I love my job….. I get to meet the most amazing clients and their fantastic furry family members.

Sometimes you just know right away when you meet someone special. I knew the first time I talked to Margi on the phone that she was one of those people.  She has a huge heart of gold.  She rescued Luz, Victor, and two other Pit Bulls- Dozer and Kaiden from horrific circumstance.  Oh, and not to forget, a cat named Larry.  I had a blast spending time with her, Luz, Victor and her son Johnny.  Luz and Victor, are two older Pit Bulls, but still have the energy of  puppies! They gave us all a workout!

Luz, just recently diagnosed with Leukemia, showing off her high jump!

Victor... sweetheart and a bit of a goofball. Here he is showing off his bling- titanium tooth!

Thank you Margi, Johnny, Luz and Victor for the workout and the fabulous day!  It was so much fun getting to know you!

This is a story about two people, their unconditional love for their dogs, keeping memories alive, and the power of a photograph.

It all started in Boston almost a year ago. I was visiting my sister and, being the tourist that I am, decided to go to the picturesque Boston Public Gardens to take photos.  That’s where and when I encountered the most memorable moment of my trip. Down a tree-lined path bursting with vibrant oranges, yellows and reds, across the street, I spotted a man and his beautiful Weimaraner walking.  It was just a beautiful, peaceful moment and the two were totally in sync and even wearing the same jackets. Just by observing them in that quick moment, I could tell they were best friends. I took a few photos and instantly knew in my heart I captured something very special. I felt so drawn to them that I had to chat up the owner. Kepler was the Weimaraner’s name and Kepler was using his temporary wheels until his customized wheels arrived.  Being an active dog all of his life, and sustaining an injury when he was younger is what led to his wheels.

James and Kepler

A few months later at home in Arizona, I came across the blog of a Boston photographer, Li.  I sat speechless when I saw this photo of Kepler, in the same park I had encountered him. Li, also intrigued by Kepler, had stopped in the middle of a photo session to snap a few photos of the beautiful Weimaraner. She posted them to her blog and as I read her blog post, my heart sank.  Li had written how she had found out that Kepler had past away shortly after her photo was taken. After corresponding with Li, we had determined that I was in the Public Gardens only a couple of days before her. She was able to locate Kepler’s owner through a local pet boutique.  She gave me Kepler’s owner’s information, his name was James, and I sent him and his sister Christina the photos I took of Kepler.  They were so gracious and grateful. James was beside himself. Kepler was his best friend. Kepler was family.  James explained that Kepler had just received the temporary wheels when we took our photos of him and he was so excited to be able to do all the things he used to do when he was healthy; run the dog park, trot around the Public Gardens and Boston Common, visit all of his favorite shops on Newbury St. and walk along the banks of the Charles River.  For five weeks he was young again and carefree in his temporary wheels. It was the day after Kepler received his new wheels that he had passed.

Flash forward to about a month ago. I received a call from a woman named Mari. Her dog Pucina had suffered a stroke about a month prior.  This left her unable to use her hind legs. Mari had seen the photo of Kepler on my website and wanted to know if I knew where James had found Kepler’s wheels. Pucina is 17 and Mari said everyone had suggested it was Pucina’s time to go. Mari wouldn’t hear any of it. After all, it was Pucina who stayed loyally by Mari’s side as Mari battled breast cancer in 2001 and then thyroid cancer just last year. Pucina gave Mari unconditional love and support and Mari was going to repay Pucina by not giving up on her.  I gave Mari James’ information and I had assumed he told her where he purchased Kepler’s wheels and that was that. A few weeks later I receive an email from Mari thanking me for connecting her with James. It turns out that James didn’t just give her the information about where the wheels were purchased, he had sent her Kepler’s specially fitted wheels!! It just so happened that Kepler and Pucina are close enough in size.  When I heard this I had to snap a few photos of Pucina in Kepler’s wheels.

Mari encourages Pucina

Pucina thanks Mari for not giving up on her

When I arrived at Mari’s house I caught a glimpse of what Mari does for Pucina every day. It’s a 24/7 job taking care of a dog who is unable to walk, but with spunk and love, Mari dotes on Pucina. Pucina is still getting used to the wheels and is showing signs of improvement.  The sparkle of life is returning to her eyes, the dog everyone else gave up on.

