Being that I photograph pets (and only pets – no humans) for a living I am always being asked by people how they can get their pets pictures to look better. Although, there is no simple answer to this question, there are a few things you can do which, I believe, will greatly improve your results and maybe even get you that one in a million shot! In a nutshell, here are a few tips I would highly recommend:

1: PATIENCE, PATIENCE and More PATIENCE. If you grab a camera, run over to your dog or cat and immediately expect him to strike a supermodel pose, you are setting yourself up for a big disappointment. Just by having the camera out, staring at them, calling their name, and waving treats around you have excited them and lost all spontaneity. It is better to keep the camera with you, sit down and wait. Your pet will eventually clam down and get back to the natural state he was in that you thought was so cute it made you run and get the camera. Then you can, slowly, raise the camera and take a shot with no big fanfare. They never expect it.

2: NO TREATS. This is the biggest mistake most people make. They think if they hold up a few treats, their pet will automatically strike a pose for the reward. If you want to take a picture of your pet staring straight up and drooling, then use treats. If you would like something more natural, leave them alone. I only use treats as a very last resort and then very sparingly.

3: NO FLASH. Unless you have an off-camera flash try not to use the flash. If your flash is on-camera (or built in) you will probably be getting red eye (if you use the red eye reduction feature on your camera you will probably be getting a little less red eye) and the light created from a straight on flash is very unnatural, making your pictures look flat. Since this will make it very difficult to take pictures in low light conditions you will need to make sure you are in the right environment. Try going outside on a nice day and taking shots in your backyard. Do not do this in the middle of the afternoon when the sun is very high and harsh. The best time is the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is low. The light will be very soft and flattering and you will be amazed at the difference it makes in your photo.

4: STOP WITH THE MEGA PIXELS. I shoot all digital. The first question most people ask me is how many mega pixels is your camera? Many people think that more mega pixels, translates into a better picture. More mega pixels will just allow you to print your image larger. If you are taking bad photos, go out and buy an expensive camera with 8 or 9 mega pixels and expect your photos to look better, you will, again, be very disappointed. You will still take bad pictures but you will now be able to blow those bad pictures up bigger! Most people will not print their photos at more than 5 x 7 size. For this size picture a 3 mega pixel camera is fine. With 4 mega pixels, you can print your favorite shots as an 8 x 10. Unless you are going to print photos larger than an 8 x 10, taking photos greater than 4 mega pixels is a waste and will just use up your memory.

5: SHOOT, SHOOT, SHOOT. Lastly, take a lot of pictures. If you do not have a digital camera yet, think about getting one. Take tons of pictures, delete the ones you do not like and take tons more. For every good keeper picture I get I take probably 20 stinkers. The ratio stinks but if you take a million pictures, you will get a ton of great shots. Print the good images, show them off and people will think you are actually a good photographer…That is what I do!

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Whether or not you are a pet lover, you have probably run across issues with dealing with other people’s pets. Either you are getting mauled by someone’s huge, slobbering dog at a backyard barbeque or they have decided that it is appropriate to bring Mr. Tinky Woo to your house since he’s just an itty-bitty thing. The question is: how do you avoid such situations in the future? Put simply, it’s a matter of defining and enforcing your boundaries.

When It’s Your Place. The first thing you have to decide is what your boundaries are in regards to pets in your home. Do you want to forbid all pets belonging to other people from your home? Do you have pets of your own to consider in making this decision? Is your choice impacted by the type, size and disposition of the pet or by the type of event you are hosting? Clearly define what the rules are for your home.

Next, you need to inform other people of the house rules regarding pets. You don’t have to send out a press release or anything. You might choose to call a few of your friends with pets or perhaps include the information in your next e-mail invitation to a party at your place. The idea here is that it is difficult to enforce rules if nobody is aware of them.

Finally, when somebody shows up at your house and says something like, I know you said not to bring pets, but I’m sure you didn’t mean my little Mr. Tinky Woo, then you need to stand up for yourself and enforce the boundary you set. Practice what you will say ahead of time. So many times, clients will say to me, But I was so clear! I couldn’t believe somebody would actually test my boundary and I didn’t know what to say or do, so the situation just happened all over again! Don’t put yourself in this situation. Ensure your confident handling of the situation by determining what you will say and do when faced with a boundary violator. Perhaps in the situation described here you might say, Yes, I did. Would you like to run him home and come back or did you just want to get together another time?

