Deb McGuire, Pet Photographer, rushed into and out of an audition. George Clooney was coming to Hawaii to film a movie based on a local author’s book. I had a shoot. As always, my priority was the pets.
Then, with the SAG Awards looming, the producers began sending their films to be screened. Among the discs… “The Descendants.” Between the disc’s arrival and tonight’s viewing, the Golden Globes SHOWCASED “The Descendants.”
So, we watched the movie. And, of course, the roles for which I auditioned passed by. I knew the script. IT COULD HAVE BEEN ME!!! But, well, it wasn’t.
Then, near the end of the movie, the King family gathers at an oceanside estate to vote on whether to sell the family’s Kauai estate. The cousins place their votes in a Koa bowl. The camera pulls back and CUSTER’S POOL. We had photographed a dog named Custer on an old family estate here on Oahu. CUSTER’S POOL. Ironically, just moments before the scene, I had been thinking that the story was very much like the story of Custer’s family. We slowed the CD to try and find Custer or his family. No luck. The estate… but no puppy dog.
In the end, I am certain that the role for me was the dying mother. I think I could have been convincing. I am not certain how one auditions for that. Little known fact: Kevin Costner was the body in “The Big Chill.” I would have contacted him to figure out what my motivation should be.
Custer poses at The Descendants estate pool
I’m finally catching my breath after a successful but frenzied Holiday Season. I expected it. I planned for it. Still, December… I really don’t remember December. December… no 2011… To paraphrase Jimmy Buffett, I need a weekend “just to try and recall a whole year.”
2011, what a year! I had so many new experiences, and triumphs were plenty. I had heartbreaks. We lost several furry friends. Some passed unexpectedly, others were just tuckered. Most certainly, all have found that animal heaven where the treats are plentiful and the sunbeams abundant.
To avoid mawkish sentimentalism, although I will likely shed a few tears, I thought that a small tribute might be appropriate… a tribute to these wonderful friends who came t0 my life, permanently marked my soul, and then, all too quickly left.
Mahina - so very loved and missed by her family
Mahina, a beautiful golden retriever, was one of my first furry clients. She was incredibly smart. She hated my camera, or to be specific, she hated the sound of the shutter. Mahina figured out that if she hid behind her Mother, I could not take a shot, and the sound would stop. Mahina was incredibly smart. I would put the camera down; she would come to me; we would cuddle. Puppy Girl and Pe’a miss Mahina.
Sunny-he never met a treat he couldn't eat. Wishing you lots of treats in doggie heaven Sunny!
Sunny, a dachshund, went into my camera bag to find treats. He did not wait… did not ask… he figured if the bag was sitting there and open, why not? Why not, indeed?! Sunny’s photo was featured in my first booth and my first ads. Sunny had a bad heart. Sassy, his sister, misses him.
Patient Deliah, a 19 year old kitty, sat and tolerated me. She posed with grace. She did this for her girl Muriel. Muriel had never slept without Deliah.
Deliah loved snuggling with her mom. She had 19 wonderful years on this earth
Patriot-Gone too soon, loved so much
Patriot was a rescued greyhound. He gave us one of the most incredible moments, a gift that we will never forget. He walked out into the water and he laid down. The water reflected the blue sky up onto his coat. I get chills thinking about it; I get teary eyed when I look at that photo.
Gershwin, a basset hound, turned out to be the unexpected, an escape artist. He lulled us into a false sense of security with this long ears and low slung undercarriage. Who would have imagined that we would be chasing him along Lanikai Beach?!
Gershwin-you know you've got something special inside when everyone smiles that looks at you.
Auntie Gin-Gin was not a furry friend, but she would appreciate being part of this tribute. For those who knew her and loved her, we know that given the choice between being in a tribute with furballs or humans, Virginia would choose the animals. Virginia never met a dog or cat that she did not instantly love.
I am so blessed and honored to have had you, Friends, in my life.
Cosmo, the Jack Russell, played Arthur, a Jack Russell, in what critics are calling an exceptional casting call.
Hollywood Award Season is coming, and so, movies have been arriving at our home. More than any other, that perk of my non-pet-photography life is awesome. We watched “The Help” last week, and tonight, we watched “Beginners.”
OK, so the movie starred Christopher Plummer, Ewan MacGregor, and Melanie Laurent, but Cosmo stole the show.
