Sep 10, 2014
Every week, I meet a new group of furry faces looking for homes. I often wonder: how did these little loves end up in a shelter? Abandoned, unwanted, with no place to go. And yet, they have such a forgiving spirit and are usually more than happy to meet me, thankful for the few moments of pets, cuddles and belly rubs. (If you want some free ‘therapy’ when you’re having a blue day, volunteer at a shelter and you could spend an hour doling about belly rubs.)
If you want to visit the following group in particular, please contact TAS – North directly. They’ll be able to give you all of the details!
This week is no exception. These first two are a bonded pair, Molly and Riley. It is always a little more challenging to photograph a pair of dogs, but I think these two did just fine!
For those of you who aren’t sure if there are any puppies in the shelter system, here’s proof that the cute and little are available. This is Bane and, by the time you read this, he is probably already adopted 🙂
And then we have our lovely feline furry faces. This trio are all in the cat pod which means they get along with other kitties and are lovely, cuddly ones. Puchi, Buck and Gerard are all waiting to meet you and purr their way into your heart.
Sep 5, 2014
“Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog.” – Sydney Jeanne Seward
I loved this dog.
It has taken me a while to write this post. A week to be exact. Seven days. Almost 168 hours since we’ve said good-bye. And I still can’t believe that MacLeod is gone. Because he didn’t live with us – he belonged to my family – it is still easy for me to imagine him snoring loudly in his sleep at my sister’s or parent’s place. At 15 years of age, he did do a lot of sleeping. And snoring.
But, it wasn’t always that way. MacLeod and his sister, Anthea, came to our family when they were both wiggly, little shih tzu puppies, both from the same litter. Like any puppy out there, they were both unbelievably cute. And although I loved Anthea and her love of exploration, it was MacLeod that was my favourite.
MacLeod, aka Mackie, Big Mac, Maxster, Mister Magoo, was a character. He was your everyman’s dog. He had no airs about him, took you at your word and had a ‘what-you-see-is-what-you-get’ way about him. He loved people, playing, balls and getting dirty. All the while being gorgeous.
Somehow, over the years, I had become “Auntie Karen” to MacLeod. When he would hear those two words, he would get beside himself with excitement, whining and crying in anticipation. So much so, my family would not tell him I was coming to visit until I was less than 10 minutes away. When I would finally arrive, he would be there, ready to greet me at the door. And then, he would look up at me, turn his mouth up at the corners and give me an honest-to-goodness ‘grin’. After the initial fuss, he would turn his attention to my belongings and go through my bags in hopes of finding a treat, a new ball or something else wonderful that he was sure I had brought for him. And, when I finally settled in a chair to rest, there he would be – climbing on my lap and resting on my leg.
Time, of course, marches on. To see him get older, and less playful was hard. But when he got sick, I was heartbroken. My friend wasn’t the same. Getting up to greet me was difficult – laying back down was harder. There was no more joy in the thought of playing with a ball. And no more grin.
And so last week, my sister made the decision that the time had come to let MacLeod go. And we gathered, as we have for all our family’s pets, to say our good-byes. I had promised him I would be there when the time came, and I made good on that promise by holding his paw gently as he found peace.
While it is still hard to believe he is gone, I am so happy he came into our lives and that he allowed us to share him for a little while. Thank you Mackie. Please know we will miss you always.
I loved this dog. I still do.
Aug 28, 2014
It would appear that this is the week that Summer decided to make its appearance in the land of Posh Pets (Toronto). Up until now, we have had an unseasonably cool summer. But not this week – lots of temperatures in the 30s with humidex levels in the 40s. I think it took some of us by surprise. It’s also a good time to remind everyone – leaving a dog or any pet in a locked car for even ‘a few minutes’ can be deadly. Try waiting for a friend in your car without the doors open or the air-conditioning blowing and you’ll see what I mean. Keep those precious furry faces safe! We did however, have a chance to have the dogs outside at TAS (in the shade) and take some lovely portraits. And the kitties make an appearance this week too – camp is over and we have use of the Cat Pod back where the cats roam and interact with each other. So nice to see you guys again! These guys and girls are all available from Toronto Animal Services – North. If you would like to meet one of them, give TAS a call and they will set up a meet-and-greet for the both of you. Enjoy your last week of summer! 
