Underdog

I love the underdog. The one who is destined to fail. The one who is unpopular. Or funny looking. Or whatever cliche you want insert here. I will rally behind the underdog because I have faith that the underdog can, and will, kick a little ass. And when that happens, I will be there with tissue box in one hand, pom pom in the other, and will cheer like the high school cheerleader that I am was.

My husband also shares in my love for the underdog. The first time I fully realized this was the day he brought home a Christmas tree. Picture Charlie Brown's tree. Or as our neighbor put it, a 2x4 with lights wrapped around it. It was the saddest tree on the lot and Gary knew he had to bring it home. So it came to our house to live out it's Christmas tree destiny. Displayed in our front window, the tree (and Gary) was mocked endlessly. But it didn't matter all that much to us.

A year and a half ago, I met a dog named Chloe at the shelter. I wrote a blog about her, which you can read here. This is how she looked the first day that I met her:

The shelter did a great job nursing her back to health and putting some meat on her bones. She found a home with a sweet young woman who took very good care of her for a year and a half. Unfortunately, life has thrown a curve ball and she is no longer able to keep Chloe (who is now named Jozy). Through no fault of her own, Jozy has found her way back to the shelter where she is hoping that the third time is the charm.

Some friends at the shelter let me know that Jozy was coming back today. I wanted to stop by and say hi and to get some new photos of my old friend. You see, I sort of fell in love with her the first time I met her.

A year and a half later, I found myself in the familiar place of taking her portrait, hoping that it will find her a new Forever Home. I was able to spend some quality time with her today and am so glad that I did. Would you like to see how Jozy is doing now? I thought you might.

HI!!!!! I'm Jozy!!!!!

I have a bad habit of examining animals when I first meet them.

My exams always start with the head and the first thing I noticed about Jozy?

Sparkling white teeth. None of my animals have teeth this nice.

None.

And of course there is the obvious scarring, the result of injury and neglect from her previous, previous owner.

My daughter pointed out that she has a constellation on her side.

Which looks much better now than when I first saw her:

Jozy had just been placed in her habitat when I came in to photograph her. She was a little anxious and liked to look out the window to see what was going on. 

I tried to break the ice by telling her a joke. She thinks I'm hilarious.

Not really.

Sorry to bore you, Joz.

Thanks for the smile.

 And for pricking up your cute little ears.

And for this lovely profile shot

(again, notice the sparkly teeth!).

But promise to not look at her toes, as she could use a pedicure.

I have tried to paint my dogs' toenails. It didn't go so well.

Our photography time was briefly interrupted by a group of kids who were on a tour.

I think Jozy enjoyed their company.

She was kinda sick of me anyway.

I wanted to stay with Jozy all day. She sat in my lap and licked my face. 

For the record, I am thoroughly disgusted by saliva. Especially dog saliva. 

Which has to do with the fact that my dogs like to find snacks in the litter box. 

But I digress.

Seriously, look at this adorable face!

Eventually, I packed up my things and headed out. But not before saying goodbye to Jozy one last time.

She may be an underdog, but she is a survivor.

I have faith that her perfect Forever Home is out there.

And I also have a box of tissues. Just in case...

*UPDATE* On July 29, 2012, Jozy was adopted by a most wonderful couple. I will be stalking am hoping that I can follow up with Jozy in her new home and bring you photos of her life in her Forever Home. Congratulations Jozy!!!

Baxter Thagreat

I meant to write this blog months ago. I even included "write Baxter's blog" on my to-do list this past Saturday. But of course, I put it off and I shouldn't have.

Where to begin... where to begin...

I'll start with Bryce, an amazing amazing young man that I have been fortunate enough to know. If my daughters grow up to be anything like him, I will be a proud mama. I wrote a blog about him here if you would like to know a little bit about Bryce and why I think he is so amazing.

Last year, Bryce was moving away to college and wanted a canine companion to take with him. He scoured all the local shelters in search of the perfect dog. After a long day, Bryce finally found Baxter at Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation and took him home. Bryce asked if I would photograph him and Baxter in San Francisco, which I was thrilled to do. Except that life got crazy (both Bryce's and mine) and we just didn't get around to it.