When It’s Their Place. Of course, you say, it’s easier to set these boundaries when it is your place, but how do you do this when it’s not your home? If the problem is a pet at your friend’s place, there are two steps you can take. First, you can ask your friend to control or confine the pet in a way that doesn’t overly stress the pet but will allow you to enjoy your visit without discomfort or fear. If your friend is unwilling to do this for you or should you feel uncomfortable asking for this consideration or choose not to, then your next step is to suggest meeting in a neutral place, like a restaurant.

If your friend is still unwilling to meet you halfway, it’s time to consider how important this relationship is to you. They have clearly stated what their boundaries are so now you have to decide if their continued acquaintance is worth putting up with their pet.

As a child, I was chased down by a large German shepherd and bitten, and I still find large dogs somewhat intimidating. If we get invited to someone’s house and I know that they have big dogs, I check to see if they are willing to control them. If they are not, I decline the invitation and suggest something else. If they say they will but don’t actually do this when I’m there, I leave. These are my boundaries-what are yours?

What if Your Pet is the Problem? Having said a lot about defining your boundaries about other people’s pets, it’s probably a good idea to look at your own pets, if you have them. Do you inadvertently subject your friends to your pets? Perhaps you recognized that the big, slobbering dog attacking your guests at the barbeque was your overly friendly golden retriever. Keep in mind that the first rule of hosting is to ensure your guest’s comfort. You may view your dog with a benevolent eye but how are your guests perceiving his attentions? To what extent are you willing to control your pet or curtail your pet’s behavior?

Likewise, you might view your new pocket pet as the ideal shopping and traveling companion and enjoy taking her everywhere with you, but do you find that your friends are starting to avoid you? Again, you have to define what your boundaries are here.

As someone who actively despised cats for many years and is now the proud co-owner of one, I can understand that not everyone wants to pet my friendly kitty and go home covered in cat hair. While some people love her, some may even be allergic to her or to my apartment because of her presence. I make a point of informing potential visitors about her so they can decide for themselves. Depending on my guests’ tolerance level, I may offer to confine her in a separate room for the time they are visiting or we might choose to meet up somewhere else. Again, these are my boundaries-what are yours?

Conclusion. It is completely possible to enjoy your friends, your pets and their pets, provided you are clear about what your boundaries are and you enforce them consistently. Ambivalence about the topic and avoidance of the issue are the biggest reasons people continue to suffer these situations. If you want to enjoy future social occasions, then quit tolerating this and make some changes.

Copyright 2006 Vivian Banta

Vivian Banta (MBA/Coach U CTP Grad) is a life and transition coach who works with people who want to fully engage in their lives or who are experiencing changes such as relocation, career shifts, and personal relationship changes. To find out more, visit her website at http://www.gardenofsenses.com or contact her at coach@gardenofsenses.com to schedule a free, 30-minute personal coaching session.

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Pets need attention, feeding, fresh water, exercise, and a commitment from owners, unless the pet is a pet rock. Therefore, choosing the right pet means more than liking its appearance.

Dogs come in different sizes and personalities. A boisterous, energy-filled breed or individual dog might frighten a young child or wear on an older person. A large dog needs a place to run and frolic, space to match its size. Dogs need ample outdoor time unless the owner doesnt mind cleaning messing, even if the dog is paper broken. Dogs depend on attention from an owner, affection as well as being fed and watered. They are protective and good company but deserve the care due them. Some dogs do well around children while others dont. Be sure to research different breeds to discover which will fit into your life style.

Cats are more independent than dogs on a whole. They are capable of being inside twenty-four hours a day as long a litter box is provided and kept clean. Not as socialized as dogs, perhaps, they still need attention. Long haired cats require regular brushing. All need to be de-fleaed and medical problems resolved. Some cats do not tolerate young children; some do. Cats need opportunities to climb, which can be provided through cat condos or perches.

Even low maintenance pets take some care. Fish are mainly hands-off pets, but even with automatic feeders, their water needs to be changed regularly. Hamsters require a clean cage, and automatic feeders and waterers need to be refilled. No matter how little daily care any pet may need, time and energy must be available to do what needs to be done.

