I met up with Tracey, the winner of the silent auction from the Puppy Up! Gala on Saturday afternoon in Plymouth.  The game plan was to meet at Nelson’s Beach but we had no idea it was going to be under construction.  I’m not sure what they’re currently doing but portions of the area were completely dug up.

This made no difference whatsoever to Baxter and MacKenzie who were both raring to go when they arrived.

Nor did the rain put a damper on the spirit and sprite of the pair.  As soon as we arrived, the sun disappeared and the sky got stormy dark.  Thunder rumbled in the distance and we decided to make the best of it.  I usually don’t cancel sessions very far ahead of time as the weather in New England is so unpredictable.  One minute sunny, the next, storm warnings.  Like they say, wait 5 minutes and it’ll change.  I’ve learned to live by that phrase and have had a lot of luck with the weather in this profession.  Not so much on Saturday afternoon’s session.

But instead of packing it in, I used the time to get acquainted with this wonderful pair of truly remarkable dogs and was pretty excited by the results of the dark sky above the ocean casting an almost mystical appearance in all of the images.

Meet Baxter and Mackenzie.  Both were rescued from the streets of Puerto Rico by a group called Save a Sato.

Baxter, a Whippet, Lab, Terrier Mix was brought in with a litter that had Distemper.  He was the only survivor and survivor he is.  This little guy had an unknown neurological disease as a pup, possibly a result of his fight with Distemper, that disappeared for several years only to reoccur about two years ago at the age of six.  He is now eight years old and has had a very cool set of wheels for about a year.

Do not feel sorry for Baxter.  His wheels don’t set him back.  In fact, they help him fly like the wind, play in the muck and mud and they do not keep him from doing anything that a dog without wheels can do.  He loves people and is completely fearless.

MacKenzie, a Jack Russell Terrier, Italian Greyhound mix relies on her buddy Baxter in situations where she may feel a bit uncomfortable.  MacKenzie is deaf so she can be a little reactive in certain situations that involve other dogs or things approaching from behind or overhead.  I’m glad Tracey brought her along because she did extremely well.  We had the beach to ourselves and while she was on alert, she seemed to be relatively at home with her pack surrounding and comforting her.  Really, really sweet little lady.

It is very apparent that Tracey, Baxter and MacKenzie are a well woven unit.  They are always aware of each others presence, even when Baxter runs off to explore on his own.

They have absolute love and complete trust.  Watching their interactions with each other, left me with a lump in my throat.

Baxter and MacKenzie, you embody the true meaning of friendship and loyalty.  And you are an inspiration to me and all others that may be struggling to overcome.  Thank you for that.

For more information on custom pet photography visit:   White Whiskers Photography

What is Puppy Up!?  

It started with one man and his two dogs.  Luke, Hudson and Murphy are walking from Austin, TX to Boston, Massachusetts – a walk for all those touched by cancer – a trip, thus far, taking over 2 years and 2,400 miles.  They’ve walked through rain storms, snow storms and heat waves – carrying everything they need in packs on their backs and camping along the way in a pup tent. 

 On Saturday, June 19 th they’ll walk their final miles into Boston where the festivities and celebrations will begin.  For more info on Luke and his dogs:  2 Dogs 2000 Miles

 I’ll not only be joining them in the Final Mile, but I’ve also been asked by event coordinators if I would photograph Luke, Hudson and Murphy as they make their way along the last leg of their trip.  I am so honored to photograph this trio and want to go one step further by helping to raise additional funds for a truly worthy cause.

 The walk will end at the Puppy Up Festival on the Boston Common where I will have a booth and be raffling a Mini-Session Shoot w/a free 8×10 to one lucky winner.  There will be other vendors, food, entertainment, and more.

 In the evening, a Puppy Up! Gala and Auction will be held at the Fairmont Copley Hotel where I’ve donated a Full Session Photo Shoot that includes a 16 x 20 mounted print. 

 Become a sponsor of my booth & my Final Mile Walk to help raise money towards Canine Cancer Research.

 ALL FUNDS RAISED will be used to launch the next phase:  2 Million Dogs “Cancer. Touches. Everyone.”

 All DONATIONS OVER $25 received within the state of MA and by May 21st will be entered into the raffle for a Free Mini Session Shoot and an 8×10 raffle!!  But you don’t have to live in the state to donate.

Checks can be written to: Maria Andrews or White Whiskers Photography and mailed to:

Maria Andrews, 155 Palmer St., Quincy, MA 02169

or use PayPal by contacting Maria at:   whitewhiskersphotography@gmail.com

White Whiskers Photography will be partnering with two organizations in upcoming fundraisers.  This weekend, I’ll be joining forces with PoundHounds on  Sunday, September 20th at their Barktoberfest.  What does this mean for you?  It means you have the opportunity to win a Single Session photo shoot for your pet while helping a wonderful organization do even more wonderful things.    

The event runs 11am to 3pm in Westford, MA at the 4-H Fairgrounds.  There’s going to be a lot of cool things going on.  You and your dog will love it.  I’ll be there capturing images of people and their pooches enjoying the festivities until 1pm.  I’m really looking forward to this because PoundHounds is an amazing organization doing great things for shelter dogs.

All you have to do to enter is show up and donate.  All money raised will go directly back to PoundHounds.  The winner will receive:

-         A 1 to 2 hour photo shoot at the location of their choice

-         30 to 40 images from the photo shoot published in a private online gallery for one month.

-         One 11×14 mounted print of their choice from their online gallery.

-         A non-printable DVD with all the images in their online gallery suitable for viewing on their TV or computer

PoundHounds is an all-breed, all-volunteer rescue organization that dedicates itself to helping abandoned, abused and surrendered dogs in shelters or town-run pounds find new homes.  Working closely with Animal Control Officers (ACO) as well as other rescue groups and shelters, PoundHounds helps not only with placement but also provides medical care and spay/neuter services to counteract pet overpopulation.

PoundHounds serves a unique need in the animal welfare community.  No other organization is focused on providing direct, grassroots support to Animal Control Officers and municipal town pounds and shelters.  They support and empower ACOs to improve the standard of care and visibility for the dogs in their care in order to increase their chances of adoption.

See you there!!