New shooting area (top), sales area at right and new sign (below, left)

New Studio Location!

July 13, 2017

After 8 years it was time to move though moving is never easy. Springs Pet Portraits is excited to announce that we have moved into a new space at 815 South Sierra Madre ST, #200, in the building with one of our marketing partners (BamPaws Stay & Play). With a nice open floor plan and higher ceilings (see photos above) this space allows us to better serve our clients. The open floor plan and concrete floor makes it easy for our furry friends to roam about.

We now have more room to accommodate large families with dogs as well large groupings of dogs. And having our fundraisers has just become a lot easier. Along with the new space we now have a larger parking lot to accommodate the needs of our clients. No parking meters here, just plenty of of free parking. And we have a nice handicap accessible entry. We are easy to access from I-25

One Person Dog

July 6, 2017

By Teoti Anderson, Modern Dog Magazine

We often have unrealistic expectations of our canine companions, wanting them to be friends with everyone. Not every dog is wired that way. Some breeds are specifically known for having a close circle of friends. For example, take the Chow Chow. Chows are independent dogs, fiercely devoted to their families. They are known for being aloof with strangers. Are there specific Chows who are social butterflies? Yes. But the breed overall is known for not being particularly friendly towards people outside its inner circle.

Some dogs love everyone the second they meet them. (Yes, Labradors, I'm talking about you.) Others, not so much. Have you ever met a one-person dog? A dog who was completely devoted to just one person and really couldn't care less about anyone else? This level of attachment can be fine for a dog who is also secure and confident, but it can be a real problem if he is so dependent that without his special person he can't function. We often have unrealistic expectations of our canine companions, wanting them to be friends with everyone. Not every dog is wired that way. Some breeds are specifically known for having a close circle of friends. For example, take the Chow Chow. Chows are independent dogs, fiercely devoted to their families. They are known for being aloof with strangers. Are there specific Chows who are social butterflies? Yes. But the breed overall is known for not being particularly friendly towards people outside its inner circle.

Is Your Pet Getting Enough Exercise?

June 28, 2017

Training tips for common dog behavior problems include understanding the basic needs that often neglected. The biggest: the need for Physical Exercise.The type and amount of exercise that is appropriate for a dog depends on his age, breed, activity level and overall health.For a young puppy, two to four months of age, a short walk several times a day is usually sufficient. As your puppy has not completed his series of immunizations yet be careful to walk him in clean, safe environments where you know that any resident dogs are well cared for. Avoid dog parks, pet stores or anywhere lots of dogs congregate. For puppies five to six months, slightly longer and more vigorous walks, twice a day, usually suffice. The best time to exercise your dog is early morning and evening, as this is the time he will be naturally more active. His walk will give him an outlet for his daily puppy zoomies. As your puppy matures into adolescence, six to twelve months for small breeds and seven to eighteen or more months for large breeds) regular daily exercise is a must.

Outdoor Photographs With Your Pet

May 30, 2017

Outdoor portraits here in Colorado are really a no brainer—so much cool scenery to choose from. We get a lot of requests for outdoor family portraits and sometimes the family wants to add in their dog, after all they’re part of the family. There is a reason why 99% of our pet portraits are in studio—pets, especially dogs can be easily distracted. Can you say squirrel?

That doesn’t mean it cannot be done, just that there need to be a little planning involved. Going to a place familiar to your dog is always a good idea—that way they don’t feel the need to spend a huge amount of time smelling all the new smells in the area. Sometimes though, this is just not possible. For example the couple pictured were from out of town visiting the Springs. Their dogs weren’t familiar with Garden of the God’s but they wanted them in the photograph anyway.

Hang A Picture of My Dog on My Wall? You Bet!

May 16, 2017

Let’s face it—you love your dog—you know you do. Well why not get a great piece of art of your dog to hang on your wall? Too weird? You’d hang it if it was a painting someone did of your dog but sometimes we think just a photograph can’t be art. Well it can be. Either a single photograph or even a series of photographs off your dog. Here’s how it can work…

A Character Study of Your Pet

With people we often think of a Portrait Study or Character Study as a stand alone portrait. Sometimes it may be a series of two or three portraits, especially if it's of a child. Pets can be a bit different—they do ooze character. And just like people some pets are easier to define the character than others.

