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?

Saying Goodbye

Accepting the death of a pet is never easy. Here are suggestions for working through this difficult time as a pet owner.

by Martha Stewart

Many people have trouble admitting that they’re grieving a pet. They’re often embarrassed or ashamed, especially when outsiders comment that it’s only a pet or that they can get another dog or cat. “There’s a stigma in society about losing a companion animal. It’s more accepted to mourn the loss of a person than a pet,” says Diane Pomerance, author and grief-recovery specialist. She asks people to remind themselves that they are in fact “mourning the loss of a family member.”

Getting through this difficult period starts by giving yourself permission to grieve. “Designate time every day to do this,” says Claire Chew Gillenson, a life-transition coach and petloss educator. Keep a journal. Talk to a counselor or friend who understands your loss.

If you had to put your animal to sleep, try not to fixate on your pet’s last moments. “If guilt surfaces, forgive yourself and remember that you did everything you could,” Gillenson says. Try to remember the good times: long games of fetch or evenings cozied up on the sofa.

If you have kids, especially if this is their first experience with death, talk openly with them. “Children are generally curious and want to know what’s happening,” says Mac Hafen, a clinical marriage and family therapist at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State, adding that it’s best to use terms such as death and dying rather than going to sleep, which could make children scared of going to bed at night. If they’re not asking questions, find out how they’re feeling. Try engaging them in play or artwork.

Taking time to honor your pet will also bring comfort and peace to you and your family. After Katie died, I sent a note to friends and family announcing her death and sharing stories from her therapy work. One of the hospitals where we volunteered held a memorial service for her, and I spent weeks creating a scrapbook of Katie’s life. All of these activities helped me say goodbye, but there are many ways — such as planting a tree, donating money, or holding a remembrance party — to memorialize your pet. The key is doing what feels right for you.

Images of your pet around your house allows for the grieving process to feel natural, you will feel less separation and can always look into your dogs eyes.

10 Signs You Have a Dog Crush

Everyone one knows how much their dog loves them. It’s easy to see in their wag, smile and loving eyes.

So if your looking for the very best Valentine’s day, why not show your dog how much you love them and take them out for a beautiful walk and treat them to a lovey meal! It could be the best Valentine’s day ever!

You Might Have a Dog Crush if:

1. You Gush: You gush about how your dog is cute, smart, cheeky and does all these things to make you smile. Congratulations, you have a dog crush!
2. Photos: Your mobile, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter are full of photos of your dog.
3. You Get Excited: Just as much as your dog does when you greet each other at the door
4. When you are away from your dog: You find yourself thinking about what your dog might be doing right now, and got a monitor and app to see how they are doing…you have a dog crush.
5. Shopping!: When you find yourself shopping for clothes and thinking, “I wonder if I should pick up something nice for my pup,” you have a dog crush
6. Favorite Night In: Great movie, sofa and a dog snuggled up next to you is the best night of the week.
7. Bedtime:  You subconsciously move to the edge of the bed so that dog has enough room.
8. Vacation Time: You start checking local trails, dog friendly beaches and hotels before booking your holiday.
9. Gazing: You catch your self gazing at your dog while it snoozes in a cute and adorable position. ummm…..dog crush!
10. Kisses!  :There is nothing better in your day that a snuggle and a kiss with your dog. It actually makes your day all that more rewarding.

 

I Like Big Mutts and I Cannot Lie!

Great Dane. Mastiff. Newfoundland, Dogue de Bordeaux. Great Pyrenees. Bernese Mountain Dog. Tibetan Mastiff. Leonberger. St. Bernard and the list can go on.

Most large dog breeds were bred for a purpose or function. Some breeds were meant to be hunters, others guard dogs. Dogs with great endurance brought livestock or produce to market or protected the farmer’s animals. So which ones make good pets?

Great Danes: One might argue that this huge and majestic creature more closely resembles a small horse than a dog. Either way, the beautiful Great Dane is sure to stand out in a crowd. But it is more than appearance that makes this breed stand out. The personality of the Great Dane is unforgettable. These dogs are gentle, playful, friendly and incredibly loyal. The Great Dane is a native of Germany that was developed as a boar hunter and, later, a watchdog. Great Danes weigh anywhere from 100-200 pounds and about 28-30 (or more) inches tall.

 

Mastiff: Considered the largest of all dog breeds, the English Mastiff’s name seems to fit its best descriptions: massive. This giant dog breed is all brawn and power on the outside, but deep down it is a lovable, mushy companion–and often a bit of a couch potato! These dogs can top the scales at 220 pounds and be 30 or more inches tall. However, it looks like a large percentage of the weight is in their huge heads. Some considerations if you are thinking about getting a Mastiff: You’ll likely need to carry around a “drool-rag” and duck when a head shake comes on. You’ll need to protect people and objects from that massive tail (and protect the tail itself from damage).

