It was so wonderful & moving to read all of the contest entries.
Tavis & Nike’s story captured so many aspects of the human-canine bond, from the plain giddiness of getting a new dog, the difficulties of waiting,  training & connecting with a working canine partner, to the joy & satisfaction of living with a soulmate.

I chose Helen’s story of her bond with Tatertot because I think it represents something really incredible about a life spent with dogs:  each dog has his own individual gift to share with you, & you can only guess what it may be ahead of time.  Helen lost her beloved dog, planned some down-time for grief, then bam!  Enter Tatertot, ready to turn everything she thought she knew about having a dog upside down & right back up again. . .

Denise’s story of starting her journey with Hank captured my attention because they’ve just entered the awe & wonder of a bonded life together.  I could just imagine her, years from now, telling the story of how she got Hank and how much things have changed in the meantime. . .

Thanks so much for allowing me to ‘judge’ this contest.   I truly love to read the stories of people & their dogs – whether they echo my own experience, or seem worlds apart, there is a powerful thread of love that connects us all.
Jen Cleere
Fetching Tags

You can read each of their stories by clicking on the links below:

Grand Prize Winner:  Tavis + Nike

Almost Winner:  Nell + Tatertot

Almost Winner:  Denise + Hank

Thank you again to EVERYONE that participated in the contest.  We had such a great response I hope to be doing more contests in the future!

I laughed.  I smiled.  I cried.

There was no way I could choose one person.

I sent all of your entries to Jen, accepting who she would return to me as the grand prize winner and two runner ups.  (I decided I couldn’t just have one winner…)  The runner ups willeach recieve a free session with me and a couple of goodies.

In fact, every person who entered the contest will be offered a session with me at a discounted rate.  If interested, contact me for details.

Now.

On to the winners!

Grand Prize Winner:  Tavis + Nike

Almost Winner:  Nell + Tatertot

Almost Winner:  Denise + Hank

Tomorrow I will share Jen’s thoughts on how she made her selections and each of their stories. I’m a bit under the weather and wanted to at least announce the winners!

Happy Valentine’s Day and more soon!

“Perhaps one of the reasons we are so devoted to our dogs is that they help us become who we’re supposed to be.” — The Monks of New Skete

There are few things in this world that make my heart smile.

Family.

Dear friends.

My pack.

It also warms my heart to hear stories of rescue dogs.  The kind where against all odds, a family was found.  A bond created to withstand anything that comes your way.

To celebrate that bond, we at Red Collar Photography are launching our first ever contest:

Stories of the Human and Canine Bond

Get out your laptops, stylus, old fashioned pen and paper and write us a story about the bond you have with your canine.

How did you find each other?

Did fate play a part?

We are looking for stories that celebrate the deep connection between dogs and their people; showing how that special bond not only changes an abandoned dog into a forever friend but also illustrates how the human soul and heart can be healed.

How to enter:

Like us on facebook if you haven’t already for contest updates and other good things.

Submit your stories via email.

Wait patiently as the contest winner will be announced 02.14.12, Valentine’s Day.

That’s it!  Pretty simple huh?

Because this is a big task to read each one of your lovely entries, I have a celebrity judge!

Jen Cleere of Fetching Tags.

She is the purvevor of fine aluminum and brass tags to canine (and other pets) all across nation.  She is also the creator of the viral sensation, Milk Pants.  I asked Jen for her assistance not only because I love her work, a portion of each Fetching Tag sold benefits canine rescue!

I saved the fun part for last, as contests do have an end point . . .

The Loot:

The winner of Stories of the Canine and Human Bond will recieve a wonderful prize package . . .

A photo session with me.

Gift Certificate from Paco Collars, $25.

Gift Certificate from Fetching Tags, $25.

Yummy, wholesome treats from the Honest Kitchen and Biscuits by Lambchop.

More yummy fresh baked treats from the bulk bin (1lb, once a month), for a YEAR from Three Dog Bakery, Louisville.

A fuzzy friend from West Paw Design.

And last but definitely not least, a prize for the human, glassware from our friends at Vines and Canines!

Contest entries are due no later than 02.08.12 at 11:59 pm, EST.

One entry per household, please.

We can’t wait to read your stories!

Michele

It’s snowing!

While most folks are heading to the nearest grocery for bread, milk, and eggs – I’ve been working on the contest.

Yes.

T H E  C O N T E S T !

Can’t spill the deets, yet as it wouldn’t be fair to give anyone a head start . . .

However.

I can tell you about SOME of the prizes.

Because hey,

Everyone LOVES prizes, right?

Well, hold your fur-kids tight friends, because I have the mother load of loot thanks to some very awesome folks in the dog world:

Paco Collars.

Honest Kitchen.

Fetching Tags.

Just to name a few.

Because, there will be more!

I wanted to get you dizzy with the anticipation!

Are you dizzy?  You should be.

Contest announcement and actual start date will be January 29th 2012, (it’s also my daddy’s birthday).

While you wait make sure your thinking caps are polished and ready for wear in time for the contest . . .

You’ll need them!

More soon.

Testing out the WordPress app for the iPad while I’m co-pilot for my dear friend and bride-to-be Kristen as we head to Northern Kentucky to order her wedding dress! We will also be looking at bridesmaid dresses . . .

As long as we get through the first snow of 2012!

More soon!

-Michele

wait for it . . .

The Red Collar Photography Blogsite – your one stop for information on sessions and our day to day comings and goings!

We hope you enjoy your stay!

More soon!

Michele, Molly and Loki