Just back from Tucson, Arizona I am pleased to report that between my private Pet Portrait Sittings, I did get a bit tan… But more importantly… A bit rested! I thought it might be fun to share some of my photos from the Tucson Rodeo Parade. Keep in mind… This is the largest non-motorized parade in the world! Comprised mostly of horses and carriages and student marching bands, this parade was a delight for young and old!! Enjoy.

Meet Daisy Mae. {UPDATE: Daisy May went home with her new family today, March 3-7-06!}

My first glimpse of Daisy Mae was upside down and sideways between a chair and a piano bench. She had immediately discovered the most concealed and private corner of the studio, and wedged herself between the carpet and the underside of a “coca-cola” wagon. She didn’t seem scared or skiddish, I just got the impression that she liked to be cuddled in tight spaces. When I started talking to her, and removed the little toy wagon, she looked up at me as if to say, “well now how will we play hide-n-seek”

Once in the spotlight, Daisy Mae loosened up… Curling into the nest of silk and fleece. Her constant curious glances towards the windows and doors lessened, and her eyelids drooped. Soon she was fast asleep, purring away.

Poor little Daisy was displaced from her Port Orchard home because newborn baby took her place. I am told that she is about 5 yrs old, spayed, litter-box trained and from what I can tell, she is an absolute angel. Daisy is a bit shy at first, but warms right up. She is also a bit uncertain of loud noises (especially the vacuum) and she’s not too keen on baths. She very much enjoys catnip, fake mice, and watching out the window, and would be the perfect kitty for someone with older children, other cats, and/or no dogs.

National Dog Day Foundation to Save 10,000 Dogs with Pixels
Animal Artist’s and Photographers Help with the Goal to Build
First National Dog Day “No-Kill” Shelter on Olympic Peninsula

Seattle, WA February 9, 2006 – The latest craze in internet advertising is “literally going to the dogs.” The goal of TenThousandPixelPuppies.com is to “save” 10,000 Homeless Dogs across the country and is the brain child of dog behavioral expert, Colleen Paige, the founder of National Dog Day. All proceeds from the site will go to the National Dog Day Foundation which is sponsoring the First Annual National Dog Day, taking place August 26th, 2006.

TenThousandPixelPuppies.com will present a collage of 10,000 dog faces in the form of original art and photography by talented individuals all over the country. As the squares are purchased the dog faces are replaced with company logos, and you’ll be able to literally visualize thousands of dogs being saved!

All art and photography submissions are free to submit and a link to the prospective submitter’s web site will be offered in gratitude for those submissions. There is no limit to how many “dog face” contributions
one can make and the proceeds from this site will go to directly fund the first National Dog Day “no kill” Shelter on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State.

Companies or individuals can purchase a half inch x half inch block ad space for $100.00 – which will then be linked back to the companies’ web sites. There are no limits to the amount of blocks that can be bought by either companies or individuals. Each company will receive one year’s exposure on TenThousandPixelPuppies.com. Sponsors’ ads will appear immediately, but their “year” of exposure” will not officially begin until all ad spaces are filled, giving them additional exposure.

The holiday will be launched with a parade in New York City and day long special events at Hotel Pennsylvania in Manhattan. The Grand Marshall for the parade will be Jon Provost the beloved “Timmy” from the original Lassie television series. National Dog Day has been busy “barking” up steam with a number of impressive sponsors and supporters already on board including; Fido Friendly Magazine, American Greetings, Artist Ron Burns, Forbes Magazine’s Photographer Glen Davis, Nutro Dog Food, Petco, Midwest Airlines and many others.

TenThousandPixelPuppies.com was launched on January 20th, but artists are still urged to get artwork submissions in! Anyone interested in submitting artwork or buying ad blocks should visit TenThousandPixelPuppies.com for ad and art specs.

National Dog Day’s major focus is to pay homage to the unconditional love, companionship and bravery that dogs bring to us on a daily basis. Whether its service dogs that help the blind, handicapped or other-wise challenged humans, military dogs that serve in wars and public disasters (bomb-sniffing, hurricane relief, 9/11 rescue) or our own loving companions.

Meet Sugar… and son.

These photos were taken in especially nasty weather for a special mission to supply images for the Humane Society to submit to PetSmart Charities. PetSmart donated the funds to put up this “Loafing Shed” when the KHS recently took in about 7 rescued horses. If PetSmart chooses these photos for their newsletter, the Shelter will receive a cash award… cross your fingers for them!

One of the horses that now resides at the KHS barn was a very, very pregnant Arabian mare. Not too long after she arrived she gave birth to a healthy little colt that is full of fire! Here are several of the photos from my afternoon hiding in their stall.

All of the horses currently at KHS will be auctioned to the highest and most qualified bidder. Application are available at KHS and opening bids range between $200-$500. If you are in need of an Equine friend, please invite one of these beautiful kids into your home. Also, for more about this story, and all the many generous volunteers and donations, please see the front page article in the Central Kitsap Reporter, this coming Saturday.