Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Ollie, Max, Bassie, and Pixie - Sneak Peak

This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of meeting four wonderful dogs and their four wonderful people.  Thank you Julie, Bob, Jessica, and Peter for welcoming me into your home and letting me play with photograph your beautiful pack.

Julie actually won a Deluxe session from me at the Guardian Angel Basset Rescue Waddle 2010 that took place in Dwight, IL last month.  I couldn't have been more excited to meet her entire crew.

Without further delay, I present to you Max (age 4), Bassie (age 15), Pixie (age 16/17 - not sure as she is a rescue), and last but not least Ollie (age 4 months). 


Much more to come!

Hugs & Wags, Jess

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Sign this petition to tell Burger King to stop canine profiling!

Petitions by Change.org|Start a Petition »


Here is the petition text:

Burger King's new breakfast commercial depicting a mailman walking down the street with two dogs hanging off him singing "Rottweilers and pit bulls-doing the mailman thing" is extremely offensive to dog lovers. 

This ill-conceived commercial reinforces the stereotypes of pit bulls and Rottweilers as dangerous dogs. It will fuel breed discriminatory legislation costing innocent dogs their lives. As we have seen from the Michael Vick case and the new book, the Lost Dogs, all dogs are individuals and should be judged by their temperament not their breed.

I urge Burger King to reject canine profiling and help stop breed discrimination by pulling this offensive commercial.

Thank you for your consideration.

Hugs & Wags, Jess

Friday, October 22, 2010

BuyWithMe.com FAQ

Today (10/22/10) Tails of Love Photography is running a fantastic promotion with BuyWithMe.com!   If you are considering purchasing the package here are some Frequently Asked Questions.


Q:  What do I get for the $50?

      A:  The BuyWithMe.com deal is for the standard package (valued at $200).  It includes:
  • 90 minute photo session for up to 2 of your pets at the location of your choice.
  • 15+ professionally edited images in a private, password protected, online gallery within 7-10 days of shoot.  This gives you lots of choices for your prints or any additional products you might want.
  • 2 - 8x10 prints of your choice.
  • DVD or download of 5 low resolution watermarked file perfect for sharing via email, facebook, etc.
 Q:  What if I want a different package?

       A:  You can upgrade to any of our other packages and just pay anything over the $200 value of your voucher!  For example, if you would like to get the Deluxe package (valued at $300)  instead of the standard, you can use your voucher and pay an additional $100.

Q:  Am I obligated to purchase anything else?  Additional prints/products/etc.?

       A:  Absolutely not!  You are welcome to use your voucher, pick your two included 8x10 (or smaller) prints, and nothing else.  However, if you are looking for more, we offer a wide array of very cool products to showcase your furry family members...everything from holiday cards and ornaments to gallery wraps and photo books.  We even have great gift items such as tote bags, mousepads, and coffee mugs.

Q:  What if I want to buy the digital files and print my own photos?

       A:  We offer digital high resolution files (with print release).  You can purchase one photo or as many as you want. 

Q:  How long do I have to use my voucher? 

       A:  You must at least call to make your appointment before the expiration date (1 year).  Depending on availability, some appointments may occur after the expiration date.

Please feel free to contact me or comment on this post with any other questions.  I will do my best to answer all questions quickly.

Q:  How much is the additional pet fee?

       A:  If you have more than two pets, you can have them all included in the shoot for $10 each.

Q:  Do you have a studio where I bring my pets?

       A:  No, Tails of Love works exclusively on location.  We find that the photos will be better when your pet is in a familiar, safe place.  Our goal is to make your pet as comfortable as possible.  The shoot can take place at your home, a nearby park, etc.

Visit the Tails of Love gallery or the BuyWithMe.com.

Hugs & Wags, Jess

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Can you help Cain?

In June 2010, this dog (dubbed Cain) was surrendered to Dog Deserve Better by his owner (who thought he deserved better) after a gang retaliation left the poor guy with a broken back. He has made a lot of progress, but still has a long way to go.  DDB are taking donations to help Cain get the allergy meds/vaccines that he needs as well as doggy wheelchair.  I know he will appreciate any little bit anyone could give. 

You can also "Like" Cain's Facebook page, see lots of cute pictures, and follow his progress. 

Gang members may have broken my back but NOTHING can break my spirit!





I need a therapeutic doggie wheelchair to help me continue my journey towards learning to walk again and immunotherapy to help me with all my itchies!

I have more allergies than I thought possible. That's what happens to us wonderful white pibbles...we have very sensitive systems. Immunotherapy will help me to not be allergic to grass, bugs, trees, HUMANS, and even molds. I dont want to have to live in a bubble...please help!


