Jesse Freidin - photographer, animal lover and creator of meaningful projects is how I like to refer to him.  I met this ambitious man in San Francisco a few years ago while doing a job andsince that time I have watched his work blossom and wanted to share that you too could have a Jesse Friedin portrait of your dog should you so desire.  He shares with me his passion for pets and how he got into this business.

"I’ve always been fascinated with documenting the human/animal bond, and seeing that bond in action time and time again is deeply moving to me. The trust and affection our dogs give us—and the comfort that comes from that—is unlike anything else in the human experience.

It’s an honor and a pleasure for me to witness how dogs enrich our lives, and I take pride in celebrating each and every one of my subjects in a truly genuine and personal way.

Even when a photograph shows only your dog, it is a reflection of the relationship you share. It’s my goal to accurately, beautifully capture a chapter in the story of your long loving relationship.

My approach to photography is rooted in the principles of authenticity, quality and honesty. I approach my work as a storyteller, not just as a photographer, so I can see and share all that’s wrapped up between you and your best friend without saying a single word.

Our animals are so much a part of us; getting to the heart of that with an image is everything."

Jesse Freidin is one of America's leading fine art dog photographers with work in more than 100 private collections throughout the United States. His portraiture has been exhibited in galleries across the country, and studies the deeply healing power of the human/animal bond— telling a contemporary story of companionship and love that truly honors the role dogs play in our modern lives. 

To book a portrait session with Jesse click HERE.
 

Best selfie ever by BarkBox's Pat Shores and Mikkel Holms photobombing

How fab are you @longshore88

Mary and @littlehollysbigworld

Best dressed of the festival

Andre, Sebastian and @oscarfrenchienyc

Lisa and @newyorkdog

Yoda

Gypsy Love and her Mom

Jennifer and Dave of Golden Doodle

Best Human accessory on Autumn Haac with BF Ryan Yelencsics and dog Malgos

Team Foster Dog NY

Come on! Skies were blue, temperature was perfect, dogs were aplenty and spirits were high!  Barkfest 2016 was a hoot.  With Rachel Antonoff hosting and live performances by both the TANLINES and GREAT CEASAR fun was had by humans and canines alike.  I think the best part of the whole day was watching the swarms of people headed west to arrive at Pier 97 to celebrate with their dogs.  Mrs. Sizzle was in her happy place.

Stella and Faye at home

I originally met Faye McLeod poolside at a friend’s house a few summers ago, fabulous but dog-less.  It wasn’t until recently that I discovered she had a dog, but not any dog, surely the best accessorized dog on the planet.  And it’s no small wonder that Stella, the mini Havapoo, is as such for her Mom is the visual image director of Louis Vuitton and travels the globe for her job.  During Faye’s inspired travels, she hits up the chicest dog spots around the world, so Mrs. Sizzle had to get the scoop on where the best products are found.  I spent a rainy afternoon with Faye and photographer Landon Nordeman with Stella chasing avocados and other fuzzy wonders.

Why a poodle?

Hypo allergenic, intelligent and black...I wear a lot of black....Stella's a Havapoo. She can also travel in the cabin to Europe.

Did you think of yourself as a dog person before?

My brother had a King Charles Cavalier growing up, so yes I'm a dog person.

What does the office think of Stella?

They love Stella, she's part of the team, part of the family.

Let's talk about the dog that has perfect toys and dog things...how do you source all of them?

I buy Stella treats, as I travel a lot and see objects she'll love. Tokyo Hands is my store of choice. Their dog section is vast and funny, so I buy things that I know she'll adore. She has a large toy box with a curated edit of top global toys.

What are your favorite leads?

Lots of leads....

Louis Vuitton of course, but I also love Goyard, Shinola and Found My Animal.

What are the best places to shop for dogs in New York, Paris, and Japan?

Japan -Tokyo Hands, and dog stores in Shinjku and Shibuya.

Paris- Goyard, Louis Vuitton and Dior.

New York - The Barking Zoo, Townhouse, Petco (they sell these bright velvet balls she loves, also the avocado) and Shinola.

What new products have you seen that you LOVED?

Crystals for my dog’s collar from Venusrox London as Stella's energy is precious. I also covet the bright yellow collar and lead at Goyard not to mention the traveling dog bowls.

Dog bed?

Fatboy with her name on it. Stella sleeps on a Chateau Marmont blanket or a Louis Vuitton one, when she travels she sleeps in her Louis Vuitton dog bag.

Stella gets her groove on.

And let’s tell the funny story about buying the glasses and Stella eating them!

Uncle Julien's kimono

I bought Stella doggles from Japan (goggles for dogs). I left her sunbathing with them on. I turned my back for 1 minute and she had eaten them as she disliked them so much!! She really has a personality! She dislikes clothing too. Her uncle Julien bought her a kimono; however, she doesn't enjoy wearing clothes, she's a nudist.

