Rottweiler in Hawaii by Honolulu dog photography Deb McGuire

Reno and Rexyn strike a pose as Misters May in Deb McGuire 2013 Dogs of Hawaii Calendar

Mr. May is actually Misters May. The misters are Rotties, Rexyn and Reno. Rexyn and Reno are Hawaiian, bred and born.

Rottweiler in Hawaii by Honolulu dog photography Deb McGuire

Rexyn playing in the surf. Photo by dog photographer Deb McGuire

Rexyn is 5. He enjoys running on the beach and playing with his ball… or both. He is mischievous. He counter-surfs. He opens canisters and jars, and removes their contents without tipping the canister or jar. He’s talented and cute.

Reno is 12. Reno spends his golden days hanging out and relaxing. Of course, being the elder statesman, he has no bad habits.

Hawaii Pet Photographer photographs dog with sand on it's nose

Sand… What Sand? To see more adorable dog images click here

By the way, both Misters May were born in May. We had no idea when we were putting the calendar together… seems like Kismet.

Strolling on the beach on a sunny morning. Photo by Deb McGuire hawaii Pet Photographer

Strolling on the beach on a sunny morning. Photo by Deb McGuire hawaii Pet Photographer

HAWAII PET EXPO 2013

On May 2, 2013, in Uncategorized, by Magic
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Alumni hugs at the Hawaii Pet Expo

In celebration of “National Pet Week” and “Be Kind to Animals Week,” Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association (HVMA) presents HAWAII PET EXPO 2013. The event happens at the Blaisdell on Saturday and Sunday, May 11 & 12.  And Deb McGuire Pet Photographer will have a VERY LARGE booth!

This year’s theme: “Love Your Pet, See Your Vet.”

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Hokulani in her Hawaiian garb! Notice that Hoku is Ms. July!

HAWAII PET EXPO 2013 encourages responsible pet ownership and seeks to strengthen the unique bond between people and their pets through educational displays, live animal demonstrations, and the latest in pet products and services.

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Part of my family in the Booth

Pets are welcome – dogs must be leashed and pets must be under their owner’s control at all time.

I’ll be displaying my work, selling calendars and books, and giving away a photo session and enlargement!  Our VERY LARGE booth will be located just inside the front door, if you look to your left you won’t miss us!  Stop by and say ALOHA!  We’ll be giving out lots of hugs and kisses to our furry friends!

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Doggy kisses are the BEST!

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Kian stops by to say, “Aloha!”

I thought: “They can’t be serious… you can’t make this stuff up!’

Apparently, a Chihuahua got loose on Honolulu’s H-1 Freeway this morning and caused quite a delay as he evaded HPD’s finest.

From HawaiNewsNow:

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – If you were stuck in traffic on the H-1 headed westbound on Thursday morning, it wasn’t because of an accident or stalled vehicle… It wasn’t even because of a car.

Police stopped traffic near the Liliha Street overpass as what appeared to be a stray chihuahua ran rampant across the freeway, crisscrossing lanes as officers, on foot and on motorcycles, tried to get their hands on the dog.

It took nearly 20 minutes, but finally, officers were able to grab a hold of the dog and lead him to safety, allowing traffic to reopen.

Other than making folks late for work, I think the whole idea of HPD trying to corner a runaway Chihuahua is quite funny.

BLARNEY: AN IRISH BLESSING

On March 16, 2013, in Uncategorized, by Magic
Hawaii Pet Photographer, Deb McGuire, best pet photographer in Hawaii, photographs a chocolate labrador on Lanikai Beach

Blarney Lokahi McGuire wishes everyone a Happy St. Patrick’s Day

Deb: “This is Blarney’s first St. Patrick’s Day.”

Tim: “No, he was around last year, just not here.”

Deb: “Was he ‘Blarney’?”

Tim: “No, but…”

Deb: “Then, this is Blarney’s first St. Patrick’s day.”

Somehow that’s logical… Deb logical.

Deb: “I know that Blarney is a stone.  We kissed it.  Remember, we heard that the locals pee on the stone, but that day it was raining.  So, the stone was washed by the rain… so, we kissed the stone.”

Tim: “They pee on the stone?”

Deb: “That’s what they say, but that’s not important.”

Tim: “We kissed a stone that people pee on?!”

Deb: “It had been raining, so the stone was clean, but that isn’t what we’re talking about.  What does Blarney mean?”

Tim: “You’re full of…”

Deb: “No, I’m not.”

Tim: “No, that’s what it means…. one is full of…”

Deb:“We named a dog after being full of poop?!”

Tim: “Seems appropriate.”

Dog poop sign in Hawaii by Oahu Pet Photographer Deb McGuire.

Could the name Blarney mean full of poop?

 

 

HAWAII PET PHOTOGRAPHER: BEGINNINGS

On February 26, 2013, in Uncategorized, by Magic
photographing black dogs and asian people

Haki and Heidi posing back when Deb McGuire Pet Photographer was learning the tricks of pet photography

Spring cleaning time at the home office of Deb McGuire, Pet Photographer, yielded an unexpected “treasure,” a treasure, at least, for me.

