Day 6 Gratitude Project - Maggie May {Central Ohio Pet Photographer}

Maggie May - I am thankful for her every day. She is quite literally my constant companion. Maggie is my trail buddy (we went to Dawes Arboretum today), travel companion & co-pilot. She is my family & stands in for my family that has passed. She is the happiest, sweetest dog I have ever owned & is my 1 in a million. Just over a year ago I almost lost her to acute pancreatitis. Every day since then I consider a bonus day & am ever grateful. She has rebounded & is so energetic, happy & goofy. She always brings a smile & happiness & I love her to pieces!

Gratitude1: Bobina Jean (Bobbie) RIP sweet kitty

Each year for the past several years, I have been a moderator in the Flickr Group 30 Days of Gratitude. As we enter the month of Thanksgiving, it is the perfect time to take a small moment each day & reflect on what we are thankful for each day. After 30 days, you cultivate an attitude of gratitude - perfect time for Thanksgiving & entering into the holiday season. What have you given thanks for today? Giving thanks makes us happier and more optimistic. Come join us in the Gratitude Project. Give thanks!


As I start the month of Thanksgiving, I have had a loss I am mourning, but today I am looking for the sweet spots & giving thanks.......

My teeny tiger cat Bobina Jean (Bobbie) showed up in the woods outside my new home 17.5 years ago. She was a feral kitten whose mother had apparently died or just left her. You couldn't get near her & it took many weeks & patience to be able to get near enough to touch her. Eventually Bobbie took up residence & stayed near our property, although she remained outdoors & pretty wild. In the evenings I opened the garage door so she could sleep safe & sound.

When I went through a divorce & moved out of the house, I went back everyday for a week to try to find her. I did & she came with me & became an indoor kitty - a change she relished! When I got my dog, Maggie (who most here know!) Bobbie immediately took to her - as you can see here.

Sunday night, Bobbie started having seizures. We rushed to the emergency vet, but it was her time to leave this world. I am heartbroken and miss her so much. She was my little squeaky wheel with her strange little meow! But I am thankful I had her in my life for 17 and a half years. We saw so much life together & shared such love. Today I am thankful for Bobbi (Bobina) - thankful for our time, our experiences & adventures, & all the affection & love we shared. Bobbie did not cooperate with the camera & I have few photos of her - this was always one of my faves - & I am so thankful for this photo!

Birthday Girl - [Columbus Ohio Pet Photographer]

Maggie May had her 9th birthday yesterday! She's a little Valentine! I got her 8 years ago at CAHS, & can't believe how quickly it has gone. She is just so tolerant & loving! Of course it helps that there is always cheese or a hotdog involved behind the scenes! Trust has a lot to do with the great shots I get of her. Well, and of course the food thing again! But the trust is so important. A large part of the trust building came from the Obedience Classes we took together. The classes helped build trust, rapport and relationship. So many grown dogs need good homes. It might be a good time to stop by your local shelter and find your Maggie!

FREE SESSION! {Columbus Ohio Family Photograher} {Columbus Ohio Pet Photographer} Columbus, Ohio

It is that time of year again… the hustle and bustle of decorating, holiday parties and searching for perfect little gifts. For me, the season has been about wonderful memories, traditions and giving. I believe giving has a domino effect… one kindness, smile or act of giving somehow has a ripple effect. It reaches out with wonderful effect.

So, I would like to give you a gift. I will be giving a free classic session ($150 value) for a family (up to 5 persons) or pet (up to 2 pets) to a lucky soul to use in 2010. This offer is good in Central Ohio or Benzie County Michigan for a weekday session. Prints are extra. What do you have to do? It’s simple – just leave a comment on this post! I will be randomly picking a lucky winner who will receive a gift certificate for the session! This offer is good for NEW CLIENTS ONLY. Spread the word… and post a comment! Comments must be made by 10PM Saturday night (December 12, 2009). Winner will be selected & notified by Monday, December 14, 2009!

Happy Holidays

Meet Gracie! {Columbus Ohio Pet Photographer}

Autumn and early winter are great times for pet portrait sessions. The cooler temps make it easier on the doggies (and the owners), and you can still have beautiful backdrops at this time of year! Gracie, the Newfoundland was quite pleased with the cooler temps we had for this mini session the other day!

Co-Pilots {Columbus Ohio Pet Photographer}

October and November are my busiest months and I feel as though I'm either at my computer or out doing a portrait session. And at night I dream about sessions or processing - I'm sure all photographers have 12 hour days during these months! But, I love what I do and I really love doing pet portraits - this is the perfect time of year for photographing pets with the cooler weather!

A preview from a recent session...

Wishing you a Warm & Merry Christmas!!

This year has flown by so very quickly. And Christmas is upon us once again. Thank you for your support, your business, your friendship and your comments!! I so appreciate it!!

I'm hoping this Christmas finds you counting your many blessings, feeling the love of family and friends, and remembering that Holy Night so many years ago. Merry Christmas, warm wishes and love to you!! I'll be gone several days, and will see you after Christmas!
Merry Merry Christmas from Joy & Maggie May the Holiday Dog!

Mocha ~ Sneak Peek / Central Ohio Pet Photographer

I had a session a week or so ago, with Mocha and his owner. Mocha is a rescued Brittany Spaniel, and his early days were pretty sad. But he is one lucky and happy dog now!! His owner understands the importance of patience, love and training. Those three things can make all the difference for a dog who was believed to have no chance. Mocha has his second chance and is loving life!! This was a fun session, that took place at Highbanks Metro Park on a beautiful Central Ohio fall day!