Mardi Paws 2012

This past Sunday started out just right...out the door at 6:15 a.m. for an eleven mile run; temperature the 60's and the sky was overcast...though I do have to say it was a bit on the windy side.  The frontal boundary was just north of us, threatening the start of the Daytona 500.  We would luck out.  And thank goodness, because today was Mardi Gras Paws in the Park in Cocoa Village, or as I like to call it, Mardi Paws!  Mardi Paws benefits the Central Brevard Humane Society...such a great cause.

After my run, I zipped home to have breakfast, throw a load of laundry in to wash, take a shower, and then head back out again, to hit the park, in search of some really cute dogs.  Boy, did I find them!  This event has certainly grown in the six years since it began.  There were so many different breeds of dogs...great danes, bernease mountain dogs, pugs, chihuahuas, doberman pinschers, poodles, boston terriers, you name it, it was there!

I had so much fun with these pups and their people!  That cute little pooch in the image above was such a riot.  Every time she noticed the camera was pointing in her direction, she made a beeline for me...so funny to watch that through the lens!  There were certainly some interesting get-ups too!  From boas, to tutus, to body glitter, well, I guess fur glitter, these dogs were dressed to the nines!

Check out some of the sweetness I got to capture throughout the day.

Just like the day started, it ended...perfect!  LOVE days like this!

© 2012, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED - Reproduction of any of these images is prohibited without written consent from Karen Rodriguez Photography.

A Very Short, But Fun Afternoon With Sophie

A quick drop by Sophie's house, this afternoon, made for a fun 20 minutes and a great photo op!

Pets...Good For Your Health!

My little man, Chuey

Last night, I began writing this entry, with the goal in mind to keep it short and post it before going to bed.  Well, I got tired (probably because I didn't keep it short - oh well), and that did not happen.  Everything happens for a reason, though, right?  Interestingly enough, I woke up to this article on Yahoo Shine:  Cat Saves Owner's Life Hours After Adoption, http://shine.yahoo.com/animal-nation/cat-saves-owners-life-hours-adoption-141500782.html.  Amazing!  My family, too, has it's own story of how our cat played an important role in possibly saving my husband's life four years ago.  As I sit here, trying to finish this entry, I'm enjoying watching our two cats long for affection from my husband...one on the floor doing figure eights between his ankles, and the other standing on his lap, ever so gently pawing at his face, saying "hey, pet me".  Pet's are good for your heath!

...but, let's get back to the initial part of the post.

I will never forget the Friday I came home from work, in April 2007, to find that something was just not right with my beloved cat of 13 years, Stinky.  Her gait was off...a little wobbly.  So subtle, my husband didn't even notice at first, but I did...immediately.  By Monday, things had worsened.  Her "wobbles" were now definitely apparent, and this definitely warranted a trip to the vet.  The Dr. gave her a shot of cortisone in her hind quarters, but I could tell he was really concerned.  If there was going to be a change for the good, it would happen within 24 hours...it did not.  Within a week, she was gone.

Stinky had developed feline cardiomyopathy, otherwise know as heart disease.  Her condition caused blood clots to form in the arteries, cutting off the blood supply to her hind legs, eventually leaving no feeling in the limbs, and leaving poor Stinky unable to even stand.  It was mind boggling how quickly it all happened.  In thirteen years, Stinky had never had to go to the vet, other than for her kitten boosters...and now this.  I was devastated, but little did I know, a little ray of sunshine was about to make most of the pain go away.

My husband, though hesitant, called me at work the day after Stinky had found peace, to tell me that he had just left the Humane Society.  He knew I probably wasn't ready, but wanted to assure me that when I was, there was a precious little 6 month old kitten waiting for me.  Nothing could replace Stinky, but something told me to go see that little kitten that day.  I did, and that day was the beginning of a new friendship.  I adopted Sandi, and Sandi found her forever home.

Sandi helped me get through the tremendous sadness I felt after the loss of my first pet.  My husband always talks about how Sandi did not leave his side for three hours when he couldn't get up (only to find himself in the ICU later that day).  She kept him in touch with reality that day.  Sandi curls up next to me every night, and lets me pet her for hours...definitely gives me a calm feeling.  Sandi's adopted brother, Chuey, plays fetch...fun!  Chuey leaps up and latches onto my thigh the first time I walk past him every morning...cracks me up!  Chuey and Sandi get compliments on how beautiful of cats they are...so proud!  Need I say more?  Pets are good for your health!

Owning a pet can have significant health benefits, both mentally and physically, according to a recent study published by the Cleveland Clinic, and posted by iVillage.com, http://www.ivillage.com/pets-protect-heart/4-a-428958 .  Pets can help lower blood pressure and serve a role of important companion in those who are single, widowed, or lonely.  The large study proved that the benefits can also be long-term.  Cuddling your cat...playing fetch with your dog...nuzzling your nose to your bunny's...pets make us feel good, and those "good" feelings radiate through our bodies.  Think about it.  Pet's give us unconditional love, and unconditional love is indefinite.

© 2012, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED - Reproduction of these images is prohibited without written consent from Karen Rodriguez Photography.

