BARK4CLT
I’ve started a new initiative. It’s called BARK 4 CLT ( Bark for Charlotte.) I’m using the hashtag #BARK4CLT on my posts. I’m volunteering my time to do things like take photos of dogs that are available for adoption.
I’ve started a new initiative. It’s called BARK 4 CLT ( Bark for Charlotte.) I’m using the hashtag #BARK4CLT on my posts.
This is an idea I’ve been thinking about for a while. I’ve always done some sort of volunteer work helping dogs in need and I want to do more in my local community.
Things I have done in the past:
volunteered my time walking an elderly client’s dog because she couldn’t do it herself
volunteered my time to photograph rescued dogs up for adoption.
volunteered my time with various local rescue groups at events
I want to do more of this. If you know of a rescue who needs photos taken of the dogs available for adoption, I will do it.
The dog pictured here is Grace and she is 10. She was adopted as a puppy from Animal Care and Control. She was returned earlier this year as a 10 year old dog with heartworms.
Elsa's Pride swooped in and saved her and paid for her HW treatment. For months she lived at a boarding kennel because there are never enough foster homes.
In August she moved to a foster home but due to an illness, the foster home has to give her up. A new foster or forever home is needed ASAP. She can be dog agressive but with people she is an absolute sweetheart.
A volunteer from Animal Care and Control reached out to me about photographing her and of course I said yes.
I really hope she doesn't have to go back to boarding. I hope a family will open up their home and heart to her. Everyone deserves a family.
If you are interested in learning more about Grace, contact Elsa’s Pride via email at elsasprideinc@gmail.com.
Are you on Instagram?
Are you on Instagram? If by chance you're not familiar with it, it's a social media site that is specifically for posting photos and videos and the posting can only be done from your phone. As a dog photographer, I started an Instagram account shortly after I started BARKography. You can check out my @barkography account here.
I really like Instagram. I follow other accounts. I enjoy looking at their photos and reading their captions. Other accounts follow me. I feel like I've gotten to know some of them even though we've never met. I actually have met a few of them. A couple of local Charlotte people and a few others across the US and Canada when I've traveled.
If you're on Instagram, I thought it'd be fun to mention some of my favorite accounts. Of course I follow a lot of dog photographers and a lot of dog accounts. YES, people create accounts for their dogs. If I'm being honest, I never know if I should comment as if I'm talking to the dog... I suppose I am supposed to do that but I usually don't.
I'd love to know some of your favorite accounts too.
One comment that I got from a florist that I'll always remember is how happy she is to always see my dog photos. She commented that she mainly follows wedding photographers, other florists, and other businesses that support weddings so she loves seeing the dog photos I post. That made me feel good.
So without further ado, here are a few of the accounts I enjoy seeing:
Viking the Lab - I don't know his story. I know he is rescued. I'm not sure why he is cross-eyed but his posts bring a smile to my face every time I see them. I laugh a lot at his posts too.
Nemocrr - Nemo the curly coated retriever is quite the joke teller. He's pretty amazing.
Dancers and Dogs - This one is amazing. I hope I have this right: 2 photographers out of St. Louis that were mainly dance photographers came up with the idea of adding dogs. Here is a link to their website and a behind the scenes photo of what they do.
For someone who often suffers from wanderlust, I follow a few accounts that feed my soul. Accounts such as: Wild Coast Adventures and My Banff.
Do you have Instagram accounts you always love seeing? Which ones are they?
Paws and Pics
The 2nd annual Paws and Pics event is coming up on Saturday May 12th. The location is The Embrace Sculpture at 6697 Monroe Road Charlotte NC 28212. The hours are 9am-12pm.
The 2nd annual Paws and Pics event is coming up on Saturday May 12th. The location is The Embrace Sculpture at 6697 Monroe Road Charlotte NC 28212. The hours are 9am-12pm.
You can bring your dog out to have his photo taken in front of the sculpture. The event is sponsored by Mathers and is free to the public. Each dog owner will receive one free professional photo of her dog approximately 2-3 weeks after the event. We are accepting donations for pet food and supplies for the Humane Society of Charlotte too.
The photos in this post are samples of the types of photos you might receive. The sculpture makes a great backdrop in the photos.
If you're not familiar with The Embrace Sculpture, click here to read Charlotte Five's article about how and why it was constructed.
This is going to be a really fun event. Last year the Charlotte Observer came out to the event and did a video on us. Here is the link to watch it.
It is supposed to be warm so be prepared. Bring some water for yourself and your dog!
Dog Books
6 Dog Books You’ll Love…Even if You Hate Reading We all know that reading can sometimes be more of a chore than a pleasure. So here are 6 highly rated dog books that are so enjoyable even the most hardened book hater won’t be able to put them down. Please feel free to share your own as well!
Marley and Me by John Grogan
Even if you have seen the movie, the book is still a must-read. I cry and laugh every time, and it really makes you appreciate your own dog’s quirks.
