Everyday we hear the importance of "giving back" touted. Some are relentless, some are in your face, some just silently do their part. Although I might not be the crazy version of these, I do think it is SOOO important to do what we can to give back. For some this may mean donating money, for others, their time....and there are countless places giving back can be done!

After a lot of thinking about a year ago, I came to the conclusion that although people are cool, my passion to give back would involve animals somehow. Then, I somehow came up with the idea to contact the local shelter, the Humane Society of the High Plains....and with one phone call, I began my giving back.

Although the pictures may not be (probably aren't! :-) ) the best and may have flaws, I don't care. This gives me the opportunity to go hang out with some awesome animals that need a forever family, and love any attention they can get. I could go on and on, but I shall spare you all....cause I'm sure you don't want to hear me ramble on for hours. Sit down and really, really think about what your style of giving back may be - and take action if you don't already.

Here are a few of the lovely ladies and the glamorous gentlemen from yesterday. All of these animals are available for adoption at the HSHP - give them a call at 625-5252 for more info! Also, if you don't have plans on Sunday, check out the Soup R Bowl, one of their annual fundraisers! Once again, check out their website or call for more info!

this was the sweetest kitty!



Aww.....sweet puppy eyes *swoon*



This is Huck, and although he's a little quiet, he's got a great personality! He wasn't too sure about the camera, but was a perfect gentleman. Huck is a member of the Lonely Hearts Club, which means his time is limited at the shelter - so if he looks like the dog for you, go check him out!!!




This is Bear, and he is a big, loveable sweetheart! He is also a member of the Lonely Hearts Club, so if you are in the market for a super sweet dog, go check him out!



This is Mali....a goofy puppy who I had a hard time narrowing down her pictures!




This kitty is just getting settled in, but would love to move in with you!

Labels: animals, dogs, giving back, humane society

After numerous emails back and forth, I was excited to meet the Gravers in person...and they exceeded all my expectations! What a fun family...and they are professionals at having family pictures taken. ;-) We even got a couple with the family dog (because hey, he's a part of the family, right?)

I really enjoyed meeting all of you!

Labels: animals, dogs, family, outdoors, portraits

In this day and age, good friends can be hard to find. But in Gus and Dally, Rusty has found some great and dependable companions.

Oh yeah...I guess he's got Jessica (his lovely wife and my good friend) as well! ;-)

All kidding aside, I had a great time capturing the great relationship between Jessica and Rusty, as well as their 4-legged family members as well.

Labels: animals, dogs, horses, portraits

I couldn't believe when an old friend reminded me her 3 year anniversary was coming up earlier this month....it doesn't seem like it should have been so long already! Yesterday I headed down to Heather and Erik's for some fun, outdoor photos. The weather was pretty nice but we were getting a bit cold by the time it was done!




This was a good excuse to get out their custom-made matching chinks!




Congrats on 3 years and counting!

Labels: animals, dogs, horses, portraits

First of all, let me apologize for not being a faithful blogger. Please don't flog me. I promise I'll try to do better in the future.

Phew, glad I got that out of the way! Because I have some pictures of a gorgeous senior to share!! I have known Steph and her mother, Susan, for many, many moons...way back to horse show days. So it was a bit of a pleasant surprise when I heard from them and was asked to shoot her senior pictures! It was an enjoyable afternoon as the wind wasn't gusting 300,000,000 miles/hour where we were (thank goodness!).

Here are a few sneak peeks of Steph's pictures!

Does she not have the most intense eyes ever?




Let me tell you, this was one of the sweetest dogs ever!


We had the campers at the campground next door entertained by our efforts to get ears up, no doubt.

Labels: animals, portraits, seniors

We just moved inside! Last night I had the honor of spending some time with the Jones family and it was awfully chilly for early September! We had planned to do some shots at their home, then move to the park or downtown for some more, but as life so often does, we were thrown a curveball. So we improvised! After grabbing a shot or 2 outside with their sweet dog, we headed into the warmth.









Thanks you guys! You were a lot of fun!

Labels: animals, family, portraits

On Friday afternoon I headed out to the HSHP again to catch some images of the incredible animals up for adoption. With the Humane Society's upcoming Garage Sale, Betty and I decided we needed some new images for the posterboard.

There are some truly amazing animals out at the shelter, and I encourage anyone who is thinking of finding a new family member to go check out the beautiful cats and dogs the society has to offer.

Here are a few of the sweeties I met:


Trixie is a beautiful Border Collie...I just love this dog! If I had room, I would have adopted her in a heartbeat!!



This beautiful girl was picked up by Animal Control and just came up for adoption



Just look at that adorable face!



Such pretty, intelligent green eyes....


Meet Ziggy, a pug mix who was surrendered.



This big ol' softy looks like he needs a lap to snooze in!


Don't forget to check out the Garage Sale at the Humane Society on Saturday, June 7th from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can give them a call at 625-5252 for more info.

Labels: animals

I had the pleasure of photographing Linda and her daughter Charlie, along with their furbabies Rydell and Raeger. I wish them both the best on the upcoming changes to their lives!!

A little bit of vintage and texture


Linda just obtained her Master's in Communication Studies from FHSU, which was also the setting for the session

Labels: animals, business, portraits

This week I headed back out the HSHP for some more furbaby pictures. I met some wonderful animals that I hope find a home soon! If you are planning on attending the Ladies Fair at the Holiday Inn coming up shortly, stay tuned, you will probably be seeing some images at the HSHP booth!

Labels: animals, personal

For the past few months, I have been searching for a way to "pay it forward", or give back in some way. There are many different organizations in existance that allow fellow photographers to do just that...such as Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep , which offers bereavement photos for grieving families, The Heart Gallery which offers portraits of children waiting for adoption, etc. etc. I decided to take off with the Heart Gallery idea, but put my own twist on it..I believe there is a need for good images of animals awaiting adoption. This is something that has become some important to me I'm not sure I can put it into words. These animals deserve just as much of a chance of finding happiness with a new family as purebreds bought from a breeder.
Once I decided what my project would be, I contacted our local Humane Society, the Humane Society of the High Plains After speaking with Betty, the lady with the answers, we decided to give it a shot.
I had a wonderful time meeting the animals in the shelter, and although it was emotional at times (I'm such a sap when it comes to animals!) I am so glad I've come upon this amazing opportunity to, in my eyes, make a difference.
Enough of my rambling, here are a few of the furbabies I met!

Labels: animals, personal