Where would you like to Bring Fido?

Have you been looking for something different to do with your pupper?

I remember when BringFido was just starting out, not a lot of local information, but now!

You can find hotels, restaurants, activities, events, services and even Dog Photographers!

They have information about traveling with your animals, check out their TOP 10 Tips for Flying with Fido.

Most businesses are rated, and people can leave a comment. It’s a nice way to see what the locals have to say especially if you plan to travel. You can search by your home town or the town you will be visiting.

I use Bring Fido to see what dog activities are going on in the New Hampshire area.

If you haven’t checked out Bring Fido lately, go a head and give it a go!

 

Leave your Bring Fido experiences in the comments below!

 

 

 

Dogs in Art

On my recent trip to the MFA in Boston, MA I again noticed the central aspect of dogs. Such as on ladies laps, a sign of love and affection, hunting dogs, loyal dogs by their masters and dog as the focal point such as the master piece by Gerrit Dou “Dog at Rest” 1650.

The dog has appeared in paintings as far back as 4500 BC when canines appeared on cave walls. As the dog’s relationship with the human evolved, so did the way he is represented in art. In the 18th century, dog portraits became popular amongst the wealthy British.

Spanish painter, Diego Velasquez (1599-1660) painted the dog in the company of children. In this image “Maids of Honor”, we see a large dog in the foreground tolerating an ornery child.

In 1866 artist Edouard Manet created “A King Charles Spaniel”

Another famous artist Pablo Picasso created a pastel and gouache on cardboard called “Boy With Dog” 1905

And one of my childhood favorites is Norman Rockwell (1894-1978). He frequently used puppies ans dogs in his paintings, some as the main subject, and some as the sidekick, or partner in crime as in “No Swimming”

What era would you dog fit into? Do you have your dog in a piece of Art?

100th Photo-Shoot with Canine Commitment New England Dog Rescue

I have had a fantastic time working with Canine Commitment of New England over the past 6 months or so. I have had many beautiful dogs come through the studio doors. My goal has always been to help rescue dogs get re-homed. Well, that has happened, and more! I have made wonderful friends with Ross and Melissa the owners of Canine Commitment of NE. They are smart, giving and a joy to “work” with. I can’t really call it work when it is with them. I have met many amazing volunteers that work with CCNE each one loving and supporting the work they do.

Well, in true KSP fashion I could not let this milestone go with out a bit of a photographic celebration. What to do…? Celebration=100th Dog plus nine of his friends=Party Hats=Cake! The let fun begin! All 10 of these beautiful dogs are up for adoption with Canine Commitment of NE, please visit the page to adopt or make a donation to help them continue with the wonderful work they do.

Kimberly Sarah Photography Cake Smash

Kimberly Sarah Photography Cake Smash

Kimberly Sarah Photography Cake Smash

Kimberly Sarah Photography Cake Smash

Kimberly Sarah Photography 100th

Kimberly Sarah Photography Cake Smash

Kimberly Sarah Photography Cake Smash

Kimberly Sarah Photography Cake Smash

Kimberly Sarah Photography 100th

 

My next Blog will be about how these puppies got their start.

 

 

Guest Blogger – Ross Norwood from Canine Commitment of NE – Dog Rescue

Dear KSP Followers,

It is my pleasure to have Ross Norwood as a guest blogger today.

Ross began her non-profit in December, 2010. There are two locations that are licensed shelter facilities in the state of NH. In Manchester, Melissa houses pups in her home while awaiting adoption. In New Boston, the pups have their own building on Ross’ property. Between the two locations, and a wonderful group of volunteers that help us care for the dogs, advertise the dogs, and process applications, Canine Commitment is saving hundreds of lives each year – and they continue to grow each year!

Ross grew up primarily in Texas, and attended the University of Texas in Austin where she graduated with an honors interdisciplinary liberal arts degree. Professionally, she spent her career in marketing and PR in both Austin, Texas, and Boston, Massachusetts. She became a stay-at-home mother in March of 2003 with the birth of her first daughter, Jamison. Annelise followed in November of 2006. In 2008 Ross and her family adopted a dog through Canine Commitment in Maine, where she met the director and told her “if you ever need someone to pick up a dog or anything, you should give me a call.” The rest is history. Ross and her family eventually moved from their home in Bedford, NH, to a home in New Boston on 22 acres, where the rescue pups could have their own building. Ross raises her two daughters with her husband, Scott Setzler, while managing the day-to-day activities of Canine Commitment. As a full-on ADD sufferer, Ross’ favorite saying is: Rescue is a lot of things, but it is never, ever boring. She has not been bored one day since starting this rescue journey. It provides the highest highs and lowest lows, but she knows she could never go back to not being a part, no matter how small, of a solution to our country’s overpopulation and killing. In the future, Ross hopes to work on educational programs to help teach children that animals deserve our respect and kindness. Perhaps, if we start with kids, we can all achieve a day where there will be no more dogs killed in our country for lack of a home.