Any neglected animal suffers. A pet that wants social attention but doesnt receive it suffers as much emotionally as one not receiving necessary physical consideration. In fact, the lack of human contact can cause an animal to develop physical problems. Therefore, the time a prospective owner would have for a pet must be considered when choosing one.

Also the amount of space needed for any given pet should be ample. Someone living in a small apartment shouldnt have a Great Dane or a German Shepherd, for example. Larger animals need space to run and move. Two walks on a leash doesnt give large animals enough exercise.

Every would-be owner needs to study the needs of a possible pet and examine his ability to meet those needs. The only pet around that needs nothing from an owner is a pet rock, which can be placed anywhere and only need dusting occasionally.

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The time always comes when two-legged beings must leave their pet or pets behind as they venture out into the world. The adventures may be trips, vacations, or a long-hours shift at wok that mean pets cant go, too. So how long is too long for a pet to be left alone? What can a person do to be sure a pet doesnt suffer ill effects?

When my husband and I took a long trip in our ancient, but still moving, motor home, we took our two cats with us. But one of them did not adjust to traveling well; and we decided, after two trips close by and the one over 2,000 miles one way, that if we traveled any more, she couldnt go. Since G.G. couldnt go, then Funny Face needed to stay with her because the two dont like to be separated. The two cats can manage quite well on their own at home with automatic water containers and feeders, a clean litter box, and no outside access. However, unexpected things can and usually do happen. Therefore, we always had someone who knew the cats check on them at least twice a week or more.

What difference does making arrangements for pets left for long periods make? Lets look at some of the problems that might arise if pets are alone and unsupervised.

Pets left alone longer than normal can cause stress or behavior problems. Cats and dogs left inside have been know to become destructive or to eat indoor plants, actions not usual. The destructive behavior not only results in a mess awaiting owners to return, but may become a regular type of behavior. Eating house plants often leads to poisoning. Pets may revert to less socially accepted behavior, too, as a result. Injury, heat stroke, or illness due to tick or snake bites are dangers awaiting pets left outside for a lengthy time.

Even if automatic waterers and feeders are in place, they could clog or malfunction, leaving an animal without water or food.

Therefore no animal should be left without human supervision longer than an hour or two longer than what the owner would be gone normally. Someone should check on the animal regularly, give some attention, make sure water and food are sufficient, and allow the pet to feel as if not abandoned. If no one is available that can be trusted and who knows the pet, consider placing the dog, cat, or whatever in a boarding facility that you have inspected and know is reputable.

Taking on a pet is a commitment a person makes for the lifetime of the animals life. Therefore extra time and effort is needed when the owner must leave the pet for extended periods of time.

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Cancer does not just affect human beings, cats can also be prone to the ill affects of this deadly disease. I have a cat who is called Pip and in this article I will be writing about my families experience in protecting her from cancer, which the vet has informed us, has ultimately saved and prolonged her life.

Pip is a beautiful and loving cat and is very much part of our family. She is treated like our third child and has what we hope to be a very happy and comfortable life.

I have been surrounded my animals for most of my life as my parents run an animal sanctuary in the Birmingham area of England. I have learnt quite a lot about these different animals and have a particular love of cats and dogs.

Pip herself is ninety-five percent white in colour, the other five percent is black. I am aware that cats which are mainly white are basically at a higher risk of catching a type of skin cancer than other cats. In the summer Pip would always love to sunbathe, basking in the sun. I would ensure that I put sun cream on her, mainly around her ears and tried to encourage to sleep more in the shaded areas of our garden. Pip is however quite stubborn and insisted on resting out of the shade.

Over the years I would check Pip out at regular intervals and one day noticed that she had some little black spots in and around her ears. These spots had not been there the last time I had checked her over and therefore I decided to take her to the vets. I felt confident that everything would be fine but just wanted to make sure.

The vet examined Pip and looked quite worried. He told us that Pip had a form of pre-cancer and that the only way that she would survive, in his opinion, would be to have her ears amputated.

This was very sad but we realised that in a way we had no choice. This all happened four years ago and Pip is still going strong today, unaware of how close she was to losing her life. The vet has stated that if I had not checked her out and brought her in to be examined that the cancer would have spread and that Pip would have only lived for around three to six months.