Any routine you want to share – grooming, etc. or other antidotes?

Surf hair only from Townhouse Groomers .

Stella once got groomed New York style. She came out smelling of chemicals and like a giant Pom Pom, we walked home in shame. She was embarrassed as was I! Now we ask for surf beach style...and we don't over groom.

How long at LV?

Been at it now for 6 years.

And that's all she had to share!  Thanks Faye - that Stella is one lucky gal.

More on Landon Nordeman at www.landonnordeman.com.

As Coco says, "So this one is not technically best of British but it was such a cool piece how could I resist? This Pink Bobble Knit is by NYC's Ware of The Dog but I got mine from UK's Lead the Walk."

Left to right: Winny in Fetch and Follow and Elle in Mungo and Maud.  Winny in East End Best Friend.

Left to right: Winny in Mungo and Maud and Elle in Ruby Rufus.

Bohdi, Elle and Winny all in Mungo and Maud.

Left to right: Winny in Fetch and Follow and Elle in Mungo and Maude. Right Elle in Hiro and Wolf.

Winny in Fetch and Follow

My dear friend Colleen Quill aka Coco and her dog Elle, an oftentimes Mrs. Sizzle model, packed up and headed to London last year.  As one often does in looking for new local friends, Coco turned to Instagram to find other like minded paw friendly people.  As she tells it, "We moved to London in May. Shortly afterwards, Elle connected with Winny on Instagram, being local and so very British, we were besotted. The first thing we asked "is he named for Winston Churchill?" The answer being "yes," a royal friendship began in the Kensington Palace Gardens. Bodhi is the two-year-old English bulldog, who belongs to my friend Seb Weller I met while we were both working at Sony Music."

Thus this wonderful fashion story of the most chic finds from the streets of London and brought here to you at Mrs. Sizzle.  All photos were taken by Winny's human Rachel Oates and styled by Coco herself!

Willy's instagram account is @winnythecorgi and Elle's is @grrlgenius_

Adwoa and Baby Blue

Blue's leash: Beast and Babe

Adwoa pictured here with her Tim Walker Italian Vogue recent cover

Adwoa, Sophie and Kesewa

I have known this beauty since she was a wee one running up and down the beach in Tulum playing with her sister Kesewa and my daughter Sophie - spirited and carefree.  Life has certainly thrown this girl a few curveballs but it is with grace and determination that she emerged from a spell and has come through like a shiny golden star.  Founder of GURLS Talk, feminist crusader, actress, model and friend to many, Adwoa Aboah shares with us a few tidbits about her life and her dog, of course. Thank you to my sweet friend Tierney Gearon for these delicious pics.

GURLS Talk IS….

My life…what i always needed, a space for girls to share about whatever it is that’s going on in their life. 

BLUE IS FROM….

Mexico - I found her in Lancaster, California though. 

HOW HAS SHE IMPACTED YOUR WORLD….

She has changed my life, given me responsibly and added structure to my life. I’m also very co dependent and so is she coincidentally. 

HOW DO YOU KEEP HER ENTERTAINED…..

We take her to the park and throw a ball for hours. 

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DRESS HER IN….

Her Skin.

1. Doca Pet, Bandana Graph   2. Harry Barker, Column Rubber Toy   3. Camp Cloon, Iceberg Puffer Vest   4. Harry Barker, White Stainless Steel Dog Bowls   5. Hound Collection, Nordic White Collar   6. Nendo, Nendo's Cubic Dog House   7. Nylabone, Durachew Dino Dog Toy   8. Proenza Schouler, Pre-Fall 2016 Collection All dog photos: Richard Phibbs

With summer days just around the corner, it’ll soon be time to dawn the true summer classics: summer whites. Yes, we here at Mrs. Sizzle know that we have a hard stop at Labor Day so we plan to enjoy this staple color to the fullest. We’ve rounded up our favorite items to keep you and puppy chic all summer long. Bonus chic points? The most gorgeous of white dogs are looking for a new home and nothing screams chic more than adoption. For more information, please visit The Humane Society of New York

Editor: Rolanda Evelyn

How do you interrupt an artist in the middle of his workday? Well, there’s no easy way, unless you are quite a charming group of individuals. Apparently Jason Schmidt and I were just that as we were lucky enough to get access to Ross's beautiful studio and his adorable dog Winston.  

Ross Bleckner with Mrs. Sizzle

Ross Bleckner has four dogs but only one of them is his constant studio mate. Ross is a man of great discipline and works seemingly uninterrupted daily from 9 to 5.  We had a wonderful tour of the ample work in his studio.  While the fantastic article in Paddle 8 showcased his stunning work, we, of course, focused on the dog!

