An Interview with Eric of Love and Luck Photography!

What helps a shelter animal get adopted?  Sweet personality, adorable face, friendly towards children?  Sure - all of these things come into play when adopting a pet.  But something that you might not think about is the importance of a great photograph of the animal.  When a homeless animal is represented by a professional and positive photo, their chances of adoption increase.  Shelter employees usually take their own picture when the animal first comes into their care; however, the dog or cat is often very scared, sad, even dirty or matted when arriving at the shelter.  This does not result in a very good photo - the animal can end up looking miserable or intimidating, which is not an accurate representation of their personality.  If a potential adopter sees a web photo of a large pitbull that appears to be distressed, they are less likely to come in to see that dog than they would if the photo showed him "smiling" with his ears up.

This is where people like Eric of Love & Luck Photography come in.  Eric and his wife Lexi run their photography business together out of Mason City, doing shoots of all sorts of events.  Their services include:  maternity, senior, family, children, weddings, engagements, couples, newborns, even headshots!  They also attend many local events to take wonderfully candid shots.  And of course, Love & Luck offers photo shoots of you and your pet.  Jared and I were thrilled with our shots with Riley from last fall; Eric was great with our pup, and he brought props that looked very cute in the photos.

Last year, Eric volunteered to take some time and photograph the animals at the HSNI, hoping that some quality photographs could help them get adopted.  He patiently spent several hours among restless labs, playful kittens, and hard-to-photograph black dogs and cats.  The next day, some photos were up and edited for us to look at...and they took our breath away!  The perspective Eric uses to photograph the shelter animals allows you to see a side of the animal you usually don't get to see when they're in a kennel - the cats look much more unique and playful, and each dog's personality is shown perfectly.  His animal photography, in my opinion, is museum-quality work - I even have an "animal-themed" gallery wall featuring some of his pieces, including the two photos below.  Since then, he comes back to the shelter (as well as some others in the area) every few months to take new pictures.

(The other staff members loved this photo so much, Eric blew it up and made it into a canvas for the shelter!)  And FYI; here is the original photo of Boss - who is a total goofball and not intimidating at all - what a difference a photo can make!

Amazing, right?!  Anyway, without further adieu, here is my interview with Eric of Love & Luck Photography!

First, tell me a bit about yourself.  How did you and your wife start Love & Luck Photography?

I have always had a love for photography. We started off very small working out of our home; although I have taken many photos, our first actual photo shoot was my son’s newborn photos. This photo shoot happened within an hour of coming home from the hospital. This was in 2011; now a few years later, we are in our own photography studio and our business is thriving - it was not an overnight success. We may not get much sleep but we are doing what we love, and that is what matters. 

How did you decide to start volunteering your time to photograph shelter animals?

Both my wife and I have had animals that were special to us in our childhood. My wife is extremely allergic to animal hair and we cannot get a pet. Although we cannot adopt a pet I can still do my part to help.

The work that you have done definitely helps to get the animals noticed and adopted, and I think that is mostly because you are able to capture really perfect moments that show off the animal's personality.  Is there a certain moment or "magic" that you try to capture when photographing animals?  What is your goal during each shoot?

My goal during every photo shoot with an animal is to capture that image that really speaks to people. I love to get the photo where their eyes are speaking to the viewer; capturing the bond a pet and owner has is what I strive for.

What is the most difficult thing about taking photos of animals?  Do you prefer taking shots of animals, humans, or something else completely?

You cannot pose an animal so I really have to be on my toes and in the moment.  I have a general love for photography so I like taking photos of anything and everything.

What is the most rewarding thing about volunteering for shelters?

Even having just a small part in bringing a great pet to their forever home makes me feel like volunteering is completely worth every minute.

Any more shelter photo shoots in your future?  What can we expect next from Love & Luck?

Yes, definitely. Love & Luck is in the process of expanding. We are getting a larger studio space and will have a room specifically for newborn photography. So look for many new and exciting things coming from Love & Luck in 2014 including lots of new products and Pet Mini Sessions!

We can't WAIT to see what's next for Love & Luck Photography!  Again, they are located in Mason City, and they have a shop as well where they sell many handmade items, like children's hair accessories and adorable crochet headbands/hats!  All photos are obviously courtesy of Love & Luck Photography.  I highly recommend Eric and Lexi for any event you may need photographed - they do amazing work!

Look for other interviews (hopefully every Monday) in the weeks to come, whether they are from successful shelter pet parents, fosters, animal shelters, or other individuals in the business of animal rescue!  You can also contact me if you'd like to be featured on the blog :)  As always, thanks for reading!

xoxochelsea

Cyber Saturday!

