Feb 27, 2013
I was back at Toronto Animal Services – North on Monday and the weather was definitely milder! Which was a nice change from the previous week. Photographing some other wonderful wagging tails and furry faces is always a highlight of my week.
This little troupe is available from TAS – North, so please contact them directly to inquire about them. As always, there is some information such as ID number and other little details on the Posh Pets’ Facebook page. Enjoy and 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 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 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 31, 2012
Hard to believe that this is indeed the last day of 2012! As such, it is always fun to sit down and celebrate the successes that Posh Pets Photography enjoyed this year and to look forward to the excitement in store for 2013. So first, the recap…
1. This little blog is now 2 years old! And, it is a very well-behaved 2 year old to boot! I checked the statistics and there have been 163 posts (including this one) … quite astounding to me as I remember thinking when I started that I would not have much to write about. I’ve loved sharing all the news and wonderful sessions along the way.
2. Posh Pets Photography definitely grew this year and I had the privilege of working with some amazing clients, photographing their beautiful furry faces. Nothing makes me more happy to hear that I have created images that they love (and often have a hard time deciding upon)! Thank you so much to each and every one of you!
3. This year was the first year I got to work with some amazing companies and artists on commercial projects that featured animals. They included Canada Pooch, Deadmau5 and the City of Toronto. I have so enjoyed this work!
4. I appeared on Animal House Calls with Ann Rohmer! That was a nerve-racking experience, but we seemed to have survived, and it was wonderful to highlight the available animals at TAS.
5. As you may remember, Posh Pets joined the Beautiful Beasties Project 52 in March 2011 and we continued the Friday posts throughout 2012. The little group seems to be constantly growing as others have heard about it and I know that I look forward to the new themes and seeing how each of us interpret it. If you have not been following along, visit this blog every Friday and see what all of the fuss is about!
6. I got published this year! Posh Pets Photography was featured on the Hair of the Dog, and The Daily Dog Tag blogs.
7. I spent the year photographing the adoptables at Toronto Animal Services – North Region. In all, there were 359 furry faces photographed – lots of dogs, even more cats, as well as a couple of birds, 2 guinea pigs, a pair of bunnies and a hamster. Looking back, it makes me smile to see that we started the year photographing Maestro (a brown tabby) and ended with and image of Ginny (also a brown tabby) – symmetry is good. I am also so happy to say that 343 of those guys have found their homes. As always, if you are thinking of getting a pet, please consider adoption!
8. Sadly, we said good-bye to our boy Ripley in May of 2012. I will never forget him and his photos still make me cry for our loss. But, I knew deep-down that we would not be a one-cat-home forever. And, so it was. In November, Dean, myself and Lady Jane added Baxter Huntington to our family, who has turned out to be the most wonderful kitty we could ever ask for. He will never replace Ripley, but I think Ripley would approve.
So, those are the highlights of 2012! Were there some things you missed? Then, join us and sign up for free e-mail updates in the box below!
For 2013, we have some exciting things planned…and tomorrow, I am going to tell you all about them. In the meantime, go out and enjoy that snow that has finally made it to Toronto…!
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.
Nov 14, 2012
This week we had marvellous fun photographing the loveable adoptables at Toronto Animal Services! Lots of doggies are coming up for adoption and you get to see a sneak peak here – and there are even a couple of cats this week too! They are all waiting to meet you at Toronto Animal Services (North Region), but as usual, you can find a little more information about each of them on the Posh Pets’ Facebook page too. Thank you for sharing their pictures and their furry faces…it helps them to find their forever homes!
Nov 8, 2012
When I first conceived of Posh Pets Photography, I had determined that I would “give back” by volunteering my talents as a photographer to photograph adoptable animals. It was a great plan, but I was plagued by three questions:
- One, would anyone accept me as a volunteer?
- Two, would I be able to take photographs of shelter animals of differing dispositions in unfavourable circumstances?
- And three, would it ever make a difference in the lives of these little furry faces?
So hesitant was I to offer my services that it took months before I plucked up the courage to walk into Toronto Animal Services to inquire if they needed anyone with my skills. As serendipity would have it, the shelter manager herself happened to be at the front desk that day, and as I stumbled badly through my “pitch”, I thought for sure she would say no. Her answer was immediate. When can you start?
