Blog Articles
Check back often for news and tips about Pet Photography, Pet Care and Pet Friendly Events and Locations
4/1/2025
Five Ways To Make Your Groomer Love You!
Those of you who have known me for a while are aware that I’ve been a professional dog groomer for 14 years. Many of my clients have been with me for years and we have developed a good working relationship. Although I am transitioning into photography and pursuing my true passion I still want to share with you as much as I can about dog ownership and dog care and so I thought I would write this for the newer people out there who may be looking for a groomer or are just starting to develop a relationship with one. Regular grooming is essential for your dog’s health and well being, even short haired dogs like Bean pictured above, and groomers are often the first to notice when something might be off with your dog. I have noticed on more than one occasion something not quite right or a dog not feeling as it should and reported it to it’s person, and have them report back that it went to the vet and something was indeed wrong. But to get to that point you need to develop a good working relationship with your groomer (and your vet) to keep your pet as healthy as possible for a good long life.
#1 Start Early!
As soon as your puppy has a couple of sets of shots done, most groomer will accept them as new clients. The first groom usually consists of a bath, nails done, face, feet, and fanny trimmed. This is to let your puppy get used to the process. This type of appointment may happen a couple of times, depending on how the puppy responds to the new stimuli and the age of the puppy. I usually do not give full haircuts on puppies under 6 months unless the are in need of it due to matting. The puppy’s coat is changing to adult coat about that age and will start to matt more depending on the breed, so having that early foundation on acceptance of being groomed is very important.
#2 Stay On A Schedule!
This is pretty self explanatory, so I’m not going into a lot of detail on this one. Most coated dog need grooming every 6-8weeks to keep the coats from getting matted. Even with regular at home, maintenance such a brushing and combing, especially ears and tail, there are still things that need done regularly. One of the most important is nail care. A dog cannot walk properly if its nails are three inches long. Neglected nails can ruin a dog’s feet. I’ve seen dew claws that have grown into a dog’s leg and curled around feet into the pads. At the very least go to a shop or store that does walk in nail trims every month to six weeks. This is usually not very expensive and can save your dog a lot of pain and discomfort. So make regular appointments with your groomer to keep your dog’s coat and nails in the best shape possible.
#3 Don’t Miss Your Appointments!
Groomers literally live by their appointments. If you make a grooming appointment for your dog you have made a commitment to that groomer that you will have your dog there at that time. Most private groomer’s have policies that require a fee for missed appointments, so either way you are going to pay something for the appointment. During peak months, groomers are booked out weeks if not months, so getting your dog back on the schedule could be an issue. Groomers are not going to look favorably on you if you frequently miss appointments and they are also a small community who communicate with each other. If other groomers know you don’t keep appointments with someone they know they probably won’t accept you as a client should you ask. So don’t miss your appointment and be prepared to pay for it if you do.
#4 At Home Maintenance
Even with a regular grooming schedule, at home maintenance is important. Your dog should be brushed at least weekly, paying special attention to ears and tail and under the armpits of the front legs. Groomer spend an incredible amount of time demoting ears and tails, which is not pleasant for the dog and doesn’t help with a dog’s attitude toward being groomed. And in some cases, the ears and/or tail will have to be shaved, increasing the risks of hematomas because the matting was so tight on the ears that shaping the head ofter shaving could result in a bloody welt on the ear. Put the dog in your lap if you’re watching TV and spend 30 minutes a week brushing the dog out. Your groomer will love you and it will make grooming more fun for the dog.
#5 Groomers Have a Life Too
Groomers have set hours that they work, just like you do. However these days of instant access to everything and everyone sets a precedent that people can contact their groomer at all hours of the day, night and weekend for appointments, or to reschedule appointments. My phone message states my hours and it is also in the policies that every client is sent, and I still get texts late at night and on weekends, which I do not respond to until the next business day. Please be respectful of our time, we are busy, just like everyone else and don’t appreciate work phone calls or texts on our off time.
