I like big mutts and I cannot lie…

First off, happy National Mutt Day!  I’d like to dedicate today’s post to all of the awesome mutts out there, including my own.  (Considering adopting your own mutt? Check out a really cool way to announce it and help other shelter pets, courtesy of Bocci’s Beefs.)

Now, back to your regularly scheduled linkage:

  1. Your punny pet name: Johann Sebastian Bark. (Also, this week’s award for awesome punnage goes to… Goatzart.)
  2. It seems that one local law school has taken a cue from the extremely awesome TV show Community – George Mason University has enlisted some cuddly puppies from a local rescue group to help law students relax during exams.  (Perhaps they got the idea from Yale, but in my mind the administrators are just big Community fans.)
  3. Speaking of TV, I really enjoy that the worried dog from that insurance commercial is starring in a happier commercial.
  4. So, has anyone seen the new Muppets movie yet? I really want to see it this weekend. After all, I can’t wait to see the next stage in Ms. Piggy’s style evolution.
  5. This next video has the perfect soundtrack… and it made me giggle, alot (typo intentional).
  6. I think we can all agree that dogs are cute. (If not, how did you end up reading this blog? Go watch this video and then come back.)  Today, let’s also appreciate some cute from off the beaten path.
  7. Um… on a related note, hedgehog bathtime is awesome.

I think this week’s video really ties it all together…

(via Paw Nation)

You know, I had to give Bella a bath last week in preparation for her holiday photo shoot.  Why couldn’t she be into it like that guy?

I’ve been battling a sinus infection this week – however, new research shows that the doctor should prescribe a glass of wine and a bubble bath.  Now that’s medicine I can get behind.  (See how it all relates? My mind works in odd ways.)

Don’t forget – if you have any questions that you’d like to ask a professional pet photographer who also photographs shelter pets, send them my way.  I hope to have some answers for you in the near future.

Have a great weekend!

 

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Calling all bloggers: Holiday help for animals in need

Two Little Cavaliers and Pamper Yourself in Pink have put together a fantastic holiday blogging event to help animals in need.  I’ve joined, and I hope you’ll consider doing so as well.

Several pet bloggers will be participating in this event, which will include a giveaway of a cash prize.  The cash prize will be split between the winner and an animal charity of his or her choice (a 501(c)(3) organization that has a history of saving animals).

Bloggers can sign up to promote their Facebook Fan Pages, Twitter links, and their Google+ pages by chipping in $10 towards the prize.  (At the end of the event, 60 percent of this money will go to the winner’s charity and 40 percent will go towards the winner’s cash prize.)  It’s a great chance for bloggers to promote their blogs while helping animals in need during the holiday season.  Win-win, right?  

Are you a blogger who wants to be part of this great event?  Head over to Two Little Cavaliers for all of the important details.  If you sign up, please make sure to mention I Still Want More Puppies as the blog that referred you.

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Lessons from the Second Chance Photos workshop

You may remember my earlier post about Second Chance Photos, a non-profit that encourages people to donate their time to take personalized photos of animals in need of a forever home. (Check out these amazing before and after photos… you’ll be a convert, I promise.)

Watching Seth…

Have you considered taking photos of shelter pets but weren’t sure where to start?  You’re in luck.  Last week, photographer Seth Casteel (the founder of Second Chance Photos) did a workshop at the Washington Humane Society (WHS) here in D.C.  I was able to attend, and I have plenty of tips to share with you.

The workshop took place on Wednesday afternoon at the Washington Humane Society’s New York Avenue location.  I had already taken the day off from work to prepare for Thanksgiving… when I learned that Seth would be in town and would be conducting a workshop, I was thrilled!

As I hopped in the car that day, I was a tad concerned about the weather. Although the temperatures reached the low 70s over the weekend, Wednesday was a cold and windy day.  I even felt some sprinkles, but nothing was keeping me from that workshop. After dealing with standard D.C. traffic, I arrived at the shelter.  I knew I was in the right place when I spotted the gaggle of eager photographers waiting inside.  Seth joined us, and our workshop began.