Pucina is happy to get iced-down after her walk

Kepler and Pucina, two dogs brought together by a photograph.  Unconditional love reciprocated by their guardians and a memory kept alive by a loving guardian’s act of kindness.  This is a story I will never forget and a story that reminds me of why I love my job so much.

P.S. Kepler’s wheels were purchased from Eddie’s Wheels. James did a lot of research before purchasing Kepler’s wheels and besides being great people, found Eddie’s Wheels to have the best designs.  Here is a video of Kepler being fitted for his wheels.

P.P.S. Mari is the creator of Mari’s Kitchen, maker of Doggie-d-Lite and Cookies-d-Lite.  Mari’s Kitchen creates natural dog treats that help to maintain your pet’s health and longevity.  Check out Mari’s informative cooking show!

So, this summer I had the honor of photographing 16 beautiful and loving pit bulls and their new families. These dogs were all rescued by Mayday and placed into loving homes. These are the lucky ones.

Purchase your 2011 Mayday Pit Bull Rescue & Advocacy wall calendar today! The calendar starts in October 2010 so be sure to get your copy soon to enjoy months of beautiful adopted Mayday dogs and their loving families. Calendars are $12 in person and $15 online (includes shipping). All the proceeds go towards the care of all of Mayday’s rescue dogs!

Come out to the Be Their Voice BBQ in celebration of Pit Bull Awareness Day on October 23, at Partners Dog Training, 4640 E. Forest Pleasant Place, Cave Creek, AZ 85331 and purchase your calendar in person! Join us for a day of food, fun and great raffle prizes! There will be live music, BBQ, pet blessings, a caricaturist, educational booths, adoptable dogs and much more, including Modern Pet Furtography. All breeds are welcome. Dogs must be leashed and well behaved.

If you can’t make it to the BBQ, then head on over to the Mayday’s website and purchase your calendars here. These calendars would make great holiday gifts to all your dog loving friends and family!!

Ok, so you had a photo session with Modern Pet Furtography. How can you preserve the memories?  Here are a few options…..

A beautiful 5×7 Proof Box

High-end constructed image covered box holding 100 of regular or 18-20 of matted prints that are 5×7. Every cover design is designed especially for you. 1 ½” deep inner box and a choice of black or milk inner box color.

9×9 Memory Book

Flush mounted- photos are printed on Fuji professional photo paper, matt coated and embossed. 30 Pages are 9×9, each sheet 2mm thick. Pages lay flat.  Cover and pages are durable / water resistant – special material minimize damage or wear/tear. Each book is designed especially for you.

Canvas Prints

Every gallery-wrapped canvas print is sprayed with a UV coating and meticulously stretched by a professional.  Frame depth for a gallery-wrapped canvas print is 1.5″ thick. Order one canvas or a canvas cluster for an artful display.

What would make a better holiday gift than these artful memories that will last a lifetime?  In fact, all of the keepsake items shown here were a birthday gift to one very lucky person!

I will be taking some time off the beginning of November for my sister’s wedding so sessions will be limited, book your session today if you’d like to give the gift of memories for the holiday.

The following dogs need to find their loving forever home and at the very least, a foster home (except for Punkin).  They had a rough start and need a second chance for love and safety. I fell in love with every single one of these awesome dogs. They all stole a piece of my heart!

“Jack”
Jack was recently rescued from a very bad situation in Arlington, Arizona.  He was also one of 40 dogs kept by a hoarder who died, he was  kept outside for most of his life, although he is one of the younger dogs found, he
never knew life outside of a dog pen.  Now he is learning to trust and he is on the road to learning the world and to let people love him. Jack is very shy and timid, but also Jack is so loving and affectionate once he knows you, once he trust you, he will act just like a puppy, kissing you and wagging his tail. Do you have room in your home and heart to foster Jack and prepare him for his forever home? Jack is good with other dogs, and would probably will be great with a cat. He is timid and gentle and shy and he needs a foster home now, or also he is available for adoption.

Jack is approximately 3 years old and 52 lbs he is Lab/Plotthound Mix of love, he is neutered, microchipped and he has all his shots to date.
Please contact Monique 480-330-1242   monique944@yahoo.com  or Julia Wesley  jwesley@maxisgroup.net or Jill Lenz  jill@cdsframing.com

See Jack in action

Jack’s sister Jill found her forever home….now it’s Jack’s turn!

