2016 Calendars Are Here

October 21, 2015

The 2016 calendars from the Paw Prints fundraiser for All Breed Rescue are here! Last Spring during our annual Paws fundraiser we added on a contest for a 2016 calendar to benefit ABRT.

Each contestant had to come up with a theme for a particular month. Our wonderful sponsors (Republic of Paws, Bon Pet Supply and Canine Coach) were the judges for this event. According to our judges it was a difficult choice but “Waldo” won grand prize and a spot on the calendar cover. The calendar months feature the other contest winners.

Going To The Dogs Fundraiser

October 8, 2015

We’re joining forces with some area businesses to help out All Breed Rescue. Join us on Saturday October 17 between 11AM and 2PM at Autosmith, 528 E. Pikes Peak. Autosmith is holding a wonderful customer appreciation event centered around dogs. Though they’re an auto repair shop they love dogs and are very dog friendly so they decided to hold a fundraiser to help out one of their favorite dog causes, All Breed Rescue & Training.

It's Not Too Early to Think Holiday Cards!

September 29, 2015

Though it’s barely even October it’s not too early to think about the upcoming Holiday Season! Springs Pet Portraits offers special Christmas card sessions during the month of October. From October 5-31 we offer mini sessions for you and your pet or just your pet for your holiday cards. For just $75 you can have a mini session plus a set of 12 holiday cards (with envelopes) OR 2 holiday ornaments. Additional cards or ornaments are available at a reduced rate.

Mind you these are not your ordinary run of the mill holiday cards which are usually a cheap strip of photo paper with a cutest greeting and photo on one side.

Modern Dog Magazine Session

September 1, 2015

Back in June we did a special session for Modern Dog Magazine. They hold an annual STAR Dog Contest. Well little Teddy from Colorado Springs won their hearts. Teddy came from the Mill Dog Rescue and has quite an interesting story (see attached). His mom Michele Burchfield came with Teddy for his big day. Teddy is such a star and was very easy to photograph-in fact he was pretty excited. He has tons of adoring fans and a massive social media presence so is used to lots of attention. He is a great “spokesdog” for the Mill Dog Rescue.

Springs Pet Portraits specializes in archival products to showcase your pet's portrait

Pet Portrait Products

August 31, 2015

You’ve decided to get a portrait of your pet created. Now what? Well once we do an in person consultation —discussing the session with you and letting you dog get acquainted with the studio environment we schedule the session.

But before the session the one thing we will discuss in the consultation is what do you want to do with your pet portrait? This helps in planning the session. Do you want to hang it on a wall?

Taking Care of Your Pet During Summer Heat

July 30, 2015

It's so important to pay attention to your pet during these hot summer days. True, we don't get the super high heat here in the Rockies as elsewhere in the country but it's hot enough none the less. It's very important to pay attention to signs of stress in your dog.

Here are a few tips to keep your furry friend safe this summer.

Photographing Puppies

July 22, 2015

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—like the little guy here who was 6 weeks old—are pretty easy. They’re like photographing newborns. They sleep a lot! We actually had to prop this guy up as he kept slumping down in the chair and wanting to go to sleep. Very little activity while awake makes them want to go to sleep again.The challenge comes when the pups grow a little older.

Cat Portraits Part II

July 9, 2015

Any animal is unsure of a new place. How they react to it is different depending on animal breed and species, specifically dogs vs. cats. Dogs more or less will tend to rush in and scope out the studio and keep moving while cats will slink around and crawl under something to hide—be it a couch ion the front area or behind the backdrops.

No matter how super laid back and cool you think your cat is it is a whole new ball game bringing them to a place where they can smell other people and animals. That’s why we never rush animal portraits and let them have time to find their way around and decide what works for them. Especially with cats. They more or less will come when they feel like it while dogs can often be coaxed with a snack.

The Importance Of Pet Tags

June 24, 2015

By Guest Blogger: Linda Brennen, Certified Dog Trainer and owner of Your Canine Coach

All dogs should wear a flat, buckle collar with identification tags at all times. Tags should include your personal contact information, with a daytime and evening phone number. My little nameless friend is not the first stray I have found and tried to return to his home. It can be very frustrating to find a dog on a Saturday night, with only a license or Rabies tag, and no way to get the owner’s contact information until Monday. So to insure that your dog is returned to you, and not left running loose on the street, make it easy for his rescuer to find you.

People often think an all black or all white dog is too difficult to photograph, we disagree!

Working With Difficult Pets

June 18, 2015

We get questions all the time about working with difficult pets, especially dogs. Cats can be difficult as well as they seldom like traveling to a new location and most really do not like having their portrait taken.

Usually we get questions about dogs. Most often we hear, “my dog is so hyper they won’t sit still for a photo.” That is usually not that big of a deal for us. Many times the dog is quite energetic but given a little amount of time to check out the new space (studio) and us they begin to get comfortable and settle down. Sometimes we need to ask the owner to leave the room—this can also calm the pet somewhat. And in really hard instances we work with certified pet trainers that know exactly how to handle difficult dogs.

Classic Cat Portraits

June 3, 2015

At Springs Pet Portraits we are all about pets—but mostly that ends up being dogs. Not that we have anything against other animals it’s just that overwhelmingly it’s dog owners who come to us with their pets.

Cat Portraits tend to go a bit differently than dog portraits. For one thing we will go on location for portraits—especially for cats as they do not always love to travel (the way dogs do). And any cat owner can tell you cats can be a bit aloof and not open to the same types of posing commands that dogs are.

Photographing Children With Pets in Colorado Springs

May 1, 2015

It’s been said that having a dog is like having a permanent two year old. With some breeds that are smarter and more trainable it might be more like a for or five year old. Add a child of about that age to the mix and things can get pretty interesting. First of all if you want a portrait of your child with your dog determine a few things.

Coordinating Color in Your Pet's Portrait

April 28, 2015

Capturing a pet and owner can be difficult. Especially when the pet is a cat. We have been doing more and more cat portraits. Cats have their own sense of timing and decide things on their own terms—much more than dogs do. One of the keys to a great portrait—in addition to subject, lighting and posing- is color harmony. Having the subject wear an outfit that matches the background.

Get A Portraits Before It's Too Late

April 24, 2015

We all know that our pets won’t live forever. It’s one of the realities of life. We all get old and die. Pets have a much shorter life span than humans —and dogs shorter usually than cats. Thus it’s important to make sure you get a great portrait before it’s too late. Pets, like humans can develop health issues and go before their normal time. Likewise they can get injured and die. We encourage our clients to make sure they have a recent portrait of their pet that they can remember them by. After all this is your companion and faithful friend. We’ve had clients who have meant to come in for a session and never got around to it then had their dog die suddenly.

Preparing For Your Pet Session

April 22, 2015

It’s so important for humans to prepare for a portrait session and even more so for your pet. We like to do a pre session consultation at our studio before a portrait session to discuss the style of the portrait, wardrobe, what type of end product is desired etc. With people we can do this over the phone if we have to. Same thing for pet owners but it is so beneficial for the pet owner and pet to visit the studio before hand. Why is this?

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