These are five ways that you can build a good relationship with your groomer. Your dog is likely to live 10 years or more so it will need regular grooming for a long time. If you are begin your dog’s grooming life early, stay on a schedule, are respectful of your groomer’s time, and keep up maintenance of your dog at home your groomer will not only love you, but look forward to seeing your dog’s name on the schedule!
2/1/2025
Gallery Wall Contest Winners!
Diane Davis and Becky Tanasse - Pascua along with contest winner Hector at the unveiling of the artwork for the gallery wall.
All Mutts Great And Small Gallery Wall Contest!
On January 15th, the unveiling of the All Mutts Great And Small Gallery Wall Contest was held at Pet Pantry Terrace Heights. The four winners canvases were revealed and are now on display at Pet Pantry for the next six months, after which the winners have the option to purchase the artwork. The theme for this project was Yakima Harvest Dogs 2024 and the contest raised $1,100 for the rescue.
The Winners!
First up we have Hector, a little terrier mix who ended up in rescue with medical needs and was a complete foster fail. This happy little dog had a ball during his photo session at Ahtanum Berry Patch. His tail never stopped wagging as he trotted with owner Becky from one place to another to pose for his photos. This image was chosen for his shiny personality amidst the abundance of berry vines as his backdrop.
Hayden the Siberian Husky was our second winner. Hayden is a cherished family member and champion show dog. His session took place at Gilbert Cellars. Despite it being warmer than anticipated he handled his session with aplomb and this was the image selected.
Third up is Jax the cutest, sweetest Labrador Retriever ever. With a constantly wagging tail and a toy in her mouth, she wandered from place to place at Heintzman Farms with the biggest doggy smile ever. While most of her session was taken at the farm, this image was shot near her home with the hop field as her back drop.
Our final winner is Daisy a border collie mix. She is a very striking girl with her different colored eyes. Her session was held at Washington Fruit Place and this image of her among the pumpkins with the orchard in the background was chosen for the final canvas.
Be sure to stop by Pet Pantry Terrace Heights to say hi and see the canvases displayed there. If you’d love to have a canvas of your pet, email me or set up a consult and we will get your dog scheduled to create their own piece of art!
1/3/25
Lost Dog!
What you can do when your pet goes missing.
One day it happens. The fear that every dog owner has and hopes they never have to experience. There’s an open door, an open gate, a hole in the fence. Your dog slips its collar on an outing, and runs away in fright. Whatever the reason your dog is loose and now lost. Here’s some things you can do to bring your dog safely home.
1. Search the immediate area for the first hour: Stay calm. Search around the area the dog was last seen, check with your neighbors and leave your contact info. Check familiar spots: Dogs often seek out places they’re familiar with, like parks, yards, or even streets they’ve walked down before. Dogs usually won’t go more than a couple of miles from home, usually they are a lot closer.
2. After the first hour create and distribute flyers: use a clear and recent photo of your dog, a contact number and email. Consider offering a small reward. if your dog is an unusual breed, try to describe it as a breed people will recognize. Distribute flyers as many places as you can local businesses, schools, veterinary clinics, pet stores, coffee shops. Post the flyer on social. Check with the local vet clinics and shelters in case someone has found your dog and has brought it in. The. more flyers up, the more eyes see it and may have seen your dog. Start tracking sightings in a notebook to see if a pattern emerges. Be looking in the area at dawn and dusk as this is when most animal are on the move.
3. Use Social Media: Post on Local Facebook Groups: Join local community groups and pet lost/found pages. Post about your missing dog with pictures and details. Post on your own personal page and urge sharing. Post on websites like, Lost My Doggie, or Nextdoor.
4. Use Scent and Sound. Leave Your Scent Behind: Dogs often rely on their sense of smell. Leave out your dog’s bedding, a piece of your clothing, or something familiar, like their favorite toy, outside your home. Use a Familiar Sound: If you usually call your dog with a particular sound or whistle, try calling from different areas. They may hear and recognize it.