I learned far too much to share in one blog post (I’m wordy enough as it is), but I wanted to share a few highlights.  (To see some of the photos I took, click here.)


ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE

Before the photo session began, Seth did a brief introduction and told us a little bit about his approach to photographing shelter pets.  In a nutshell, Seth is a big believer in positive photos. You won’t find any sad, depressing photographs designed to inspire crushing guilt and depression. Instead, Seth aims to take photos that are happy, warm, and welcoming.  (I have a feeling Edie from Will My Dog Hate Me – the queen of uplifting adoption videos – would approve of that approach as well. I will admit that I was dying to make a joke about Sarah McLachlan.)

NO PHOTOGRAPHER IS AN ISLAND

I want to stress the importance of teamwork here. At a minimum, you’ll want to have a duo on photo duty – it’s important to have a helper/handler working with the dog while the photographer snaps away.  Photographing dogs is not the
sort of activity that lends itself to being solitary.  In fact, Seth
noted that three people would be even better. If possible, have a third person responsible for bringing dogs to and from the shooting area – this will minimize waiting time (because you can start shooting the next dog while this person takes the dog you just finished working with back to the kennel) and allow you to photograph more dogs while you’re there.  (If I recall correctly, Seth mentioned he could photograph 30 dogs in a few hours – I need to pick up the pace!)

TIPTOE THROUGH THE TULIPS

So, you’ve got your team (be it a duo or a trio) – now what?  You’ll need to find a location to take photos.  Fortunately, WHS has a nice outdoor area that we were able to use.  (No tulips, but I couldn’t get the song out of my head once I thought of it. Seth recommended including some natural elements in your photographs if possible.)  There was even bamboo growing in one corner, which provided some greenery to work with.  However, if there’s no space like that available at your shelter, scout around… you can probably find a space that will be better than just taking photos in the kennel.

LOOK AT ME

Not my best… but, that face!

Once you’ve gotten the logistics (personnel, location, etc.) figured out, then it’s time to actually take some photos!   You’ll probably want to take some time to get acquainted with your canine model – the dog may be fidgety or excited and may need some time to relax.

After the pup feels comfortable, how do you get him to look at you?  Seth recommended bringing along some treats (checking on each animal’s dietary restrictions, of course) and the squeaker from a squeaky toy (apparently you can order these on Amazon… or, if you live with Bella, she’ll happily remove these from all of her toys for you).

Seth photographed four dogs and walked us through his process.  It was really educational – seeing him in action made it easier to envision applying these tips in my own life.  (In fact, I employed several on Saturday while taking photos of Bella for our Christmas card.)

TRICKS OF THE TRADE

In addition to the basics I discussed above, Seth shared a plethora of other tips. I wish I could remember them all right now, but I was too busy listening and snapping photos to write everything down. Here’s what really stuck with me:

  • Continuous shots are your friend.  Set your camera to take multiple photos with each click – this setting will increase your chances of capturing that perfect moment.
  • Don’t try to photograph a dog in direct sunlight – the sun right in his face will just make him squint.  If possible, use indirect light or position the dog with the sun behind him.
  • Resist the urge to use the flash – avoid the dreaded green eye!
  • Try to get a nice close-up shot (looking into the camera with a happy face is what we’re hoping for here).  While full-body shots are great too, it’s important to get that close-up.
  • If the dog looks sad or unhappy, it might be a good idea to let the dog play or run around for a bit if you can.  The panting face that follows will likely translate as a happy one in your photographs.
  • Embrace Photoshop (or the photo editing software of your choice).  Sometimes a few tweaks can take a photo from good to amazing.
  • Cats are sometimes a tougher assignment – you may want to experiment to see what works for you here. Consider location, lighting, and trying to highlight each feline’s unique features. (We spent some time in Kitty City as well – I need a lot more practice on that front.)

