Ice Cream Time

Ice cream that is the real deal

Salt and Straw

Portland, Oregon 2012

Grateful Gals

Mindy and Muffy exchanging thank you's after a Saturday build. 

Sandy, Oregon 2012

Three White Fluffy's Unite

Today marked my one year anniversary in doing my part to unchain dogs around Oregon and Washington. Fences For Fido has changed my life and fine tuned my compassion for not only dogs, but all living beings. Photographing the transformation that evolves as each chain is lifted from around a dogs neck has become a passion of mine and I am truly honored to play a small role in such a significant cause. I strive to tell a story of each and every dog through my photographs.

Today was Muffy, Vanderbear, and Caspers day in the spotlight. Casper is the offspring of both Muffy and Vanderbear. All three have been isolated from each other until today. At this moment all three dogs met nose to nose to nose at the section of fence that splits the massive space created for them. This was truly a special moment.

Sandy, Oregon 2012

Red In The Park

Capitol Hill Wall Project

Anderson Park, Seattle, Washington 2012

Summer Lovin

Downtown and Hawthorne Bridge from across The WIllammette

Portland, Oregon 2012

BSL Is The Pits

Kelly holds Sonja close to her heart

Regal looking Tank patiently watches volunteers build his fence

Lexi is a happy pup as she roams her newly fenced yard

Prince and Derek go head to head to see who tires last

Its all about playtime for Gizmo

Eternal flame for dogs across the world that are killed because of what they are and will never get to experience the gift of just being.

Today a pitbull named Lennox was euthanized in Northern Ireland because of his breed. In our country and others across the world there is a movement to ban breed specific dogs such as the pitbull. This is known as breed specific legislation (BSL). Even though Lennox was a mixed breed and had no history of violence he was taken from his family 2 years ago and had lived on death row until now simply because of what he was. There was a worldwide outcry and movement to free him but to no avail. Pleas and even adoption offers by professional behaviorists and handlers that would have taken him out of that country fell victim to politics. However, this is not just about Lennox on this sad and shameful day. Dogs are murdered everyday across the world because of BSL. This movement needs to stop.

As a volunteer photographer for an amazing organization that provides freedom for dogs that live a life on the end of a chain I come across many different breeds including pitbulls. I wanted to share some of my favorite images of some of the fence builds I have been involved with to show how happy and lovable these dogs truly are. I happen to have one sleeping comfortably next to me as I type :)

One pup at a time

Lucy enjoys a nice back rub from Ken

 

Prince grabs his custom made Fido toy from a basin of ice water and takes off

Most Saturday mornings I wake up earlier than I prefer and join a group of friends with the sole purpose of building fences and unchaining dogs in an organization known as Fences For Fido. The goal is a simple and realistic one. It happens one build at a time. The outcomes are almost always happy and joyous. This is the highlight of our week. Typically, I barely make it to work on time after the long drive to work (usually running to the shop while buttoning up my shirt and messing with my hair). I spend the rest of the afternoon and evening talking about the dog of the day and what we do around the area to my clients. However, my spirit usually veers off to the bluer side when I get home and settle in for the night. As I read through the news and Facebook postings I come across tortured dogs given away on Craigslist, dogs dying of neglect and starvation that are tied to trees, animals of war torn countries that are suffering, and horse tripping at rodeos. The list goes on and on. I felt the need tonight to post a couple of pictures from todays build of a 17 year old lab named Lucy and a young pittie named Prince. As you can see these fidos are grateful and happy. My point is that good things are happening out there and progress is being made one day and one puppy at a time.

High Into The Gorge

Melissa has no idea whats in store for her

Elvis looking back wondering why I am lagging behind

Gusgus takes a well deserved rest after a dip in the lake

Elvis enjoys some Lake time

Melissa and Yadira enjoy a moment at camp

Melissa stokes the fire after a long process of trying to burn wet wood

Stopping to snap a few shots of the stunning views

Melissa and Yadira stop for a shot with Mt. St. Helens in the background

Trekking down the ridge

Making our way down through the forest and back to the trailhead

In an attempt to get my dogs out of the city and away from 4th of July fireworks a couple of friends and I hiked high into The Columbia River Gorge to camp out for the night. The hike took us 4000 feet straight up and dropped into a peaceful mountain lake. The trip up was nothing short of brutal. I believe if you asked any of us if we would hike it again the answer would be a big fat NO! However, it was a nice way to spend the holiday as our final destination was very tranquil and the dogs were very happy. 

The Gorge, July 4th 2012

Happy Dogs Fly

Leo gets some air in his newly fenced yard. Happy dog indeed!

Portland, Oregon 2012