I personally have had the privileged to work with both Ross and Melissa. When I tell you these ladies work hard it is an understatement. These ladies care for sick, injured, scared and abused animals all day every day. There’s is not a 9-5 job!  As much as Ross compliments me, she and Melissa are the ones doing the real work. I hope you enjoy Ross’ post and please consider adopting from or donating to Canine Commitment.

http://caninecommit.org/

If you are lucky enough to know Kimberly Sarah Photography and you follow them on social media, you likely have seen Kim’s gorgeous photos of Canine Commitment’s dogs.

It was our lucky day, truly, when Kim reached out to us and offered her amazing talents to help us showcase our pups and help find their homes. Kim asked me to share a little bit about Canine Commitment, and I’m happy to do that!

Canine Commitment is an all-breed dog rescue based in New Boston and Manchester, New Hampshire. We have been around as Canine Commitment of New England since 2010, and since then thousands of dogs – and even a few hundred kittens – have come through our doors. “We” is two of us who are licensed as shelters out of our personal homes. We are set-up a bit differently than most rescues in that we work hands-on with each and every dog that comes through our rescue, and also work with the potential adopters. We utilize a handful of foster homes when needed, but primarily keep the dogs with us so that we know them well, can answer questions, and have them ready to meet potential adopters.

But “we” is also dozens of dedicated volunteers and a few employees who care for the dogs daily, assist with medical records and adoption packets, and keep two crazy rescuers sane! Over the years, the rescue has grown in wonderful ways and brought so many amazing dogs and fantastic people to us. We are so grateful that the thing we hear the most from applicants is that they know several people who have adopted from us, or even that they have adopted from us in the past and want to work with us again! It is incredible to us that we find great homes for not only the cute fluffy puppies, but also the senior dogs with medical issues, and the three legged pups and the deaf pups … all because so many people in our area open their homes and hearts to rescue dogs.

New England is unique from many parts of our country in that we do not have overflowing shelters and puppies in boxes for sale at every flea market. That, and much, much more, is what our rescue partners in the south are dealing with each and every day. Through our wonderful partnerships with Tupelo-Lee Humane Society, Southern Magnolia Boxer Rescue, and several independent rescuers, we are able to help move dogs into New England that otherwise would have no hope of finding a loving home. Whether you are looking for a puppy to grow up with your family, or a calm, older dog who didn’t get the best start in life, or a fun-loving, ready-for-adventure goofball, you can find what you are looking for through rescues like Canine Commitment and many other wonderful, dedicated groups across New England. And if you are really, really lucky … it might be one who has a glamour shot done by Kimberly Sarah Photography!

~Ross

George Eastman Museum – A history of Dogs in photos

When did dogs come into our lives as pets?

Wikipedia and other sites will tell you they aren’t exactly sure. They know it was the Grey Wolf about 27,000-40,000 years ago.  These dogs were mainly seen as assistants to humans. The hunters-gatherers types. Some scientists argue that friendly wolves sought out humans. Friendliness caused strange things to happen in the wolves. They started to look different. Domestication gave them splotchy coats, floppy ears, wagging tails. In only several generations, these friendly wolves would have become very distinctive from their more aggressive relatives. But the changes did not just affect their looks. Changes also happened to their psychology. These protodogs evolved the ability to read human gestures.

As dog owners we take for granted that our dog can get the toy we ask them too. Or if we have taken the time to teach out dogs hand gestures, they can read us. They are reading us! All of the time.Some dogs are so attuned to their owners that they can read even a simple, subtle change in eye direction.

Throughout history, animals have played a key role in human life. People have come to rely on animals for food, clothing, and transportation. Even religious worship.

From what I have learned pet keeping wasn’t generally accepted in Europe until the end of the 17th century, and it wasn’t common among the middle classes until the late 18th century. Pet keeping in its present form is probably a 19th century Victorian invention. At this time, it was perceived as a link with the natural world, which itself was no longer seen as threatening. It also allowed a visible demonstration of man’s domination over nature.