I had a fairly uneventful week - when I wasn't working or being a lazy couch potato, I was enjoying the steadily-improving weather by taking Riley for walks.  It's so nice to be able to go for a walk without bundling up first!  Jared and I went to the local humane society today and spent some time with a very sweet senior pit bull named Starlight...more on her during the Tuesday's Tails blog hop! ;)  Here's some noteworthy things I found this week on the Internet:

Huffington Post posted a very cute article and video about this couple, who met during a two-week training course for their guide dogs.  The blind couple finally tied the knot, and they thank their faithful dogs for bringing them together.

A video all about the "new line" for dogs by American Eagle came out around April Fool's Day - and it was originally intended to be a joke.  But so many people showed support and encouragement for the idea (known as "American Beagle Outfitters"), the company decided they should go through with it for real.  American Eagle ended up donating $100,000 to the ASPCA, and the doggie line will debut for a limited time during this holiday season.  

This week, I stumbled upon a site called Dog Milk (daughter site of Design Milk), and it is chock full of cool stuff for dogs - "modern" type beds, clothing, accessories, and products for your pooch.  Some very cute (if unnecessary) things can be found on this site!

Dogster posted a very funny article about the awkwardness that is picking up dog poop - seriously, is there a classy and non-embarrassing way to walk around with a bag of crap in your hand?!  I think not.  

Buzzfeed had an adorable round-up of puppy photos:  23 Ways Your Dog Makes You a Better Person!  You can't go wrong with a list full of cute dog pictures.

Make sure you have tissues handy if you choose to read this Dogster article.  Romeo the Boxer was diagnosed with bone cancer and given only a short amount of time to live; his human family decided to make his remaining days his best ones ever.  They created a "bucket list" for Romeo - getting massages, visiting loved ones, riding in a fire truck, and celebrating his 9th (and last) birthday with cake.  This is both inspiring and heartbreaking.  :(  RIP Romeo.

Regardless of what you may think of Miley Cyrus, I have a lot of admiration for her because of her strong support for animal rescue.  She has four dogs, all of whom are rescues.  This week, Floyd, her adorable Alaskan Klee Klai, passed away.  Miley has been taking to Twitter all week long, tweeting about how miserable and heartbroken she is.  Buzzfeed posted this video of her doing a cover of Fleetwood Mac's Landslide before a Boston concert, dedicating the song to her beloved Floyd.  She breaks down in tears during several parts and is almost unable to finish - I can't even watch this video; I've watched it twice and it is the saddest thing ever.  You may not like her music or her choices, but there are few things more devastating than the loss of a pet. :(

Don't forget to check out my other blog:  this week, I posted about the frustrations of strep throat and the ultimate boy-band throwdown!  Thanks for reading <3

Have a great weekend!

xoxochelsea

A Book Review and a Sad Goodbye...

Julie Klam is one of the reasons I became so passionate about animal rescue.  Before I became involved with a humane society, I had never been particularly interested in animal rescue, and I also thought most books about dogs were cheesy and poorly written.  But once I realized that helping animals was something I cared a lot about, it was like tons of doors opened - one of those being the huge amount of great dog books out there.  Two of them were written by Julie Klam, who is an author, magazine writer, animal advocate, and an all-around amazing person.

You Had Me at Woof and Love at First Bark are the two dog-centric books that Klam has written so far (though her other two books are fantastic as well).  I had already read the former when I stumbled across the latter on a Barnes and Noble clearance shelf - what it was doing there, I'm not sure, but it was the best five bucks I've ever spent!  Love at First Bark is a humor-infused, inspirational look at dog rescue and how it can change us for the better.

(Photo from Goodreads)

The book starts off with a quote from Henry Bergh, the founder of the ASPCA:  "Mercy to animals means mercy to mankind."  Throughout the memoir-like book, Julie Klam has many opportunities to show mercy to animals in need:  a pitbull tied up and abandoned in the street that Klam fought tooth and nail to find a good home for, a special-needs pup in need of a foster home, and so many homeless dogs that were victims of Hurricane Katrina.  Charming and inspiring, this book is one of those rare reads that makes you laugh and cry, sometimes simultaneously!  

Even if you think you aren't interested in taking an active role in animal rescue, I can almost guarantee that this book will change your mind.  It is incredibly inspiring, and Klam writes in a way that is very relatable.  The first thing I did when I finished reading was Internet research on the ways in which I could become more involved with Iowa animal rescue, and I'm slowly but surely getting there (I attend my 'orientation' meeting next month to become a volunteer for transporting animals across state!  :)  )  

Here is a short piece from Love at First Bark:  "So we all gave what we could where we were most needed.  We were all pursuing the same goals in our own territory, to make the lives of some unfortunate dogs a little better.  And the experience with the dogs changed us, too.  If there was something I couldn't do myself, I knew I was a part of this global community, with friends who would be able to help me.  We found ourselves more committed and tenacious and resolved and confident.  And empathetic.  I've discovered that I can pretty much do anything, or at the very least try, without giving up."  Inspiring stuff, right?!  I think that I have found such a community, and I'm looking forward to making more friends in the rescue community! :)  In sum...if you haven't yet read this book, do so immediately.  I don't like to choose favorites when it comes to books, but this just might be the best dog book I've read so far.  (Purchase Love at First Bark here for only around $10!)

