The Natural Wag event this passed Saturday, October 15th, was a great success thanks to our hosts SarasotaDog.com and Natural Awakening Pet Magazine.   It was such a beautiful morning on Orange Ave  in downtown Sarasota.

Along with meeting many new furry friends, there were mini-seminars throughout the morning.  Dr. Anne Chauvet gave a talk on brain food for dogs.  Jennifer Funk of Abundant Life Massage gave an Introduction to Canine Massage.  Jeanine of Jeanine's Professional Dog Training shared some great training tips.

After a morning full of informative information, there was a dog trick and talent show.  The winner won a full make over including a post make over photo shoot with DogStreet Pet Photography.   You still have another chance to win a custom photo package with DogStreet.  Find out how you can win HERE.

Among some of the wondering four legged friends, were representatives of Racing Dog Rescue Project (www.rdrp.greyhound.org).  These retiree's are some of the sweetest and most gentle dogs I have ever met.

There were other rescue organizations in attendance as well, including Gimme Shelter Pets and Satchel’s Last Resort.  The Humane Society of Sarasota County brought along  Zoe, Rihanna, and Nakita.  Rihanna, pictured in the center, was holding down the fort with Maria, one of the HSSC's super awesome volunteers.

I could not venture too far from my booth because throughout the morning the wind began to pick up.  Luckily, there was so much smooching and wiggling butts going on right in front of me that I didn't need too.

As the event started to wind down,  I noticed a woman from Satchel's Last Resort approaching with this lovely girl, Delilah.  She walked right up to my table and jumped up with the biggest smile on her face.  Almost as she was saying, "Ok I'm ready, Lets go home."  It was so funny, she just stayed there watching me until I grabbed my camera and took her picture.  Delilah definitely had me at hello and I almost let her hop in the back of my car as I was packing up.  This super friendly pooch currently resides at Satchel's Last Resort waiting to find her forever home.

I met so many sweet faces and friendly people.  Thank you for letting me snap some pics of your precious pal.  Below you will find your pet's photo.  If you are interested in purchasing a print, you can contact me HERE.

THE DOGSTREET JOURNAL

In the News

Finding Home

This past week has been a pretty memorable one for the staff and volunteers at the Humane Society of Sarasota County.  Two very special dogs found forever homes.  Maizie and Lily were long time residents of the HSSC and the staff was worried that they may spend the rest of their lives in the shelter. Both dogs found their loving homes with volunteers of the HSSC.  The volunteers are pretty amazing people with such big hearts.  Congratulations to you all.

Sports and Fitness

OceanWolf Agility

My dog, Nyla and I are currently on summer hiatus from our agility training.  We miss our weekly fun on the field with our very patient trainer, Coz of OceanWolf Agility.  We can't wait to get back to it once the weather cools down a bit later in the fall. You can find more information about OceanWolf Agility by visiting their website -  http://www.oceanwolfagility.com/

Health and Food

Coconut Oil for your Pets

I have heard of the many benefits of giving fish oil, olive oil, and even mineral oil  to your pets, but coconut oil is news to me.  I read an article earlier this week on the many benefits of using virgin, untreated, undiluted coconut oil not only as a supplement, but also as a topical treatment for minor skin irritations. I came across this video that has some useful information regarding the subject. (If you don't see video player below just refresh the page)

Classifieds

Adoptable - Pic of the week

Copper - A sweet and energetic hound mix available at the Humane Society of Sarasota County. For more information on Copper and other adoptables please visit the HSSC website - www.hssc.org

Reminders

Smile For A Cure - DogStreet Pet Photography is teaming up with pet photographers across the country and Smile for a Cure - A pet portrait charity benefiting the National Canine Cancer Foundation.  For the Months of August and September, 100% of all session fees will be donated to this terrific organization.   Find out all you need to know HERE

Upcoming Events

The Natural Wag - SarasotaDog.com and Abundant Life Massage present, The Natural Wag - A first of its kind event featuring the natural life for dogs.The event will be held on October 15,  9am - 2pm,  at 665 South Orange Ave. in Sarasota.  Enjoy awesome food and entertainment, mini-seminars, agility and more!  DogStreet Pet Photography will be there. Stop by and say Hello!

Jingle Paws Jubilee - It's not too early to start planning out the holiday season. ACE Pet Resort, Sarasota Pet Magazine and  SarasotaDog.com present the First Annual Jingle Paws Jubilee, a one-stop holiday shopping extravaganza and a fundraiser for our local animal groups. Mark your calendars now. It will be here before we know it.

Smile for a Cure - National Canine Cancer Foundation

Hi Everyone.   I am super excited  and proud to announce that for the months of August and September, DogStreet Pet Photography will be teaming up with pet photographers across the country for a fantastic cause.  Smile for a Cure, a National Pet Portrait program, benefiting the National Canine Cancer Foundation.

Founded  in  2009  by  North  Carolina  pet  photographer Nunthany  Johnson,  Smile  for  a  Cure  is   composed  of  a  caring  group  of  pet  photographers  all  across  the  country  dedicated  to   making  a  difference  in  the  lives  of  dogs  with  cancer  &  the  people  who  love them.  I had first heard of the project when I met Nunthany at a workshop we both attended last year in New York.  Nunthany started Smile for a Cure in honor of her dog, Max, who passed away from canine cancer in 2009.

During  August  and  September  2011,  Smile  for  a  Cure  pet  photographers  from  across  the   country  will  donate  100%  of  their  session  fees  to  The  National  Canine  Cancer  Foundation,  a   non-­profit,  501(C)  3  dedicated  to  eliminating  cancer  as  a  major  health  issue  in dogs. 1  in  4  dogs  will  be  diagnosed  with  Cancer,  and  50%  of  them  will  die   from  this  terrible  disease.

