This year’s mini sessions started off a little bumpy.  Day 1 was scheduled at Phoenix’s Heritage Square, but it was raining.  So after some rescheduling, Day 1 finally got going.  Day 2 of this year’s minis took place at Scottdale’s DC Ranch Marketplace, and thankfully, that day was sunny.

All of my families that came out this year are clients I’ve worked with in the past.  I absolutely LOVED seeing everyone again, especially all the kids.  It’s amazing how fast children grow!!  I am so grateful for everyone that came out.  Every one of these folks are awesome and I’m excited I had an opportunity to photograph them again!!

Here are the results…

I LOVE pet sessions!!!  LOVE THEM!!  Dogs are always so much fun to photograph.  They are probably some of the best creatures on earth (after all, DOG is GOD, spelled backwards… so that’s pretty much perfection).

I’ve been wanting to photograph a Boston Terrier for a long time.  I think they are such super cute dogs, so I was psyched when Barb contacted me to photograph her and Alfredo. Little Alfie was one of the most happiest, craziest, energized little pups I’ve been around in a long time.  He was not camera shy at all!!

And Barb, Alfie’s mom, was just as awesome to work with.   Barb and Alfie definitely make a good pair…  best friends for sure!   Thanks guys for an awesome time!!

To weekends ago, I met Alicia at the Biltmore Mall to photograph her adorable dog, Sophie.  When I noticed Alicia was carrying a huge bag full of props, I immediately loved her for it!!  Alicia was wearing the hottest pair of heals, and in her bag was the coolest pair of cowboy boots, Sophie’s sparkly-bling collar, flowers, and toys!  Sophie was going to have a rockin’ photo session, all thanks to her momma!

After a few shots, we realized the Biltmore Mall was a little too distracting for Sophie, so we decided to move the session to Alicia’s grandparent’s house.  Sophie got to run around and play ball, and then we busted out those awesome accessories Alicia brought with her.

The more time I spent with Alicia and Sophie, the more I really admired their connection with one another.  They truly love each other.  In a way, Sophie reminded me of my dog… even though my dog is 70 pounds heavier!  I think it was something in Sophie’s eyes that reminded me of my Lucy.  Or maybe it was the way Alicia and Sophie interacted.  Whatever it was, it felt familiar.

Sophie goes everywhere with Alicia, so she’s loves car rides.  So we did a few shots of Sophie playing in Alicia’s car.  I think she was waiting for Alicia to turn the car on and take her for a ride!

Alicia and Sophie – you guys were so much fun!!!  I had a blast at our photo session!!

My friend and fellow photographer, Susan Richey, with A Dog’s Life Photography & Art recently posted on her blog about a ton of dogs that were just rescued in Texas from horrible conditions.  The Arizona Basset Hound Rescue (AZBHR) has stepped in to help with the rescue efforts.  I thought I would try to help get the word out by posting the story here too.  If you or anyone you know can foster a dog, or donate some money, please consider helping out.

Story and photos above by:

Robin Martin - AZBHR Vice President and Intake Coordinator

30 bassets were seized by Animal Control from a backyard breeder in a rural town outside of Houston, TX.  Animal Control responded to a complaint from the neighbor, who stated the dogs were being neglected.  Animal Control was not prepared for what they found.   They discovered 30 bassets, 3 bloodhounds and 6 pugs living in absolute squalor, chain link fenced runs with no cover, filled with mud and feces – no fresh water or dog food was to be found.  If this does not sound horrible enough, Animal Control then came upon a pile of dead older bassets that the person was waiting to dry out so she could burn and two plastic bags were found with deceased bassets inside.  After the Animal Control officerscomposed themselves (neither had never seen such a horrible case of abuse and neglect) they threatened to bring legal action if the owner did not sign over the dogs.  All 39 dogs were relinquished to Animal Control immediately.

While the dogs are certainly in a better place, this small town facility can not handle having the bassets for any length of time and the bassets are continuing to live outside.  So, getting into Rescue’s is a priority and must happen quickly.  The local basset rescue is not able to handle the intake of 30 bassets and has asked for help from the surrounding states and AZBHR would really like to help.

THIS IS WHERE YOU COME IN:

AZBHR’s regular foster homes are FULL and we are in need of ONE TIME foster homes to help with the dogs coming from Texas.  So, this is where you come in – would you consider fostering just one of these dogs?  The minimum amount of time a dog is in foster is 2 weeks.  Fortunately, AZBHR has had a steady flow of adoption applications coming in, so we expect adoptions to happen quickly.

Even though there is no shortage of needy bassets in Arizona, there is just no way that AZBHR can not try to help these babies that are so in need of a miracle. It is because of you, the supporters, volunteers, adopters and foster homes, that make this organization so successful even in these difficult, economic times.  Most rescues are having to consider cutting back, but AZBHR continues to just get bigger, better and stronger and able to help other fellow organizations.  This is only possible because of your continuing support and willingness to always step up and help when you are asked.

Can’t foster but you want to help?  Consider donating to the Texas hounds through the first giving page: http://www.firstgiving.com/texashounds.

If you are able to help with these needy, stubby legged babies, please contact me at intake@azbassetrescue.com.

These last few days I’ve been moving into a new home.  Packing boxes, driving back and forth, unpacking boxes…  it’s been crazy busy for me!  I hope to post more on my blog once my life has settled down a bit.

But I did make an effort to edit some of the photos from my session last weekend before too much time went by.

I met Karen for the first time during our session, and everything about her (including her pets and home) felt incredibly welcoming.  I had a ton of fun photographing her, her dogs, and her cat (unfortunately kitty is not featured on this post).  Karen is the kind of girl that is very easy to hang out with.  She clearly loves her animals and has a deep connection to them.  I’m always honored when I’m invited into someone’s home to document their lives, and it’s always a good time when animals are involved!

Karen’s home is placed in such a beautiful location.  You can walk outside her door, and within a few minutes you are climbing a mountain and enjoying nature.  It was such a gorgeous day and so awesome we were able to continue our adventure outside.

Thanks Karen for the awesome time!!  You and your “kids” are beautiful!