2020
Donated a pet portrait session to PAWS Chicago. Pet portraits were on display at IKEA stores to help raise donations for homeless pets of Chicago.
This holiday season I donated my pet photography skills to help raise money for a local Chicago rescue, PAWS Chicago. The portraits I took were used to make cutouts so they may be displayed around the store. Video and photos credit: PAWS Chicago.
Terra and Blake were in college and had been dating for about a year, when they happened upon an adorable litter of puppies needing homes. The couple had previously talked about getting a puppy. But they decided to wait and sleep on it to process the idea. The following day, they woke up and brought home Todd, an adorable Pointer/Lab mix. Todd, was a rockstar! He was a happy-go-lucky, fun-loving puppy without a care in the world. He was the kind of dog who loved meeting everyone, everywhere he went. Such a loving guy that it's was entirely possible he would quickly jump ship and join another family, if they had better treats. And any available laps were fair game for Todd to jump upon. Todd shared his love and enthusiasm with all.
Unfortunately, a black spot was discovered on Todd's tongue, and he was diagnosed with oral melanoma. The cancer was removed and he started getting special vaccinations. Sadly, another tumor was found on the side of his body, which required scans twice a year to keep watch for any new tumors. At this time, Terra and Blake began wondering if they should get a buddy for Todd. A canine companion who could keep Todd active and spry and engaged in life. So, the couple began a search for a friend for Todd. They came across a post on Next Door by a woman who was fostering a Weimaraner. Terra and Blake met him, fell in love, and Gunner joined their family.
Blending their canine family went smoothly. Gunner wanted to be the dominant dog, which suited Todd's easy-going personality just fine. Yet, Gunner really depended on Todd. Gunner was deaf so he relied on Todd to be his ears. To be his alert system and keep him aware of what's going on around them. These boys were like 2 puzzle pieces that really fit together.
Knowing Todd was getting older and battling cancer, Terra and Blake decided they wanted to memorialize their boys so they would never forget them. They decided to have photos taken, before it was too late. The couple chose portraits of each boy, which are displayed in their living room. The portraits are nicely complimented by the large photo book, proudly displayed on their coffee table, containing lots of photos from their private session.
After several years together Todd crossed the bridge, leaving his buddy behind. Gunner is a fiercely loyal dog. He is very smart and can read situations and people's emotions. He is very athletic and will seize any opportunity to race someone up the stairs. (And he typically wins). Unlike most of us, Gunner has really enjoyed Covid, as it has allowed him to be his dad's shadow. Being a creature of habit, Gunner likes the comfort and stability of his dad working at home. But now, Terra and Blake find themselves asking the same question. Should they get a buddy for Gunner? To fill the role that Gunner did for Todd. While having two dogs is a lot more work than one, there is something truly magical about having a companion by your side. We will let you know if Gunner gets his own buddy.
We had to skip this year's "Dia de los Pets" event, but decided to create an altar in honor of some favorite pet clients that have passed.
You can see it in person at my studio's storefront in West Town/Wicker Park (1112 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622).
Pet altar: Jaqui Almaguer
Chapo is a four-year-old Chihuahua whose passport is more decorated than yours. Kelly and Todd already had a couple of dogs, a Chihuahua and a Weimaraner, both of whom were getting on in years. So, the couple began the search to add a new furry member into the family. Bring some new life into the home, as well as to soften the inevitable blow when one of the older dogs crosses the bridge. During the search, Kelly came across a puppy named Todd (just like his human dad!) who had the same coloring as their senior Weimaraner. It was fate! They chose Todd and renamed him Chapo.
Chapo was a puppy when he joined the family and was full of frantic, silly, fun puppy energy. His older furry siblings weren't too keen on his level of zest for life. This led Chapo to spend most of his time with his parents, creating a strong love for people. While Chapo might be a bit reserved and shy upon first meeting someone, he is quick open up and enjoy the company of everyone. Even children! One of Chapo's best friends is a 6-year-old human. Chapo has what his parents refer to as his "ready to party" look, signaling when he's ready for fun, silly play. But his play sessions don't last long. This guy likes to play for a short bit and then snuggle up under his blankets.
Chapo is a worldly little fella. His parents enjoy the adventures of travel and, luckily for Chapo, he gets to hitch along! Having traveled since he was a wee one, Chapo is well-versed and well-behaved on all kinds and varieties of transport. While flying, he is so quiet in his carrier underneath the seat in front of his mom that most people (including seat mates) don't even realize he is on board! And he's traveled practically everywhere. From Aruba, to Belize, to Mexico, to Charleston, to Napa and he is a frequent visitor in Key West. So much so, he is actually recognized by the locals when he is in town! This seasoned traveler loves romping around the sunny beaches of these beautiful destinations. He is a dog after my own heart.
For Todd's birthday, Kelly thought out of the box for a creative present and decided on a photo session. Kelly knew Todd would want to be a part of the session (Chapo is kind of a daddy's boy) so Kelly presented Todd with a gift certificate so the whole family could go together. Chapo's amazing personality burst through the photos and Kelly and Todd couldn't decide on just one. So, they picked four! Personally, I am thinking Chapo should use his photos for headshots and try pitching a traveling show for Netflix. Who wouldn't watch that??
Vanja and her husband, Chris, were in search of a dog. Both had dogs in the past and were ready to bring a furry face into their family. After searching the internet, they stumbled across a dog with a local rescue that sparked their interest. Unfortunately (for them), this dog was in a foster and that family decided to adopt him. While disappointing, the rescue had another dog, Theo, who was in desperate need of a home. As a puppy, Theo had been adopted into a loving home. Sadly, his owner developed significant health issues suddenly leaving Theo without a home. Therefore, Vanja and Chris decided to meet Theo. Theo was a 5-year-old, big, strong Pit mix... weighing 85 lbs! Being a large, energetic pittie, Vanja knew Theo would be a tough dog to rehome. And it struck her, Theo needed them. And Theo's awesome personality and goofy, handsome looks won them over.
Theo is now an older gentleman, at the age of 10 and a half. Yet, the old guy still enjoys going for walks and sniffing along the way, loves meeting new people, is a master at napping in the sun on the balcony and rooftop, is a fan of all food, and especially enjoys spending time with his parents. Simply put, wherever they are, he wants to be. Unfortunately, this sweet soul has experienced endless health challenges since joining the family. Knee issues, surgeries, complications, infections, physical therapy, and a tumor resulting in the loss of part of his jaw. Yet, along the way, Theo has been a true fighter, battling all of his ailments with amazingly good spirits.
As time never stops, Vanja and Chis wanted photographs to capture their sweet boy, to cherish and remember Theo... forever. Being that Theo is a fine connoisseur of treats, he was quite eager to pose for the camera. Imagine some grunting noises, drool, lots of excited energy, and more drool. Seriously, he loves food! And his parents have since added the specific photo shoot treats to his treat jar at home.
Vanja spoke about her favorite aspect of Theo, his eyes. She feels they are incredibly soulful. They are yellow-greenish, and when you look into them, they draw you in and you know he loves you. You can feel it. It's as though he speaks with his eyes. Vanja believes in giving the underdogs a chance and often wonders what would have been Theo's fate, if they had not adopted him. Sadly, shelters are filled with dogs, just like Theo. And the reality is that some don't make it out. Thankfully, Theo was one of the lucky ones. In so many ways.
