Holiday Pet Portraits with Shannon | Chandra

What an amazing day we had yesterday.

Over eighty families came out to Bradshaw, pets in tow, in order to have portraits taken by PBSOC photographer Shannon Skalisky. I knew the day would be a big success, but even knowing how great Shannon is, it still managed to completely exceed my expectations.

The event was scheduled from noon to 4:00 and by 2:30 we had to start turning people away because of the incredible turnout. Some wonderfully patient people and animals waited nearly two hours for their turn, including one pretty miraculous cat who sat on a bench with his leash, surrounded by dogs.

It was a true group effort with so many volunteers taking part to make the day a big success. To get a little idea of what it was like, here's Chloe's Behind The Scenes video of the day. And I've gotta say, I'm pretty proud of her for this one.

(If you cannot see the video below, view HERE.)

One of my favorite moments of the day was seeing Birdie, now Dory, the very first dog we walked with PB SOC. Lysa used her as our demo dog on our first time out, and I cannot believe I recognized her. I actually said, "that dog looks like Birdie," and her owners said, "It is Birdie!" The best part is that Dory's family is just adorable and she has a dog sibling that looks just like her. Doesn't this group just make you smile? (Dory's on the right.)



We brought Aussie and Teddy early to get their pictures done, and honestly, Aussie was the craziest dog of the day. She was so excited to see everyone and jumped around and vocalized like a banshee. Teddy took one look at Sabrina in her floral headdress and started barking at her like she was going to attack him. I was a little dubious that we were going to be able to get anything at all.

But then I remembered, Shannon. And sure enough, she pulled it off. The photos are just beautiful and I cannot believe the huge grin on Aussie's face. And yes, Teddy chilled out as soon as Sabrina took her headdress off!

Here are just a few of my favorite photos from the day. To view the whole gorgeous album, visit HERE. Shannon truly outdid herself.

Because, this face!

This beauty fell in love with the candy cane.

Just looks like a wise soul.

Happiness.

Walks beautifully on leash!

This guy's name is Papas.

And for a little more good news, Raisin just went to a new foster home where she'll get lots of attention, and Dottie got adopted today! Happy Holidays!

xx

Chandra

Photos by Chloe | Chandra

Today, a little something different. Instead of taking a dog to the river, PBSOC asked us to help out with updating some of the dogs' photos for the website. There have been a ton of dogs coming in and it's awfully difficult for Shannon to keep up with them all. When they don't have one of her beautiful shots, the dogs just have their intake shot from when they first were dropped off at the shelter. You can imagine that the situation doesn't make for the most comfortable or flattering photos.

While Ron walked dogs, Chloe and I set up right outside the barn and play yards, in the drizzle. Neither of us were bright enough to bring rain jackets, so things got a little damp. She took photos and I did my best to lure the dogs' attention to her camera with chicken, a tennis ball and squeaky noises.

Despite the inclement weather, and my mediocre dog luring abilities, Chloe's shots came out beautifully. (And I did get to use my model agent editing skills to PBSOC's advantage!)

So proud of our girl today.

Most of the dogs below are available for adoption...click on their names to go to their PBSOC bios.

Mitzi

Hank

Holstein (Adopted)

Otto (Adopted)

Penelope (Adopted)

Priscilla

Sannie

Saturn

Bolt (Adopted

Eva (Not yet available)

Morgan (In need of a long term foster; click HERE for info)

Please share!

xx

Chandra

Aussie's Adventure | Chandra

Aussie has settled in nicely. She has her favorite places to curl up for a nap, she's made it clear to Teddy when she wants to wrestle and when to leave her be, she's claimed Ron as her own by following him everywhere he goes. She jumps with excitement when we pick up the leashes and wants to play with every dog she meets on walks. She gives us sweet little soft kisses.

Today, she got a treat. A trip back to the river. This time with Teddy. Lots of tennis ball chasing, swimming, tail wagging and zoomies. Especially zoomies.

Chloe came along with her camera and I'll just let her pics do the talking for me...

Aussie gearing up to zoom...

Full speed.

Our handsome Ted.

He always finds the big sticks.

Yum.

Treasure.

Pretty girl.

She's not very good at catching tennis balls...this pic is after she missed it.

You can do it girl!

Score!

Biggest dorks ever.

Photos by this lovely girl.

Update: We were the fastest foster fail ever...Aussie has found her forever home...with us! When it's right, it's right.

 xx

 Chandra

Cuddles Are Worth a Walk in Nature | Chloe (Update: Adopted)

Nature and I, we aren't the best of friends. My parents always say, "Who would want to go to the gym when you can be out in the beautiful outside?" You know who? Me. The gym means no bees (or any bugs, for that matter), no itchy grass or plants, and some even have those fun TV screens on the treadmills.

But this Sunday, I made an exception. "Want to go with us to the river?" NO. "Want to go with us to the river with a really cute dog?" YES YES YES PLEASE. I got packed and ready to go. My bag included my polaroid camera, my DSLR camera, and my phone. The necessities only, obviously.

When we first picked up Mai Tai, she was shy and scared. I felt bad her. Her tail in between her legs, hesitantly following along on the leash. She even peed on my Dad's hand a little bit being lifted into the car. She paced around the back, but eagerly took treats from my hand.

After walking around at the river for a little bit, she started to become her amazing self. She was so cute frolicking around in the water, and letting out some zoomies. I was waiting the entire walk to have her curl up on my lap and snuggle, that's always my favorite part of outings.

Mai Tai was an excellent model. Have you seen those ears? She's just about the cutest thing on the planet, and not to mention already knows basic commands and is pretty good on leash!

