Snow, Snow, and More Snow (and a snowy contest)!!

The last few days here in Chicago we have been...well...buried.  There is snow everywhere and some of it piled 6 feet or more in the air.  The city has to hire trucks to remove it.   They say it's the worst snow storm here since 1967.  I know for sure it's the worst I've personally seen.

I have had some crazy urges to run and jump into some of the big piles of snow but my adult brain took over reminding me how wet, cold and miserable I'd be.  One of the little girls who live next door to me was so restrained.  I let the dog out in the back yard only to find a big hole in a pile of snow near the fence separating our yards and one set of footprints leading out of our gate.  I only wish I had actually seen her jump off of their deck, over the 6 foot wooden fence into the snow pile in our yard.  That is a picture I wish I had gotten!

My pup Maggie has hated this and I can't blame her.  I know I wouldn't want to use the bathroom out there either.  It's cold!

So in the spirit of big snow and that "I can't wait for summer" attitude most Chicagoans are feeling right now, I'm having a contest!  Post a photo of your pup (or cat or any pet) loving or hating the snow.  The winner will receive a summertime pet photo session on a beach or other fun location and an 11x14 print (value of $240).

To enter, please post your favorite snowy photo and brief description on the Tails of Love facebook page.  


This contest is open to anyone in Chicago or Carbondale, IL (or a 30 mile radius of either) or willing to travel to one of those locations for the shoot.  This is a pet photography session, but as with all my sessions human family member are welcome in some of the photos.

The deadline to enter is February 19, 2011 and the winner will be chosen by the most likes (so tell you friends to like your photos!). 

If you have any questions about the contest please contact me the Tails of Love facebook page or email.

Hugs & Wags, Jess

Freekibble!

 Today is a Daily Double for Freekibble, meaning they will donate 2X the amount of food.  All you have to do is click on their trivia question every day (there is a dog related one as well as a cat related one) and answer the question.  Right or wrong, they donate food to hungry shelter animals! 


Check out the Bow Wow and Meow questions today!  Sign up for a daily reminder so you don't miss a day of helping hungry animals!


If you haven't heard about Freekibble you should check it out!  It was started by an 11 year old girl from Oregon, Mimi Ausland.  She wanted to help feed hungry cats and dogs at her local shelter.  "There are 10's of thousands of dogs and cats in animal shelters across the country, all needing to be fed a good meal." So in April 2008, she launced Freekibble.

Per their website, "Freekibble.com's primary mission is to provide healthy, nutritious food to the dogs and cats at shelters who are working so hard to see that none of their animals go hungry - they need our help. Now, in addition to providing free kibble to the Humane Society of Central Oregon, Mimi and Freekibble are feeding many 1,000's of dogs and cats in shelters, rescues and through food-banks across the country... EVERYDAY!"


Hugs & Wags, Jess

Solomen Sneak Peak

On Saturday I got to meet Solomen, a 3 year old, very handsome, very playful Long-Haired Dachsund. He loves to play and sit on the couch watching the world outside.

Solomen, thanks for being such an easy (and cute) subject!

Hugs & Wags, Jess

Woody & Max Sneak Peak

Last Sunday morning, I had my last session of 2010 with Beagle Woody and Tabby Max.  They were both very sweet and handsome models (even if Max was less than thrilled with the situation). 

Hugs & Wags, Jess

Hayden & Katie Sneak Peak

I spent Sunday afternoon with Hayden & Katie (and their mom, Laurie).  Hayden is a 7 year old Basset Hound.  Katie is a 9 year old Corgie/Beagle/Basset Hound mix.  These two absolutely loved my treats and followed me anywhere, as long as I had one in my hand.  Oh, and I absolutely loved  the St. Louis Cardinals & Chicago Bears jerseys as I am a fan of both as well!

Thanks to Hayden, Katie, and Laurie for a fun afternoon!

Hugs & Wags, Jess

Handsome & Puck Sneak Peak

On Sunday, I met Marcy and her loveable pups, Handsome and Puck.  Handsome, a Goldendoodle, is so appropriately named…he is a very handsome boy and a complete love-bug even at 115lbs!  Puck, a Bichon Poo is equally handsome and sweet.  He even danced for me! Marcy, thanks for the opportunity to meet you and your wonderful boys!

Marcy is the owner of THE PAMPERED PAUSE (a luxury pet spa & retreat for dogs and cats) in Highland Park, IL.  THE PAMPERED PAUSE offers EXPERT ALL BREEDS GROOMING, Dental Care, Dog Walking, Pet Sitting Services, and also Pet Taxi Service.

Hugs & Wags, Jess

Doozer, Snoopy, & Charlie Sneak Peak

On Saturday, I got to meet up with friends from Maggie's training classes:  Doozer and his mom.  I also got to meet his dad as well as his brothers Snoopy & Charlie.  This was one fun group!  We even got to take advantage of the beautiful first snow of the season.  Charlie had a great time romping in his first ever snow.  And even though the other two weren't quite so impressed, they made for great models too.
 
I loved spending the morning with these sweet boys (and their mom & dad).

Hugs & Wags, Jess