Last week, Merry and I met up with the Roseville Dog Owners Group (RDOG) at the Dave Moore Nature Area in Lotus, CA.  This particular trail is a very easy, short hike (about a 1 mile loop) and unique in that the first part of the trail is accessible for persons physically challenged.

Just at the start of the trail you’ll see the monument honoring Dave Moore, who as you will read was a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) employee who became afflicted with multiple sclerosis at age 35.

This trail is nicely kept and filled with lots of ponderosa pine trees, large boulders and river rock leading you down to the South Fork American River.  This is a well known trail to the locals and others beyond, so you will most likely meet at least one new friend when you’re there, particularly if you go on the weekend.

You and your dog will thoroughly enjoy stopping and playing on the beach areas.  Here your dog will love just being a dog, getting dirty, wet, and having a pawsitively fun time!  Be sure to bring a blanket to dry off with or to sit on while on the beach area.

One thing to mention is that you do need to be cognizant of your dog’s paws on some of the rocks and thorny plants if she likes to run through some of the bushy areas.  Merry ended up with a little cut on her top paw that she was of course oblivious to, but quickly healed when sprayed with Vetericyn.

There is a picnic table area, lots of parking, and plenty of space for all.  The Dave Moore Nature Area is definitely at the top of our list of a fun dog-friendly place to take your dog.  For more detailed information about this trail and other trails in the area, you may be interested in the book 48 Dog-Friendly Trails by Debbi Preston.  This trail is on page 59 of her book.  ~ You can also check out the Dog Trekker website for El Dorado County at http://dogtrekker.com/destination/el_dorado_county for more dog-friendly places in El Dorado County.

Below is Pippa and she too is a second chance dog from the HartSong Ranch Dog Rescue Program that was also recently adopted.  The HartSong Ranch Dog Rescue Program has been successful with its dog adoption and re-homing services of the last chance dogs in its care since the program was launched last December.  Erik Grendahl of Country Canine is the dog trainer and behaviorist behind the rehabilitation and behavioral modification process ensuring these dogs are ready to transition to forever homes.

This is Zoe.  Zoe, like many animals that find themselves in our local shelters, is the victim of an animal hoarding situation and unfortunately wouldn’t have made it out of the shelter alive.  She too was rescued by the HartSong Ranch Dog Rescue Program and has since been adopted.

Winston, a very skinny and malnourished dog found by a shelter as a stray was rehabilitated by HartSong Ranch and has since been adopted.

This is Cowboy.  He was actually adopted from a shelter at one time, but later returned by the family for unknown reasons.  He was very fearful and did not do well at all in the shelter environment and was particularly fearful while inside his kennel.  But several ‘rescue warriors’ saved him from a doomed destiny and removed from the shelter environment.  After he was assessed and worked with by Erik, Cowboy amazingly transformed into an adoptable dog!  He has since been adopted.
These are success stories and starting this year, EDDOG Photography will have an even greater focus on photographing dogs like these from HartSong Ranch.  Opportunities and tasks of capturing the images of these dogs and the success of the people that are doing great work.

It is my hope to point out that programs like this are successful because of the support they get from volunteers, donors, and people that speak out for them.  Each of us provide support to our local rescues and shelters by “Liking” them on Facebook and sharing the photos of the animals that are in need of forever homes.  People also make them successful by donating time to volunteer or just showing up to events; or making donations whether it’s money or even items from their posted wish lists.

Every small thing that an individual can do makes a big difference in the lives of these animals.  So even if you are able to do one thing, that one thing helps.  Start now by “Liking” HartSong Ranch Dog Rescue Program at http://www.facebook.com/HartsongRanchDogProgram and Matching Tails at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Matching-Tails/357454867649730.

If you are interested to adopt, volunteer or learn more about the HartSong Ranch Dog Rescue Program, please visit their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/HartsongRanchDogProgram or email them at hartsongdogs@yahoo.com.

I met Avery through the Folsom Small Dog Meetup-n-Play Group.  Her nick name is “Boo Bear” by the way (Go ahead and say it, “awwwwwww!”).  This little Yorkshire Terrier is true to her breed as an energetic little ball of fun and always ready for adventure!

Here she demonstrates how beautifully she can dance!

Avery’s mama wondered if I was going to be able to capture any images of her adorable little girl, but I knew immediately how easy it was going to be.  Her playful antics and cleverness were sensationally fun for me to work with!

Thank you Avery for adding some much needed play time to my hectic 2012 holiday season madness!

Brown Bengal

My first animal event attended this year is a cat show.  Feline lovers from all over were located here in Sacramento for the 2012 Jazzy Cats Show.  I was asked to take some event photos and had so much more fun than I ever expected.   Truth be told I love cats as much as I love dogs and horses!  In fact, my best friend growing up was a polydactyl cat named Callie.  She was a ‘robust’ Calico kitty that helped me get through my teen years and high school.  She always listened to what I had to say, never judged me, and was always there to comfort me when I needed it.  To this day I still miss her.  But I digress. 

