Max still needs a lot of work, consistent guidance of how to be a calm, respectful companion. When he feels he’s not getting enough of your time, he resorts to nipping, and knows the sensitive spots to get! Ouch. But he’s also really easily redirected to an appropriate outlet, like a tug toy, or bone to chew.
We are also working at leash reactivity (as he’s likely not been on a leash – and given a leash correction ever before) and needs a lot of work to understand that these new rules and boundaries will be good for him.
Now.. all of that sounds like a lot of work, and it is, but he’s got so many amazing qualities, that the effort we put towards him is paid off tenfold. He is a professional snuggler. Grade A cuddles. Waking up in the morning to him digging his head into your neck just to be as close to you a possible, is a dream. With the right handler, and consistent obedience work, he has the disposition to potentially volunteer as a therapy dog. Some dogs need jobs to do to be truly happy. Max’s job: to ensure his humans meet their snuggle targets every day. His main motivation is not food, it’s affection. Hearing “good boy” and getting all the pets is his life goal, and he’s getting really good at figuring out how he gets one.
He will be up for adoption soon with @teamdogrescue and we will shed tears to see him go. (Can we get signed snuggle visitation rights??)
Say hello to Max! This big 110lb cuddle bug is one of @teamdogrescue latest dogs that will be available for adoption soon. We are fostering him, and doing some training with him to prepare him for his forever home! You’ll be seeing a lot more of him in the next little while. I am so excited to show this beautiful boy off. π
Happy birthday to my sweet Abby! She turns 6 today, and gets spoiled rotten. Donuts, apples, PB, yogurt, berries.. the works. She’s considered a senior now, because of her arthritis and weak back legs, but shes still a pretty feisty senior and we love her to death. π
Car rides are the perfect thing on a sunny day! Wind in your hair, smells in the air! ππΆ
Car rides are the perfect thing on a sunny day! Wind in your hair, smells in the air! ππΆ
This is how we tried to cut nails today.. except all it did was make her terrified to eat peanut butter. π€¦ββοΈ After about 6 nails cut, she flat out refused to go near the wall, even after the clippers went away and I went to the basement. 6 nails is still a success in my books though.. we’ll try again another day, and hopefully she’ll forget that she’s afraid of pb. #doganxietyproblems #nailclipping #peanutbutterwall #snacksbeforedinner
The wild beast has captured her prey. She does it for the thrill of the hunt, as she’s already captured her frozen chicken dinner entree earlier in the evening.
#isolation #cabinfever #covid
I’m here on Locke street taking free Santa photos! Come on in to the old Brown Dog Cafe and say hi to the jolly ol fella! Dogs and kids are welcome!
Majestic. It’s hard watching her age lately, seeing her hips and legs give out but still see her mind wanting to run full speed and play. I’m forever thankful to have all the photos I do have of Abby. My sweet girl will turn 5 in October, and I love the dog she’s grown into. ππ
Let me get a little personal today. The past year or so have been very difficult, as I battle with anxiety and depression. I see “national dog day” go by and feel bad that I have neglected my passion and business and haven’t posted much. But then I remember that while I heal, I’m spending a lot more time with Abby, and it’s like every day is “national dog day”. She is my protector, my muse, my laughter, my strength, and my healer. I do think I’m getting closer to picking things up again and putting myself out there once more, but for the moment I will enjoy my healing journey. π Happy belated dog day! ππΆ
When Maisie’s momma contacted me, she knew they didn’t have much time left together. We got together and I enjoyed Maisie’s company, got sweet kisses and captured her spirit. Later that night, Maisie said goodbye and continued her journey, free from seizures, discomfort and illness. I am so honored that I got to share one of Maisie’s last days and forever grateful that I could receive love from such a beautiful, spunky, little dog. Susan, my heart is with you, know that Maisie knew more love and care in her short time with you than she likely ever had before.
Are you kitten me?!? I could have played with these kittens all day. Seriously love my job.. just pay me in kitten snuggles. π
#kittens #kittensofinstagram #whitecat #kitty #petportraits #petphotography
Mental health self care: spend more time outdoors getting your hands dirty. This is our vegetable garden this year! Tomatoes, peppers (hot and bell), cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, chives, onions, cucumbers, basil, lettuce, radishes, carrots, beets, squash, raspberries… Phew! Although my wonderful spouse did almost all the hard work, I have been enjoying all the positive energy by growing and tending a productive garden. Plus, eating food you grew yourself is just really awesome.
Mental health self care: spend more time outdoors getting your hands dirty. This is our vegetable garden this year! Tomatoes, peppers (hot and bell), cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, chives, onions, cucumbers, basil, lettuce, radishes, carrots, beets, squash, raspberries… Phew! Although my wonderful spouse did almost all the hard work, I have been enjoying all the positive energy by growing and tending a productive garden. Plus, eating food you grew yourself is just really awesome.
Mental health self care: spend more time outdoors getting your hands dirty. This is our vegetable garden this year! Tomatoes, peppers (hot and bell), cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, chives, onions, cucumbers, basil, lettuce, radishes, carrots, beets, squash, raspberries… Phew! Although my wonderful spouse did almost all the hard work, I have been enjoying all the positive energy by growing and tending a productive garden. Plus, eating food you grew yourself is just really awesome.
