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!!!!

People who read this article had the following questions about pet insurance:
- Is pet insurance worth the cost?
- What are common pet insurance questions?
- How does pet insurance work?
- Where can I read pet insurance reviews?
- Where can I get an online pet insurance quote?

During the holidays, animal shelters in Arizona, Florida, California,, Texas and all over the country, need our help more than ever. Cold winter weather is dangerous for abandoned dogs and cats and shelters find themselves overcrowded. Here are the top ten things you can do to help your local animal shelter.

10. Go through your linen closet.

Old towels, blankets, sheets, bathmats, and placemats are all in high demand at animal shelters! They can be used for bedding or under food dishes.

9. Donate the old fashioned way.

No animal shelter will ever refuse a good old monetary donation. Some rescues allow you to donate online, while others require you to mail a check or bring it in person. If you’re unsure of what a shelter needs but want to help, money is the perfect option.

8. If it’s on sale, grab it!

Pet food, dog treats, and cat litter go on sale all the time. These items are the most in demand at animal shelters and get donated the least.

7. Clean out the kitchen.

Human bowls and small plates make for great pet dishes! Plastic and bags (without holes!) are also great for picking up doggy messes. Cleaning supplies, trash bags, and paper towels are also welcome donations. The cleaner the animal shelter, the healthier the animals!

6. Donate the little things.

Often we forget that animal shelters are businesses too! Office supplies, printer cartridges, and computers are rarely donated but sorely in need. Have an old camera? Shelters frequently use digital cameras for snapping pet pics for pet adoption websites.

5. Foster a pet!

Could you use some canine cheer in your house? Foster a pet in need this holiday season. Animal shelters have specific guidelines for pet fostering, so check with your local shelter to see if you qualify.

4. Check out the garage.

Home improvement supplies like plywood, carpet, caulk, and nails are used for repairs and building new structures. Gift certificates to home improvement stores are also in need. If don’t know what a shelter will accept, call them and ask!

3. Head to the pet store.

Pet toys are one of the most needed donations at animal shelters. Playing and socializing with neglected pets makes them more adoptable and lets them have a good time! Dog leashes and pet collars are also in short supply. These items must usually be donated new, for hygiene purposes.

2. Look at the shelter’s wish list.

Most animal shelters have a list of their most needed items posted on their website. These items are usually very specific and are things the shelter can’t afford to splurge on.

1. Adopt a pet!

Looking to save a life this holiday season? Get into the spirit of the season and save a life. Animal shelters are overflowing with pets looking for a forever home. Start off the new year right by becoming a pet parent!

People who read this article had the following questions about pet insurance:
- Is pet insurance worth the cost?
- What are common pet insurance questions?
- How does pet insurance work?
- Where can I read pet insurance reviews?
- Where can I get an online pet insurance quote?

Ask any pet parent – rescue dogs make the best pets ever. Here at Healthy Paws, we believe in the bond between human and canine. There are thousands of abandoned dogs in animal shelters. On December 2, celebrate National Mutt Day and bring home a furry new family member! Here are five reasons why mutts have the most to offer.

5. They have less health problems.

Mixed breed rescue dogs are notorious for being hardy, healthy animals. Mutts are less susceptible to genetic diseases like hip dysplasia, cancer, and allergies. Some argue that dogs from shelters have illnesses like parasites, mange, or kennel cough. These health conditions are acute (occurring for a short time), not chronic (constantly recurring). If vet costs are an issue for you, mutts are healthier than purebreds.

4. You won’t find a more loyal pet!

Once you adopt a rescue dog, you’ll have a friend for life. Adopted dogs will be forever grateful that you saved them from a horrible fate.

3. Mutts are one of a kind!

Every mutt is a unique mix of breeds. Purebred dogs are bred to meet certain breed standards – they all look the same! If you want a dog with a distinctive appearance, a rescue dog is the pet for you.

2. They’re already trained.

Most adoptable mutts aren’t puppies – they’re older, experienced dogs. When you adopt a rescue dog, you won’t have to worry about house training! Rescue dogs are also savvy to household rules. They won’t destroy your house and will respect boundaries. However, not all mutts are fully trained. Always ask about a dog’s abilities and skills to avoid unpleasant surprises.

1. You’re saving a life.

Over 75% of all dogs in animal shelters are mixed breed. When you adopt a rescue dog, you’re saving a life! Animals from breeders and pet stores often come from puppy mills. By adopting a rescue dog, you won’t be supporting inhumane businesses.

When your friends and family gather around the table this Thanksgiving, Fido and Fluffy will want in too. At Healthy Paws, we consider pets part of the family, but there are some limits. Follow these Thanksgiving pet safety tips to have an enjoyable, worry-free holiday with all members of your family.

Turkey

What’s most tantalizing to pets can also be the most dangerous. Giving your cat or dog small amounts of cooked turkey meat is perfectly safe, it’s the bones and skin that pose dangers. Never feed your pet whole drumsticks or sections of turkey. These contain turkey bones, which can easily splinter in a pet’s strong jaws. This can lead to intestinal obstruction or damage to the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Turkey skin is hard to digest and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or even pancreatitis if consumed in large quantities.

Raw Dough

Although most pet parents think it’s an urban legend, bread dough can actually rise in your pet’s stomach. This can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloating. Bread and pie dough also contains raw eggs, which can carry the salmonella bacteria.

Alcohol

It seems obvious, but never give your pet any type of alcohol. Dogs and cats can get alcohol poisoning just like humans, and it also impacts the kidneys and liver. If you suspect your pet has got into the liquor cabinet, Fluffy will be showing these symptoms:

• Lack of coordination
• Drowsiness
• Vomiting
• Excessive urination
• Seizures

Onions

Little known to pet parents, onions and dogs are not a good mix. Onions decrease the lifespan of a pet’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. This can cause anorexia, weakness, lethargy, depression, and rapid breathing.

Mushrooms

Thanksgiving foods pets should avoid also include mushrooms. Symptoms of dog mushroom poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weakness.

Happy Turkey Day to pet parents everywhere. And a special shout out to pet pet adoption advocates in Arizona, Oregon, Florida, California,, Texas and Georgia. You’re all amazing!!!