We offer a pre-session consultation for all of our portrait sessions—people orpets. For pets it's important that they meet us and see (actually smell) the studio before the session. That way they will be more comfortable when they return for the session. During this consultation we get to meet the pet and understand more of who they are—to see their personality. Whether your pet is shy or exuberant we can plan accordingly and this helps your session go more smoothly.

Taking Care Of Your Older Dog

May 5, 2017

Taking care of your older dog is very important. Walking, feeding and playing changes and how you approach these things can help increase your older dogs life and health.

Getting a great portrait made before it’s too late allows you to enjoy it while you still have your pet. And it will be a great reminder of what they were like when they were still fairly active. Of course doing anything new increases the stress level of your dog and as they age even more so. That’s why having a a pre-session consultation is key—introducing the dog to the studio and photographer before the day of the session lowers stress.

It’s important to try to get your pet’s portrait taken while they’re still relatively healthy, not having too much difficulty walking, seeing or hearing.

Is Your Dog Bored?

April 27, 2017

We all know that dogs, like people can get bored—some more easily than others. And when they get bored things happen —things that will help you be able to post on the Dog Shaming website—like destroying blinds, eating shoes, socks, furniture etc. Dogs can get bored and they want to amuse themselves—play if you will. So they’ll look around for things to do while you’re gone. If you have plenty of dog toys available and maybe a doggie door for them to escape outside for awhile that can help a lot.

How can you know if they’re bored? Well there are many signs like excessive barking, mischief, destructive chewing, escaping and even hyper greeting when you return. Modern Dog Magazine has a blog about how to tell when your dog is bored and what to do about it—read about it here.

Are Dog Parks Right For You?

April 18, 2017

Guest Blog By Linda Brennen-YourCanineCoach

Recently, many of my clients have asked my opinion of Dog Parks, so I thought I’d share some of my tips and concerns about dog park use. I personally am a fan of our dog park here in Briargate, and take my dogs there regularly. I have also visited many dog parks around the country over the past 20 years. However, dog parks are not for everyone, or every dog, and not every visit will be a positive one. Here are some things to think about to help you decide if the dog park is right for you and your dog.

Should I Get A Dog?

March 29, 2017

As National Puppy Day rolls every year people post a lot of adorable cut puppy photos on social media. Every year people see those and want a puppy. Same at Christmas and again at Easter. Before you jump into the whole gotta get a puppy—or even a dog —thing ask yourself some key questions.

Do I have time?

Having a puppy truly is like having a newborn. It’s a lot of work. You have to be super attentive and work with them. You can’t just crate them and leave for a day or so. Lots of feeding, playing, training and care. If you don’t have large blocks of time at the beginning then skip the puppy stage. There are plenty of dogs waiting to be adopted that are older than a new puppy.

Behind the Scenes of the 2017 PAWS Fundraiser

March 22, 2017

It's always fun to get a glimpse behind the scenes of any event. It's especially fun and often times hilarious when the event includes dogs. Here is a the Behind the Scenes Video from the 2017 PAWS Fundraiser, our annual event to raise funds for All Breed Rescue & Training.

We had a terrific turnout his year and raised a little over $1400 for All Breed. Thanks to our great sponsors who provide the wonderful swag for the goodie bags and gifts for the Grand Prize Basket: Bon Pet Supply, Stay Happy Pet Sitting, Your Canine Coach and Republic of Paws.

Check out the video below for the Behind the Scenes of this event.

Grand Prize Winner, Franklin as Indiana Jones

2017 PAWS Fundraiser A Huge Success!

March 10, 2017

We had a blast doing the 8th annual PAWS fundraiser to benefit All Breed Rescue & training. Over 4 days we photographed 45 dogs often with some hilarious results. A behind the scenes video will be posted soon. All in all we raised a tad over $1400 for ABRT—the largest amount in the 8 years we’ve been doing this.

