I think I’ve found the perfect name for these very important sessions for terminally ill or elderly pets: The Joy Session. I couldn’t think of anything or anyone I’ve met who embodies such love and such a deep connection as Joan and Joy. Remember, Joy was Joan’s Service Dog, and absolutely meant the world to her. I had some great comments and ideas on Griffin’s post below, a realized that these sessions are for people who want one last time (or maybe it’s the first time!) to celebrate the joy that their pet has brought to their lives. So, as a tribute to Joan and Joy, and for everything that “joy” means to you, Sarah Beth Photography will now be offering the Joy Session.
Love that name 
February 7, 2010 – 5:24 pm
how absolutely perfect…. nice work, Sarah.February 7, 2010 – 2:59 pm
One of the new things I’m proud to offer this year is an Emergency Session. {I struggled with what to call it, and all of the words I came up with were equally or more sad than “Emergency”…. if anyone has a better idea, I’d love to hear it} These special sessions are for terminally ill pets. They’re offered at a reduced rate, and can be scheduled as soon as you need. Griffin was my first Emergency Session of the year, and he really gave me affirmation to why I’m doing this for my clients. For many people, pets mean the world to them, and the least I can do is give an opportunity to capture what makes them so special, especially in such a difficult time. If you know of anyone who has an elderly or ill pet, please tell them about this special session, or better yet – give them the gift of a session. It’s only $100, takes place in your home, and comes with a free 8×10 {or 8×12} print.
Our session was the day before he started his chemotherapy, and he was amazing. If I hadn’t known, I wouldn’t have guessed he was sick. He’s only 7, and unfortunately cancer is all too common among Bernese Mountain dogs. His little sister, Mika {who is actually much bigger than him!} got in on the session, and it was great to see their relationship together. They’re both just big snuggly sweethearts, and Mika treats everyone like her new best friend.
Isn’t he handsome?
This next shot is my absolute favorite from the whole session… pure joy!
19 comments
Sarah, you did a beautiful job with the kids. They are the most wonderful and loving dogs. I am so blessed to be able to care for them and walk them for their mom. I broke my ankle and have not been able to see them for a while and this was a nice surprise to be able to see their photo’s.February 8, 2010 – 11:45 pm
…that last shot is AMAZING!February 8, 2010 – 1:25 pm
As beautiful as Griffy is, he hasn’t always been enthusiastic about getting his picture taken (Mika, on the other hand, never seems to mind). These photos are absolutely breathtaking. Thank you for capturing everything that’s wonderful about dogs–and everything that’s extraordinary about these two.February 7, 2010 – 10:27 pm
I work at the grooming salon mom bathes these two at, they are both such good sweet dogs! I hope to see you three soon!February 7, 2010 – 10:02 pm
sarah, these are gorgeous.February 7, 2010 – 8:37 pm
Griffy is a wonderful pet, family member, companion. (And he has a wonderful family, too.) Prayers for the best for Griffy, Mika and Lori through this challenge.February 7, 2010 – 8:33 pm
I’ve know Griffin for several years – he is a love dog if ever there was such a thing. He is also considerate enough to clean off the coffee table if you should leave cheese and crackers unguarded for a moment – always a fanatic for neatness! These pictures are absolutely lovely.February 7, 2010 – 2:17 pm
Griffy is a wonderful dog. He is smart, playful, beautiful, and very loving.
I know because……he is our GRANDDOG!February 7, 2010 – 2:08 pm
Oh! And I love the photo of them running through the snow! Dogs just rock. He has no interest or care that he is going in for chemo. I’m sure he just wanted to beat his sister
Dogs are the greatest
Sending happy, healing vibes to his family.February 7, 2010 – 11:36 am
This is such a great, generous idea!
I like Rainbow Session for the reasons Stacey mentions. Dogs are so in the moment and just so happy to be doing and being whatever is going on right now… maybe something to reflect that dogs ARE already what so many of us struggle to achieve on a daily basis (I think most of us hope a little of that Dog In-the-Moment-ness will rub off on us if we keep on spending our time with the fur balls 
).
