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Better Togehter: Photographing Dog Families

August 28, 2018

Dog portraits are great solo but sometimes it’s better together. Meaning if you have more than one dog and they get along why not get a portrait of the two (or three) of them together?

Now maybe you have more than one dog and you want to be in the portrait with them. That is very doable. Unless they’re super well trained and behaved and maybe a little tired it will take a bit of time to achieve this so have patience. Often times I find that the dogs are doing just fine but it’s the people that are super stressed about the process. They’ve overly worried that their dogs aren’t performing as they should. After all they think “they’re so well behaved at home!” Well they probably are but you’re now in a studio that they’ve maybe been in once before—hence the reason we stress a pre-session consultation with you and your dog(s) so they can get to know the place.

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Keeping Your Dog Safe In Summer Part 2

June 13, 2018

It goes without saying that there are dangers for dogs in every season. Hopefully most understand the danger of heat and over exertion for dogs in summer, as well as the danger of leaving your pet in a hot car.

There are other dangers around, especially here in the Rocky Mountains. Snakes can be a source of interest for dogs—they make noise and move quickly—what’s not fun about that? Make sure that the area your dog walks and plays in is safe from the danger of poisonous snakes. Here it’s mostly rattle snakes that you need to be aware of. In our rugged parks and hiking trails there are plenty of snakes around so dog owners needs to be heads up an aware. If your dog gets bit by a poisonous snake, immediately restrict the movement of your pet, mobilize the limb if bitten there and get to your vet immediately. Don’t try to incise the bite wound to aspirate the venom and DO NOT apply a tourniquet without veterinary assistance.

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.

What Your Vet Wished You Knew

July 21, 2016

By Kelly Caldwell, Modern Dog

Your other family doctor—your veterinarian. The relationship you form with your vet can be complicated, to be sure. Really, it stands to reason; our beloved dogs, often our most constant companions, can’t tell us what’s wrong yet rely on us to be their advocates. It can be stressful and heartbreaking dealing with their health issues. We may at times experience feelings of disappointment, frustration, even anger at the person whose job it is to help us care for our pets.

But what do veterinarians think of us? If we were willing to listen, what would they want us to know about the work they do?

Charlie knows how to kick back and be safe in the Summer

Taking Care of Dogs in Summer Part 2

July 7, 2016

There are a lot of dangers to your pet—ion all seasons—but with summer there just seems to be more. Of course the number 1 danger is leaving a pet in a hot car. Alway make sure you don’t leave your dog in a hot car with all the windows rolled up—even for a moment. Even with the windows cracked it can become unbearable hot for your pet. remember they’re wearing a fur coat!

And of course summer means fireworks and that means a lot of danger to many pets. Noise is concerning for dogs-and let’s face it fireworks are loud. Now my dog could care less and can actually sleep through fireworks (it’s just other types of noises that set her off). But for most dogs this is truly a fearful time. And don’t forget that many animals will try to escape dangers—loud noises, fires car accidents among them. So take precautions with loud noise such as fireworks. Even though the holiday has past there are many summer celebrations that end with fireworks.

Taking Care of Pets In Summer Heat

June 10, 2016

It’s summer and the days are longer and hotter. We’re outside more often with our pets—walking them, hiking and letting them swim and sometimes hosing them down on a hot day.

This is the time of year that bugs are out so check with your vet with regard to fleas and ticks. And don’t forget that mosquitos carry diseases as well—make sure you protect your pet against heart worm. True, we don’t have was many mosquitos here in the Rockies as in other parts of the country but we have enough that heart worm can be a real danger. So talk to your vet about protecting your pet during this summer season.

Most Important Thing To Teach Your Dog

May 19, 2016

When you read this article’s title, what came to mind? Was it “Don’t bite people,” or perhaps “Get along with other dogs,” or even “Don’t potty in the house?” True, those are all incredibly important things to teach any dog. But on a less dramatic note, for day-to-day living the most important thing you can teach your dog is how to ask politely for what he wants.

If you have kids, you’re already familiar with this concept. A four-year-old should not be smacking a parent when he wants a bite of pizza, and a ten-year-old shouldn’t be grabbing things off store shelves and demanding they be purchased. It’s Manners 101 for kids to say “Please” and “May I”…and yet many people never bother to apply those same concepts to their dogs.

Celebrating Moms of "Fur Children"

April 28, 2016

Have you ever thought about having a great portrait of you and your furry companion? Well this is the time to do it. We’re about to celebrate Mother’s Day in a big way at Springs Pet Portraits!

May is the month we celebrate moms. In honor of Mother’s Day for 2016 we are celebrating moms of “fur children.” During the month of May we are offering mini sessions for you and your furry companion. You will get a mini session and an 8x10 print for just $49. This offer is good for in studio mini session portraits only and only in May.

My Dog is Staring At Me...

March 2, 2016

Sometimes when you least expect it you look over and find your dog just staring at you. Ever happened to you? It’s a bit unnerving, at least the first few times it’s happened. Then you begin to wonder What’s wrong?

But this is a perfectly natural thing for a dog to do. There can be many reasons why they might be looking at you. The more you spend time with your dog and get to really know them you will begin to understand why they are staring at you.

2015 Year in Review

December 30, 2015

Another year has flown by! Springs Pet Portraits continued to grow and participate in some fun events in 2015. Our year always gets a great start in February with PawPrints—our Annual Fundraiser for All Breed Rescue & Training. This was the second year we did the calendar and had a blast with the creativity of the participants. The 2016 Calendar is available for purchase still —it’s only $15 and all proceeds go to ABRT. You can pick one up at Our Family Vet, Bon Pet Supply, All Breed Rescue and of course here at the studio. The next fundraiser is coming up soon so stay tuned for details. If you’re not on our email list click the banner at the top of this website and sign up! You’ll be in the loop for all the fun adventures of Springs Pet Portraits.

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