Little Lolly was 3 months old in this photo

LOL… I had no idea what LOL meant. I had just started Deb McGuire Pet Photographer, Inc. My website was brand new. Social Networking… what the heck? I had no idea what LOL meant. Then, I met Lolly.

Lolly was my first contest winner. Lolly was my first puppy, and not only did she make me laugh out loud, she made me smile. Lolly left a piece of herself in my heart… a big piece. I put Lolly on my business cards. I put Lolly on book marks. I enlarged Lolly’s photo and put her on display in my booth. I truly fell in love with Lolly.

I am frowning when I should be smiling; I am crying when I should be laughing. That big piece in my heart is broken. Lolly is gone. She was just three years old.

Gone Too Soon
Songwriters: Larry Grossman and Alan Kohan

Like a comet
Blazing ‘cross the evening sky
Gone too soon

Like a rainbow
Fading in the twinkling of an eye
Gone too soon

Shiny and sparkly
And splendidly bright
Here one day
Gone one night

Like the loss of sunlight
On a cloudy afternoon
Gone too soon

Like a castle
Built upon a sandy beach
Gone too soon

Like a perfect flower
That is just beyond your reach
Gone too soon

Born to amuse, to inspire, to delight
Here one day
Gone one night

Like a sunset
Dying with the rising of the moon
Gone too soon
Gone too soon

Posing with Lolly at the Hawaii Pet Expo

Emotional wreckage… That piece of my heart that Lolly owned… that huge piece of my heart.. hurts so much.

In honor of my little three year-old’s mother who signed off with a slightly modified version, I sign this BOL… Bark Out Loud.

Dick Clark with his dog Mort, his current dogs are named after songs

As most everyone has heard, we lost a Pop-culture icon, Dick Clark, yesterday. Famous folks from all walks are lauding him and remembering him. The most amazing tributes are coming from singers and musicians who as teenagers got their first national exposure from Mr. Clark.

Little known, and little addressed, Dick Clark was a true animal lover. He was known to bring his beloved dogs to work every day.

Clark liked to name his pets after hit songs:

• Molly Molly – Little Richard’s “Good Golly, Miss Molly”
• Maybelline – Chuck Berry’s “Maybelline”
• Eleanor – the Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby”
• Henry the 8th – Herman’s Hermits’ “I’m Henry VIII, I Am”
• Arthur – “Arthur’s Theme”
• Jonesy – Billy Paul’s “Me and Mrs. Jones”
• Leroy – Jim Croce’s “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown”

One person who seems oddly relieved that Dick Clark has passed is Shirley MacLaine… or at least the dog owner, Shirley MacLaine said on the red carpet last night: “Well now I can walk past his house in Malibu and his dogs won’t attack mine. That’s one good thing.”

Interesting.

Most of us will miss Dick Clark.

Squeak-Doggy-Dog is not a rap star, new or old. Squeak-Doggy-Dog is Mango. Mango absolutely loves squeaky toys.

This duck has no idea what it is in for!

After rescuing her from an abusive contractor, I took Mango to the Kaneohe VCA. Having never been to a Vet, the poor thing was a mess. She was six months old. She also had very little discipline. Opposite the cashiers counter at the VCA is a wall of toys. On that wall, a stuffed, blue, yellow, and purple monkey hung. Mango picked that toy… literally, pulled it off the rack. The monkey had a squeaker. That was her first toy. Amazingly, that monkey outlived other toys… toys bought later.

Mango became Squeak-Doggy-Dog at roughly 3 a.m. the next morning. Who knows what a puppy is thinking? She woke up, and she started playing… and squeaking.

One of Mango’s favorite things to do to stuffed, squeaky toys is to remove the squeaker. First, Mango works the seams of the stuffed toys. Once she makes a small hole, she exploits that hole, enlarges it, and then begins pulling the stuffing out. BTW, when the stuffing hits the open air, it literally EXPLODES. We generally end up with something resembling a snow storm in our living room. Then, Squeak-Doggy-Dog victoriously removes the squeaker. We quickly pull that away from her… but there will be another toy, another squeaker…

If only Squeak Dog was rich like Snoop Dogg… or, maybe she is… at least in her dog, doggy mind.

Mango after she gets done with a toy

Butch LOVED his toys.

