Cool Cash for the Dog Days of Summer!

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It is that time of year again for the “Dog Days of Summer” (even though we are experiencing cool weather)! In my efforts to support local animal shelters and non-profit groups, all photography sessions booked in August will result in you getting an original artwork AND I will donate 20% of the proceeds in your honor to your preferred non-profit. To ensure your donation, you only have to book and make a deposit in August! Imagine this scenario: you book your wedding at $1550.00. That results in a $310.00 donation to your favorite non-profit! This generous donation is that easy.

If you’ve already made all the donations you can afford this year and you don’t need any photography, please help by sharing this blog with others. This has the potential to really have an impact!

Be the change that you wish to see in the world. – Mahatma Gandhi

Please contact me at amcgregorphoto@gmail.com or at Aaron McGregor Photography

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Homeless, but not Down and Out

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Look into their eyes and you will see stories of joy, love, compassion, respect, gratitude and unfortunately, heartache. They speak not a word, but if they did, they would have no complaints. This is one of the many great characteristics of a dog. No matter how much these puppies feel abandoned, neglected, heart broken or depressed, they keep positive and are willing to adore their next families. After all, these eight puppies just want to be loved, unconditionally. If you or anyone you know is looking for a canine or feline, please contact Pet Friends in Irwin or call them at 724-863-7722. You can also see these wonderful puppies in person at Burton’s Total Pet in North Huntingdon on Saturday, April 27th! In addition, Pet Friends has a great staff of dedicated volunteers. Perhaps you may like to join them?

http://www.amcgregorphotography.com

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The Loyalty of a Hearing Impaired Dog

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Samantha was thrilled to know that she could help out her favorite Animal Rescue Group raise some cash when she heard about my August Special, “Cold Hard Cash for the Dog Days of Summer”.  She wanted to book a photo session with her boyfriend and their puppy-dog, Ali. Samantha wanted to help out the rescue group where she adopted Ali. “He is such a sweetie pie,” she said, “he is a white American Bulldog, with a lot of energy. He is our baby!” I responded that my sister owned that breed and he was such an affectionate companion. She wanted to know if I could get a few photos of him by himself at the park and they would love to get a family portrait as well. Terrific! I always ask the parents if they want a family portrait during the photo session. We just needed to book the time and day when she said, “Oh, one thing you might need to know about Ali. He is deaf. Will that be a problem?”

This was going to be a new experience for me. I knew I had to rely on the use of visual cues in place of oratory ones.  My typical approach to a pet session consists of rolling around on the ground while squeaking, meowing, clicking and rolling my “R”s like Chewbacca. Samantha told me that Ali responds to sign commands. That is great! Sometimes my mastiff responds to sign commands for sit and stay a lot better than verbal commands. Some people drop off a hearing impaired dog at the pound because they don’t have the time to train them. All dogs love to please their owners. In addition to snuggling and protecting, the best way for a dog to prove their loyalty is by following your commands. Dog Obedience 101 teaches that if you by put a treat in your hand and raise it above their head, the dog will respond by sitting.  Rewarding and praising every time results in classical conditioning… thank you Ivan Pavlov! Training a deaf dog may need more patience on behalf of the owner, but the reward is the same: a loyal companion that takes pride in pleasing their owner.

ImageImageWe had an awesome morning at South Park. Samantha, Mike and Ali choreographed a beautiful dance together. You could see the happiness in Ali’s eyes. It was evident that he loved to please his people. After he obeyed one command, he was eager to perform the next. This symbiotic relationship between dog and owner is the epitome of true love! In addition to receiving an original work of art, Samantha helped out Biggies Bullies with a monetary donation. It is awesome to know that there are still people like Samantha and Mike in this world that are willing to train such a unique companion and donate to an great cause. http://www.amcgregorphotography.com

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Big Donations Possible for Pet Rescue

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There could be Cold Hard Cash on the table for the Dog Days of Summer! Throughout the summer months, also known as “Wedding Season” for us photographers, it’s often difficult to donate time by taking photos of adoptable pets that need forever homes.  So, in an effort to keep helping those pups in need, I’m offering a special Dog Days of Summer promotion. Pom4web For every dog portrait session booked in August, you will be able to get an original artwork of your beloved pet AND I will donate 20% of the proceeds in your honor to your preferred local animal rescue group. I will also donate 20% of any custom enlargements, specialties and merchandise that you order from your session. It’s a great way for us to contribute to a local animal shelter.

For example, if you book a portrait in the park valued at $65.00 you’ve instantly made a $13.00 donation to your favorite pet shelter! On top of your $13.00 donation, you may decide that you need a museum quality framed 8×10 custom enlargement valued at $175.00 for your picture perfect pet. Your contribution just increased by $35.00, plus the $13.00 totaling a $48.00 donation.  What? Your Pug’s personality cannot fit into an 8×10? Maybe they deserve a statement piece over the loveseat, like a 20×24 canvas wrap valued at $225.00. Your donation just jumped to $45. + $13 totaling $58.00! Imagine ten of your animal friends doing this. I am sure your favorite rescue group would love to receive a $580.00 check from you. That can buy a lot of food and supplies!

Every portrait includes a hardbound souvenir keepsake featuring 10 of your favorite photos from the session to keep dear to your heart. You will also have access to low resolution files, downloadable from my website at http://www.amcgregorphotography.com, so you can share your professional pet portrait with your friends and have a super awesome profile pic for all of your social media sites.

If you’ve already made all the donations you can afford this year and you don’t need a work of art of your Fido, please help by sharing this blog with others, it has the potential to really have an impact. To ensure your donation, you only have to book and make a deposit in August. We can schedule the photo session for as late as October 31st. Right now, Biggies Bullies is in the lead for donations. You can also donate to Pet Friends, Inc., Animal Friends of Westmoreland, Orphans of the Storm (no kill Shelter), Western PA Humane Society, Steel City Greyhounds or any other animal non-profit.