bloggers unite for dog rescue | ontario pet photographer

Today is Bloggers Unite for Dog Rescue, an online event to stress the importance of dog rescue. Millions of dogs are euthanized each year  — MILLIONS. One of the main reasons is because not enough people are adopting dogs through local rescue groups and shelters. Also, many people underestimate the the time and dedication it takes to become a responsible pet owner, and surrender their dogs, or worse.

Local rescue organizations consist of volunteers who help by fostering dogs in their own homes while they search for permanent placement, taking dogs to adoption events, fundraising to cover medical and boarding costs, to name a few.  Most rescue groups do not have the luxury of people dedicated to promoting their efforts on a large scale.

To help raise awareness, today's post is a peak into what goes on behind the scenes at the shelter I volunteer at — the Burlington Humane Society. Although most of the pets that pass through here are cats, there are many dogs that have been cared for here and have gone on to find forever homes. There are so many tasks that must take place for BHS to run smoothly — things like laundry (those cat and dog beds need to be washed!), doing the dishes (those bowls need to be cleaned!), bathing the animals, administering medication, hand-feeding kittens if necessary, and lots and lots of paperwork.

All of the hard work and dedication of the staff and MANY volunteers is all for one purpose: so animals — dogs and cats alike — such as Duncan here find forever homes.

Duncan is on his way to his new home!

Also a paws up to the ordinary people who give what they can and donate to the shelter. These donations help provide daily necessities for all the residents — this place runs because of you!

Right now BHS is caring for Weego — a fantastic friendly fellow. If you know someone looking to add to their family with a four-legger, please spread the word and help him find a home! 

BHS is one of many local organizations making a difference in animal lives. A few others I have dontated my time to include the Milton Animal Sanctuary and The Dog Rescuers Inc. If you are looking for a way to help dogs who can't help themselves, please look into all of these groups — they are doing great work and saving one dog's life at a time. Here are a few other things you can do TODAY to help:

• Adopt a four-legged companion from a local shelter or rescue organization
• Donate to a local shelter
• Foster a dog or cat
• Volunteer at a local shelter or rescue organization
• Share this post and encourage others to participate!

Wags,

Stacey

what got buried | burlington pet photographer

Despite my intentions of having this feature be monthly, I only just realized that I totally missed posting for April and May ... oops. But I have been posting regular updates over on the Happy Tails Facebook page, so if you really want to be in the loop when it comes to all the latest news and nonsense, head over there! The good news is I have lots of cute faces to share in this edition of What Got Buried.

Let's pick things up way back on Mother's Day. I spent part of my weekend at the Burlington Humane Society and met this brand new mama and her litter of day-old kittens. They were in very capable and caring hands — the volunteers at BHS are awesome.

Speaking of BHS, over the past few months I have met some of the most adorable, playful and sweet adoptables. Here are just a few of the faces that I've photographed, and I'm happy to report that most of them have found homes!

Gizmo and his ears weren't waiting for long ... how could you resist this face?

Sid chose the upside-down route when it came to his glamour photo — it must have worked because he was adopted a short time later!

 And look at Sunshine's perfect pink nose!

And how could you resist not taking this pair home? Especially with names like this!

And then there's Ben. Gosh he just won my heart over the minute I met him. I wanted to take this boy home with me — I would take all the animals home, but this guy just had me at hello. Who knows what will happen if he's still there when I go back ...

And finally Marilyn, who has been waiting patiently at the shelter for a year. I'm not sure why this beauty hasn't been taken home yet. She would do well in a home with adults and no other cats. She is a lovely little diva just like her namesake — she even has a Marilyn Monroe mole!

On the home front, Chloe went to the groomer's for her annual spring clean-up. Here's a before and after. I love how she comes home all fuzzy and smelling good! It lasts about a day.

And here she is just looking cute. Aw, Chloe.

