Working Dogs To Be Honored at World Trade Center Site

The day before the Westminster Kennel Club Show begins in New York City, the many working dogs of the city will be honored at The Tribute WTC Visitor Center at the World Trade Center site.
The numerous search and rescue and therapy dogs that worked following the attacks on the World Trade Center will be honored at the event taking place Sunday, February 14 from 2-3 p.m. The event will showcase NYPD K-9 Unit dog, Mac, and his human partner, Bill Saunier, for a free program including demonstrations of the dogs working Saunier is a K-9 trainer and has overseen the training of all of the dogs in the unit and participated in the recovery efforts at the WTC site. Mac, a puppy on September 11, 2001, was named after a 9/11 victim, NYPD Brian McDonnell.
This event is free and
open to the public by reservation only. To reserve a space, contact
rsvp@tributewtc.org.
Where: The Tribute WTC Visitor Center, 120 Liberty Street, on the south side of the WTC site. For more information, visit
www.tributewtc.org or call (866) 737-1184.
posted by Paris and John @ 10:05 AM

AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Airs on Animal Planet

The 2009 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, which took place in December 2009 in Long Beach, California, will air Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010 on Animal Planet. The show is scheduled for 8-11 PM (ET/PT).
The recent championship celebrated the 125th anniversary of the American Kennel Club. The "Best in Show" winner took home a $50,000 grand prize and the title of National Champion.
For More Information:Photo by Lisa Croft-Elliott copyright AKCLabels: dog shows, Television
posted by Paris and John @ 10:24 AM

Facebook Friday, Feb. 5, 2010

It's Facebook Friday time! Each week we showcase some of our own
DogTipper fan page discoveries, Facebook pages of interest to other dog lovers. If you have any favorites of your own to include, be sure to leave us a link in the comments section!
DogOscopesWhat's your dog's sign? This fun Facebook page is for the fans of DogOscopes.com, a site that features astrology-inspired products for dogs. We love their showcase of a rescue group every week!
Help Find CinnabunCinnabun, the much-loved pit bull of Jesse James and Sandra Bullock, went missing on Monday, Feb. 1, 2010 from the West Coast Choppers shop in Long Beach, California. This fan page is run by fans and documents the many efforts (and possible sightings) as these fans work to help reunite Cinnabun with her family.
Rescue Road TripsThis fan page for RescueRoadTrips.com documents the many trips these rescuers make from Southern states to Northern states, transporting dogs from high-kill shelters to new homes. Follow along on the journeys to save these canines and see photos of these special rescues.
VCA Animal HospitalsVCA Animal Hospitals recently launched this Facebook fan page which offers fans the opportunity to participate in contests and activities, share photos, pick up coupons, and share amazing stories to save a pet’s life in the “Pet Heroes” section. Look for health tips from Dr. Donna Spector on a regular basis.
Labels: Facebook Friday
posted by Paris and John @ 8:31 AM

Cesar & ilusion Millan Foundation Launches Share the Puppy Love Campaign

To mark the third anniversary of the non-profit Cesar and Ilusion Millan Foundation, CesarsWay.com is donating 10 percent of the proceeds from Cesar Millan's Mastering Leadership DVDs for the month of February, 2010.
The Foundation works to promote animal welfare by supporting the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of abused and abandoned dogs.
For More Information:Labels: Cesar Millan
posted by Paris and John @ 11:41 AM

Tamron Hall Replaces Mario Lopez as Westminster Co-Host
On Friday the USA Network announced that MSNBC's
Tamron Hall would be replacing
Mario Lopez as the co-host of February's broadcast of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, presented by Pedigree. Lopex said, "It saddens me to say I will not be able to co-host this year's Westminster Kennel Club dog show, due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts. I wish Tamron, David and all the dogs the best of luck. I will be cheering you all on from LA."
Tamron Hall will be familiar to television viewers due to her position anchoring MSNBC Live weekday mornings and co-anchoring weekday afternoons from
3-4pm ET. She is often on "The Today Show" and "Weekend Today" and served as co-host of a 2009 "Dateline" series titled "You Might Be Rich." "I've been a dog lover my entire life," says Hall. "I currently have two furry 'best friends' in my family, and I can't wait for the show. I'm honored to be given the opportunity to join this team."
Hall will be co-hosting the event with dog expert David Frei, now in his 21st consecutive year as host. NBC Sports'
Tiffany Simons will also appear as a sideline reporter.
Broadcast Schedule: - Monday, February 15, 2010: USA will air the first hour of the show at 8pm and will then switch over to CNBC for the 9-11pm ET/PT portion of the broadcast.
- Tuesday, February 16, 2010: USA will air all three hours, including the crowning of the 2010 Best in Show, from 8-11pm ET/PT.
For More Information:Labels: Television, Westminster Dog Show
posted by Paris and John @ 6:41 PM

