Saturday March 17th was the 17th Annual Pug Parade to benefit The Humane Society of Sarasota County.   For the second year in a row the event was held out on St. Armands Circle on St. Pug-tricks Day.  The event  brought out more than just pugs.  I met all kinds of four-legged fur balls and they came dressed to impress. 

All of the images are available for purchase.  If you are interested in purchasing a print of your little one, please contact me HERE.  And remember to keep up with all things DogStreet by following on Facebook and Twitter.

This little hambone had the most perfect swirl to his tail.  One of the cutest pug butts I ever seen. 

Yesterday, I found myself with a couple of free hours, so I grabbed my camera and headed over to The Humane Society of Sarasota County.  What a beautiful day for it too.  Here are the cuties I met while I was there.  In order from left to right, Rerun, Lola, Squeak, Hoyt, Smudge, and Woody. 

For more information on these or any of the available adoptables please visit www.hssc.org.  And remember, you can keep up with all things DogStreet by following on Facebook and Twitter.

 

Hot Dogs and Cool Cats – Laugh Your “Paws” Off – 2011

It is not officially the start of the holiday season without  The Humane Society of Sarasota County‘s Annual Hot Dogs and Cool Cats Benefit.  This years event took place Saturday, December 4th, out at the newly renovated Sarasota Yacht Club.  I covered the event for them last year and I was more than happy to do it again this year.  The evening filled with wonderful food, a live auction, and comedy from Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald of television’s Animal Planet. 

This year’s live auction emcees were Les McCurdy and Ken Sons. They had the guests in stitches from the moment they got on stage and helped make the auction a hysterically, memorable one.  Pictured below are Les and Ken with this year’s special guest, Animal Planet’s Dr. Fitzgerald.

The lobby of the SYC was lined with banners that featured images by yours truly and fellow pet photographer, Emilee Fuss.  It was pretty special to see some of our favorite adoptables displayed in such a beautiful way.

Pictured here are some of the fabulous HSSC staff.  Ginny Armington, Event Relations Manager. Deb Millman, Executive Director.  John Raleigh and Amie Boyle, Board of Directors.

Featured below is a gallery of all the photos I snapped during the event. If  I took you picture, chances are it is in the gallery. Just click on any of the thumbnails below to see an enlarged view. And as always, keep up on all things DogStreet by following on Facebook and Twitter. Happy Holidays!

Golden Fest 2011 was held out at Historic Spanish Point last weekend.  The event went to benefit The Golden Retriever Rescue of Southwest Florida.  It was chilly start that morning, but quickly warmed up to be a picture perfect day.  There was a silent auction, numerous raffles, and great prizes.  A fabulous event for a wonderful cause. Historic Spanish Point is located in Osprey, Florida and on the third Saturday of every month is Pups at the Point.  It is a chance for dogs and there owners to come and experience this beautiful place together. I'm looking forward to attending it next month.

This fabulous dog house was built and donated by The National Association of Woman in Construction and was one of the many awesome raffle prizes.

This is Belle, Jen from Ace Pet Resort's border collie.  Belle was recently certified as a therapy dog.  She was definitely born to do this.   She can bring a smile to anyone's face.  Kate Franklin was in attendance as well, representing the Humane Society for Sarasota County.

I was able to capture the biggest and smallest dog at the event greeting each other.  These two were an instant Laurel and Hardy act.  I was laughing so hard, I could barely keep my camera still.

The event was not limited to just Golden Retrievers and their people.  This handsome fella is a Clumber Spaniel.  I have never met one before.  What a face.

As part of the festivities, The GRRSWF released butterflies in remembrance of all the Golden's that have passed away.   It was a very lovely and heartfelt tribute.

Goldens. Goldens. Goldens. Everywhere Goldens.  Here are some of the new furry friends I made.  If you were at the event and would like to purchase a print of your buddy.  Please contact me HERE.   Part of your purchase goes directly back to the GRRSWF.  Keep up with all things DogStreet by following on Facebook and Twitter.

If you did not see a photo of your dog above, don't worry I have attached a gallery of all the images.  Just click on the thumbnail below.  If you would like to purchase a print contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

The Humane Society of Sarasota County's 14th annual Howl-O-Ween Fall Festival was this past Saturday, out at the fairgrounds.  The HSSC teamed up with Pet Pages this year and the event was better than ever.  Despite the wet weather, it was a great turnout and this year's costume contest did not disappoint. Lucky for me the rain cleared up a bit to snap a few pics during the judging.

Merlin  (basset hound), and Zoey  (chow mix), are both up for adoption at the HSSC.  They proudly strutted their stuff in the parade line, looking so cute in their Halloween ribbon collars.

The K9 volunteers put on a demo with some star pups from the shelter. The HSSC volunteers have been working with specific dogs and displayed the great progress they have made in their training.  It was a fantastic addition to the festival this year.  From left to right we have -  Zoey, Teddy, Andy, Merlin, Rocco, and Stella (aka Stitch).