"By booking a session, you can make a tremendous difference in the lives of dogs as well as humans,  making  this  all  the  more  important.    The  National  Institute  of  Health  has  gone  on   record  to  declare  that  much  of  the  research  on  canine  cancer  applies  to  human cancer  as  well." -  Gary  Nice,  President  and  CEO  of  the  NCCF.

So if you have been thinking of booking a session with DogStreet Pet Photography, now is the time.  Not only is the session fee set to a special price, but your fee goes directly to this amazing organization. For more information on booking a session you can contact me HERE.

To find out more information on Smile for a Cure  and other fabulous photographers around the country participating in this project, please visit, http://www.smileforacure.org/.  For more information on The National Canine Cancer Foundation, please visit, http://wearethecure.org/

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

Hi Everyone and welcome to the first installment of the The Sunday DogStreet Journal.  I am so excited about this new addition to the blog.  Every week I will be posting a new issue with news articles, useful information,  and fun pics from the week.  Just in time for your Sunday morning coffee. Enjoy.

News

Rally for County Shelter Animals

Last month, a rally organized by  The Humane Society of Manatee County , was held outside the historic  Manatee County Courthouse moments before a scheduled county budget meeting. Commissioners Joe McClash and Donna Hayes had flagged the animal services budget for suggested changes to adoption policies. More than 300 protesters showed up and later filled the chambers of the administrative center for the meeting.  Many people were concerned that budget cuts of Manatee Animal Services would lead to an increase in euthanization of the county's shelter animals.  By the end of the meeting,  commissioners removed the flag, saying there was not a proposal to reduce animal services funding. They even went as far to say,they were considering how they might expand animal service programs.

I was more than happy to cover the event for  The New Barker Magazine.  More information regarding the rally can be found HERE.  Congratulations to all of the concerned citizens of Bradenton for having your voice heard.

Longboat Key Beach soon to be Dog Friendly?

A Dog Friendly Beach in Sarasota?  That is what is what some dog owners of Longboat Key are hoping for, myself included.  This is  a video from Sarasota's ABC affiliate. Find more information regarding this proposal HERE.

Muggles for Mutts - Adoption Event

Both “Muggles” and “Mutts” made new friends at The "Muggles for Mutts" Adoption Event last Saturday.  Even the pet therapy miniature horse and llamas, which are always such crowd pleasers, seemed to make new friends.  The event was held in the education center out at The Humane Society of Sarasota County and was a “magical” success. Everyone got in on the Harry Potter excitement. The event was hosted by HSSC’s Teen Club and  raised $683.55 for HSSC’s Education Department programs.  Many shelter friends found new fur-ever homes as well.

Special guests included, magician David Pitchford,  Tarot readings from Pam Cooper and Zan Benham, and animal communicator, Lori Michel.  Sylvia Edmonds was on hand and offered canine massages to all of the “Mutts”.  It was a great way to beat the heat and take part in some magical, Harry Potter, fun.  Find more information regarding the event HERE.

Health

Tips and Tricks to Surviving the Summer Heat with your Dog

1.) Exercise your dog during the cool parts of the day, early in the morning or late at night. Heat rises from the ground, especially on surfaces like cement and asphalt, and dogs absorb and release heat through their feet.  If the cooler part of the day is not an option, take your dog swimming.  It is great exercise and can be  just as vigorous as a walk.

2.) Keep plenty of clean fresh water during summertime activities. Dogs cannot sweat.  So watch for signs of dehydration. Excessive drooling, bloodshot eyes, and listlessness are all signs of and overheated dog. Another way to tell if you dog is dehydrated is by lightly pinching and lifting their skin.  If your pet is dehydrated, it will take longer than usual for the skin to fall back into place.

3.) Keep you pooch cool during the heat of the day. Set up a kiddie pool in a shady part of the yard or give them a wet towel to lay on or simply wet them down with the hose.

4.) Let your dog tell you. Allow your dog to step outside and feel for itself that it is too hot, too wet, or too cold to go on a long walk. Instinctually, the dog will understand that it has to shorten its walk, or simply come back inside where it's safe.

5.) Never leave your dog in a parked car. The car retains more heat than an open area, even if it is in the shade. Plus, a dog may get overexcited in the car due to passersby or panic from claustrophobia, making dehydration more likely. On longer trips, make sure you have water for the dog and keep the AC running.

Speaking of  summertime fun with your pup...

This is a video I came across on Facebook the other day and fell in love with it. A road trip out west with my dog is definitely moved to the top of my bucket list. It was made by an amazing filmmaker, Jesse Rosten.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

http://vimeo.com/18124979

Classifieds

Adoptable - Pic of the week

This is Ginger, a 7mo. old,  Mountain Cur female mix.  She is super sweet and very playful.  Ginger is full of puppy energy and needs a family with an active lifestyle.  She currently resides at the Humane Society of Sarasota County where she is waiting for her new home.  For more information on Ginger and other adoptable pets, please visit: www.hssc.org.

Reminders

There are a few days left to take advantage of  DogStreet Pet Photography's "Christmas in July" Holiday Card Promotion. Find out more HERE.

Announcements

I am proud to announce that DogStreet Pet Photography is teaming up with pet photographers across the country and Smile for a Cure - A pet portrait charity benefiting the National Canine Cancer Foundation.  For the Months of August and September, 100% of all session fees will be donated to this terrific organization.  There will be much more information on the blog next week.

Upcoming Events

SarasotaDog.com and Abundant Life Massage present, The Natural Wag - A first of its kind event featuring the natural life for dogs. The event will be held on October 15,  9am - 2pm,  at 665 South Orange Ave. in Sarasota.  Enjoy awesome food and entertainment, mini-seminars, agility and more!

Follow DogStreet Pet Photography on Facebook and Twitter.