Cosmo, a Jack Russell terrier, plays Arthur, a Jack Russell. Talk about perfect casting. MY BALLOT DOES NOT INCLUDE HIM… so I may have to write him in.
Ewan MacGregor… a.k.a. Oliver… inherits Cosmo a.k.a. Arthur after Christopher Plummer’s character Hal… a.k.a. Oliver’s gay dad… dies. Arthur expressively communicates with the humans in the movie. The doggy subtitles were genius… I would definitely subtitle my pets, as well. Arthur’s expressions while subtitled would make a method actor blush with envy… truly, he was that good.
As to the movie itself, the actors were very strong, and their performances reflected that. The movie was… interesting… I wish I had known it was based on Mike Mills’ relationship woth is father before I watched. Still. Arthur made the movie for me.
On a 1-5 dog bone scale, I give Arthur… I mean Cosmo 5 dog bones, a big thumbs up.
Plot Summary:
“It’s 2003. Thirty-eight year old graphic artist Oliver Fields has just lost his father Hal Fields to cancer, after Oliver’s mother Georgia Fields passed away five years earlier. Oliver is naturally a sullen man due to his growing up relationship with his parents (his mother who had a unique view on life) and watching his parents’ cordial but somewhat distant relationship with each other, but is more so now because of his personal family loss. Oliver embarks on a relationship with Anna, a French actress. Oliver is hoping that his re-energized relationship with Hal following Georgia’s death and Hal’s new outlook on life during that time will show Oliver how to act in a loving relationship. After Georgia’s death, Hal came out of the closet and began to live with a joie de vivre that did not exist before, which included an open relationship with a much younger man named Andy. Oliver’s relationship with Anna has other obstacles, including Anna’s own vagabond lifestyle and Oliver needing to take care of who was originally Hal’s very needy Jack Russell terrier, Arthur.” Written by Huggo
Deb McGuire is the Hawaii Pet Photographer, but she is also a SAG (Screen Actors Guild) Member… and mother to two cats and a dog. If she writes a movie, Deb will include cats and dogs. Her cats and dogs will also have subtitles, because no one will understand her pets without Deb’s help.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU SHOULDN'T GIVE A PET AS A PRESENT??!
This post was first published as an Ezine @rticle last December. Unfortunately, the editorial process pushed it past Christmas. I am passionate about this message: Giving pets as presents is not always a great idea!
When I was a child, my parents presented me with a big box on Christmas morning. I opened it. It was empty. The contents, a rescue puppy, had escaped somehow prior to the gifts grand entrance.
Over the next month, I grew very fond of the small puppy, and I found its occasional hiccuping to be odd and quirky. Then, one day, the puppy disappeared.
Years later, I was told that the puppy had distemper. My mother repeated several times over the ensuing years that she should have known to take the puppy to the vet, but she had never heard of distemper. It affected me. It obviously affected my Mother.
T’is the season for giving presents, and many people may be considering giving a pet. Puppies and kittens are unbelievably adorable. I know. That’s why I love to photograph them. That’s why I have been parent to a few. Their playfulness is beyond cute, and they do so many things making people sigh, “Awww!”
Unfortunately, that image is all too often the only image that the potential gift giver sees in their minds eye as they consider giving a puppy or kitten to a child who can’t even remember to brush their teeth! A gift to any person of any age is about commitment.
So, here is a reality check from a pet professional:
Puppies poop and chew, kittens sharpen their claws… things to consider before giving “the gift that keeps on living”… Kittens and puppies are living, breathing, and most importantly growing things. They grow bigger (and bigger and in some cases still bigger) and they get older.
Think about this:
- The average indoor cat lives 15-20+ years. Mine lived 19.
- Large breed dogs live 8+ years
- Smaller breeds dogs live 15+ years.
So, a six or seven year old child may be headed off to college and their parents will be left to care for a geriatric pet, with all the health issues and expense that goes along with ever increasing age. The tender care and feeding of a new furry addition is a family effort.
For adult humans, lifestyle can be an issue. In our cat-controlled-household, were we to get a dog, we could have issues. I would want a lap dog, my husband would like a dog with which he could jog. The image of my husband dragging a Chihuahua or Doxie behind him is almost as funny as a Retriever sitting on my lap. We travel, so bigger dogs present more challenges and less options for pet sitters. Neither of us is allergic, but many people are, so gifting a pet could become a really bad human health concern. A busy person’s daily schedule could leave the pet alone for hours. That’s not cool. All things to consider before gifting a pet.