Butch lived longer than expected.

Butch- Rest in Peace

His mom, Nancy, contacted me days before this past Christmas. Butch had cancer throughout his body. His Veterinarian predicted that Butch would not live past the New Year. I had intended to shut down for the Holidays, but I couldn’t and wouldn’t miss Butch.

On a beautiful morning, in a Kailua Park, we met Butch, Kasey (his doggy sister), and Nancy. Butch was old and sick, but he was strong. We played tug. He was still playful… still digging for treats.

Not long after that shoot, Nancy and her furry family moved to California. Butch made the move and for a time, he seemed to be doing better… but cancer is cancer, and on March 27th, with mom, Nancy, and sister, Kasey, by his side, Butch died.

Kasey keeps looking for him. She keeps going to the places that Butch would go. Wow, do we know that feeling.

Kasey and Butch

Marbach Horses Running to Breakfast. To see more beautiful photos, click here!

Start with the premise that Hawaii is paradise.   Given that, the natural question is, “Where do Hawaiians go for vacation?”   For readers not in Hawaii, the question is more interesting than if you ask Hawaiians.  The most likely answer, in fact, for those who live in Hawaii is probably Las Vegas.  Since we have been to Vegas… and see no reason to spend enough time to justify a time share in Sin City, we put much thought into our vacations.

Of course, we occasionally travel to places that are as far removed from the tropical warmth of our aina, Oahu. This year, we outdid ourselves.

Arabian horses of Marbach, photo by Oahu Pet Photographer Deb McGuire

“Do you want to know where you are going?” I asked my husband.

“Do I?” he asked with a mix of apprehension and sarcasm

“We are going to Germany.”

“We are going to Germany in February.  It will be cold in Germany in February.  Where in Germany will we be going?”

“Frankfurt, Berlin, Stuttgart, photographing horses in the German countryside…”

“In the snow?!”

“It’ll be beautiful, and the photos will be beautiful.”

Yearlings running in the German snow, photo by Deb McGuire

We flew to Germany.  We spent time in Berlin, but our main reason for the travel: HORSES. We flew from Berlin to Stuttgart. We drove from Stuttgart to Marbach… in the snow.  And really, Marbach and the horses were amazing.

The Marbach Stud or Weil-Marbach is Germany’s oldest state horse stud farm. Marbach dates back over 500 years and is located in southwest Germany near Gomadingen in the Reutlingen district of Baden-Württemberg.

Marbach's German Work Hoses Pule a Sleigh, Wagon Combo. To see more beautiful horse portraits click here

Marbach, originally significant for its development of ancestral bloodstock of several warmblood horse breeds, continues to produce the Württemberger. However, Marbach is probably best known as the home stud of the Weil-Marbach Arabians.

The majority of Arabian horses bred at Marbach are sold to private owners as personal riding horses. Some are used for endurance riding.

In addition to breeding Arabian and Württembergers, Marbach also stands stallions of the Black Forest cold blood breed as well as a few Thoroughbreds, Haflingers and other heavy wamblood stallions.

Marbach is known for producing athletic horses with good temperaments, and has careful management practices, including that of allowing young, untrained horses the opportunity to grow in a natural setting conducive to their mental as well as their physical development.

Marbach Horses at Play, photo by Pet Photographer Deb McGuire

Photographing the horses of Marbach was a new challenge for this Hawaii Pet Photographer.  Cold means cold fingers.  Cold finger tips are a challenge when focusing the camera and pressing the shutter release.  Trying to do both simultaneously while balancing a camera… and standing in a foot of snow….  NOT SOMETHING THAT ONE HAS TO DO IN HAWAII.  Generally, my subjects are not taller than me.  Although I have photographed horses before, these horses were curious, very curious.  There is nothing like having  a horse’s warm, wet breath on the back of your neck while balancing a camera and yourself on a slippery slope.  Of course, there was no blowing sand, ocean spray, and photographer sweat.

I put a few images of the horses in this blog.  To see more, please check out my horses gallery on my website hawaiipetphotos.com.
BTW… The photos are a bit bleached out, because the video is bleached out…

This guy hopes he doesn't get mailed! Check on Hawaii Pet Photos website click here

I went to the Kaneohe Post Office to pick up an oversized package. As I approached the pick up service door I heard what sounded like a chicken.

