Ottawa

Amazing Autumn Photo Sessions

September 25, 2018

My favourite time of year. Truly. Is it yours?

This is a beautiful time to have photos taken of your pet! Even though I now live in Pakenham, I have various locations to use around and in the Ottawa area.

Although most clients are dog owners .. I welcome ANY pet for a session. Provided you can safely have them on a harness, I would gladly shoot any animal.

My promotion this year includes an annual donation to Sit With Me Shelter Dog Rescue, a beautifully framed 16 x 16 canvas for your wall and 5 digital files. The digital files are large enough for printing up to 8 x 12. This offer includes up to three dogs. There is no set time for the session, we go for as long as I feel is needed for you to be excited and satisfied with your collection.

Dates and times will be determined based on our schedules, I’m flexible during the week but keep in mind that best light is getting earlier and earlier, so weekends might work best. Leaves will start to change more rapidly in the next two weeks, I’m always watching and ready!

Contact me today to reserve your spot!

Jump! Duck! Run!

July 23, 2018

On June 16th I volunteered for Sit With Me Rescue and AROO (Aussie Shepherd Rescue of Ontario) at Jump! Duck! Run! It's a great day of agility, games and obstacles courses that you do with your dog. Participants could buy tickets for events and a quick 'photo session' with myself was included.

It was wonderful to meet and photographed over 40 dogs, with their owners. Thanks to all who participated at Dogz Canine Sports Centre (what a great venue!) and raised funds to help support those two local rescues.

Fall Photo Sessions 2017!

September 16, 2017

That beautiful time of year is around the corner! Here are the details for Fall Photos sessions:

20 minute sessions
11 X 14 print with 16 X 20 mat - ready for a 16 X 20 frame!
5 digital files
Up to 3 dogs
Family welcome (5 humans maximum)

I have several dates and locations. If you are interested, contact me for booking and I can provide further details and scheduling.

The session cost is $275, like previous years, I will donate $100 from each session to Sit With Me Rescue.

Sit With Me is an Ontario-Quebec foster-based rescue that focuses on the most at risk dogs in local shelters. Dogs are placed in foster homes to rest, decompress and help transition into a normal family life. I have volunteered to photography their adoptable dogs for over 4 years and I can't describe how great it is to see dogs given the opportunity for another chance at LIFE. Like with many rescues and local Humane Societies, revenue streams fluctuate, donations fluctuate. At the moment, Sit With Me has many dogs that need immediate medical attention or need an experienced foster home. When no foster homes are available, some dogs are placed at boarding facilities for assessment and care. These places, although thankful they are available, can cost a lot of money if the dog is not able to move within a short amount of time.

I am very happy to be able to help raise funds for this amazing rescue. One that is evolving, learning and trying to make lives better for hundreds of dogs a year. If you were ever considering having a photoshoot of you and your favourite furry family member .. get in contact with me today and let's make some memories!

Cats of Istanbul

March 13, 2017

The Bytowne Theatre in Ottawa is showcasing a movie this week called 'Kedi'. Another cat lover friend of mine sent me the link and it reminded me so much of all the lovely cats I saw while visiting Istanbul.

A description from the official website:

"Hundreds of thousands of Turkish cats roam the metropolis of Istanbul freely. For thousands of years they’ve wandered in and out of people’s lives, becoming an essential part of the communities that make the city so rich. Claiming no owners, the cats of Istanbul live between two worlds, neither wild nor tame — and they bring joy and purpose to those people they choose to adopt. In Istanbul, cats are the mirrors to the people, allowing them to reflect on their lives in ways nothing else could. Critics and internet cats agree — this cat documentary will charm its way into your heart and home as you fall in love with the cats in Istanbul. "

If you are in Ottawa and love cats, you should definitely go see this film!

2016 Fall Mini Session

September 03, 2016

After the success of last years sessions, I am please to be offering the same this coming Autumn. Like last year, I will be donating $100 from each session to Sit With Me Rescue.
We have several medical cases, which cost a lot of money monthly. Without ongoing donations from the public, these dogs would not have the chance to have a healthy + happy second chance.

I feel we can help contribute to their well being!

Are you looking for great photographs of your pet and would like to help out some dogs in need at the same time?