Elsie,  Meatball,  Riverdale,  Titan and a few other HSSC alumni came out to show their support as well.  It was heartwarming to see how well they are all doing with their new families.

In between raindrops, I was able to capture some of the cuties all in costume.  Christmas came a little early with these doxies dressed as Santa's reindeer.  They were quite a hit.

Here are some additional sweet faces I was able to capture.  If you are interested in purchasing a copy, click HERE.  Part of the proceeds go directly back to the Humane Society of Sarasota County. For more information on all the pets up for adoption, please visit,  www.hssc.org.  Keep up with all things DogStreet by following us on Facebook and Twitter.

This Thursday October 27th, at 6:30pm is a benefit called,  The Road Home Old Friends New Faces.  The benefit is for Kickapoo Rescue here in Southwest Florida. I must admit, I knew very little about Kickapoo until my friend, Hera, of OceanWolf Agility told me about them. They are an amazing organization and here is a little of what Hera has to say about them.

" We have turned to Kickapoo Rescue for help many times over the years, especially with senior Labradors who had nowhere else to turn.

Kickapoo Rescue is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, care and placement of unwanted, abandoned or abused dogs and horses and are especially known for their rescue of senior dogs and horses.  All of these animals are provided homes and quality veterinary care until they are able to be placed with loving and caring families.  Animals not adopted spend the remainder of their lives with Kickapoo.

Kickapoo Rescue is funded primarily through individual donations and the event at New College is their annual fundraiser.  This will be a fun evening with silent auctions, raffles and a surprise bartender.   100% of the proceeds go to Kickapoo Rescue.

The October/November issue of Sarasota Pet Magazine (www.sarasotapet.com) is running a story on the upcoming Kickapoo benefit.

Kickapoo Rescue is primarily made up of Kathy Allen and her daughter Bree.  They do incredible work and needs our support."

So if you are not busy on Thursday, come out and join the fun. There is going to be a silent auction with many wonderful items to bid on. I am proud to say that DogStreet Pet Photography has donated a Custom Photo Package.  So if you have been waiting to book a session with me here is your perfect opportunity to help out a local rescue group and receive a fantastic photo session in return. A win win for sure.

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.

It was a super busy afternoon out at The Humane Society of Sarasota County.   I've got ten adoptable dogs to show you today.   I think I photographed them all in record time too.   A huge special thank you and shout out to all the volunteers for their help.   Their dedication to the shelter  is truly fantastic and always inspiring.

Ok. On to the goodies.  This is Rosie.  This little peanut really doesn't need much of an introduction.  Her photo pretty much speaks for itself.

I think Marley was one of the stunt doubles from the movie.  He is so handsome and has such a happy go lucky attitude.

Next up we have the dynamic duo, Jockomo and Pepsi.  These two cuties are a package deal.  The sweetness factor was off the charts with these little ones.

This energetic hound mix is Andy.  He even looks like an Andy.  I think I met my match with this one.  I don't think I have ever laughed as hard as I did with him.  I literally stood in one spot as he ran circles around me.  I'm always a sucker for hound dogs, but I could have played with this guy all afternoon.  I'm thinking of posting a gag reel on this one.

This is Zoey and Billy.  These two could not be more opposite.  Zoey is a chow mix with a very laid back, couch potato, kind of personality.  While Billy is super high energy with the personality to match.

Miss Pearl and Bamboo.  This brother and sister act are quite the comedians.

And last, but certainly not least, is BG.  He has the sweetest little kind face.  BG is action packed and loves playing in the kiddie pool and chasing pretty much anything you will throw for him.

For more information on these and other adoptable friends, please visit, www.hssc.org.

Would you like to  WIN  a  FREE  Custom Photo Package from  DogStreet Pet Photography?   Click HERE to find out!

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Are you familiar with THE NEW BARKER magazine?  It is a Florida pet magazine based out of Tampa.  Absolutely a must have on your subscription list.  Every issue features an artist's work on the cover and and is full of wonderful articles and pet information from all over the state of Florida.  This past spring I started to do some freelance work for them and it has been awesome.  It takes me right back to my press work days, but the beauty is, I actually get cover events I really enjoy.  A win win for sure.

In the current issue, I covered a couple events, one being a flyball tournament in Bradenton.  Flyball is a relay race with dogs, hurdles, and balls.  A lot of high energy and noise. Kind of like a game of fetch on steroids.  It was the first time I had ever been to one and I really didn't know what to expect.  I had a blast.  I have never seen such teamwork  and focus between a pack of dogs and their handlers.  All of the dogs seemed to love it as much, if not more, than the handlers.  So if you are looking for a great read, you can find THE NEW BARKER locally in Sarasota, at Media on Main and at Wet Noses on St. Armands Circle.