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Author Jodi Picoult said this about The Art of Racing in the Rain: "The perfect book for anyone who knows that some of our best friends walk beside us on four legs. That compassion isn’t only for humans. And that the relationship between two souls meant for each other, never really comes to an end."
James Herriot series by James Herriot
These books are not strictly about dogs. They are nonfiction collections of short stories about an English vet’s animal adventures in the countryside. Dogs feature prominently, and they are so amusing and well written that I had to include them. I highly recommend them. This link will bring you to a collection of solely dog stories. I encourage you to read all his books though.
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Your kids may have been required to read this book. The depth of the characters and the quality of the writing is superb. Like so many other books on this list, it never fails to make me cry, and I think we can all relate to dealing with a thunder-fearing canine!
Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero by Michael Hingson and Susy Flory
This is a simply incredible read. I couldn’t put it down, and it opened my eyes to the incredible bond between guide dogs and their handlers, and the strength of the trust between them.
Dog On It: the Chet and Bernie series by Spencer Quinn
A series of books told from a failed police dog’s point of view, these mysteries are both fun and thought provoking.
Fun Accessories for Dog People
Fun Accessories for Dog People What fun accessories do you have that you love? There are so many options! It’s never the wrong time to be thinking about fun accessories for the dogs and dog people in your life. Or for yourself! Below is a list of some accessories that might make your life a little easier:
For the Hikers
Do you take your dog hiking? This adorable doggy water bottle is available on chewy.com. Though advertised for car rides, they are also great for taking on hikes. Yes, it is a little more to carry but all will appreciate the extra water, particularly in the North Carolina heat of the late spring and summer. The best part? It comes in three colors and retails for only $12.49.
Collapsible dog bowls are also a great option. Made of an easy to wash rubber and available in several bright colors, they’re also fun accessories. Great for road trips, they take up almost no space. They are perfect to stick into the pocket on the back of the car seat. Most come with a clip (carabiner.) It is super easy to clip onto a backpack or your own water bottle, and it is extremely light weight. Most know the difficulty of trying to let a dog drink from cupped hands, and this inexpensive product spares you and the poor canine from the whole ordeal.
And last but not least, be sure to bring your pick up bags. These bags are earth friendly and available at REI. As a dog walker, I beg everyone to please pick up after your pet. These may not be fun accessories but they certainly are important!
What are your favorite items you take on hikes with your dog? Share them with me. Perhaps we will write another blog on this topic.
How Not To Lose Your Dog
How not to lose your dog is an important topic and one that strikes fear in many of us dog lovers. This is one nightmare many dog owners have and if you ever have experienced it, you know what I'm talking about. Here are some precautions you can take to ensure you don't lose track of yours AND how to be reunited with your dog as soon as possible in case he or she does go missing. Tip #1 – MICROCHIP MICROCHIP MICROCHIP
I cannot emphasize this enough. Microchip your dog, cat, etc. It is one of the best and surest ways that someone will be able to identify your animal in the event that you do lose track of him or her. This is really important too: make sure the microchip company has your UPDATED contact information. You need to contact them, give them your pet's microchip number, your name, cell phone and all contact information so if your dog is lost, they know who the dog belongs to and how to contact you. You'll get a tag from the microchip company that you can attach to your dog's collar that will help identify him if he ever gets lost. Here is a link to one of the microchip companies.
Tip #2 – USE TAGS
Have a tag on your dog's collar with updated contact information for you makes it much easier for someone to contact you if they find your dog. Only vets, shelters and animal control officers are able to check for a microchip, so the average person who finds your dog will be unable to reach you. Additionally, who knows how long it will take said person to get your pet checked out by a vet or brought to a shelter to check and see if he has a microchip. Having a tag allows you to get your pet back quicker with less trauma for both of you.
Tip #3 – STAY ON LEASH
You know your dog best, but if you have any hesitancy about his or her recall ability, I suggest your dog remain on leash. The world is incredibly interesting to our canine friends, and a fascinating smell could cause them to wander off and ignore your frenzied calls.
Tip #4 – CLOSE CAR WINDOWS
I completely understand how much dogs love open car windows. However, there is always the chance that your dog may jump out at the sight of some enticing animal or other smell or sight and you don't want to lose your dog this way. The jump could injure him. It also means your dog is loose, often in an unknown area. Even worse if this were to happen in traffic, it could have a tragic ending.
Tip #5 – BE PROACTIVE
One of the biggest things you can do to prevent your dog from getting out is to be proactive. This means looking over your yard. Being careful at doors and other exits, and, most importantly, knowing your dog.
Tip #6 – SPAY AND NEUTER
Though this may not seem like an obvious way to stop your pet from getting lost. However neutering your pet prevents him from wandering around looking for a female.
Tip #7 – TECHNOLOGY
There are some awesome GPS trackers available that keep track of your dog’s location at all times. While it is crucial to also microchip and tag your pet, these can give you great peace of mind. It is important to note that these should not be considered replacements for preventative measures like microchipping and tags.
What do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts or other suggestions on how not to lose your dog.