- Ollie's Ink -

I was lucky enough to be invited back to the Richardson’s home to snap a few more photos of their three month old son.  Little B has the bluest eyes I have seen in quite a while and I imagine he is going to be quite the little heartbreaker.  He certainly is an entertainer and I enjoyed spending the morning with this perfect little gentleman.  Check out the hand propped under his chin the second one, he did that one all by himself! 

The next two I just couldn’t resist.  Little B was quite happy that morning and let me in on a little secret.  He came out of womb with boxing skills - amazing!! 

Thanks again to the Richardson’s for letting me spend a fantastic morning in their home, laughing and smiling the whole way through!

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On a side note, don’t forget we are (yes, I’m going to say the dreaded phrase) getting closer to Christmas.  Please email me for information about scheduling a holiday themed session complete with christmas cards for your loved ones! 

Very early yesterday morning I discovered a message with the best news….

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Greetings Teresa,

Congrats! I’m writing to let you know that your photo, ‘And they called it puppy love…’ has been named an overall 3rd place (tied) winner as well as a ‘Best Puppy Portrait’ winner in the PawPrints Photo Contest on dogpixandflix.com. We’d like you to exhibit the photo at L.A. County Fair’s ‘Bark Park’ art gallery, where it will be on view from September 5-28, 2008.

Best regards,
Alice Liu

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Me….a winner??!!  AWESOME.  I am thrilled beyond all imagination. 

Her name is Trixie and she came to WT back in early June after she was found wandering the streets in a quiet little town.  Being quite the cute puppy, she was quickly adopted but I knew few would be able to resist that precious face. 

You can view all of the winners here!!

Myrtle Beach - courtesy of Meghann, editing by me

Vacation was nice, but it’s back to the grind!  Have a few sessions set for this weekend that I look forward to sharing with everyone as I work through the editing.  I hope all is well with my loyal blog readers….stop by and let me know what you have planned for the month of August!!

Hi everyone!

Just wanted to let you know that I will be away July 18th-27th.  I will have limited email access, so I will return all mail once I arrive home. 

I still have a few August sessions available and with a summer discount!  Contact me for more information if you are interested.  Talk to you soon….

The other day I gave the june updates including two new additions to the inspiration category, but a few careful observers noticed that there were actually three additions.  I just thought this certain lady deserved her own special post!!

Grace Chon of Shine Pet Photos (Los Angeles, CA) is an amazing art director/designer during the day and superstar pet photographer come evening!  Her images evoke feelings of fun, adventure, and all sort of happiness (human and dog alike).  Grace also volunteers a bit of time on the weekends to a dog rescue in her area creating what she has coined "extreme dog makeovers".  Her most recent success story is Lala, a beautiful pitbull who just found her forever home!  You can read all about Lala’s story here and more of the makeovers here. 

Oh yeah, if all that isn’t enough for you to check out Grace’s work - take a few minutes and read about how she adopted a dog from Taiwan.  Zoey is now residing comfortably in LA with her doggie sibling Maeby and mama Grace.     

A little over a week ago, I had the pleasure of meeting the (wonderful) Richardson family at their beautiful home.  They had just welcomed a new baby boy into their lives about five weeks earlier and their sweet daughter had celebrated a birthday the week before (the big three).  Definately a perfect time to party with new pictures!

So here’s a little sneak peek for mom and dad.  Thanks for giving me the chance to come over and hang out for the morning - it was a blast!  I imagine a quick dip in the pool wasn’t delayed too long after I left.   

I also wanted to mention that when I showed up, Miss M was all ready to photograph me with her Fisher Price (pink) Digital Camera.  I had some serious competition going on, not to mention her camera has a better grip than mine.    If you’re little ones are into your camera and you’re in need of an alternative to keep your nerves calm, this would be great. 

A few new changes to observe (especially if you are bored)….

1.  Brand new header image - that’s Jake, you might recognized this particular series of photos from a previous post I made awhile back. 

2.  Additions to the inspiration list including Erin Cobb and Kimberly Bee - stunning work from both ladies, so please stop by and leave them some loving on their blogs.

3.  The ‘Other’ tab now includes Petfinder and Flickr - both great places to meet and celebrate amazing people with extraordinary talents in rescue and photography!

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Oh, and the other day when I mentioned the senior dog Buba and his current interest….I wasn’t kidding.  Check him out here (photo courtesy of his foster mama)!!

It’s almost that time of year….no, no!!  Not that time, although I must admit Christmas in July sales are something that I do enjoy.   

Time to bring out the red, white, and blue in all of us.  For the first time, WT will be marching with a float in the Northville 4th of July parade.  The committee asked if I wouldn’t mind rounding up between 50 and 60 headshots of the dogs we have rescued over the past 18th months.  One side of the float will have an 8 x 8 foot montage of my photographs!!  Below is just a rough sample of some of my favorites. 

205 lives saved and counting…..

I think I enjoy photographing the senior dogs as much as the younger puppies.  Why, you ask?  They have the best manners in the world! 

It’s true that I’ve come across my fair share of older dogs and I can’t help but love each and every one.  And let’s be honest, age is just a number.  It takes a special kind of home to adopt a senior dog, but honestly everyone should consider it.  Many of these dogs are left behind not because of a dog problem, but because of the circumstances they currently reside in - a death in the family, a divorce, a new baby, children moving away to college, a new spouse doesn’t like the dog, and I could go on.  Below are just a few reasons to keep in mind if you are considering adopting an older dog (and they are all POSITIVE).     

1.  Many times they have had some sort of obedience training and house manners.

2.  Older dogs quickly learn what is expected of them and know how to be patient.

3.  You’ll never have to guess how big they’ll grow! 

4.  They understand ‘pack’ rules (especially if you have other animals )and how to be a companion. 

There are many rescues throughout the country that specialize in senior dog adoptions, so make sure to check your local area if interested.  And just for fun, below is Buba - an eight year old beagle full of life and energy.  His current interest includes pulling the hose out of the small pool his foster mom fills daily for him to swim in.   

Okay, well it was for many of the WT volunteers two weeks ago Sunday.  Why you ask - it was our 1st annual picnic/reunion and what a success it was!  In over just a short year, we have rescued and adopted over 175 dogs/puppies to wonderful, loving, and generous homes.  It was amazing to see the turnout and continued support we have received from the community and our own volunteers.  The day was filled with food (human and doggie, alike), activities, and games for those of all ages!  Even after the weather predicted a 40-50% chance of rain, there was only a 10 minute period where everyone had to crowd around the pavillion.  I would like to think the few dogs whom are no longer with us were our guardian angels and kept the rain away!! 

I’m into the square portraits lately…..a little something different.  Let me know what you think!!