That was in November of 2011…a whole year has passed since then! In that time, I have had the privilege of working with the wonderful staff at TAS – they have been integral in the success I have found in doing this week after week. I have also had the joy of meeting so may wonderful furry faces and watching with happiness as they, one by one, find their forever homes. Truthfully, some days are better than others. Sometimes the weather is glorious, the dogs and cats perfect models, and it is like I cannot take a bad photograph. Other days, it is raining, cold and we have the challenge of photographing a shy and fearful dog. But either way, those few moments of belly rubs and treats results in a photograph that will be posted on the website for the world to see.
Which brings me to Buddy.
I photographed Buddy this past summer on June 11, 2012. We took his image in what I call the “courtyard” at TAS…not as picturesque as it sounds. He was a bit shy, bewildered really as to how at 10 1/2 years old, he now found himself abandoned. I knew we had to get a special picture of Buddy for this senior to have a chance at adoption and, as I recall, I worked with him for quite a while. When I returned the next week, I was told that Buddy had gone to rescue. This made me happy as he would have a better chance in their hands, but I was sure that that was all I would hear of him. You see, I don’t often get feedback as to what happens to the animals after they go to rescue, and I didn’t expect Buddy’s situation to be any different.
Until last week, that is, when I received this e-mail…
Alfie (formerly Buddy ) was not put out on the adoption floor as he had been pulled by Speaking of Dogs. His photo was that of your beautiful work so I recognized immediately he had come from TAS North… While the old man of 10 1/2 was scraggly, emaciated and in serious need of medical TLC your photo exemplified his gentle, loving soul through his soft brown eyes. I can only imagine how difficult he would have been to adopt given his condition with the usual quick point and shoot. Thanks to you & Speaking of Dogs he came ‘ home ‘ to us and lived two spoiled, adored months of squirrel chasing, hugs and lake trips.
Thank you for offering your time and care to those who need it most.
My eyes welled with tears when I read these kind words. Not only had Buddy (now Alfie) found a home, but he had enjoyed the last two months of his life surrounded by love and comfort that only a home can give. And…the writer had said that my image had made a difference!
I was moved to reach out to Alfie’s mom and asked her for permission to share some of her thoughts on the time they had him with him. She wrote me back with these words…
Two months or two years seems like a blip in time but we could not have imagined our lives without that boy. Total lover – a leaner if you will. Was our pleasure to shower him with love and dignity. Life is about quality not quantity. Seniors have so much to teach us about life and love.
Such truth in those words. And so, thank you to all of you who foster and adopt abandoned animals, especially the seniors. Thank you to all of the shelter and rescue organizations that give these furry faces a second chance. And thank you, dear blog readers, facebook followers and all of you who reach out to me to let me know how the story ends for these lovely pets – I truly appreciate it!
I will now leave you with Buddy’s image. Looking at it now, it is not the best one I have ever taken. It won’t ever win any awards. But, it got Buddy, as Alfie, a second chance. And that, quite simply, is good enough for me.
I am not alone in volunteering for a shelter organization. Posh Pets Photography is a proud member of HeARTs Speak, a global network of animal photographers, artists, authors, graphic designers, and advocates who believe in the power of collaboration to reduce the number of adoptable animals unnecessarily euthanized each year. Artists. Helping. Animals. For more information on HeARTs Speak, please see their webpage by clicking here.
Nov 7, 2012
When I went in this week into Toronto Animal Services to photograph the adoptables, I was pleasantly surprised! There were absolutely NO kitties to photograph as they had all found their forever homes during this past weekend’s “Fall in Love” promotion. I was assured that there were a number of kittens that would be coming up, but they were presently undergoing their ‘transformation’ in surgery that morning…not an ideal photo opportunity! In any case, it was excellent news first thing in the morning.
So, we quickly moved onto the doggies who needed their model headshots. And what a awesome-threesome we met this week! Please find their images below!
If you are looking for a little more information, take a peak at the Posh Pets’ Facebook page. However, if you would like to make arrangements to meet them in person, please contact Toronto Animal Services (North Region) directly.
Oct 25, 2012
Here is the roundup for this week’s group of furry adoptable faces! Everyone is cute and cuddly and would love to jump into your heart and home. There is a little more information on the Toronto Animal Services (North) website as well as the Posh Pets’ Facebook page about each of these wonderful boys and girls. If you see someone you would like to get to know better, please contact TAS directly to arrange a meet-and-greet.
