An out-take from a holiday shoot with my own cats from a few years ago.

Big One tends to be the most cooperative one of the bunch. All it takes is a string and she's good to go.

UPDATE: Dozer, the black and white kitten has found a home!

Due to a badly mangled leg, this little kitty had to have an amputation.  She’s healing nicely, learning to get around on three legs and may already have a home.

These three boys are from the same litter.  Yes…even the little orange kitty.  He’s lagging way behind his brothers.  He has a condition called megaesophagus which causes him to regurgitate his food.  It’s a tough condition for such a little kitty.  His future is still a bit uncertain.

His brothers on the other hand are healthy, active, happy kitties hoping for a wonderful home.

The orange kitty preferred cuddling with Sarah over playing.  He’s such a little lover boy.  We’re hoping he starts to show some improvement and will eventually be healthy enough for adoption. 

Anyone interested in adopting a kitten or one of the adult cats in our adoption center should contact Pinellas Animal Hospital at 727-546-0005.

Last night we celebrated two family birthdays.  Nikon had a chance to play with his new cousin Mare.  The two of them played non-stop for hours.  They provided the entertainment for the evening.

Nikon also managed some time with the guys watching the football game.  The verdict is out on whether or not he was happy with the birthday hat.

I recently shot a submission for a Popular Dogs magazine issue on Huskies.  I had a great time with these dogs.  They are simply beautiful!  My thanks to all the wonderful Husky models who posed for me.

This one might be my favorite.  I love the dog sneaking into the frame on the left.

After regular studio portrait sessions, I often take advantage of having everything set up to do some personal work.  After the recent session with Dollar (the beautiful Husky above), We decided to shoot a few photos of a little rescue kitten being fostered by my assistant Sarah.  He’s was still being bottle fed when we made this photo, as evidenced by the dried milk around his mouth.

I also took advantage of the opportunity to photograph Sarah.  She had been telling me how awful she looks in photos.  I thought I’d prove her wrong.

I was at an SPCA meeting and happened to find myself in a conversation with the wonderful woman that’s in charge of adoptions.  We were talking about the upcoming fundraising event (Animal Affair, Night of the Unleashed-see below), when I thought I’d just check.  I asked if she had any Chihuahua puppies I could borrow.  I didn’t expect her to say yes.  She did.  Dang…what a surprise.  We arranged a pick up time for the following day.  In the meantime, I mentioned the puppies to my mother.  I explained how they were rescued from a puppy mill in Georgia.  She decided she might like to see them and possibly adopt one.  Long story short, she adopted them both (It was actually my father’s idea.  He couldn’t bear to split them up.) They were fantastic puppy models! We had two great shoots and  tons of fun.  I’m looking forward to many more photo sessions with these two little girls.

Here they are……….

That's Venus on the left and Athena (Thena for short) on the right.

Here they are meeting Nikon for the first time. It was love at first sight (He has that effect on the ladies!).

A little fun in the late day sun.

Dhelia, my parent's resident cat and Queen Bee is adjusting. Still, she has to make sure they know who's boss.

She was never far away during our shoot. I think she fancies herself the supervisor of everything.

Some of my cats-top left is Button.  She’s getting old and has some health issues. She’s hanging in there.  Top right and bottom left is Little One.  I used two photos of her since she rarely lets me photograph her.  It could be months, even years before I get her in front of the lens again.  Bottom right is TC. I can always count on him to ham it up.

My sister’s dog Matisse decided to get in on the action as well.  Matisse doesn’t get along that well with other dogs but she adores cats.  She mothers them.  When my sister took in two very young stray kittens, Matisse immediately assumed the role of mother.  The kittens started nursing and Matisse started lactating.  It was amazing.  Even now that the kittens are grown, Matisse remains their protector and disciplinarian.  Poor Matisse was hurt and bewildered when none of my cats allowed her to exert her maternal will.

Oh yeah…I started out reporting on the rug shoot.  Here’s my sister Michelle, her dog Matisse, and her recently completed rug.