One of my favorite paintings is part of the BURN PAINTING series and has the word Torschlusspanik painted across the middle which translates loosely to " You better get the work done because you don't have much time left as the gate is closing."

While we were touring the studio Winston was quiet.  As soon as Ross grabbed him and put him in his arms, Winston came to life.  Ross told us he calls Winston “noodle” because wherever you put him he just lays there and stays put.

 And, boy, did he do a good job of that while we were there.

Ross has shows up right now in Dubai at Leila Heller Gallery and in Cologne at the Bohm Chapel.  This summer he is part of a group show that opens July 31st at the Parrish Museum entitled Unfinished Business which includes Ross and also artists Eric Fischl and David Salle. 

Edie and Clair

Louise

Sasha

Luna from Freedom of Animals

Doug the Pug

Donut

Monty

Sacco sorry

Ann DeVito loves dogs.  So much so that she recently had a book come out called DOG LOVE, published by Penguin Books, that features different breeds of dogs.  It was with great pleasure that I received this delightful book and a surprise piece of art for my very own of the Sizzle sisters!  It inspired me to reach out to this wonderful artist and toss her names of a few of my favorite instagram accounts that highlight dogs, to inspire some new illustrations!

Tell me about your artwork?

I grew up loving to draw, always drawing and painting. I worked as a graphic/web designer for years, but always drawing and painting. When I started my blog,  I disciplined myself to draw daily. My works are my diary, things I enjoy... pop culture, fashion, my family, dogs, Sundays... Life. 

What was your fascination with Dogs?

Dogs evoke happiness and love unconditionally.  They are soulful... and cute. 

How did you get involved with your current book?

My kids, Quinny 10 and Ricky 8, and I drew dogs from the AKC Complete Dog Book. Everyday. Different breeds. Posting daily, eventually compiling a stack of drawings. Initially, I pitched Dog Love as a kids book, but Penguin thought the book should appeal to ALL dog lovers, young and old! To celebrate the book, we went to the 2015 Westminster Dog Show- seated next to Miss P's (Best In Show Beagle) owner! Classic Law Of Attraction. 

How do your kids feel about dogs and what part did they play in the book?

My kids love dogs! They are able to distinguish most breeds with ease. Their drawings are the end pages of Dog Love... that's the page they sign. They still frequently draw with me, you can see their work on Instagram @anndevito
 

What's the next project?

Building a store with Society6. Dog Love merchandise is available now. Prints, pillows, totes and mugs. More to come! View the other People's Dogs Series here. One thing I loved about making Dog Love, aside from drawing, was the teaching/learning process. I would like to draw, teach and learn food. Food Love. Or cats. Art. Everyday. 

Cheeky takes a stand.

Run for that ball!  

Who won?

Take me out to the ball game
Take me out with the crowd
Buy me some treats and some raw hide chews
It's a long game so I might take a snooze
And it's RUFF RUFF RUFF
For the home team
If they don't win it's a shame
Aahh.
For it's one, 
Two,
Three paws you're out
At the old ball game!

Photos: Robert Stoetzel

Clothes: DOG & CO.

Lyric idea: Doug Donaldson

Steven, his partner Byron Lane, and rescue beauty Tilda Swinton at home.  All photos Mark Leibowitz

The author in his writing space at home

I have a new friend.  My friend, Steven Rowley, has given me a gift: permission to laugh and cry and talk about the death of a loved one.  Lily and the Octopus (Simon & Shuster, June 2016) is a love story by Steven.  A love story you might ask…about an Octopus?  Well no, it’s a love story about a man and his dog who is succumbing to a cancerous tumor he has named The Octopus.  Is it sad?  Yes.  But it is so much more!  Steven makes it fun (at times laugh-out-loud funny) and a true celebration of life and the lengths we go to for our beloved dogs.

I was sent and early copy of Lily and the Octopus and it resonated with me on many levels.  Lily is a Dachshund. I had Dachshunds growing up – they are one long spine.  The octopus is cancer. I have cancer – and I have a kind of cancer that looks like an Octopus.  Octopuses do not mess around.  They grab you, as does cancer, and they mess you about. 

Funnily enough for Steven, the name Octopus in the book was a deal breaker.  I mean Lily and the Rhino…Lily and the Frog – nope! They just don’t have the same ring.  Nor do they have the same metaphoric presence for talking about attachment and letting go.

Lily was an amazing dog that came into Steven's life when she was a mere 12 weeks old and was with him through major transitions in his life.  Dogs are fabulous that way. They stay by your side, oozing with love no matter what the circumstances are.  Losing Lily was devastating and in sharing his story, Steven has allowed us to talk about the death of an animal in a tangible way.

This book has given us the permission to start a conversation about grief.  I thank Steven, I thank Lily and I respect the Octopus…though maybe a lesser grip is in order!

