Mini Whisker Sessions
It’s that time of year again! Get ready for the $99 Mini Whisker Sessions, now through the end of May! Enjoy a half hour portrait session for your furry friend, in the comfort of your own home, local bark park, or favorite downtown hang out. You will have up to 20 amazing images from your session on a personal online gallery, with several fun products to choose from! We have Fine Art Canvas Wraps, personalized greeting cards, coffee table books, and of course a full line of professional quality wall prints to choose from. Receive a free 8×10 print with your purchase of any print package!
Puppy Love
One of the perks of working with an amazing dog rescue like Snooty Giggles, is that I get some major play time with the puppies before they enter the foster program. This little session was especially fun because Miss Shawn has a house full of props! What’s cuter than a puppy? A puppy in a bowl!
If you’re considering adding a dog to your family, please check out petfinder.com for a list of all the amazing adoptable animals in your area. The puppies below and their mama will be looking for a family of their own soon! Contact snootygiggles@gmail.com for more information on these little babies and many others.
Black & White: It’s That Simple
I love for my photographs to be full of color and vivid personality, but every once in a while, a classic black and white portrait says it all. There are some animals that can tell a story with their eyes, and in those portraits, I need to dial down the animation and let their expression speak for itself. Lucia and Mars, two of my favorite Boston Terriers, have some of the most expressive faces I’ve ever seen. Colorful photographs are great, but these black and white portraits are timeless and showcase the beautiful markings that make Bostons one of the most photogenic breeds I’ve ever seen!
Often times, eliminating color can help other elements of your subject stand out. For example, in the photograph of Mars above, the background was distracting with several color casts from the wall and bed comforter. In this situation, changing the image to black and white allows us to focus on the star of the show, and his animated smile!
Shadow and light play such a key role in the effect of black and white photography. Another effect is framing your subject by using an architectural arch, tree branch, or the simple rule of thirds. In the photograph below, I left plenty of space at the top, which will draw your eye to the subject while making the photo more interesting to the eye. You’ll see this approach in many of my photos, which is just a personal preference of mine. Either way, black and white photography is beautiful, and when executed correctly, can transform a portrait into a timeless work of art.
Bumble & Bunsby
Say hello to Bumble and Bunsby, an eight week old brother and sister terrier mix duo! These two adorable babies are available for adoption through Snooty Giggles Dog Rescue in Thompson’s Station, TN. Please contact snootygiggles@gmail.com for more information about these cuties, and other wonderful dogs in need of forever homes!
Bumble & Bunsby, eight week old terrier mix siblings
Bunsby, eight week old male terrier mix
Bumble, eight week old female terrier mix
Bunsby, eight week old male terrier mix
Bumble, eight week old female terrier mix
Caring for Seniors
It’s no surprise that our senior dogs and cats require a little extra love and care. Over the years, we’ve become more knowledgable thanks to improved vet care and healthier dietary habits, so our animals can often live prolonged and happier lives!
As the primary care taker, you play a big role in detecting early signs of disease because you interact and care for your pet on a daily basis and are familiar with your pet’s behavior and routine. If your pet is showing any change in behavior, contact your veterinarian and provide them with a list of the changes you have observed in your dog or cat. A few possible behavioral changes to look for are:
- Increased reaction to sound
- Increased vocalization
- Confusion and anxiety
- Disorientation
- Decreased interaction with the family
- Increased irritability, aggressive or protective behavior
- Decreased response to commands
- House soiling
- Decreased self-hygiene and grooming
- Increased wandering
- Change in sleep cycles
We love our animals and need to be extra attentive as they grow in age! Talk to your veterinarian about how to care for your older dog or cat, and be prepared for possible age-related health issues. Senior pets require increased attention, including more frequent visits to the veterinarian, possible changes in diet, and in some cases alterations to their home environment. Senior animals may have a few extra gray whiskers, but that’s just one more thing we love about them!