Sessions are short but SWEET. A central location in Ottawa. I have 4 dates available, these will vary depending on the fall foliage report for the Ottawa area.

All you need to do is contact me with your preferred date. The time of these shoots are between 11am - 3pm. A week after the shoot, I will send you a direct download link to 10 images. They are full resolution, printable up to 8X12 inches. I will also provide a web sized friendly version and a 5X7 magnet of your FAVOURITE shot.

Contact me today to book your session and help some dogs at the same time!

Some current Sit With Me dogs that require care

Gertrude

Gertrude came into rescue and not long after it was clear that she was unwell. After a couple trips to emergency, Gertrude was diagnosed with an insulinoma. This is a tumour found in the pancreas which secretes insulin causing Gertrude's blood sugar to drop extremely low. Gertrude has been seen by specialists and the best course of action to give her as long and happy life as possible at this point is medical management. Gertrude has started chemotherapy in conjunction with steroids to try and shrink the tumour and lessen the effects. So far, Gertrude is showing us resilience and bravery through her ordeal. Tail is always wagging and she is always looking for the next person to smother with her kisses. Chemo is about $400 per month and her emergency visits with specialists was about $3,000.

Aubrey

Aubrey came into rescue as an expected palliative dog. Her original vet exams before arriving in care revealed a large mass close to her uterus. However, once in care and after having settled in to her foster home, Aubrey went for a check up with our vets and the mass was gone! There is still a lot of unknowns with Aubrey and further tests to go through however, it seems at this point that the original mass felt might have simply been some inflamed and swollen tissue due to a hormone spike (heat or false pregnancy?). We should know more about what Aubrey's future hold in the next couple months!

Ben

Ben is 8.5 years old and came into rescue suffering from luxating patella's in both knees. Given the size of our boy and the pain these luxating patella's created, surgery was decided as the plan of action. Ben had his first knee done and the surgery was a full success. He will be having his second knee operated on very shortly. Cost of a surgery like Ben's is $2,400 per knee.

Arlo

Arlo is a gorgeous and sweet hound mix. At 5.5 years old, he is suffering from anal fistula's which are very difficult to treat. Ben has been followed by a dermatologist since March and we are still working on resolving his issues. Cost of Ben's monthly medication is $200 and he also has his dermatology consults and specialized tests which add up quickly.

Naya

Naya broke the heart of everyone in rescue when she arrived in care after being thrown out of a car. Naya's femur was broken and needed surgical correction to give this little girl some relief. Once her neurological symptoms from brain swelling due to being thrown out of a car resolved, Naya headed off into surgery. She also had a mammary mass removed which unfortunately came back malignant. Naya is currently undergoing chemo therapy (she's half way done and has had no side effects! Yeah!!!) and once this is done, her prognosis for her living a much longer life will look great! Naya's surgery cost $2,500 and her chemo treatments cost about $300 each.

Elliose

Elloise was surrendered by her family after she suffered and embolism causing her to loose function in her back legs. Since coming into rescue, Elloise has improved tremendously but has not regained full function of her back legs. To ensure Elloise stays healthy, she required hydrotherapy (doggy swimming!) twice a week. Elloise is hoping to find a forever home to call her own very soon where she can continue her swimming adventures with her family.

Cash

Cash has got to be the sweetest, cuddliest dog in town! But we knew early on when her arrived in rescue that something was a bit off with him. Extreme thirst and frequent urination lead us to the diagnosis of diabetes insipidus. Cash requires monthly medication to control his diabetes which costs about $100/month. Today, Cash is a normal dog who enjoys a great life! Out in search of his forever home who will love him to bits.

Matata

Matata is a senior pom who came into rescue with his best friend, Hakuna (another pom!). Matata suffers from heart disease but was also suffering from a very painful and infected mouth. After having had him in care for a couple months, it was decided to have Matata undergo anesthetic to take care of his rotting mouth (anesthetic is always risky but especially in senior dogs with heart issues). Leaving him suffer was just not an option. A dental of this magnitude is quite expensive and costs anywhere between $800 and $1,500. Matata will need life-long heart medication and is also being followed for a bladder stone which might need surgical intervention as well. With Matata, we are committed to giving his the best, pain free life possible for as long as possible.

