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.

She made these great, curious expressions at the noises I was making…..

So I’m a little behind in posting about the June Rescue of the Month, but I’m very excited to do it now! I’ve had a good handful of clients who rescued their dogs (or cats!) from Midwest Animal Rescue and Services, {MARS} and I’m happy to feature them in my Giving Back program! Remember, if you’ve adopted from MARS, you can get 50% off your session during June!

MARS is a dedicated and passionate group of volunteers who rescue homeless and at-risk animals. They originally formed to reach out and help with “emergency” type situations as well as puppy mill rescues. MARS is totally foster-based, meaning they don’t have a facility where the animals are housed. All of them go to foster homes until they find their forever homes. Like most foster-based rescues, they’re always looking for new people who are willing to take an animal into their home. There are a number of “urgent” cases that need fosters asap, and you can view those animals on their website here.

A couple of available sweethearts came to the studio last week. It’s good that Dustin {boyfriend} keeps me in check, otherwise I might just keep all the dogs that come through here!

This first big boy is Garth, a one-and-a-half year old, handsome Doberman. He was lucky enough to never have his ears or tail docked, and I love the natural look. He’s in a wonderful foster home now, but was in a bad situation previously where his fosters kept him locked in a closet. He’s a big mushy lovebug, and has actually had a lot of interest from potential adopters. Unfortunately, they fall in love with him, but once they learn his breed, they’re afraid to adopt. I won’t get on my soapbox about that today. But it is ridiculous.

This little cutie-pants is Meggan. She’s a 7 month German Shepherd / Red Bone Coonhound mix. She came into MARS at 3 months with deformed front legs. Through therapy, she no longer has any handicap in her legs, and has become a beautiful girl with a great personality! She loves everyone, knows basic commands and is eager to please.

It’s super easy to help Midwest Animal Rescue! They have a Sponsor program where every dollar truly counts…. you can donate $1 if you like, and that will help pay for treats. You can check out what your money can sponsor here.

If you’re not in a position to send a monetary donation, they’re always in need of physical items like food, collars, beds, medicine, even gas cards to offset transport costs. To see a list of items needed, click here.

For any questions you may have, please email them at adopt@midwestanimalrescue.org

If you’re interesting in becoming a foster, please contact foster@midwestanimalrescue.org

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.

Also, stay tuned to find out which dogs made the cut for the model project I’m working on!

**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  :)

You can kind of see the black spots on her tongue in this one….

And, of course, the frog-leg bum-shot….