Taking pictures of dogs getting baths (or tubbies as my pups know them), is one of the most fun and entertaining things to me. They are drenched and so goofy looking but still have a smile on their faces! So when I was asked to photograph the annual K9 Support Dog Wash for Dogtopia of Charlotte, I jumped on it!
This year's event raised money for Paws With a Cause - an organization that...(click on the image above to continue reading)
Wow! Wow! Wow!
That about sums up the 2015 Pet Palooza event held by the Humane Society of Charlotte. After days and days of rain, Mother Nature blessed us with a mix of sun and clouds (but no rain!!!) which allowed the event to be a huge success... (click the image above to keep reading)
Man, it has been WAY too long since I've been out to the Humane Society of Charlotte to photograph some adoptables. I really wanted to make it up to them and give them a new fun thing to share that - fingers crossed - would really get these pups' pictures out there. I decided to try to make some Wee Worlds with these seriously awesome models!!!
I know some shelter animals can have a bad reputation. But honestly, I don't know why. For example, these guys have never met me, been in front of a big camera, or made to do any serious tricks. Yet, as you'll see, they are modeling... (click the image above to keep reading)
Today I got to spend some time with a few of the pups from the Humane Society of Charlotte. This grouping of dogs have been at HSC for the longest and are really ready to find their fur-ever homes. Each of these pups were sooooo good and I haven't a clue as to why they are still at the shelter. Are one of these your new BFF? I personally have a thing for Peso and his uniquely lopsided head. :)
Saturday's gorgeous weather sure did help bring the masses out to Pet Palooza at Independence Park! The largest fundraiser for the Humane Society of Charlotte, Pet Palooza is chock full of fun activities for both dogs and their people...a 2K dog walk, bands, contests, food trucks, a beer garden, vendor fair, microchipping, palm and paw readings, face painting, agility trials, a fido fashion show...the list goes on and on! I'm so glad I got to be a part of this awesome event! As usual, the HSC staff and volunteers worked their bums off to put on a flawless event that raised over $90,000!!! These funds help HSC provide critical services like low-cost spay/neuter, vaccine and microchip clinics, adoptions, and owner/pet training and education. **UPDATE** HSC has now raised over $116,000 and the final numbers are still to come!!!
Here is a recap of the event as well as some of my favorite images from the day's activities. If you'd like to see more, please check out the link HERE.
The foundation of Pet Palooza is the 2K dog walk. It starts the event off with a bang while taking the participants on a nice stroll around the perimeter of Independence Park. I got to be right in the middle of the action... ;)
After the walk, the festivities began! However, there's always time for a quiet moment to catch your breath and take in the view.
Pups got to make their own paw portrait artwork or work off the burn from the walk with a massage...
People weren't left out either! Face painting, massages, and palm readings were just a few of the things keeping the party going!
The Fido Fashion Show quickly got the attention of the crowd as adoptable dogs and HSC alumni strutted their stuff in some divine attire.
And what is a festival without great music? Alex Kastanas and gogo Pilot kept the crowd entertained.
On the other side of the park, your pup had the opportunity to try out the agility course. Jumps, tunnels, and platforms were just a few of the obstacles the Zoom Room trainers would lead your pup through.
A huge food truck paw-villion kept hunger at bay while a beer/wine garden did the same for thirst. (Don't you just love the dog staring at the beer being poured?!?)
My favorite part of the day was just watching people hanging out with their beloved 4-leggers. :)
Not to be forgotten, there were a few epic contests including some great entries for best trick...
Needless to say, Pet Palooza knocked my socks off and I want to thank HSC for inviting me out. I also want to thank all off the great sponsors, vendors, people and dogs that made the event possible.
Again, if you'd like to see more pictures from the event, you may do so HERE.
Thank you and I hope to see everyone again next year!
This post is focused on one specific dog that I meet while photographing adoptable dogs and cats over at the Humane Society of Charlotte. His name is Mr. Smith, aka, Smitty. I don't know what it was about him but he just really stole my heart! Smitty was brought to the shelter by a family. I don't know why he was turned in - all I know is that he was healthy at the time. Well, lo and behold, shortly thereafter, Smitty became very ill and had to undergo exploratory surgery. It was discovered that he had a horrible case of hookworm. During his recovery he was taken to a wonderful foster home where he learned tricks and how to potty outside. He's now back at HSC full-time but is ready to find a permanent home.
Smitty is a very handsome and unique pup with a wrinkly snout and huge ears. He was such a model for the camera and I hope I can keep him close by should I ever need a striking dog model.
He will make a wonderful pet in an active home. I just love this handsome fellow...
I got to spend a little time at the Humane Society of Charlotte last Friday. While I was there, I was able to grab a few shots of some of their adoptable dogs. I need to get back there and get tons more!!! This sweet angel is Feralia. Not to my surprise, she got adopted over the weekend. However, there are several more puppies available if you are interested!
Kalvin is a pretty active boy that will make a wonderful companion. He is very inquisitive as you can see from his head tilt. ;)
Franjelica is a super sweet lady and need I say gorgeous?!? She is wonderful at commands, is very polite and loves toys.
Stay tuned for more precious pups that need homes...
A new tradition began at the Humane Society of Charlotte's 2012 Ties and Tails Gala. It was the first year they auctioned off the opportunity to have your dog be the "Cover Dog" for the event. This meant your pup would be on all of the promotional pieces advertising the next Gala. Yep, that meant on websites, printed ads, newspaper and magazine articles, etc. How cool is that?!? The winner of the 2012 auction and 2013 Cover Dog was Emma (check out her images here). She had her image blasted all over the Charlotte area and her mom loved every minute of it! :)
The winner of the auction this year was Amos, an oh-so-handsome black Giant Schnauzer. During our brief session together, this stunner managed to pull of all kinds of looks for the Humane Society to choose from. Could he possibly be the next Zoolander?!? I personally love his big smile pose.
If you are interested in having your dog be the Cover Dog for the 2015 Ties and Tails Gala, be sure to attend the Gala in October and bid away! In the meantime, I look forward to seeing Amos's cute mug all around Charlotte this year!