My reason to today’s blog is not to school you in the history of pet keeping but to answer my curiosity of when were dogs important enough to photograph?

The George Eastman House Museum

In my on-going quest to answer this question. I stumbled upon some answers. While Bud and I were attending the George Eastman House in Rochester, NY for a class in Daguerreotypes, we had a chance to visit the museum, or “George’s house”. I was surprised to find these four photos hanging in his private family collection.

Be Sure to look closely at the dates. The 1800’s!

When I travel through a museum I have this thing about seeing how many paintings include a dog, I want a better understanding. It’s quite a lot actually. Dogs by themselves hunting. Or a girl in a beautiful dress holding a dog. Dogs at the feet of their masters. One of my favorites is of a dog “relieving” himself in what seems to be a church. Come to find out Emanuel de Witte painted this scene quite a bit. Were dogs even allowed in Church? Not in my day, that would have been cool!

It seems as though dogs for pets were for the wealthy. I suppose so were photographs and paintings, so who’s to say the un-wealthy didn’t keep any dogs for pets. It could be that it just was not recorded.

 

In my travels I keep any eye out for old photographs of dogs. Here are some I have come across.

Do you have any old photos of a dog?

Being a Dog Photographer means helping other Dog Lovers!

Being a Dog Photographer means helping other Dog Lovers!

As I find myself with what feels like less free time than when I was working 50+ hours for a large hospital, I still feel the need to help. Help other humans and especially help dogs. As a Dog Photographer I have led a class called Sit. Stay. Smile here at the studio, we worked in conjunction with ARLNH- Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire. We had 8 puppies that day, a class full of eager photographers and a check for ARLNH! I will be running this class again in November. (sign up here to join me)What a treat! But I wanted to do more…

I scoured the net to find smaller Shelters or Rescues; I came across Mary’s Dogs. They are located in Northwood, NH just outside of Deerfield. Please read about Mary’s Dogs here. They re-home dogs and puppies from shelters in North Carolina and South Carolina. It’s not that we don’t have homeless dogs from NH or New England, we are lucky it is not the problem that the south has. Mary’s likes to point out the larger goal is to educate and support the spay/neuter movement in the south. This is a very large problem for dogs and puppies. People don’t love their pets any more or less because they live in one geographic region or another. But kill rates spike in high poverty areas with limited access to affordable veterinary services for spaying and neutering. In the rural South, unsterilized dogs are often allowed to roam outdoors. Many counties have weak or unenforced leash laws. Shelters in such areas are overrun, with kill rates ranging from 50 to 95 percent. Even where adoptions are encouraged, low population density makes them rare. Here are a few articles you can read if you were unaware of the issues:

The Bark

The American Humane Association

The Animal Mission

On the day I was to photograph a transport of puppies, 22 pups were scheduled to arrive! Yes, 22! That means 88 Paws, 44 silky ears, 22 wagging tails and a load of cuteness! Well, I was not disappointed.

I arrived at 9:00am, what seemed like a small house quickly became clear at how organized and accommodating the space was. The counter was lined up with dog food bowls, Allyson was hard at work checking and rechecking her list to make sure all went well. An amazing aroma filled the room, it was a large Tupperware tub, Allyson was scooping spoons full into the dog bowls, I asked, what is that??

Mary made homemade chicken soup! Yes you read that right! HOMEMADE CHICKEN SOUP!  Funny, it was just like my mom makes, real chicken, carrots, rice and potatoes! Wow! I knew these puppies were going to get a great welcome to NH!

 

9:30 the Howl on Wheels transport van arrived, run by Kelly Ivory. She had a great team with her!

The pups were unloaded one by one they were in such good shape, I wasn’t sure what to expect since they came all the way from Forgotten Tails in SC. They were all beautiful!

Happy to be out of the van, the pups got to run around in the play area, have some water and do their business before heading inside for lunch. I have to remark on the orderly fashion this team from Mary’s was working. A fast pace but nothing went unnoticed, each pup got individual attention, all their needs were met. Ears cleaned, eyes cleaned, fed and watered. I loved seeing a room full of happy dogs. Most of the dogs at this point were already adopted. I believe there were 4 puppies without a new home when I left that day. Of course it was difficult for me to leave a pup behind, but the care and love they were getting filled my heart. Yes it wasn’t even noon and my day was complete! I spent 3 hours with puppies and dogs also with great people, people who care and give of themselves. This team was just amazing and I cannot say enough good things about them. I was so happy to be a part of it. My little part in all of this was to get Mary some nice photos for her to post on social media to get the word out. So please if you feel like doing a small part as well, like Mary’s page on Facebook and help spread the word about spay/neuter movement in the south.