5. Work with a Professional Tracker: Pet Tracking Dogs or Services: Some professionals offer search and rescue services or will bring trained dogs to help find missing pets. They can help track scents or look in areas that are harder to access.
6. Stay Calm & Persistent: Don't Give Up: It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or hopeless, but dogs can sometimes wander further than you think, and they may be hiding nearby. Keep searching and stay persistent. Use Tracking Apps: Apps like “Finding Rover” use facial recognition technology to help identify lost pets and might help spread the word quickly.
7. Ask for Help: Local Pet Sitters or Dog Walkers: They often have great knowledge of the area and may even be able to help search or put the word out. Community Volunteers: Get friends, family, and neighbors involved. The more eyes, the better.
8. Stay Positive: Dogs can be resilient and resourceful. Keep hope, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from your community. Many pets have been reunited with their owners weeks after going missing.
These are some steps you can take that will be useful in finding your missing dog. Hopefully you will never have to start a search for your dog but if you do it’s good to have a plan in place and don’t give up!
12/1/2024
Holiday Safety For Your Dog!
The holidays are a busy, wonderful time of year but can be risky for your dog. Here are four important tips to ensure your dog stays safe and stress-free during the holiday season: Most veterinary clinics are closed during the holidays and last thing anyone wants to to do is take a trip to to emergency vet which can very costly and time consuming.
1. Keep Toxic Foods Out of Reach
Many holiday foods can be harmful—or even deadly—to dogs, so it's crucial to keep them out of their reach:
Chocolate (especially dark chocolate) contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.
Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure.
Onions and garlic can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Alcohol should never be given to dogs; even small amounts can cause poisoning.
Xylitol, a common sweetener in many sugar-free products, is extremely toxic to dogs.
Make sure leftovers are put away immediately, and remind guests not to feed your dog scraps. Pancreatitis is commonly seen during the holidays at veterinary clinics because someone fed the dog something it shouldn’t have. Don’t let this be you!
2. Secure Holiday Decorations
Dogs are naturally curious, and holiday decorations—like ornaments, tinsel, lights, and candles—can pose serious hazards:
Christmas tree ornaments (especially glass) can break easily and cause cuts or choking hazards if swallowed. If you can, place the tree on a table or block it off with an ex-pen for safety, especially if you have a puppy in the house.
Tinsel and ribbons can be tempting for dogs to chew, but if ingested, they can lead to digestive blockages or internal injury. Symptoms for these issues might not appear for days, but are a definite emergency when presented.
Candles should be placed in areas where dogs can’t knock them over. Open flames can cause burns or start fires, and dogs are often attracted to flickering lights.
Keep electrical cords from lights or decorations out of reach to prevent chewing, which could cause electric shocks. Cover them with tape if they are on the floor.
3. Provide a Quiet Space
The holidays can be loud and overwhelming, with lots of visitors, new smells, and even fireworks in some areas. Dogs can become stressed by all the excitement. To prevent anxiety or overstimulation:
Create a quiet retreat where your dog can relax away from the hustle and bustle. This is where your dog’s crate is his best friend. Put the crate in a quiet room with blankets and toys and allow the dog to be in there as much as they want. If you don’t have a crate, then a quiet room with a favorite bed and blankets/toys may help. Let the dog be in the room as much as it likes, for it will be his sanctuary against stress and noise.
If your dog is not used to a lot of visitors, encourage guests to give them space and not force interactions. This reduces stress and potential fear-based reactions. An ER visit for anyone because of a dog bite can be devastating for everyone involved.
4. Watch Out for Holiday Hazards Outdoors
If you're celebrating outside with your dog, there are additional safety considerations:
Cold weather can be tough on dogs, especially those with short coats. Make sure they’re warm enough by using dog sweaters or coats. You may also get footwear for them if you are going to be outside for long periods of time.
