Category Archives: Photography

Sweet Trinity

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It is with a heavy heart that I bring you the news that another beautiful doggie soul I met through my 100 Pets Project has been lost. Trinity (Pet #34) lost her battle with an undetermined illness on February 17th at the age of 13.

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Trinity & Trevor

I knew the minute I saw Trinity at the Southland Off Leash Park in Calgary that I wanted to meet her and get to know her a little better.  She just had a special way about her in the way she walked and the spark in her eyes.  It was obvious she and her person Trevor had a special relationship; just the way they looked at each other and interacted showed their close connection.  Needless to say Trevor and his girlfriend Fay are devastated by their recent loss. I am so glad they contacted me and I was able to provide them with a collection of photos of their special girl.

Trinity, full of spark!

Trinity, full of spark!


I also thank Trevor and Fay for their kind words about my project and the fact that I have been able to help them navigate their grieving process. Their contact has gotten me revitalized to start my project up full force again as I had recently let it fall to the wayside behind other matters. Their words made me remember why I started my 100 Pets and The People They Love photography project in the first place; I so appreciate their encouragement.

Here are some favourite words a very good friend of mine shared with me when I lost my dog Mo. I would like to share them with Trevor, Fay, Trinity and anyone else who has lost a dear pet; they are adapted from the book,The Art of Racing in the Rain:

“After a dog dies, her soul is released into the world around us. Her soul is released to run in the world, run through the fields, enjoy the earth, the wind, the rivers, the sun, the woods.”

Trinity has been released.

I am not lonely. I am not afraid. I am still yours.

I am not lonely. I am not afraid. I am still yours.

Coach & Dexter

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While I was wandering around Spruce Meadows at the Alberta Kennel Club Summer Classic a couple of weeks ago, I stopped to watch a very interesting Agility competition being held by NADAC (North America Dog Agility Council). It was different from other agility competitions I have watched, I was intrigued. There were dogs of all breeds, purebred and mixed, and people of all ages. The courses were different from your regular class seen at competitions, and the rules & regulations different as well. I saw two beautiful Dalmatians in the ring doing a Hoops, Tunnels & Weave Pole course. Speed wasn’t their secret weapon but accuracy was. I was lucky to meet Sandy and her two stunning boys, Coach & Dexter.

Sandy-with-her-beautiful-boys-Coach-&-Dexter

Sandy with her beautiful boys, Coach & Dexter

Coach is the black and white Dally and Dexter the liver spotted.
Coach

Coach

Dexter

Dexter

I liked the less rigid rules of this competition and the interesting classes (might be something Tashi and I may try one day). Sandy, Coach and Dexter are pros at this and after watching them compete you just know they all love it. Come on over to the 100 Pets and Their People page to read their story and see them in action.

Molly & Mark

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Well, well…such a LONG time between posts. My biggest excuse is the flooding here in Southern Alberta and the fact that most of the parks and woods I frequent have been devastated by the flooding. Of course it hasn’t been safe to walk in these areas for awhile (still isn’t in some cases) with all the debris and contaminants flowing through but we’ve had more that a few heavy rains and that has helped. Southland Dog Park in Calgary is far from being repaired enough to walk, such a shame.

Mark-and-Molly-watching-each-others-back

You Watch My Back While I Watch Yours

I was happy to meet Molly and Mark out at the Black Diamond Off Leash area last week. We were out surveying the damage, as were they. Molly is such a sweet, happy girl. She didn’t want to sit still at first to pose for a photo, and who could blame her with all the new smells and changes to be explored at the park. Eventually she sat and was happy to pose with her person, Mark. Click here to meet them both.
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Molly In Profile (love that floppy ear!)

Charlie & Baffin

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Well, well…it’s been a little quiet on the 100 Pets and Their People project front and I apologize for the silence but I’m back to introduce you to a new, incredibly adorable pup, by the name of Baffin, and her person, Charlie.

Charlie-and-his-dog-Baffin

Best Buddies – Charlie & Baffin

We met at Southland Off Leash Park in Calgary and for the first time it wasn’t me who initiated the conversation about my project. Although Charlie didn’t know exactly what he was getting himself and Baffin into, he asked if I was the woman who was documenting dogs at the Park and wondered if I’d met his. I don’t think being wrangled into the photos too was what he had in mind, but nevertheless he was a good sport and gladly posed with Baffin for me and we chatted for quite some time. Baffin is a terrific dog, full of energy and enthusiasm.
Baffin-the-dog-and-her-person-Charlie

What a Happy Pup!

One of my dogs, Tashi, found a good smell and started digging a hole which Baffin gladly agreed to help out with, and…took over the task. You can see by Tashi’s face that she wasn’t quite sure what to think about the assistance and gave me a “mom….do something about this!” look.
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My dog, Tashi Supervising Baffin

Tashi-and-Baffin

“Seriously Mom, it was my hole first!”

It was a real pleasure to meet them both and add them to our project. Check out their full story here.

