Good news for pet parents in the City of Angels looking for photos worthy of their pet’s pseudo-celebrity status (and let’s be honest, all of our pets are stars, are they not? :-)  ). Your photogenic four-legged superstars are in luck.

And, while we can’t guarantee a sidewalk star on Hollywood Blvd, we’re comforted by knowing that canine talent from the North Valley to Santa Ana has no shortage of immensely talented pet photographers to help capture Kodak moments & snap share-worthy candids from the other side of the leash & lens.

Whether you want your celeb-pup to steal some of Lassie’s limelight, or if you just want to have a few frame-able shots to share with family and friends, we hope our Pets Choice selections for “best pet photographers in Los Angeles” will help you put 3-4 or their best feet forward!!!

Really though … you don’t need to call California home to appreciate these great photos, nor do you need to be a photography fanatic to fall in love with the adorable pooches shot by our featured LA pet photographers. #PetsChoice #EntirelyTooMuchCuteness

Waggin Tales Photography – waggintalesphoto.com

For more great pictures, please visit Waggin Tales here

Jessica Schilling Photography - http://jessicaschillingphotography.com

Michael Brian Photography – www.michaelbrianphoto.com

For more great pictures, please visit them here

Johnny Olsen Photography –  johnnyolsen.com

For more great pictures, please visit Johnny Olsen here

Linnea Lenkus fine art portrait studios - linnealenkus.com/photography

For more great pictures, please visit them here

Leila Brewster Photography - leilabrewsterphotographyblog.com

For more great pictures, please visit them here

Otis and Lucy - www.otisandlucy.com

For more great pictures, please visit them here or connect with them via their Facebook page.

Seth Casteel’s Little Friends Photo - littlefriendsphoto.com

For more great pictures, please visit here

Bark Pet Photography - barkpetphotography.com

For more great pictures, please visit them here

Karyn L. Giss Photography - www.karynlgissphotography.com

For more great pictures, please visit them here

Sweet Potato Pet Photos - www.sweetpotatopetphotos.com

For more great pictures, please visit them here

(Important Note: Each the photographers featured in this article have given Healthy Paws permission to share their photos. Please respect their work by not re-purposing any of their images without first getting their consent & providing them with the attribution they deserve. Thank you.)

This guest article was written by Minnie The Westie

Summer’s on the way in many parts of the world – though here in New Zealand, where I live, it’s coming up to Winter. And that means rain, rain and more rain!

No matter where you live, sometimes you’ll have days when it’s just too wet and rainy to go for a walk. (Yes, I do have a little doggy raincoat, but I really dislike getting my paws wet!)

It’s impawtant that you still get some bonding time with your humans, even if it’s too wet to walk. Here are some of my favourite tips for indoor dog play.

1. Indoor fetch

Some dogs love games of “fetch”; some don’t.

Me, I will only fetch in return for treats. Once the treats have gone, you can fetch the ball yourself!

If you’re not keen on “fetch”, there are lots of other ways you can bond with your human.

Also, indoor fetch is okay for little dogs like me. I realise it may not be quite so pawractical for bigger woofies!

2. Toy time!

Get your humans to dig out your favourite toys! Me, I love furry toys that squeak.

My humans keep some toys hidden from me, which they get out for indoor dog play. This is sooo much fun: when a long lost toy comes out, it’s like having a new toy all over again!

3. Learn new tricks 

Use indoor dog play time to learn a new trick!

Perhaps you can train your human to high five or wave. There are lots of cool doggy tricks you can learn – you just need to train your human to work with you!

4. Grooming 

You can never look too good. So get your human to give you a bit of a spa treatment. I’m thinking of an extra-long brushing session, or an ear check. Maybe getting a bit of fur trimmed here and there.

And get your humans to check that you’re up-to-date with your flea and worm treatments.

5. Belly rubs 

Belly rubs… need I say more??! *dreamy look*

Stuff the humans will enjoy more than you will …

All of the things above are pawsome for you. However, there are some things that humans like to do which is far more enjoyable for them. It is worth humouring them from time to time, it may earn you some extra dog biscuits for being a good dog!

1. Be a photo model 

Some humans are obsessed with taking photos of you.

I suggest you pose in return for dog biscuits. And who knows, you could be the next dog star on Facebook! And you could even end up on the front cover of your family’s holiday cards. You’ll be immortalised, so grin and bear it – and strike a winning pose!

2.Read a book about dogs 

Encourage your humans to read pawsome dog stories – and in the meantime you can snuggle on their lap!