“Sweet Caroline”

Hi my name is Sweet Caroline, I am a Greyhound/Plotthound – Mix with a beautiful coat of hair, and full of gentle love. I was also one of 40 dogs kept by a hoarder who died, we were all kept outside for most of our lives.  There was not enough love for all of us and I just gave up – a lot of us gave up because there was no hope of anything being different.  I have sweet soulful eyes and a very calm demeanor. I am shy at first, but once I have your heart I will unfold like a flower.
I’m quiet and well mannered, I ride well in the car and love to go on walks I walk great on a leash and I’m fully house-trained. And most importantly, I am NOT a barker, whiner, or scratch at the door!!!! I enjoy laying in the sun on my dog bed and laying in the baby pool, or if you like to play – come join me and I will chase a toy all around the yard with you.  Or I enjoy playing by myself too! Sweet Caroline is approximately 5 years old, 56 lbs., she has been spayed, fresh teeth cleaning, micro-chipped, and current shots to date and ready for a loving home. Sweet Caroline is in urgent need of foster, or she is also ready for her forever home.

Please contact Jill Lenz 602-258-0073   (office)  602-438-1144  (home)  Or Monique 480-330-1242  (cell)  monique944@yahoo.com

See Sweet Caroline in action.

It is believed that Sweet Caroline might be Jack’s mom. Don’t they look alike? They have very similar mannerisms. Both are very, very sweet and all they need is a little love and their personalities will shine! They look very serious, but they definitely know how to have fun.  I love their brindle markings!

“Angel”

Angel is a 4 year old female Kelpie mix. She is very sweet, outgoing and active. She would make a great choice for a family, as she does great with kids. She also likes other dogs, but would do best as an only dog or with males. She is crate trained, housebroken, loves to play, get belly rubs and give kisses. Angel is spayed, UTD on vaccinations and micro chipped.   Contact Cooper’s Chance Animal Rescue Chandler, AZ 480-275-2821

Angel is so playful and look at those ears! She is very sweet and will make some lucky person a great companion!

“Punkin”

I am a very shy/gentle girl, and just a little slow to trust, but very loving once I get to know you. I’ve had a tough go of it.  I was one of 40 dogs kept by a hoarder who died, we were all kept outside for most of our lives.  There was not enough love for all of us and I just gave up – a lot of us gave up because there was no hope of anything being different. I am a shepherd/Collie Mix of love, I’m approximately 7 years old, I am housetrained and doggy door trained, I walk great on a leash and I will make a great companion dog to a patient home that understands my shy/gentle ways.

Please contact my foster Mom  Sandi,   showlet312@aol.com  480.502.2123

Check out the smile on this cutie!! She is one happy dog! She’d be even happier in her forever home!!

I was asked by the Animal Guardian Network to photograph the progress of a little boxer mix that was starved almost to death and dumped in the desert. By the looks of him, this boy was rescued just in the nick of time. The vet techs spent hours removing over 1,000 ticks from him. AGN named him Justice and set up a fund to help others just like him. So, when I went to his foster mom’s house the other day to shoot him, I braced myself for worst. I cried the first time I saw the photos of him, I had never seen a dog so skinny and was scared for what I was going to see. When Patty (his fabulous foster mom), opened the door, I really couldn’t believe my eyes! This just couldn’t be the same dog I saw in the photos!  Before me was a happy, energetic boy and you could barely see his ribs anymore! Amazing! Amazing what love, attention, and some great food can do! Please visit the Animal Guardian Network’s website for more information on Justice and the Justice Fund.

Great news! This baby, whose name is now Layla, has found a loving forever home! She is so happy and even happier is her new dad! It’s a perfect fit! A big THANK YOU to all involved in her rescue!

We are calling her Jane Doe. She needs a name and a loving home. She is absolutely the sweetest dog! She gets along with dogs, cats and kids. She appears to be 6-9 mos old and is spayed. She is so loving and deserves a loving home. If you would like more information or are interested in giving her a fur-ever home please contact Andrea at modernpetfurtography@gmail.com

I am so excited and so honored to announce that I am now a member of HeARTs Speak. HeARTs Speak is an amazing organization who’s vision is to unite the individual efforts of animal artists & animal rescues into collective action for social change. Check out their website for more information. I look forward to being a part of this wonderful organization and helping more rescues and animals in need.