MORE ABOUT STEVEN'S DOGS:
The dachshunds pictured are from Dachshund Rescue of Los Angeles (DRLA), DRLA does fantastic work intervening to reduce the number of dachshunds euthanized in shelters in Southern California, and placing dogs with loving fosters until they can find a permanent, committed home. They also raise money to treat injured and abused doxies. Moxie (sitting in Steven's lap) is a sweet girl recovering nicely from IVDD (intervertebral disc disease), and 12 year-old Rhonda is the cuddly senior beside him. They both are up for adoption!  Daisy (the white dog) is a foster fail... she found a permanent home with her devoted foster mom! 

Tilda is a 7 year-old terrier that Steven and his boyfriend Byron Lane (himself a testicular cancer survivor and the creator and star of the award-winning web series Last Will and Testicle) adopted from the Lange Foundation in 2015. The Lange Foundation plucks dogs from Los Angeles city shelters with immediate medical needs that make them more or less unadaptable, pays for medical care, and places them in carefully screened and loving homes. Tilda had been shot repeatedly with a BB gun -- someone had obviously used her as target practice. When the Lange Foundation intervened, she had broken ribs and needed to have her eye removed. But she is in tip-top shape now and knows nothing but love! 

Steven purchased Lily as a twelve week-old pup from a breeder in rural Maine. While they had a very special relationship, acquiring a dog in that way has really opening his eyes to how many dogs there are in need of homes. It kindled a passion about rescue dogs, telling their stories -- particularly senior dogs who deserve a safe and loving space to live out their remaining years.

Devon Tuescher, Sarah Lane, Sarah Smith and their dogs

Lauren Post and her dog Pickles    collar: canine styles

Sarah and Hudson

Maestro Hudson

The studios at American Ballet Theatre

Sarah with Hudson and her two dogs Maya and Cora

Sarah, Maya and Cora collars: Hound Collection

Savannah

Hudson and Maya doing Grand Jete's

Thomas Forster and his dogs Benson and Maisie

Devon and her dog Riley

Riley in a tutu and Mr. Soft Top

Is it just a funny coincidence that so many dancers have dogs? I was beginning to think so and had to check it out for myself. I had been introduced to the magnificent dancers of The America Ballet by vet extraordinaire, Jennifer Chaitman. I truly had no idea of the grace and ease that these dogs add to a dance routine!  

Here are some of the things their owners say about them:

“Riley is such a cuddle bug! He just wants to be on someone’s lap all the time. It’s great to have him in the studio because whenever my colleagues or I sit down we have our own personal leg heater!” -Devon Teuscher

“I love bringing Pickles to the studios. She lightens the mood for everyone. All the dancers enjoy playing with her and she loves watching them move.” -Lauren Post

“Bringing Hudson and Savannah to work are two totally different experiences. Hudson is all about everyone else and Savannah is all about me! They both love coming and the dancers love getting a lighthearted break from their rigorous day… it’s a win-win!” -Sarah Smith

The spring season at the Metropolitan Opera House starts in early May and continues for 8 weeks.

All photos: Noe Dewitt

Last week my dear friend Ira Silverberg brought this very fun work to my attention - a boy and his dog story but this one has a special twist.  Mitch Boyer has a giant dog and that's dog's name is Vivian.  He is here to tell us a bit about his inspiration and the giant dog.

"My sister has a Dachshund named Gogo, and Gogo had a litter of puppies. I went over to the house the day they were born and fell in love with Vivian. The rest is history, haha. Vivian was the leader of the litter and quickly took command—Gogo still submits to her when we visit. She has a very strong personality and likes to be the one in charge.

When she was in puppy training, the trainer had a Bernese Mountain Dog, who Vivian loved. She was only the size of that dog's paw, but she thought she was just as big. She still does."

Mitch and Vivian true to size

I asked Mitch about his inspiration for the giant dog project that he is turning into a book aptly titled, Vivian the Dog.

"It was after finding Romain Laurent's work. He has this fantastically bizarre music video where a giant head is lying on the Coney Island boardwalk while singing. That image stuck in my mind and I decided to do something similar—with Vivian. She already had a giant personality, so making her a giant seemed like a logical step. 

The idea for the book evolved while chatting with my girlfriend about the pictures. I've moved around a lot—9 states, 15 cities, and 22 different houses or apartments—and by extension, so has Vivian. No matter how many times you do it, it's always hard to pack up and move to a new place, especially for kids. So I thought it would be great to tell the story of a big dog, moving to New York City. I loved the idea that she would misunderstand why it's called the "big city," and think that everyone there is a giant. When she discovers they're not, she immediately becomes homesick and wants to return home. I think everyone can associate with that feeling, losing the excitement of a new experience and immediately seeking comfort. But I also think it's important to push through those moments so you can grow, and that's really the idea behind the book."
 