Avoid letting your dog play near icy or snow-covered areas, as slipping can cause injuries. Use a pet safe ice melting product on your porches and walkways so not to cause harm to your dog if it licks its feet after being outside.
If your dog is afraid of loud noises, leave them at home if you are attending an event where there will be fireworks. No one wants to be looking for their dog on the holidays if they get scared and run off. If your dog is extremely anxious around noise, you can speak to your vet pre holiday about medications to reduce their anxiety.
If you do run into a problem during the holidays and your vet isn’t open the two options that are closest to the Yakima Area are:
Mid Columbia Pet Emergency Services
8913 Sandifur Pkwy, Pasco, WA 99301
Hours of operation: Open 24 hours. It is advisable to call first because sometimes they become so busy they have to stop adding in clients. They are the only 24 hour pet emergency in this area so they get clients from Yakima, Tri-cities, Moses Lake and Walla Walla as well as those outer areas.
Horse Heaven Hills Pet Urgent Care
3315 W Clearwater Ave Suite 100, Kennewick, WA 99336
Hours of Operation Every day from 8am to 7pm. A phone call is necessary because they start with their waiting list at 8am when they open. If it’s later in the day they may already be full and unable to take any more appointments.
I hope this helps you and your pet have a safe and happy holiday season!
11/10/2024
Before and After!
As pet photographers we hear it a lot. “My dog is crazy, you will never be able to get his photo” or “My dog can’t be off leash” or “My dog isn’t very well trained.” What if I told you that it doesn’t matter. What if I showed you images, before and after, of dogs that were some or all of the above. What if I showed you that, even with my own dogs, leashes are necessary unless I’m photographing at home. The only reason your dog can’t be photographed would be due to aggression issues. Everything else can be worked around.
Pictured here are Laska and Bean. This was taken near Sportsman’s Park just outside Yakima. Although my dogs are pretty good out in public, we weren’t far from a busy street so I left their leashes on, just in case someone decided to walk off in the wrong direction. To get their attention I used treats because my dogs are very food motivated. A little Photoshop magic in post processing and the leashes disappear, providing a cleaner image. It was a little more difficult to remove leashes, since I was alone and had no one holding the leashes up out of the way but it came out great in the end!
Next up we have Ophelia and Mycroft who stopped up at Pet Pantry in Yakima to have baths and since I was doing Holiday Pet Photos that day, decided to have a little fun and get their pictures taken. Getting two large Bulldogs into a sitting position in front of the backdrop was a riot, but with patience and treats, we persevered. You can’t see them in the photos, but Mom and Dad are behind the backdrop holding the leashes to keep them in place. And voilà, magic!
Lastly, we have Mia and Elsa, two very adventurous Shih Tsu who, while in the confines of a beautiful fenced property were very busy girls, so leashes were necessary to keep them in one place for photos. Lots of squeaky noises got their attention. They were a blast to work with because they were so inquisitive and alert. As you can see a truly beautiful piece of artwork was created!
I hope I have dispelled some doubts you might have about investing in pet photography. I want to help you create beautiful, lasting images of your dog that you can enjoy for years to come. Your dog CAN do this!
10/4/2024
Pet Friendly In Yakima!
Every other month we will feature a Pet Friendly Place or Service in the Yakima Area. This month: Yakima Canine Club
Yakima Canine Club is a brand new boarding/day care and training facility that in the opened in August in downtown Yakima. Located on south 2nd Ave, near Walnut Ave it is a convenient location for dog owners to board or leave their pets for daycare while they work.
YCC has both indoor and outdoor play areas and pet owners can choose individual play time for their dog as well. There are five outdoor turfed yards with access to playground equipment, shallow wading pools and water stations. The dogs are supervised at all times by staff members.