Maybe if you had a dog that reminded you to be in the moment, or if there is a particular place near your house that really reminds you of this every day… something as hopeful, vibrant & at peace as the pups you are and will be photographing?
Hope that helps!February 7, 2010 – 11:34 am
Sarah, you have such a generous heart. I know they will cherish these beautiful images. Wishing Griffin the best in his treatments.February 7, 2010 – 11:26 am
This is such an amazing gift to a family who’s dog is ill. I know how much I would treasure those type of pictures of our family dog Fred, who was put down due to a rare and incurable kidney infection. This is a beautiful gift.February 7, 2010 – 10:55 am
This is such a good idea, although so, so sad…losing a pet is so hard and I’m glad there are people like you who recognize the importance of the pet-owner relationship!February 7, 2010 – 10:44 am
What a fantastic idea; I know that our cats are true members of the family and we adore and spoil them. When we adopt our dog, he/she will receive the same treatment.
These are gorgeous pics and my heart goes out to the family. It’s so painful to lose a pet, but I really believe that they’re hear to expand our lives and to teach us unconditional love and then they move on. All dogs go to heaven (cats too).
KimberlyFebruary 7, 2010 – 10:32 am
You are too good for doing this but man, I’m not sure I’m going to be able to hand these posts. So sad. What a gorgeous dog. My sympathies to his parents.February 7, 2010 – 12:54 am
LOVE that last shot! Bernese are beautiful, beautiful dogs.February 6, 2010 – 11:38 pm
Really, Sarah, I just have to say.. You are exactly the type of pet photographer I hope to be. This is so incredibly thoughtful and really goes to the heart of what we should strive to do.
The label is a tough one. Rainbow session? It’s hard to really call it something that reminds the folks that it is an end-of-life kind of thing, but I guess the people going through it know already. If I think of anything, I’ll let you know.
These dogs are beeeeyooootiful! I hope Griffin is doing well. I guess chemo for dogs isn’t as bad as chemo for people, so hopefully it’s just reducing his symptoms and letting him have more joyful moments w/ his Mika.
February 6, 2010 – 11:37 pm
Aww, that is such a generous idea. I especially LOVE the first one, so much emotion from one picture. What about calling it a remembrance session? Its still a little sad but I think it would explain the sessions purposes, to give your clients beautiful images to remember their loved ones February 6, 2010 – 11:00 pm
Beautiful Sarah! It’s so hard to ‘label’ this kind of session, I agree. I think you’ve chosen well though.February 6, 2010 – 10:43 pm
In collaboration with Fetch Delivers, Sidewalk Dog and Pampered Pooch Playground, we’ve put together the first ever Twin Cities Puppy Bowl, modeled after (but not quite as fancy as) the Animal Planet Superbowl hit! What makes ours special, is all of the pups are from local rescues, and many are still up for adoption. The puppies had a blast during the game, and we all had a blast wrangling, coaching and refereeing :)
Check out the awesome video at twincitiespuppybowl.com, get to know the players and their stats from their trading cards, and vote for your favorite MVP (most valuable puppy). The winning puppy will score a gift package of over $500 for his or her rescue organization! Thank you to our sponsors for generously donating goods and services for the prize package.
I can’t even tell you how insanely cute this whole project was. I know more than one of us (me included) wanted to take TJ home! A special thanks goes out to Lisa from Fetch Delivers for getting us together and making this happen. We’re all very excited about planning the Twin Cities Puppy Bowl II, and thinking up ways to make it even bigger and better, and help even more puppies and dogs in need find forever homes. In the meantime, Adopt, Don’t Shop!
