Top 10 Ways to Save a Life

As we grabbed our morning beverage at the neighborhood coffee shop, we were struck by the front page of the local paper: the image of a sorrowful dachshund behind bars along with the headline GOAL IS GETTING CRITTERS OUT OF SHELTERS-ALIVE. Reading further, we were shocked to find that 4,000 of the nearly 12,000 animals that entered the featured King County shelters last year were considered too hostile or sick for adoption, these animals were put to death. While we understand that not all of these animals will find homes, this percentage seemed outrageous. As we continued to scan the article, we were encouraged to learn that many steps are being taken to reduce this number, including improving living conditions and adding workers and volunteers to understaffed locations. Not to mention that as recently as 1990, the euthanasia rate was at 80% for incoming strays. So it seems that we are making headway.

This got us thinking, while we may not be able to head right out and adopt our very own pack of dogs or progeny of cats, there are still many ways to help with the crisis of overpopulation. Here's our top 10:

1. Adopt {Your certain someone is waiting for you, just be sure you do your research!}
2. Volunteer {Lots of duties to be done, not just the poopy ones!}
3. Foster (There is always a shelter or purebred rescue near you in need}
4. Spay & Neuter {The cat pin above says it all...}
5. License- yes cat's too! {hefty discounts if your pet is already altered, hefty fines if they're not licensed}
6. Microchip {It's the easiest way for your lost pet to be found}
7. Attend fund-raising events like fun runs and auctions {check out the CityDog Magazine event calendar}
8. Donate items {Most shelters have wish lists on their websites with needed items such as new towels and pet food.}
9. Purchase from retailers who donate to animal causes such as Delia's House of Canine Couture on Etsy.com {click the cat pin above to purchase}
10. Give cold hard cash, it's always warmly excepted. {Check with your employer, many corporations will match your donations.}


And of course stay tuned to dane + dane studios, we plan to launch our successful "Operation Portrait PAWSitive" program in Seattle this Summer!

All You Need is Dog

Well today is officially the "day of love"... so I thought it appropriate to announce the first book, created BY Dane & Dane Photography FEATURING Dane & Dane Photography with a theme we all know a little something about...

LOVE.

Introducing All You Need is Dog verses from your favorite love songs in the key of D-O-G

"All You Need is Dog" is collection of our most prized and admired photographs, matched with love song moments that we all can relate to, celebrating the wonderful bond we have with our canine compadres. You will giggle, you smile, you might even get a little teary-eyed... These photographs are overwhelmingly compelling and reflect some of the best words of love ever written.

Don't take our word for it... Come see it for yourself!

This book will premier and signed copies will be available at our Art Walk debut in early March (details to come) and will also be available at the Seattle Kennel Club Show.

After that, the book will be available on our website (which will also be new by then) along with an itunes playlist of songs featured in the book! How cool is that!?

I am not going to show you the cover, or sample pages yet because I want them to be a surprise... But, in honor of my "an Olivia blog a day" - share one of the song/photo combos that may or may not be in the book *wink*

"NO ONE LIKE YOU" john denver

I like your eyes.
I like your nose.
I like your mouth.
Your ears, your hands [paws], your toes.

I like your face.
It's really you.
I like the things you say and do.
There's not a single soul
Who sees the skies
The way you see them.
Through your eyes.
And aren't you glad.
You should be glad.
There's no one, no one
Exactly like you.

Great Dane Coffee Table Book- by J.Nichole

Just a very small note to say... The book is underway. There have been many wonderful developments, and through the hard work and referrals and cooperation of many, many people,"The Dane: Great and Greater" is now on its way to finality.

Thank you all and I will keep you posted!! For now, enjoy the cover mock-up featuring the one and only, "Henri" {who is now GIGANTIC by the way- check and his proud papa Bainbridge Island Architect Matthew Coates out in the upcoming fall issue of CityDog Magazine in the "Living the Vida Verde" Living feature}