Ways to Help Animals in Your Community (source: www.aspca.com)

Learn how to report animal cruelty. One of the best things you can do to help animals in your community is to keep a list of people, including a humane law enforcement officer, a teacher or your veterinarian, who can help you report animal cruelty. Every state is different. In some areas, the police department investigates animal cruelty; in others, that job falls to local animal control or another municipal agency.

Start a neighborhood watch program. Get to know the animals in your neighborhood and invite your friends and neighbors to do the same. Together you can keep an eye out for any suspicious behaviors—abuse and neglect of companion animals, the mistreatment of local wildlife, dogs left in hot cars, etc.

Volunteer at your local shelter or animal rescue organization. Volunteering at your local shelter is a great way to make a difference in the lives of many animals. From walking dogs and organizing fundraising events to fostering abused or frightened animals, shelters across the country are in desperate need of volunteers.

Become an animal activist. Call or write your local law enforcement officials. Let them know that animal cruelty is a crime and investigating these cases should be a priority.
Help your neighbors help their animals. Companion animals play significant roles in the lives of the people who love them—but sometimes the elderly or ill have trouble providing essential pet care. If you see a neighbor in need, offer to assist—walk his dog, help with feeding, clean litter boxes, groom animals, pick up pet food and other supplies, drive him to the veterinarian, etc.

Start a pet food bank. See if there is a pet food pantry in your area and volunteer your time to help distribute the much-needed pet food. If there isn’t, consider starting one up. Host pet food drives, similar to canned food drives, in central locations of your community such as shopping centers and schools.

Promote spaying and neutering. Millions of adoptable cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters every year. By spaying and neutering your animals, you’ll make sure you are not contributing to the problem. You can also take this a step further by developing a spay/neuter outreach program in your community. Create flyers promoting the organizations that offer discounts in your area and pass them out at central locations in your community.

As a professional pet photographer, I help the rescue community by capturing these innocent, furry souls on camera. It is truly amazing to know that a photo really can make the difference in the life a homeless animal. People who are looking for a pet usually search online (especially Facebook) before even stepping foot into a shelter or rescue. I feel adoptable pets need to be displayed at their very best, because what if you overlooked a potential pooch just because of a poor photo and missed out on your new best friend?

In addition, I am partnered with Kyndra Jade of LIKS, LLC, who donates handmade bowtie and flower collar accessories that give adoptable pets a touch of class to help them shine. Before and after photos below show the importance of those minor details. You can CLICK HERE to read a previous blog post with tips and tricks to photograph dogs in a shelter environment. Even if you can ‘t afford a DSLR camera, there are still great compact digital cameras like the COOLPIX L820 for around $279 new on the market by Nikon. So, grab a friend and visit your local shelter or rescue. Before you determine that volunteering around homeless animals is too heartbreaking – give it a chance. You may be surprised how warm your heart feels after making such an impact.

You can learn more about Midwest Adopt-a-Bull at the links below.
E-mail: midwestadoptabull@hotmail.com
Midwest Adopt-a-Bull on Facebook
Midwest Adopt-a-Bull Website

Please note all flowers are courtesy of my friend Kyndra Jade of Liks, LLC. She donates adorable and handcrafted bowtie and flower collar accessories that give adoptable pets a touch of class to help them stand out even more.  The best part — the products are theirs to keep!  Find Liks LLC on Facebook.

I am also a member of HeARTs Speak, a global network of animal photographers, artists, authors, graphic designers, and advocates who believe in the power of collaboration. They are a partner-based organization committed to making a positive and lasting impact with members, other organizations and the greater community.

Meet Tessa!

Meet Ty!!

Meet Milly !!

Meet Frankie!!

Meet Mugsy!!

Meet Dottie !!

Pit Bulls shouldn’t all be feared.  Sure, they have teeth and the potential to use them, just like any other dog.  From personal experience, I have been bit twice in my career as a pet photographer. One was by a Jack Russell Terrier and the other was by a Miniature Schnauzer at an animal shelter (ironic since that is the breed I own!) And I have photographed numerous Pit Bulls and other bully breeds who have all been my most cooperative subjects. My point is that smaller breeds can be more cranky and nippy than larger breeds.  But, you never hear the news running a story about how a Terrier nearly killed a human. I understand that Pit Bulls are stronger than smaller breeds and have the potential to cause more damage, but I also think its unfair that the media hardly ever displays Pit Bulls in a positive light, when there have been many endearing stories about the breed like this one.

Befriending a Pit Bull can be extremely rewarding. Along with their spirit comes a great loyalty for people. Beneath the brawn, most are faithful,  fun and affectionate companions. Before you succumb to the negative media hype, visit your local shelter and get to know the breed. You may be surprised. Stay tuned for Pit Bull pics coming soon as I am partnering with Midwest Adopt a Bull to help spread the word about their adoptables!