2 comments
What a CUTE idea for such a good cause. I’m happy to see that quite a few of the pups have been adopted. I may have had to snag TJ for myself… February 5, 2010 – 10:43 am
This was GREAT! My husband said I could “get” TJ while he’s out of town. If only we had a bigger house.February 4, 2010 – 2:17 pm
I just found out that Ciara was adopted yesterday, and Bender is getting adopted this weekend! Yay for forever homes! :)
4 comments
Woot!February 4, 2010 – 11:53 am
Fantastic news! I love that.February 3, 2010 – 11:35 pm
Awesome news!February 3, 2010 – 11:31 pm
What a perfect happy ending February 3, 2010 – 8:09 pm
I’m very excited with how the Rescue of the Month is shaping up! I’ve got all 12 months filled, and have added an additional aspect to the program. As before, if you adopt an animal from the Rescue of the Month, during their month, you will get 50% off a Pet Session completed within 30 days of your adoption date. Now, in addition, if you adopt (or have ever adopted) from any Rescue of the Month, you will get $25 off any session! The different groups will have coupons for you, so please contact them if you’d like to get $25 off your next session. For more information and a list of participating Rescues, please click here. (The link will take you to “giving back” under the “information” button above)
On to this month’s feature! I’m proud to be giving 10% of all Pet Session Fees in February to the fabulous Greyhound Pets of America! You may remember the December cover of MN Monthly, featuring my friend, Stella, who was adopted from GPA in 2008. Greyhound Pets of America, Inc. is a national non-profit organization dedicated to finding responsible homes for retired racing greyhounds. They do not have a shelter facility, and all of the dogs are placed in foster homes. Dogs from their program are generally placed between 2 and 5 years old, and come in a variety of colors. They love walks and getting to run on occasion (which is a beautiful sight to see!) but for the most part, are couch potatoes. Seriously, Stella will not make room for you on the couch :)
For every Rescue of the Month, I’ll be featuring a couple of animals who are currently up for adoption. This first one is Ciara. She’s a 6 year old female, who was actually used for breeding after she was a racer. She’s a BIG, beautiful, fawn and white spotted girl.
And this is 5 year old Bender. He came from Florida, where his previous family could no longer care for him. He’s a gorgeous brindle, super friendly, and his ears stick up more often than not. Clearly, not in this photo, but trust me. ;)
If you would like more information on Ciara, Bender, or any of the wonderful Greyhounds awaiting a home, check out their website, read about how to get the adoption process started, and view the dogs who are currently available.
If you would like to donate to the Greyhound Pets of America, Minnesota, click here.
If you would like to become a volunteer, click here. Volunteer do anything from fostering dogs, to making coats, to working on the newsletter or volunteering at special events.
There are a number of online vendors who are generously donating a percentage of their profits to GPA. Use the links found on this page to get your purchases working for Greyhound Pets of America
6 comments
I’m so glad Ciara was adopted–she’s gorgeous! I would have had a hard time hiding her in the apartment . . .February 6, 2010 – 3:28 pm
The dogs will be flying out of the shelter with these photos!February 3, 2010 – 5:40 pm
I LOVE the photos! Thank you for choosing a greyhound group this month!
AlishaFebruary 2, 2010 – 8:28 pm
I love your rescue of the month thing. Its great to learn about the different groups! Yeah Sarah!February 1, 2010 – 5:42 pm
bender has such an amazing smile!!February 1, 2010 – 5:26 pm
[...] just found out that Ciara was adopted yesterday, and Bender is getting adopted this weekend! Yay for forever homes! :) [...]February 4, 2010 – 11:00 am
Riti is a handsome Norwegian Elkhound that came to the studio last week. He’s the first Elkhound I’ve had the pleasure to photograph, and I totally fell in love with him. He’s getting up there in years, and his mom wanted some great photos to give to his dad, who has had Elkhounds his whole life. I love meeting different breeds and learning about their personalities and history. I find it’s good research for when/if I get a second dog!
3 comments
I love the shots from above! Great work.January 29, 2010 – 12:16 pm
The shot from the top is very inspiring, I thought it was a german shephard. The last shot is my favorite. I love puppy dog eyes.
KimberlyJanuary 28, 2010 – 5:54 pm
He is very handsome… and I just love that second shot from above looking down on Riti’s gorgeous coat! Of course, loving that sweet face to the ground portrait January 28, 2010 – 3:39 pm
I’ll bet you can’t guess what kind of dog Pixie is. Her mom gets asked all the time, and when I first met her, I thought she was a Papillon – Chihuahua mix. Turns out she’s a Short Coat Havanese! In her litter, there were both normal Havanese and ones like Pixie. The nickname for them is “Shavanese” and they’re perfectly healthy, just with different coats. It’s an anomaly that occurs when when both parents carry this particular recessive gene. (remember science class: BB, Bb, bb) I thought it was pretty cool.