Baxter became quite ill. About the time that Bryce thought it was time to say goodbye, Baxter rallied. Back to his old, silly self, we decided that we needed to get his portraits done ASAMFP and we headed out to San Francisco. I had contacted the amazing Anna Kuperberg for location recommendations (I attended her fabulous dog photography workshop in SF last year and thought she would be the perfect person to ask). At the top of her list was Bernal Hill - an off-leash dog park with sweeping views of the city. Bryce, Baxter and I hiked our way up the hill and had ourselves a wonderful afternoon. We weren't able to shoot all the way up until sunset (used to the 100 degrees at home, we weren't prepared for the blustery wind on the hill). Here are a few of my favorites from that day:

As I was checking Facebook on Monday morning, I read the sad news that Baxter's illness had returned. However, this time he wasn't able to rally and Bryce had to say farewell to his buddy Baxter. Bryce, I hope that you don't mind me sharing these with everyone. I love these photos as they celebrate Baxter's life and the bond that you two have. THANK YOU for asking me to take these. I am sorry that Baxter is no longer with you, but I am so very thankful that I am able to give these to you so that you will have a little piece of Baxter forever and always.

Rest in peace, Baxter. 

Trying to find a way to say thank you

I came across an image a few days ago on Facebook, shared by my friend Jacquie. It was a screenshot from a CBS news story on the funeral of Jon Tumilson, a US Navy Seal who was killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan. The image shows Tumilson's casket, draped in an American flag. And on the floor lay his loyal companion Hawkeye, who was guarding his best friend one final time.

I cannot get this image out of my head. And each time I think about it, tears roll down my face. My heart breaks for Hawkeye, for Tumilson, for his family and friends. And I want to do something to make it all better... give Hawkeye a treat, or throw him a ball. Or just give him his friend back.

The logical side of my brain began searching for ways to help the dominant, highly emotional side of my brain. And it produced an idea. It won't help Hawkeye or Tumilson's family, but it may help other soldiers who love their pets as Tumilson loved Hawkeye. I tried to tell my husband about it, and all that came out between the tears and sobs was "soldier... pet... photos...". Gary's reaction was "Nope. Too sad". Which made me think that my idea is not sad at all. In fact, it is a very happy idea.

My idea is to have a mini portrait session for US Armed Forces members and their pets. I don't know the Where or the How or the Who... but the When will be on Veteran's Day, which is Friday, November 11th. The cost will be a donation to a favorite charity (for example, a bag of dog food to the local shelter) and in return, you will receive an 8x10 print. I am trying to find a way to say thank you to those men and women in uniform who risk their lives so that we may have freedom. And I am trying to find a way to say thank you to the faithful companions of these soldiers, who await their friend's safe return.

Since I have never done anything like this before, I am going to need lots of help. And ideas. Like where to hold this event, how to get the word out, etc... If you would like to help me say thank you to our soldiers and their furry friends, please send me an email at nicole@nicolemcarthurphotography.com or send me a message on my Facebook page.

You can read the story about Hawkeye here. Warning: grab a case of tissues.

The Local Bark

I had the opportunity to visit The Local Bark in Rancho Cordova a few weeks ago. In case you aren't from the Sacramento area (or if you are and haven't seen their awesome billboard on highway 50), The Local Bark is a fabulous facility that offers day boarding, extended boarding and training for dogs. As a veterinarian, places like this scare the bejeezus out of me... I have seen my share of kennel cough, diarrhea, dog bites and other unsavory disasters that have originated from boarding kennels. But The Local Bark is different. It is waaaaaaay different. And let me tell you why.

First of all, the place is clean. I'm talking sparkly clean without a hint of dog hair anywhere... which is a momentous feat considering how many dogs walk through that door each and every day. Second, the staff members are so nice - not the saccharine kind of phony-nice, but genuinely nice. They greet each guest by name (who does that anymore?) and you can tell by looking at the client's face that this is very much appreciated. If you really want to get a feel for how much the clients appreciate The Local Bark, just visit their Facebook page. It is filled with posts from clients who had great experiences there. Oh, did I mention that The Local Bark posts about 100 pictures a day on their page? That way, clients can see how much fun their dog has had while they are away, kind of like a postcard from summer camp. Third, there is someone monitoring all the dogs all the time. I watched the group of large dogs playing together and was amazed at how quickly the two staff members in the play yard were there to respond when someone was getting a little too rowdy - a quick squirt with a water bottle and the situation is diffused. And if that doesn't work, it's time for a doggie time out. And fourth, the owners... ahhh the owners. Kristin and Matt Minnie are just the nicest, most down-to-earth people I have met in a long while. Kristin is a dog trainer, and a damn good one at that. I will admit that my knowledge of dog behavior is slim-to-none and I admire people like Kristin who understand dogs and their psychology. And human psychology, too. Because dog trainers don't train just dogs, they train people. In meeting Kristin and Mark, it is obvious why The Local Bark is such a great place - they genuinely care about dogs, their clients and their staff members.

