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One Year Ago: Mother's Day
Two Years Ago: Waiting on Baby Glaab
At my last shoot at the Oakland Animal Services Pierre was one of the darling critters that I photographed. It is always special to hear from the owners of the pups that I try so hard to help find homes for. This is Pierre, and he has now found his forever home. His new mom Sara (not me, he found another Sara) emailed me to to thank me for helping her to find him:
I am a stylist and art director which , I think, is one of the reasons I responded so strongly to your photos. you really made him shine. I live in Marin with my husband who is a writer and has longed for a little dog for years and finally we started looking and fell upon Pierre's photos I think he stole our hearts just from the photos and when we met him he lived up to all we had hoped for and more. I think so much of our interest was because you had taken 3 adorable photos of him that were posted on the website. The shots just made him irresistible and in fact he was and is. Thanks for allowing his inner and outer beauty to show! He came home with us on Monday afternoon and was immediately a part of the family. We couldn't have found a more perfect little guy for us. He is spunky and affectionate and smart and totally cute and we even love his little French name! Sara, thank you for capturing so well Pierre, so he could capture our hearts.
I am a stylist and art director which , I think, is one of the reasons I responded so strongly to your photos. you really made him shine. I live in Marin with my husband who is a writer and has longed for a little dog for years and finally we started looking and fell upon Pierre's photos I think he stole our hearts just from the photos and when we met him he lived up to all we had hoped for and more. I think so much of our interest was because you had taken 3 adorable photos of him that were posted on the website. The shots just made him irresistible and in fact he was and is. Thanks for allowing his inner and outer beauty to show! He came home with us on Monday afternoon and was immediately a part of the family. We couldn't have found a more perfect little guy for us. He is spunky and affectionate and smart and totally cute and we even love his little French name! Sara, thank you for capturing so well Pierre, so he could capture our hearts.
Pierre and family: I am so happy that you have found one another. Your story warms my heart.
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Pierre found a home | Marin Pet Photographer
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455
Six Years Ago: Cape Town: Lion's Head
This is Van Winkle, a little lopsided a little loopy. So full of love he can hardly stand it. Van Winkle was dropped off at Oakland Animal Services as a stray. He may only be 4-5 years old, but he has had a pretty rough start. When he arrived at the shelter he was so matted that he couldn't walk. He was malnourished, but a survivor. Van Winkle is now at the shelter trying to heal. He is slowly putting on weight and learning how to walk again. He clearly loves people and just wants someone to love him back. If you know of anyone looking for a cocker spaniel and a whole lot of love. Be sure to have them call the Oakland Animal Services and ask for Van Winkle.
Anonymous:
He's awesome. Tough little guy.
(04.23.11)
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Van Winkle | Oakland Pet Photographer
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408
Three years ago: Uncle Bill's Lemon Drink
Two Years ago: Summer Days
I had another wonderful day at the gardens with obugs. What a great group of kids. We spent the afternoon picking veggies, making salad, having relay races and playing 'hide from the hawk'. These kiddos are so much fun, and the cute-o-meter was struggling to keep up!
Kiddos, thank you so much for letting me follow you around with my camera. I loved every minute and I can't wait to come back!
Anonymous:
L love these!
(02.05.11)
Angela:
Sara, what wonderful pics! Hoping you can take some shots of my girls one day soon....:)
(02.06.11)
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Giving Back: Obugs
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407
As an undergrad I was positive I was going to work with animals. It is true, I was on track to becoming a veterinarian and I couldn't imagine my life not including fuzzy critters. It is funny how life sneaks up on us when we least expect it. I had spent quite a lot of time in vet clinics, working on the medical side, I realized just as I was about to start vet school that while I loved animals, I wasn't crazy about medicine. Oops. Around that same time I fell deeply in love with photography. You know how the rest of that story goes.