Hugs & Wags, Jess

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Dogs, Dogs, Dogs! Gallery Exhibit - 1650 Gallery


I am very excited to have three of my photos included in the Dogs, Dogs, Dogs Gallery Show at the 1650 Gallery in Los Angeles, CA.  The exhibit is benefiting Dogs Without Borders and most of the photos will be auctioned off for that rescue organization.  They believe a dog is a dog no matter where they are from and actively work to rescue and place not only dogs from the US but many other countries as well.  Here is what they say about themselves:

Dogs Without Borders is a non profit 501-c-3 rescue organization which relies solely on foster homes. If you are interested in fostering, please send us a line. The more foster homes we have, the more dogs we can rescue. We currently rescue most dogs from local shelters and strays, but sometimes we rescue dogs from as far away as Taiwan! We believe a dog is a dog no matter where it's from. Some of the dogs you see on our site are not here in the States. If there is enough interest, we will help transport the dog using volunteer travelers. All foreign dogs are in good health, up to date on shots, and quarantined. If you are interested in one of our sponsored foreign dogs, let us know and we will have it here in no-time. There is absolutely no obligation to adopt the dog once it has traveled here.
Here my are my three photos that will be on exhibit beginning October 23:


Curious (Jack the Basset Hound)



Waiting (Mattie the Boston Terrier)

Into the Soul (Mattie the Boston Terrier)



 Please, no one tell Mattie about this...she'll start getting a big head considering this is her 2nd appearance in a gallery exhibit. 


Check out all the photos in the Dogs, Dogs, Dogs! Exhibit.

Hugs & Wags, Jess

History of Pit Bulls

Did you know that Pit Bull's were once America's favorite dog?  Watch this well-made, positive video to learn the history of this breed as well as thoughts from those who love them.




Visit Ken Bell's website, The Dog Files, for more informative posts and videos. 

Hugs & Wags, Jess

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Dasty the Comeback Canine

What an amazing story!  

A Chicago Police dog returns to the force following a stem cell transplant.  


Dr. Cheryl Adams, Dasty's vet, explains how they got this police dog back on the job.  "Knowing that none of these traditional approaches were working for him, this was really the option that we had left to us to try and get his quality of life back where it belongs. We remove fat, their own fat from their body. One in 50 cells in fat is actually an adult stem cell."

The vials are shipped overnight to Vet-Stem Inc. near San Diego. Dr. Adams describes what's done at the lab.

"They process the fat. They take the adult extract the adult stem cells out they make them very concentrated. They put them into syringes and they ship them back to us."

Read the full article here.

Hugs & Wags, Jess

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

October is Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month!

Did you know that October was Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog month? The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) suggests people who are looking for a new furry family member to check out the millions of dogs at local shelters across the country.

Just remember though, caring for a pet involves much more than providing food, water and shelter.  The ASPCA provides 10 questions to ask yourself before adopting:


1. Why do you want to adopt a pet?

Are you looking for the loyal and steady companionship that an animal can offer? Are you hoping to fill the empty place left after a pet has passed? Maybe you want a companion for your child. Knowing why you’re preparing to bring a pet home will help you to determine the species and breed that will fit your lifestyle.

2. Are you ready to make a long-term commitment?

When adopting, you are making a commitment to care for an animal for the rest of his life—that could mean 10 to 15 years for dogs and up to 20 years for cats. As you go through lifestyle changes such as moves, the birth of children and new jobs, your animal will remain a permanent part of your life. If circumstances change, will you still be able to care for your pet?

3. Do you know what kind of pet is right for you?

Your personality and lifestyle, along with challenges such as space restrictions and amount of time spent at home, should be explored to determine what pet is right for your household. Research different breeds and ask shelter staffers what animals they recommend—they're experts at making perfect matches!

4. Can you afford to care for your pet’s health and safety?

Owning a dog or cat costs more than the initial adoption fee. Food, veterinary care, spaying or neutering and proper identification—that means a collar with tags and a more permanent form of ID such as microchipping—can add up. Check out our Pet Ownership Costs chart to determine what you can expect to pay annually for your pet.

5. Will you be able to spend quality time together?

Dogs thrive on several hours of exercise and companionship every day, and pooches who are constantly left alone can develop behavioral problems. Cats are healthiest and happiest indoors and love to be treated to energetic play sessions with their human families. If your work demands that you travel often, or if you’re out of the house most days and evenings, this may not be the right time to adopt.

6. Are you prepared to deal with an animal’s health challenges?

Fleas, allergies and sudden medical issues are just a few of the health-related problems that potential pet owners may face. Can you care for your pet if he gets sick?

7. Are you willing to train your animal companion?

Lack of training is one of the most common reasons that adopters return pets to shelters—are you willing to solve behavior problems? Basic training helps dogs and their owners communicate better, strengthening the relationship overall. And taking the time to understand why your cat does what she does, especially when it involves her litter box and scratching habits, will help you avoid potential problems.

8. Are you prepared to pet-proof your home?

Whether it’s tightly sealing your garbage cans or paying attention to dangerous decorations during the holidays, you’ll need to make your home safe before adopting. That includes keeping toxic foods, pet-unfriendly plants and dangerous household items out of paw’s reach.

9. Is your living space adequate for an animal companion?

Be sure to choose an animal who will thrive in your home. If you’re attracted to energetic large-breed dogs, but live in a small apartment, will your pooch have enough room? If you live on a noisy street, will it disturb your cat? Also consider that many landlords don't allow pets or place restrictions on having them. Be sure to check out your “house rules” before adopting.