This year the contest theme was centered around “Movies” with the end result to be an All Breed Movie poster or even a series of movie posters. And let me tell you there were some really creative entires—I was glad I was not involved in the judging. Each of the PAWS sponsors this year acted as judge—a big shout out to Bon Pet Supply (who provided great treats for our give away goodie bags) Your Canine Coach who supplied part of the Grand Prize, Stay Happy Pet Sitting who supplied most of the Grand Prize gift basket and Republic of Paws whose items were in the Grand Prize basket along with a gift card to their new pet spa and grooming store in Old Colorado City.

Paw Prints is Back!

January 24, 2017

It’s time again for the annual Paw Prints Fundraiser to benefit All Breed Rescue & Training (haveanicedog.org). Mark your calendars: we’ll be doing the mini sessions on Friday February 24 and Saturday 25th and again on March 3 and 4.

For a $40 donation to ABRT you will receive a mini session and a 5x7 print. If you’d like a chance at a little notoriety for you dog you can enter the competition for a $45 donation. The theme for this year’s competition is “Movies” —past and present so get creative and dress and/or bring props to celebrate one of your favorite movies featuring your dog. The top 3 winners will be featured on the All Breed “Movie” poster. The top winner—grand prize—wins a gift bag worth over $200 in prizes from our sponsors.

SOme of the dogs from the Dogs of Downtown Calendar

2016 Year in Review for Springs Pet Portraits

December 29, 2016

Wow—cannot believe another year has managed to zip by! Lots of cool things happened at Springs Pet Portraits this past year. Our annual fundraiser for All Breed Rescue (HaveANicedog.org) was the biggest success to date- all the slots booked up very quickly and the calendar contest was fun. The 2016 theme (for 2017 calendar) was “Sports” with lots of very creative entries. Stay tuned for the theme for the 2017 contest—it will be revealed in February. The 2017 Calendars to benefit All Breed are still available through ABRT and at BonPetSupply.com

A Photo cube is a great last minute gift

Last Minute Christmas Gifts

December 12, 2016

There are always those who shop last minute for Christmas gifts. I remember growing up I always helped my dad shop for my mom—and that on Christmas eve! But for those who don’t already have all their gifts finished here are some ideas:

Great last minute gifts from Springs Pet Portraits include Custom photo tree ornaments, photo cubes (featuring photos you’ve had taken with us oner the past few years) small prints and wallets, desktop framed prints or mini image panels (again with photos already taken) and of course Gift Cards are great and don’t expire—($25, $50, $75 and $100). While gift cards can truly be last moment the other gifts mentioned above need a least a few days of advanced notice to order and receive. Some of these are great ideas for stocking stuffers as well.

The Dogs of Downtown Colorado Springs

November 22, 2016

Every now and then I get to work with really talented people on fun projects. That was the case recently working with the folks of the Downtown Partnership on their Dogs of Downtown 2017 Calendar project.

It all began with a sweet little French bulldog named Gurdy who visited the offices of the Downtown Partnership. They fell in love with her and decided there needed to be a Calendar celebrating the dogs of downtown—those dogs who hang out on a regular basis at the offices and shops in the downtown core. The ones known by the clients and customers who visit those places.

For the Health of Your Dog

November 14, 2016

We all like to keep our beloved animals healthy and safe. We protect them from eating foods with artificial sweeteners and away from foods like grapes and raisins that can cause renal failure. But sometimes we don’t think about the importance of the dog food that we are feeding them day in and day out. We often assume that if we can buy it at a specialty store —whether large chains like Pet Smart or your local pet store—that the food is okay. Often times we are unaware of what’s in that food we give them.

I know I’ve changed dog food to a grain free variety after the food I thought was good was subject to several recalls and lawsuits. Now I’m thinking further of a change after reading about the top foods and why they are good for your dog and why some I thought were good might not be so good after all.

The people at reviews.com have looked at over 2000 dog food varieties and analyzed them in terms of content and how safe they might be for your pet. After all a healthy dog is a happy dog. Here is an in depth look at what they found out.