Siamese

I’ll admit that I am an Animal Planet and National Geographic channel junkie.  Over the years I have watched all the cat shows and seen many different breeds of cats on TV.  I am always fascinated with learning about the behavior of different breeds of animals.  Not to mention that it’s also very beneficial as an animal photographer to have a good understanding of an animal’s behavior in order to capture its personality and true spirit in an image.  Many non-feline people do not realize that each cat breed have very different behavioral characteristics just like different dog breeds.

Abyssinian

So for the first time ever I was able to see, touch (with the permission from cat owners) and photograph some not only beautiful, but exotic cats that I have only seen on TV.  I was in feline heaven!  The cat show is sanctioned by the TICA (The International Cat Association).  One of the very cool things I thought about this show is that there is even a show category for household cats!  How cool is that?!  An opportunity to pamper and show your kitty!  There were even several beautiful kitties from our local shelters and rescue that participated and received several awards while I was there.  A number of them were also adopted over the weekend because of the exposure they received, which is always a happy story to report.

Adoptable Household ~ Long Hair

If you didn’t get to attend the Jazzy Cat Show at the Clarion Inn this past weekend, well you missed out.  But hopefully you can get a chance to attend in the future and if you’re interested in showing one of your own cats in a cat show, be sure to check out the TICA for information on showing household cats and kittens.

Bodie lives in El Dorado Hills and he was named after the ghost town  up off Hwy 395. (I thought that was a cool name!)

This adorable guy is about 8 or 9 years old, and although he doesn’t know any tricks, you are sure to get his attention with the enticement of a treat!

Bodie loves to play with soft, fluffy toys.  He has a favorite stuffed bunny he thoroughly enjoys, but decided that for our photo session he would play with the hedge hog that I brought. {silly Bodie}

One of the many things I love about Jack Russell Terriers is they are rarely short on energy and fun!

Are always full of personality…

They might be small dogs, but they are mighty despite despite their size.

A big thank you to Bodie and his mom for allowing me to take some photos of this darling guy. I hope you have a Happy Holiday, Bodie!

And although not necessarily as beautiful, Pippin’s tail is always telling me something (happy, excited, I’m being good, etc.).  And here, it says “I’m waiting for you Merry to come around the corner so I can surprise you with a playful pounce!”

If you’d like to see more Tails From The Other Side, head over to Denver, Colorado pet photographer, StinkDog Photos and make sure you follow the link in each blog post to see everyone’s photos for week 51!

Here is Reese playing with Holly at Folsom Animal Shelter having a wonderful time interacting with her.

And more playing!  It was quite entertaining to say the least.

If you’re interested in seeing Reese for yourself, he is located at the Folsom Animal Shelter on Prairie City Road in Folsom.  For more details contact the Folsom Animal Shelter at 916-984-0990

Orders available now for the 2013 HartSong Ranch calendar for just $20 each (plus $2.50 shipping and handling).  This calendar features the photo of Clipper above plus more of the animals that are now living healthy and happy lives on this ranch.  All proceeds benefit HartSong Ranch.

To order go to http://www.hartsongranch.com/shop/.   Don’t miss out on this opportunity and order yours today while there is still time to receive them in time to hand out as gifts for the Holidays!

What’s your dog’s favorite toy?  Does he or she have one?  This week’s theme for the weekly 52 projects is about your dog’s favorite toy.  I have three dogs and only one is really obsessed with a toy.  My boy, Pippin, who has become the face of “Ray” for our friends from Animal Outreach for the ASPCA Rachel Ray 100KChallenge.  He doesn’t mind sharing his toy with others as long as they share too, but it does have to be his; initially slobbered on with his own slobber.  No other belonging to anyone else will do.

Pippin will do ANYTHING for his ball.  It doesn’t matter what it is or how much he dislikes it (such as having to relieve himself in the rain on wet ground).  This is quite ironic since the weather here is rainy and stormy with lots of wind.  And yes, the ground is muddy wet with patchy grass in different shades of green, yellow, and brown.  But that won’t stop him from doing what he needs to do in order to get you to throw his ball.

All he wants is for you to pick it up and throw it over and over again.

He will forever do what you ask.  But you have to keep throwing it again and again or he’ll just continue to stare at the ball (or you) until you tell him the game is over.

Or until he has finally tired himself out.  ~ The ball is my dog’s favorite toy!

For more fun photos from other pet photographers, please see what New Jersey Pet Photographer, Stephanie Madeline of Chase & Snap Pet Photography has captured with her camera and follow the ring until you find yourself back here. Happy Friday!!!