I rediscovered one of my first “pets and their people” photos. In this case, the pet is my then 4 year old Heidi. The person is Debbie “Haki” Hakikawa, one of my best buddies and a neighbor. Debbie and I were about 14 at the time.

I used a 35mm film camera that I borrowed from school. I was a freshman and I was taking a photography class. Although I was interested in photography, I took the class because there was this boy. Who knew that all these years later, I would follow my dream… not the boy… and become a photographer!

Debbie and I would hangout by my family’s pool. Heidi Sunshine would spend hours chasing the pool sweep around the pool. She would work herself into a state of excitement, and inevitably jump into the pool. She was an excellent swimmer.

I still think about Heidi. The photo is my treasure. I miss her.

Basset Hounds photographed in Hawaii by dog photographer Deb McGuire, Hawaii Pet Photographer

O’dell a.k.a. Mr. February Deb McGuire

O’Dell is Mr. February for Deb McGuire’s “Paws In Paradise” 2013 Calendar.  O’Dell is a Basset Hound… from Kaneohe… Yes, there are Basset Hounds in Hawaii; at last count, five of them live within 2 miles of the International Headquarters of Deb McGuire Pet Photographer!  Two of those Basset Hounds are O’Dell and his brother, Hastings.

Basset Hounds photographed here in Hawaii by dog photographer Deb McGuire, Hawaii's best Pet Photographer

Peace, Love and O’Dell by Oahu Pet Photographer Deb McGuire

While O’Dell is an exceptional model (Mr. February AND page 81 of “Hawaii’s Pets”), O’Dell is likely unimpressed, probably a bit conflicted by his celebrity status.  One needs only read O’Dell’s philosophical musings to understand that O’Dell is a much deeper thinker than your average calendar pinup.  He is conflicted because he realizes that his status does give him a platform from which to spread his life lessons.  The key is that O’Dell is game for anything… thankfully.

Basset Hounds in Hawaii photographed by Hawaii dog photographer, Deb McGuire, hawaiipetphotos.com.

O’Dell playing with his brother on the beach © Deb McGuire Pet photographer

O’Dell has his own wardrobe consisting mainly  of tie-dyed shirts.  With his notoriety, a line of tie-dye for dogs should be coming soon.  For the calendar, however, O’Dell’s apparel was by Monica Shigenaga at Cocojor Dog Emporium & Spaw: www.cocojor.com. 

Mahalo, O’Dell, for just being you!

 

 

dogs at Lani Kai by Oahu Pet Photographer Deb McGuire

Blarney and Mango at the Beach, Lani Kai, HI.

We love the beach; we, all, love the beach.

dogs at Lani Kai by Oahu Pet Photographer Deb McGuire

Head Cock in Pairs; Blarney and Mago at Lani Kai Beach

We go to the beach; we love the beach.

The head cock by Honolulu Pet Photographer Deb McGuire

Swimming in the waters of Lani Kai by Hawaii Pet Photos

We love the beach; we, all, love the beach.

Swimming dogs by Hawaii Pet Photographer Deb McGuire

Click here to see more great pet photos.

Blarney… born to swim. His webbed front paws are larger than his back. He is not fat, but his fur seems to shed water. Yes, Blarney was born to be in the water… to swim.

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Blarney loves to swim

Mango… well, she can swim… she doesn’t like to swim. Mango does not like to swim, but she does like to sit at the edge of the tide, and wait for Blarney to retrieve his toy. She waits. When Blarney is just about to break out of the surf, Mango races forward and steals his toy. Mango can swim, but why swim? Why swim, when someone else can do the work and you can grab the reward?! Mango doesn’t like to swim, chooses not to swim.

Getting ready for the Big Steal by Pet Photography expert Deb McGuire

Getting ready for the Big Steal. Mango waits at the water’s edge in hopes of stealing Blarney’s toy.

Dogs in the ocean on Oahu

The Big Steal by dog photographer in Hawaii Deb McGuire

That is the balance of our family. One dog who lives to swim, one who can swim. We go to the beach for one, but we love the beach as all. We go to the beach. We love the beach.

Dogs in Hawaii by dog photographer in Hawaii Deb McGuire

Blarney thumps Mango with his paw in hopes of protecting his toy from mango the ultimate toy thief

We love the beach, all… all of us, we love the beach.

 

Swimming dogs by Hawaii Pet Photographer Deb McGuire

Playtime… Beach time by Hawaii’s Best Pet Photographer Deb McGuire

Pretty dogs in Hawaii by Pet Photography expert Deb McGuire

Please throw the toy, please please please! © Deb McGuire

Dogs and Hawaii Beaches by Pet photographer Deb McGuire

Catch me if you can! Photo by dog photographer Deb McGuire

Korat cats in Honolulu by cat photos deb McGuire

Sham-Rock modeling his Lei Woof lei

For you who have taken part in my photo shoots, whether as a model, wrangler or prop provider, you know how much effort goes into each and every session to come up with a fabulous end result.  Yes, I said FABULOUS.  OK, so I’m a bit biased, but I’m really proud of what I do and your pets are such fabulous subject matters.

