dane & dane rescue

Meet Nikki.

2006-11-28T09:06:00.000-08:00

Meet Nikki.

Nikki is a lovely brown tabby Domestic Shorthair. Her birthday is Feb. 2, 2006 which by my watch makes her a kitten still. Her last owners noted that she is good with cats, dogs and children of all ages. She was surrendered because the son in her family is still a little too young to play nice with kitties. Nikki is current on all her shots, as well as microchipped.

Nikki is a mover and a shaker! Not one to be in one spot too long, she skipped from one tall location to another, curious to see the world outside, as well as the world in every hidden corner of the studio!

Once we got her settled long enough to pet her, the purrrrr-motor started right up and she sunk into being loved. Nikki's earthy green eyes were constantly following sounds around the room.

Meet Dude.

2006-11-16T12:13:00.000-08:00

Dude lives up to his name! Eager to go where ever it is you lead, this guy is destined to be the ultimate companion. He is clearly still a puppy-- At all of 11 months of age, Dude is excited about EVERYTHING but quickly mellows when you spend a moment petting him, or ask him to sit for a biscuit.

I have to say that Dude was one of the easiest shoots I have had in ages. He sat on command, predictably performed the "adorable head tilt" and in yellow Lab fashion, casually hung out with Jeff and I like one of the gang.

Important to know about our friend Dude, is that he was released to the shelter for some escape maneuvers-- Seems he charged through a screen door to follow a playmate down the street. Dude is not a pet you can leave at home all day while you're at work- he will need a steady dose of attention, but in return, I promise you will have a solid gold pup!

Meet Gus.

2006-11-07T13:09:00.000-08:00

Gus is a spunky, handsome, energetic character! Zooming this way and that, he was barely in one spot long enough to pose (and if he WAS posing it was under or behind a random piece of furniture!)

Full of spit and vinegar, little Gus is a young wild man who loves to run, jump, dive and generally frolic. Athletic and curious, the kitten in him is very apparent. He has incredible markings and striking orange eyes. Gus is petite and very soft, and in between the laps around the studio he purred and purred for treats and petting.

He does play a little rough with claws-- Which should be a behavior he out grows as he continues to be socialized and nurtured, however, he probably isn't right for a home with young children.

Occasionally a talker, Gus is very aware of his surroundings- LOVES watching the rain on the window and enjoys bathing himself about every ten minutes :)

Meet RJ.

2006-10-31T21:50:00.000-08:00

Meet RJ. {UPDATE: RJ found a home! Joy!!}

Affectionately named "RJ" as in "Rommel Junior" after Candy's handsome canine (who he looks a great deal like)- this puppy arrived in a wee bit of a panic. I won't go into details to spare you the icky reality that Jeff and I faced when we opened the back of the van, but let's just leave it at: we had some cleaning up to do before our little model could debut.

Once all had settled, it became immdeiately clear that RJ, our Halloween subject, is a wonderful little pup who minds his manners and is very eager to learn and be loved. He is also very interested in treats and apples fallen from the tree!!
RJ is about 7 months old and is a Lab/Shepherd mix. He arrived at the Humane Society as a stray and has been a very good guest, but he's ready to go home with the right family... Are you them???

Meet Rosie.

2006-10-12T12:44:00.000-07:00

{UPDATE: Precious little Rosie has a home!}
(Jeff tries to coax Rosie into hanging out on the backdrop... She isn't so sure. Eventually we find out Rosie prefers the velvet *thank you very much!*)

Rosie is a striking feline. Soft coated, pink nosed and light footed, Rosie is a darling little kitty. Yet another I wish I could bring home. Originally Rosie was brought to KHS because of owner's allergies. Shortly there-after she was adopted and returned because she had a cold. She is all healed and ready to go. She is declawed on both front feet so that means indoor kitty only!