I'd also like to take a moment to share some sad news.  A couple of months ago, my husband and I assisted in transporting a 13-year-old black Lab to a local shelter.  Her owner had abandoned her in an old house by herself after finding out she did not get along with his new dog; he went to check on her and feed her every two days.  This is no life for a dog, especially one in her golden years.  After being notified by the local shelter, Jared and I drove a few hours to pick her up.  A happy, smiling girl who seemed much younger than her 13 years, she jumped right up into our backseat without hesitation.  While I drove, Jared sat with her in the back, her greying muzzle resting contentedly on his knee.  She was a sweet girl with lots of love and kisses to give, and during the short time we spent with her, we sorta fell for her.  After arriving at the shelter, she was adopted fairly quickly by a nice family with children who gave her lots of loving care.  But six weeks later, she began to have some balance and coordination issues, and yesterday, she fell over and did not get up.  

It might be silly to be sad over a dog I only spent a few hours with, but I am.  I am just glad that for that six weeks, she had someone there to care for her.  If she had to go, I am glad she didn't go alone.

Rest in peace, sweet girl.

xoxochelsea

Impromptu Doggie Photo Shoot: (Mostly) Wordless Wednesdays

Riley looked so snuggly and adorable on this rainy Wednesday afternoon that I couldn't help but take some dog + human selfies...he is too cute!  :)

Go 'way, Mom, I'm trying to sleep!

I will attack your face with kisses!

You deserve this puppy breath for interrupting my nap!

Srsly, Mom?  Enough.

Riley also wants to thank Emily (and her mischievous kitty Caster!) over at Kitty Cat Chronicles for the adorable squeaky frog we won in a giveaway!  He usually is not all that interested in toys, but he went nuts over this one - he has been carrying it around with him all afternoon.  I even caught him using it as a pillow!  :)  Maybe it smells like your cats?!  He loves it - thank you!

xoxochelsea

Tubby Miss Tessa Has Lots of Love to Give!: Tuesday's Tails

Tessa is currently a fixture at the HSNI; ever since I first visited, she roamed the lobby, a "free-range" cat.  You see, Tessa - if you couldn't tell from the above photo - is a little overweight and has been since she came in as a stray.  The poor girl had a tough time fitting through the path leading to her litter box, so the staff decided to make her an office cat.  During her time snoozing on top of the employee counter and begging for treats from amused customers, Tessa has managed to lose a few pounds...though she is still quite a "well-taken-care-of" kitty.  :)  In case you were wondering, her arrival date off the streets was September 2012.  Yes, I said 2012.  

Tessa can most often be found in one of her many cat beds, curled up in a lobby chair, stretching on the entryway mats as a "greeter" for guests, or serving as an oversize paperweight on one of the employees' desks.  She also enjoys sitting at the foot of the various lobby cages - which can contain birds, ferrets, mice, rats, rabbits, etc. - and staring up at the small animals thinking what I'm sure are wicked thoughts.  Though 6-year-old Tessa is not declawed, she is spayed, and she gets along with humans of all ages.  She is quite a tolerant kitty, as she is often used as a "test cat" to see if shelter dogs are cat-friendly - Tessa will allow the dogs to sniff at her, but she is much too much of a diva to let them play with her - typical cat! :)  

"Look, there's Tessa!  Man, that's a big cat."  These were words I heard daily during my time working at the HSNI.  Customers love her and ask after her if she is not in the lobby.  They scratch her ears and give her furry kisses, but they are careful to avoid rubbing her belly because they have learned she doesn't like that!  Tessa is an adored part of most customers' visits to the shelter.  So why hasn't she been adopted yet?  Of course she enjoys her life of luxury as the office cat - who wouldn't?!  But she doesn't realize - it's nothing compared to a home and a lap to call her own.  If you are interested in giving this big lovable gal a forever home, contact the HSNI.  In the meantime, share Tessa so that she has a better chance of finding her human!  :)

(All photos thanks to HSNI)

Thank you so much for reading and sharing <3

xoxochelsea

Riley and the Peekapoo Breed

I have to apologize for my absence here on the blog - I had a nasty case of strep throat for most of the week, and I didn't really feel up to doing much more than laying in bed with a big glass of orange juice watching Parks and Rec. :)

Also, if you haven't seen the first installment of the 7 Questions series over on Damien's Best Dog Toys, check it out - it's me!  I was so excited to participate; it was fun AND in return, a box of toys got shipped to the animal shelter of my choice!