The Weims | Avi & Tuya

August 30, 2016

Avi & Tuya are two beautiful Weimaraner sisters. From tree planting adventures in northern Ontario, finding bunnies in the backyard to bike 'walks' with their dad, they have a full life with a great family.

Lola & Smokey for adoption - Standard Poodles in Need

August 28, 2016

This is Lola and Smokey. They are two LOVELY poodles currently available for adoption through SPIN (Standard Poodles in Need). Although this rescue is based out of the greater Toronto area, one of their co-founders, Paula, found out about me through HeARTs Speaks' Photographer listings.

Name: Smokey
Age (years/months): 11 Years 4 Months
Name: Lola
Age (years/months): 10 Years 8 Months

Smokey and Lola are an amazing pair. Friendly, cuddly, energetic! Smokey is just about the most handsome standard poodle we've ever met! Due to a death in the family they find themselves in search of a place to retire. Since they are a bonded pair, we're looking for that special home, willing to take them both and love them unconditionally.

Smokey and Lola are friendly, happy, house trained. They will chase a squirrel or a rabbit if given the chance! Though they are 11 and 10 years old, they have a lot of life in them and are just looking for the perfect place to retire.

Please contact, via email, Standard Poodles in Need for more information on this bonded pair.

Canvases for sale

June 07, 2016

I currently have 3 canvases for sale from my exhibition at the airport last year. If you are local to the Ottawa area we can arrange for delivery.

Mer Bleue Bog panoramic canvas$300.0063 inches W x 18 inches H x .75 inch DLarge panoramic photo wrap canvas of Mer Bleue Bog in the Ottawa's Greenbelt. — Mer Bleue Bog panoramic canvas
**$300.00**
63 inches W x 18 inches H x .75 inch D
Large panoramic photo wrap canvas of Mer Bleue Bog in the Ottawa's Greenbelt.

Parliament Hill in the fall canvas$160.0029 inches W x 18 inches H x .75 inch DPhoto canvas of Parliament Hill. White border. — Parliament Hill in the fall canvas
**$160.00**
29 inches W x 18 inches H x .75 inch D
Photo canvas of Parliament Hill. White border.

Cormorants in Bic National Park, Quebec canvas$160.0029 inches W x 18 inches H x .75 inch DPhoto canvas of cormorants jumping off a rock in Bic National Park, Quebec. White border. — Cormorants in Bic National Park, Quebec canvas
$160.00
29 inches W x 18 inches H x .75 inch D
Photo canvas of cormorants jumping off a rock in Bic National Park, Quebec. White border.

and then there were 37

September 15, 2015

In the past 2 months, Sit With Me has unexpectedly taken in 5 litters of puppies. This is incredibly taxing on so many people so please continue to read and perhaps you can help?

The first litter came in July. They are now known as the Minion Litter. There are 5 in total, 3 males and 2 females. They no longer have a mother, she died during a trip with the previous owners and the pups were only days old. They were brought to a shelter who couldn't take care of the puppies for weeks, around the clock, so they reached out to Sit With Me. The pups are now 7 weeks old and are split into two foster homes whom live close to each other for play dates. These puppies had to be fed with formula, burped and cleaned every 2 hours. A lot of work!

The second litter comes in early August and is the Pokemon litter. These pups as well, have no mother. She didn't die but she did maul one of the pups when they were only a couple of days old. The mauling was severe and the owner felt the pups weren't safe. They were surrendered to a shelter whom, like the other shelter, had no resources to hand raise the puppies. There are 5 in this litter, including the mauled puppy. She sadly has had to lose both her eyes but is in good hands and has incredible will to live and fight off the infections she's endured. Currently the injured pup and a littermate are being fostered by a vet tech. The other 3 are together with a foster home.

The third litter is Marion's puppies. Marion was a pregnant Boxer whom was picked up as a stray. She gave birth in the shelter and needed to be moved fast. Sit With Me found a foster spot within their volunteers so they made the several hour journey to pick her up with the puppies. Marion had 6 puppies and even though she was pretty scared when she first arrived, she has settled in and is being a good mother to her pups.

