What a difference a bow makes!

Many of you have already seen Sweetie's glam shot, but for those that haven't, feast your eyes on his pretty lady!  This picture is just too cute for words!  Unfortunately for you, I rarely am at a loss for words, so let's continue...

This past saturday, Sweetie, along with a dozen or so other dogs, got primped up and went for a photo shoot with a local photographer, Claudine, dog lover and owner of Simply Dog Photography (http://www.simplydogphotoblog.com).  Aside from being "tots adorbs!" take a moment to think about the actual impact of these photos.  Quite often, photos of dogs in shelters look more like the picture shown below.  This is not necessarily due to a fault of any person, but more likely due to limited resources, staff and quite simply, way to many homeless animals.  For many people, they don't even want to look at this photo, let alone adopt this dog (Brownie), as it's a harsh reminder of what life can be like for many homeless animals.   So what Claudine is doing, other than taking jaw dropping, awww-inspiring, ridiculously cute photographs - she is saving lives.


Even despite Instagram's ability to make everyone look a little better, I'm no photographer. Fortunately, at this time in my life, I was able to open up my home to Sweetie and help in that way.  So how can you help animals in need?

Under Facebook pictures of animals in need on Facebook, there is quite often comments (which I have been guilty of leaving) such as "I would love to, but I can't with my work schedule" or "So cute, but my pack is full."   So next time you or I make that comment, let's think of ways in which we can help.  Claudine is kind enough to donate her gift of photography.  Here are some ways that you could help:

1. Trying to lose some winter weight? - donate time to walk dogs (or if you're already in great shape - socialize kitties) at a local shelter.  Everyone (two legged and four legged benefits from a little TLC).
2.  Doing some spring cleaning? - any old towels, sheets, blankets could surely be used at a local shelter or rescue group.
3.  Are you technologically savvy? - volunteer to help a shelter or rescue start or improve their website
4. Own a business? - donate 5% of your proceeds to an organization on a given night
5. Rich? - giving money never hurts (and if you're tall, dark and handsome - call me :-)

Bottom line, saying "I can't help" is a big fat lie.  Like Claudine, we all have gifts and services to offer to make the world a better place.

Please feel free to write down more ideas in the comments section below - I'd love to hear how you have or plan to help homeless animals!