The Blog
Documenting your dog’s story through soulful images that will last a lifetime.
Yellowstone National Park – America’s First National Park
Ahhh…Yellowstone. One of the places I’ve always wanted to visit, but never thought I’d actually see. The Land of Geysers, and Grizzlies…Bison and Bears. What a remarkable place! We stayed alongside the Yellowstone River in Gardiner, Montana in a wonderful little cabin, which was chock full of everything we could ever possibly need. The cabin was just 5 miles from the North Entrance of Yellowstone, so it was the perfect base camp for us. We were even able to drive as far down as the Tetons (it was a loooooong drive…but do-able.) I think everyone should visit Yellowstone at least once in their life! The place is incredible, and so unlike any place I’ve ever been!
If you do get to go to Yellowstone at some point in your life…please don’t let your children crap the place up!!! I saw so many parents letting their children run a muck!!!! I saw one kid scrapping the bottom of the Grand Prismatic Pool with his walking stick, and others walking in places clearly marked “DO NOT WALK”….and whatever you do, DON’T throw stuff into the pools or springs!!!! Your penny is not going to give you any luck, so don’t even think about it!!!
Anywhooo…Please be sure to check out the photos from our trip Thanks for looking!!!!
Buddy the Shih Tzu – CT Pet photography
It was a beautiful sun-shiny day but we knew we were in for an emotional shoot this day. We prepared ourselves beforehand and knew this would not be easy. We were photographing Buddy and his mom. Buddy is a 14 year old Shih Tzu who was just diagnosed with cancer…and his vet thinks this year will be his last. When we arrived to meet them, Buddy approached us very willingly, and immediately we all became good friends! (of course it’s easy to be friends when you have a pocket full of bacon and cheese treats!) This little guy was so full of life, and if dogs could laugh (which I believe they can)…this little guy was laughing all day! He was a star!
When Buddy’s mom was looking for a dog…she knew she wanted a small one, so she went to a local rescue organization’s “Mutt-Mingle” hoping to find just the right one. At first, she didn’t see any that she could take home…until someone said to her, “did you have a look inside?” “Inside? There’s more?” Sure enough, there was more! As she looked around, a little gray ball of fur named Jabba caught her eye, and before anyone else could lay claim to him, she snatched him up and took him home…but not before stopping at PetSmart to pick up a few necessities.
After she took him home, she decided to clean him up a bit. After a good long bath, the little gray ball of fur became a beautiful white and brown! And the name that the shelter gave him was ditched for the perfect name, “Buddy”. Buddy has truly been his mom’s best friend for all these years!
Buddy, you are an inspiration, and your mom is AMAZING for giving you the best life EVER! Thank you for spending the day with us…we have made some great new friends!
Buddy brought us to his favorite spot on the beach…this spot is special to him because this is where he and his mom spend a lot of time together. It’s a very special place indeed!
Giving Back to Animals through HeARTs Speak
We are very happy to announce that we are a Professional Member of HeARTs Speak!!! We are so thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful group of dedicated photographers and artists!!!
What is HeARTs Speak, you ask? Here’s a great description from their website….
“A compelling photograph can reach into the heart of a potential adopter, and bring an animal one step closer to a long-life outside of a shelter. An artist can be a life-changer, and that is priceless. HeARTs Speak was created to harness the power of art to effect social change, to connect artists with shelters and animal relief organizations, and ultimately, to save and better the lives of animals and people.”
Learn more about this great organization on their website: HeARTs Speak
Urban Exploring – Winchester Arms, New Haven, CT
I’ve been doing some “Urban Exploring” lately and recently photographed the old Winchester Arms buildings in New Haven, CT. Here are some of my favorites:
New Competition in Town – CT Pet Photography
So, John decided to take a little trip up to the Boston area to visit some friends. He’s been talking about this Boxer named “Murph Murphy” for a long time…so he decided he would bring his camera with him to try and get a few shots of Murph. OK…so I can look at the bright side and think, WOW…he can take-on some new clients when I’m busy with other clients, or…I can be nervous that he’ll be my competition!!!! Oh no!!! Well, I’m glad he’s my husband, and I’m glad that we can share our passion for photographing pups together! Well done my dear!
Getting ready for our trip to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary!
For the last two years, John and I (along with my mom) have traveled to Utah in September to spend some time volunteering at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab. This has got to be the most heavenly place on Earth!!!!!! I have never felt such peace and love in one place before. Best Friends is truly magical. So this year John and I have decided to go again for our five year anniversary. We are hoping to spend some time in the puppy facility (newly opened) for “puppy socialization”….and maybe some time at “Old Friends” where the senior dogs live. Unfortunately, we are going to be there too early for the monthly blessing, but since we’ve gone before, we have an idea of what we expect to miss (lots of tears and prayers for all the animals that have passed away during the month). You can actually feel their spirits around you as hundreds of wind-chimes play their sweet tune….it is so incredibly moving.
Here are a few photos from one of our visits to Best Friends…
Welcome Center
And John getting a little lovin’ from a caretaker’s puppy…so cute, look at those eyes!!!!
Angel’s Rest..the most beautiful place for all the dearly departed. Just so peaceful. The gate was designed by one of the Best Friends founders, Cyrus Mejia, who is also an incredible animal artist!
And a view of Angel’s Rest from above…
And last, but not least, me…I absolutely LOVE this place!!!!
Vinny & Maddy – CT Pet Photography
Last Thursday John and I had the greatest time photographing Vinny and Maddy, two of the most awesome Rotties I’ve ever met! These two dogs were goof-balls…they were so full of character and spunk!! We had a blast with them!!! It started as soon as their mom opened the door to the back yard and Maddy (a.k.a. the Mexican Jumping Bean, Superwoman, etc) flew off the deck like a superhero on a mission…and Big-Boy Vinny followed right behind her! I knew we were in for a wild ride with these two! Needless to say, we were covered in dirt and grass…and lots of doggy slobber. But it’s all part of the job. And we LOVE it! Thanks Vinny and Maddy!!!! Thank your momma for us too!
Tucker & Deuce – CT Pet Photography
The day started off kind of “iffy” as far as the weather goes. We didn’t know if the rain would come, or if it would just threaten us all day. By the time we left for the shoot, the rain held off…and we were lucky! The shoot was great, we had tons of fun…but by the end, I think we were all pretty “Tuckered”! Here is a sneak-peak of our shoot. These boys are “two nuts” as their momma called them! But as nutty as they may be, they were gentle boys and they were a a blast to shoot! (even if I did almost end up in the pond…thanks Tucker!) LOL! Tucker is the red Dobie, and Deuce is the black and brown…these boys are gorgeous!!!!
The Durham Pet Fair…
Last weekend was the second annual Durham Pet Fair, a fund-raising extravaganza for pets and their humans sponsored by the Durham Veterinary Hospital and the Help Willy’s Friends Org.. We had such a great time…and the pups did too! It was a beautiful day and there were hundreds of dogs there (and some cats too!)
We brought the cameras with us…hoping that Peter wouldn’t have too much of an issue. Well, he didn’t exactly *like* having his photo taken, but he didn’t really object either. We are making progress with him, little by little.
Here are a few from the day…
He’s such a handsome boy…I wish he’d let me take his photo more often!
It’s beginning to look a lot like summer! – Lighthouse Point Park New Haven, CT