 

Leonberger: The Leonberger is a beautiful, massive working dog with a kind and gentle disposition. Though it is not an extremely common breed, the Leo has its own following, and for good reason. This breed is known to bond closely with its family and seems to have a kind of intuition when it comes to human emotions. Because of this, they make excellent family members and also superb therapy dogs. They are gigantic yet gentle with incredibly soft coats. If you love giant dogs with even bigger hearts, have the room for a 120- to 170-pound dog, and can exercise him daily, then you might have found your match. The Leonberger originates from Leonberg, Germany.

 

Bullmastiff: The Bullmastiff is a powerhouse that was originally developed for protection. English gamekeepers in the mid-19th century crossed the Mastiff and the Bulldog. The result was a powerful, fearless dog that could stop poachers in their tracks. Today’s Bullmastiff is still a highly capable guard dog, but the breed is most treasured as a companion. Despite a powerful and somewhat intimidating appearance, this is a gentle and affectionate dog that forms a solid bond with its family members. However, the Bullmastiff’s tough side does instinctively comes out when necessary. Like its cousin, the Mastiff, be prepared for slobber. Weighing from 100-130 pounds and 24 to 27 inches tall, there’s plenty to love about these big sweeties.

 

Do you have a favorite Giant Breed?

See how many large breed dogs you can find on my website! Go!

*Photo of the Wright Brothers St. Bernard

Limited Edition Holiday Sessions

The images created during our Limited Edition Holiday Sessions are unique, fun and festive! With your session fee, you get:

An introduction to the custom Kimberly Sarah experience during a 20 minute studio session of your dog (1) in Manchester, NH on November 12, 2017

The Holiday Look sets will be created for stunning images

Choose your favorite images after the photoshoot, you will choose your card design and the image for that card. You will also choose your ornament image and 8×10 if included in package

Social media digital, watermarked file of your selected images

Help along the way to help you select and order your favorite images immediately following your session

 

More Info:

Right after your session, we will sit down to see all the photos and pick the images you will love and use for your cards, ornament or 8×10

I will not be posting any online galleries or selling any Hi-Res digital files, so this is your only chance to order any additional images.

The following collections will be available ONLY during this time!

About the Products:

Holiday Cards – are a flat card with styled with an image of your choosing on the front and your choice of text on the back. The cards are 5×7 and come with white envelopes. Additional cards come in multiples of 25 and can be purchased at this time of the same design

Ornament- The adorable Canvas Ornaments is an ideal display for your holiday decor, you will have 4 shapes to choose from. Additional ornaments of the same image can be purchased at this time

8×10 Easel Back Canvas Wrap – Archival quality, this is sure to grace your walls at the Holiday’s. Additional 8×10 Canvases of the same image can be purchased at this time

 

I hope to see you in my studio at this great One Day event! Click here to sign up!

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

NH Magazine Cover Image

I was on my way home from a very needed week off in December, sitting in the airport in the Jet Blue terminal when my phone rang. Well as you know, my first reaction was “another sales call” or “Hi! This is Susan from Google and I can help you get more visitors to your website”…blah. blah. blah. For some reason I answered it anyway. It was a nice gentleman on the other end, he said he was from NH Magazine. I thought, so here it comes, they want me to buy advertising. Nope!

He said he was on my website and loved my images. He was in search of a Cover Image for the February edition called “Pets”. He fell in love with the Out-Take image I had of a sweet little French Bulldog called Fiona. Fiona belongs to a good friend and SOPHA member Sue and her adorable daughter Emma.

It didn’t really hit me at the time what he was saying and on top of that they were boarding the plane! I had to quickly excuse myself from our conversation and ask that we catch up on Monday to talk again. What I really wanted was to make sure I heard him correctly. My image on the cover of NH Magazine!? Really?

As you can guess, Yes, my image on the cover. I was flattered. It was an incredible feeling.

By the end of January I started to look on the news stands and in Barnes and Noble for the magazine, it was not out at those times. In fact I had some what forgotten about it, until one day standing in line at Market Basket with Bud. Out of the blue I had remembered the magazine may be out. As I said to Bud, we should look for the magazine, I turned and there it was. He said I squealed but I don’t think so. I was kind of awesome to see on the checkout stands.

It was an unforgettable moment! So much fun!

Here is the finished cover.

NH Magazine is a great read, a great way to get to know what the people around you are doing. There are some wonderful artists, business people, restaurants etc. in our area.

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?