Meg 16 years old Java 14.5 years old Juneau, Alaska

Englebert 9 years old , Hercules 17 years old, Climber Eeoyore 14 years old Denver, Colorado

Ratzoe 21 years old Vashon Island, Washington

Nancy LeVine reached out to me about a year ago to tell me about this amazing project that had consumed her life for several years.  I was in awe of the project and am now proud to present her book, Senior Dogs Across America. She explores how she came to find herself on this path back in 2006.  Here is her artists statement:

"11-24-06 My dog, my muse, died today... on my birthday. She died only 5 months after her sister, my other muse. She licked my face – my tears – in the last moments of her life. My nine months of caring for two failing bodies is over now. The vet visits, acupuncturist, swim therapist, cardiologist, medications, supplements, diapers, stroller, my vigilance to their silent needs…hoping not to miss any. I loved them passionately. To the quiet, exquisite presence of each aged dog, I honor them with this work. To the tight cord of love between them and their person(s), so profoundly palpable, I dedicate this work.

‘Senior Dogs Across America’ by Nancy LeVine

Twelve years ago, I began traveling the United States to photograph senior dogs. Like the diverse human pageant that Robert Frank captured in his book, The Americans, back in the 1950’s, I found dogs inhabiting all manner of American life -- and with many years inscribed in their beings.

My interest in the world of the senior dog began as my own two dogs began to approach the end of their days. This was at a time when I had lived enough years to start imagining my own mortality. I entered a world of grace where bodies that had once expressed their vibrancy were now on a more fragile path.

I saw how the dog does it; how, without the human’s painful ability to project ahead and fear the inevitable, the dog simply wakes to each day as a new step in the journey. Though their steps might be more stiff and arduous, these dogs still moved through each day as themselves -- themselves of that day and all the days before.

As mortality was weaving its way through this project, so was another American thread. The media were consumed with reports about our country’s sharp political fractures. It was all about the Red/Blue conflicts and the strident voices leading the charge. Yet, what I witnessed in my travels was something quite different. It was people caring for the most vulnerable dogs. Whether the senior dog was part of a family where the dog/person devotion knew no bounds or one of the elders being tended at an animal sanctuary, I saw something much deeper than our divisions, something important about where we live and the best way to die."

Poople 14 years old, New York

I met a man who loves dogs - so much, in fact, that he has 5 of them with his husband.  He is my idea of a hero and here is his story.

Meet Joey Teixeira, his husband Michael Keeney and their 5 furry kids as seen by Jonno Rattman.

Joey with Moose, Mervin and Jack

"Growing up I was always drawn to animals but I didn't necessarily think that I would make a career out of it. Before I was old enough to do it myself, I would make my mom rescue animals. In fact, I distinctly remember one time when I made her chase an injured crow down the street.  She was wearing rubber dish gloves and carrying a big cardboard box. Another time I had gone to the movies with some friends on a frigid night and when I got to my car a pigeon was sitting next to my driver side door. It wouldn't move so I scooped him up and stuck him in the crate that I kept in the trunk of my car, specifically for these types of occasions, and I brought him home. He spent the night in my shower and the next morning he was fine so I let him go in my backyard and he flew off. I guess he was just cold and needed a place to sleep.

As you can see, I have always had an affinity for animals and rescue just seemed like second nature. I actually had a pet mouse that I found on the street and kept for 4 years. We were inseparable - she was like having a dog and would just sit with me when I was on the computer or watching TV. My whole family was devastated when she passed away of old age…RIP Trixie.

In high school I started working retail, as most teenagers do, and it was fun for a while (the social aspect of it) but I was not really interested or too concerned with sales goals and fashion. By the time I entered college, I had moved to NYC and was living on 79th & York.  One day, I passed by the upper east side Biscuits and Bath location. They had a hiring sign in their window so I went in and got the job on the spot. That was my big break into the world of working with animals professionally. I worked there for about 2 years.  I started as a handler on the play fields with the dogs and left as a front desk associate. After that I walked dogs for a short time privately in my neighborhood until I was recruited by a start up company that was opening up a dog daycare similar to the Biscuits and Bath model. It was called K9dergarten and I was instrumental in creating the business, facility, and brand from the ground up. I spent about 3 years there and actually helped the founder of the private rescue organization called See Spot Rescued start the organization.