The fourth litter are 10 puppies that were left in a cardboard box, in an alleyway. Completely abandoned they were discovered, picked up and brought to the local shelter. These puppies were 2 days old. Blind, deaf and completely helpless. A massive call for fosters was made internally. After 3 days in a home with a SWM member (with round the clock feedings, and cleaning of 10 hungry and stinky bums, 4 foster homes were found and the pups were split into groups. They are currently being taken care of by dedicated foster mums who probably have lacked a bit of sleep this week.

The fifth litter is Emma's litter. Emma was left at a shelter by her previous owner .. very pregnant. Sit With Me organized a foster home (unsure of how many puppies she had) for her and last week she gave birth to 13 puppies. Yes, 13. Sadly 2 didn't make it .. despite the efforts of two SWM members. However there are 11 beautiful puppies with incredible colouring and markings. Like all the other litters, they are mixed breeds and unknown at this time. Emma is being a fantastic mum, like Marion, and has her own space at her foster home where she can sneak away for a puppy break.

So .. lots of puppies. There are 37. Currently Sit With Me has reached out to many pet stores across Ottawa to provide drop off locations for donations.

Love Your Pet in Kemptville
Barrkhaven in Barrhaven
Global Pet Foods Kanata (Eagleson Road)
Global Pet Foods Hintonburg
Chew-That in Riverside South
Chew 'n Do in Manotick
Pet Valu in Elm Vale Acres
Pet Valu in Orleans on Innes Rd.
Healthy Pets HQ 420 Bank St. - Downtown.
Cricket & Company - 21 Murray St. -Downtown
Carleton Place Veterinary Hospital 120 Coleman St in Carleton Place

Here is a list of items they are currently looking for. If you have something that might be appropriate to donate, you can bring to any of the places above and just say it's for the "Sit With Me litters'

puppy pads
cans of puppy food (ie.Wellness puppy or any mousse like puppy food)
high quality puppy or all stages kibble (the pet stores listed above can help suggest great brands).
crates (24" long or greater)
baby wipes
grocery store gift cards (natural homemade baby formula is pricey)
paper towels
laundry detergent
gentle cleaning supplies
safe chew toys for puppies.
new small soft polar fleece blankets

Financial donations over $20 receive charitable tax receipts (paypal or email transfer to sitwithmerescue@gmail

Sit With Me's 3rd Birthday

August 16, 2015

Sit With Me Shelter Dog Rescue had their 3rd birthday today at Laroche Park in Ottawa. It was great to see so many people come out and help support our rescue group who has so many volunteers behind the scenes. Volunteers whom mostly all work full time jobs PLUS helping save the lives of dogs with no time left in our local shelters. There were activities for people and pets and Chuck Desjardins Photography was taking professional photos for the afternoon. A BBQ with meat from the Manotick Butcher, loot bags, Crazy Beautiful Collars and much more. Here are some photos of the very, very hot afternoon. The park had many mature trees throughout so people and pooches could cool down, which was very nice as well as a bit of breeze here and there.

I had two of my previous fosters show up, Robyn and Wylie and it warms my heart when these reunions happen. Many dogs I have photographed in the past have been adopted but there are still many more that are waiting.

If you are considering adopting a dog, I ask you to consider Sit With Me. Check out their Facebook page for their ADOPTABLES album and see if there is someone in there that might suit your lifestyle.

YOW Gallery

November 04, 2014

From today until mid January, I have some photographic collages on display at the YOW Gallery at the McDonald Cartier International Airport. They are located at Gate 14 in the Departures lounge.

I decided to showcase some of my favourite travel images. Destinations were for Dublin, Amsterdam, Prague, Budapest, Romania and Turkey. There is also a panoramic image from Mer Bleue.

These canvases are 24" X 36" (1.5" depth) and are available for purchase for $350 each.

If you're flying out of Ottawa in the near future, check them out. :)

Project 52 - Rural

April 11, 2014

This weeks challenge is last weeks opposite - rural. I needed a new leash because my last foster dog, Nico, chewed my lovely, strong leather one. I was looking for one that clips around the waist as I have a repetitive strain injury on my right wrist/arm and for walking the dogs - I thought it would help. I decided to drive past the airport to Riverside South and check out a great pet supply store called Chew That. They are wonderful with helping out rescues and they have a full stock of toys, kibble, leashes, beds, raw food (picked up some yummy chicken necks for the pack) and tons more. I was really happy to help support a local business (they just celebrated their 1 year anniversary) and if I was going to buy a new leash from anyone, I would rather give them the money than a chain store.

