This week's pet photography theme is "Gift" - and as I write this blog post I think of a couple of ways to interpret this particular theme.  First, I was given a gift when I first received a camera so many years ago.  Now, I am using my gift of photography to help dogs looking for homes.  The last several weeks have been a bit of a blur between taking photographs for dogs looking for homes and doing home visits to meet people interested in adopting a dog.  The second gift, is telling the story of each dog as we meet and greet to get some portraits in hopes of helping them find their homes.  I think more importantly though, the biggest gift is spending time with each of the dogs I meet and enjoying each dog as we learn a bit about them.  Of course, the dogs are being generous with their time too - by letting us get photographs of them (always a two way street).

This week we photographed Phoebe for the second time.  Phoebe is a young female dog looking for a foster home or even better a permanent home.  She has been with Maxx and Me Pet Rescue for over a year now.  How do I know? Well, I met Phoebe for the first time on the day before Christmas Eve last year. Yes, it was December 23, 2019 - and this poor gal is still looking for a home that isn't a boarding facility.  She is a little timid with people at first, and she doesn't like every dog she meets.  But then, do you like every person you meet?   Today, she wandered around in the room as we set up our cameras, lights and got everything situated to start today's shoot.  We let her do her own thing, giving her some time and space of her own.  I know that being in front of cameras is a bit scary as I have done it myself.  Here's Phoebe - perhaps she will find her home this year.

Our second dog is Roy.  Roy's story is a little sketchy but he is a sweet boy.  A medium size hound dog (look at those ears!) who came into Maxx and Me Pet Rescue after being tied up in a back yard - without a name.  They called him "Boy".  Anyway, I am not sure, but perhaps he flunked out of hunting and then was resigned to spend time in the back yard.  During our photography session, Roy was the perfect gentleman.  He was attentive, willing to pose, curious but not destructive and loves playing with the other dogs in the play areas.  Roy didn't mind being petted, he enjoyed the attention and hopefully he will find a forever home soon.

Our last dog is Colt.  A purebred Husky - big and beautiful.  Colt came into Maxx and Me Pet Rescue after starting his journey at the local county shelter here in Hillsborough County, Florida.  Apparently Colt had a little run in that left him needing surgery on his face.  If you look close, you'll see a little scar - but he is all healed up now.  A young man had Colt and was unable to keep him. He asked for help on social media when the rescue stepped in to help.  Huskys are beautiful - but they do like to roam based on my experience (jumping fences is probably within the realm of the breed as well).

If you or someone you know might be able to help any of these dogs - please let them know to check with Maxx and Me Pet Rescue (https://www.maxxandme.org/) or check out their Facebook page.  All of these dogs are currently in boarding at Mutt Meetup in Odessa, Florida (https://themuttmeetup.com/)

That's it for this week's pet photography blog.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Kylee Doyle Photography, serving pet parents in the greater Sacramento area.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).