Sarah Beth Photography » minneapolis pet photography

giving back | Rescue of the Month 2010

sarah — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 02:59:50 +0000

I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, and finally figured out how I want to do it. Each month of 2010, Sarah Beth Photography will be donating 10% of every Pet Session Fee to a different local animal rescue, shelter or advocate. I have some favorites in mind, but if you have any suggestions for who should be a Rescue of the Month, I’d love to hear them…. I’ve got 12 whole months to fill!

Since my last session of 2009 was a rabbit, January is going to kick off the year by giving to the Minnesota Companion Rabbit Society. I’ve had a couple sessions so far already, so keep them coming! Tell your friends and family about this simple way to help give back to your community. And, if you feel so compelled, please make an additional donation to the Rescue of the Month, or any other nonprofit that catches your heart.

**UPDATE** Ok, I’ve got every month filled for 2010 AND most of 2011! Giving Back will be an ongoing program, so keep the suggestions coming! I have my favorites that will be featured the same months every year and I’m excited to see who YOU want me to give back to as well. Let’s work together to provide awareness and support for the many rescues, shelters and organizations who have done and continue to do amazing things for homeless, abused and neglected animals!

petland protest | people against puppy mills in minnesota

sarah — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 21:26:44 +0000

I participated in my first ever protest this morning! Minnesota is among the top producers of puppies in the nation, yet Minnesota has no State laws to regulate the dog and cat breeding industry. Petland is a known reseller of puppies and kittens from inhumane mass breeders. This type of retail encourages the mass production of puppies and kittens, where thousands of adult dogs and cats are kept caged their entire lives to be bred repeatedly. Purchases at these type of stores must decrease for business behaviors to change. Consumers must become aware of the problem. Protests help create awareness.

A friend and I bundled up and drove down to Shakopee to stand for an hour in the cold in an effort to help raise awareness about puppy mills and Petland’s policies. I was only there for a couple of minutes, when a family pulled up in a car and asked what was going on. Another protester gave him a short rundown of why we were there, and they were very surprised. They honestly had no idea that this type of thing goes on.

Education is the most powerful tool in sparking change. Many people don’t even know about puppy mills, and many who do aren’t taking action against them. I’m guilty of it myself. I see the Kathy Bauck stories on the news (it’s practically in our backyards) and I know that these conditions exist, but I’ve never done anything about it. I think I’ve always had the “what can I do?” mentality, coupled with the “someone else will take care of it” laziness. I didn’t know how to help, and never took the time to find out. When I heard about this protest, I felt compelled to participate. To add one more voice to the cause. Did we make a difference? I like to think so. We had many people slow down, read the signs, honk, wave…. I guarantee that family who stopped is now at least thinking about it, and aware of it. Will they take any action? Who knows. Maybe they tell a friend who tells a friend who feels compelled to come to the next protest.

I encourage you to check out the Animal Folks MN website or the Humane Society’s Stop Puppy Mills website and learn what you can do to make a difference. Maybe it’s as simple as reposting the information to your friends and family. Maybe you make a sign and stand up with others who share your beliefs and goals. Maybe you write a letter to your local lawmakers and congressmen. Educate yourself, and “Think occasionally of the suffering of which you spare yourself the sight.” – Albert Schweitzer

Another good informational website: prisonersofgreed.org

Click here for he Animal Ark’s listing of commercial breeders in Minnesota, and to read other people’s experiences.

A story from wcco in 2008 about Kathy Bauck. Complaints have been filed against her since 1996, and it wasn’t until December of 2009 that she had her license taken away.

Another great informational website: Companion Animal Protection Society

willie {dutch rabbit}

sarah — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 03:32:31 +0000

Nine year old Willie was the proud winner of a Gift Certificate I donated earlier this year to the Minnesota Companion Rabbit Society. He was my very last session of 2009, and I couldn’t think of a better way to end this year. I love photographing dogs, but it’s so exciting to photograph the more unusual creatures! From turtles to ferrets to geckos to rats to sugar gliders to rabbits, I love them all, and this year I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to shoot them. {photographically speaking, of course}

This has been an amazing year of growth for Sarah Beth Photography, and I owe it all to you, my awesome clients, colleagues and friends! I’m very excited to start 2010 off with new session and product offerings, ideas and tools to make your client experiences smoother and {hopefully} more fun, continued and expanded efforts to help local animal rescues and shelters, plus tons of energy and love to pour into my work!