Because the stories and photos from my Project are growing I have decided to divide the project into several pages so Baffin and Charlie, being Number 36, are on the newest Project page for Numbers 36 through 70.

Thanks for being patient and for stopping by! Cheers, Sheila

Zola The South African Princess

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Zola is a beautiful South African Boerboel (pronounced “Burbul”), a rare breed in this part of the world.

Zola, she still has a 'puppy' look now and then

Zola, she still has a ‘puppy’ look (now and then)

I met Zola and her person, Priscilla, a lovely British lady, at the Southland Off Leash Park last week. I wish I got a photo of Zola that shows how impressive and strong she really is. I did however, capture some great shots of Zola’s connection with Priscilla, especially when we started chatting and they both kind of forgot I had my camera with me (as much as you can with a big DSLR being pointed at you).
Zola-the-Boerboel

Zola Knows We’re Talking About Her

Zola-and-Priscella

Zola & Priscilla

I find once we start chatting, I can get more intimate shots of their relationship with their pet.
Zola-the-Boerboel-Getting-Neck-Scratches-from-Priscilla

Zola, Loving The Attention!

I really enjoyed meeting both Priscilla and Zola and hope you will too. Click here to get to my 100 Pets and The People They Love page so I can introduce you to them! Cheers! Sheila

Rocky and Juno

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We’re back to the Dog Park!

Patty-and-her-dog-Rocky

Patty and Rocky

Patty-and-her-dog-Juno

Patty and Juno

Meet Rocky and Juno, two beautiful, friendly mixed breed pups and their person, Patty. We met a couple of weeks ago at the Southland Dog Park. I’ve been looking forward to writing about them, they are awesome dogs; Rocky such a bold character and Juno more reserved and quiet. Patty is a City of Calgary Animal Services Officer; she sees it all in her job but is so very lucky to have these two wonderful dogs to bring her joy and balance at home.
Patty-with-her-hand-on-Rocky
Their bond is palpable and so incredible to see. Please check out their full story and more photos here.
Rocky-head-shot

Rocky

Juno-in-black-and-white

Liberate Your Art Postcard Swap 2013 – Blog Hop

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Liberate Your Art Postcard Swap is completed again for another year but lucky for us Kat Sloma (the amazing and talented organizer of the Liberate Your Art) has arranged for this wonderful Blog Hop so all the incredible Art sent around the world can be further liberated and shared. This is the second year I participated and I plan to keep going as long as the Swap does. I received six beautiful cards, five from Swap participants and one from Kat. Here they are:

Surprise in my Flower Box by Colleen Lough

Surprise in my Flower Box by Colleen Lough

This postcard is a photo Colleen took of a lovely surprise she found in her flower box.

Candance Porth, Arizona Beauty

Candance Porth, Arizona Beauty

The quote on the back of this postcard is:
“The desert, when the sun comes up…I couldn’t tell where heaven stopped and the Earth began” ~Forrest Gump
Candance’s blog is: Glenrosa Journeys

Acrylics on Canvas by Vigdis Lobach, Norway

Acrylics on Canvas by Vigdis Lobach, Norway


The original size of this painting is 60×80 cm. Vigdis blogs at: Kunstkanskje

Beautiful Multi-Medium Artwork

Beautiful Multi-Medium Artwork


This beautiful piece is by Tamara B. you can find here at www.writeyourliferight.com, she wrote this quote on the back
“Find joy in everything you choose to do. Every job, relationship, home…it’s your responsibility to love it, or change it.” ~Chuck Palahniuk

Scenes from Seattle, Washington, by Madge

Scenes from Seattle, Washington, by Madge


This beautiful postcard is from Madge, she can be found at: The View From Right Here a Pacific Northwest Photography Blog

Adorned and Alone by Kat Sloma

Adorned and Alone by Kat Sloma


This lovely artwork is by the one and only Kat Sloma, who with an incredible group of volunteers, sorted and swapped 1290 pieces of art by 216 artists from 11 countries this year. Watch the video Kat put together here.

Here are the four pieces of my art that I liberated into the world (I sent out two of the ‘Found Love’ postcard):

Abandoned

Abandoned

Found Love

Found Love

Pure Joy

Pure Joy

Watchful

Watchful

I was happy to hear from two of the recipients of my cards, I hope the photographs and quotes brought a little happiness into everyone’s mailbox.

Please join in our blog hop to see all the amazing art and artists who set their art free and I think must have made some postal workers hearts a little happier and bags a little heavier.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! to Kat and each and every artist that participated. The world can always use more beauty!