One of the many fun custom holiday card designs available

Holiday Card Sessions Are Back

October 13, 2016

Though the leaves haven't all fallen yet it’s time to begin thinking about the Holidays. They’re right around the corner! This year we’re bringing back the pet holiday card sessions. These are popular mini sessions with plenty of photo options for your holiday cards.

For the cost of the pet session ($95) you can have a mini session with you and your pet and receive a set of 25 custom holiday cards. These are no ordinary cards. They are definitely not the cheap photo cards you can get at department store photo labs. These are custom designed press printed cards with options for 1-4 photos. Why not show off your dog this Christmas? We are also offering tree ornaments as well. These are nice 3 inch round prints adhered to styrene with a ribbon for attaching to your tree. A photo can be displayed on both sides.

So get ready—between October 15 and November 15 we are scheduling these mini sessions. But you’d better hurry—we only offer a limited number of these sessions each year so call now to book your session.

Rebel is a German Shepherd puppy about 8 weeks old in this portrait

The Joy of Puppies

September 20, 2016

Puppies are fun to photograph. They’re awfully cute and most every pose looks great with them. Difficulties come in to play based on the age of the dog. Really young pups-those between 6 and 10 weeks—are pretty easy. They’re like photographing newborns. They sleep a lot! Very little activity while awake makes them want to go to sleep again. So prepping them for a photograph is just a matter of waking them up for a time.

The challenge comes when the pups grow a little older. Just like toddlers they are ready to race around from hereto there and back again. We had a young Golden Retriever in 4 or 5 years ago that could just not hold still. He dashed around wanting to eat everything in sight —whether or not it was food was a moot point for him! He just could seem to stay in one place more than a second or two. Working very fast is a must in these circumstances. Sometimes you just need to work with the dog enough to wear them out and then they’ll slow down a bit. Sometimes you need to have the “parents” leave the room to get them to focus on you for a moment or two to get the shot.

Five Weird Dog Behaviors Explained

August 24, 2016

Steve Duno, Modern Dog Magazine

Though dogs truly are our best friends, they can sometimes be, well, a bit weird about things. Let’s face it—our partnership with them has only lasted for twenty thousand years or so; before that, they’d had millions of years of experience under their belts. Evolutionary studies suggest that the first identifiable members of the dog family, Canidae, appeared about 40 million years ago during the Eocene epoch, with today’s modern wolf appearing nearly two million years ago. We Homo Sapiens, however, have only been around for about half a million years. The dog’s “pre-human” time created a unique species and unique behaviors that some of us humans might find a bit odd.

Three Newfoundlands pose for a group portrait.

Group Dog Portraits

August 5, 2016

If you have more than one dog you most likely want a portrait not only of each alone but one with all of them together. We do a lot of portraits with two dogs together. But sometimes we get requests for more dogs in the same portrait.

This is where a good pre-session consultation/planning session comes into play. It’s always great to get your dog into the studio before your session for a quick meet and greet. Then when it’s session time and you return there is much less stress for them as they will be coming to a place they know.

Now sometimes it’s just not possible to come in with a few dogs let alone many dogs to check out the space. If this is the case we recommend allowing plenty of time for the dogs to roam the studio and get comfortable. Some dogs, even if they’ve been here before are just stressed. But we can work with them as well.

Featured

Jan 4, 2024

Innovative Ways to Uplift Your Dog's Life

Jan 4, 2024

Welcome to a comprehensive guide dedicated to boosting your dog's well-being. This article shared by Springs Pet Portraits is tailored for dog owners who are eager to enhance their furry friend's life in meaningful ways. From interactive play to creating a secure and loving environment, we dive into practical methods that promise to enrich your dog's daily life.

Revolutionize Playtime

Engage your dog in dynamic play sessions. Moving beyond the basics like fetch, introduce interactive toys that stimulate their brain. Teaching new tricks or setting up homemade agility courses adds variety to their routine. This not only keeps them physically fit but also mentally sharp, forging a stronger bond between you and your pet.