This can occupy both the big humans and the little humans, if you read the right kind of dog book. My own book, ‘Minnie The Westie: Adventures of a West Highland Terrier Cartoon Dog.’ It’ll bring smiles to dog lovers of all ages.

3. Be a movie star 

If your humans have a video camera, you have even more chances of being an internet dog star. Getting filmed might seem weird and annoying, but it’ll be worth it if you get stopped in the street for pats and belly rubs from strangers. J

4. Let them draw pictures of you 

Consider letting your humans draw pictures of you. These could be grand, arty paintings, or dog cartoons.

Hint: If you have little humans in your house, this activity may keep them occupied for hours!

Just make sure the humans don’t get too engrossed in all this indoor stuff, and be sure to remind them you need a walk when the sun comes back out!

Wags and nose licks,

- Minnie

Created by Cornelia Luethi, Minnie The Westie, is a cartoon about a West Highland White Terrier. Minnie is is food-obsessed and sometimes just a little bit stubborn, but she can charm her way out of any mischief with her waggy tail and big, adoring eyes.  For more of Minnie work visit http://www.minniethewestie.com/.

Clifford. Snoopy. Gromit. Scooby. Pluto. Garfield. You know the names. They’re iconic.

These cartoon pets are more than just recognizable characters from our childhoods though. They’re timeless works of art, which, through both book and tablet, will continue to win the affection of children for generations to come.

How about these names? Norman Bidwell. Nick Park. Joe Ruby. Charles Schulz. Jim Davis. William Steig.

Recognize any of them? Maybe Schulz and Davis, but probably not the others, right? Us, too.

These men were the 20th century visionaries who, frame-by-frame, brought the world’s most beloved pets to life.

How did William Steig, the creator of Shrek, make the list? Well, Steig was one of the most prolific pet cartoonists ever – drawing over 2,600 drawings and 117 front page covers for The New Yorker magazine. Sorry, Grumpy Cat, that means most of Steig’s 4-legged creations were dogs!!!

Who are the best pet cartoonists today? And which artists are currently drawing the wet noses and floppy ears that’ll battle for territory with Snoopy and Garfield on 21st century toy shelves?

It’s impossible to say for sure, but if we held annual Steig-ey Awards here at Healthy Paws (and thank goodness we don’t on account of how painfully that name rolls off the tongue), the work of the following artists would all make strong cases for best picture.

In honor of the late great William Steig, we’ve chosen a selection of award-worthy pet cartoons and the immensely talented creators behind them.

A Dog’s Life Comic (Chris Otto)
http://adogslifecomic.com/

Healthy Paws is excited to now be providing alternative care coverage for cats and dogs! What exactly does alternative care coverage mean for your pets? It means Healthy Paws’ furry, four-legged policyholders are now covered to receive alternative therapies – such as acupuncture and chiropractic care – for conditions related to an accident, illness or injury.

While alternative medical treatments have been around for thousands of years and are used each year by millions of humans, it’s important to note that – as with any treatment for anything – the perfect solution for one pet’s health, may or may not be the perfect solution for another. It depends completely on the situation and on the pet.

Here’s ABC’s news’ coverage on the topic of treating pets with the best human medicine available:

Watch the Video

As far as how your Healthy Paws policy works, it’s important to note that alternative therapy treatments must be recommended and conducted under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Both are as important for the health of your pet, as they are for fulfilling the requirements of our coverage.

Additionally, to clarify a frequently asked question people have, we do provide direct payments for approved claims to the veterinary hospital for scheduled procedures treating some of the more expensive treatments such as cruciate ligament repairs, IVDD (back surgery), foreign body removal and cancer treatment to name a few. Most of these treatments are in the $2,000+ range and it’s very helpful to the pet parent if we pay the hospital directly. By providing direct pay to the veterinary hospital, the pet parent can focus on caring for their furry family member and not worrying about expensive medical care.

If you have any questions about Healthy Paws’ policy or our new alternative therapy coverage, we are happy to provide further details or help you with getting a pet insurance quote. To happy and healthy pets!

From Federal Way to Everett pet parents in the greater Seattle-area have an abundance of dog parks, pet related businesses and, of course, rain. Drizzly days aside, The Emerald City is as well suited for tech companies and goretex coats as it is for pampered pooches and coddled kitties.

And, for not-so-shutter-shy pets, there are more than a few ways to look pixel perfect. How? With the help of the local pet photographers who are snapping frame-worthy shots of Seattle’s furry friends.

This week, with our selections of the 10 most talented members of Seattle’s pup-a-razzi, we’re turning the lens around and focusing our attention on the two legged talent behind the camera.

