Category Archives: Uncategorized

Cookie

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If we’ve met, or you’ve been to the blog, you’ll know that I love me some pugs! Last weekend the kiddos and I took the Blogdog to a new (50-some days) dogcentric business in Port Orchard, Cookie’s Pet Corner & Wash – 1010 Bethel Avenue, across from the bowling alley. We were promptly greeted by the proprietor (none other than Cookie herself!), and her able assistant, Dan McNab. A quick tour of the facilities ensued for the two-foots while Cookie showed the Blogdog that he was not all that, racing him around the displays to send him careening on the slippery floor. All in good fun, until somebody lifts his leg. Utter humiliation ensues, greeted with good humor by Mr. McNab, who assures me that these things happen (I swear the dog pottied right before we entered the building…and then again right after – UGH!). My shame was compounded when the two-footed children took it upon themselves to run laps just like the four-footed children. Honestly, they NEVER behave like that in public, but to be fair, it was the 4th errand of the day, which is against my core of my parenting principles: Never, EVER, under any circumstances, make more than 3 stops.

Back to Cookie’s! The 411 is you have a spa-type suite with a walk-up tub, aprons, towels, shampoos, brush, cotton, treats and blow-dryer all to yourself for 50 minutes. No bending, no chasing, no clean up! The cost is $25, although there is currently a $5 off coupon in the ValPak (available online if you don’t have one). Additionally, on the weekends Cookie employs another helper who trims toenails for a suggested $5! Now that’s a deal! The $25 is for the space and time, so you can bring all the dogs, and everyone goes home smelling sweet.

Mr. McNab spent 17 years in the pet supply business, so the foods, treats, toys and supplies he stocks are all well researched and arranged. My guess is if he doesn’t have something you want, he can probably get it for you! Having rescued dogs himself, I found his advice and tips for my badly behaved buddy-beastie to be spot-on, without being patronizing.

Oh, and Dan – the logo is a keeper – my 3 year old looked at the flyer I have on my desk to scan for this post and said, “That’s Cookie!”

In short, dog people are good people, people! I hope you’ll help me welcome this business to Port Orchard and for certain you must, must stop by to meet Cookie, she is a VIP, Very Important Pug. She’ll charm your socks off and get you to scratch her cute little curly tail in the process!

Community Animal Blessing & Pet Parade

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I am so lucky! Today I attended The Friends of St Francis Animal Blessing at the Port Orchard Waterfront. It was a joint effort by 4 local churches, celebrating the importance of the pets in our lives. I saw so many beautiful dogs, a few brave cats, a goat and a chicken! There were purebreds and Humane Society rescues, young and old. Everyone was on their best behavior, at least one talented pooch even joined in a sing-a-long. Thank you to the organizers and so many who came out.

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Sweet Sixteen

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Byngham was the winner of FourFootPhotography’s Pet’s Walk 2011 Photo Contest, and a gorgeous subject he was! Tragically, Byngham had cancer and passed shortly after his photos were taken. This post is to introduce Landon Harris Veal, Byngham’s younger brother – I think you’ll agree, he’s a looker! Oh, I cried a little this time, too – but they were happy tears. Byngham left us on the 16th, his momma found out about Landon’s litter on the 16th, and she brought Landon home on the 16th (yup, just last week!). Sweet 16, meant to be.

Hallelujah

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Some, like my friend Jen, are in our lives for the long haul (we’re at 34 years and counting!) – others, like her kitty Halley, are shooting stars, physically present only briefly, yet the lessons we learn from them remain. Jen left her teaching job, friends and LA life behind last year and moved home to care for her aging parents. She has never looked back, and handles the stress and challenges with nothing short of grace, patience and humor. I am in awe of her fortitude and attitude; I am in awe of her. She is a voice of reason, a passionate supporter of human rights. She leads by example, stands against injustice, is informed and engaged, generous and considerate, has great taste and never lets me get away with anything. She actively engages life, glass blowing, visiting friends, going to concerts and our high school reunion, taking care of herself physically and emotionally.  I love you, man.

Halley, short for Hallelujah, was living “on the streets,” having been fed by a neighbor once her elderly owner moved to assisted living, when Jen befriended and adopted her in August. She pieced together Halley’s story, took her to the vet and into her heart. A few weeks ago I got a text from Jen asking me to come take photos – that Halley’s cheek was swollen, the vet did bloodwork in preparation for a dental procedure and found that she had only a month to live. As devasted as she is by the diagnosis, Jen set about to make this the best month of Halley’s life: special lickable food for “critical care” kitties, lots of petting, a rhinestone collar, a soft bed, and a photoshoot so we’ll always have a tiny piece of this sweet girl with us. Halley is resiliently pushing the envelope, not showing any signs of weakening and, in fact, proudly brought home a bird the other day (ewwwwww).

 Jen and Halley, Halley and Jen ~ Hallelujah, Amen.

Sneaky!

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Having honed his craft over the past 17 years, the aptly named Sneaky was a hoot to shoot! Like a true diva, he could not be found when it was his turn on the catwalk (sorry – couldn’t help myself!). Once located and reluctantly cajoled on location, his disdain for the pawpurrazzi was readily apparent. He was not going to look at the camera, and made it his mission to stealthily put as much distance between himself and the camera as possible. I was so not worth his time ~ he was unequivocally worth mine. Sneaky, you are one cool cat.

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Dahlia!

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Ms. Dahlia belongs to the fabulous Kerry Kornish, office manager for Woodside Animal Hospital in Port Orchard and quite possibly the most patient woman in the world! She has been waiting and waiting to see Dahlia’s photos, I hope you agree it was worth it! Soon Dahlia will be on FourFootPhotography’s display wall at Woodside – hope you get a chance to check it out!

Waiting for my ship to come in…

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Recently I was asked by a client to photograph a gathering of Navy wives & families as they waited for their husbands & fathers, sons & brothers to return from a stint at sea. Always up for an adventure and a chance to learn something new (generally from my mistakes), I packed up my trusty Canon and hopped in an enormous SUV packed with kids, dogs, cooler, chairs, etc. Did you know they make retractable running boards? So. Extremely. Cool.

The idea was that I would be taking pictures, so the families could be in the moment and not worry too much about getting the shot – airhorns, anyone? Turns out, I saw some pretty fancy cameras, some savvy photographers, and I would be willing to bet my shots weren’t the best taken, but I did enjoy it so, and I hope there are a few keepers in the bunch!

Here are a few images of the evening that left an indelible impression on my heart. It was a true privilege to witness the sense of community and commitment these women are bound by. They are every bit as brave and noble as any warrior. I was struck by their passion, their hope and their isolation, even within the crowd.

 God Bless America.

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Thanks for your patience!

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I’m going on a shoot this afternoon, but will have ALL the event photos from the Tender Touch Animal Hospital Open House posted to galleries tomorrow (grumble, grumble upload speed, grumble)! Thanks so much to everyone who came out to support the Kitsap Humane Society and get a portrait of their pooch! There were certainly some photogenic furry faces!