Jan 4, 2024

Oct 11, 2023

Downsize with Your Pet! Making the Transition Easier

Oct 11, 2023

Downsizing to a smaller space can be a challenging process, especially when you have pets. The transition can be stressful for both you and your furry friend. To alleviate some of the anxiety associated with moving, below are some helpful tips that will make the transition to a smaller home smoother for both you and your pet.

Find a Pet-Friendly Rental

When looking for a pet-friendly rental, make sure to research the specific pet policies of the property, including any size or breed restrictions, and whether there are additional fees or deposits required. Be prepared to provide documentation of your pet's vaccinations and training to help strengthen your rental application.

Make a Plan and Begin Early

Einstein Moving Co. notes that planning ahead and starting early is crucial when downsizing with a pet, as it allows for a gradual adjustment to their new environment. This will also give you time to mentally prepare for downsizing while ensuring that

Oct 11, 2023

Jul 24, 2023

Making Your Office Dog Friendly

Jul 24, 2023

With the rise of pet-friendly workplaces, businesses are seeing a positive impact on employee morale, stress levels, and team collaboration. However, careful planning and consideration are needed to integrate pets into your workplace. Here's how you can create a thriving pet-inclusive environment, shared with you below by Springs Pet Portraits.

Put Together a Comprehensive Pet Protocol

Initiate your pet-friendly journey by crafting a good pet policy. This rulebook should cover all aspects of bringing pets to work - from behavior expectations to hygiene standards and even vaccination requirements. Pet owners should be accountable for their pets' conduct and any resulting damages. In addition, the policy should also include a contingency plan in case of pet-related incidents or emergencies. It is also beneficial to have a system in place for employees to report any issues or concerns related to pets in the workplace. Regular reviews and updates of the policy will ensure it remains relevant and effective.

Digitally Distribute the Canine Code

Post policy creation, ensure that it reaches all your employees. Dispatching a PDF version of these guidelines allows your team to access and reference them as needed conveniently. The unalterable nature of PDFs also ensures that the policy remains consistent across different devices. Moreover, by providing digital access to the policy, you can easily update it as needed and ensure everyone has the most current information. You might also consider creating a dedicated section on your company's internal website where employees can find the pet policy and other related resources. Amid this, you may consider this option: include tips for acclimating pets to the office environment or suggestions for resolving common pet-related issues.

Jul 24, 2023

May 3, 2023

Photographing Older Dogs-Before It's Too Late

May 3, 2023

We love our pets and want them to live forever. It’s easy to forget about your pets age when they’re young. Even up to 5 or 6 years old. Then one day you realize your pet is slowing down.

Hopefully you have a great series of photos of your dog or cat as they age. Hopefully at least one of them is a professionally done portrait that you could hang on a wall. It’s difficult to lose a pet—I know, I’ve been through it a few time with dogs. Each time I was grateful I got a great portrait of them. I have a few hanging in my bedroom that I can see every day and remember all the great times I’ve had with my dogs over the years.

May 3, 2023

Feb 2, 2023

How To Work Remotely With Pets

Feb 2, 2023

Preparing for a digital nomad lifestyle with pets can be both an exciting and daunting prospect. It involves making sure that both you and your pet have all the necessary supplies, arrangements, and legal requirements in place before setting out. You'll need to consider budgets, destinations, accommodations, and how to keep your pet safe while traveling. All of this takes careful planning, so here are some tips to help you get started.

Find Pet-Friendly Rentals with Reliable Internet

Finding pet-friendly accommodations with high-speed internet can be a challenge for digital nomads with pets. However, it is possible to find the perfect place to stay when traveling with your furry friends. Many websites are available that provide listings for pet-friendly apartment rentals and hotels that offer fast internet speeds. It is also important to research local pet laws and regulations before taking a trip, as these can vary greatly from country to country.

Feb 2, 2023

Oct 18, 2022

Starting Your Pet Care Business: Quick Tips for Success

Oct 18, 2022

If you’ve been sitting on the idea of starting your own business, it’s time to stand up. There has never been a better time than right now to get going, especially if you’re looking at starting a pet-centric business. Springs Pet Portraits outlines a few things you can do, tips to get started, and reasons why now is your time to shine.

