Gertie’s mom loves the details, and I love to photograph them!

Dixie came in sporting a killer necktie. She’s very fashion forward.

Smile, Dixie. Thank you.

LOVE this one…… Me? Oh, I’m just chillin.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…. the love that people have for their pets runs so deep it can be overwhelming. I often get asked if my Joy Sessions are hard to do, and while they can be emotional, I really, really love to do them. It brings purpose to what I do, and healing to the families who are losing one of their own.

So here’s my favorites from Gryphon’s session. He wasn’t getting around too well, he either stood in his pool (he loves to dig in his pool!) or laid on the grass, but he definitely made for some beautiful images. Thank you Gryphon.

It was so great reading all of your funny stories, your pet’s quirks, activities, likes and dislikes. Some photos made me laugh out loud, some made me go “awwwww,” but they were all fantastic! It’s overwhelming sometimes how much we love our pets, so thank you for sharing little pieces of that love with me.

Keep in mind that my choices were made purely by my personal aesthetic and what I’m envisioning for this project. It took a LONG time to pick just these few, but I’m really excited about them! It’s such an eclectic mix, which is exactly what I was hoping for, so thank you for that. Without further adieu, I present the winners!

I’ll be sending individual emails to everyone with next steps and more information.

Beer With Your Buddy – At the Nomad World Pub – 4pm – 6:30pm today
Tickets are sold out online, but will be available at the door
I’ll be photographing the event!

Secondhand Hounds Fundraiser – At the Braemar Golf Course – 7pm – 11pm tonight
Lots of fabulous silent auction items, including a Studio Session and $50 Print Credit from me!
Hors d’oeuvres, drinks, live music and a raffle (actually I don’t think you can bring your dog to this)

And since I forgot to blog about the last BWYB, here’s a super-fun sampling!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Pampered Pooch Playground’s 2nd Anniversary Party – Saturday, May 22nd – noon – 2pm
I’ll be taking photos of the event!

Wine and Wag – At Darby O’Ragan’s – Thursday, June 3rd – 6pm – 9pm
I’ll be a vendor, giving away a Session, and photographing the event!
Wine and appetizer pairings, live music, raffle
Benefitting Homeward Bound Rescue

FurEver Fun Day – At Pet Crossing Animal Hospital – Sunday, June 13th – 10am – 4pm
Silent Auction (I’m donating a Session + Print Credit), dog wash, demos and education

**UPDATE** I previously said the submission deadline was Sunday, May 23rd, but I’ve moved it up to a week from today, on Tuesday, May 18th. Keep the ball moving and whatnot  

“So, Sarah, what’s in it for me?” Well…. in exchange for bringing your dog to the studio, {at no charge to you} letting me style and shoot how I want, you will get:

• A FREE 8×10 of your choice from the shoot
• 40% off a regular session {if you want…. no obligation!}
• Your dog’s portrait inclusion in a hanging show and possibly other merchandise
• An awesomely fun time

“But, Sarah, there’s always a catch though, right?” Right. So, nothing personal, but not every dog who applies will be chosen for this project. I’m looking for about 10-15 models, and choices will be made on my own aesthetic and what I want included in the show. Also, the session will not be like a client session, it will be comprised only of what I’m striving for in this particular project.

“So, Sarah, what *DO* you want?” Well…. I want dogs that are unusual, with character, with charm, with personality! With a unique look, whether it’s fabulous, elegant, curmudgeonly, or crazy! The more anthropomorphic, the better! I do ask that the models have basic skills like sit/stay, and are tolerant of objects on/around them.

There are certain breeds that I would really really love to have for this project, but please don’t feel limited by this list. And if you know of someone who has one of these breeds, PLEASE pass the info along to them!

• Anything Hairless
• Standard Poodle (traditionally groomed)
• Afghan Hound
• Chinese Crested
• Borzoi
• Ibizan
• Shar Pei
• Italian Greyhound
• Bulldog
• Anything white that’s not supposed to be (mutation)

“So, Sarah, how do I get to be a part of this amazingly fun opportunity?” Well….. all you have to do is send me an email! Please tell me a bit about your dog and attach a photo so I can assess “the look.” If you’re not sure your dog is a right fit, send it anyway! I won’t know what will work until I see it.

The deets:

• Send your email + photo to info@sarahbethphotography.com
• All submissions must be received no later than Tuesday, May 18th
• All submissions will be notified of inclusion or exclusion by Wednesday, May 19th
• All sessions will be completed no later than Tuesday, June 8th
• Participants will not be charged for the session, and are under no obligation to purchase anything
• Participants will receive a free 8×10 print and a voucher for 40% off a regular session
• Participants must sign a release allowing for commercial use of the images by Sarah Beth Photography

I can’t wait to see what you guys send me! I’m really excited about this project  :)

In addition to lifetime care, Home For Life gives their animals a chance to give back to the community through a series of innovative outreach programs in their Pet Peace Corps. “Peace Creatures” uses volunteers, staff and animals from the sanctuary to teach peaceful conflict resolution to families impacted by domestic violence. The “Renaissance Project” has been up and running for over 8 years. This program pairs at-risk teens with some of the younger dogs at the shelter. The teens train the dogs and bring them on visits for therapy work with the elderly. The program has become a model for other area shelters and rescue groups that have started their own outreach efforts. Their “Senior Outreach Program” works with nursing homes throughout the Twin Cities for therapy work with the elderly. “Sit*Stay*Heal” works with Fairview University Hospitals to bring comfort and joy to children and adults with cancer and mental health conditions, as well as degenerative diseases like Huntington’s, MS, and Alzheimer’s.

I really really love this first image…

Peaches had been shot while out exploring one day, and HFL took her in after her dedicated family simply could not care for her anymore. She’s doing great with the help of the volunteers, and Peaches thinks that Home For Life is the cat’s pajamas. (heehee!)

This is Home For Life’s mascot, Candy. He’s a talker! Here he is showing off for me…. “Hi Candy!”

This is Crema, the resident goat. She has malformed front legs, and can only use her back ones. She was out munching on some grass when I arrived.

Nike, on the right, moves so fast on her 2 good legs, that it’s tough to get a photo of her! You can read about her touching story (and her awesome sponsor) here.

Just look at these sweet faces!

Digging to China.

Anook, on the left, is a well-known Chow at Home For Life. He came from the Red Lake Reservation, abandoned, matted, nearly blind with Lyme’s disease and Heartworm. He’s a fluffy love bug, and you can read Anook’s story (and many other HFL dogs’ stories) by clicking here.

If I remember correctly, the Great Dane on the left suffers from Epilepsy. I’ve seen Beauty (on the right) at a couple events in the Twin Cities. She’s become a bit of a mascot herself!

Moppet is one of the dogs outfitted with his very own wheels!

Pure. Joy.

While most of the animals at Home For Life have had a sad beginning, their forever home is anything but sad. They really have a fabulous life here, and I’m proud to help them out when I can! Since Home For Life is not a rescue organization that adopts out animals, I’ll be donating 15% of all Pet Session fees to them in May, rather than the standard 10%. If you would like to donate as well, know that 100% of your contribution goes directly to the care and feeding of sanctuary residents. Starting June 5th, donors and sponsors are invited to tour the facility on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Click here for their online donation form and faq’s.

If a particular animal touches your heart, you can become that animal’s sponsor. Please click here for the sponsorship form.

To contact Home For Life, call 1-800-252-5918, or email info@homeforlife.org

I know the one on the right isn’t in focus, but I just couldn’t help myself  :)

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!