Michael and with Jack and Mervin

I left K9dergarten as the Brand Director to start my adventure at the ASPCA. That was a little over 2 years ago. Now I am the Senior Manager of Customer Relations and Communications for the Adoption Center. My main role at the ASPCA is to oversee the adoptions and customer service of the adoption center. I also work on our pet retention programs and act as the media spokesperson for my department. While working at the ASPCA my eyes have been opened to a lot of different philosophies, and it has changed me for the better in so many ways. It's helped me to become less judgmental and taught me how to meet people where they are. There are a lot of different approaches to pet ownership and I love being able to help people and animals every day. In my short time at the ASPCA I've been able to see over 10,000 cats, dogs, puppies, and kittens find their forever families. I was able to deploy to North Carolina to assist with one of our biggest animal cruelty cases which was a life changing experience all on its own. Working for the ASPCA has also inspired me to become a vegetarian."

Mervin - 7 year old Chihuahua, Adopted from the ASPCA, he came into the shelter as an emaciated stray, had to have both back legs repaired and all of his teeth removed. He also is on a special prescription diet because he got a urinary blockage that ruptured his bladder. Today he is happy and healthy and has 46k followers on Instagram (@mervinthechihuahua).

Abigail - 8 year old Boston Terrier, she is deaf and was rescued from a puppy mill where she was being used as a breed dog. She loves EVERY person she meets and will do anything for a treat or a belly rub. She also has an Instagram (@abigailthebostonpig).

Jack - 9 year old Chihuahua, 4lbs, adopted from the ASPCA, he started as a foster but we decided to adopt him when we fell in love. At first Jack was a bit of a pest to the other dogs because he loved them all so much and would just follow them around kissing them, but now they all get along great and he & Mervin are best friends. He also has an Instagram (@jackfits)

Moose - 13 year old Pomeranian, adopted from BARC shelter in Williamsburg. He is a sensitive but sweet old man. He was my first dog and first rescue.

Minnie - 5 year old Border Collie mix, she is a very shy and sweet girl who was adopted through See Spot Rescued out of Jersey City. She came from a realy high kill shelter down in the south. She was a foster at first and then we fell in love, she and Abigail are beat friends. She is the most well behaved dog!

Alex, Eliza and Olive the dog

Olive and Rufus

Rufus with a pink leash from Pelcor

Home Sweet Home

What a fun day shooting with Howie Guja in Bellport last week and here is a story of a gorgeous rescue dog Rufus as told by my dear friend Alexandra Beitel, "Rufus, otherwise known as Woofus came into our lives almost 3 1/2 years ago.  We felt it was time for our 13 year-old, obstreperous Jack Russell, Olive, to have a sibling.

John, Alex and Eliza and their two rescue dogs Olive and Rufus

Elena SanGabinao, a beautiful, loving friend and Rufus’ foster mom, called and said "I have the dog for you!"  She described Rufus' temperament as gentle, affectionate, goofy and sweet.  We coordinated a meet and greet and, needless to say, our entire family fell in love.  Rufus amuses and beguiles everyone with his charm and lack of modesty as he instantly rolls over and exposes his freckled belly trustingly.

He brightens our home, melts our hearts, makes us laugh and by the way....Olive is smitten!"

Rufus hails from an amazing rescue organization called GIMME SHELTER Animal Rescue located in Sagaponack, NY which was founded my Michelle Neufeld Montak.  She works tirelessly in bringing animals in high kill shelters up to NY to have them fostered and adopted.  Michelle is hosting her annual fundraiser on July 23rd at the home of Ellen and Chuck Scarborough. Purchase your tickets here.

Photo agent Lewis Van Arnam sent out one of his updates the other week with a new photographer that immediately caught my eye as there were multiple dogs in newsletter. As we all know I am a sucker for a dog in a car I immediately reached out to Jenny Risher. This is what I discovered:

WHAT GOT YOU INTERESTED IN PHOTOGRAPHING DOGS?

I was invited to be a guest artist for a local Detroit Charity auction. The benefiting charity, Forgotten Harvest, helps many families and children in need. I thought it would be fun to create a series for kids.
"Go, Dog!" is a combination of three elements: our sons' favorite book,"Go, Dog. Go!" by P.D. Eastman, my admiration for dogs, and The Motor City's greatest love of all -the automobile.

DO YOU HAVE A DOG?

My husband and I visited a local dog shelter for over a year before we found Felix. On our last visit, the shelter's van had just returned from Alabama. Since the staff was familiar with us, we were invited to visit with the new arrivals. It was love at first sight- and a mixed breed, 7 month old pup named Felix, became part of our family.  I often think about the incredible journey Felix had within that 24 hour day; leaving an Alabama kill shelter, traveling 14 hours in a small cage, meeting a strange new couple, and then falling alseep with his new forever family....What a day!

WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT SHOOTING DOGS THAN PEOPLE?

Honestly, there isn't a difference to me in photographing dogs and people. With people you have to be patient - boost their confidence, and offer direction for posing. Well, for dogs- it's the same thing...I make noises to get their attention, given them positive praise, and position them for the photograph.

