According to the Humane Society, dog rescue centers take in between 6 and 8 million unwanted dogs every year, saving them from abuse or worse. Unfortunately, the financial responsibilities of taking in so many dogs are tremendous and the centers need your help. Instead of adopting a dog from a breeder or from a kennel, here are some tips on adding a new addition to your family from a dog rescue center.

When approaching a dog give yourself time to get acquainted. If the dog is very hyper and you prefer a quiet home, this dog isn’t right for you. If you’re unsure about the dog’s temperament, talk to someone who works at the center. The employees at the centers do their homework and learn about the temperament of each and every dog that they rescue so that they can place them with the right person or family.

It’s important to keep the size of your home and your work hours in mind. Dogs need a place to run and play and they also need attention. While you may not think that these things are not important, try to imagine how difficult it would be for a Great Dane to play in a small studio apartment. Your studio would be a mess and the dog won’t be comfortable.

Another piece of information that the dog rescue centers can provide you with is the dog’s medical condition. While it’s understandable that you want to take home a dog that you love, if the dog has medical problems you should consider if you can have the time to care for him and can afford to pay the expensive medical bills that may come with caring for him. Don’t forget to get a copy of the dog’s medical history and record of vaccines so that you can pass them along to the vet for future reference.

Once you’ve selected the right dog, you will be walked through the paperwork and can take your fuzzy new friend home shortly thereafter. Before the dog’s arrival make some space in your home for him so that he has a place to sleep and get two bowls for food and water and perhaps some dog toys for him to play with. With some patience and understanding you and your dog will develop a beautiful friendship that you will cherish for years to come.

This guest post was written by Aleya Bamdad, a member of Wet Nose Guide, who adopted her dog Cookie from one of New York City’s many dog rescue centers.

This musical dog is Tucker, a two year old Schnoodle, who “plays the piano and sings along at least 3 or 4 times every day. In spite of all of his practicing, he really isn’t getting any better at it.” Tucker was born May 22nd and has been seen on The Ellen Show.

CLICK THE LINK JUST BELOW
Dog plays piano and sings perfectly – posted by pet photographer richie schwartz

Pet Photographer Richie Schwartz photographed a couple of Beagles and added on a Justin Beiber hairstyle with Photoshop.

Bobby Beagle shows of Beiber hairstyle

Barney Beagle shows off Justin Beiber Hairdo

Pet Photographer Richie Schwartz won the Oscar for Best DOGumentary for his behind the scenes look at America’s most experienced Pet Photographer.

I made a photo video using some shots I did around Valentines Day. Music is Blue Moon by the Marcels.

Click to watch video and listen to soundtrack.

 Richie Schwartz Pet Photography Valentines Movie

NBC UNIVERSAL’S PETSIDE.COM NAMES “TOP 25 PET PEOPLE OF 2010”

Pet Photographer Richie Schwartz included On List of Extraordinary Newsmakers, With Emmy-Award Winners, Ellen DeGeneres, Oprah Winfrey, Rachel Ray, and Betty White Rounding Out The List

New York, NY (December 21, 2010) – As 2010 comes to an end, Petside.com (www.petside.com), the preeminent site for pet owners and pet enthusiasts, has released its first-ever list of the “Top 25 Pet People of 2010” (http://www.petside.com/photos/top-10-lists/25-pet-people-of-2010/). The list, which includes both unsung heroes and celebrity activists such as Ellen DeGeneres, Elayne Boosler and Betty White, is led by one extraordinarily generous dermatologist from Denver, Colorado, Dr. Leslie Capin, who donated $1 million in contest winnings to several local animal shelters.

“Whether it was organizing efforts to help animals in Haiti, rescuing 100 beagles from a bankrupt testing lab in New Jersey, or photographing homeless animals for adoption, so many pet-lovers raised awareness and donated resources for the benefit of pets everywhere,” said Wendy Toth, Editor of Petside.com. “Petside’s list recognizes these extraordinary people and their effect on the pet community.”

Petside based the rankings on the individual’s impact on the welfare of pets, the public profile of pets in need and on their ability to inspire others to action. Ranging from public figures to everyday citizens, animal-loving tweens and reformed bad-boys, Petside.com’s “Top 25 Pet People of 2010” runs the gamut of headline-making newsmakers.

At the top of the list are:

1.) Leslie Capin – Won $1 million in cute dog contest and gave it to shelters.
2.) Ellen DeGeneres – Donated 5,000 meals from her pet food company to a pet food bank.
3.) Cathy King, DVM – Founder of World Vets; deployed a team to help pets in Haiti.
4.) Matt DeAngelis – Helped organize rescue of over 100 beagles from bankrupt testing lab.
5.) Oprah Winfrey– Publicized her adoption of two dogs from a Chicago no-kill shelter.
6.) Mike Arms – Creator of Iams® Home 4 The Holidays which set its highest goal ever this year.
7.) Betty White – Posed with hunks for a 2011 wall calendar and donated royalties to a shelter.
8.) Paula Abdul – Spokeswoman for the American Humane Association’s Pets and Women’s Shelters Program.

 Pet Photographer Richie Schwartz is listed at number 23

For the full list of Petside’s 25 Pet People of the Year and to read profiles on each, go to the list.

About Petside.com
Petside.com (http://www.petside.com/) was created by Digital Works@NBCU, a division of iVillage, in partnership with Procter & Gamble Productions, Inc., as a comprehensive source of information and services that helps pets and their owners get the most out of life. Offering customized content and a highly personalized experience, Petside.com is ranked among the top 5 pet Web sites and offers unique editorial features, expert Q&A’s, tools and how-to videos.

Professional Pet Photography Holiday Marathon & Rescued Pets Food Drive 

All Day - Sunday December 19th 

By Appointment Only

Long Island Location (see below) 

Pet Photographer Richie Schwartz and Pet Supplies Plus will host a day of Pet Photos. 

Christmas, Seasonal, and Generic backdrops and props will be available. 

Portrait packages from $24.99 and up. Pictures will be ready for pickup before Christmas. 

No Sitting Fee!!! Help animals in need and those that care for them. 

In lieu of our usual sitting fee, we are asking for a dog or cat food donation of any amount. 

We will match all the donations with an equal amount of food.

All food collected will be donated to Forgotten Friends of Long Island Animal Rescue 

Sunday Dec 19 at  Westbury Pet Supplies Plus 

Click the store name for directions 

For information or to make an appointment:

Call 516-263-4821 or email  info@PetsPhotography.com 

Appointments can also be made online now, by clicking here Book an Appointment Now 

Visit our web site Pets Photography Studio

Richie Schwartz Pet Photography Dog in Gift Box

Richie Schwartz Pet Photography Yorkie in Christmas Outfit

Pit Bull and Snowman Merry Christmas

Richie Schwartz Pet Photography Three Cats Enjoy Christmas

Richie Schwartz Pet Photographer Chihuahua in bowtie

Richie Schwartz Pet Photography Cavalier Christmas

Richie Schwartz Pet Photography Happy Holidays Irish Setter