Pit Bull Myths (source: www.aspca.com)

• “Pit Bulls have locking jaws!” This is patently false. There is nothing unique about the anatomy of Pit Bull jaws. They do not “lock.” The Pit Bull’s fighting style, like that of other terriers, usually involves grabbing and shaking. Perhaps because of their hunting and bull-baiting history, some Pit Bulls also have a tendency to grab and hold on with determination. This does not mean that they can’t or won’t let go of another dog once they bite. However, because they’re powerful dogs, they do have strong jaw muscles. Like all dog parents, Pit Bull parents should know how to break up a dog fight.
• “If a Pit Bull bites another dog, he’s going to start biting people next.” Research confirms that dog-aggressive dogs are no more likely to direct aggression toward people than dogs who aren’t aggressive to other dogs. In fact, some of the best fighting dogs are the most trustworthy with people.
• “All Pit Bulls are gentle angels who can be left unsupervised with dogs of any size, cats and other animals.” Pit Bulls aren’t vicious monsters—but they are dogs who have been bred to fight with other dogs. While some Pit Bulls are indeed very easygoing, others should not be left alone with other dogs, cats or other pets. Pit Bulls are strong, determined dogs. It might not be a Pit Bull who starts a disagreement, but he may be the one to finish it.

Click here to read more from this article about Pit Bulls by the ASPCA.

KC PAWS 
The Protective Animal Welfare Society (KC PAWS) was formed in 2007 with the determination of working with animals in need. They specialize in working with animals who are the victims of abuse. They work in connection with local City and State agency’s to help investigate and report cases of cruelty and neglect as well as providing education and resources to the community on how to properly care for their animals. All dogs adopted from KC PAWS come with 6 months of free day care at A Dog’s Fun Playce (a $2,700 value). All dogs adopted will be current on their vaccinations and spayed or neutered prior to their release. If you are interested in any of these dogs below, please click here to fill out an online application.

Please spread the word to others and promote adoption! For more information, call Sandi at 816-361-7829 or e-mail kc.paws@Hotmail.com

All below dogs are available for adoption through KC PAWS. www.kcpaws.org for more information.

Meet Godiva!

Meet Margarita!

Meet Beau!

Meet Riddick!

Meet Kim!

Meet Kourtney!

Meet Indiana!

Meet Karina!

Meet Dash!

Meet Duke!

Meet Billy!

Meet Velvet!

KC PAWS 
The Protective Animal Welfare Society (KC PAWS) was formed in 2007 with the determination of working with animals in need. They specialize in working with animals who are the victims of abuse. They work in connection with local City and State agency’s to help investigate and report cases of cruelty and neglect as well as providing education and resources to the community on how to properly care for their animals. All dogs adopted from KC PAWS come with 6 months of free day care at A Dog’s Fun Playce (a $2,700 value). All dogs adopted will be current on their vaccinations and spayed or neutered prior to their release. If you are interested in any of these dogs below, please click here to fill out an online application.

Please spread the word to others and promote adoption! For more information, call Sandi at 816-361-7829 or e-mail kc.paws@Hotmail.com

All below dogs are available for adoption through KC PAWS. www.kcpaws.org for more information.

Meet Koda !

Meet Solo Vino!

Meet Ziggy!

Meet Ewing!

Meet Sophia!

Meet Sallie!

Meet Arya!

Meet Taz!

Meet Grady!

Meet Noah!

Off the Vine is also hosting a dog adoption event this Saturday, September 8 from 11-3pm. Please view the flyer below for details and share with your friends! There will be various vendors and raffles at the event, including a mini session certificate from me.

I Rescued a Human Today

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels.
I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so
she wouldn’t be afraid.

As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my
cage. I didn’t want her to know that I hadn’t been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers
get too busy and I didn’t want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card, I hoped that she wouldn’t feel sad about my past. I only have the
future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone’s life. She got down on
her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up
against the bars to comfort her.

Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her
cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened
and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her
safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see
that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor.
So many more are out there who haven’t walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At
least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

KC PAWS 
The Protective Animal Welfare Society (KC PAWS) was formed in 2007 with the determination of working with animals in need. They specialize in working with animals who are the victims of abuse. They work in connection with local City and State agency’s to help investigate and report cases of cruelty and neglect as well as providing education and resources to the community on how to properly care for their animals. All dogs adopted from KC PAWS come with 6 months of free day care at A Dog’s Fun Playce (a $2,700 value). All dogs adopted will be current on their vaccinations and spayed or neutered prior to their release. If you are interested in any of these dogs below, please click here to fill out an online application.