For more information about caring for your senior animal, visit www.avma.org and www.healthypet.com
Home Alone
Is boredom setting in for your pup? Most of us work all day, and leave our furry friends at home for up to 8 hours at a time. Some might chase their tails, sit by the door, or chew on their favorite bone for a while…but most of the time, they will sleep or get bored waiting for someone to play with. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to eliminate the monotonous time spent alone!
- Physical exercise: Yes, this means waking up a little bit earlier than usual! Take that pup outside and drain some physical energy with a morning walk or run. This can help your dog feel restful throughout the day. If the weather doesn’t allow an outside romp, try playing ball or rough-housing for a few minutes indoors. If you have a large yard, throw that tennis ball as far as you can! Even a few minutes of hard running is a good workout.
- Mental challenge: Provide interactive puzzle toys! There are plenty of toys on the market, some you fill with treats or kibble, and your dog has to figure out how to get the treats to come out, and some toys that make noise or flash when bumped or rolled. You can find these toys at most local pet stores!
- Long lasting goodies: Give your pup a toy like the Kong that you can fill with a wide variety of food items such as canned dog food, yogurt or peanut better (or both mixed) and then freeze it. This will occupy him for quite a long time. Large, healthy chew toys or Nylabones will also provide hours of chewing pleasure. You can soak rope toys in chicken broth and freeze them. Your pup will go crazy for this frozen treat, especially during the warm summer months!
- Play dates: Get to know your neighbors who have dogs, and alternate play dates! If their schedule differs from yours, you could take turns baby sitting each other’s dog, so that the dogs can enjoy time playing together. Or utilize your family and friends who might have the time to stop by and play with or walk your dog for a few minutes each day.
- Consider hiring a professional dog walker, sitter, or doggie daycare facility. Even if utilized only once or twice a week, it can help break up the normal routine and provide an outlet for her physical and mental energy.
- Leave the television or radio on while you are gone. It may sound silly, but you’d be surprised at how much they’ll pay attention to the sights and sounds.
Always be aware of safety issues and be careful not to provide toys with small parts that can be choked on. Vary the toys provided so that your dog will stay interested.
Just remember, dogs need an outlet for both physical and mental energy, and the more you can safely provide that, the more peaceful and stress-free your household will be. Never punish boredom – prevent it instead!
For more info on keeping your dog safe and happy, visit cincinnatidogpages.com
Whiskers on Kittens
So you’ve decided to bring home a new bundle of furry joy! Congrats! Whether the kitten is your first pet, or an addition to your growing family, being prepared will make her transition safe and easy for everyone. Here are a few tips for housing a healthy and happy kitten!
- Give it time: Some kittens are adopted at 6 weeks old, but 10-12 weeks is better. Those extra few weeks spent with her mother will help a kitten learn acceptable behavior, from getting along with siblings to getting accustomed to human contact. If a kitten has been gently handled by people, she will likely be friendlier and better adjusted. When choosing a kitten, look for one that is inquisitive, who doesn’t shy away from your touch and is ready to play!
- Provide all the comforts: Kittens are growth machines for their first year and need different nutrition than adult cats. Extra protein for muscle and tissue development, fat for fatty acids and plenty of calories are key to kittens’ health. Specially formulated kitten foods fitting their nutritional requirements should be given until the kitten is a year old.
Away from his littermates or mother, the kitten needs to feel secure as well as warm. Whether you provide a cardboard box lined with a blanket or a fancier bed from a pet supply store, keep your kitten’s bed in a quiet place, away from household traffic.
Litter training is easy , cats instinctively bury their waste , but takes patience. Put the litter box in a corner or other secluded spot. After your kitten has awakened from a nap, or shortly after she’s finished eating, place her in the box. If she doesn’t dig or scratch, gently take one of her front paws and simulate digging with it. Praise her if she uses the box, but never punish her if he doesn’t. Just place her in it at hourly intervals until she gets the idea.
To discourage clawing furniture, provide a carpet-covered scratching post.
- Meet the family: Although everyone will want to hold the kitten, limit handling for the first few days while your new pet adjusts. Set up his bed, litter box and food in a quiet room where he can be secured until he gets to know his new home. Introduce one family member at a time, allowing the kitten to come to you and learn your touch.