You can find many more tips on the Second Chance Photos website, including information about equipment, photo shoots, and – most importantly – how to get started.  If you’re interested, there’s also information on upcoming workshops (including Chicago in December and Phoenix in February).

(While you’re clicking around, pop over to WHS and check out the adoptable animals… perhaps one of them is perfect for you?)

Have you ever taken photos of shelter pets?  If not, are you considering giving it a try?  Also, if your friendly neighborhood blogger had the chance to interview Seth, what questions would you want her to ask?  (Hint, hint… help me out here!)

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Adorable Adoptables in Northern Virginia: Violet & Allie

Every Sunday I’ll be featuring adoptable pets from local rescue groups.  This week, I’m sharing adorable adoptables from the Humane Society of Fairfax County (HSFC) and A Forever Home Rescue Foundation (A Forever Home).

November is Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month, so I’ve got some lovely senior pets to share with you today.  You know I think that senior pets rock, so let’s find them some homes!

First up, meet Violet!  This cute cat is approximately 8 years old.  Here’s her bio from HSFC:

“Violet has the mischievous and frisky kitten in her that never grows up!
The female counterpart to Dennis the Menace, sometimes! So lovable
but looking for trouble. I think she is very smart and gets bored
easily. SHE thinks it fun to startle causing a cat stampede! It is
hysterical when she plays with her own feet! She expects fresh water
sips from the faucet. Very nosy about everything and every cat,
whatever is going on, she also knows what I am thinking when I am going
to get her in a carrier. She can be very sweet and wants to come to you
for affection but not too much handling, when she is in the mood. Not a
pushover and can lose her temper if provoked. So, not good for small
children.”

 

Is this frisky feline the one for you?  If so, visit the HSFC website for more information.  To view the other pets available for adoption at HSFC, click here.

Up next, meet Allie!  This Hound mix is approximately 8 years old.   Here’s her bio from A Forever Home:

“Allie is a beautiful, regal, very loving lady. Her face is very
expressive, she looks you right in the eyes and holds your gaze. I
think she was crated way too much because she came to me not house
broken and really did not want to go up and down the stairs. It looked
like it hurt her to do so and she even limped a bit. She’s been with me
for about four months and now, she is doing great. She is working on
being house broken and goes up and down stairs. She’ll even beat you up
there! She even plays with her 3 month old foster sister every now and
then. Her crate is still her ‘safe’ place and she will need one in her
new home. Allie is spayed and up to date on her shots. She is an
older girl who loves to go for walks and does very well on a leash. She
gets stressed out on car rides. She doesn’t get sick but does drool
and sheds a lot, showing her stress. She loves to lean against you when
she wants to be pet and will put her head in your lap if you are
sitting in a chair. She will lay on the bed with you for a while but
prefers to sleep on the floor or in her crate. If you are looking for a
laid back, loving, engaging older dog to love, Allie is your girl!
Please let her teach you what unconditional love is.”

If you think you have the perfect home for Allie, visit A Forever Home for more information or email Info@aforeverhome.org.  To view the other pets available for adoption at A Forever Home, click here.

A Forever Home also has a weekly adoption event at the PetCo in Chantilly.  For the address and to find out more info, click here
(If you have your eye on a specific pet, please email for information
first – not all pets will be at the weekly event.  However, there are a
lot of awesome pets in need of homes, so if you’re in the neighborhood,
stop by and meet some of them!)

Do you have room in your home (and your heart) for one of these lovely ladies?  Then contact HSFC or A Forever Home.  If you know someone else who might be in the market for an awesome companion, please share this post.  Let’s find some homes for Violet and Allie!


Bios and photos used with permission from HSFC and A Forever Home.
 