The woman who opened the half door is a postal worker I have encountered many times before. She is very dry, deadpan.

The chicken crowed.

“Is that a chicken?”

Pause

“Yes.”

“A live chicken?” I know, I know… but I was asking in disbelief.

“Yes.”

The chicken crowed.

“Is it your pet?”

“No.”

The chicken crowed.

“YOU CAN MAIL A LIVE CHICKEN?!”

Long pause.

“Yes.”

Yes, you can! You can mail live chickens. Photo courtesy Sharing the Love

The chicken crowed.

“How long has it been here?”

“All morning. I called his Father, but he has not come to pick him up.”

The chicken crowed… again.

Magic, the Birthday Girl, is TEN!!!

"Don't feed that cat, DON'T FEED THAT CAT! Tim when he first met Magic.

“Deb, Deb, I need some cat treats!”  Tim called from the back steps.

Suspicious, I asked, “Why do you need cat treats?”

“There’s the cutest little, black kitten out here.  She does tricks.”

I yelled back, “Do not feed that cat, DO NOT FEED THAT CAT!”

I was too late, he was asking for treats to replace the ones that she had already eaten. No matter, the two of them had bonded when Tim felt something pull at the end of an extension cord as he wound it back onto a reel. That was 10 years ago this Summer. In 10 years, her appetite for treats has not changed.

Today is April first, and Magic is ten years old. Black Magic Scarlet McGuire is our heart and soul. She is the smallest and yet the dominant creature (including the two humans) in our home. Magic is loved.

Magic with her "then" new "little" brother Sham-rock

Magic curls up in the bread basket waiting for her dinner guests to arrive! For the guest who may be reading this... CAT HAIR IS A CONDIMENT IN OUR HOUSE!!!

Magic and me!

Sammy- that tongue could give alot of good kisses!

Perry is looking for the perfect home. Click here for Deb's website

Yesterday, (March 27, 2012) I jumped in the Deb Mobile and drove to Waianae to photograph some dogs who need families, permanent homes. Hawaii Animal Rescue Foundation (HARF) saved the dogs from euthanasia . I have featured HARF dogs in the past, but yesterdays session… MARATHON! I photographed Perry, Jerry, Maggie, Sweetie, Baby, Herbie, Makamae, Makai, Scottie, and Sammy.

Perry is a one and a half year old Rhodesian Ridgeback and Pit Bull mix. Perry has a brindle coat. He is a precious little guy with dreamy ears! He has a fun loving and happy personality! Perry is a very affectionate and beautiful boy!

Jerry is very mellow. Jerry also has a pretty, brindle coat.

Jerry-Mr. Mellow, Mango's top pick!

Maggie is very sweet and well-behaved. She stood by me while I photographed Baby.

Sweetie is well…just like her name says a sweetie. She is currently in the process of healing. She arrived at HARF with some facial wounds but is still beautiful inside and out.

Baby is a bit timid but is so loving and has the most beautiful eyes, one blue and one brown.

Herbie, well what can I say about Herbie. He’s a ham and loves the camera as you can see from his photo. He most certainly has some Boxer in him.

Maggie- super well behaved and such a lover!

Then there is Makamae. She’s a terrier mix and very affectionate.

Makai is a beauty and a great kisser. I know because she greated me with a big wet one!

I fell in love with Scottie. He’s a little guy with a very intense look.

And last, but not least, is Sammy. He’s around six months old and probably has some pointer in him. You can’t help smile but when you’re around him.

They currently live at Affordable Pet Boarding in Waianae. Terry and Lynn, their foster parents love them all dearly but are hoping they all find their forever homes very soon. Lynn says that way they can make room for more wonderful dogs that need their help.

Sweetie- is looking for her forever home

http://hawaiianimalrescue.org/
Hawaii Animal Rescue Foundation (HARF) is a group of volunteer animal lovers whose mission is to rescue, provide sanctuary, and ultimately to re-home abandoned, stray and neglected animals.

HARF Holds Pet Adoption events at PETCO in Kapolei and Kaneohe:

• Every Saturday at PETCO in Kapolei
• (4450 Kapolei Pky 140, Kapolei, HI 96707)
• from 10:30am – 3:30pm.

