us.
Harris, I wish you all of the happiness in the world. And I know you have found it with your new family. You are adored, doted on and greatly loved. And, in return, you have given light to a home. You have done well for yourself, my boy. You have done well.