Pets can be expensive. REMEMBER THEY LIVE, THEY EAT, THEY GET SICK, AND IN SOME CASES THEY GROW AND GROW. Without going too deeply into the totals, the dog that my husband wants to run with could eat 40 or more pounds of dog food per month. Vet care, food, pet training (maybe), and grooming (if required) cost money.
A pet is a very personal choice. Pets and people have personalities. The gesture of giving a pet while charming may bring a personality with irreconcilable differences. Do your research. If you’re a low-key kind of individual you probably don’t want to bring a Jack Russell Terrier into the mix. Likewise, if you’re a get up and go kind of guy, an English Bulldog is probably not going to be your ideal running partner.
Don’t get me wrong. I love pets. I ADORE PETS! Pets are wonderful companions. They love unconditionally. Giving the right pet to an older person may be a perfect pick-them-up. Then, there are the folks who have lost a pet. The trouble may be figuring out how much time is needed for the healing, but a pet with the right timing may be the perfect remedy.
A puppy and kitten are not a toy that can be returned. Pets do not teach responsibility. That means that the tender care and feeding of the new addition should be and probably will be a family effort. Coming from a person whose livelihood is pet dependent, the following advice may seem odd: THINK BEFORE GIVING A PET AS A PRESENT!
Oahu, Hawaii Pet Photographer Deb McGuire focuses solely on pet photography & pets with their people. Deb was voted best Hawaii Pet Photographer. Hawaii Pet Photos provides on-location pet photography services throughout Oahu and the world.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5568046
Gershwin, a most regal of Bassets, poses on Lanikai Beach.
Season is about a birth and a covenant. It is about life and eternal life. So, sometimes…
Gershwin, the Basset Hound, ran wild on Lanikai Beach. He loved it. He would be posing and suddenly, he would run full speed down the beach. PURE JOY!
When my husband delivered the photos to his pet parents, Gershwin attempted to escape. He saw an opening. He bolted. Gershwin loved life.
We are crying right now. Gershwin was sick for about a month… on Sunday, he crossed to the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.
This Season is about birth and rebirth. Someday, if Heaven is Heaven, we will see Gershwin again, running on the Beach with his parents, Warren and Olivia, giving chase.
God Bless, Gershwin.
PURE JOY!!! Gershwin running on Lanikai Beach.
Sometimes in Pet Photography, a pet creates a moment.
God Bless Patriot, Hawaii Pet Photos
Most recently, a dog named Patriot made that moment. We met on a Hickam beach shortly after sunrise just this past weekend. The trees slightly shade that beach at that time. The subjects, three rescued greyhounds, patiently endured the photo session. Then, near the end of the shoot, Patriot plodded slowly into the water. He stood for a moment. He turned back toward the shore. He laid down in the shallow, clear water. The result was so placid, so serene. Patriot appeared so serene, so dignified.
Patriot had been diagnosed with bone cancer. The fur on his right foreleg had been shaved. Patriot was scheduled to have surgery to remove that leg to the shoulder on Friday (this past Friday). The surgery would give him a chance to live. A chance that a rescued greyhound deserves.
Sweet Patriot by Pet Photographer Deb McGuire
Patriot passed away Saturday, October 29th as he recovered at the vet.
All the pet friends that I photograph touch me, but Patriot gave me more in a look and a moment than most.
I cried for Patriot. I cried a bunch. Sometimes, this job, my passion, can be a little tough.
Is everything in this picture real?
check out Hawaii Pet Photos website click here
Hawaii‘s best and Hawaii‘s number one Pet Photographer, Deb McGuire, Deb McGuire Pet Photographer, Inc. and HawaiiPetPhotos.com reviews the newest edition to her pet photography business, a floor mat and backdrop by PepperLu.
We have been looking for a backdrop and floor cover. We specialize in location shooting, but, occasionally, particularly with senior pets, the location can be limited. Sometimes we just need a background. Happenstance brought PepperLu to us… happenstance and Google!