My advice for anyone who has a cat as a pet, especially if they are white in colour, is to check the cat every week or so and if you spot anything out of the ordinary, to take them to the vets.

Stephen Hill helps to promote a number of websites including:

cancer therapy for cats

antiaging products

antiaging information

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Theres a horse show across the state in a few weeks, and youre planning on being there with your horses. However, its been awhile since you last pulled a horse trailer, and youre a little concerned about your trailering skills. After all, you want to arrive at your destination safely, with the horses as calm and relaxed as possible.

Guiding a loaded horse trailer down a country road or highway requires practical experience and know-how. Theres very little room for error. What do you do to ensure a safe, uneventful journey?

How to Ensure Safe Trailering

If youre out of practice, or if youve never towed a trailer before, obtaining adequate personal experience prior to the actual event is of the utmost importance. Just as if you were learning to drive for the first time, you should begin by practicing basic driving skills before getting out in traffic with the trailer.

The more experienced you become, the more prepared you will be for anything that may potentially happen. With more confidence and a higher level of awareness and preparedness, you should be better able to handle any unexpected situation that comes along.

Find a level field or a parking lot in which to practice. Mark your course with several highway cones, then, set out to work on the following driving skills:

Ready for the Highway

After youve practiced all the basic driving skills while pulling your horse trailer and you feel confident in your ability to handle the rig safely, youre ready to test your skills out on the road.

Try towing your trailer for short distances, at first. Make sure that you feel comfortable with turning corners in traffic, with backing your trailer, with parking on a grade, and with being able to stop your trailer quickly (should the need arise). Once you are confident in your towing abilities, youre ready to travel any distance with your horses.

Just remember to always be alert when out on the roads. Drive defensively and be prepared for any possible situation.

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Theres a horse show across the state in a few weeks, and youre planning on being there with your horses. However, its been awhile since you last pulled a horse trailer, and youre a little concerned about your trailering skills. After all, you want to arrive at your destination safely, with the horses as calm and relaxed as possible.

Guiding a loaded horse trailer down a country road or highway requires practical experience and know-how. Theres very little room for error. What do you do to ensure a safe, uneventful journey?

How to Ensure Safe Trailering

If youre out of practice, or if youve never towed a trailer before, obtaining adequate personal experience prior to the actual event is of the utmost importance. Just as if you were learning to drive for the first time, you should begin by practicing basic driving skills before getting out in traffic with the trailer.

The more experienced you become, the more prepared you will be for anything that may potentially happen. With more confidence and a higher level of awareness and preparedness, you should be better able to handle any unexpected situation that comes along.

Find a level field or a parking lot in which to practice. Mark your course with several highway cones, then, set out to work on the following driving skills:

Ready for the Highway

After youve practiced all the basic driving skills while pulling your horse trailer and you feel confident in your ability to handle the rig safely, youre ready to test your skills out on the road.

Try towing your trailer for short distances, at first. Make sure that you feel comfortable with turning corners in traffic, with backing your trailer, with parking on a grade, and with being able to stop your trailer quickly (should the need arise). Once you are confident in your towing abilities, youre ready to travel any distance with your horses.

Just remember to always be alert when out on the roads. Drive defensively and be prepared for any possible situation.

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Theres a horse show across the state in a few weeks, and youre planning on being there with your horses. However, its been awhile since you last pulled a horse trailer, and youre a little concerned about your trailering skills. After all, you want to arrive at your destination safely, with the horses as calm and relaxed as possible.

Guiding a loaded horse trailer down a country road or highway requires practical experience and know-how. Theres very little room for error. What do you do to ensure a safe, uneventful journey?

How to Ensure Safe Trailering

If youre out of practice, or if youve never towed a trailer before, obtaining adequate personal experience prior to the actual event is of the utmost importance. Just as if you were learning to drive for the first time, you should begin by practicing basic driving skills before getting out in traffic with the trailer.

The more experienced you become, the more prepared you will be for anything that may potentially happen. With more confidence and a higher level of awareness and preparedness, you should be better able to handle any unexpected situation that comes along.