There are different options for boarding. YCC has Suites, Clubhouse or Zen Den options for your dog’s visit. Suites are the largest kennels with a patio option, Clubhouse are standard size kennels, that also come with a patio option and the Zen Den which is standard sized kennels with a patio option for dogs that need a more quiet atmosphere. All kennels have Kuranda raised beds and blankets. Extras include a Fireside Hangout, Food Puzzles, Snuffle Mats, Peanut Butter Kings and Individual Playtime.
Don’t forget the cats! YCC also has a cattery completely separate from the dog boarding areas. The condos are double compartment housing with silent latches in a sunny room with an upper shelf for sleeping and adjoining litter box area to make it as stress free as possible.
YCC offers training classes, Puppy and Adult for dogs both group and private sessions.
Yakima Canine Club is owned by Paul and Shannon Needham. In a recent conversation I had with Paul we spoke about what were the reasons behind creating the business. “We saw a real need” Paul said. “We were always hearing from people that they didn’t have any one to take care of their pets". Paul and Shannon have owned other business before and they put everything into this one. “Were are all in" said Paul. “We are ready.” And with the upcoming holidays, YCC is all to care for dogs in Yakima.
For more information you can check out the website at www.yakimacanineclub.com or call 509-902-1116
9/1/2024
Celebrating Our Old Ones!
It happened again today….That text or message that you never like to see from a client…”Please cancel the appointment for (insert dog name). He/she passed away….
I’m always trying to encourage people to get photos of their dogs especially the older ones. But recently I realized I wasn't taking my own advice so I am working on changing that. For the month of September I am honoring my older dogs with their own photo shoots. I would like to share with you what I have gotten so far.
First up is Fiona. She is named after Fiona Glennan from the Burn Notice series. She is a 10 year old Black and Tan Coonhound. She has lived with us her entire life as she was from our only girl from our very first litter of Black and Tans. She is a Grand Champion. She is a food seeking missile, has an endlessly wagging tail, and has (she thinks) taken over the role of alpha dog when her mother passed a year ago. Although she suffers from allergies, she is relatively healthy and we hope for several more years with her. This image was taken a week ago, when I got the idea that the old truck would be a great prop for her shoot. If you think it’s easy to get an old coonhound to sit still for a shot, think again. There was a lot of food motivation that went with this image.. but it was worth it and so is she.
Next up is Phoebe, a Chinese Crested. As quirky and energetic as the TV character she is named after, (Phoebe Halliwell of course) she is the true ruler of the pack. At 12 years old, she takes no crap from anyone, and voices her opinion to the other dogs without the slightest fear. The only real sign we have of her advancing age is her being hard of hearing. But she runs and plays and bounces around like a puppy. Capturing her on camera is a little challenging as she is rarely still unless she’s sleeping. She has lived with us for most of her life, with the exception of a year that she spent with another family. After she returned, it was decided this was her forever home and we will treasure her as long as we can. I’m planning a special shoot for her, that I will send out in the newsletter when it’s done.
Will you celebrate your older dog this fall? Contact me for a consult and let’s get a session for them that will be both a great experience and a lasting memory. Let’s honor our old ones now.
Pups Under The Stars!
8/4/2024
A little over a year ago, I discovered Milky Way Photography. As someone who has always loved looking up at the night sky, this was a complete revelation for me. How amazing to be able to take photos of something that you can’t really see, and combine it with the landscape to create something so utterly beautiful. So I enrolled in Kristine Rose Photography’s Night Academy and started the journey to learn about how to create these images. While this journey is a constant learning process, I have reached the point where I am combining pets and the Milky Way and I want to share it with you.
Did you know there is an actual Milky Way season? Typically from early March to late October in the Northern Hemisphere is when you can see the Milky Way Core in the night sky. Even though the Milky Way is always present our planet is on its outer edge so our ability to see the core is dependent on the time of year it is. There is also a time of the month that the Milky Way is visible. During the New Moon cycle is the best time for taking Milky Way photos as light from the moon will illuminate the sky and you will get nothing on your photos. During the New Moon cycle, there is little or no moon, so the night sky will be more visible and if you are in a good location, you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye.
