With dinner in the crock-pot, hubby mowing grass and both kids running all around….I dashed out the door with only my camera in hand.  Literally, I pulled it into park and realized I didn’t bring my purse!  whoops.  Good news is Oak Grove Park is just about a 2 mile drive away.  can’t.be.beat.  I love their off leash areas and from what I hear, it’s the best one around.  Definitely the best one I’ve been too (*cough,only one).

Paws in the Park had some wonderful vendors I enjoyed chatting with, while stuffing my pockets full of brochures. hahaha. Poochie Bath, Just Fur Potty, Club K9, SICSA, Pet Suites, Carrie Ruane (amazing colored portrait artist), Pets & People, Wash Your Dog, Old Stage Kennels Pet Resort, mvPTa, Pets in Stiches, Diamond Kennels to name a few.  Go check them out!  Many of my sample prints are being held for upcoming fundraising auctions so chose to hold off a table this year.  Not to mention, I don’t have a canopy for a table display and it was drizzling rain as I left.  Pictures + Camera= no likey the rain.

Enjoy a few of my favorite pooches from the evening.  These are also posted on my Facebook Page.  Come be a FAN and tag your images!

I love Husky’s.  We have a lot in common.  No, that was a lie.  But we both have blue eyes and that’s so awesome!

sqeeeeee!  Perhaps he’s the next BMP doggie model???

If costumes on dogs aren’t cute enough…check out his knee pads!!!! And, he kept them on.  Winner in my book!

They told me their dog runs away from the camera….I find him irresistible!

this little booger was F.A.S.T.  hahaha, sometimes the best shots aren’t even in proper focus!

Bentley, you completely won my heart.

When I see a dog that looks even remotely close to our Bailey, I make a bee-line. Not to mention he was super small and cuddly!  I’m always hoping they have a secret to share on training them!!  LOL.

Can you believe he was a rescue?  He’s gorgeous and appeared well mannered.  Loved his facial markings to pieces.

I was a little frightened I won’t lie….but totally cool nonetheless!!!  I would love the opportunity to photograph an Irish Wolfhound one day.  They are so unique and beautiful.

Annie works for mvPTa.  I’ve had a dream for about 2 years now of volunteering to take photographs of therapy dogs with nursing home attendants.  I was contacted *on moving day* when leaving Pittsburgh to take photos for a fundraising/awareness calendar for therapy dogs and owners.  I fell in love with the idea and might take one upon myself one day.  Dogs like Annie would be wonderful to work with and I have a special place in my heart for those in nursing homes.

Model search for dogs, eh?  You know your dog has something model worthy and I want to showcase it!!

A new drool worthy slideshow banner is the making behind-the-scences… but I need YOUR dog to help fill in the deTAILS!  

*You must be local or willing to drive to a location near me (zip code 45458)                                                                                            *Each session will be tailored specifically for the vision we have for the website

I’m looking for a variety!!!

-Hyper dog driven by toys? YES!

-Old dog with lots of love to give? YES!

-overly shy attached to your feet? YES!

-undoubtably adorable? DUH!

If we feel your dog has what it takes to fill one of the available spots, you will be contacted to be sure he/she is a good fit. Please let us know what makes your dog special when uploading (you can also email it to me if you’re not on Facebook)  to Facebook.  Please, only 1 image.

haute-  adjective: Elegant or High Class!  Did you know that?  you’re welcome. no really, it’s ok.

Yesterday was a perfect day for washing dogs outside!  This is a fantastic fundraiser for the Humane Society involving employees/volunteers from Square One washing dogs on the patio of Taste of Wine.  Dog owners can relax and sip wine while someone else does the dirty, er, wet work!  TJ chumps across the street donated food for the workers which consisted of some yummy looking quesadillas, wings and cheese sticks.  Baby pools and hoses covered the patio!

More images can be seen on my Facebook Page.  Become a fan and feel free to tag your own images.

small tubs of water were used on top the tables to wash the small dogs…

at first I thought he was smiling, but I think he’s sniffing in all the wonderful Aveda fumes!

it was all hands on deck with the large dogs!

if there were awards for the best volunteer, this would be the winner!

and another award I’d like to give out….look alike….please tell me you see it too?  They smile the same! I LOVE it.  Please let me photograph you again, whoever ,wherever you are!!

Before moving to Dayton I had the privilege to photograph two of the most beautiful cocker spaniels in their mommy’s salon.  Recently she contacted me with news she had won the chance to have her dogs photo on a bottle of wine!  I was so pleased when she asked if we could use one of the photos from our shoot.  well, YEAH!!

