This is nine-year old Stella. While she’s no longer available for adoption at the Animal Rescue League of Boston, I just wanted to share a behind-the-scenes look at the role of my assistants :-)  This is my hubs, Gary, ensuring the comfort of the model…

I gotta admit, I’m a little sad about this post. On my recent visit to the shelter, I walked around talking to the staff about which dogs to photograph and came across “Murphy”. I knew that face immediately… I had photographed him as “Romeo” almost exactly one year ago. He was then about one year old and the most fun-loving dog I may have ever met. The playful pit bull shelter-dog photos soon graced my portfolio, my business cards, my Twitter and Facebook pages, and even a large canvas print for display. It was my mission to show the world how loving this little guy could be, when so many people are wary of shelter dogs and pit bulls.

A year later, Romeo’s owner has lost his home. I have to believe this as true, because Gary and I spent at least a half hour in the grass with him, and he has been well trained with commands and tricks. And he still ADORES his tennis balls, that’s for sure!

There is definitely an air of maturity around Murphy now. I imagine he made an incredible companion, and will again soon. It breaks my heart to see situations like this, and I hope Murphy never feels it was his fault.

Murphy is available and eager for ball tosses at the Animal Rescue League of Boston‘s Brewster branch. Stop by and say hello!

Meet Larry! He’s a 7-month old pup, described as a “southern hunting dog” in his paperwork.

He’s a young one, and probably hasn’t had any quality time learning the rules of the house and walking on leashes. He is timid at first, but does love to play with toys. We allowed him to adjust to the fun of being outdoors, and he definitely shows a sweet yearning to just be a dog… live a normal, loving life as someone’s companion.

If you get a chance, come visit Larry and his friends at the Animal Rescue League of Boston at the Brewster branch on Cape Cod!

A year ago on Mother’s Day, I invited my mom along to help me take photos with the dogs at the shelter. She’s been a valuable assistant ever since! This past Sunday, the shelter is exactly what we chose to do together to mark the occasion.

Maybe you’re interested in having one of these cuties call you “mom” when the next Mothers’ Day rolls around? Stop in for a visit to the Animal Rescue League of Boston‘s Brewster location!

Unfortunately, I don’t have all the dogs’ names since I snuck in on a Sunday again. They were all pretty sweet, though, some even surprising us with their manners and commands. The lil’ girl in the bottom right was quite abuzz, but she calmed right down as soon as she could be close to me. Or the camera. I couldn’t really tell which she liked better.

My own bud, Brewer, came bouncing up to me with a card around his collar on Mother’s Day, and a new plant he found (I think with human help) at the local garden shop. He and I both are starting to feel our spirits lift back up after saying good bye to Bromley.

I hope all you dog and cat moms had a wonderful weekend!

*nose tap* is one of my favorite little expressions in the dog world.

I’m a little exhausted tonight, working hard under the guise of some crazy motivation I’m feeling. But as I make it through lots of edits, I wanted to share this little glimpse from my Mother’s Day visit to the shelter.

The job is dangerous, I tell ya… It’s not all adorable and games. Okay, maybe it is.

I’ve been off photographing many things lately, but unfortunately not the amazing pups at the shelter. I should be saying thanks to the economy for rebounding and giving me back some benefits at the day-job, but one thing I lost was my forced furlough day each month, which I had been splitting into two and using for bi-weekly visits to the shelter. But thanks to the good friends I’ve made at the Animal Rescue League of Boston‘s Brewster Branch, I snuck myself in this past Sunday during closed hours to take a deep, soothing breath of the amazingness that is animal rescue. Amidst all the poker tournaments and editorial assignments (which will now start “airing” over at staceyhedman.com), I needed an afternoon like this to remind me what inspires me most to be in this business.

So without further adieu, let me introduce you to three sweethearts currently wagging their tails in Brewster.

Dakota… well, she’s a mover and a shaker. And she moved and shook herself over the fence during our shoot. I mean, there was a bird, after all… wouldn’t you chase it? This is where pet photographer acrobatics come in handy and I jumped the fence right after her since the shelter is on a busy road. Some begging – on my part – may have also occurred.

Bull is a gentle giant, knows all his commands and manners, and almost *accidentally* ended up in the car.

And last but not lease is Lilly. She has such a cozy face and personality, and will certainly relax the minute she enters her new loving home.

Give a call or stop by the Animal Rescue League if you’d like to visit any of these happy pups!

I haven’t been around these parts in a while… partly due to the R&R I’m catching up on in the slower photography season, and partly due to major computer issues and transition. But MARCH is right around the corner and excitement is building! The camera has been back in my hands a lot more, and I’m ecstatic about my new powerhouse of a computer. It’s officially game time, and you’ll soon be hearing and seeing more about 2010 sessions, products, travel plans and goals!

Believe it or not, even the shelter slowed down for the last month or two, with less dogs for me to play and photograph with. That’s a good thing! Here are a few of the newest arrivals. I didn’t have their names and papers yet, since they’d just arrived, so you’ll have to check out the personality in their eyes! (and visit the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Brewster branch)

This fella was hysterical; kept tucking his chin back to his neck to show his best double-chin. What a little weirdo!

This guy, Luke, proved extremely difficult to capture because he just wouldn’t slow down! Part of why I love visiting the shelter is that I’m able to let each dog run around in a huge grassy yard for about a half-hour each. They have fun, get some energy out, and receive an endless supply of rubs and scratches.

This little sweetheart could not get enough love. He would just jump up on my chest with his paws relaxed and his chin resting, staring into my eyes for minutes on end – standing on his hind legs! If I so much as see this guy one more time, he’s coming home with me (thanks to my mom for the shot!).

I’m on my way to the shelter this afternoon – the Animal Rescue League of Boston‘s Brewster branch where I (and often my mom) have spent many Friday afternoons over the last year. What I’m excited about today is that I’ll be handing over a check for $850 thanks to all your support of my 2010 Dogs of Cape Cod calendar!

To be completely transparent, that’s $5 from each of 170 calendars. I gave away approximately 15 and left the rest with ARL in Brewster for them to keep or sell as they wished.

The money will go directly to our Cape Cod branch, as is only right given the calendar’s name! I’m SO happy to be able to do this, and I hope you and your family and friends are enjoying the calendars so far!

Here are a couple of recent ARL pups who send you their thanks too!

This is about how I’m feeling today… and you? I hope you’re all warm and cozy somewhere!

Abner is a playful one-year old pit bull currently up for adoption at the Animal Rescue League in Brewster, MA.  When I say “playful”, I mean this dog can BOUNCE!!!! Maybe I’ll follow this post with some blooper shots, because these photos encompass literally the five times I captured Abner’s eyes in focus.

Abner was found as a stray and unfortunately seems to have gone without training in whatever home he did have. Fortunately, he’s still young and will be able to learn rules and manners from a loving new home, willing to give him some attention.

I also want to mention that Tally is still available as well – an adoooorable treeing walker coonhound! Stop on in or call the shelter to say hi!