Types Of Pet-Care Businesses

Dog walking. Fresh air, sunshine, and companionship? Sign us up. If you plan to walk dogs, living in or being in close proximity to a walkable neighborhood can be a boon. As a dog walker, you can make anywhere between $15 and $40 per hour according to Airtasker. The only downside is that you have to take care of any messes your four-legged clients make along the way.

Pet grooming. Grooming other people’s pets is a great way to help ensure that the animals in your neighborhood stay clean and fresh.

Trainer. When you love animals, are a people person, and have lots of patience, the Animal Humane Society suggests that you might be a great fit to become a dog trainer.

Pet products. People buy things for their pets every day, and there’s no reason you can’t get in on the action by making custom collars, pet clothing, or dog houses.

Oct 18, 2022

Jul 21, 2022

Keeping Your Dog Healthy in Golden Years

Jul 21, 2022

As your dog gets along in years, you will notice that their abilities and needs change. Perhaps they begin to tire out more quickly on your morning walks or find it increasingly difficult to climb onto the sofa. Maybe they become a little more irritable and harder to predict. No matter your pup’s personality, it’s time to start making adjustments that will benefit them in their senior years.

Today, Springs Pet Portraits shares some practical care tips you can incorporate into your dog’s regular routine.

Jul 21, 2022

Apr 5, 2022

Older Dog Portraits-Before It's Too Late

Apr 5, 2022

Having a great portrait of your dog is a wonderful way to remember them. We photograph a lot of older dogs. If you don’t have a great portrait of your dog and they’re getting on in years it’s best to do it before they’re too old, blind, deaf and crippled to look good in the photos. You really don’t want to remember them this way. Plus you never know when your younger seemingly healthy dog might develop an illness and go before you’ve had a chance to get their portrait taken. So it’s best not to wait too long.

For most dogs it’s ideal to photograph them when they’re still a little active—able to stand okay and see and hear commands. Although this is best it’s not always possible—we get that— so if you have an older dog not quite up to standing or seeing/hearing we can still get some great portraits.

Apr 5, 2022

Feb 1, 2022

Moving (With Pets in Tow): Strategies for a Smooth Transition

Feb 1, 2022

Worried about your big move? Just imagine how your pets are going to feel! It is essential to transition your furry friends into their new home with care and forethought to avoid sickness, trauma, and upset. Here, Springs Pet Portraits shares crucial strategies for a seamless transition.

Before

It can be daunting to get started on the logistics of planning, but taking the first step is the hardest. Here’s where to begin.

House hunting: Look for pet-friendly features such as a big backyard for dogs and lots of trees for cats. If you’re looking at apartments in Denver, be sure that you are clear on their pet policies.
Utilities: Set up electricity, internet, and gas at the new place, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
Pack: Here is a handy packing checklist by Updater to simplify the process.

Feb 1, 2022

Nov 24, 2021

Making Your Dog's Home A Work of Art

Nov 24, 2021

For hundreds of years, artists from Manet to Butterworth have found considerable beauty in animals, choosing them as their focal points in portraits. Thus, it’s official: pets can help beautify your home even while they provide unconditional love and companionship. Sometimes, however, it can be difficult to keep your home as clean as you’d like, particularly when your dog finds joy in making a mess. It isn’t too difficult to have a gorgeous home with pets -- it just takes a little extra focus. Springs Pet Portraits offers some pointers to help.

Keep Your Dog Entertained to Prevent Boredom

If you find that every time you clean your house, your dog decides to make a mess of your freshly planted ficus, you may have a bored dog on your hands. All animals thrive on physical and mental stimulation through playtime, toys, and owner interaction. If any of these are not provided to your dog’s satisfaction, they may become bored. While boredom can cause your dog to sleep all day, with muted responses to stimuli, more often it manifests itself in “acting out,” such as chewing carpets or rugs.

Nov 24, 2021