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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.

Yesterday, the rain finally decided to stop just long enough for me to hop in my car and head over to the Humane Society of Sarasota County.  By the time I got there, the clouds had opened up and the sun started to shine.  As well as the heat and humidity, but that didn't hold back any of  these little fur balls.  They had some serious cabin fever to get out of their system.

This is Tara. She caught my eye as one of the volunteers was walking by with her. I could instantly tell she has some of that Catahoula blood in her.  My dog gives me that exact same sweet kissable look. I just had to give those sweet cheeks a squeeze. I think the volunteer thought I was a little off, but Tara didn't seem to mind one bit.

Next up we have Copper and Lucky.  Copper was a bit camera shy at first, but he quickly warmed right up to me.  Lucky, on the other hand was anything but shy.  This eight year old pooch can fetch like nobody's business.

Pinta is quite a sweet pea with her big beautiful amber eyes.

Sam and Boomer.  Sam wanted absolutely nothing to do with my camera. Probably because it's bigger than he is.  I had to snap this shot from clear across the dog run.  Boomer had no problem with the camera, but I did have a hard time keeping his face out of my treat bag long enough to photograph him.  I think  he will do just about anything for a treat.

I could not forget Angel. Angel was just getting her sea legs back when I met her in the courtyard. She was pretty sick for a while, but she seems to be getting better everyday.

To find out more information on these and other adoptables, please visit, www.hssc.org

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/

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Meet Lily. Some of you may find her familiar.  That is because she has been at The Humane Society of Sarasota County for almost a year now.  I have had the opportunity to photograph Miss Lily on three separate occasions but this past session with her was a bit extra special.  It was a very steamy and muggy afternoon.  Lily braved the hot temperatures with her best smiles and her super funny personality really came through.  I made a great connection with her and it was as if she new that she was giving me her all.  I have so many great images from our session it was hard to choose which ones to share with you.

A fellow, fantastic volunteer, Christine Christian, has this to say about Lily.

"Lily is still waiting for a special person to see beyond all of the physical challenges that she is dealing with and give her a real home. She was surrendered back in September of last year, along with another dog, and her only buddy got adopted almost immediately. She was really down, and we tried to find her a doggie buddy to play with, but she wasn't getting along with anyone. For a long time, we thought she was just a grumpy old lady with other dogs, but it turned out that she didn't feel good. She has food allergies, which caused bumps and open sores all over her body. Once we figured out what was causing her symptoms, and got her on the right food and medicine, the bumps went away, the sore spots healed, and Miss Lily started tolerating most other dogs. We still haven't found her a good play buddy though. But she is playing, for the first time since last September, with a big pink ball, so we know she's feeling better. But, after so many months, she has just about given up. She's got so many things about her that would make her a really good companion. She's house trained. She's really easy to leash walk - she stays right with you, and is very low energy, so you don't have to go far. She knows all her basic obedience commands - sit, down, stay, come. She'll even high-five. Because of her history with other shelter dogs, we've been reluctant to say she could go to a home with other dogs, but maybe, if the other dog was close to her size, with low energy and a submissive temperament, it might work. She so desperately needs a home and a human to love her. She's almost 9 years old, and it would be so sad if she had to live the rest of her life here. She may have more than a few good years to live IF she can find a home. It would be a pity to see such a nice, gentle dog never have a home again. Please, if you have room in your heart, please consider giving Lily a home. (Her pink ball goes with her.)"

For more information on Lily and other adoptable pets please visit, www.hssc.org.

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Saturday's "Muggles for Mutts" Adoption Event out at The Humane Society of Sarasota County 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.

Both "Muggles" and "Mutts" made new friends. Even the pet therapy miniature horse and llamas, which are always such crowd pleasers.

Sylvia Edmonds offered canine massages to all the "Mutts".  They  seemed to enjoy it.

Special guests included, magician David Pitchford,  Tarot readings from Pam Cooper and Zan Benham, and animal communicator, Lori Michel.

This little mini-poodle pup was an attraction all his own.  He was so full of  happy energy  and anytime someone would pet him, he would plop down and roll on his back like a little dust mop.  So funny.

The beautiful Border Collie pictured here belongs to Jennifer Hummel of Ace Pet Resort.  Belle has recently received her certificate in pet therapy.  Kudos to you Miss Belle!

There was a lot of sniffing and mingling going on all afternoon.  It was a great way to beat the heat and take part in some magical, Harry Potter, fun.

Were you there and looking for pic of your favorite "Mutt" or "Muggle"?  Chances are, I got a few.   Below is a gallery of all the images from Saturdays Event.  Just "click" on the thumbnail to see it in full.  Use your browsers "back" button to return to this page.  Interested in purchasing a copy?  Click HERE and let me know.  Part of the proceeds go directly to the HSSC!

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