On a side note, I totally fell in love with Noah. Good Luck Noah, where ever you are! Enjoy your new family!

You can find more pictures from the day on my Facebook page. Kimberly Sarah Photography

Three Great Dane Puppies, One Darn Good Dog Photographer

July 30, 2016

Ok, all kidding aside, I do not boast about my work or talents.

As a Dog Photographer we meet all kinds of people and dogs. This particular day I was about to meet three 4 1/2 week old Great Dane Puppies. Oh. My. Goodness! I could not wait! As you may have seen Wilson was in a few days before for his fine art dog portrait. He was to be the first of our newly announced 4 Legged Newborn Sessions. Wilson as you may recall was 8 weeks old, well these amazing Great Danes walk in at 4 1/2 weeks and are the same size as Wilson! A Dog Photographers dream challenge.

For me, I form a concept (thank you Bud Thorpe for driving this home) before the shoot. My concept was for these three puppies all sleeping nicely in a dresser draw I brought to the studio from home. It was silver so I knew it would work well with their coloring. It helps to get a picture of your subject before they are in your studio.

I started, one puppy at a time. They were wiggly, squirmy and full of life! A challenge indeed. Sit, Stay, recite the Battle Hymn of the Republic all meant the same to them, remember they were 4 1/2 week old puppies. Not much time to lean anything, they just opened their eyes 3 weeks ago. But it was great fun. Their human mom’s were fantastic to work with. We made some adorable photos in the first concept I had. Here is Spree in here pink basket.

Now comes the challenge – Three sleeping dogs…

It took time, talent and lots of hugging and whispering to each puppy. First JuJu, just the sweetest, blue eyed puppy. She was on her way to tired so that seemed easy. Next was Pixie, the runt of the litter and most curious. She took a bit longer to get to sleep, holding her like a newborn baby, she eventually feel asleep too. Phew! Ok, now for Spree, she was all the way awake. Was not at all interested in slowing down. However, time and talent was at play and asleep she went. Each puppy, one by one was placed in the draw. One waking while the others sleep. On and on it went. Until, our serendipitous moment….

All three sleeping like the adorable puppies they are! Oh the joy!

You can see more images on my website or Facebook page

Learn more about SOPHA! The Studio of Photographic Arts

 

 

 

Wilson, The First of the 4 Legged Newborn Session at Kimberly Sarah Photography

July 28, 2016

I started my 4 Legged Newborn Sessions with Wildrose Wilson an adorable 8 week old full bred Black Lab. He is part of Wildrose Kennels – Gentleman’s Gundogs. This puppy will be fully trained by Tim Clancy and ready to live with his owner in a years time. I however, reaped the benefits of this beautiful creature. He was a perfect Black Lab, show quality, and a puppy with lots of energy! Here is how my day with Wilson went…

Dog Photographer, Interior Decorator, International Woman of Travel, all titles I have dreamt of for myself. Today I got to be at least two of them.

One of the more enjoyable aspects of being a Dog Photographer is set designing, like interior design, just on a smaller scale and a lot less permanent. Something happens to my mind every-time I have a dog portrait session. This time for the 4 Legged Newborn Sessions, and after seeing a snapshot of Wilson, my mind exploded! I had a few days to prepare, which yes, meant SHOPPING!!! I wanted a more Artsy, High Styled shot. As rambunctious as he was, I got the shot. One down!

During my phone consultations with my clients, I find out what they are about, what they do for work and how their dog is a part of their family. I like to learn as much as I can about the puppy/dog, energy level, age, any health problems etc. Since Wilson was a friendly referral, Bud told me Tim, his trainer was a fireman. Of course we want his coat and helmet! Two Down!

So on we went, now I have to mention that Tim and Danielle (owners/trainers)were very helpful in wrangling Wilson. No dog should be left alone on a table or set. Ever. I have to be behind the camera most of the time so with puppies you certainly need a handler.