Her birthday is September 14, 2005 so she is just over one year old- and my how well she behaves herself for a kitten! She enjoys balls, squeaky toys, fake mice, string and paper bags. She can often be found sunning herself in the window or cuddling in the nearest lap. Two enthusiastic paws up for miss Rosie!!

Meet Mystik.

2006-09-28T10:09:00.000-07:00

Meet Mystik. {UPDATE: Mystik found a home!!}

Mystik with a "k" is one cool cat! Although clever enough to out-smart me in every step of my "trick the kitty into hanging out on the backdrop long enough for me to get a few shots" routine- She is nothing but love!

Jeff tells me she talked to him all the way to the studio, so she's a pretty vocal girl. She has a thick tortie coat and LOVES to be rubbed on her head and back (but who doesn't?) She also has a weakness for catnip, string, and looking out the window. Her previous owners, who had to release her because they were moving, said that she's great with children of all ages and other cats.

Her front two paws are declawed so she must be an indoor feline, she will make a great companion. As you can see she loves to be held (Especially by Jeff!!) She is about 4 yrs old and she is spayed. Isn't she the kitty you have always dreamed of??

Meet Celeste.

2006-09-22T11:27:00.000-07:00

Meet Celeste {UPDATE: Celeste was adopted today! }

Celeste is a darling little calico lady! Again, we don't know much about her because she was abandoned. She is very gentle and mellow. After checking out the studio for a few minutes, she settled on the floor under a table, in a lioness pose, just checking everything out.

She had an eye injury that she has completely healed from and otherwise seems quite healthy. She mews when you pick her up and cranks the purrr motor when you pet her.

Celeste is the first Calico we've had in the Pet of the Week program... She's quite lovely: Dainty and feminine. She has been at the Humane Society since July so let's find her a home ASAP!!!

Meet Taylor.

2006-09-13T20:14:00.000-07:00

Meet Taylor {Update: Taylor found a lovely home this weekend!} Taylor is a slight, sweet little thing. Purring from the second he emerged bravely from his kennel, Taylor seemed very comfortable with being approached and held. He made him self right at home and purred and purred away!! {and groomed himself...}

We don't really know anything about this little guy. He is thought to be about 1 1/2 yrs. old but it's hard to say for sure. He is a playful little guy: We learned that he LOVES catnip and as previously mentioned, he has quite the purring motor. GO visit him and hold him and you will be sold!

Meet Hershey.

2006-08-29T15:35:00.000-07:00

Meet Hershey.{UPDATE: hershey found a home in the beginning of October!}Well let's just say that when Hershey arrived at the studio he was already pooped out. That's all I have to say about that.

Hershey is a DARLING Australian Shepard/Akita mix. His birthday is 12-24-05 (which makes him a Sagittarius for all of you keeping track...) and true to his working dog heritage he is a spunky and intelligent 8 month old rascal! :) He has a very soft mouth and takes treats very VERY gently.

Hershey was released to the Humane Society because of a divorce. He seems to be a wonderful companion and his previous owners noted that he has been handled and held since birth. He is housebroken and is said to be great with children.

Hershey will make a great family dog as long as he is properly trained, exercised, and given a job to do. He is a very smart boy, and if left alone without company or stimuli, he will likely become somewhat destructive. I noticed during our shoot that he is very responsive to treats and verbal cues, so he is a very trainable guy. Jeff and I both enjoyed him a great deal and are confident this puppy and his adorable little cropped tail are perfect for a loving family!!

Meet Sweetie.

2006-08-22T18:44:00.000-07:00

Meet Sweetie.{UPDATE: Sweetie has a home!!}
Yet another black stray cat- At first Sweetie looked fairly generic... But it didn't take long for his winning personality to shine through his foamy blue-green eyes.
An eager talker and sprinter, Sweetie kept us entertained! He had little to no desire to sit for photos... Nor was he too keen on us walking towards him, but if we crouched down and stopped moving... He would run right over to us for petting.