Aug 26, 2014
What did you do this weekend? Us? So glad you asked! Our weekend at Posh Pets was pretty awesome! We had the chance to attend SwissRidge Kennels 2nd Annual Doodle Romp in Schomberg, Ontario and it was a blast! Each year, the SwissRidge Kennels family gets together and raises money for a worthy cause – this year it was to help two young boys raise funds for a service dog. You can read all about Ciaran and Shay here.
The skies threatened rain, but these events happen rain or shine! So, although the day started out overcast, neither the dogs or humans seemed to mind. There was lots of meet and greets at what is essentially, a large family reunion. Here’s the first part of our summary…!
To start off, let me introduce Blizzard (on the left) and Zolo (on the right). Zolo is a former client of mine and these two dogs are the furry kids of the hard-working event organizer, Karley Gitten of Gitten Creative. I loved seeing them again!
More guests arriving for the start of Doodle Romp. The grounds here are spectacular and the event was designed for fun for both human and dog. There was a treasure hunt, contests, food and awesome vendors.
I’m afraid I have forgotten the name of this little one – but you sure were cute! (Update: This is Finn! Finn’s mum reached out to me and let me know the name of her gorgeous boy!)
This is Motley and he reminded me of how much our world has changed. You see, I have never met Motley in person, but I already knew quite a bit about him. Such are the results of the social media world we live in. It was great to finally shake paws.
It’s hard to resist the allure of a puppy and Jax certainly delivered. All 12 weeks of him!
George was such a character and came all the way from New Jersey to attend the event. He’s young and still learning, but he it’s obvious he knows how to work the camera!
Cash was a gentleman and looks like a miniature golden retriever. He really is a labradoodle (and a good-looking one too!), and I absolutely adore his look!
This is Blizzard, Zolo’s brother. I photographed Zolo before Blizzard arrived, so this was our first meeting. Blizzard certainly had LOTS of fun and, although no longer freshly groomed, was a stunning boy!
Another one of Jax. Just because… 🙂
Here’s another beauty whose name escapes me! Such a clean, white coat! (Edit: I am told that this lovely furry face is Bailey. How DO you keep your coat sooo clean?)
And this is Ollie. This boy is training to be a service dog. Given his lovely personality, I have no doubt he will be a hero!
So, there you have it! Some of the furry faces I met on Saturday. Share the images and if anyone can identify the dogs I missed the names of, please let me know! And…stay tuned for Part II!
Aug 22, 2014
This week, it was just Posh Pets at the shelter. The TAS campers have gone home this week – it is the end of summer after all – but the shelter seems full of dogs of all shapes and sizes. And such sweet, sweet faces. If you are looking to add a furry someone to your home, you can definitely do well at a shelter! Contrary to some opinions, shelter pets these are not all ‘damaged’ dogs with behaviour problems, health issues or restrictions with who they can live. For the most part, they are happy, bouncy, full-of-love furry faces just looking for a special person or family to spend their years with. (Of course, if those types of issues do exist, the staff will be the first to let you know.)
So, here is this week’s group. Contact TAS – North Shelter directly for more info!
Aug 16, 2014
The Posh Pets‘ week always starts right by a visit to Toronto Animal Services to photograph the adoptable furry faces available for adoption. But, let’s start your weekend right and have a look at some the lovelies we met!
Monday was probably the nicest day we had this past week (in terms of weather). The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and the dogs were enjoying their time outside playing and learning from a whole new group of campers who are currently learning to care for dogs at TAS. I love meeting the kids who are eager to show me how they can get a dog to ‘sit’ and ‘stay’ on command…although we do sometimes have some laughs when things don’t go exactly as planned. But, not to fear – there is always a camp counsellor or TAS staff member nearby to lend a hand!
So, there you have it! Enjoy this week’s of adorable, adoptable faces! (And feel free to share them around too!)