PepperLu provides floor mats, props, and backdrops to photographers. They manufacture the floor mats which are basically photographed floors printed on a durable surface. We received a floor mat this week. We photographed the McGuire family models on the surface. Here, we provide our observations in the form of pros and cons. As an added bonus, I AM GIVING YOU A CHANCE TO VIEW THE PHOTOS OF THE MCGUIRE FAMILY MODELS!!!
Pros:
- Reasonable shipping
black cat on Pepperlu photo floor mat
- Thick enough so that it does not rip, key for pet activity
- Easy to transport, key for the HawaiiPetPhotos official car… the Mustang Convertible.
- Cats don’t feel the need to sharpen their claws on it
- Pets did not mind being on it and, they did not wreck it
- Good customer service, quick in responses, delivery, and courteous
- Looks real
Cons
- If put on something other than flat surfaces(ie-carpet) shows lumps
- Wood veins meant to look old but my mat has a black area that I will have to Photoshop to make it look correct
- Concern that weighty people will show the indents at their feet. Once again if not on a hard surface.
Overall, the results don’t lie. I would give them an”A”. PepperLu is at http://www.pepperlu.com/
For those who read my blog and for my FACEBOOK fans, PepperLu is offering a 10% discount. HEY! THAT INCLUDES MY CYBERSTALKING COMPETITORS WHETHER YOUR SPECIALTY IS FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY, MILITARY ENGAGEMENTS, OR NORTH SHORE BAY PHOTOGRAPHY (I LOVE BEING ABLE TO SEE YOUR IP ADDRESSES). The Deal: When you check out, use the code “Deb10″ to get 10% off. Pepperlu will also have a giveaway! If you like both or our Facebook pages and say: “We love Deb McGuire Photography and Pepperlu!” You’ll be entered into a drawing for a $50 virtual gift certificate.
- BLACK MAGIC FROM A BLACK CAT. (To see more Pet Photography click photo)
With Halloween just ‘round the corner, a black cat expose’ seemed incredibly important. Since Magic (head of the McGuire household and managing partner at Deb McGuire Pet Photographer, Inc.) is black, we have a subject in residence. Also, given that Ron Darby (master story teller and producer of the Pet Hui) had not featured cats recently, we found a venue.
EEEEEEEERY! Black Cat With Candle! Eery! (Click on the photo to view more Pet Photography!)
BLACK CAT BASICS: A cat is considered pure black if it has the following characteristics, coal black hair from the roots to the tip of the fur, a black nose and black or brown pads. The most popular recognized breed in the Cat Show World (yes, people show cats) is the Bombay. Not only are they beautiful but Bombays can be trained to walk on a leash… Like Magic!
Some black cats, like our Magic, rust. OK, they have what is called rusting, which basically means the tips of their fur turn a rust color when they spend too much time in the sun. This is a result of genetics. Apparently, according to experts, one of Magic’s cat parents had a recessive red haired gene.
BLACK CATS AND BAD LUCK: The notion of black cats being associated with bad luck started with an English king. He had a black cat and when the cat died, the king became plagued with a whole lot of bad luck, ultimately resulting in King’s death. But given the King’s political blunders and numerous enemies, his luck would have probably soured regardless of the cat.
Not everyone associates black cats with bad luck. In Asia and the United Kingdom black cats are considered lucky. The only problem with that concept is, that in the UK it’s considered unlucky if a black cat crosses your path. This becomes a real problem if you co-habitat with a black cat. Magic and I will never be moving to the U.K.!
FEAR OF BLACK CATS: Fear of black cats most likely began in Medieval folklore. The Celts believed that spirits of the dead would enter the bodies of living humans and animals during the fall festival called Samhain. These spirits were said to be very attracted to black cats.
Black Cat in Witch Hat ( to see more cute cats click on photo!)
Black cats were also associated with witchcraft. They were known as witches’ familiars, which basically means that they were the eyes and ears of their witchy companions. Unfortunately, this association resulted in both witch and cat being burned at the stake.
BLACK CATS AND HALLOWEEN: Regarding black cats’ connection with Halloween, this is a relatively recent idea brought on mostly by Americans.
Cats are nocturnal. They prefer prowling at night. Add black fur to that equation, and you see nothing in the darkness except for a pair of eerie glowing eyes. Black cats are the perfect icon for a night-based holiday.
Also, given the folklore connecting witches and familiars, when the wicked witch became a part of Halloween symbolism, the black cat came along.