Fast forward 3 years and here I am as a full time professional photographer, but I still have a longing to work with animals. Luckily, I am able to leverage my skills as a photographer to give back to charities that care for those furry critters. If you have seen me post about the Oakland Animal Shelter, you know what I am referring to. Recently I have also had the pleasure of working with another critter. Have you ever heard of Koko? Yup, Koko the gorilla. I had no idea that the Gorilla Foundation was located right in Woodside. I am now volunteering with this organization to do what I can to help Koko. What a thrill!
The above painting is something that Koko herself created. It is titled Love. Koko-Love is a sign that Koko often uses when communicating with her caregivers. Watching videos of Koko communicating with humans absolutely amazes me. If you are interested in learning more about Koko or finding out how you can help the Gorilla Foundation be sure to visit their website.
Two Years Ago: Bird Watch'n
Six Years Ago: Lovely London
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Koko Love
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402
Here are a few more pups from that hording case that I recently posted about. You can watch the KTVU news story, or you can see the press release that Oakland Animal Services put out that shows the before images of these animals.
This is Dennis, full of energy and life. He is ready for a forever home. It is great to see how well adapted he is after everything he has been through. If I didn't know better I would think he was just a normal dog. Dennis is on his way to Sioux Empire Pit Rescue in South Dakota.
Pretty little Amarylis. She is just a year and a half old. I LOVE the little polka dots on her ears. She is an even more of a special case, she is completely deaf. When she was rescued her coat was completely yellow from sitting in her own urine. She is now happy and healthy and learning signs. Amarylis is also heading to Sioux Empire Pit Rescue in South Dakota.
Fifi is a favorite. Part bulldog, part hilarious. When I first met Fifi she sprinted in circles around me so quickly she was having trouble taking the corners without crashing. She LOVES to run. Pretty remarkable from a dog that couldn't walk when she was rescued.
The ears and the under-bite. So flipping cute. Fifi was taken into East Bay SPCA's adoption program, she is here to be adopted and needs a loving home!!! She will make a great pet if you have room.
This is Shy Boy, he was also taken into East Bay SPCA's adoption program. As his name suggests, he is a bit shy. The wrinkles on his head sort of give him away. He is a handsome fella and could really do with a loving home ready to reassure him that his life will be good now. No need to worry any longer.
If you are looking for a faithful companion or you know someone who is, please consider adoption. There are so many animals looking for a good home. It breaks my heart to see them wanting so much to have a family, just waiting to be taken home.
Amy Hirschkron:
Wow, wow, wow, Sara! I'm an OAS volunteer who's been working with these dogs, and these photos really show their beauty. Shy boy looks like such a handsome little man in his shots! Can't wait to see more of Joni- she's my favorite girl, so full of love and mischief. Thanks so much!
(01.24.11)
Emily:
Sara, MANY thanks again for taking pictures of these dogs! They all look fantastic. Especially Fifi... not that I'm biased or anything.
(01.24.11)
Susan Fyryjawa:
Sara, Love your work with the OAS dogs. I've shared those photos and heard very positive feedback.
(01.24.11)
Sarah:
I am also an OAS volunteer. Thank you for doing this. These photos are great. I love the middle one of Shy Boy.
(01.25.11)
Angela:
Sara, your photos of these amazing dogs are wonderful! Even though I live far away and can't adopt, I am going to sponsor Dennis and Amarylis at Sioux Empire. Love Fifi's energy, who can blame this girl for wanting to run after being stuck in a cage for so long! Incredible! They are all so beautiful. Best Regards!!
(01.28.11)
Sara Atkins:
Angela, you are an angel! These dogs have such a great need and it is people like you that make their lives better. Thank you so much for contributing to their cause!
(01.28.11)
Angela:
Thank you Sara but I only wish I could do more! Bless all those wonderful people, and people like you who can volunteer and make a direct, personal difference in making these animals lives better!! Too often we hear about the ugliness of these tragedies but it really does make a positive impact when someone with your talent can showcase these beautiful animals so well.
(01.29.11)
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More pups in need | Oakland Pet Photographer
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Yay! Your photos are amazing, I'm SO glad Pierre lucked out with such a great home!
(05.10.11)Oh, Pierre! So happy to hear it. Soooo cute.
(05.12.11)