Below are Heathy Paws’ Pets Choice selections for the best pet photographers in Seattle and 20 wonderful pictures that make their work best in show.

For more information, call Steven Dangerfield at steven@stevendangerfield.com

For more information, email Erin Vey at studio@erinvey.com

For more information, contact Julie Clegg at baileyandbanjo@gmail.com or (425) 577-1917

For more information, contact Emily Rieman at emily@bestfriendphoto.com or (206) 935-5624

For more information, contact Jamie Pflughoeft at info@cowbelly.com or (206) 335-8096

For more information, contact J.Nichole Smith or Amelia Soper at info@dane-dane.com

For more information, contact Shelle Singer at stardogphoto@me.com or (425) 367-8607

For more information, contact Winnie Forbes via her website’s contact form at http://photosbywinnie.com/contact/

For more information, contact Bruce Weber at info@nwdogshots.com or (206) 418-8290

For more information, contact Julie Austin at julie@jaustinphotography.com

(Important Note: Please respect the work of each of the above photographers by not re-purposing any photographs without first getting permission, then giving them the attribution they deserve. Thank you.)

Guest Author: Carol North is the president of Seniors for Pets, Inc, a 501(c)3 non-profit assisting SW Florida seniors with basic veterinary needs for their pets. She also publishes FeedingFidoandFluffy.com, a website devoted to the feeding and care of healthy pets.

The cleaning is done, the lawn is freshly mowed and potted mums sit in containers outside the front door. I’m in the kitchen making final preparations before our dinner guests arrive.

With the dining room table set, the aromas of roasted birds and cooling pies fill the air. A few feet away, Gator and Maggie sit patiently – quietly soliciting handouts with eager puppy eyes.

The holidays are in full swing. Both our dogs are well aware.

And, while the temptation to drop morsels to our begging pets is an unavoidable one, especially with all the activity of family and friends over the holidays, it’s important to think twice before the table scraps hit the floor. Adorable as our pets are, is it really such a good idea to succumb to their wet-nosed requests?  Is that what’s really best for them?

Unfortunately, many pet owners don’t realize that a dog’s digestive system simply can’t handle the heavy food that we humans consume. Also, the holidays are the time of year when us people are most gluttonous ourselves – which means we have even more food in the house. For these reasons, pets and holiday entertaining can make for a dangerous combination. If pet parents are not careful, at least.

So, because we figure your dogs are as much a part of your family as our dogs are of ours, we wanted to provide a few precautions for you to help ensure that your own furry friends are protected this holiday season.

Here are some specific things you can do to lower the chances that your pet eats his or her way into harms way.

1. No people food! The rich holiday foods that we serve could trigger serious health problems for dogs, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or even pancreatitis.
2. Hide the garbage. Pets are attracted to the aromas found in the trash – especially, after the preparation of big meals.  Cooked turkey bones may splinter inside the esophagus or intestines, should a dog eat them.  Remember the string we use to tie the big bird’s legs or hold the roast together?  By the time that string hits the trash can, it is laced with little pieces of meat and soaked in juices that look and smell like food in the canine brain. Fido won’t take the time to remove those bits and pieces of meat and juice from the string. But that string could become wrapped around the animal’s intestines, requiring major surgery. A previously well-trained dog may suddenly forget its manners when faced with such goodies.  Don’t take the chance!  Keep the lid securely fastened on the trash can.
3. Remove the pets from the kitchen when you cook. Who wants to end up in the Emergency Room on Thanksgiving!  If you trip over Rover while carrying a hot plate of food, it could happen to you.  Close the pets in a secure room or in their crates during the festivities, for their safety and yours.
4. Provide suitable treats for your dog. If the thought of those pleading eyes bothers you, have some baby carrots or canned green beans handy for treats.  Another option is to give your pet a new Nylabone® to chew on in his secure room or crate.  He won’t miss the food treats at all.
5. Clear the counters before you sit down to dinner. Those enticing aromas will encourage even the best-behaved pup to counter-surf.
6. Be sure you and your guests know which people foods are toxic to dogs. Caffeine, garlic, onion, grapes, tomato and chocolate are no-no’s.  You can find complete lists in a number of places – including over at www.aspca.com.
7. Your pets should wear  identification tags. With guests coming in and out, someone might forget to properly latch a door, and a nervous or excited dog could easily escape.

Make the holidays a positive experience for everyone, including the pets.  Just these few simple precautions could be the difference between a delightful dinner party and doggy disaster.

Happy Holidays!!!!

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