Hence, the association with Celts and witchcraft created two of our most recognizable Halloween symbols. In fact, black cats and witches are still two of the most popular choices for costumes.
So, what are you going to dress up as this Halloween? I am going as a black cat, Magic is going as a Hawaii Pet Photographer.
MEDIA ALERT!!! Deb McGuire, Pet Photographer, will be featured on the “Pet Hui,” starting Sunday, 23, 2011. Or, you can click on this link: http://www.youtube.com/user/thepethui?feature=mhee#p/u/6/paKTWXDvr1Q Or, you can watch it here: Pet Hui Episode Featuring Deb McGuire Pet Photographer and Black Magic McGuire, black cat
Mango reflected (click on Mango's photo to see more of Deb's photos)
Sitting in our living room thumbing through the newly arrived IKEA catalogue, I became startled a bit by Mango, growling.
Mango, perched upon an ottoman, looked toward the other end of the living room. She growled. The fur on her back stood on end. She shook from the point of her ears to the tip of her tail. In short summary, Mango was disturbed, freaked, on alert.
The source of her angst, Mango saw her reflection for the first time. She was completely convinced that the image in the mirror
Mango tries to touch the dog in the mirror.
belonged to another fawn-colored, Shar Pei – Pharaoh Hound mix.
She moved closer to her reflection. She continued to posture, to growl, to bark. Pretty clear that she was not grasping the whole mirror thing.
Mango’s humans laughed… yes, we laughed!
Then, concerned that we might be showing a lack of sensitivity, we turned to Google… “dogs and reflections.” AMAZINGLY, WE WERE NOT THE ONLY ONES ASKING THESE QUESTIONS!
Still a puppy, Mango’s reaction to her first encounter of her reflection was apparently normal. Her body language indicated that she wanted to play with the other dog in the mirror. The closer she got to the mirror, the more the posturing and interaction with her reflected image. She was confused when she ran out of mirror and saw only wall. The Web articles indicated that this was a common observation… thankfully, so now we can laugh at her silly behavior without guilt.
Is everything in this picture real?
check out Hawaii Pet Photos website click here
Hawaii‘s best and Hawaii‘s number one Pet Photographer, Deb McGuire, Deb McGuire Pet Photographer, Inc. and HawaiiPetPhotos.com reviews the newest edition to her pet photography business, a floor mat and backdrop by PepperLu.
We have been looking for a backdrop and floor cover. We specialize in location shooting, but, occasionally, particularly with senior pets, the location can be limited. Sometimes we just need a background. Happenstance brought PepperLu to us… happenstance and Google!
PepperLu provides floor mats, props, and backdrops to photographers. They manufacture the floor mats which are basically photographed floors printed on a durable surface. We received a floor mat this week. We photographed the McGuire family models on the surface. Here, we provide our observations in the form of pros and cons. As an added bonus, I AM GIVING YOU A CHANCE TO VIEW THE PHOTOS OF THE MCGUIRE FAMILY MODELS!!!
Pros:
- Reasonable shipping
black cat on Pepperlu photo floor mat
- Thick enough so that it does not rip, key for pet activity
- Easy to transport, key for the HawaiiPetPhotos official car… the Mustang Convertible.
- Cats don’t feel the need to sharpen their claws on it
- Pets did not mind being on it and, they did not wreck it
- Good customer service, quick in responses, delivery, and courteous
- Looks real
Cons
- If put on something other than flat surfaces(ie-carpet) shows lumps
- Wood veins meant to look old but my mat has a black area that I will have to Photoshop to make it look correct
- Concern that weighty people will show the indents at their feet. Once again if not on a hard surface.
Overall, the results don’t lie. I would give them an”A”. PepperLu is at http://www.pepperlu.com/
For those who read my blog and for my FACEBOOK fans, PepperLu is offering a 10% discount. HEY! THAT INCLUDES MY CYBERSTALKING COMPETITORS WHETHER YOUR SPECIALTY IS FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY, MILITARY ENGAGEMENTS, OR NORTH SHORE BAY PHOTOGRAPHY (I LOVE BEING ABLE TO SEE YOUR IP ADDRESSES). The Deal: When you check out, use the code “Deb” to get 10% off. Pepperlu will also have a giveaway! If you like both or our Facebook pages and say: “We love Deb McGuire Photography and Pepperlu!” You’ll be entered into a drawing for a $50 virtual gift certificate.
