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I first met Roxy in 2008. She was an adorable pitbull available for adoption from the Irvine Animal Care Center. She had been adopted and returned at least once, if my memory serves me correctly. All she needed was a little training and lots of love and she would prove to the world that she could be the sweetest and most adorable black pitbull you’ve ever seen. Faith, owner and trainer of Instant Karma Dog Training, had been working with Roxy for a while at the Irvine Animal Care Center. I spoke with Faith back in December at the Home for the Holidays event and knew Roxy was getting the training she deserved. Next thing then I know Faith sends me an email saying that Roxy had been adopted! And even better, she was adopted by Faith herself! I remember being so happy for Roxy as I knew she was going home to a loving family. She would find that happiness and be loved and cared for… Forever.

I honestly believe that every dog deserves a loving home. I believe that with the right training any dog, whether he is an adult with pre-existing behavioral problems or is a newly born puppy, can be trained to be the sweetest and most loving members of any family. Owning a dog isn’t just licks and laughs but a serious life long commitment. Stories like Roxy, where she has been given a second chance at happiness and a new life makes what I do the most meaningful. I love hearing about happy endings for animals I have worked with before. It truly makes what I do so enjoyable.

So here is a photo of Roxy when she was still a resident at the Irvine Animal Care Center.

Below are photos of Roxy with her new family, happy as can be. The difference in her is astounding. Roxy just makes me want to hug and kiss her. She’s so sweet and so well behaved now. I love her!

Roxy, tired from being so cute and posing for the camera.

I love Roxy’s profile. Her ears, her head, and her snout are so cute! I just want to give her a big kiss on the cheek.

Big yawn for Roxy.

Looking happily at her mom.

“Mom, can I have a treat now? I am laying down now like you told me to!”

Thank you Roxy for being so awesome, and thank you Faith for giving me the pleasure of spending time with Roxy girl.

This past weekend I had an awesome time attending a pet photography workshop taught by the ever so fabulous Jamie Pflughoeft from Cowbelly. I had an amazing time learning from her, making new friends, and photographing the most adorable dogs, Buster Brown and Ruby. The workshop was held in beautiful Santa Monica at the Viceroy hotel for three wonderful days. Not only is the hotel about a 5 minute walk from the beach, but also chic and swanky. Trying to get dinner and drinks on a Friday night at the hotel’s restaurant and bar was nearly impossible! The place was full of people who were probably locals.

A view from the Santa Monica pier.  The beach was packed with vacationers and locals enjoying the good weather.

Buster Brown, an adorable Basset Hound and Blood Hound mix, was gracious to model for us. He was totally loving the attention everyone was giving him during the photo shoot: treats, tummy rubs, and ear scratches! This shoot was done during high sun, which isn’t the most ideal lighting.

Buster taking a break from modeling and enjoying the sights and smells of Santa Monica.

I love his paws!

Buster’s fur is a beautiful rust color and so shiny!

Ruby, a beautiful Grey Hound, had the softest fur I had ever felt. Her fur felt like a puppy’s fur. I couldn’t stop petting her.

Ruby’s mama and papa bought her such a cute pink collar with matching tags!

I would like to thank Jamie for hosting such a fun and highly educational workshop. I really felt as though I learned a great deal, enjoyed my time and the company, and just was really inspired. Jamie, you are such an inspiration!

At least these little Pomeranian puppies look like puff balls to me. They are too cute and available for adoption from the Pet Rescue Center.

This little one is probably my favorite of the two. I love her coloring: the black, tan, and white.

The two siblings at play.

Their mother is available for adoption too. She’s absolutely beautiful.

Because I would seriously consider adopting her! She is too cute! This little kitten, from the Pet Rescue Center and already going home to a wonderful home, was one of the litter that caught my eye. I love her gray coloring, pink nose, and adorable face! What do you think?

I spent a couple of hours photographing the new puppies and kittens for the Pet Rescue Center. Since there were so many adorable faces, I am going to split this up into a few posts. This first puppy, Hawk, was so cuddly! He was very curious, loved the camera, and loved having her tummy rubbed.

The Irvine Animal Care Center is hosting their third annual Super Adoption Event at their facility June 7th from 10am until 5pm. Come show your support!

Here are a few of the cuties that attended last year.

Last Thursday I attended the 2009 Providing Shelter Benefit at Tivoli Terrace in Laguna Beach, hosted by the Pet Rescue Center. The Benefit marked the one year anniversary of the Pet Rescue Center and their endeavours to help dogs and cats find loving homes. I have been working with them for nearly half a year now and I love what they are doing. Blythe, the Director of Development, contacted me back in December of 2008 about pet photography for their animals. Six months later, I love working with their ever growing organization and being apart of something that is so important to me.

I love the centerpieces for the tables. They are very simple, classy, and organic looking. Now that I think about it, wish I could have taken one home.

These footballs were signed and up for auction.

Beautiful dog statues up for auction.

Signed Dave Matthews Band art piece plus tickets to their Irvine concert up for auction.

I had to have flower shots! The centerpieces were made by Marianne Lanting (yes the wedding dress designer). Her arrangements were awesome. Loved them.

These doggy treats were from Three Dog Bakery, which I absolutely love.  I did a holiday post and Halloween post with photos of their cookies. They look so tasty!

Cool and comfy looking dog bed.

Detailed shot of their decorations.

Yummy food.

Three Dog Bakery basket of goodies up for auction.

Cake they served.

These brownies were SO good. I had at least two pieces. I, of course, was hoovering over the dessert tables. You know, getting those detailed dessert shots, and sampling a few of their sweets. 

Blythe was so gracious to give me a bouquet of flowers. Aren’t these just beautiful?

I did a photo shoot for a couple last year and while I was looking through my old photos, I decided to pull this particular photo of a sunset at Laguna Beach out. I post processed it using two actions from MCP Actions.

The first photo was processed with Color Burst.

Second photo processed with Old School Vintage.

I’m not sure which I like more; both have their merits.

Okay, one more from the shoot. I love this shot. Processed with Old School Vintage.

For all the mothers out there, Happy Mother’s Day! Know that we love and appreciate all you have done for us!

The Pet Rescue Center is hosting their second annual Providing Shelter Benefit at the fabulous Tivoli Terrace in Laguna Beach. Come help support the many dogs and cats that need loving homes. I’ll definitely be there.

From the Pet Rescue Center website: