January 27th, 2012
Posted by Francesca
I was wandering around the house the other day when I realized that the fur balls were nowhere to be found. They usually drape themselves all over the furniture, but I couldn’t find a single cat anywhere. That’s when I thought I’d go to the basement laundry room and have a look down there.
1 Hey Verdi! Why are all the cats hiding in the laundry room? Are you all scaredy-cats?
2 No, Francesca, being scared has nothing to do with it. We're all waiting for our turn to be groomed. This is more than just a laundry room, you know—it's also our salon!
3 Laura and Maria are brushing out Empress Tang right now and then it will be my turn.
4 I see there's a whole shelf of grooming products for dogs and cats. Wait, is a kitty salon really necessary? It seems like all you cats do is sleep and preen!
5 Yes, Francesca, it's true that cats need ample beauty rest and we do like to preen. But, we also need baths and grooming, just like you stinky dogs!
6 Long haired cats, like all of us, should really be brushed once a day to stave off mats, remove dirt, and distribute oil throughout our coats. Short haired cats need brushing, but just once a week.
7 Plus, when you have an experienced brusher, like these two ladies, it also feels really nice. Ah yes, that's the spot!
8 There's a whole line of Martha Stewart pet grooming brushes at PetSmart for both dogs and cats.
9 Long haired cats like Persians and Himaylans actually have three layers of hair called guard hair, awn, and down. The short guard hairs shed and can get tangled with the longer down hairs, causing mats, like dreadlocks!
10 Believe me, we cats hate when our hair gets matted, but we also know that regular brushing really helps to avoid mats altogether. We welcome our grooming sessions.
11 There, how do I look? Purrfectly gorgeous, no?
12 Empress Tang, I must admit that you do smell good and your that your fur is very soft! And thanks for the lesson about cat hair.
Posted on January 27th, 2012 in Favorite Things, Friends, Housemates, Photo Galleries | direct link to this entry |
January 26th, 2012
Posted by Pia
I recently shared the story of fashion photographer extraordinaire, Richard Phibbs, focusing his lens on the plight of shelter animals. Having now had the good fortune to spend a day with Phibbs, his crew and the NY shelter staff- who he very accurately described as amazing- I'm here to share my account of 'shelter runway shoot part deux'... That's French for ‘part two’... I thought some French lingo might be more fitting in reference to such a high brow event!
1 Honey struck a pose for Phibbs and a local camera man from NBC news! She's a natural!
(See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY)
2 Phibbs looks over photos of each critter to choose the best one for adoption website.
3 Model taking pre-shoot direction from Master photographer Phibbs.
(See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY)
4 "Which is my best side?"
(See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY)
5 "Yeah, Phibbs...let's get another close up just to be thorough..."
(See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY) Photo credit: Richard Phibbs
6 These colorful canines came in to the shelter together (sans accessories).
(See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY) Photo credit: Richard Phibbs
7 Elizabeth waits off camera for her turn to shine.
(See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY)
8 "Make me look kind of hip and gritty...I'm much more complex than people think..."
(See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY) Photo credit: Richard Phibbs
9 Choosing the best accessories is all part of creating the perfect shot.
(See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY)
10 "Simple, red, understated, classic...it works..."
(See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY)
11 Phibbs crew member, Georgia Nerheim, knew what was needed to properly light each work of art.
(See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY)
12 "Profile? Head on? What are you looking for here Phibbs...if that is your real name..."
(See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY) Photo credit: Richard Phibbs
13 Keeping a super model's attention for long enough to get the shot is a skill in and of itself!
(See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY)
14 Phibbs crew member Noel Worden watched closely to be sure shots were coming out as planned- they were then uploaded for adopters to see right away!
(See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY)
15 "It's about time for some feline fabulousness..."
(See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY) Photo credit: Richard Phibbs
16 "Yay or nay on the chiffon head scarf?"
(See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY) Photo credit: Richard Phibbs
17 "I'm thinking the chiffon is a bit old school, no?"
(See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY)
18 "Ummm, yeah...Mr. Phibbs?...I just wanna thank you for helping me out...You seem like a really nice human..." (See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY)
19 "...I know you have a dog already but...well, perhaps....maybe I could come home with you...just puttin' it out there...something for you to consider..." (See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY)
20 Crew member Joe Toto takes a special liking to Onyx...
(See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY)
21 I got to meet Flops who was featured in last week's shoot- what a love!!!
(See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY)
22 When The Humane Society of NY agreed to help Berry, he caught the next flight and came all the way from the Virgin Islands! (See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY) Photo credit: Richard Phibbs
23 The shelter was covered with signs of love and appreciation for it's residents!
24 Dedicated volunteers made sure residents were not only warm but chic as well! (See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY)
25 Little Blue shows us that perky, playful side! We later learned that Little Blue felt the polka dot scarf seemed outdated, so we made sure to alert the wardrobe department.
(See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY) Photo credit: Richard Phibbs
26 Alvin and Bella are star struck and rendered speechless by Phibbs!
(See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY) Photo credit: Richard Phibbs
27 "I'm not one for all this fanfare but if it helps me get the love I crave, then snap away..."
(See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY) Photo credit: Richard Phibbs
28 Maximillion and Shane showcase the winter accessories line.
(See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY) Photo credit: Richard Phibbs
29 "I guess i'd have to say my ears are one of my most unique features..."
(See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY) Photo credit: Richard Phibbs
30 "Some humans liken me to Marilyn...perhaps it's my fetching beauty mark..."
(See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY) Photo credit: Richard Phibbs
31 "You wear the hat."
"No you wear it..."
"You..."
"Fine...be that way..."
(See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY) Photo credit: Richard Phibbs
32 "So I like a bit of flair...it accents my eyes and balances my missing back leg... is that so wrong?"
(See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY) Photo credit: Richard Phibbs
33 "Just to be clear Phibbs, I own the rights on this photo..capice?"
(See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY) Photo credit: Richard Phibbs
34 "Make sure the shot captures what a happy wiggly little lover I am...with an edge...make sure you capture the edge as well..."
(See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY) Photo credit: Richard Phibbs
35 "Too cute? You want sultry? Serious? Pensive? I've got tremendous range..."
(See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY) Photo credit: Richard Phibbs.
Phibb's creative director, Teddy Borsen helps get photo spreads ready from back at the main studio.
36 "I hate to rush such obvious talent but, I'm late for high tea...It's not ladylike to be late for tea...." (See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY) Photo credit: Richard Phibbs
37 Even Dr. Pia got the honor of being shot by Phibbs... but only after Roxy consented to being hugged and kissed on camera - which made her even later for high tea! (See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY)
(Dr. Pia Salk and Roxy- Photo credit: Richard Phibbs)
38 "We've really got to raise awareness on how superior felines are...our magic seems to go unappreciated by the masses...."
(See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY)
Photo credit: Richard Phibbs
39 "No hat? Why no hat? I look so chic in a hat..."
(See animal details at link below blog post- The Humane Society of NY) Photo credit: Richard Phibbs
What an amazing day it was- made extra special by the 2, 3 and 4 legged souls who took part! Everyone’s commitment to the animals made a seemingly tough task go as smoothly as the fur on a cat's nose!
Phibbs transformation of a tiny exam room into a pop up 'cat walk' wasn't the only demonstration of a resourceful approach to maximizing space! The Humane Society of NY- including it's busy walk-in veterinary clinic- occupies a narrow 5 floor building in midtown Manhattan.
The staff and shelter volunteers make efficient use of every inch they have. And they do so with a mind towards making the animal residents as comfortable as possible while they await adoption into a loving home.
What I found most notable about the staff and volunteers was their positive attitude and willingness to go the extra mile for the critters. Sadly this kind of spirit can be hard to maintain amidst the gravity of the pet overpopulation crisis. But there was no lack of hope running through the veins of these dedicated Manhattan professionals.