silky terriers in Hawaii by dog photographer deb McGuire

Vist Lei Woof’s website to see more beautiful leis

Speaking of FABULOUS, I need to give a shout out to a great local company named “Lei Woof.”  I LOVE THIS COMPANY.  Why?  For starters, they make great products. “Lei Woof” specializes in popular, handmade, Hawaiian leis for dogs and cats.  Their products are wonderfully made and come beautifully packaged. “Lei Woof” even creates human leis that match the animal leis… Mango and I can be twinsers!

poi dogs in Hawaii by Hawaii Pet Photos Deb McGuire

Mango- to see more beautiful animal pictures click here

Krystal Narusaki, who is the brains behind the “Lei Woof,” goes above and beyond. She rushed a set of her Christmas leis to me so I could include them in a holiday shoot (look for that image in an upcoming calendar).

black cats in Hawaii by cat photographer Deb McGuire

Magic models an original design by Lei Woof

The love that made these leis was apparent from the moment I opened the package. Soprano my dog model found the leis to be quite comfortable. He gave them two paws up and so do I!

Check out Lei woof’s website if you get a chance at http://www.leiwoof.com

You won’t be disappointed.

chocolate labs on Oahu by Pet Photos deb McGuire

Blarney wears Lei Woof

BLARNEY TURNS ONE!

On January 16, 2013, in Uncategorized, by Magic
poi dogs on Oahu by Honolulu Pet Photographer Deb McGuire

Blarney Lokahi McGuire

Have you ever known someone who was so thrilled to see you that they literally peed all over themselves with excitement? Have you ever known somebody who could melt your heart just by looking you in the eye? Have you ever known anyone whose tail thumping loudly against a wall or piece of furniture could make you smile just because? Yes, I am talking about a dog… in this case, a very large dog… a very large dog who turns one today.

ONE! Blarney turns one today. ONE!

Our puppy is growing up.

labs that like to swim

Blarney loves to swim

chocolate labs in Hawaii by Deb McGuire Pet Photographer

Blarney and Me

dogs at the beach by Hawaii Pet Photos Deb McGuire

Blarney playing with his sister Mango

stray dogs near Honolulu hawaii pet photos

Roxy was found running southbound in the northbound lanes of the Likelike Highway, Sunday morning. She is currently receiving medical attention and is in need of a home.

I guess there is no typical Sunday when you are in the company of Mango and Blarney, but yesterday was atypical for the atypical.

We woke up early as usual and headed to Hawaii Kai Dog Park. After the dog park, we stopped at Home Depot, and then we started home. From Home Depot, our fastest drive is the Likelike through Kalihi Valley. For those not from Hawaii, the Likelike crosses from “town” through the Koolaus to the Windward side. Less than a mile from the tunnel, a dog crossed our lane and was walking against traffic down the centerline. We stopped. The people beside us and behind us stopped. The dog who looked to be skin and bones moved to the median and continued on her way.

We pulled the truck over. Tim took Mango’s collar and leash and went after the dog. He caught her about a half mile down the mountain after a few harrowing minutes of hoping she would not get hit. Tim walked her back to the truck and put her in the back… at which point I thought he would get back in and drive… BECAUSE I HAVE NEVER DRIVEN HIS TRUCK… I guess I should correct that to I had never driven the truck before yesterday when I did it in a slight drizzle with my husband and a rescued dog in the bed, Blarney barking like a crazy dog behind me in the cab and Mango in her harness tethered in the passenger seat. BEST PART I HAD TO DRIVE THROUGH THE TUNNEL AND I DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO TURN ON THE LIGHTS! Tim told me later that facing backward as we “fish-tailed” through the tunnel was quite enjoyable.  Sarcasm, not appreciated.

Getting her off the road was one thing, finding her a place to stay was quite another. The poor, old girl was in such bad shape that we were certain that the Hawaiian Humane Society would euthanize her immediately. I started calling the “No-Kills” while Tim fed her and gave her water. Her teeth started to fall out. The old girl had had at least one but likely more litters. She had calloused rub spots on her feet, elbows and knees. Her teeth were in bad shape. “She’s old.”

Finally, we reached Carolyn Brethour HARF, and she told us that Sarah Smith who had been Blarney’s foster parent with HARF was now working at the Oahu SPCA… where we also know the Director Abigail Bingham. Tim and the old mama headed for Kapolei. When Sarah opened up the truck doors and got close to the old girl, she kissed Sarah. She really is a sweetheart.

They are calling her “Mama Roxy.” She is probably seven or eight years old. She is black with a bit of white in her chest and on her paws. She is a bag of bones but her muscles are still toned. Sarah thinks she is probably part Lab and part boxer. Tim thought she looked like she was part Lab.

WE REALLY WANT TO THANK CAROLYN, SARAH AND ABBY.  Mama Roxy seems fitting. She now needs a foster home.

Had yesterday been a typical, atypical Sunday, we would have driven back around the east end of the island.

Undernourished dogs on Oahu by dog photographer Deb McGuire

Roxy is skin and bones. She needs a foster home where she can put on some weight and heal from her ordeal. Contact OSPCA if interested in helping this sweet girl out.