I give the same care and attention to a dog, as I do a person. I'm using the same intuitive skills of reading body language - I can tell if the dog has had enough, needs a break, wants a treat, feels relaxed, or happy.

WHERE DO YOU CAST THE DOGS YOU SHOOT AND WHAT'S THAT PROCESS LIKE?

For the "Go, Dog" series, I cast the dogs from friends and the wonderful worldwide web! I contacted local dog organizations to find specific breeds. It was important to me to pair the look of the dog, with the look of the car. I kept asking myself: "What kind of car would this dog drive?"

BESIDES DOGS WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO SHOOT?

Beside dogs, I love photographing portraits. I believe you can feel all the successes, struggles, loves, and losses through a person's eyes.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE KIND OF CAR?

My favorite car from the series is the Grey Mini Cooper and the Weimaraner. The owner of the dog, sat in the car with the Weimaraner. We were all laughing at the dog, because she was so
relaxed, and kept slumping over on to her owner, who was hiding behind the dog. I think in this image, the dog was thinking: "You humans are so silly".

I believe everything is captured in the eyes. If I don't feel a connection from the eyes, it's not a successful picture. My ultimate goal now, is to have this collection published in a book.

To get a peek of the BEHIND THE SCENES video of the making of the Dogs in Cars series click here.

London at home by Nathaniel Welch

Artist Lia Chavez and Digital Prophet David Shing

Beverly Allan introduced me to the work of Lia Chavez, a visual and performance artist who divides her time between Brookhaven Hamlet and Manhattan with her husband, David Shing, a futurist and their rescue dog London.  Lia will be performing a piece entitled, "Light Body", a contemplative dance piece this Saturday at the farm of Isabella Rossellini.  "The performance marks the artist’s emergence from a 40-day vow of silence. Inspired by John Cage’s renowned experiments with sensory deprivation and historical accounts of activating the light body through deep meditation, Chavez has drawn upon the mystical concept of “feasting on light” — a reference to the Yogic practice of sustaining the physical and energetic bodies with meditation and the breath. 
The visual artworks created over this period will be the subject of a private exhibition at Isabella Rossellini's home concurrently. (Beverly Allan and Nur EL Shami's press release). 

I was drawn to Lia and David as a result of their beautiful animal, London, a greyhound rescued by the couple.  Nathaniel Welch and I took a morning last weekend to visit with the couple and their hound.

TELL ME A BIT ABOUT YOUR SILENCE AND HOW IT WILL RELATE TO THE PIECE THAT YOU ARE PERFORMING THIS WEEKEND?

Silence, meditation, durational contemplative practice, deep listening...All these form the foundation of my creative practice.

In developing my new performance, "Light Body," I invented a choreographic method which incorporates the meditative principles of contemplative walking and takes the practitioner on a journey into the deep silence of the mind. This silence frees the dancer to tap into her own innate embodied spirituality and discover original gestures and movement forms which liberate the body from resistance, tension, and noise.

I have studied contemplative disciplines with mystics and sages in the East and West for much of my adult life. During the month of February 2016, I undertook an artistic pilgrimage to North India, in preparation for this piece. Over the course of my journey, I was in silent meditation under the tutelage of the Swamis at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama in Rishikesh, India. I conducted intensive research into the embodied spirituality of the Himalayan Yoga Meditation tradition, adopting the full regimen of the Himalayan Yogis. I practiced darkness meditation in the cave monasteries and temples of the Himalayas in a deepened exploration into the symbiosis between perception and contemplative practice. It was there in Rishikesh that I discovered the transformational practice of contemplative walking, which involves walking very slowly -- toe first, then heel. 

I've been in a 40-day vow of silence in preparation for Saturday's performance. According to the Himalayan masters, we leak up to 80% of our energy through speech. My silence is there to ensure the performance is powerful both visually and energetically.

Lia's communications during out photo shoot with photographer Nathaniel Welch

WHY IS LIGHT SUCH AN INTEGRAL PART OF YOUR WORK?

If art is a process of mining paradox, then light is the perfect paradox. It's a wave and a particle. It inspires illumination as well as superstition. It connects equally to our material and our spiritual existence. I find its liminal status fascinating in this way. Light has always been very important to me. From chance encounters during childhood all the way up to my recent experiments in the neuroscience of visual perception, visions of light in the darkness have always factored strongly into my personal experience. My life's work as an artist has been to investigate light's phenomenological and spiritual essence.

TELL ME HOW YOU HAPPENED UPON BELLPORT...

My dear friend, the writer Andrea Codrington Lippke and her husband, the photographer Ira Lippke invited us to lunch in Brookhaven Hamlet last year and I fell head over heels in love with the light here. I immediately knew I needed to have a studio here.

LET'S HEAR ABOUT LONDON, HOW YOU FOUND HER AND THE IMPACT SHE HAS HAD ON YOUR LIFE.