• Every Sunday at PETCO Kaneohe
• (46-023 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744)
• from 12:30 – 3:30pm.
  

  Baby- you gotta lover her eyes! Photo by Deb McGuire

http://www.petco.com/
PETCO is a leading pet specialty retailer that provides the products, services and advice that make it easier for our customers to be great pet parents. “We’re animal lovers, just like you.”

Herbie- Mr. Photogenic. Click here to see more great dogs.

Makai isn't she pretty in pink! Photo courtesy Hawaii Pet Photos

Scottie. Check out more beautiful dogs , click here.

Hawaii Pet Photos website click here

Mango... Dog... NOT a "Hunger Games" Muttant.

No idea what I’m talking about? Well, then you likely were not one of “Hunger Game” fans who collectively spent $155 million in North America. The fictional animals listed above are part of the books and at least in the case of the Tracker Jacker the movies.

Gary Ross directed “The Hunger Games.” “The Hunger Games” stars Jennifer Lawrence as a 16-year-old who is forced to battle other children to the death for a futuristic society’s televised amusement. The movie is the film adaptation of Suzanne Collins’s best-selling novel of the same name for about $80 million.

Other “The Hunger Games” Muttants:
Wolf mutts
Wolf mutts appeared at the end of the 74th Hunger Games to herd Katniss, Peeta, and Cato into a final fight. The wolf-like creatures mimicked the other tributes, particularly in fur and eye color, but also with collars which match the tributes’ district numbers. One wolf Katniss identifies as Rue, and others as Glimmer, Foxface, and Thresh. They were created by the Capitol to chase after tributes. Although not gone into further in the trilogy, the Wolf Mutts are a result of the Capitol mutating dead tributes with wolves. Peeta later paints the one supposed to be Glimmer, the female tribute from District 1. It took him three days to find the right shade for sunlight on white fur. He “kept thinking it was just yellow, but it was so much more than that.” Katniss hates these paintings, and Peeta describes them to the morphling addict from district 6 as she lay dying from the monkey’s bite.

Rose-scented reptiles
These mutts are seen in Mockingjay in the underground tunnels of the Capitol, supposedly created especially to hunt Katniss down; They are described as having tight, white skin, long sharp claws and teeth. They also smell of roses, thought to be so because Katniss hates the smell of the Capitol’s altered roses, due to their association with President Snow. They can jump extremely far. Katniss has a Holo device self-destruct by repeating ‘nightlock’ three times, and then throws it into the underground tunnel to kill the mutts. These mutts are responsible for the death of Finnick Odair, Jackson, Castor, Homes and Leeg 1 by decapitation.

Monkey mutts
There were also muttation monkeys with switchblade claws and orange fur that would attack during the 4th hour of the “clock” in the 75th Games. They attacked the tributes in packs when Peeta glanced up at them in the 75th Hunger Games, but the woman victor from 6, or ‘female morphling’, as Katniss calls her, jumps in front of Peeta to save his life, as she was part of the alliance formed to defend Katniss and Peeta with their lives.

Others
In the 50th Hunger Games, several other muttations are mentioned. These include poisonous butterflies with stingers, “carnivorous fluffy golden squirrels”, and candy-pink birds with skewerlike beaks. One of these creatures killed Maysilee Donner in the Second Quarter Quell. During the third Quarter Quell (75th Hunger Games), an unknown beast occupies the six-to-seven-o’clock zone.

SHAMMY... MUTANT... OUR MUTANT, BUT NOT HUNGER GAMES MUTTANT

This is Goldie. Goldie is super sweet and calm. She likes treats and toys. She is good with kids and other dogs.

Goldie was going to be euthanized by the Maui Humane Society, but she was rescued by the Hawaii Animal Rescue Foundation. When they got Goldie, she was black, but now, her blonde hair is growing back.

Goldie is looking for a family. To adopt Goldie, call the Hawaii Animal Rescue Foundation at 283-8828.

The Hawaii Animal Rescue Foundation (HARF) holds weekly adoption events at the PETCO in Kapolei on Saturdays and the PETCO in Kaneohe on Sundays.

The HARF website is http://www.hawaiianimalrescue.org.

Goldie is up for adoption through H.A.R.F.