Mental health self care: spend more time outdoors getting your hands dirty. This is our vegetable garden this year! Tomatoes, peppers (hot and bell), cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, chives, onions, cucumbers, basil, lettuce, radishes, carrots, beets, squash, raspberries… Phew! Although my wonderful spouse did almost all the hard work, I have been enjoying all the positive energy by growing and tending a productive garden. Plus, eating food you grew yourself is just really awesome.
Mental health self care: spend more time outdoors getting your hands dirty. This is our vegetable garden this year! Tomatoes, peppers (hot and bell), cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, chives, onions, cucumbers, basil, lettuce, radishes, carrots, beets, squash, raspberries… Phew! Although my wonderful spouse did almost all the hard work, I have been enjoying all the positive energy by growing and tending a productive garden. Plus, eating food you grew yourself is just really awesome.
Mental health self care: spend more time outdoors getting your hands dirty. This is our vegetable garden this year! Tomatoes, peppers (hot and bell), cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, chives, onions, cucumbers, basil, lettuce, radishes, carrots, beets, squash, raspberries… Phew! Although my wonderful spouse did almost all the hard work, I have been enjoying all the positive energy by growing and tending a productive garden. Plus, eating food you grew yourself is just really awesome.
Mental health self care: spend more time outdoors getting your hands dirty. This is our vegetable garden this year! Tomatoes, peppers (hot and bell), cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, chives, onions, cucumbers, basil, lettuce, radishes, carrots, beets, squash, raspberries… Phew! Although my wonderful spouse did almost all the hard work, I have been enjoying all the positive energy by growing and tending a productive garden. Plus, eating food you grew yourself is just really awesome.
Mental health self care: spend more time outdoors getting your hands dirty. This is our vegetable garden this year! Tomatoes, peppers (hot and bell), cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, chives, onions, cucumbers, basil, lettuce, radishes, carrots, beets, squash, raspberries… Phew! Although my wonderful spouse did almost all the hard work, I have been enjoying all the positive energy by growing and tending a productive garden. Plus, eating food you grew yourself is just really awesome.
Mental health self care: spend more time outdoors getting your hands dirty. This is our vegetable garden this year! Tomatoes, peppers (hot and bell), cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, chives, onions, cucumbers, basil, lettuce, radishes, carrots, beets, squash, raspberries… Phew! Although my wonderful spouse did almost all the hard work, I have been enjoying all the positive energy by growing and tending a productive garden. Plus, eating food you grew yourself is just really awesome.
Mental health self care: spend more time outdoors getting your hands dirty. This is our vegetable garden this year! Tomatoes, peppers (hot and bell), cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, chives, onions, cucumbers, basil, lettuce, radishes, carrots, beets, squash, raspberries… Phew! Although my wonderful spouse did almost all the hard work, I have been enjoying all the positive energy by growing and tending a productive garden. Plus, eating food you grew yourself is just really awesome.
BOOP. A cute dog makes any day a better day!β β β β β β β β β
***β β
β β β β β β β
After months of being away from the camera looking after my own mental health, I come back to the familiar feeling of finding joy, love, wonder, and adventure through photos of dogs! Dogs, especially challenging dogs like my Abby, teach you so much about strength, leadership, dedication, perseverance, trust, patience, kindness, and most of all love. β β β β β β β β β
****β β β β β β β β β
β β Meet Keva. Black dog stigma is real. Bully breed stigma is even harder. Keva is a sweet girl that just needs someone to guide her, show her how to be her best dog-self, someone to set boundaries and rules, someone to love her how she needs to be loved. Keva, like my own Abby will challenge you to be a better person. She will make you proud, make you strong, and then snuggle into you with appreciation. If you want to give Keva her best life, contact @hammercitypaws
β β β β β β β β β
#hamiltonphotographer #hamont #petportraits #petphotography #dogsofhamilton #shepherdsofinstagram #dontbullymybreed #antibsl #endbsl #dogtraining #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedog #adoptdontshop #rescuefosteradoptshare
BOOP. A cute dog makes any day a better day!β β β β β β β β β
***β β
β β β β β β β
After months of being away from the camera looking after my own mental health, I come back to the familiar feeling of finding joy, love, wonder, and adventure through photos of dogs! Dogs, especially challenging dogs like my Abby, teach you so much about strength, leadership, dedication, perseverance, trust, patience, kindness, and most of all love. β β β β β β β β β
****β β β β β β β β β
β β Meet Keva. Black dog stigma is real. Bully breed stigma is even harder. Keva is a sweet girl that just needs someone to guide her, show her how to be her best dog-self, someone to set boundaries and rules, someone to love her how she needs to be loved. Keva, like my own Abby will challenge you to be a better person. She will make you proud, make you strong, and then snuggle into you with appreciation. If you want to give Keva her best life, contact @hammercitypaws
β β β β β β β β β