Find a level field or a parking lot in which to practice. Mark your course with several highway cones, then, set out to work on the following driving skills:

Ready for the Highway

After youve practiced all the basic driving skills while pulling your horse trailer and you feel confident in your ability to handle the rig safely, youre ready to test your skills out on the road.

Try towing your trailer for short distances, at first. Make sure that you feel comfortable with turning corners in traffic, with backing your trailer, with parking on a grade, and with being able to stop your trailer quickly (should the need arise). Once you are confident in your towing abilities, youre ready to travel any distance with your horses.

Just remember to always be alert when out on the roads. Drive defensively and be prepared for any possible situation.

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Theres a horse show across the state in a few weeks, and youre planning on being there with your horses. However, its been awhile since you last pulled a horse trailer, and youre a little concerned about your trailering skills. After all, you want to arrive at your destination safely, with the horses as calm and relaxed as possible.

Guiding a loaded horse trailer down a country road or highway requires practical experience and know-how. Theres very little room for error. What do you do to ensure a safe, uneventful journey?

How to Ensure Safe Trailering

If youre out of practice, or if youve never towed a trailer before, obtaining adequate personal experience prior to the actual event is of the utmost importance. Just as if you were learning to drive for the first time, you should begin by practicing basic driving skills before getting out in traffic with the trailer.

The more experienced you become, the more prepared you will be for anything that may potentially happen. With more confidence and a higher level of awareness and preparedness, you should be better able to handle any unexpected situation that comes along.

Find a level field or a parking lot in which to practice. Mark your course with several highway cones, then, set out to work on the following driving skills:

Ready for the Highway

After youve practiced all the basic driving skills while pulling your horse trailer and you feel confident in your ability to handle the rig safely, youre ready to test your skills out on the road.

Try towing your trailer for short distances, at first. Make sure that you feel comfortable with turning corners in traffic, with backing your trailer, with parking on a grade, and with being able to stop your trailer quickly (should the need arise). Once you are confident in your towing abilities, youre ready to travel any distance with your horses.

Just remember to always be alert when out on the roads. Drive defensively and be prepared for any possible situation.

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The cage was small, but the people were nice and Tiger felt safe. He was fed, petted and regularly groomed. Still, it wasnt home. Tiger had been home, and still had vague memories of the woman who had cared for him and the other cats who lived with her.

Then he had been taken to this place, and had been here so long he had almost forgotten home, and the woman.

There was uneasiness here, though, and Tiger felt it. Something was about to happen. Something bad.

Then two humans came in. He was put in a cage with them. He jumped up in the womans lap. He was put in a dark place that bumped and jostled. He heard strange, scary noises. He howled, and a male voice answered with noises he couldnt understand.

Then there was light. And TERROR!

A small hand reached for him and tried to grab him. There were people he didnt know; they all approached him. There was another cat that arched and spat.

Then, horror of horrors

There was a dog!

Tiger fled. He fled down a long corridor and bolted through the first open door he found. He hid in the darkest place he could findamong soft and hard things he didnt recognize. He heard voices. He heard the dog bark, and he shuddered. He heard the childs high pitched voice, and a womans voicewhich were easier to bear.

He hunkered down and remained as invisible and silent as he could.

ADOPTION IN HASTE

The staff of animal shelters greet people looking for new pets with both joy and misgiving. People walk between the cages, looking over each cat, and the staff hope they will select a cat that has been there for a long time.

But they know what the people are looking for; they are looking for kittens, not adult cats.

If there are no kittens, the customers will sometimes reluctantly choose an adult cat as a consolation prize, pay the adoption fees and cart him or her off

Only to return the cat two or three days later.

Im sorry, but this cat just didnt work out. We couldnt fit it into the family.

Or

This cat is just too wild. We need something tamer, something that will fit in.

What happened? The staff member asks.

The cat bolted and hid. It took us three days to find it, and when we finally did, we had to chase it all over the house before we caught it. We need something tamer; something that will fit in better.

So go the sad tales of the returnees but wait, it can be worse for cats adopted in other ways.

The landlord wont let me keep her, could you please take her in?

People who adopt strays off the street, or a friends cat, many times dont realize the full extent of the things they need to do for their new cat

In Part 2 Well discuss those things. Adequate preparation would have saved Tiger — by safely and easily introducing him to a happy home

Copyright 2006 John Young

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