I’m off for a few days…. on a real live vacation! {it’s been a while} Dustin and I are heading up to a cabin in Lutsen {read: luxury log mansion in the northwoods} with 8 other wonderful friends for food, drinks and relaxation to ring in the new year.

With Willie’s images, I bid you adieu…. see you next year!

keith + trycia + roxy

sarah — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:40:46 +0000

I was excited when my good friends from Pampered Pooch wanted to throw a scarf on Roxy, their {gorgeous} Bernese Mountain Dog, and take some Christmas photos! It’s so great meeting other young business owners, helping each other out and having them on your side. These guys have been amazing. If your pup needs some great daycare while you’re at work or a place to stay while you’re out of town, this is the place to go. And, no lie, Gracie got the best haircut she’s ever had from their groomer.

benson + mischief

sarah — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 01:59:48 +0000

Mischief is a very pretty Beagle who recently got a new baby brother: Benson the French Bulldog! They both enjoy daycare at Pampered Pooch and getting pets for being cute. Little Benson is so stinkin’ adorable, and Mischief has got some moves…. I definitely had a blast with these two in the studio!

gavin {minneapolis newborn photography}

sarah — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:39:14 +0000

Christmas came early for Gavin’s family! This handsome little peanut was born on December 8th, and he did a great job at our session!

Can’t forget the very tolerant big brother…..

bob {marley}

sarah — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 01:52:54 +0000

Bob is the snuggliest, muppet-y-est, big bundle of puppy I’ve ever met. He’s also the first Puli I’ve seen in real life! He was so sweet and such a good boy, but his amazing amount of black black black fur made for a challenging session. He soaks up so much light, the only paper that worked well was black. BUT I’m super excited to give him another go in an location session! Hopefully get those dreds flowing in the wind….

Yes, he does have eyeballs…. can you find them??

duke + ruby {black and tan coonhounds}

sarah — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 01:36:05 +0000

Duke and Ruby were a total blast in the studio! These two have very expressive faces that go from stoic to happy to ridiculous in seconds. This will be a long post…. there were just so many good ones! This first one is Ruby.

And in true Coon Hound fashion:

This is her big brother, Duke. Who says dogs don’t smile?

The two of them together cracked me up!

joan + joy

sarah — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:46:14 +0000

This was a special session that Joan’s friend got for her as a gift. Joan and Joy, her Black Lab, have been together for many years. Joy is her rock, her best friend, and has saved Joan’s life on more than one occasion. Joy is a Service Dog. She lets Joan know when her blood sugar is low and when she’s about to have a seizure. She places herself under Joan to break her fall, stands firm to help her up, and stays by her side day and night.

I came into this session knowing that Joan is on Hospice, and doesn’t have much time left. I had no idea I would be meeting such a vibrant, funny, happy woman. She was so blessed having Joy come into her life, and her eyes lit up with every story she told of her. She told me that Joy was her gift from God, and taking these photos gave her something wonderful to look forward to. Their bond is palpable, and it’s easy to see that both of them are very loved. I could have stayed and talked for hours.

Joan helped bring me back down from the crazy, hectic schedule I’ve had these past months, and reminded me that what I do has real value. Not value in a monetary sense, but value in creating lasting memories for people like Joan and her family and friends. It was an honor to meet you, Joan. I hope that you and Joy find each other again some day.

need last-minute gifts ideas?

sarah — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:40:37 +0000

If you’re still looking for a special gift for the dog-lover in your life, please consider purchasing a Dogs for a Cause: the Pets of Cathedral Hill Calendar! They’re just $15, and the entire amount will go to Walter’s Wish, helping inner-city Latino kids get to college. They’re currently accepting cash or check only. Checks can be made out to Walter’s Wish and sent to: 120 Arundel St., St. Paul, MN 55102.

Another great idea is a Sarah Beth Photography Gift Certificate! These can be purchased in any amount, and if you don’t have time to wait for the mail, I can send you an e-certificate to print out at home. Contact me to get yours today!

Don’t forget to check out some of my local Twin Cities friends for more great gift ideas!

Stray Dog Arts – custom painted portraits of your pets, plus art prints for you AND your dog!

Cosmo’s Collars – handmade, high quality dog collars (Gracie has hers on right now!)

Bone Adventure – fabulous boutique pet store with locations around the metro

Mod Dog – modern silhouette prints of breeds (both dog and cat!) plus jewelry and pet id tags

Stunt Puppy – gear for the active dog and owner – innovative leads, collars and boots

You could also get gift certificates for doggy daycare at Pampered Pooch, or for doggy-doo pickup from Scoopy Poo.