The wine is available through Benefit Wines, providing a portion of sales to Oldies But Goodies Cocker Spaniel Rescue.  OBG was Established in 1996 near Washington, DC.  They rescue, rehabilitate and rehome cockers and spaniel mixes of all ages, while educating and providing a positive experience for our community of adopters, volunteers and supporters.

Here’s the description of the wine from the site: “Layers of ripe red fruit flavors are among the distinctive features of this elegant varietal.  It’s fresh on the palate, with a long, lingering finish. This wine is certified organic and vegan.”  Sounds delish to me!

Available for $19.99 but cannot be shipped to AL, AK, MD, MS, PA, UT or outside the US.  Glad I live in Ohio now!!!!

You can also purchase a six pack of wine! I’d say that’s one awesome Christmas gift…

Are you like me and you call every cat a kitty??  I walk around  the cat rooms saying “well, hello there kitty!” and “aw, look at you pretty kitty” a million times.  Somebody.stop.me!!  However, when I saw Tiger I actually said “wassup Tiger!”  The first time I saw him he was still coming around from his sedation meds so he could be shaved.  He’s my favorite cat at the shelter because of his attitude, coloring, eyes, and his awesome Tiger cut.  If he was mine I would sooo keep him like that.  everyday.  Rawr.

And then, there’s Franklin….who I swear saw my camera and tilted his head and draped his paw for me.  Guaranteed to be your couch-companion. Franklin is in one of the open cage rooms, free to roam about.

beautiful calico kitty (hehe), Polly Wise.  She was very content sitting in her cage and didn’t mind at all that I invaded her space.

This is Tigger whose markings just make me smile….take a look at his nose….white on one side…..now look at his front legs……white on one side.  love it!!

as soon as I opened Duke’s cage he was ready to come out and greet me.  Those eyes are perfect kitty (er, cat) eyes if I ever were to draw some up.

if you’re interested in adopting a kitty/cat/feline companion PLEASE stop in SICSA and walk freely around the rooms.  You can also start by filling out a Pre-Adoption Form.

SICSA is located at 2600 Wilmington Pike Kettering, Oh 45419

10+ years ago my mom and I walked around SICSA looking for a new doggie.  We fell in love with Sparky, a cocker spaniel.  He had paws like a bear with fluffy hair sprouting every which way among his pads.  Somewhere in my scrapbook is a picture of Sparky…but who wants to go digging for that right now? oy! Anywho who, I still can’t wrap my head around the fact I’m here/there, back at SICSA.  These dogs are so deserving of a forever home.  I volunteer to take pictures of them in hopes of shedding a better light on their personality.

This is only a handful of the dogs available at SICSA!!!!  I will be adding them to the “giving back” section of the site and doing my best to keep it updated.

Up first this week is Tweak & Jesse a fantastic mother-daugther duo.  They reside in the same kennel at the shelter and depend heavily on one another.

Ernest, you had me the moment I saw your beautiful eyes!  While he’s full of energy and spunk, he responded well to my usual act of juggling treats & camera equipment.

Think again, not Ernest’s brother…although I thought they looked a lot alike!  Goofy is a terrier mix with a high energy level and loads of love.

copied from the information on her kennel door: “I was found, and though my mom wanted to keep me, the city said she couldn’t.  See, some people hate me and my friends just because we look scary sometimes.  But really, most of us are big sweet hearts.  I love other dogs, have lived with kids and lots of other animals…”

Zoe is a Pit Bull Blend and such a gentle soul.  She was very nervous outside with the construction crew working behind us and didn’t want to walk past them.  Understandable!  She didn’t sit for long, but it was enough to capture her excitement when a car pulled into the parking lot.  She was hoping to go home I think…

SICSA is located at 2600 Wilmington Pike Kettering, Oh 45419    If you’re interested in adopting a dog from SICSA you can get started by filling out a Pre-Adoption Form.  Stop in for a visit…you’ll be glad you did.

Session albums are my favorite product I offer.   There’s something so satisfying about putting together a cohesive collection of session images for my clients to be beautifully archived and cherished for years to come.  I’ve been offering albums for a few years now, but recently switched vendors to find something that met my clients needs better.  Albums are now included in my collections!

Album Features: 8×8 with padded cover, lay flat thick pages with no gutter separation, 10 pages/5 spreads (additional pages can be added)

of course I had to use sweet Bailey for the album!