3 comments
Cute little thing! Love the shot of her paws!January 27, 2010 – 11:05 am
I love the eyes. So sweet.January 26, 2010 – 9:09 pm
What a sweetie! I love that fluffy little tail!January 26, 2010 – 3:30 pm
You may recall my post last week about my “Rescue of the Month” program I’m starting. You can view the original post here at the old blog.
I want to share an additional aspect that I’m also really excited about! As part of the program, I’m offering 50% off a Pet Session to anyone who adopts an animal from the Rescue of the Month (during that month) Even though they will be paying less, I will still donate 10% of the full price. (i.e. a Studio Session is $200. The adoptee would pay $100 for the session, (plus tax) but I will still donate $20) The adoptee will have 30 days from their adoption date to book and complete a Pet Session to redeem the discount. I do ask that you show documentation of your adoption.
So, if you have adopted from the Minnesota Companion Rabbit Society this month, or are going to by the end of January, you can get a 1/2 price Session! If you know someone else who has, pass the word along!
Stay tuned to find out who the Rescue of the Month will be for February…..
5 comments
Those lucky adopters!! You are so awesome!January 24, 2010 – 11:02 am
So wonderful! Great idea, Sarah!January 23, 2010 – 7:30 am
Hi there! Came over from Phetched- beautiful photos & “Giving Back” is such a FABulous idea. Good on you! January 21, 2010 – 3:20 pm
Have I told you lately that you rock?!? This is fabulous, Sarah!January 20, 2010 – 10:24 am
What a great way to give, give, give! Hope all those that rescue animals will take full advantage! Sarah, I love your new blog January 19, 2010 – 11:26 pm
I’ve been having some trouble with my blog lately….. incompatibilites with my sql version and updates to templates, and blah blah blah. SO. I’m starting over with a whole new setup! Essentially the same as before, but hopefully this one will work for the next few years.
In the spirit of new things, I’m launching a new product today! I’m super excited about these Mini-Books! Every side is customizable, and the covers are magnetized so they stay shut while they’re in your purse. They are available for purchase, and also come as a complimentary gift to any Collection, Session Album or Canvas Cluster. (more on those other new things to come!)
16 comments
yes!! perfect size, lovely format, very modern. love it.January 28, 2010 – 9:18 am
this is seriously one of the cutest mini-books i have EVER seen — so terrific! and your blog looks amazing!!January 27, 2010 – 7:55 pm
Blog looks great! Love the book idea… Original.January 23, 2010 – 7:29 am
the books are adorable, and i am seriously loving the new blog!!!January 20, 2010 – 4:59 pm
Love the books – but the photos are even better!January 20, 2010 – 12:36 pm
LOVE the new blog Sarah!!January 20, 2010 – 9:10 am
The book looks great; congrats!January 19, 2010 – 10:39 pm
is that a weimer. I love my weimerJanuary 19, 2010 – 9:36 pm
You’re my hero.January 19, 2010 – 6:31 pm
Love it! So clean and fresh! And love the “distinctive”. Pure awesomeness! What a fun new product too!!January 19, 2010 – 6:08 pm
how AWESOME and CUTE are those mini books with the magnet covers? what a great way to show off your pet!!! love em! possible use for kiddos too??January 19, 2010 – 5:17 pm
cuuuute! and the blog looks great! love that sweet header!January 19, 2010 – 4:29 pm
LOVE the new blog, and the mini books look like a great product. The blog looks sooo good! January 19, 2010 – 4:28 pm
Love the new look and those mini books are fabulous!January 19, 2010 – 3:57 pm
very very cool!January 19, 2010 – 3:41 pm
Those are adorable!!!!!!!!!!January 19, 2010 – 3:34 pm
2 comments