I had the chance to meet two great groups of dogs while at The Local Bark. The first group being their "pack" or group of dogs that they use to help train other dogs. A funny bunch, every size and disposition was represented. Here they are demonstrating their mad obedience skills:

These six dogs all sat and stayed on command (and did I mention the white Bulldog is deaf?). I have four dogs and there is no way that I would ever be able to get them to do this. Hence the magic of The Local Bark. And here are their close-ups.

Goose - the alpha dog

and with his friend, Little

Dory, the sweet yellow lab

Sierra, the quiet and shy member of the pack

Jake, Mr. Wild Hair (who looks like the dog on

The Local Bark's logo)

and last, but not least... Huge

A deaf bulldog full of love and personality.

Shhhhhh, don't tell. He was my favorite from the day.

And then there is the group of dogs that the trainers are preparing for diabetes alert training. In case you are unaware (much like me), it is possible to train dogs to sense and alert when their person's blood glucose level is too high or too low. Isn't that just incredible? Would you like to see some of these lifesavers? Here they are:

I love how the two Goldens look so regal. And how the two little munchkins in the middle are stealing a kiss.

Ginger

Finley

Kiana

Fonzie

As a veterinarian, I am often asked if I can recommend a place to board dogs or train dogs. Now that I have been to The Local Bark, I can reply with an enthusiastic "Yes I do!!! Go to The Local Bark!". This place is beyond amazing and I cannot wait to go back. In fact, I must apologize for Kristin Minnie for my semi-stalker ways the past few weeks. Sorry Kristin, but your place is so amazing, I just have to be a part of it!

Check it out - you will be impressed!

The Local Bark

3201 Fitzgerald Road

Rancho Cordova, CA 95742

(916) 638-3880

Millie - Forever Home

Oh Millie, if only you knew what you have started...

I began following the Sacramento Animal Care and Regulation Facebook page after one of my vet school classmates, Meera Heller, "liked" the page. At that time, a dog named Millie was the star of the page - she had been in the shelter for nearly four months and there was a big push to find her a Forever Home. Millie had two big strikes against her: 1) she was a pit bull and 2) she was a black brindle pit bull (the hardest to place). But Millie had a lot of good things going for her, like her sweet personality and her bright and cheery attitude. Despite being in the shelter for months, she was still a happy dog. Many of the staff and volunteers had fallen in love with her and were hoping she would find the perfect home.

She did. A wonderful woman by the name of Stefani had been watching Millie's story on FB and she could no longer stand by and do nothing. So Stefani made a beeline for the shelter where she met Millie and fell in love, just like everyone else. The only difference was that Stefani adopted Millie and took her home. To her Forever Home.

My first ever trip to the shelter was on this day. I had made an appointment to come down and have a tour so that I could start photographing the animals. I too had been following Millie's story and was hoping to meet her. When I walked into the reception area, this is what I saw:

Millie, surrounded by people giving her lots of love. She had just been adopted and the paperwork was being finalized. And when it was announced over the loudspeaker that Millie had been adopted, I got goosebumps. In watching Stefani and Millie together, I knew that everything was going to be alright.

Six months later, I had the opportunity to visit Millie and Stefanie at their home. I would have to say that life is pretty good for the both of them. Would you like to see?

Millie loves the tennis ball. In fact, she is obsessed

Millie loves the water. Fortunately for her, she has a big pool to play in.

and a mommy who will push her tennis ball over when it gets too far away

Thanks mom!

She also loves this blue dryer ball.

nom nom nom nom nom

And this here is Millie on her favorite pillow. Yes, Millie is a pillow dog.

Can't a girl eat in peace?

I was actually waiting for Millie to do a few of her silly tricks. Stefani tells me that Millie will throw kibble up in the air and catch them in her mouth. I wasn't fortunate enough to see this, but I did get to see Millie fling her dish with her foot.

Apparently Millie will stick her foot in her dish and fling it. One time Millie sent the bowl flying down the hallway, knocking over everything in it's path. Silly girl!

She doesn't like being away from momma too long...

...because that means she is missing out on kisses

Millie and Stefani, you girls are just incredible. There is a bond between the two of you that is indescribable, but is apparent to anyone who sees the two of you together. Thank you Stefani for giving this girl a chance. For adopting her from the shelter after so many had passed her by. I know that Millie thanks you every day.

And I thank you both for being my ambassadors to the shelter. For showing me that good things come to those who wait. And for proving that you can find true love in the most unlikely of places.