I found the leash I needed and decided to take a back road home, south of the airport. The road was full of washboards so I took it slow and down the road on my left there as this old abandoned barn. I decided this was where I was going to come back and do this weeks theme. After having purchased Zack Arias' new One Light video, feeling inspired, I set out with one of my dogs to get the shot.

Although it didn't turn out exactly the way I had hoped, I was alone and found it very challenging to get Pete in place, not moving, yet shifting back into spot, re-adjusting, shooting, adjusting and trying again. There was a slight breeze and with a 60" umbrella .. it was tipping. I have yet to buy some sort of sandbag system so I quickly dragged an old tire in the field and propped it up against my light stand. It did the job but boy .. was this a cumbersome shoot. At least with one other human I would have a set of hands and someone who speaks english. :)

Click over to Blue Amrich Studio in Boston, MA to see her 'rural' post.

Project 52 - Urban

April 04, 2014

This weekly challenge was 'Urban'. I decided to bring Jorja down into Ottawa's Byward Market and get her to pose. She was excellent, even with all the city distractions. My boyfriend assisted me as official dog wrangler - always with safety in mind (especially with a busy Sussex Street behind her)
I had him help place her leash for the least photoshopping as possible in post.

I used a Westcott softbox on the left, 580ex flash and fired with my Pocket Wizards. It's a combination of shots: long exposure for the light trails and one for Jorja, layered & masked in Photoshop.

Thanks for visiting, please click along and visit greater Cincinnati's Carol Locey Photography to see her Urban submission.

Jenny Bear

August 09, 2013 in Dog Rescue

Three weeks ago I got a call from a friend at Sit With Me Shelter Dog Rescue. They wanted to pull a dog that they had already assessed but they didn't have a place to put her. It was a rather dire situation and I have never had a problem being inconvenienced in order to help a dog in need.

A couple of hours later the new addition shows up. I remember when she first jumped out of the truck that she looked like a big, fuzzy bear. We set up her crate and bed in the office and proceeded to do our introductory walks with my other 3 dogs. Both my Canaans were excellent with her. My little Indian dog was a bit of a grumpy old man - but he's not old, he's 4. You get the idea. I named her Jenny and fell in love with her immediately.

She is a very calm yet playful dog. She loves going for walks and watching the world go by through the living room window. I took her to an agility open house and she did great. She is super friendly with EVERY dog she meets and she loves to lean into you for cuddles.

Tonight, as I write this, I'm getting ready to drive out to Barrhaven to bring her to her *hopefully* forever home. I uploaded a photo of Jenny on Facebook over a week ago and an old coworker saw it. She heard her parents were thinking about getting a 2nd dog for their older dog, as a companion and she immediately thought of the dog I posted about.

The wonders of social media.

They read up about her and told their daughter all I could about her. So they filled out an application for Sit With Me and I got a message this week that we are doing a trial adoption. I have ZERO doubt they will change their mind. Everyone who meets this dog is smitten by her.

So .. so long Jenny. I'm so happy your life was saved. I'm so happy you came to me. I'm so happy you have found your forever home, I hope. Miss you.

Take the Plunge

June 14, 2013

This weekend is Take the Plunge in Ottawa. Although I won't be attending
the event, I will be scooting in for a few minutes in the morning to take a picture of another Sit With Me foster pooch.

This event is always a laugh and the dogs and owners have such
a great time.

Details

Saturday, June 15 & Sunday, June 16th
Carlington Park - 941 Clyde Avenue

From the Take the Plunge site:

Take the Plunge is a fund-raising event jointly organized by Genesis Dog Rescue, LOYAL Rescue, New Beginnings Pet Rescue and Sit With Me Shelter Dog Rescue. Our mutual goal is to increase community awareness of Ottawa-based rescue groups and to raise much-needed funds to assist the animals in our care. We hope you can come out and have an amazing time while supporting this worthy cause.

I've included some images that I took in 2011 .. great times.