What crazy weather we have been having here in Washington DC! I feel bad for so many of my clients that have had to reschedule their shoots because all the soggy weather we have had this past month. I ventured out a couple weeks ago to take pictures of the Potomac River Boat Company’s Canine Cruise. It was so much fun, even though we were able to do the cruise between the drizzle. One off the boat, I was walking through Old Town Alexandria to see the bit of flooding that was happening in on King Street. Well, not everyone was upset with the rain and flooding…I ran into Archie and boy was he loving splashing around in he rain!
Archie was having more fun than any Spaniel should be having. Oh, how delightful he was to watch and certainly had the crowds smiling and enjoying the most of what Mother Nature was giving us!
I absolutely loved being able to capture a dog’s happiness and it made me think of how fun this type of session would be. I have in the past had a wait list for “Let it Snow Sessions” for sessions of those that are on call for a possible snow session if a storm comes in…Maybe we need to start including some “Rainy Day Sessions” too! I’m sure we can find some fun places full of puddles and maybe even a bit of mud to play in!
Blooming Violet :: Petals Emerging
This series of posts entitled “Blooming Violet” will take us through the journey of Violet transforming from a tragically abused dog into the mighty dog deep inside her. If you don’t know Violet’s story, she was a neglected Boerboel Mastiff that was starved, confined and dumped on the side of the road in Clinton, MD. She was so emaciated, she only weighed 56 lbs when she was rescued by Mutts Matters Rescue. Boerboel Mastiff females usually weigh between 150-200 pounds. Violet is currently in care of her amazing foster mom, Debbie Gertz, who specializes in caring for dogs in extreme cases like this. Donations toward Violet’s care and recovery can be made at the Mutts Matter Rescue website and regular updates on Violet can be found on the Saving Violet Facebook page. There is a $5000 reward for information leading to the arrest of her abusers.
Like Spring emerging; so is Violet’s personality as it comes out with the sunshine. She’s no longer the scared, shy, broken dog we were first was introduced to. Her confidence is unbelievably stronger, she’s adventuring to play and show her true dog traits, and the beautiful statuesque dog we all knew was hiding is making her debut. She is bonding and connecting with people she meets and has become close with her brother Ace. Shortly after taking these photographs, Violet weighed in at 104 pounds!
I have sat retyping over and over what I should say…How do I explain the latest stages I have witnessed in Violet? All that kept popping in my head is the old cliche….”A picture is worth a thousand words.” I give up…Because for me, this saying was created for the following series of pictures you will see. Simply said and with no need for much more in words…
This is happiness.
This is joy.
This is love.
This is a dog’s heart and bond.
This is what caring creates.
This is making a difference.
This is the face of rescue.
This is why mutts matter.
I absolutely loved being able to capture a dog’s happiness and it made me think of how fun this type of session would be. I have in the past had a wait list for “Let it Snow Sessions” for sessions of those that are on call for a possible snow session if a storm comes in…Maybe we need to start including some “Rainy Day Sessions” too! I’m sure we can find some fun places full of puddles and maybe even a bit of mud to play in!
Blooming Violet :: Fertilizer for Growth
This series of posts entitled “Blooming Violet” will take us through the journey of Violet transforming from a tragically abused dog into the mighty dog deep inside her. If you don’t know Violet’s story, she was a neglected Boerboel Mastiff that was starved, confined and dumped on the side of the road in Clinton, MD. She was so emaciated, she only weighed 56 lbs when she was rescued by Mutts Matters Rescue. Boerboel Mastiff females usually weigh between 150-200 pounds. Violet is currently in care of her amazing foster mom, Debbie Gertz, who specializes in caring for dogs in extreme cases like this. Donations toward Violet’s care and recovery can be made at the Mutts Matter Rescue website and regular updates on Violet can be found on the Saving Violet Facebook page. There is a $5000 reward for information leading to the arrest of her abusers.
Animal people are good people.
This statement may be short and simple, but it screams the truth. The people that care, support, and speak for our animals nourish my soul. I’m not trying to be too sappy here, but I truly feel that animal lovers are pretty much the best darned people on Earth and I have been so blessed by the many in my life. I am always in awe and inspired by their kindness and passion. This is why I love doing what I do…I get to meet these people and have them bring that good energy in my life. Time-after-time, I watch that karma flow and pass around full-circle.
The outpouring of those interested and supporting Violet is astonishing. Including you! You just took the time to click here and start reading about her latest progress. Violet has so many that care about her…You have liked, commented, sent letters and notes, donated, dropped off blankets, given gifts and food, organized donation drives and other fundraisers. It really is remarkable how much kindness and care that has been spread over Violet. A couple weeks ago, I took a picture of just SOME of the sweet letters, cards and notes that Violet has received. Wow, you guys sure are special people! You inspire me to keep telling her story and show her transformation. Thank you.
Speaking of good animal people…Violet got a special follow-up visit from Mutts Matter founder and president, Melanie Samet. Melanie has dedicated herself to rescue for over 20 years and left her job in the corporate world to form Mutts Matter Rescue. Melanie is definitely a spitfire…Such an amazing force and advocate for animals. I am in constant amazement on how much she can get done and her connections within the community. MMR has rescued and saved the lives of over 2000 dogs…usually dogs in hardship and neglect cases.
Violet is really enjoying being in the center of things and seeks attention. She loved joining in and getting to listen to all your notes and letters as they were read to her.
Violet continues to bloom. I told you last week you would be super surprised with how much she has changed physically. I see the most difference in her head. It has filled out so much! She no longer has such a sunken in look and sad eyes. It replaced with curious eyes with deliberate gazes and intention.
The camera angles can sometimes be deceiving though. She’s certainly gaining a lot of weight but she still has a great amount to go as you also can see.