Along with our personal pets, animals also play an unquestionably important role in Animal Assisted Therapy and as Companion pets.  I'll be doing a shoot in March of a companion dog in training...can't wait to capture  those images and write that piece!  According to Medical News Today, 2004, http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/10303.php , studies have revealed that pet therapy has the following benefits: increase social interaction between patients in long-term and psychiatric care, provides for physical and recreational therapy for nursing home patients who are usually withdrawn, help with frustration in dementia patients, help combat loneliness and depression in HIV/AIDS patients...the benefits reach far and wide!

With so many health benefits, as well as all of the fantastically fun memories we make with out pets, it's no wonder that those who have pets are well rounded, happy people!  I always encourage people to adopt their pets from their local shelters, but no matter where your pet comes from, you can rest assured that it will  make that positive impact on your overall quality of life!  So give that pet of yours an extra little squeeze today.  Let them know you love them and appreciate all the good they do for you!

-- 

Make It Rain - Sophie

That beautiful Springer Spaniel you see is Sophie...a wild girl, with a soft side that could conquer anyone!  This shoot worked out perfectly, since Sophie needed a bath when I arrived at her home.  Poor girl does not like the bath, but not to fear...we were about to make bath time a whole lot of fun!

...and so we made it rain!

...and what happened over the next 20 minutes had us laughing until our stomachs hurt.

"I Gotta Shake It Off"

Do I need to tell you the "bath" never happened?  An hour later, she was all dry, well rested, and I'm sure, ready to go at it all over again!  I had a different plan, though...just quietly enjoy the remainder of the beautiful, late Florida afternoon...and we did.

Life is good!  Enjoy!

                                 

Baxter...My Arch Nemesis

This is Baxter.  He looks sweet, right?  Not quite.  Baxter is vicious, and I'm his arch nemesis, in every sense of the word.  He is my sister's cat, and I've never been quite sure what it is about me that makes him so angry, but something does.  I just want to love him, but the moment he sees my hands, he freaks out!  Throw a camera in the mix, and watch out!

I have been trying to friend Baxter for years...at least seven.  In his mind, it won't happen, but I say we've come a long way.  I remember when Baxter was younger, he would stalk me, and leap out from behind things, and latch onto my leg...injuring me several times.  One time, I was sitting on the floor talking to my sister, and he leaped about five feet across the room, knocked me onto my back, and began attacking me...for NO reason!  My sister had to beat him off me with a pillow!  Oh Baxter.

Fortunately, we're in somewhat of a different place today.  Baxter no longer ambushes me as I come around corners, and if I come from behind, he might let me pet him for about five seconds...as long as he doesn't see my hands.  With a little bit of patience (and more than a few tense moments), I was able to fire off some shots and capture Baxter at his best.  Those eyes just make you wonder "what in the world is zipping through that head"!  I'm not so sure I'd want to know...

I typically wouldn't share the shots that don't make print, but this was an outtake I just couldn't refuse.  Now you can see just how much he does not like me...but I still love him!

...And My Sweet Girl, Sandi

Just spent quite some time processing the images from a dog shoot yesterday afternoon.  I had so much fun!  I'll be posting those in the coming days, but this second entry belongs to my sweet, sweet Sandi.  Sandi's been with our family since April 2007.  Actually, she was adopted first, before Chuey.  Chuey joined the family a about eight months later, when we decided Sandi needed a friend.

Sandi is just as sweet as she looks, and such a beauty!  She's a mix of an orange and brown tabby, and if you pay close enough attention, you'll see that her face is divided right down the middle...half orange, half brown.  She's a true mama's girl; waiting at the bathroom door every night, for me to get out of the shower.  Then, following my every step until I finally settle into my recliner for the night, when she jumps up and nuzzles herself between me and the armrest of the chair.  

Unlike Chuey, she never finds herself in trouble.  Sandi is a bit more on the timid side.  I never have to worry about her getting into things.  Unfortunately, though, I do have to worry about her health, as she has a chronic condition that flares up every once in a while.  Lucky for her, she has a family who loves her unconditionally, and will do anything to make sure she lives the best life ever.  Only love given to the kitties in our home!  The Rodriguez cats have it all!  Life is good!

Meet Chuey - My Tonkinese Boy

Any pet photographer will tell you they have their own, and yes, I have two.  Two cats...Sandi and Chuey, and as you can probably guess, that handsome boy sitting at the header of this blog is my little Chuey.  I'll be sure to introduce you to Sandi in my next entry.  

Chuey was adopted from the North Brevard Animal Shelter four years ago and has been a loving member of our family ever since.  He is a Tonkinese; mix between a Siamese and Burmese, and has the spunk and intelligence of both breeds.  We have no children, but child safety locks on all of the kitchen cabinets.  The doors to every room must stay shut at all times.  Things go missing, only to be found a month later, under the sofa or stuffed under pillows.  He plays fetch and won't stop until someone hides the ball.  Does that say it all?  You can only imagine how much fun I have photographing him!

I am passionate about my photography and all animals, so don't be surprised if I sneak in some wildlife shots here and there.  Nothing brings me greater joy, however, than capturing images of our furry family members, that my clients can treasure forever.  I truly hope you enjoy browsing through the images, and hope you come back time and time again, to see the amazing pets I get to meet and work with!  I couldn't be luckier!