Concept number 3. Howdy Pardner! A Western theme came to mind. Boots from home, cowboy hat from the prop room and a purchased great looking old fashioned wooden bucket. Insert puppy and you have a nice warm and friendly image.

We continued to concept 4, 5, 6 and lastly 7, an adorable set up for an adorable puppy. It’s simple but I believe it let’s you really see how cute Wilson is and let’s you connect with him. Sleepy time for puppy, getting ready to chase some squirrels in his dreams. Thank you sweet boy for being, well…just you…

Are you ready for your Professional Dog Portrait? Are you expecting? Book a 4 Legged Newborn Session! I’d love to see what we can create.

http://www.KimberlySarahPhotography.com

Mutt Strut – June, 2016 Manchester Animal Hospital

June 18th, 2016

 

So today I was enjoying myself at the Mutt Strut hosted by Manchester Animal Shelter at Derryfield Park in Manchester.

I was a vendor at the event, along with Bud who’s genius mind came into play for setting up my booth. I hadn’t set up a booth for an event in years. I had a new sign made to represent my “new” business logo. I used Stickerbanners for a new vinyl sign and loved it! Bud’s idea was to hang the banner over my pop-up tent, he decided to use two C-Stand poles, I suppose owning your own 6000 sf fully equipped photography studio has its privileges. Bud owns The SOPHA, for those that do not know him or his business check it out here TheSOPHA, it is located in Manchester NH and is a membership based photographic community, rental studio, gear rental and classes! Just an amazing space, this is where I get to create my art, dog portraits.

Anyway, we had a blast! There were a few breeds I was happy to see, St. Bernard, Basset Hound, Samoyed and a few others, but no Corgis. My Winston stayed home, it was a walk of course and he would have no part of walking in such heat!

I met a few of the other vendors.

Cody’s Creation made some beautiful Handmade pet accessories!

At the Make Your Dog Happy booth, Piper was showing off his great training skills!

Fran Thomas of Pawsitively Natural makes Custom Tee’s, Custom Embroidery and Promotional Products, she can be reached at info@pawsitivelyweb.com

Also, Lockridge Animal Hospital and Bedford Veterinary Medical Center was there as was Rockingham Emergency Vet Hospital.

 

I spoke with plenty of event goers about their dogs, they had great adoption stories, such a proud group of folks, very loving and giving to their adopted dogs. Lots of comments about my photography, I had a large canvas display of some of the portraits I have made over the years.

I hope to see all of them again!

 

 KimberlySarahPhotography.com

Your Pet. My Passion.

Down on the Farm! the SOPHA and KSP

Rain?, We are New Englanders and Photographers,  rain won’t stop us!

Ok, so the weather was not ideal, but the energy of Bud Thorpe, the staff and the participants were perfect. We were all in this together. Everyone who said they were going to attend did. Hooray!

It was a long day, I had been asked to lead a shoot for a dog portrait and a horse portrait.

Little Miss Fiona, a French Bull Dog was my first subject, she is still one of the cutest dogs I have photographed, she made a great model for all the photographers. Her Mom, Sue was a great dog handler for us as well.

I had come up with a concept shot days before, gathered my props and brought them to the farm. Now if you have not yet heard of the “Down on the Farm” shoot, this is a big annual event that The SOPHA ( thesopha.com) holds in Deefield, NH. Huge I tell you. Huge. If you are a photographer, no matter what you shoot, The SOPHA had a concept for you. 12 to be exact. From an old fashioned fishing dock with two little boys, a lemonade stand, Food, High School Senior, Fashion, Gangsta Car, Revolutionary War Rein-actor, Bride and a Wedding Carriage, Dog, Horse etc! Phew!

Back to my concept, Tea Party. Good old fashioned tea party, with Fiona and her girl.Feather boas, flowers for the table and a beautiful background! This shot was set up with one light, outdoors. I really think the shot came together well.

 

Fiona and Emma, Tea Time

 

We moved on to another concept, bails of hay,  Each photographer stood in line for each concept and took turns shooting Fiona. I was exhausted at making sounds to get her attention. But we did it with the help of Sue.

Fiona and Jack

 

My idea for a Horse portrait did not go as planned, we had to move location, but hay, you just have to go with it! The every professional and handsome Smokey was our model, he did fantastic. Was very calm and patient for all the photographers to “get” their shot.

Smokey

 

Smokey and Erica

Above is Erica and Smokey, adorable!

 

That’s it for today folks, I hope you enjoyed the photos!