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Book this cat for your post-Thanksgiving massage…

Perhaps you, like me, were a busy bee preparing for Thanksgiving.  Although it’s fun, Turkey Day can be a lot of work.  With that in mind, it’s important to take some time to relax now that it’s over.  Maybe I’ll book a massage…

Your regularly scheduled No Frown Friday will return next week… this week I’m being lazy.  I blame the tryptophan.  Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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The Grouchy Puppy Principle: Dogs get more beautiful with age

I’ve been focusing on senior dogs this month, in honor of Adopt-a-Senior-Pet MonthToday, I have a special treat for you – a guest post from one of my favorite bloggers about the joys of having a senior pet!  

 Editor-at-Large for LIFE+DOG Magazine and Founder of Grouchy Puppy,
Sharon Castellanos writes to educate and inspire people to focus on the
beauty and joy of having a dog in their life.  She shares stories
and interviews that strive to illustrate how we all have it in us to
give fearlessly and influence positively.  She’s contributed to this blog before, and I’m thrilled to have her back again! I was lucky enough to finally
meet her in person during BlogPaws in spite of that whole hurricane thing – take it from me, she’s awesome.

Aged to perfection, this is how I would describe a senior dog. My dog
Cleo is like fine wine, an Opus One. Rather than inside glass, she gets
decanted by having belly rubs, cuddles and brushing. Cleo is a rare dog,
a hard to find vintage. It wouldn’t be fair to keep so much delight on a
shelf getting dusty, or bottled up.

When you decant wine, the process opens up the wine giving you its full
flavor. If Cleo gets enough cuddles her true perky nature comes out. You
get the sense that she is half her age. Often on our walks in the
neighborhood, after strangers stop us to pet her, they ask Cleo’s age
and then react in disbelief. But as an older dog, she a professional at
managing her aches and pains.

In addition to her sparkling personality, Cleo’s ability to put forward
her mission to collect admirers is something to behold.  She sees
someone she likes, or another dog she wants to meet, and watch out. With
laser like focus, Cleo heads straight to her target, either winning
them over immediately, or getting a straight arm or leash, rejection.
Like some wines, you know pretty quickly, once you get a sniff, you’re
happy or your nose becomes wrinkled in distaste.

Fortunately for Cleo, she has mad skills which have only gotten more
refined with age. She wins hearts and virtual ribbons. Her age and
aging, only seems to add to her fan base. Cleo shows others that a
senior dog is a treasure, a rare experience that one shouldn’t pass up
when given the opportunity. With November being Adopt a Senior Pet
Month, consider going “wine tasting”, and check out the vintage dogs at
your local shelter or rescue. You might discover a rare dog of your own.

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Adorable adoptables in Northern Virginia: Alice & Ernie

Every Sunday I’ll be featuring adoptable pets from local rescue groups.  This week, I’ll be sharing adorable adoptables from Friends of Homeless Animals (FOHA) and A Forever Home Rescue Foundation (A Forever Home).

November is Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month, so I’ve got some lovely senior pets to share with you today.  You know I think that senior pets rock, so let’s find them some homes!

First up, meet Alice!  This Beagle/Dachshund mix is approximately 8 years old.   Here’s her bio from A Forever Home:

“Hi, my name is Alice. I am beagle/dachshund mix. I am housebroken,
crate trained and moderately active. My favorite past time is spending
time with my foster mom and my foster sister who I am laying with in the
picture. She says I am an angel because I don’t chew on anything and
she can trust me when I am out of her site. I am not good with young
children as they make me nervous so I would do best in a home with no
children under 12 years of age. I prefer to be the only pet so I can
get all the hugs and kisses. I walk nicely on a leash and am not a big
barker.”

If you have lots of hugs and kisses for Alice, visit A Forever Home for more information or email Info@aforeverhome.org.  To view the other pets available for adoption at A Forever Home, click here.

A Forever Home also has a weekly adoption event at the PetCo in Chantilly.  For the address and to find out more info, click here
(If you have your eye on a specific pet, please email for information
first – not all pets will be at the weekly event.  However, there are a
lot of awesome pets in need of homes, so if you’re in the neighborhood,
stop by and meet some of them!)