Children under five should not interact with kittens; many shelters and rescue groups will not allow families with very young children to adopt kittens because children can be rough, sometimes tragically, with kittens. Older children can be shown how to hold a cat — with one hand just behind the front legs, the other supporting his hindquarters. They should be taught never to grab a kitten’s tail or ears, or pick it up by its scruff. Show children how to gently pet a cat’s head and back. Remind them to always wash their hands after being around kitty. Always supervise children’s interaction with kittens, especially if they have friends visiting.
Kitten proof your home: Kittens can get tangled or choked by anything swinging or hanging. Therefore, keep your new pet safe by securely anchoring drape or blind cords out of reach.
To prevent chewing on electric and phone cords, bundle them with a cord manager and fasten away from kittens’ reach.
Rubber bands, jewelry, Christmas decorations, balloons and other small items are dangerous to kittens that may swallow them. Remove poisonous plants, and roach or ant traps and make sure the toilet lid is down. Keep kitchen and bathroom cabinets closed so your kitten doesn’t encounter bleach, detergent, dental floss and other household items when exploring.
In the laundry area, keep washer and dryer doors closed: A kitten may climb into a warm dryer for a nap. Remember, if something would be harmful for a toddler, it’s the same for your kitten.
- Meet the animals: Before bringing in a new kitten, be sure your resident pets have recently been checked by your vet, and are disease-free. When the kitten is in his or her secured room, your other cat will sniff around the doorway. Give your resident cat extra attention to ease his or her anxiety. Once the kitten feels comfortable, allow the two to meet briefly. Stay in the room while they sniff and explore each other. There may be some hissing and growling. If one cat shows real hostility, separate them and try again a few days later.
Never leave a dog alone with a new kitten. Dogs can become aggressive, or a kitten may claw at a dog’s face. Make sure your dog is properly leashed as you introduce him or her to your kitten following the same procedure you would to introduce a cat to your kitten. This lets the animals learn each other’s scent. The kitten should not be allowed to run away because the dog may think chasing it is a game. Reward both pets for calm behavior. Always supervise their interactions until the kitten is fully grown.
- Home alone: Make sure your kitten is safe and happy when you’re at work. She should be secured in one room with her bed, litter box, scratching post, food, water, and plenty of safe toys to play with. If home alone at night, a small nightlight should be left on, and consider leaving a radio on. Some cats enjoy hearing a human voice when left home for hours at a time. Believe it or not, pet sitters have reported that cats prefer country western and classical music!
For more information on kitten care, visit www.animalplanet.com
Riverside Adventures
Lucia loves to pose for the camera, especially after swimming in the creek! This adventurous girl has an outfit for every occasion, including a little red sailor number for riverside excursions with her mama.
Miss Polly Toodle, Beadle & Noggs
Miss Polly Toodle: Pug Mix
Meet Miss Polly Toodle in all her fashionable glory! She is a pug mix, available for adoption through Snooty Giggles Dog Rescue (Nashville, TN). Polly picked out this diamond studded tutu, with portrait of Marilyn Monroe, from the fabulous boutique of Animalia Health & Wellness (Franklin, TN). She wasted no time twirling and showing off her cute mushy face and curly tail in this frilly masterpiece!
Miss Polly Toodle: Pug Mix
As if Miss Polly wasn’t adorable enough, she brought along her two baby dolls, Beadle & Noggs. Both are available for adoption and cute as pie! Please contact snootygiggles@gmail.com for more information on these pups and many more that are in search of forever homes.