Albums are designed to be timeless and simple.  The album shown here features large images with minimal fluff…aka, limited text and designs.  Every album I’ve designed thus far has at least included the pet’s name and a quote or two.

I’m so glad I have these image of Bailey when his ear was still folded.  Even though he’s not getting much bigger (if any), he’s outgrowing his puppy traits!

smooth as butta….

Dogs + Ice Cream…I’M THERE!  If you’re not familiar with the word Graeter’s you’re living under a rock missing out! No excuses if you don’t live near one either….you can have ice cream shipped to you on dry ice!  So anywho who.  The 1st Thursday of the month is Dog’s Night out at Graeter’s with complimentary Frosty Paws.  Seriously a rocking good time, especially when it’s not 99 degrees outside.

*if you don’t see your dog’s photo OR if you want to see all the images from the night, please visit the Beth McHenry Photography Facebook page. While you’re there, become a fan so you can stay in the loop where I’ll be next!

Bailey did so well considering this was his first social event…although he could use a little leash training!! LOL. just.out.of.reach!!

Sicsa was there with Ellie (not sure if I’m spelling that right) who is currently being fostered.  She’s so calm and beautiful.  It won’t take long before she finds her forever home.  I’ll soon be taking pics of all the adoptable dogs at Sicsa to help aid in finding their forever home.  A long long time ago we adopted a cocker spaniel from Sicsa so they naturally were the first place I turned when moving back to the area.  Please consider checking out all their adoptable dogs and cats HERE!

wouldn’t she make a great fit in your home??

Meet Reo: Lover of not only ice cream, but the container as well.  Labs Rule…as if I had to say that.

Suburban Veterinary Clinic was there with a table full of goodie bags.  If you’re in the market for a great Vet, look no further.  Bailey loved Dr. Protos and didn’t even know he received shots at his puppy appointment a few weeks ago!

inside the goodie bags were Iams Tarter Treats…Bailey disappeared when we gave it to him at home.  I think we found a winner!

Pet Suites of America had frisbees at their table that LJ proudly used as a tray for the other goodies.  I can’t wait to visit Pet Suite…seriously gorgeous facility. I’m continually amazed at the number of pet businesses between Dayton and Cincinnati.

I also met with Ron of Just Fur Potty, seen at the table in the background, who does in-home pet sitting.  They serve Waynesville to Beavercreek and other surrounding areas.  It’s always good to have a reputable doggie sitter in your contacts! Visit their site for more information.

Waiting in line to get ice cream.  Those are some seriously beautiful eyes, Teddy!

loving the mohawk!!

thanks for posing for me…or flirting, either one!

Basil receiving a little assistance…

Athenas and Ares the magnificent duo…

Rocky showing off his smile…

Kudos to the man that stopped his vehicle in the parking lot to tell me I had “great looking kids.”  Yes, sir, I do!  They are such troopers too!

Be sure and visit the Facebook Page to see all the photos from the evening!

A few months back when I was first introduced to Trader Joe’s I stumbled upon Coconut oil.  To tell the truth there was a beautiful display of jars in the front of the store  and the way I snatched one up with excitement you’d probably thought they were free.  Back to my point…  I’d heard about the benefits of using it to cook with but I had no idea it was so versatile.  (can you see my finger swipes across the top of the jar?!)

Coconut oil is scoop-able but instantly starts to melt by the heat of your hand spoon.

After seeing a post on Pinterest about using coconut oil to help grow your human hair and make it shiny, it occurred to me that I should use it on our lab. He has a few spots that lack a thick undercoat due to some hot spots earlier this summer.  So as any good doggie parent would do I started researching all it’s wondrous benefits.  HOLY DOG!

-added to the diet coconut oil can help slim overweight dogs

-condition dry shabby-looking coats

-provide some relief to painful arthritis or ligament problems

-helps keep dogs smelling better

-apply to cracked paws or dry spots

You can let your dog lick it right off the spoon, or add a little to their food.  Do your own research on how much to give your dog.

Here’s what some others have to say about giving coconut oil to your dog:

Dogs Naturally Magazine:  Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

Dogster: Ten Reasons to Add Coconut Oil to Your Dog’s Diet

Have you tried using coconut oil for you or your dog?

Over at CHIC Magazine they’re having a fall cover photo contest and  I’m so excited that I have something to contribute!!  (Photogs: you have until Aug. 10th to participate). Here is the image I’m submitting…