A stray from the Port Orchard area, we don't know much about Sweetie, except that he is a neutered male, thought to be 2-3 yrs old and he's not a fan of dogs or other cats, so he is meant to live in a one-pet household. He does love to play- as we discovered when we teased him with a feather... And it is noted that he is a great with children.

Meet Sully.

2006-08-14T12:18:00.000-07:00

Meet Sully.{UPDATE: Sully finally found a lovely home in September!}

Sully is everydog USA. He looks to be a yellow lab mix, complete with soft floppy ears and a big ol' smile.

An eager treat eater, Sully can sit, stay, dance and just about anything that you ask of him- as long as you deliver the biscuit!! He's a very friendly
5 year old boy who was found as a stray in port orchard. In addition to being a cookie connoisseur, Sully is a fiend for the stuffed toys (they are just SO fun to destroy!) He loves to play with tennis balls and loved to give kisses, and he is a talk talker!

Meet Ember.

2006-08-01T17:25:00.000-07:00

Meet Ember (the lioness).{UPDATE: Ember was adopted the moment she arrived back at the shelter thanks to some sweet talking from Jeff- nice work team!}

Well I am going to keep this brief, because beating Angel's record for quickest adoption, Ember was adopted before I could even write these words. When Jeff returned her to the shelter from the studio- He met woman who was wanting a cat, and after some words from Jeff, Ember was the one she chose! Way to go Jeff!

So I will just say that there is another kitty at the shelter that could be Ember's twin- Her name is Cinder, and she is still available for adoption. Enjoy this weeks safari with Ember the lioness :)

Meet Victor.

2006-07-25T19:47:00.000-07:00

Meet Victor.{UPDATE: Just 2 days from these photos... Little Victor got adopted! :)}
Victor is a very friendly kitty. Snuggly and a bit clumsy, he wandered around the studio floor in search of a hand to pet him. Because he is a stray, we don't know much about Victor, but he is thought to be a little over a year old. When he arrived at the Humane Society in May, Victor was injured but has since made a full recovery.

Victor is a relentless cuddler and drools like crazy for the catnip. He has stellar yellow eyes which, during our shoot, were constantly directed towards the next treat.

It is recommended that Victor go to a home with no dogs.

Meet Angel.

2006-07-18T16:24:00.000-07:00

Meet Angel {UPDATE: The day after our shoot, Angel was adopted, YAY!}

...And what an angel she is! After a couple-week break from the pet of the week program to accommodate the holiday and scheduling conflicts, we are back with a bang, or should I say, a Dane.

Angel was a very pleasant surprise for me this morning. Not that I don't immediately adore every furry thing I meet, but Danes are just different. Angel, by the way, is an exemplary Dane at that. Jeff reported that she doesn't even pull on the leash! Who knew that was possible!?

Angel is 5yrs old and was released to the Humane Society because her owner developed health problems. She is very well trained and very sweet. Angel knows "sit", "stay" and "shake" and she is a talker!! I didn't give her the treat in a proper window of time and she told me so! (a short desperate whine just like my Olivia does!) haha

In the grand tradition that is "Great Dane" Angel is a couch potato- although we had to coax her onto it, I think in her previous home she was not allowed on the furniture. Here, Jeff sits next to her to keep her comfortable.

Angel has clearly been well loved. She is microchipped and up to date on her shots. She is crate trained and has been free fed, and she loves "car rides, squeaky toys, stuffed toys, and outdoor activity. Angel is also a barker (most Danes are) and although she is available for adoption, Angel can't quite leave the shelter's care yet because of a hernia that is not quite done healing.
Angel is looking for someone to take her in for the last half of her life- Preferably a home where she's the one and only-- I mean really, how can you resist a face like this???

Meet Chucky.