Cheers! xx Sheila

Jaxx

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Jaxx-the-sphynx-cat-hiding-in-his-house-at-the-cat-show

Jaxx hanging in his house

Oh this is a special little guy! Jaxx is a 9 month old Tuxedo Sphynx cat I met at the Calgary Cat Show last weekend along with his person, Ethel. I watched him during his competition in the Best All Breed, Altered division and knew I had to meet him after he was finished showing. I was so glad to meet his person Ethel, such a lovely warm person, so willing to teach me lots about this special breed. Ethel shared a very special story with me that touched my heart. I am very thankful to have had the chance to meet them both and share their story. Head over to my 100 Pets and Their People to meet my latest additions!
Ethel-and-her-sphynx-cat-Jaxx-cuddling-at-the-show

Ethel & Jaxx

Hello Kittys!

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This past Saturday, April 20, I attended the Kitties ‘n Blooms, Championship and Household Pet CAT SHOW put on by the Calgary Cat Association and governed by TICA (The International Cat Association Inc.).

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Calgary Cat Show Benching Area, Shouldice Arena

I wasn’t really sure what to expect having only ever attended a Dog Show as a spectator but I was more than happy to meet some kitties and their people, and, get educated on the world of cat shows.

The way the rings are set up is quite different than a dog show, There are chairs in front of the judging tables and the spectators are welcome to sit and watch the judges handle the cats.

Judge-Mark-Coleman-Interacting-With-The-Spectators-at-his-Ring

Mark Coleman interacting with the spectators at his Ring

Questions are welcome in the ‘final’ rings when judges are describing the merits of the cats and awarding the plaques, but some of the judges do interact with the spectators during the initial judging process and some are quite entertaining and informative.
Judge-Mark-Coleman-of-California-explains-to-spectators-about-this-breed

Judge Mark Coleman from California

There is a Judge, a Clerk and a Steward in each ring. The Clerk tracks the Judge’s decisions and the Stewards disinfect the cages after each cat is judged. The Judge cleans the table and his/her hands after each cat is handled as well to prevent the possible spread of disease.

Numbers on cards in the Benching area (where the cat lives during the show when not being judged) and Judging rings indicate the cats’ classification (pink cards for females, blue for males). Classifications are divided for pedigreed kittens (4-8 months), pedigreed cats that can be bred, pedigreed cats that have been neutered or spayed and household pets. Each group is further divided into long or short hair cats or kittens. There is also a division for preliminary new breeds. (I know, seems all very confusing; I was confused for about the first hour I was there until some kind people took the time to explain everything to me. A more detailed explanation of how the judging process works can be found on the Calgary Cat Show or TICA websites.

Male-and-Female-Cats-Waiting-Their-Turn-To-Be-Judged

Both Males & Females, Waiting Their Turn To Be Judged

I loved the way the Judges interacted with the Spectators. I have to say my favorite was Mark Coleman of California (pictured above). He was engaging, entertaining and very informative about all the different breeds he was judging at the Show.

Judging-a-Maine-Coon-Cat

Judging a Maine Coon Cat

I was amazed at how laid back and tolerant most of the kittens and cats were at being handled so much however not all of them were in the mood to be handled and you did hear the occasional hissing, yowling and spitting going on.
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Not All Cats Are Happy About Being Judged

I met lots of great people and their cats here and you will meet some of them over the next week or so. Today I wanted to talk about the show a little and also introduce you to three very special kitties that were at the show with the Calgary Humane Society and are up for adoption.

Tris Ref. #19623119

Tris-a-female-tortoiseshell-short-haired-kitten-up-for-adoption

TRIS

is an adorable 7 month old tortoiseshell female. She had just won a 3rd Place award in the Household Pet class when I met her. Tris was found wandering as a stray. She is so sweet and had her little stuffed owl with her that she just loves.
Tris-the-kitten-and-her-stuffed-owl

Tris, and her best friend, Owl

I am sure she would love to meet you, she is available for adoption at the Calgary Shawnessy Pet Value store.

Meet two brothers Misty Ref. #19631640

Misty-a-beautiful-grey-and-white-male-cat-up-for-adoption

Misty

and Blue Ref. #19631611.
Blue-is-a-beautiful-grey-male-cat-up-for-adoption-with-his-brother

Blue


These two big boys are 10 months old and were surrendered by their owner. The Humane Society would prefer that these boys stay together if possible. They are beautiful, calm relaxed cats and are very bonded. They would love to come live with you!
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Oggie Doggie!

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Oggie

Oggie

I daresay this special little guy, Oggie, closely resembles his namesake, ‘Augie Doggie’, from the Hanna Barbera (1959-1962) cartoon series (in character at least). Both are high-spirited, intelligent pups, just wanting to make their dads happy and proud. I met Oggie and his dad, Garry, at the Southland Off Leash Park last week.
Garry-and-Oggie-with-his-favorite-ball-in-his-mouth

Garry and Oggie (and Oggie’s ball)

Garry-and-Oggie-best-buds!

Best Buds!

What a fantastic, happy guy he is. He loves his ball and his Dad (not necessarily in that order), he is outgoing and social. You can read Oggie and Garry’s whole story over on my 100 Pets and The People They Love page.

Always remember to hop on over to the Project page to read all the Pets and People stories in full. Just click on the highlighted link! Cheers! Sheila