10. Is your family ready for a pet?

If your kids are still toddlers, you might consider waiting a few years before adopting, as pet ownership ideally is a team effort. Children who are mature enough can happily share pet-care duties. You may also have another pet at home who’s not yet—or may never be—ready to share his kingdom with another animal. 
Source.

Some stats:

- 5-7 million pets enter local animal shelters nationwide each year and 3-4 million of those pets are euthanized (60% of dogs & 70% of cats).  Most of these are euthanized only because a home is not found.

- The shelter split is approximately 50/50 between pets relinquished by their owners and pick up by animal control. 

- According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP), less than 2 percent of cats and only 15 to 20 percent of dogs are returned to their owners. Most of these were identified with tags, tattoos or microchips.

- Twenty-five percent of dogs who enter local shelters are purebred. (Source: NCPPSP)


- More than 20 percent of people who leave dogs in shelters adopted them from a shelter. (Source: NCPPSP)

Also, according to a study by the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy:



  • 29 percent of people surrendered their dogs due to behavior problems

  • 29 percent of people surrendered their dogs because of the family's housing situation

  • 25 percent of people surrendered their dogs citing incompatibility with the family's lifestyle

  • 15 percent of people surrendered their dogs due to the family's preparation and/or expectations.


  • Done your research?  Looking for a pet for your family?  Consider adopting a shelter dog or cat!

    Hugs & Wags, Jess

    Holiday Session Special!

    Now is the time to book your holiday sessions!  Book any size session and get 25 custom holiday greeting cards for free!  This promotion can also be combined with our fall special (15% off any session booked by 11.15.10)!

    Holiday Special is available for sessions booked before 10/31/10.

    Hugs & Wags, Jess

    Monday, October 4, 2010

    Halloween Session!

    Did you get the perfect Halloween costume for your furry family member?  Want to remember it & show it off?

    Book a Halloween session with Tails of Love for only $75!

    Session includes:

    - 30 minute photo session for up to 2 pets at the location of your choice.
    - 10+ professionally edited images in a private, password protected, online gallery within 7-10 days of shoot
    - 2 – 5x7 prints of your choice
    - All low resolution images (watermarked) perfect for sharing via email, facebook, etc.

    Visit our website or email me at jess@tailsoflovephoto.com today!

    Hugs & Wags, Jess

    Sunday, October 3, 2010

    Happy Birthday Maggie!


    On October 1, Maggie turned 6 years old!  We have been through a lot during that time and I've said it before and I'll say it again...I can't imagine life without her.


     

    Yesterday, I attempted to bake her a doggy cake.  It was a little more difficult than I imagined as she has some food allergies...wheat and corn.  That makes finding cake ingredients a bit harder. I finally found some rice flour to substitute for normal wheat.


     

    Here is the recipe:

    Peanut Butter Delight Dog Birthday Cake

    1 cup white or whole wheat flour  3/4 cup rice flour
    1 tsp baking soda
    1/4 cup peanut butter
    1/4 cup vegetable oil
    1 cup shredded carrots
    1 tsp vanilla
    1/3 cup honey
    1 egg


    Note:  Additional substitutes for regular flour are:  1-1/4 cup rye or oat flour OR 3/4 cup rice, barley, or potato flour or oats.  It is also a good idea to add 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder per cup of non-wheat flour to improve the texture of the baked goods.  



     

    Directions:

    Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)

    Mix together flour and baking soda. 



     

    Add remaining ingredients and mix well. 



     

    Pour into a cake pan sprayed with a nonstick spray.


     
     

    Bake for 20 minutes.  (The original recipe said 40 + additional 10-20 for non-wheat flour, but mine was browning around the edges at 20, so I took it out.)

    Now, I had read that when using non-wheat flour, the cake has a tendency to crumble easily and mine did upon removing it from the pan.  It looked like a mess but it smelled and tasted good.  And yes, I did try it myself as there was nothing but real, people-grade ingredients.  It was pretty good, I have to say.  Oh and Maggie thought it smelled great.  She was sniffing all around the kitchen the whole time I was mixing this up and baking it.




    Now for the Cinnamon Frosting:

     
    Ingredients:



    12 ounces nonfat cream cheese (room temperature)
    3 tsp cinnamon
    1 tsp vanilla
    1 tsp honey

     

    Combine the following ingredients and blend thoroughly.






     I ended up mixing the crumbled cake into the frosting.  At first I gave Maggie a couple scoops in her food dish, but I guess she figures anything that comes in that bowl is just ordinary and she only ate a little bit of it.  After that, I figured out that this made a great stuffing for her Kong and she gobbled it up!


     

    First, Maggie checks it out.  "What is this stuff?"
     


    Then she licks her chops, and then the bowl.
     

     

    The she licks the cake, and then her chops again.  


     
    Happy Birthday Baby!   

    Hugs & Wags, Jess