Noggs: 7 week old female pug/peke mix
Noggs: 7 week old female pug/peke mix
Beadle: 7 week old male pug/peke mix
Beadle: 7 week old male pug/peke mix
Sense of Humor
Happy Wednesday! It’s the middle of the week, and I think we could all use a smile and some extra laughter (let’s take a page from our pups!). I’m convinced that animals have a sense of humor, and I’ve got the pictures to prove it…
Logan’s Choice
Logan, Office Assistant with a Masters in Adorable
Every week, I should be buying groceries or putting gas in my car…but instead I’m at the local Pet Suppy Store purchasing Grade A food and unnecessary, but ADORABLE toys. All in hopes that every Friday is like Christmas morning for my spoiled rotten cat, Miss Logan. Kickaroos, Wubba Huggas, Crinkle Tents…needless to say, she has more toys than a toddler. So, in honor of my overly pampered feline, here are a few of her favorite things:
Disclaimer: Purchasing all items on this list will result in an ungrateful, needy, spoiled rotten cat that will refuse to move out and get a job, living with you forever.
Pop-Up Play Cube ($9.99)
Yeowww! Catnip Banana ($6.50)
Petstages Twinkle Ball ($5.49)
Soccer Sponge Balls ($3.99)
Kong Kickeroo ($5.09)
Yeowww! Catnip Stinkies Sardines ($3.00/each)
FroliCat Dart Automatic Rotating Laser ($28.00)
For several awesome toys on this list, and much more, check out my friends at Nashville Pet Products Center! www.nashvillepetproducts.com
Dog Park Shenanigans
Everyone needs to shake it off now and then. Let your hair down, loosen that collar, run in circles till you catch your tail! Nashville is one of the most animal friendly cities in the country, so what are you waiting for? Grab your favorite toy and get crazy!
We’ve got 9 amazing bark parks, most just a short walk or drive from where you live:
Centennial Dog Park – 222 25th Ave North, Nashville
Fenway’s Dog Park – 745 Caldwell Lane, Goodlettsville
Freedom Run Dog Park – 2098 Turning Wheel Lane, Franklin
K-9 Korral Dog Park – 239 Franklin Rd, Franklin
Maggie’s Bark Park – 138 Claude Yates Dr, Franklin
Murfreesboro Bark Park – 1526 West College St, Murfreesboro
Nolensville Dog Park – 2310 Rocky Fork Rd, Nolensville
Shelby Dog Park – Shelby Ave at South 20th St, Nashville
Warner Dog Park – 50 Vaughn Rd, Nashville
Your Dog May Be A Hipster If…
Your dog may be a hipster if…
- He has his own instagram account
- He wears doggles at night and indoors
- His water bowl is filled with PBR
- He refuses to visit the groomer in hopes of growing out his beard
- He asked for a fixed gear bike for Christmas
- He owns any of the following t-shirts ( $45.00 @ rockstarpuppyboutique.com)
- He sports a pair of Toms while at the dog park
- He sleeps on a stash of moleskine notebooks and plaid shirts
And last, but certainly not least, your dog might be a hipster if you find him at a thrift store in East Nashville, chewing on his iPhone
( $15.00 @ rockstarpuppyboutique.com)
Small In Stature, Big At Heart
Pint sized pups aren’t always what they seem. They may not be able to see above the kitchen table, but hey, they are certainly big enough to fill our hearts!
Famous Small Dogs in History:
- Smoky the WWII Mascot – Four pound Yorkshire terrier that flew combat missions in WWII. Smoky was found in a foxhole by an American soldier and sold to Corporal Bill Wynn for $6. Wynn kept Smoky on the battlefield and in fighter planes for the next two years, teaching him tricks and allowing him to comfort wounded soldiers along the way. This earned Smoky the title of first therapy dog on record!
Image Credit: iStockphoto | Courtesy of William A. Wynne | AP Photo/NASA, | AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac | Getty Images |
- Benji – Since 1974, the mixed-breed mutt has captured our hearts on film. The first Benji’s real name was Higgins, and he was adopted from the Burbank Animal Shelter. In fact, the American Humane Society reported that more than one million dogs were adopted from shelters around the country during Benji’s time!
Image Credit: iStockphoto | Courtesy of William A. Wynne | AP Photo/NASA, | AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac | Getty Images |
For more info on small dogs and surprising facts, visit animalplanet.com
What Your Dog Says About You
They may not be able to talk, but dogs have a lot to say about their owners’ personality. Have you ever noticed that your dog’s personality is similar to your own? Check out these amusing stereotypes that were surprisingly backed up using an online survey of 1,000 dog owners, by U.K. psychologist, Lance Workman. The study was presented at the British Psychological Society in London last year.
