Susan Schmitz – Owner/Lead Photographer

I've always had a love for animals and art. It wasn't until I hit my mid-life crisis (Well, maybe it was a 1/3 life crisis... I'm still young... most days) and I moved to Sedona that I was actually moved to explore my artistic side.

I just started taking photos as a reference for my drawings & paintings. Then I started to appreciate the instant gratification of a photo. Once I learned Photoshop, the geeky-techy side of me was completely hooked! I found the perfect blend of personal interests; dogs, photography and technology. And from this merger, A Dog's Life Photography was born... and so was I.

Laura Sand – Photographer/Account Executive

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had three loves in my life… music, animals and photography. The first memory I have of taking pictures was when I was about six years old. I would run around my house and back yard taking pictures of all the things that I loved…my parents, my brother, my cat… well mostly my cat. The first memory I have of listening to music was the same year, although there is photographic evidence of me grooving to tunes through headphones before the age of two.

I’ve learned that life is very short and you only get one shot at it. I’ve followed my dream to a place that I never knew was possible. I met Susan in prison! Ok, let me clarify… it was the greyhound prison program’s graduation day and we were both there for the celebration. We clicked immediately and she began teaching me the ropes from the very first moment. The rest… as they say… is history.

Lost Souls:Found!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Still looking for holiday gifts for dog lovers on your list? Check out these great books by Happy Tails Books. Proceeds benefit rescue dogs:

“Reading Fur Rescue” Holiday Fundraiser!

The Ultimate Gift Fur Your Dog-Loving Friends and Family: Great Books that Give Back!

Sharing books from the “Lost Souls: Found!” series, which each contain over 50 heartwarming stories about adopted dogs, is a great opportunity to help raise awareness about dog rescue. It will surely be one of the most memorable and appreciated gifts you give this year. Books are available for Dachshunds, Boston Terriers, Labrador Retrievers, Pit Bulls, and Golden Retrievers. Here’s an excerpt from “Lost Souls: Found! Inspiring Stories About Dachshunds:”

Excerpt: “As I reentered the kitchen, I saw everyone huddled around Wilbur, just staring at him. It turns out he found a 6-pack of Jell-O® in the back of the fridge, climbed in, and pulled out the treasure. There he stood in the middle of the kitchen, removing the foil tops from each container and then passing them out like an ice cream truck driver passes out ice cream. Delilah and Bully were already enjoying their treats while my other two Doxies waited patiently in line. For a second I thought that Wilbur was going to turn around and ask them for twenty-five cents!” - Helen LaBuda

Review: “If you love dogs, you will love this book. The stories are short and easy to read…very well put together. And though you may sit down to read one or two, you won’t want to put it down!” –Shelley J.

Review: “This book is one that touches your heart and will not let it go…”–Leatha R. Pierce

Know someone who is a movie buff and loves dogs? “Hollywood Barks!” is revered Hollywood Studio Wrangler Kathryn Segura’s memoir, which brings to light the fact that many Hollywood “star” dogs are actually rescues! The “tails” within are funny, poignant, and a must-read for any dog-lover or movie buff.

Review: “Five paws up for Hollywood Barks. Kathryn Segura hits “the mark” on telling the stories of well-known movie dogs and describing how they learn their roles. The training tips from expert trainer Segura can be used with all dogs, whether you want your dog to be a star or a well-mannered pet.” -Mary R. Burch, PhD, Director, Canine Good Citizen & AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy

Previews of all books are available at http://happytailsbooks.com/buy.htm. Please visit Happy Tails Books today to pick up some books – your purchase will help us to give our rescue dogs a merrier Christmas!