#hamiltonphotographer #hamont #petportraits #petphotography #dogsofhamilton #shepherdsofinstagram #dontbullymybreed #antibsl #endbsl #dogtraining #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedog #adoptdontshop #rescuefosteradoptshare
BOOP. A cute dog makes any day a better day!β β β β β β β β β
***β β
β β β β β β β
After months of being away from the camera looking after my own mental health, I come back to the familiar feeling of finding joy, love, wonder, and adventure through photos of dogs! Dogs, especially challenging dogs like my Abby, teach you so much about strength, leadership, dedication, perseverance, trust, patience, kindness, and most of all love. β β β β β β β β β
****β β β β β β β β β
β β Meet Keva. Black dog stigma is real. Bully breed stigma is even harder. Keva is a sweet girl that just needs someone to guide her, show her how to be her best dog-self, someone to set boundaries and rules, someone to love her how she needs to be loved. Keva, like my own Abby will challenge you to be a better person. She will make you proud, make you strong, and then snuggle into you with appreciation. If you want to give Keva her best life, contact @hammercitypaws
β β β β β β β β β
#hamiltonphotographer #hamont #petportraits #petphotography #dogsofhamilton #shepherdsofinstagram #dontbullymybreed #antibsl #endbsl #dogtraining #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedog #adoptdontshop #rescuefosteradoptshare
Let me tell you about these photos.. first, both these adorable pups are up for adoption. @hammercitypaws but the other thing is that they represent fairly well how I’ve been doing the last few months. I suffer from anxiety and depression, and I’ve needed some time away from the camera, trying to focus on getting myself feeling better. The past few months have been incredibly hard, and I’ve needed a lot of self care. Meditation, being in nature, spending time with my family, and also therapy. The first photo of Hobo, I feel like he’s just silently enjoying the moment. I need more of that kind of peace. The second photo is how I’m trying to feel less: anger, sadness, etc. (although the teeth photo is actually just a silly face Cole makes while trying to get peanut butter off the roof of his mouth!)
Let me tell you about these photos.. first, both these adorable pups are up for adoption. @hammercitypaws but the other thing is that they represent fairly well how I’ve been doing the last few months. I suffer from anxiety and depression, and I’ve needed some time away from the camera, trying to focus on getting myself feeling better. The past few months have been incredibly hard, and I’ve needed a lot of self care. Meditation, being in nature, spending time with my family, and also therapy. The first photo of Hobo, I feel like he’s just silently enjoying the moment. I need more of that kind of peace. The second photo is how I’m trying to feel less: anger, sadness, etc. (although the teeth photo is actually just a silly face Cole makes while trying to get peanut butter off the roof of his mouth!)
An airborne Myles! Our last big snowfall of the season, it was able to get out with Myles for a shoot. He loves snow and his humans love golf, so where better than the golf course!
Let me tell the story of your dogs best day ever! #petportraits #dogsofhamilton #hamont #hamiltonphotographer #fempreneur #bossbabe
Taking a selfie with two miniature ponies doesn’t always go as planned…. #selfie #petportraits #hamont #petphotography #omgponies
Are you looking to add a new friend to your family? Come down to @sharplesgardengallery and meet all the pups up for adoption through furry family animal rescue!
I’m here at @sharplesgardengallery until 4pm taking photos with the Easter Bunny for Furry Family Animal Rescue! Come meet some sweet pups up for adoption and also check out the craft table and support rescuing more dogs! Don’t forget to pick up beautiful plants from the greenhouse!
There are certain places that just light up her soul. Running around the golf course has to be tops. Even if it’s freezing rain and someone keeps interrupting for a photo shoot! π
#photographermom #dogmom #boerboel #hamont #hamiltonontario #icestorm #weather #winter #february #fempreneur #ladyboss
Ohh hey Richard! Nice bow tie π
What do I do on ‘days off’? We brew beer! Today’s brew is a vanilla oak stout. 4 weeks from now will be the most delicious winter stout! #homebrew #stout #grainbed #mashin #mashout #vanillaoakstout #breweasy #allgrainbrew #winterstout #hamont #hamilton #beerphotography
Super excited that Sheldon, Spencer and Sasha came to visit me today for photos! We’re here until 4pm, come out and support @hammercitypaws and get Christmas photos with Santa and the grinch!
Donations to the photo shoot today go towards @hammercitypaws and help dogs like Spirit. She’s come from a rough place and believe it or not she’s only 2 years old. She’s up for adoption shortly.
Photos with the abominable snowman today @sharplesgardengallery we have the grinch as well, so come on out! I’m here until 4.
Print big beautiful prints of those you love! I cannot stop staring at this stunning 20×30 framed canvas of Abby.
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I am so proud of our goofy girl, this week I have been leaving her alone for 4 hours every day. She’s been doing so well by herself, while I am out working (pre Christmas shoots are booking up quickly!) She’s come a long way, from not being able to be alone even for 5 minutes, to now over 4 hours! I could not be any more proud of how far we’ve both come, she’s a good peanut.
#printsmatter #printwhatyoulove #family #petportraits #petphotography #wallart #canvasart #hamont #hamiltonontario #boerboel #maybeineedbiggerprintsofthenephewstoo #