Please spread the word to others and promote adoption! For more information, call Sandi at 816-361-7829 or e-mail kc.paws@Hotmail.com

All below dogs are available for adoption through KC PAWS. www.kcpaws.org for more information.

Meet Lewis!

Meet Marmaduke!

Meet Stella!

Meet Bingo!

Meet Otto!

Meet Mason!

Meet Nalla!

July 22
4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
U Wash Puppy
7418 Nieman Rd. Shawnee KS

The following groups are sponsoring the event:
-FixYourImages Photography
-Broadmore Kennels
-Barkbusters Home Dog Training
-Muttz R Us/K.I.S.S. Dog Training
-Jazzy Pet Spa
-Pet Auto Safety
-Paws for Freedom
-Urban Goodies
-Porter’s Pet Pantry
-OhGood Puppy
-U Wash Puppy

The following groups are donating food/drink:
-Sheridan’s Frozen Custard
-Organo Gold Mission
-3 Girl Cupcakes

The Shawnee Fire Department will arrive from 5:00-6:00 p.m. and there will also be a raffle and a doggy kissing booth. So what are you waiting for? Come on out and bring your pet for a night full of fun!

Let me put a disclaimer here – the “before” photos you see posted were taken by the staff of KC PAWS where I regularly volunteer. These “before” photos are not meant to be an insult to the staff- but rather display what a huge difference that a photo can make by using the best resources and remembering the little details. I realize that most shelters and rescues do not have the resources to buy expensive cameras and many don’t have the manpower, time or volunteers necessary to create spectacular photographs. However, there are some small ways you can improve your photos of adoptables.

You can click here to read a previous blog post with tips and tricks to photograph dogs in a shelter environment.  Shelters and rescues can also look into purchasing an entry level DSLR camera such as the Nikon D60 which can be found on Amazon (used) for a little less than $400.  Even if you can not afford a DSLR camera, there are still great point and shoot cameras like the Coolpix L810 for around $279 new on the market by Nikon – just remember if you HAVE to shoot indoors (I recommend natural light outside) to switch the setting to a high ISO (1600) and do not use a flash! My biggest tip is to use TWO people when photographing dogs.  One person needs to be controlling the dog on a leash (for their safety and to calm higher energy levels) and one person photographing.  There is not a chance that I could take a good photo with the higher energy dogs if I did not have someone controlling the dog while I got into position to work my magic.  Sandi Outlaw is the owner of KC PAWS and is amazing with the dogs – I could not do it without her! So find a fellow volunteer and bring them with you when photographing dogs in a shelter environment – finding someone you have good chemistry with is key also – Sandi and I are a great team! So what are you waiting for? Grab a friend, your camera and volunteer at your local rescue or shelter and help save a life. Click here for a previous blog post with a list of local Kansas City shelters and rescues.

In case anyone wonders about the adorable flowers and bowties you see on these dogs,  I am partnered with Kyndra Jade of Liks, LLC, who donates bowtie and flower collar accessories that give adoptable pets a touch of class to help them stand out even more. If you are a client, these products are usually given away with my mini sessions or anyone can purchase them from the Liks, LLC website.

Liks, LLC, focuses on finding and developing products for groomers to offer special touches to their boutique services that clients will notice. For my shelter and rescue friends, e-mail fixyourimages@hotmail.com if your rescue has some varying breeds who would like to be photographed while modeling some of Kyndra’s designs. The best part — the products that are modeled by the dogs will be donated to your shelter or rescue!

Find Liks at the below links:

Website
Facebook
Twitter

KC PAWS 
The Protective Animal Welfare Society (KC PAWS) was formed in 2007 with the determination of working with animals in need. They specialize in working with animals who are the victims of abuse. They work in connection with local City and State agency’s to help investigate and report cases of cruelty and neglect as well as providing education and resources to the community on how to properly care for their animals. All dogs adopted from KC PAWS come with 6 months of free day care at A Dog’s Fun Playce (a $2,700 value). All dogs adopted will be current on their vaccinations and spayed or neutered prior to their release. If you are interested in any of these dogs below, please click here to fill out an online application.

Please spread the word to others and promote adoption! For more information, call Sandi or Tiffani at 816-361-7829 or e-mail kc.paws@Hotmail.com

All below dogs are available for adoption through KC PAWS. www.kcpaws.org for more information.

Meet Foxy!

Meet Ernie!

Meet Jewel!

Meet Sawyer!

Meet Noel!

Meet Duke!

Meet Tigger!

Meet Blanca!

Meet Roxy!

And in conclusion – Duke thought I was pretty hilarious during his photo session. Can you guess which joke I told him?