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!

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

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!

This family-friendly event is being held at Fetch (2303 Kennedy St. NE, Minneapolis) on Saturday, December 5th from 11am to 4pm. Just bring unopened dry or canned food for dogs or cats, and help them reach their goal of 10,000 pounds of pet food! If you don’t have food to bring, you can purchase some at the door. There will be cookies, photos with Santa, free holiday gift bags, and over a dozen vendors (including me!) It’s really going to be amazing event, and if you’re in the area, I hope you can make it!

If I had the space, I would totally be a crazy cat lady! Please adopt these guys before I do

Here’s a couple of the cats I met at the shelter…. (note: two of these cats are in cages because they were recently brought in and getting some tests and surgeries done before moving in with the other cats)

The Animal Ark also has a thrift store in St. Paul that generates about $60,000 per year for the shelter, the animals and their care. I’m big on thrifting anyway, and it’s good to know where you money is going, plus they have some really good finds in there!

A quick note about this girl….she was born without half of her brain, and while she could walk a bit, she mostly could only spin in circles

There are so many wonderful and loving animals here, and they need continuous help to keep up with food, vet care, cleaning and employees to give them the exercise, socialization and love they crave. For more information on sponsoring an animal, donating, or any way you’d like to help, contact info@homeforlife.org