Giovanna

Many of you understand that my dog Chloe and I have a very special bond.  Along with that bond came a new friendship with Rushell.  Along with the friendship came hours of photography inspiration...and now...another very special bond...and photography inspiration.
Meet Giovanna
Congratulations Rushell and Tommy!

Jerry

My once a month " monthly portrait winner " at the Dog Wash Etc dog photo shoot is becoming one of my favorite hours of the month.  (sorry for the hard to read full of info sentence above)

Here is my latest photo shoot. 
Jerry is an eight year old Wheaton Terrier...and for me...it was love at first sight!  What an absolutely wonderful and energetic and down right beautiful dog.  Jerry's owner Caroline bathed and brushed him for his big portrait session, and I think a bribe of greenies was also included.

I do take my work seriously...but these free photo dog shoots are just a great way to add fun into my day!
Thank you Caroline for fitting me into your schedule and sharing Jerry with me.  I look forward to seeing Jerry's portrait hanging in the Dog Wash very soon!

Now...to all my dog lovin fans...you too have a chance to win a free dog photo shoot, every month, when you wash your friend at the Dog Wash...remember to enter!

OH MY...Look who I met at the ARL!!

I LOVE my volunteer "job" !!

Sun Flare Contest Entry

So...I've entered this photo in a contest about Sun Flare.
Here is my son.  We were on a Christmas Tree Farm, searching out the perfect tree...my son was carrying the saw...and couldn't resist the occasional milk weed...

My Kitty Starr

On December 18th I took into my home a 4 month old foster kitty.  I wanted to name her Noel, or Holly...something to celebrate her Christmas arrival...but the family voted on Starr...but in her case, she was so tiny...I insisted we call her Lil Starr.  Poor Kitty...she has sooooo many issues...we have yet to adopt her.  After numerous vet visits...this is what we know about our precious little Starr. 
1.  She has a polyp in her ear...on her eardrum.  She needs extensive surgery and $$$$ to remove it.
2.  She has poop issues.  One extreme to the other.  She's on her fourth or fifth special diet.
3.  She may be allergic to her own teeth!  She has extreme gingivitis...and two sets of teeth...baby and adult.
4.  She is an amazing, gentle, fun and mellow little kitty.

Yup, she's a mess...
But somehow we all love her.
The Animal Refuge League is working closely with me and many different vets to try and improve her quality of life.  I have vowed not to get attached to her...
yup...so much for that....

The Mod Dog Spa in Westbrook ME

Two weekends ago I got to hang out with Rick at his grand opening celebration of his new dog grooming business, The Mod Dog Spa, located in Westbrook Maine. 

Ricks vision turned reality, is pampering at its best...his vision statement  "a relaxing, sophisticated and safe environment for a stress less experience for both pet and parent alike."  You all need to visit his website yourself, but here are his features.

GROOMING SERVICES:
Mod Dog Spa offers 2 primary Spa Packages:
PREMIER SERVICE - A full service spa appointment
HydroSurge® massaging bath using all-natural shampoo and conditioner
Blueberry facial
Warm towel wrap
Ears cleaned and plucked
Nails trimmed and filed
Paws, pads and sanitary area trimmed
Pads moisturized with Swedish herbal shea butter
Full haircut in breed specific or pet parent prefered style
Finishing including cologne and your choice of bandana, bow-tie or bow
REFRESH SERVICE - An ideal treatment between regular full service appointments
HydroSurge® massaging bath using all-natural shampoo and conditioner
Warm towel wrap
Blow dry and brush out
Nails trimmed and filed
Ears cleaned and plucked
Paws, pad and sanitary area trimmed

Does this all sound heavenly?!
Rick has agreed to hang a few of my dog portraits on his walls...and he also invited me to show off some of my work during his open house.  Up until this day I really didn't know anything about Rick or his business, so it was definitely a pleasure to spend a day meeting his family and friends, and some very loyal customers who will follow him anywhere. 
 

When I went home at the end of the day I truly felt like I had photographed a family reunion...a group of people who truly love and support each other, and are overjoyed to be sharing in one of there owns dreams coming true.  Please visit The Mod Dog Spa's website...or better yet, drop by and check it out yourself...I promise it will be a soothing treat for both you and your dog!