Ok, enough about me, now check out Bucky and Barney who came into the studio for their holiday portraits! Could they be any cuter?! Barney was rescued and was mistreated in his previous life. He was a little shy but we were able to capture him! and Bucky, well that little Chihuahua is the spitting image of my Luci! I think they’d make a cute couple! Check them out! Oh, and if you are interested in getting your holiday portraits done in July, call today to reserve your spot! Spaces are limited and are filling up!

Well, it’s official, the dog days of summer are here and when it’s 110 degrees out there and summer has only just begun, the winter holidays are the furthest thing from your mind. That’s why the Artclectic building in downtown Scottsdale has decided to say Ba Humbug to the heat and celebrate Christmas in July!

**Come and chill-out at Artclectic on July 17th! **

**What: Christmas in July Open House**

**When: July 17th 10am-4pm**

**Where: 7310 E 6th Ave, Scottsdale, AZ 85251**

Come on out, hang with Santa and do some holiday shopping!

Just a sampling of the fun that will be happening:

• The fabulous Canine Communicator Carole Deubel from Carma Connection will be doing pet readings- 10 minutes for $10. Contact Carole today to book your appointment!  carole@carmaconnection.com

• The Ultimate Bling Boutique will be having an awesome trunk show 15% off total purchase! Click on the link to view their merchandise.

• Beautiful jewelry made by Rachel Bosworth of Salon Mariposa will be on display and for sale.

• If you don’t want to spend another holiday alone, come in and fill out a profile with PAM.  Personal Art of Matchmaking will help find you your perfect match!

• Purchase a raffle ticket and win one of many awesome prizes. The raffle is benefiting the Mayday Pit Bull Rescue Group

• The talented hairstylist Lisa from Studio 7 is offering 50% haircuts! Call Lisa to make your appointment today 480-381-9663!

• Holiday treats and refreshments and much more!
  

And of course there’s me -Modern Pet Furtography.  I will be holding 20 minute mini-holiday card sessions on July 18th in my studio. Get a jump on your holiday to-do list and sign up for a session today! How great would it be to have your holiday cards completed in July!  The holiday mini session is $175 and includes one box of 25 professionally press printed 5×7 flat cards, one low-resolution digital file and 25% off prints and products.

If you are a client and would like to use a photo from one of our previous sessions, your box of personalized press printed cards are just $75, that’s only $3 a card!

Email andrea@modernpetfurtography.com or call 602-421-6738 to reserve your session today! Sessions are limited and will fill up fast!

See examples below of some of my holiday card options.

“Individually we are one drop, together we are an ocean. ” ~Ryunosuke Satoro

I love this quote and for one woman named Melissa, the ocean is a well.  Melissa is working hard on a project she started called The 400 Dresses Project.  Melissa’s goal is to raise enough money to drill a water well in Africa. She was assigned a village in Bugari, Uganda which consists of 5,000 adults and 10,300 children. The money raised by sewing and selling 400 dresses, will fund drilling for a water well to provide safe water for the people in this village. A well will mean saving a village of more than 15,000 from common preventable and treatable diseases, like Dysentery, the #3 killer in East Africa.  Currently the village obtains their water from a river 6 kilometers (3.6 miles) away. The river is a source shared with animals and also is used as a swimming pool. The animals contaminate the water, posing serious health hazards.

Many times, the children of the home are responsible for collecting the water, mostly the girls. This forces them to stay home and not attend school. The river is also a place for fishing. Tragically, many of the fishermen corrupt under-aged children as they come to collect water. Not only is this something no child should face, they are often exposed to HIV as well.

A well in Bugiri means disease will go down, the children will be able to attend school and the girls will be safe from the fishermen.  Below are photos from Melissa’s village.

Melissa is selling the dresses on Etsy for $50 and her goal is to raise $10,150 by December 15th.  For each dress purchased, a matching dress will be sent to the village.  So by purchasing a dress you are not only helping to provide clean, safe water, you are providing a fashionable dress to one little girl in the village!

I heard about Melissa from Julie, one of my recent clients.  Julie’s daughter was wearing the cutest little dress and when she told me the story behind it, I just had to share.  Are you that little drop that will help create a well?

Visit Melissa’s blog for more information and you can purchase the dresses through her Etsy store.

Here is Claire (with Penny) in one of the dresses that Melissa created.

Melissa is truly an inspiration!