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!

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.

Adopted 12 years ago in Vermont, Bromley has been by my side through life in Vermont, Boston and Cape Cod. His stunning good looks turned heads everywhere he went, but his sweet personality also melted every single heart he came across. I’d like to say he was the best dog ever on earth, but I also enjoy that we all feel that way about our own dogs. They’re so easy to love.

Twelve days ago, Bromley was rushed into surgery for a ruptured tumor on his spleen. The spleen was removed, but more cancerous tumors were found on his liver. At his age and having lost so much blood, our only option was to close him back up and help him heal. At this point, Bromley had been the most healthiest of dogs, and we felt whacked with too sudden of a change in fate.

Bromley received so much love and care for the next week. We are incredibly grateful to be bestest friends with our vets, and to have their support, love and knowledge through every stage. The entire staff at Hyannis Animal Hospital was amazing with us and with Bromley. We were also so amazed to have one of the staff offer her Mastiff as our double blood donor during Bromley’s surgery – we’ll forever be grateful, and I hope you soon meet her and her dogs here on my site.

Bromley’s transfusion started to wear off a week later, and his body wasn’t catching up in regenerating its own blood. He grew tired and weak, but with encouraging test results, we decided to give his body more time by tracking down another matching blood donor – thanks so much to my parents and their golden retriever, Rigley!

We had the most amazing weekend. It was Bromley’s 12th birthday and he was full of spunk. We laid in the grass and sunshine for hours each day – Bromley’s favorite passtime. I sniffed his fur, and sniffed and sniffed and sniffed. He enjoyed steak and chicken, and even a little birthday ice cream. We lounged with neighbors who stopped for a belly rub, and we captured some family photos of ourselves with my parents’ help. We soaked up your wonderful comments via Facebook and Twitter. Our young pup, Brewer, remained delicate and loving with his big brother.

And then it was Monday. Bromley was quickly giving out again, and we knew that we wouldn’t push any further. Our goal was to keep him comfortable and let him go in peace. A few more friends surrounded us, our vets even bringing a bottle of Llama-brand wine – Bromley’s most common nickname (short for the elongated “Bramallama”)! We toasted, shared memories and let this incredible chapter in our lives come to a close.

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I wanted to share a couple of things. One, you shouldn’t be afraid to read books about dogs because of the eventual subject of death. I credit Merle’s Door and The Art of Racing in the Rain as HUGELY helpful in getting me through this time. If you want to borrow one of my copies, just let me know.

Two, the next time you go in for a vet appointment, please consider asking about your local blood donor list. I assumed this kind of thing was taken care of by big city hospitals, but when it comes down to a dog on the operating table, your vet often relies on a local list to find a matching blood donor. Bromley’s second transfusion – thankfully not an emergency – came a day late because we could not find a match and the emergency facilities were out of stock. This is a free test if you are willing to be a donor.

Thank you so much for your love, energy and thoughts. It has been wonderful to be part of such a supportive dog-loving community at a time like this.

XO

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 typically like to spend the first 15 or so minutes just letting my models play, relax and get to know me. It was during this time that Princess got to know every stick, rock, grass, seaweed and shell on the ground instead. There’s just so much to see and sniff in her new playground!

Occasionally we had to pull out a trick – or as I like to call it, a treat – to get Princess’ attention. You could almost see her weighing her options… would the reward be worth the “wait”?

Princess’ mom is one of those awesome humans who reminds me I have the best job in the world, always meeting fun-loving, active people who appreciate the unique personalities of each dog in our lives. It’s obvious she provides a constant stream of love and exercise for her companion, and that Princess probably does the same for her mom!

Sticks… ohhhh yummy sticks.

I hope you all were able to get out and enjoy the weekend with your four-legged friends! Despite the crazy snow, wind and tides we’ve been having, you can definitely sense that spring is in the air. Cold Nose Photo is currently offering 2009 pricing when you book before the turn of the season, and upcoming travel will include Manhattan and the Hamptons for some exciting spring 2010 dog sessions! Be the first to hear about these deals and trips by becoming a fan on Facebook!

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!).

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!

The local group has been so wonderful with planning activities and events for the community. You can check out their Facebook page HERE to keep current on all that’s going on!

As a side note, this past Sunday was my Mom’s birthday, and as a huge thanks for all her help at the shelter I gave her an official Animal Rescue League fleece vest! I love it!

And a heartfelt WELCOME to all new visitors! I’m so glad to have you here!