I also had the chance to meet Scruffy the cat. At 20 years old, he was the oldest cat I've ever met and a really lovely old soul. Sadly, his mom Amanda called me to book a Celebration Session — these are special sessions I offer for elderly or terminally ill pets. He was suffering from cancer and was on some heavy medication. I ended up photographing him a week early — Amanda called to tell me he had taken a turn for the worse and I went to her house that day. Two days later Scruffy passed away peacefully with Amanda by his side. I'll be blogging this session soon — after two decades together, this relationship was really touching. And it speaks so much to the importance of pet photography and documenting such an important bond.

Other recent happenings include my first ever vendor booth, memorable pet photography sessions with blind golden retriever Smiley and two awesome weims, and a blog feature on Hair of the Dog. I think that sums it up for now! 

Wags,

Stacey

maggie | milton ontario pet photographer

It goes without saying that I love animals and I love photography. But as I continue on this journey of pet photography, I'm discovering that another part of my job that I also really love is hearing each client's story — how their pet came into their life, how their life has changed because of it and what they love most about their pet. Each story is special, and each family's bond with their dog or cat is unique. I am truly honoured that I get to capture these stories.

This is Maggie. She is about 14 years old (she could be as old as 16!) and she is the sweetest little muppet.

Maggie was found lying on the side of the road by a policeman. She had a paralyzed front leg and her hair was so matted and dirty that she looked grey in colour. As fate would have it, she was brought to an emergency vet clinic where Erica was working for the summer. Despite Maggie's appearance, it was love at first sight. When no one claimed the little white stray with the sweet personality, Erica immediately adopted her, even though she was a university student at the time and Maggie's leg had to be amputated.

"I was convinced she was the cutest dog ever and was so shocked when other people didn't immediately feel the same," says Erica. "However, when I look back at early pictures of her — before her hair grew back in and before she had her leg amputated — I can understand their reaction."

That was more than 11 years ago, and Maggie has been Erica's constant companion ever since.

Erica says Maggie has forced her to become more outgoing because everyone they pass while out on their walks will stop her and ask why Maggie only has three legs. This minor detail,  or her senior status, doesn't slow her down one bit!

For this next shot I asked Maggie for a "tough and gritty, urban dog look."

There's a sports complex in the area with big blue letters out front that I've always wanted to incorporate into a shoot. Erica was up for it — I love it when my clients go along with my crazy ideas! 'M' is for Maggie, muffin, muppet, Miss M ... I had only known Maggie for about an hour at this point and I was already coming up with my own nicknames for her.

Erica told me at the beginning of our session that she doesn't like to have her photo taken (I hear this a lot!) but I still managed to get a few shots of her and Maggie together, which I think is so important. I'm so happy that she chose this last one to be printed — it's a great compliment and a decision I don't think she'll ever regret.

Thanks so much Erica for the lovely morning and for introducing me to Maggie, your small dog with big heart.

Wags,

Stacey

charlie | burlington ontario pet photographer

I've posted a few photos of Charlie in previous entries, but it's about time this lovable giant gets blogged about properly.

Charlie is a great pyrenees, although his caregiver Heather is sure he's part part polar bear. His soft, fluffy fur is white as snow, and he's pretty huge. I often joke about wanting to smuggle my clients' dogs home with me in my camera bag, and this holds true for Charlie. But I would have to get a much bigger camera bag first!

I was smitten the moment I saw him. There is a soulfulness about Charlie that belies the trauma he has experienced.

Charlie's story is one of tenacity. His exact age is unknown, but he is a senior dog for his breed. He moves slowly due to the onset of arthritis and he is almost fully blind. It was in this condition that he was dumped in a marsh and left to die.

But Charlie is a fighter.

No one knows how long he was alone in that marsh fending for himself — although those that came to care for him say it could have been many months. Happily, Charlie was rescued and put up for adoption through Great Pyrenees Rescue. It was there that Heather, her husband and four children found him.

"When we first arrived to meet Charlie, the kids fell all over him and walked him around," she says. "You almost didn't notice his condition, he was so mellow and loveable. Almost. Under his thick coat of fur, he only weighed 70 lb (about 30 lb underweight). You could feel every rib and his backbone stuck out prominently."