Mrs. Sizzle's self portrait with London

It was an Internet romance! I was deeply moved by a picture I saw of her picture on the Facebook page of a terrific greyhound rescue organization (the Long Island Greyhound Connection). The picture showed her standing rather whimsically on a beach with a patchy coat and glassy eyes. You could see from her eyes that she hadn't experienced a sense of belonging, but it was obvious there was a lot of potential in her that had yet to unfold. We arranged to meet her and immediately knew she would be part of our family. Naturally, when we are loved we blossom and it's been astonishing to see her Cleopatra eyes come alive. She's elegant and goofy, loving and independent, Zen and playful. She touches everyone she meets with her gentle and sweet way. And she's the best studio mate I could ask for.

Poster for the parade by Jessie Hartland

Ashley Boyd, the Director of of Brookhaven Animal Shelter

All the volunteers after the parade

Last month Bellport Village was overrun with dogs again this year for the second annual dog parade down Main Street Friday.

Mrs. Sizzle’s Dogs Night Out was part of the local efforts in NBCUniversal’s national Clear the Shelters Day.

The dogs were picked up at Brookhaven Animal Shelter and driven past the parade-watchers in Bellport Village. The caravan was lead by animal lover and advocate Suzanne Donaldson, aka Mrs. Sizzle, who organized the event.  In the last month 20 dogs and roughly 27 cats were adopted from the shelter. 

With shelters reporting in real time across the U.S. Saturday, including from Brookhaven, NBCUniversal’s tracker showed 45,252 shelter pets were adopted.

That number more than doubles the tally from 2015, the first year of the nationwide effort.

Mike White, Greater Patchogue

Queen Mary 2, the only passenger vessel to carry dogs and cats, has expanded its kennel service during the ship’s multi-million dollar remastering this summer. Cunard, known for its luxurious travel across the Atlantic, has a long and colorful history of carrying pets on Transatlantic Crossings.

Queen Mary 2’s kennel program is overseen by a full-time Kennel Master who takes care of daily responsibilities including feeding and walking pets and cleaning the ship’s spacious kennels. Dogs and cats are treated to as much personal attention as the guests. Before the animals arrive, the Kennel Master compiles a list of likes and needs, which he keeps on hand during the cruise.

Cunard’s pet friendly policy dates back 175 years to the maiden voyage of the Britannia in 1840 when the ship sailed with a cow to provide fresh milk for passengers. Years later, Cunard ocean liners sailed thoroughbred racehorses.Rin-Tin-Tin, star of 36 silent films, also traveled with Cunard on the Berengaria.

In the 1950s, Elizabeth Taylor brought her pampered puppies onboard the original Queen Mary and exercised them regularly on the ship’s sports deck.  She even ordered custom meals for them from the fish chef. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor also traveled with a beloved dog. It was at the suggestion of the pug-loving Duke of Windsor that all pets receive special accommodations and amenities to help make their travel as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Enjoy a few of the behind the scenes look at the wonderful shoot that Edie and Clair were lucky enough to be a part of.

In honor of Davie, one of Mrs. Sizzle favorite Instagram accounts @insitu, R.I.P 

Jonathan Regev and Brett Podolsky the founders of The Farmer's dog

While at a party for the launch of a friend’s business, The Farmer's Dog - a subscription service for delicious custom dog food, I met a woman who had been hired to draw some of the guests at the party. I don't mean the kind of guests you might be thinking of, but the canine kind.  Carrie Kieger was there with pencil in hand to draw the furry guys and boy did she impress the Siz.  Here is a bit of insight into the great work that she does.

TELL ME ABOUT YOU, HAVE YOU ALWAYS DRAWN?

"I have.  I was a doodler as a kid, never really thought of myself as an artist when I was little but always loved to draw and drew all the time.  As I got older, I found a love for drawing and painting and began to pursue my passion late in high school.

SCHOOL ETC?

I went to the university of Colorado, Boulder and majored in Art History with a minor in painting.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DRAW BESIDES DOGS?

Everything!  I have started to draw homes and various watercolors for general commissions and wedding invitations which has been a new fun venture.  I also draw babies!

DO YOU HAVE A DOG?

I don't!  How weird am I?! Some day I will definitely be getting one, hopefully in the near future!

IF YOU DONT AND YOU GOT ONE WHAT KIND WOULD IT BE?

I grew up with a Sheltie, but I have always been a sucker for pugs. Who doesn't love a pug?!  I can't get enough.

IF PEOPLE WANT THEIR OWN CUSTOM DRAWING...

Email me! They can contact me directly at carriedraws@gmail.com or can also look at my website www.carriedraws.com to see more of my work.

Food so good that you will smack your lips eating it as Scruffy the Beagle does!