2006-06-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

Meet Chucky. {UPDATE: Chucky was adopted July 13}

Well, lets start with the name. Chucky was previously known as "Ducky"- However, he was adopted after only a week at KHS, and went to live with a nice family who just happened to have... Ducks! Well, "Ducky" thought the ducks were ducky indeed, and his prey drive kicked in and sure enough- the ducks ceased to exist. Ducky, upon his return to the Humane Society for his hunting instincts, was aptly renamed "Chucky".

Chucky is a great cat. Between his incredible brassy-carmel colored eyes, his bobbed tail and his excellent purrrrr he won both Jeff and I over.

Chucky was a stray, so we don't know much about him. He is very handsome and loving. He is a sucker for ear and chin rubs. He has a beautiful, thick orange coat that is currently shedding for summer. He is very gentle with his paws, and when I picked him up, he wrapped his feet around my arm, but without claws.

Chucky just purred and purred as we continued to photograph those incredible eyes... Chucky is another one of those kids I wish I could bring home with me, but I just don't think Olivia would approve :) He would make a great "barn kitty"- just as long as he gets his daily dose of lovin!

Meet Tucker.

2006-06-20T17:12:00.000-07:00

Meet Tucker.{UPDATE: Tucker was chosen to participate in Purdy Prison Partnership. They take animals and work with them to increase their adoption. Tucker was adopted July 10th}

Tucker is a very cool dog. All smiles, this 3yr old Shepard mix is eager to please, and well trained. He obeys sit, stay, down, come, and even roll over. He is a treat lover (who isn't) and he is very sweet.

Tucker was apparently released to the Humane Society because he has a good time chasing cats, and he has a fair amount of "separation Anxiety". His previous owners stated that he would climb their 5' fence to escape, but he has not attempted this maneuver while at KHS. He is certainly a people lover, and is very friendly to children, strangers and every dog he meets. Seems like he would the the PERFECT dog for someone who didn't want to just leave him at home all day. However, he is crate trained and microchipped.

Tucker might be the most cooperative little KHS model I have had the opportunity to photograph! He is very obedient and listens carefully to any instructions that come his way. He also loves to be rubbed all over... And his "one ear up & one ear down" is nothing short of completely endearing. I even got the impression that Jeff (who has had Shepards in the past) REALLY wanted to take him home!

Meet Cuddlebug

2006-06-14T18:37:00.000-07:00

Meet Cuddlebug. {UPDATE: Cuddlebug was adopted July 10th}

True to name, this little guy is a love! Although he is shy when not in your immediate attention, and prefers to take his time getting to know his surroundings, Cuddlebug is a purr machine!

Curled up under the warm soft-box, Cuddlebug was very pleased to remain there, photograph after photograph-- Soaking in the praise. Normally I would change-up the backgrounds a little, but he seemed VERY content to remain, and so, remain he did.

We don't know much about this boy except that he is a neutered male who is a few years old. He has a very sweet sort of monkey face when he looks straight at you... He has a triangle-shaped head and long tabby fur. At one point he mewed a bit, but all in all, aside from the generous purring, he is a quiet kid.

Meet Bean.

2006-06-08T21:04:00.000-07:00

Meet Bean. {UPDATE: Bean found herself in a wonderful home this weekend 6/18!!}

Bean was both polite and delightful! Although it was clear that she REALLY wanted to take a run in the big beautiful grassy field outside (who wouldn't!?) Bean was a wonderful subject! Eager to be near me and scarf cookies.

Her paperwork says she is a Husky mix, but we are pretty sure she is part Suluki. She sure photographs like she has a bit of yellow lab in there some where too! What we do know is that she can sit, stay, lay down and "crawl". It seems that Bean was brought to the Humane Society for nipping when people got too near to her food... I saw no signs of aggression when I was working with her and treats. Perhaps it depends on the setting. Bean is now an enrollee in K9 College and she has all the makings of a wonderful pet but it is recommended that she not go to a family with children under 6 years old.

Furry 5K: Sunday, June 11th at Seward park!