Light pollution also plays a big role in Milky Way photography. The less light the better. The Bortle Scale gives you the amount of light pollution in a certain area. A Bortle 1-2 (truly dark skies) is best for photographing the Milky Way, but I find I’m shooting at a Bortle 3-4 for the most part, and you can set camera settings to compensate to some extent. If you are in a location that is more than a Bortle 4 it becomes very challenging to get good photos.
Where do the dogs come in? Well that’s how the magic happens. The dogs are photographed separately, during what is called Blue Hour, just after Sunset, so there is enough light to photograph the dog, but not so much light that it looks unrealistic. Then the Milky Way is photographed from the same position once it becomes full dark and the images are blended together in post processing. The images you see here are of my personal dogs, taken at Blue Hour, then blended with an image taken later, but from the same spot. Some would call them composites, I call them super freaking cool!
If you want an awesome experience, and love your dog and the night sky, I can help you to create images like these. There is still time this year to get beautiful, one of a kind artwork of your dog and the night sky. Feel free to reach out to me, with any questions regarding this type of session and let’s make some magic happen!
“You won’t be able to get photos of my dog like that”…and other thoughts
One of the main concerns of pet owners about having photographs taken of their dogs is that their dogs won’t behave or are not trained enough to have good pictures taken of them. The truth of the matter is that it is easier to get the attention of an untrained dog, than one who is so attached to its owner that it won’t even look at you. Pet photographers want dogs to be the happy, lovable, irritating creatures that they are. That’s how the magic is created!
Dogs that aren’t reliable off a leash are also a concern of pet owners. Leashes and collars can easily be removed in post processing. Most dogs need to be on lead for their safety and the majority of the images on this site are photos that have had leashes and collars removed including this image of the cutie pie Bjarki.
Safety is the first priority of a session and it is especially true when dealing with dogs that are reactive. Sniff Spots or other private locations can serve as an area for a session that doesn’t amp up a dog’s anxiety level. Less distractions equals better focus and beautiful images.
These are a few of the common concerns that pet owners have about getting their pet photographed. Whether in a studio or on location, these and other issues can be addressed with good communication between the photographer and pet owner. A pre session consultation will help with the planning and start the journey toward a successful session and a beautiful work of art!
5/13/2024
6/22/202
Location, Location, Location….
One of the great things about living in the Yakima Valley and surrounding areas is the endless possibility of locations in which to photograph dogs. We have everything here from wide open fields, to tree covered parks, rivers, lakes, and unlimited agriculture to use as backdrops. I love exploring to find new locations, and I’ve included some images of my favorite places.
This is Eddy the Schnauzer at the Yakima Arboretum. This image was captured near the pagoda at the Japanese Garden. The Aboretum has an endless variety of back grounds, including a rose garden, the Japanese Garden, a pond with a fountain, and countless trees and flowering plants. The dogs enjoy the walk through the grounds as we find places to photograph and the clients like it for the different types of images that can be produced in this one location.
While not in Yakima, another place I like to go is Columbia Park in Kennewick, which is about an hours drive. This image of T the Borzoi was taken as he decided a walk in the water on a warm summer evening was a fine idea. The iconic Blue Bridge, the Columbia River and surrounding tree filled park make this a wonderful place to get images of the dogs and they also enjoy a stroll through the park.
I love using the clouds as a backdrop for dogs and here our Laska looks larger than life in a wide open field with the gray and white clouds behind her. The conditions for this type of image are best found in the spring and fall as summer skies are usually blue with few or no clouds. However, the huge amount of wide open spaces in the Valley can also produce images with hills and mountains as backgrounds and I will be exploring more of these areas as time allows.
These are just a few of the images from places I enjoy shooting but as I stated in the beginning of the article, the possibilities are endless.
I hope that I have the opportunity to photograph your dog soon! Click the button above or below to contact me for your consultation!