Sporting Dogs (Labs & Cocker Spaniels) – Owners are more agreeable and conscientious. Labs are also the most common breed registered in the U.S. according to the American Kennel Club. They are regarded as gentle, obedient and eager to please.
Herding Dogs (German Shepherds & Sheepdogs) – Owners are extroverts. German shepherds are the second most popular breed in the U.S. They’re fearless, but not hostile, eager and alert. They serve as watch dogs, service and herding dogs.
Hound Dogs (Greyhounds & Beagles) – Owners are more emotionally stable. Beagles are happy-go-lucky, family-friendly, and the third most popular breed in the U.S.
Toy Dogs (Chihuahuas & Yorkshire Terriers) – Owners are more agreeable, conscientious and more open to new experiences. Chihuahuas are known for confidence and self importance.
Non-Sporting Dogs (English Bulldogs, Shar-Peis, Chow Chows) – Owners are more extroverted. The English bulldog is known for its kindness, courage, and dignified demeanor. They are also gentle and protective.
Terriers (Staffordshire Bull & Scottie Dog) – No main personality traits stood out, very middling and balanced owners. The Staffordshire bull mixes courage and tenacity with affection for friends and children in particular. Scottie dogs exude ruggedness and power, according to the AKC.
Working Dogs (Dobermans & Schnauzers) – Like terrier owners, no main personality traits stood out, agreeable and well balanced.
Whether you agree with the study or not, one thing is sure, over time you and your best friend (furry or otherwise) start to sync personalities. Energy levels, daily activity, and habits rub off on your dog much like a college roommate, except your Beagle won’t borrow an outfit and forget to return it!
For more info on personality traits of your dog, visit abcnews.com
Prim & Proper
Did you know that your cat spends nearly 5 hours a day grooming herself? And roughly 16 hours asleep? Cats are incredibly clean by nature, but sometimes even the overzealous OCD feline needs a spa day. Here are some of the benefits of regularly grooming your cat:
- Keep her coat and skin clean and in excellent condition
- Reduce the amount of hair on your clothing and furniture
- Decrease hairballs
- Help allergy sufferers tolerate your cat
- Reduce damage and injury from sharp toenails
- Prevent uncomfortable mats
- Discover health problems such as wounds, fleas, ticks, or rashes
- Most important, spend quality time with your kitten!
As a self proclaimed cat lady, I personally recommend the FURminator Deshedding Tool, costing around $45.00. Money well spent, whether you have a long or short haired cat at home. This brush is used and recommended by groomers and veterinarians, reducing shedding up to 90%! What’s not to love about less cat hair on the couch?
For more info on cat grooming, health, and care – visit cathealth.com
The Great Outdoors
So he flashed those puppy dog eyes, and bam! You have a brand new, energetic, s]]><
Doggles Originalz $16.00 – Eye protection for your best friend who accompanies you on a motorcycle ride, boat, or truck! 100% UV protection
Croozer Dog Bike Trailer $335.00 – Take your dog with you on every cycling trip! Bicycle hitch arm connects to quick release rear axle, works with disc brakes and most full suspension systems. Large zipper mesh sides and clear roll up front window, with internal attachment for dog’s harness or collar.
For more helpful tips on keeping up with your puppy, visit animalplanet.com
Drivers Ed for Rescue Dogs
I’ll believe it when pigs fly! How about when dogs drive? As part of a campaign by the New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), rescue dogs are learning to drive as an effort to clear up “common misconceptions” about shelter pups. These dogs may have been abandoned, neglected and mistreated, but they are just as intelligent as your furry friend at home! All three dogs, Porter, Ginny and Monty, are trained in real cars, adjusted to accomodate their needs. They have been taught to receive verbal commands as guidance, control the wheel and make turns on their own. Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?
Check out the full article and video of rescue dogs cruising along at livescience.com