2006-06-05T13:36:00.000-07:00

Come check out the Furry 5K, a benefit for Seattle Animal Shelter. You will find me wandering with my camera or lingering near the CityDog Magazine Booth.

This is a great chance to pick up a copy of the summer issue of CityDog which features my cover: a photo of "bear" the boating black lab. Also you will find my "Bow-Wow to Stern" article covering all the basics of boating with your dog! On page check out my photo of lovely editor Brandie and her adorable side-kick Scout celebrating the one year anniversary of CityDog Magazine... CONGRATULATIONS!! Also included in this issue is a brief bit about National Dog Day. See you on Sunday!

"Join us for The Seattle Animal ShelterÂs 7th Annual Furry 5k Fun Run and Walk!

Sunday, June 11, 2006 in SeattleÂs Seward Park

* 8:15 - 9:45 AM Day-of-Race Registration Race Packet and T-shirt Pick-up for Pre-Registered Participants
* 9:00 AM Pet Product Expo opens (South Lawn)
* 10:00 AM Runners Start
* 10:10 AM Walkers Start
* 11:15 AM Awards Ceremony & Amazing Dog Tricks Competition (South Lawn)

The Furry 5k raises money for the Help the Animals Fund, which provides veterinary care and supplies for sick, injured or abused orphaned shelter animals. The Seattle Animal Shelter takes in nearly 8,000 animals from annually. Of those, many receive the lifesaving care they need thanks to the generous donations of individuals and companies. The HTAF is an integral part of saving lives with annual veterinary expenses of approximately $100,000, every dollar raised counts! "

-copied from Furry 5K site-

KHS PetsWALK 2006

2006-06-03T20:57:00.000-07:00

Kitsap Humane Society PetsWALK was an amazingly enjoyable event! Thank you to all the hard working staff members and volunteers who made it happen, and of course, the sponsors. We loved meeting dogs, cats, goat and ferret from all over Kitsap County and beyond.

Also, thank you to all who visited our booth: We thoroughly enjoyed photographing your furries and look forward to our next event. Don't forget your portraits will be available for pick-up at KHS on Saturday, June 10th.

Now, some fun moments from PetsWALK...

Meet Blackberry.

2006-05-31T20:25:00.000-07:00

Meet Blackberry.{UPDATE: Blackberry, whom I like to refer to as the "Pirate Cat"- Was adopted on Thursday (6/7) and will have a very loving home from now on!}

This little fella is a handful of personality. At 10 or so years old, he has lost nearly all of his teeth. This doesn't keep him from showin off his toothy grin or from eating dry food (we hear he sucks on it)

Blackberry has wonderful coloring and very soft tabby fur. His eyes are a crystal-clear green and he seems to enjoy being held. This kitty is fearless when it comes to the canine factor... Olivia the Great Dane was right outside the studio door for most of this shoot, and Blackberry wanted nothing more then to meet her!

This wonderful boy enjoys catnip as much as the next guy, and is looking for a place to live out his days, spoiled and happy. He's very sweet and will make an entertaining companion.

Meet Jeremiah.

2006-05-24T15:23:00.000-07:00

Meet Jeremiah. {UPDATE: Little Miah was adopted over the weekend (6-3). Congrats to his lucky new family!} Well Jeremiah made his arrival known. Jeff reported that he was very talkative on the ride to the studio, and true to form, Jeremiah was mewing when I opened the door to his kennel. Almost immediately after his "release" from his cage, he quieted. His first stop was the door... To watch and listen to the world outside.

His second stop, was my lap.In fact, the only "trouble" I had with little 'Miah was that he wouldn't leave my lap! This was perhaps the most affectionate kitty I have met through KHS. Aching for pets and rubs Jeremiah followed both Jeff and I closely, clinging to our legs and hands.

We don't know much about Jeremiah except that he was a stray from Bremerton. He is thought to be between 1 and 2 yrs old, but he acts very much like a kitten. He has a very thin frame with silky-soft fur and giant round feet that he has yet to grow into. He is an ideal little pet, and it was ALL I could do not to bring him home myself!