The ride home was my favorite part. She snuggled up on my lap, we took selfies. It was all good.

Mai Tai would love a home with a polite male dog and a place where she feels safe (and has a lap to curl up on!) 

Visit SacCountyDogs.com to learn more about Mai Tai. And be sure to watch the video I made for her, below my pics.

--Chloe ♥

Update: Mai Tai has been adopted but there are many other wonderful dogs still waiting:)

Told you she was photogenic.

Mai Tai and me

(If you cannot see the video below, please watch it HERE.)

The One You Want to Keep | Chloe (Update: Adopted)

There's always that dog. The dog that you instantly connect with. The dog that walks great on the leash. The dog that sits on your lap and cuddles. The dog that has a gentle mouth. The dog that gives the best kisses. The dog that you so badly want to take home. The dog you can't have.

This is Sydney, and she is that dog.

This big goof loves walking and exploring, and most definitely is vocal about how she wants to play with the other dogs. Except, she can't...at least until her kennel cough is all gone. For now anyway, humans will have to do.

She is a cuddler, this one. She climbs and rolls around on you, and gives you lots of kisses.

I wish I could keep this girl. But I can't.

So what can I do? 

Help her find her forever family. 

Anyone would be beyond lucky to adopt Sydney. Enjoy the video of her I put together, and see all the cuteness in motion.

And please share!

-Chloe

If you can't view the video below, click HERE.

Update: Sydney has been adopted! 4.6.15 So happy for this sweet girl.

The lovable Teddy | Chloe

This is Teddy. No, not my Teddy. Another Teddy, who is currently at the Sac County Shelter.

I didn't get much time with this sweet boy, just enough for a photo session. But, if I could fall in love with this boy in 15 minutes, imagine how much someone would fall in love with him in an hour!

He was pretty scared about getting onto the backdrop. It's a new environment, and the material makes a few dogs hesitant.

Teddy was one of those dogs. Even with some dragging, and Whole Foods bacon and sausage,  he still would just lay there shyly or crawl off. After some shots of him alone, I stepped in, and he snuggled his head on my lap. We ended up getting cute pictures of him with me (and alone..Shannon works magic!) that showcase how truly sweet he is. He has a gentle mouth, a soft coat, and is a snuggle bug. What more could you want???

Teddy has been adopted, but if you are interested in finding your own glorious dog, visit SacCountyDogs.com!

Much, much, love for this boy. ♥ ♥ ♥

--Chloe

Jensen & Chloe: A Love Story | Chandra (Update: Adopted)

Today was our third and final training with PB Soc; we are now super certified, all in, card carrying dog-walkers.

We've had our tour of the shelter, met lots of other volunteers, seen the Kong-filling station, had instructions on socializing and training dogs, and given out handfuls of chicken in return for sits. We know how to take a dog out of it's kennel (enter carefully, close the outside doors, greet the dog sideways and be sure to dole out that very important chicken), where to walk, where the play yards are, and to yell "Dog Coming" before we turn a blind corner. We know to write notes on kennel cards after walks so potential adopters can learn more about the dogs and so the other volunteers know who's been out and when. We know to be sure that the dogs have peanut butter filled Kongs when they go back into their kennels to make the transition a little easier. We've pretty much got the logistics down.

What I don't know, though, could knock me out cold. I don't know how all of these beautiful dogs ended up at the shelter. I don't know how someone could abandon a malnourished, nursing mama and her eyes still closed puppies at a dumpster. I don't know what happened to the little terrier mix in the isolation area who doesn't even seem to be able to stand up. I don't know why Teddy is curled up in front of the fireplace and Jensen is in a kennel at the shelter. I don't know who is going to be there next week when we go back and who will have been lucky enough to go home. I confess that I don't know much.

What I do know, though, is that the shelter is full to the brim with love. I've never seen such hard working, large hearted people. I've never had so many smelly, slimy kisses or had the pleasure of seeing Chloe fall in love over and over again with one blocky headed dog after another. And that's all I need to know for now.

This time, it's Jensen who has stolen her heart. Chloe isn't alone in her passion because everyone who meets Jensen loves him. He is a people loving, kiss giving, nice leash walking, dog friendly, smart and handsome hunk of block head love. And now, he's also a movie star.

(If you are not seeing the video below of Jensen, please view it HERE.)

Lysa, the volunteer coordinator at PB Soc, kindly told Chloe to make the kind of videos that make her happy.

She's happy, Jensen's happy, and hopefully her videos will help spread the word about just how terrific these dogs are. There's something about seeing them move that grabs your heart.

And kisses are pretty fantastic too.

Let's get this boy his own family and his own fireplace to nap in front of. If you'd like to help, please share this post and get the word out.

Jensen says Thank You!!

(Update: Jensen has been adopted!! 3.1.15)

--Chandra

Run, Sniff, Friends...Play Groups | Chloe

Today I got to hang out with and take pictures of the dogs in the play groups. As PB SOC says, "Play groups are are critical to maintaining the dogs’ mental and physical well being while waiting for their forever family in a stressful environment. They're also fun! For humans and dogs alike:)"

I totally agree with this. The dogs have a great time, and it is super fun to photograph them being their true selves. Here is a slideshow (along with a few snippets of video) of some dogs enjoying play groups. BTW, all of them are the sweetest things, especially Jensen. He was so gentle & calm, and not to mention adorable.

 Enjoy!

(If you are not seeing the Play Group video below, please view it HERE.)

For more information on dogs available for adoption, please visit SacCountyDogs.com. (All the dogs in this video have been adopted but lots of other wonderful dogs are still waiting!)

See you soon,

Chloe