Aug 6, 2014
We at Posh Pets always love an awesome surprise! Last year, I was contacted by Cathy who wanted to purchase a Gift Certificate for her parents as a surprise for a milestone wedding anniversary. We discussed options and settled on a package that would be just perfect for them and the centre of their world, a little 10 year old Bichon Frise named Lilly. I was told that Lilly lives a charmed life indeed. Dad cooks her up gourmet dinners in the kitchen. Her groomer comes to her. She travels with the family wherever they go.
When I arrived at Lilly’s beautiful home, I found out how literal that statement was. Lilly does follow them around the house and is especially attached to her Mom. Wherever Mom is, Lilly is never far behind. Watching. Lest they think of leaving the house without her.
When we planned the session, it was clear that the humans did not want to be in any of the photographs. Yet, Lilly does not like to sit by herself. However, spending the time and working at Lilly’s pace and comfort level, I was able to coax her away from her family for a few seconds in order to get images of her by herself. And, the cutest little head tilt. This image will be framed and hang on the wall for the world to admire. Which I am sure Lilly would think is as it all should be.
Lilly…you gorgeous little thing! Thank you for trusting me enough to photograph you and give your family images to treasure forever. May your days be filled with cuddles and meals fit for a queen. And love from all who know you.
Aug 4, 2014
I love my weekly visits to Toronto Animal Services! The kid’s camp is still in full swing so it is nice to see all the adorable furry faces get their fill of walks, play, love and cuddles from eager campers. They also seem to get a good amount of treats and rewards as they learn new tricks and commands. And I have some very willing assistants to help me with handling the dogs as we get gorgeous adoption images of their charges.
All of these furry faces are available for adoption. You can find out their current status by contacting TAS – North directly. I will, of course, feature their little faces on the Posh Pets Facebook page and you can help by sharing their images around…it is amazing how many proud pet parents found their fur-baby via an image that was shared on social media! If that is you, feel free to contact Posh Pets Photography and let us know – it is sooo nice to hear the details of the happy endings!
Thanks to all the fans of this blog for following along! We’ll see you all next week!
Jun 16, 2014
I’m a little behind adding to the Posh Pets blog, but I just had to share these little furry faces. There are so many lovely adoptables available (or soon to be available) at Toronto Animal Services. If you are thinking of adding a furry member to your family, this is the place to be!
Each week I get to meet all these cuties…big ones, small ones…I wish I could take them all home! I am so happy to say that when I share their faces on the Posh Pets Facebook page, everyone is so supportive in helping them find homes by sharing their images. Me and the dogs and cats wants to say thank you all so much!
If you want to meet any of these adoptables in person, please contact Toronto Animal Services – North Region directly. The staff there are great and will be happy to answer your questions and arrange a meet-and-greet for you and your family. Of course, if you do end up adopting someone, please feel free to send us a quick e-mail and/or pictures with an update of how everyone is doing. It is always such a joy when we get to share happy endings!
See you next week!
May 29, 2014
Another week, another group of furry little ones in front of the Posh Pets‘ lens! It truly is a highlight of my week to go into the shelter and see their lovely little faces. But, it is even better when I find out that those I photographed during the previous weeks are now loving life with their new families. You will notice that these are all new boys and girls…except for Chewy. If you compare this week’s image with last week’s post, you will see that he has had a little make-over! Take a look and see which one you like better 🙂
All of these cuties are available through Toronto Animal Services and would love to meet you in person. Contact TAS directly for more information and to arrange an introduction.
Thanks for following the Posh Pets‘ blog each week – I am so happy to help these dogs and cats find their forever homes!
May 22, 2014
What beautiful weather it was in Posh Pets land this week! And so many gorgeous furry faces to meet and photograph and images to share with you!
This group is available from Toronto Animal Services – North Region and you can arrange a meeting by contacting them directly. We’ll also be featuring their beautiful images on the Posh Pets Facebook page and via our other social media channels. Thanks so much for sharing them around!
May 2, 2014
Hi there! Posh Pets is back with another large group of dogs and cats from Toronto Animal Services! Some of these furry faces have already been adopted, so be sure to contact TAS directly to get a status update before you go. But, I wanted you to see their cute faces (and the fact that we now have green grass to sit on) so I am sharing their images anyway. See you next week!