Up next, meet Ernie!  Ernie is one of the wonderful dogs I met when I took photos at FOHA.  Here’s his bio from FOHA:

Ernie 22
“Sweet Ernie is losing his sight and hearing and would truly benefit
from a quieter environment. He was one of many stray dogs who end up on
the PTS list in a rural pound. His rescuer said that he would dig holes
and sleep in the corners of the pen instead of sleeping in his house, as
if he had no concept of shelter. He even had to learn to eat out of a
bowl.

FOHA must seem like Heaven to Ernie. He has shelter, heat in the
winter, a/c in the summer, nutritious food, a full water bowl, a bed,
and TLC from his favorite volunteers. But we know Ernie’s life could be
even better if he had a family and home to call his own.

Ernie loves going for walks. He is great on the leash and pretty
low-energy. After all, he is in his twilight years. Ernie is very
affectionate and would make a great addition to any family.

Ernie 24
Ernie has won the hearts of the volunteers with his mild manners and
trusting personality, won’t you give him the chance to win your heart
too? Email Cheryl at fosteradog@foha.org.”

If Ernie sounds like the guy for you, visit Friends of Homeless Animals for more information, call 703-385-0224 or email doginfo@foha.org.  To see the other dogs (or cats) available for adoption at FOHA, please click here.

Do you have room in your home (and your heart) for one of these pups?  Then contact A Forever Home or FOHA.  If you know someone else who might be in the market for an awesome companion, please share this post.


Bios and photo of Alice used with permission from A Forever Home.  Photos of Ernie by me.
 

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Please tell me I’m not the only one who remembers this stuff…

Today’s links are even more random than usual, if that’s possible. Full disclosure: I considered doing a Twilight theme.  The punny names were especially easy – though I would not be surprised if someone already has a pet named Robert Cattinson.  (Yup. Someone beat me to it.)

Anyway, although I am going to see Breaking Dawn tonight (I didn’t love the book, but I can’t resist a movie night), I decided to spare you from my other puns (such as Edward Seagullen).  You’re welcome for the random linkage instead…

  1. First up, your punny pet name: Meowrice Sendak.
  2. Time for a little shameless self-promotion – I posted a new recipe on the cupcake blog!
  3. Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, crack open a dog beer and let’s get to the fun stuff.
  4. The other day I wrote a guest post for My Brown Newfies inspired by Where the Wild Things Are. The Internet has returned the favor – it’s where the wild pugs are!
  5. So, I remember when Passions had that weird talking doll. (Anyone else? I didn’t watch that particular soap opera, but I would occasionally pass it when channel surfing and get creeped out.)  It appears that one soap opera has decided to top that storyline – it’s a talking dog trying to convince a talking baby to hand over some hidden paternity test results.  (Don’t worry, I’ll give you a few minutes to read that completely bonkers sentence a few more times.)
  6. In other “things no one else probably remembers” news, 2gether (MTV’s parody boy band from the ’90s) is considering a reunion. U plus me equals us, baby.  (Calculus.)
  7. Speaking of TV… I’m not normally one to share ads, but I giggle whenever I see this Microsoft ad.  After all, I was the type of kid who would have happily made a
    PowerPoint presentation about why I needed a dog.  (I’m also reminded of
    Marshall’s chart and graph obsession on How I Met Your Mother.  I can totally relate.)
  8. Bonus graph: things I associate with Sarah McLachlan. (Thank goodness for the series of non-depressing pet adoption videos from Will My Dog Hate Me, right?)

Continuing with the advertising theme… this FedEx ad featuring dominoes, a goose wearing a bow tie, and an adorable puppy is pure awesome:



(via Best Week Ever)

I mean, it’s not catvertising, but it’ll do…

That’s all I’ve got for you today.  Also, don’t forget to vote for The Old Dog House in the Pepsi Refresh Project once a day until November 30… it’s a wonderfully simple way to help senior dogs.

Have a great weekend!

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