Signed Blue Dog, Drew Brees Print by George Rodrigue Goes to Auction

SoFAB, the Southern Food and Beverage Museum in New Orleans, has announced that is auctioning a "Blue Dog" and Drew Brees print signed by
George Rodrigue. Rodrigue, a Cajun artist, is well-known for his "Blue Dog" series; this special print is designed to highlight the museum's Cajun roots in anticipation of the upcoming Acadiana to Cajun exhibit and to support the Saints with quarterback Drew Brees in their upcoming Superbowl game.
The silkscreen print is 32 x 19 and is autographed by George Rodrigue. The artwork was donated to SoFAB by the Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts, which donates specific prints to non-profits for auction directly to supporters. The prints are not for sale in any Rodrigue Gallery.
The auction ends Sunday, February 7, 2010. The starting bid is $525.
For More Information and to register and bid: Photo courtesy SoFABLabels: Fundraisers
posted by Paris and John @ 2:58 PM

Lisa Prince Fishler, Printz Photography: Pet Pro Profile

Capturing the spirit and personality of your dog in a photo is no easy feat, as any dog lover who has tried to photograph his dog can tell you. But for professional photographer Lisa Prince Fishler, dog photography is more than a job, "It's where my passions, talents and identity converge."
Recently DogTipper.com caught up with this Poughkeepsie, New York-based photographer to learn more about her work and her devotion to animal rescue (as seen in these photos taken recently when greyhounds left closed racetracks to be bathed and readied for their foster homes.)
Can you tell us about your background and how you first came to work with pets? I am ½ Japanese, and some of my Japanese ancestors were artists and Shinto Priests. This is relevant, because it has deeply influenced who I am. The Shinto religion believes that ALL things in Nature are deities… everything is sacred: every plant, every insect, every animal and even, every beautiful view.
I was raised to view animals as important members of our family, and have never lived without them. Growing up, our house was that place that animals, domestic and wild, found their way to when they needed help. We raised and released countless injured or motherless birds, squirrels, raccoons, and even a skunk, and always had a house full of rescued cats, dogs, chickens, goats, horses, etc. I had very few human friends close by and so most of my time was spent interacting with my animal family. When I got my first camera at age 8, each roll of film was filled with nothing but you guessed it, animals!
My work as a Photographer focusing on animals is really just me being me… It’s where my passions, talents and identity converge. Photographing our animal friends, their relationships, their emotions, and the beauty of their essence, allows me to artistically share what is important to me.
I’ve tried on many hats, but have come to realize it’s not a matter of putting something “on,” rather, it’s a stripping away until you find the honest to goodness version of your self. All my life, I have always said, if I could do anything I wanted, it would have to do with animals and art. Well? Here I am.
What can you tell us about Printz Photography and your own photographic style?
Printz Photography was born out of the volunteer work I did, photographing Pit Bulls at the Animal Farm Foundation. I absolutely love these dogs, and this work. One day I decided to take a chance and jump into doing what I love, all of the time…
I strive to capture emotion and beauty in a way that is unique for each animal and family. I don’t use backdrops, lights, or props, and work to make each photo a unique and organic expression of that particular subject. It is spontaneous, artful, and real.
When you photograph pets, you set up an outdoor photo shoot. What's a typical pet photo session like in terms of working with the pet?I don’t think there is a “typical” photo shoot for me, as all animals, families, and locations are different. I do, however, spend the first 15 minutes or so getting to know everyone, and the next hour and a half doing the same, but with camera in hand, and a little more intimately. I let the animal take the lead. If he/she wants to play, we play. If they want to rest, we rest, and so on. Ultimately, I leave with a set of images that document a slice of a typical day in the life of this animal and maybe even a couple shots with their human family members.
When pet families set up a photo shoot, what do you recommend in terms of time of day and location?My favorite time of day to take photographs is in the early morning or late afternoon. The lighting is very soft and complimentary during these times, where as the sun during the middle of the day is pretty harsh. Overcast days are good as well. One of my favorite sessions to date began at 7:30am on a crisp Fall morning. It was 27F and there was frost everywhere. It was really magical!
In addition to lighting, an interesting location really adds to the final image. I look for a background that is not cluttered, yet has interesting texture and perspective… other than that, it really depends on what the animals and their people are comfortable with.
What else would you like the readers of DogTipper.com to know about your work?Printz Photography was born out of my desire to Give Back to the animal community, and this continues to be my driving force. I can’t stomach the utterly obscene numbers of animals that are euthanized every-single-day, and I work non-stop to do my part to show people what amazing, thinking, feeling, loving, beautiful souls animals are, and that they deserve to be treated accordingly.
I am a strong advocate for rescue, adopting your animal companions, the American Pit Bull Terrier and a strong opponent of Breed Specific Legislation.
If you, or anyone you know has a great idea to help animals and need the help of a photographer/artist, please get in touch with me.
For More Information:
Photos courtesy Printz Photography; copyright Printz PhotographyLabels: Pet Pro Profile
posted by Paris and John @ 9:11 AM