Since he's been in his new home, Charlie has gained 12 lb. Heather says he loves to sleep in front of the fireplace and everyone adores him. "I hope he understands that he is with us forever, and he will never have to suffer again a day in his life," she says.

Even though Charlie is almost completely blind, he is very aware. There were many times during our shoot that I totally forgot about his lack of vision — he just seemed so present. He was happy sniffing away at all the smells during our slow walk through the forest, and there is just a serenity about his presence that is very calming.

Although I was hoping for a blanket of snow on the ground — our session took place in February! — I love the golden tones and light in Charlies images.

As a pet photographer, I always try to capture the unique personality of each animal I meet. And I think Charlie's images are some of my all-time favourites. He seems like an old soul, one that could teach us so much in life, and yet you can tell he enjoys each new moment, each new smell, each new hug from his family.

Kudos to Heather and her awesome kids for adopting a senior dog. He may not move as fast as a puppy, but he truly is the best first dog a family could ever hope for.

Wags,

Stacey

what got buried

The winter months are typically the slow ones in terms of photography — nobody really wants to brave the cold and snow when you can wait a few months until spring, even though winter sessions can be gorgeous! Maybe it's because we've had a very warm winter — I'm talking hardly any snow — but I've been pretty busy over the past few weeks.

I've seen other bloggers do weekly or monthly recaps, and I thought it might be a good way to get you up to speed on what's been happening at Happy Tails headquarters. I often post outtakes and sneak peeks over on Facebook, but if you don't follow me there (if you aren't, you should — it's awesome over there!), here's a chance to get caught up on all the tail-wagging shennanigans!

Just a shout-out first: I really got this idea from a little home renovation blog I follow (it's not all paws and wet noses for me — I love home decorating too!) called Little House Blog. The author, Lindsay, occasionally posts What Didn't Get Blogged About ... which is what I turned into What Got Buried. You get the idea.

Up first are a few of the super cute faces I recently photographed at the Burlington Humane Society.  This little guy was one of a litter of puppies, and yes, they all looked this adorable.

And I was totally enamored with little Angus, a nine-year-old Yorkshire Terrier. It was really windy when we went outside for his photos and this updraft shot makes me chuckle every time.

I'm happy to report that both these cuties have been adopted. In fact, since January, more than 60 dogs and cats have found homes through BHS. Paws up to all the awesome volunteers there!

Then there's Charlie, who I met a few weeks ago. You saw his sneak peek earlier  (and be sure to check out the video!). I just love this big lug. Look for a full post about him soon!

I also shared a little before and after over on Facebook to show what my editing process looks like.

We also got into the Valentine's Day spirit. Chloe spent Valentine's with her true love .... her tennis ball!

Next up is Kyra, an energetic husky ... a VERY energetic husky. She did sit still for a few shots though. I love it when I catch dogs with their eyes closed — it's just so cute. You will also see that her leash is still in the photo. I typically take these out during post-processing, unless it lends itself to the overall aesthetic of the photo. Isn't the light just gorgeous?

Kyra's friend Duncan came along for the session, and I got a few shots of them in action. See what I mean by energetic? I think Duncan is part jack-in-the-box and part bulldozer, although his people swear he is a Boxer. Gotta love the jowly running face!

During Kyra's session I met a few other dogs at the park and took random shots (I can't help myself!). Ryder's puppy bum got lots of love over on Facebook.

And we met this guy who was clearly happy to have two sticks ... or logs.

But back to model Kyra. Here's another before and after.

I hope you enjoyed the first instalment of What Got Buried! What it's shown me is that my watermarking and image style are all over the place! I've got logos, text, rounded corners, square corners ... lol. I will have to pick a style and stick with it, but I've never been good with making decisions — what are your thoughts?

That's what's been going on around here! I'm excited to blog about Charlie and Kyra's full sessions, so check back soon.

Wags,

Stacey