It's about time...

For an update! Totally apologize for the lack of pics, info and more! Things have been crazy but that's no excuse. So over the coming days I'll pump things back up. Bring in the newest images from the freshest shoots and another print competition to come!!! Get ready! Come and vote and let's rock it out together!!!!

As for the above little collage. What can one say about a great couple doing some great things. What's so great, these pups. These 4 grey hounds that I was so lucky to shoot! We'll keep names private, both the owners and the pups but all 6 of them together simply rock! The energy that they all create together. From one that just loves to lick, another that is just such a shy thing, the quiet one that enjoys licking bunnies and the sleepy one that tends to let the tongue stick to the floor. They are all just so incredibly great.

And while many of you love your pure breads, which is fine. You should also think about adopting. All of these dogs have their own special features. But their past shows so much in their eyes, their scars and their own idiosyncrasies... Not in a bad way, we all have our own little things. But you can just see so much of what they went through while at the same time, you can see the love they are now receiving.

It's humans that are truly rescued by these pups...

There are a ton of greyhound sites out there but check out http://www.greyrescue.org/ and you can see more of what I'm talking about.

Shine on guys and gals!

Vote for the Top Dog...

That's right, you can vote for your top pic below. How do you do it? Simple, decide which pic is your favorite and vote over on the right. Why? Because the picture with the top votes will be a little gift for the pooch, 8X10" matted and framed.

:PICTURE #1: Petie the Westie

Picture #2: Cody the Italian Greyhound

Picture #3: Murphy the Cocker Spaniel

Cody...

That's Cody, a bundle of joy, a leaping wet nose and a furry friend full of love. Let's just keep him in our thoughts as he is going through a battle with Leukemia... I believe he'll pull through though!

Coming up...

Coming up with in the next couple days, news about future Muddy Paw Studios shooting locations. That's right, the future will hold stops around the North East, Doggy Day Cares, Boutiques and more! Keep your eyes out for a location near you!!! We will also show case a few images from a fun shoot staring Cody! Just wait till you see this guy! So cute with so much energy. And he might as well have wings because he can launch into the air with reckless abandon bringing smiles to everyones face!

For the time being, another short snip from Terry Bains book "You Are a Dog"...

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:CRATE:

Inside, you are protected from the world. You are outside the world. You are safe and at home. You only wish you had access to the lever that opens the door. Because right now? Right now you have to pee.

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Short, simple and sweet....

A couple of pups filled with awesome'ness!!!

A couple of great pups I shot for an awesome couple in Farmington. These gals were just wonderful to work with. The entire fam was great. And while this is just one little tease. More are sure to come!!!

Some home made pet treats from Kathy Lee and Hoda

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/32375871/ns/today-today_pets/

Homemade pet treats: Pupsicles, bark biscuits
Amy Stevens explains how to whip up healthy and tasty doggie treats

Looking to spoil Fido? Forgo the usual bone for a homemade treat! Amy Stevens, co-founder of Yoga4Dogs and author of the upcoming book “Cooking4Canines,” shares fun and nutritious recipes that are sure to get your dog’s tail wagging.


Frozen Strawberry Pupsicles
Amy Stevens' Yoga 4 Dogs
3 dozen Pupsicles

These Pupsicles are a great, refreshing way to give your dog that extra burst of energy!

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups yogurt, low-fat plain vanilla flavor
• 1 jar organic baby food, strawberry flavor
• 2 tablespoons of your favorite honey
• 2 tablespoons of organic peanut butter

DIRECTIONS
Take all ingredients and mix thoroughly in a blender or food processor.

Pour into ice cube trays or paper cups and freeze for about an hour. It’s that easy!

Cheesy Bark’n Biscuits
Amy Stevens' Yoga 4 Dogs
4 dozen

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups whole-wheat flour
• 1 cup unbleached flour
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 4-5 slices fully cooked and crisp bacon (crumbled)
• 1 to 1 1/4 cup water (add more if needed)

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Mix flour and cheese in a large bowl; add crumbled bacon, oil and water, mix well with hands. Form the dough into a ball and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes.

Using half of the dough at a time, place on a floured surface and roll to ¼" thick. Cut into desired shapes and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes on middle rack or until lightly brown.

Turn oven off when done and leave biscuits in the oven to cool (about 20 minutes).

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

An excerpt from You Are A Dog by Terry Bain...

Over time you will see many passages from books, quotes about dogs and more. Especially this book, You Are A Dog... If you have a dog, had a dog or know of someone with a dog. Many of these you will understand, will make you laugh and much much more.... So with our further hesitation...

From the Friends and Relations Category...

Cat Powers:

Why does the cat get to go out the front door? What have you done? You will not cross the street, which the cat does. You will not dig in the neighbors garden, which the cat does... You will not walk along the top of the fence, which the cat does. And by the way, how does she do that? 

Her powers are extraordinary .

You do not envy her. 

You do not...

Bella...

Bella is the most recent of the dog portraits. She's such a beautiful, fun, frisbee loving, sun bathing pup... She actually lives right down the street from me and I generally see her every day. As a matter of fact, I've been known to just stop when she's in the yard enjoying the sun, run over and she happily joins me for a rub down....

Well, Bella is terminally ill. She has cancer and not much longer to live. I guess you could say she's sort of my poster child for the part of my business that gives back, shooting pups when they are terminal because I strongly believe that they do everything they can to bring happiness to our lives... Unconditionally... And we should all remember all of those moments. So while Bella is still down the street enjoying the sun, or currently, the rain. We're not sure how much longer she'll be with us. But for now, everyone is doing what they can to assure her comfort... Keep her in your thoughts. That would be a good thing...

The beginning...

What it comes down to is really quite simple. If I couldn't be shooting weddings, meaning, all of a sudden they ceased their existence, well, dogs would be my thing. And while I do love weddings and there is nothing better than the invitation into a couples day, I also love shooting dogs. Okay, that doesn't sound all that great. What it comes down to is that being a dog photographer taking dog portraits in Ct. and around the country is right up there with that same energy of a wedding. Yet different. Some people really don't enjoy dogs, maybe there was an incident in the past, maybe they just don't understand them. I'm not 100% sure, what I do know is that I love them. From the wet noses to the belly rubs to the sighs they can make when at peace by your feet. Dogs rock! Unconditional love comes from only two places, your parents and your pets. And I guess that's one of the main reasons that this is just such a wonderful thing... So check out the site at www.muddypawstudios.com and when you're ready for a rockin' fun shoot of your furry friends, and yes, we can even squeeze you into a shot or two, let me know. We'll create magical pieces of art for your wall filled with love!!!! Or by the bed... Or on the mantel... In the hall... Up the stairs.... On your desk..... Above the sofa... On the fridge..... Should I go on???

Muddy Paw Studios - a TAB Photographic Studio

Shine on.... ~Tim

A place to start is really quite simple...