Meet Thora.

2006-05-21T15:48:00.000-07:00

Meet Thora. {UPDATE: Thora was adopted almost immediately after our photo shoot!}

This tiny little 6 month old wiggle machine is quite a sweetheart. She was a little scared of the camera at first, but once she had a good sniff of it, she settled right in. Eager for treats Thora was a very pliable portrait subject...

We don't know much about Thora because she was a stray... But she was recently diagnosed with Demodectic Mange. Demodectic mange is caused by a microscopic mite that is present in most puppies. Mites are transferred from mother to pup. For most dogs, this condition is gone after their immune system strengthens (between 6-18 months). Because of her skin condition, Thora has some hair loss around her eyes, but all in all the naked eye would never know that she had any abnormality.

Thora responds well to commands like "sit" and "off" and is eager to play. She has a tiny frame that will likely become a perfect mid-size dog. She is thought to be a lab-pit bull mix. Her big brown puppy eyes are deep, alert and begging. I hope dearly for this little one that we can find someone out there who can care for her skin disease until she grows out of it and show her the warmth and love of family.

Meet Lynn.

2006-05-10T19:42:00.000-07:00

Lynn is an amazing girl. Full of energy, but still polite; Incredibly smart yet very obedient. I am dumb-founded to learn that Lynn has been at KHS for several months.

Lynn is very friendly. She greeted me with licks and smiles. She walks very nicely on the leash... And she waited for me to open the door to the studio and walk in before she trotted in behind me. Eager to please she sat and looked into me, as if to say "I am not sure why I am here, but you seem nice, what can I do for you?"

In addition to sit, stay and "beg"

and despite her strong "cookie drive" Lynn can very precisely balance a treat on her head and then catch it on your word...

Released to the Humane Society as a "digger" Lynn needs a job to do and someone to love her while she does it. As a Rott/Shepard mix she is too smart to be left in the backyard all day alone. Think you are in the market for a great, well-trained, friendly, socialized dog? Lynn is your girl!

Meet Isis

2006-04-25T14:30:00.000-07:00

Meet Isis.{UPDATE: Sadly Isis is the first pet from Operation Portrait PAWsitive that we have lost. Shortly after her time at the studio, Isis became very aggressive with KHS staff, and combined with her failing health, it was concluded that she wasn't fit for adoption. I mourned this beautiful lady... But she will always be remembered here.}

When this little white bundle arrived silently at the studio, she didn't have a name. A stray from the Bremerton area, this shy Siamese kitty won me over the second I glanced through the door of the kennel to see her piercing blue eyes. In honor of those ice-colored eyes, combined with her Siamese heritage and her sandy fur, I chose the name "Isis"~ I can just see her beautiful face painted in a hieroglyphic on some ancient tomb.

Little Isis is very shy. She was so eager to stay in her kennel that I ended up building her a little shelter to hide in while I photographed her. While watching her watch me, I realized that it is very possible that Isis doesn't see well. Her eyes scan quickly back and forth in the direction of sound or smell~ It could be that those beautiful baby blues of hers have been reduced to more decoration then function. This handicap would explain her extreme shyness.

More then any other feline I have met thus far through Operation Portrait PAWsitive, I wanted to take Isis home. She has some hair loss on her back end and although she has beautiful markings, her fur is course from malnutrition. I realized fairly quickly that it was more important to give Isis some love, then to get her portrait, so I spent a great deal of time petting and speaking to her... This TLC paid off and she actually purred.

Isis is thought to be about 2 years old. It is clear that she has had a hard life and is in great need of someone to nurse her back to health. She very much enjoys being scratched behind the ears and on her neck and she also likes to be held. I know there is someone out there looking to be the one Isis learns to trust and love... She is certainly a beautiful creature, more than worthy of a chance.