I thought for today, I would explore my own dog's breed a little bit.  Riley is a Peekapoo, which is a Pekingese Poodle mix.  Besides knowing what these breeds look like, I know almost nothing about either breed.  I have had both good and bad experiences with Pekingese, same with poodles.  Isn't it so fascinating how much variety there is in mixed-breed dogs?!  Puppies from the same breed can turn out looking completely different from their siblings.  This is why I <3 mutts the most! :)  So I did a bit of research and found out more about each breed...and whether or not Riley matches the characteristics.

(Facts taken from Pet Place; photos from Dog Breed Info)
Because Peekapoos are a mixed breed, they have many different looks:

This one has Riley's toothy little grin!

This one definitely favors her Pekingese side.

This one looks very similar to Riley, except with a black coat instead of white.  Doesn't he look wise? :)

Peekapoo's coats are generally low-shed and low-allergy:  Thank goodness this applies to Riley!  My husband has some pretty severe allergies and asthma, and he has been allergic to several dogs he has come into contact with.  But thankfully, not our dog!  Riley's poodle traits allow him to live in our home and not irritate Jared's allergies.

Their coat is also prone to painful matting:  We try to brush our dog fairly often, but he is constantly getting mats on his ears.  I can tell they bother him sometimes, but I don't know how to get them out without causing him even more pain!  When Jared tries to gently tug or brush the mats out, Riley rolls his eyes and huffs like an annoyed child:  Daa-ad, leave me alone please, I'm trying to enjoy this Beggin' Strip.  So we usually end up taking the scissors to them; the aftermath of these trims has led me to the conclusion that I will never let my husband cut my bangs.

Indepedent and stubborn:  Riley is not so much independent as he is follow-you-around, sit-on-your-feet-while-you-pee, watch-you-when-you-sleep needy.  If he was a girlfriend, you'd ignore her calls and eventually cut her loose because he. is. CLINGY.  On the other hand, stubborn is a trait that describes him perfectly.  He often gets something in his mouth (most recently, a fairly large rock, a wrapped cough drop, and a chicken bone) and absolutely will not let you get it out.  He has this trick where he wedges it behind his incisors and it becomes almost impossible to yank it outta there.  

Fond of its family; may be unwilling to socialize with anyone else; territorial:  Do I need to remind you of how attached Riley is to his daddy?  No one may come near his Jared.

Content in a lap, doesn't desire much exercise:  Riley is a typical couch potato, and I am definitely not complaining.  We love our twice-daily walks, but not too much else :)  

It's been such a tough day of lounging and watching SpongeBob...

Intelligent and people-friendly:  These two traits have kind of...bypassed my dog.  Riley is not UNintelligent, but I'm not sure "smart" could be a term used to describe him.  He knows and reacts to many words, but the extent of his obeying commands is to hover his butt near the floor when we say "sit."  And though Riley enjoys the company of humans and, once attached to them, will follow them around like crazy, he seems rather aloof toward strangers.  If a person walks by on the street, say,  he sniffs and puts his nose in the air like that girl we all hated in high school.

May have issues with ear infections and tear-staining:  Check and check!  Riley is forever itching, pawing, and rubbing his ears against the carpet.  He is on daily drops for his ear issues, but the poor guy is still always scratchin'.  (He also has allergies, which could contribute to the ear thing, and the fact that his paws are constantly stained pink!)  As for tear-stains, this is a problem in most white dogs - it's kind of gross, but we usually just clip away the badly stained parts until we get him to the groomer.  

Since we got Riley from a shelter, they weren't entirely sure of his breed mix.  I'm not completely convinced he is a Pekingese/Poodle...I think there's probably a little something extra in there too.  Maybe a dog DNA test is in his future?  :)  Just kidding, those are silly and unnecessary, right?  RIGHT?! :)

What about you and your little mixed-breed?  Do their personalities/looks match up to the stereotypes?

xoxochelsea

Why I Volunteer, Reason 597: (Kinda) Wordless Wednesdays

To socialize and comfort the animals whose eyes say, Please take me home:

Midge is a 6-year-old female who is also STILL AVAILABLE for adoption at the HSNI!

Handsome Tamer will have been in the shelter for a year in June; he is a 2-year-old pitbull mix who is STILL AVAILABLE for adoption at the HSNI!

Beautiful, friendly Roxie is a 2-year-old Pitbull/Bulldog mix who is STILL AVAILABLE for adoption at the PAWS Humane Society!

xoxochelsea