Phibbs and his crew mirrored the staff’s dedication as they rolled on the shelter floor with squeeky toys to get the best angle for a shot of their furry muse! Phibbs kept the shoot on a steady pace in an effort to photograph as many needy faces as he could. Changing lighting and lenses was punctuated by calls from couture designers and top selling magazine editors competing to schedule Phibbs for a heavy hitting project!
Witnessing Phibbs and his crew devote equal effort to the shelter and it’s animals - clients who couldn't even begin to generate the kind of fees Phibbs talent commands... told the story best. If anyone needed Phibb’s caliber of PR and an eye towards revealing a soul’s inner beauty- it was the loyal animals who had suffered from their human’s misfortunes. These former family pets needed a head shot and a good publicist –Phibbs provided both.
These are the moments that define a person. Like Phibbs, we each must retain some perspective on things that matter if we are to fulfill our fullest potential.
On behalf or the animals at The Humane Society of New York, and those in shelters everywhere... I extend heartfelt gratitude to Richard Phibbs and his crew.
Having been granted this very special 'snapshot' of one man’s dedication, leaves me with a renewed commitment to our fellow creatures. Thousands of worthy companions go unseen each and every day in our nation's shelters . They urgently need us to apply our respective talents to their plight- their lives depend on it. Only then will they get a chance to receive the love they so deserve.
Let's follow Phibb's example and join forces to get these loyal souls seen and saved.
In kinship,
Dr. Pia Salk
Be sure to check out THE ADOPTABLE ANIMALS IN TODAY'S PHOTO GALLERY and spread the word far and wide. Each of those showcased only needs one committed person or family to secure a happy future.
Tags: adopt-a-pet.com, animal welfare expert, art and animals, Dr. Pia Salk, human-animal bond expert, humane charities, Pia Salk, richard phibbs, richard phibbs and animal welfare, shelter photography, social justice and animals
Posted on January 26th, 2012 in Adoption, Favorite Things | direct link to this entry |
January 25th, 2012
Posted by Ghenghis Khan
Last week, Francesca blogged about me travelling to Maryland to compete in another dog show. With the Westminster Kennel Club Show quickly approaching, my breeder, Karen Tracy and my handler, Jan Kolnik want me to get as much experience as possible. Here are Karen's photos showing what happened in Maryland.
1 Rather than rooming in a hotel, Gerry Roberts has graciously invited us to stay with her in her comfortable home.
2 Gerry is an excellent hostess. She definitely knows a thing or two about chow chows, as she co-owns my father, Maddox, with Karen Tracy.
3 Jan and Dad, let's pose for a nice photo by the fireplace!
4 Hotels are nice, but they don't offer great fenced in yards, like this one, where I am free to run around. Hey, what's that over there?
5 It's a black squirrel perched on Gerry's cast iron squirrel garden ornament! Wouldn't Francesca and Sharkey absolutely go nuts to see this?
6 Bath time at Gerry's is is a breeze in her huge tub. I must look my absolute best for the show!
7 Oh, Jan, I am so sorry that I didn't win Best of Breed this time. However, I did win Select, a special ribbon that earns me points towards a Grand Championship title.
8 Still, l am very disappointed with myself and I feel I've let you down. I'll have to work on upping my game before Westminster!
9 Dad, where are you? I need to talk to you about the show!
10 GK, my boy, everyone goes through a rough patch from time to time. Yes, you are a natural show dog, but that doesn't guarantee you the win! You may find it hard to believe, but even I have experienced losses!
11 Oh Robin, you and Tiva have been so supportive throughout this trip. Dad is right! I can't let this minor setback get me down.
12 Now it's time to hit the road and return home to the Frenchies. Thank you, Gerry! You've been a lovely hostess! I'm sure we'll meet again soon!
Posted on January 25th, 2012 in Favorite Things, Friends, Out & About, Photo Galleries, Travel, Working | direct link to this entry |
